The Mediterranean Sea stretched endlessly beneath me as I pushed myself faster through the sky. The wind tore at my costume, the black and red fabric rippling violently as I accelerated past what I estimated was Mach 2. The ocean below became a blur of deep blue, the whitecaps of waves reduced to streaks of white foam that disappeared almost as quickly as they appeared.
My body felt like it was on fire.
Not the painful kind of fire, but the kind that made every nerve ending hypersensitive, every muscle tense with energy that had nowhere to go. My heart hammered in my chest with a rhythm that had nothing to do with exertion and everything to do with the biological warfare my own body was waging against me.
The pheromones were getting worse.
I could feel them coursing through my bloodstream, could feel the way they made my thoughts drift in directions I didn't want them to go. Images of Kara kept flashing through my mind. Both versions of her. The younger Supergirl with her bright optimism and fierce determination, and the older Power Girl with her confidence and that look in her eyes when she'd been affected by my pheromones back at the convoy.
*Focus, Caius. You need to focus.*
But focusing was becoming increasingly difficult. My enhanced senses, usually such an asset, were now working against me. I could smell the salt in the air, could feel the temperature changes as I moved through different atmospheric layers, could hear the distant sounds of ships and marine life far below. Every sensation felt amplified, heightened to the point of distraction.
And underneath it all was this constant, gnawing *need*.
Not just sexual desire, though that was certainly part of it. It was deeper than that, more primal. My Viltrumite biology was screaming at me to find a mate, to reproduce, to continue the species. The logical part of my brain knew this was just evolutionary programming, genetic imperatives hardwired into my DNA by millions of years of Viltrumite evolution.
But knowing that didn't make it any easier to deal with.
I thought about Power Girl again, about the way her nose had started bleeding just like mine had. About the trance-like quality in her eyes, the way she'd stood there completely still while Steel and Zatara tried to figure out what was wrong with her.
*I did that to her. My pheromones affected her just like they affect Kara.*
The guilt twisted in my gut, mixing with the arousal in a way that made me feel sick. I hadn't meant to hurt anyone. I hadn't asked for this biological quirk that turned me into a walking aphrodisiac for Kryptonian women. But intent didn't matter when the results were the same.
I needed help. I needed someone who understood what I was going through, someone who could help me burn off this excess energy before I lost control completely.
And I needed information about the HIVE Academy, about their connections, about how deep this trafficking ring really went.
The Amazons could help with both.
The island of Themyscira appeared on the horizon, rising from the Mediterranean like something out of myth and legend. Even from this distance, I could see the white marble structures gleaming in the afternoon sun, could make out the lush green forests that covered much of the island's interior, could see the waterfalls cascading down from the mountain peaks.
But before I reached the island itself, I saw my destination: the Themysciran Embassy.
It was a beautiful structure, a blend of ancient Greek architecture and modern design. Stone and glass worked together in harmony, creating a building that looked both timeless and contemporary. The main structure was circular, with tall columns supporting a domed roof. Large windows allowed natural light to flood the interior, and I could see gardens surrounding the building, filled with flowers and trees that shouldn't have been able to grow this far north.
This was the last project my mother had worked on before being trapped in the Phantom Zone with my father.
The thought made my chest tighten. I pushed it aside. I couldn't afford to get emotional right now, not with my pheromones already making me unstable.
I descended rapidly, aiming for the ship port I could see on the eastern side of the embassy. As I got closer, I could make out two figures standing guard, their postures alert and ready.
Amazon warriors.
I touched down on the stone dock with more force than I'd intended, my boots cracking the marble slightly. The two Amazon guards immediately raised their spears and shields, moving into defensive positions with the kind of fluid grace that spoke of centuries of training.
Both women were tall, easily six feet, with the kind of athletic builds that came from a lifetime of combat training. They wore traditional Amazon armor—bronze breastplates over white chitons, leather sandals that laced up to their knees, and those distinctive silver bracers on their wrists. Their dark hair was pulled back in practical braids, and their eyes were sharp and assessing as they studied me.
The one on the left spoke first, her voice carrying clearly across the dock. The language was Greek, but not modern Greek. It was an older dialect, something that sounded like it belonged in Homer's epics rather than contemporary Athens.
"Who are you, man, to trespass on our embassy?"
I took a breath, steadying myself. My mother had taught me this dialect when I was young, drilling it into me alongside English and Spanish. At the time, I'd thought it was just her being thorough, wanting me to understand her heritage. Now I understood it had been preparation for moments like this.
I responded in the same ancient Greek, keeping my voice respectful but firm.
"Honored warriors and ladies of Themyscira. I am Caius Dawn. I called this embassy a short while ago and was given clearance to arrive here. And I am a male legacy descendant of one of your sisters."
The two women exchanged glances, some unspoken communication passing between them. The one who had spoken first—the one with a scar running along her left cheekbone—studied me more carefully now, her eyes moving from my face to my costume and back again.
"Who is your mother, man spawn, and what was the password phrase given to you?"
*Man spawn.*
The term made my jaw tighten. I knew it wasn't meant as a compliment. To the Amazons, men were at best a necessary evil, at worst a plague upon the world. Being called "man spawn" was their way of reminding me that I was only here because of my mother's bloodline, not because of any inherent worth I possessed.
But I was also horny, frustrated, and running on very little patience.
"My mother is Samira," I said, keeping my voice level. "And the password is: Hercules is a dirty manwhore of a liar."
Both women's eyebrows shot up simultaneously. The one with the scar actually cracked a smile, a brief flash of amusement crossing her stern features. They lowered their weapons, though they didn't fully relax their stances.
"You are able to enter the embassy, man spawn," the scarred one said, switching to English now. "But watch yourself."
I nodded, starting to move past them. "Thank you, honored ladies."
The other woman—the one who hadn't spoken yet—suddenly called out. "What has happened to your mother, man spawn? Princess Diana told us she was dead the last time she was here."
I stopped, turning back to face them. The sexual frustration building in my blood was making it harder to maintain my composure, making every interaction feel more charged than it should be.
"Caius," I said, my voice coming out sharper than I'd intended.
The woman blinked. "What?"
"My name is Caius," I repeated, forcing myself to speak more calmly. "If you're going to ask me about my mother, then use the name she gave me. Not 'man spawn.'"
I glared at her, and I could feel the intensity in my gaze, could feel the way my pheromones were probably making the air around me feel heavier, more charged. The woman stared back at me, and I saw something shift in her expression. Surprise, maybe. Or respect. It was hard to tell with Amazons.
She was quiet for a long moment, and I realized I'd just done something that probably didn't happen often—a man had spoken back to an Amazon warrior with confidence, had demanded respect, and had done it in a way that was assertive without being disrespectful.
Finally, she spoke again, her voice softer. "Caius. What has become of your mother? Is she dead, as our princess has said?"
I took a breath, letting some of the tension drain from my shoulders. "No, she is not dead. She is trapped in another realm with my father, and I plan on saving them soon."
The woman nodded slowly, and something that might have been sympathy flickered across her face. "I wish you strength and wisdom on your journey, Caius."
"Thank you," I said. Then, because I was genuinely curious: "What is your name?"
"Thesia," she replied.
"Thank you, Thesia."
I turned and walked toward the embassy entrance, leaving the two guards behind. I could feel their eyes on my back, could sense their continued assessment of me. But I'd passed whatever test they'd been giving me, and that was enough for now.
The interior of the embassy was breathtaking.
The main chamber was a massive circular room with a domed ceiling that rose at least fifty feet above the polished marble floor. Natural light streamed in through tall windows, creating patterns of light and shadow that shifted as clouds moved across the sun. The walls were carved stone, decorated with reliefs depicting scenes from Amazon history—battles, celebrations, moments of triumph and tragedy.
But what caught my attention most were the portraits.
They hung on the walls between the windows, large oil paintings in ornate frames. I recognized them immediately: Donna Troy, Diana, and my mother.
Donna's portrait showed her in her Wonder Girl costume, her expression fierce and determined. Diana's was more regal, showing her in full Wonder Woman regalia, the lasso at her hip and the tiara on her brow. And my mother...
My mother's portrait showed her in Amazon armor I'd never seen her wear in person. She looked younger than I remembered, her dark hair flowing loose around her shoulders, her eyes bright with life and purpose. She was smiling, a genuine expression of joy that made my chest ache.
*I'm going to save you, Mom. I promise.*
"Hello, you must be Caius, correct?"
I turned toward the voice and saw a woman standing behind a desk I hadn't noticed before. She was young-looking, though with Amazons that meant nothing—she could be anywhere from twenty to two thousand years old. She had long dark hair pulled back in a practical ponytail, a lean athletic build, and the kind of effortless beauty that seemed to be standard issue for Amazon warriors.
She wore the traditional robes I'd seen in pictures of Themyscira, flowing white fabric that somehow managed to be both modest and revealing at the same time.
"Yes," I said, walking toward the desk.
She stood, closing the book she'd been reading and putting it away quickly. But I'd already seen the cover with my enhanced vision.
*Fifty Shades of Grey.*
I tried very hard not to react. Not because she was reading romance novels—or erotica, or whatever that book was classified as—but because... really? *Fifty Shades*? That was some of the most vanilla, poorly-written smut I'd ever encountered in either of my lives. If she wanted to read something actually good, there were so many better options.
But I kept my mouth shut. Who was I to judge what people read in their spare time?
"This way, Caius," she said, gesturing toward a doorway on the far side of the chamber. "Nubia is waiting for you."
We walked together across the marble floor, our footsteps echoing in the vast space. As we approached the doorway, I could see that it led to what looked like a dock on the other side of the building, with a view of Themyscira itself in the distance.
"Will I be okay coming to the island?" I asked, suddenly uncertain. I knew the Amazons' laws about men, knew that their island was supposed to be forbidden to males.
The receptionist nodded. "Queen Hippolyta has given certain men special access to the island. You being one, since you're a legacy, a son of Themyscira." She paused, her expression becoming more serious. "Just know this: men are not allowed to live here. And should you be in violation of our rules, you will be killed. After a fair trial."
I blinked. "So no banishment?"
She shook her head. "No."
*Well, that's direct.*
We reached the dock, and I saw a small boat tied up there, clearly meant for transport to the island. I looked at it, then at the receptionist, then back at the boat.
"I can carry you and fly," I offered. "If that's okay."
Her face lit up. "Please!"
I was surprised by her enthusiasm. I'd expected more resistance, more of that Amazon wariness around men. But she seemed genuinely excited by the prospect of flying.
I picked her up carefully, one arm under her knees and the other supporting her back. She was lighter than I'd expected, her body all lean muscle and efficient design. As I lifted off, rising smoothly into the air, I felt her tense slightly before relaxing into the flight.
"I thought Amazons hated men," I said as we flew toward the island, trying to make conversation and distract myself from the way my pheromones were making me hyperaware of her proximity.
She was quiet for a moment, and when she spoke, her voice was thoughtful. "Over the years, we've come to understand that there are some men worth love and respect. Not everyone has this thought, but since some of us have traveled to Man's World, we've learned to have more flexible mentalities."
"Oh," I said. "That's... progressive."
She looked at my costume, and I felt her hand touch my back, feeling the material. "Is this nanotech fiber?"
"Yes, it is."
"Who made this for you? It's beautiful."
"I know a guy," I said, thinking of Art and his enthusiastic approach to costume design.
She nodded, seeming satisfied with that answer. Her hand lingered on my back for a moment longer than necessary, and I wondered if she could feel the heat radiating from my body, could sense the way my muscles were tense with barely controlled energy.
As we approached the upper city of Themyscira, I felt my breath catch.
It was exactly like I remembered from my past life, from the comics and cartoons I'd consumed. But seeing it in person, experiencing it with all my enhanced senses, was something else entirely.
The city was built into the side of a mountain, white marble structures rising in elegant tiers connected by staircases and bridges. Gardens bloomed everywhere, filled with flowers in colors I'd never seen before. Waterfalls cascaded down from higher levels, creating a constant background music of flowing water. The architecture was a perfect blend of ancient Greek design and something more organic, more alive.
And everywhere, there were women.
Amazons training in open courtyards, their weapons flashing in the sunlight. Amazons reading in shaded gardens, scrolls and books spread before them. Amazons eating at outdoor tables, laughing and talking. Amazons sunbathing on marble terraces, their bodies completely bare, breasts exposed to the warm Mediterranean sun.
And as they saw me, every single one of them stopped what they were doing and stared.
I tried very hard not to look at the naked ones. I really did. But my enhanced vision made it almost impossible not to notice details, and my pheromone-addled brain was making everything worse. I could feel my body responding, could feel the heat building even more intensely.
*This was a terrible idea. This was such a terrible idea.*
We touched down in what appeared to be the central plaza, a large open space paved with white marble and surrounded by important-looking buildings. A group of women was waiting for us, and I recognized two of them immediately from my past life's memories.
Queen Hippolyta stood at the center of the group, and I understood immediately where Diana got her beauty from. But Hippolyta was... more. She was stunningly beautiful in that way where the mother somehow looks better than the daughter, where age and experience have refined beauty into something almost otherworldly.
She was tall, around 5'11", with a powerfully lean build that spoke of centuries of combat training. Her long black hair flowed past her shoulders, catching the light like silk. Her skin was flawlessly tanned, and her piercing blue eyes studied me with an intensity that made me want to squirm. She wore white robes that marked her as queen, with golden wrist bands and a delicate crown that somehow managed to look both regal and practical.
She carried herself with an aura of authority that was almost palpable, a presence that made it clear she was used to being obeyed without question.
But it was the woman standing next to her who made me blush just from seeing her.
Nubia.
I knew who she was from my past life, knew she was one of the few women besides Diana and Hippolyta who could claim the title of Wonder Woman and Queen of the Amazons. But knowing about her and seeing her in person were two completely different things.
She was tall, around 5'10", with flawless rich dark brown skin that seemed to glow in the sunlight. Her long black hair fell in silky waves past her shoulders, and her light brown eyes studied me with a mixture of curiosity and assessment. She had a gymnast's build, all lean muscle and perfect definition, the kind of body that came from a lifetime of training and combat.
She reminded me of a goddess, with her flawless but strong beauty, her presence commanding without being overwhelming.
She wore robes similar to Hippolyta's but in a deep purple that complemented her skin tone perfectly. I could see signs of armor underneath—a breastplate, shoulder guards—and she had the traditional Amazon weapons at her hip: a lasso and a sword.
My pheromones were having an absolute field day.
I set the receptionist down carefully and immediately dropped to one knee, bowing my head in what I hoped was the proper show of respect.
"I am honored to be in your presence, Queen Hippolyta," I said, keeping my eyes on the marble beneath me.
There was a moment of surprised silence. Then I heard Hippolyta's voice, warm with amusement and carrying a slight Greek accent.
"Samira and my daughter have taught you proper manners, young Caius. But that won't be necessary. It's how you say... a teasing ritual for the sons of Themyscira. But I think you're the first to actually fall for it."
I felt my face flush with embarrassment. I didn't raise my head, too mortified to look at them.
*Of course it was a test. Of course.*
"My Queen and Lady Nubia," I said, still not looking up, "I have come to ask for your help."
I heard footsteps approaching, and then Hippolyta's voice was closer. "Come, Caius. Stand. We will go somewhere more private to talk."
I stood slowly, finally meeting her eyes. There was kindness there, mixed with amusement and something that might have been approval. She gestured to the receptionist, dismissing her with a nod.
The receptionist bowed and then... flew off into the sky.
My eyes widened. "She could fly?"
Nubia smiled, and the expression transformed her face from beautiful to absolutely radiant. "She better. She's a descendant of Zeus, so she should be able to fly in the sky at least."
"Then why did she let me carry her?" I asked, genuinely confused.
Nubia and Hippolyta exchanged glances, and I saw something pass between them—some shared understanding that I wasn't privy to.
"That's a weird girl right there," Hippolyta said, shaking her head. "She only got weirder after coming back from Man's World with all those..." She paused, searching for the word. "Books."
"Smut," I supplied helpfully.
Both women nodded in perfect synchronization.
"Ah," I said, understanding dawning.
We walked together through the city, and I tried very hard to focus on the conversation and not on the way my body was responding to being surrounded by beautiful, powerful women. Hippolyta led us to what appeared to be a private garden, a secluded space surrounded by high walls covered in flowering vines. There was a fountain in the center, and comfortable seating arranged around it.
Once we were settled, Hippolyta gestured for me to speak.
I took a breath and began explaining everything. The HIVE Academy. The meta-human trafficking ring. What they were doing to kids and teenagers with powers, turning them into weapons, selling them to the highest bidder. The convoy we'd intercepted, the black box we'd recovered, the symbol that had led me to identify HIVE as the organization behind it all.
Both women listened intently, their expressions growing darker as I spoke. When I mentioned the children, the teenagers being experimented on and sold, I saw Nubia's hand tighten on the arm of her chair, saw Hippolyta's jaw clench.
"And you came here for help?" Hippolyta asked when I'd finished. "Why?"
"I need help infiltrating their organization," I said. "And I know the Amazon queens talk to each other. I was hoping you could ask around to the other Amazon sects, see if anyone has information about HIVE's operations in their region from school networks to traffickingrings that fit the the description."
Hippolyta nodded slowly. "I can do that. I will reach out to my sisters and see what they know. There is no garuntee they will respond. " She paused, studying me carefully. "But this could have been handled over a phone call or a letter. Why come here in person?"
I hesitated, feeling my face heat up again. "There's... another reason."
I explained the Viltrumite hybrid pheromone issue, trying to keep my voice clinical and detached. I told them about how it affects women's who are biology who are suitable mates, about what had happened with Supergirl and now with Power Girl. About how I needed to burn off this excess energy before I lost control completely.
"I need a sparring partner," I said finally. "Someone strong enough to handle me at full power, someone who can help me work through this without... without things getting complicated."
I looked at Nubia specifically. "And I wanted to know more about my mother's history, about her family. Diana said you would be the best person to talk to about that."
Nubia's smile returned, warm and genuine. "I can help with both. But you should have warned us, what would have happened if you came here and have the girls jumped you. These ladies are lioness."
I nodded. " Yes my lady, I will make sure this doesn't happen again."
Hippolyta stood, her robes flowing around her. "I will see if she will answer my call. But I am not talking to him."
I looked at her, confused. "Her? Him? Who are you...."
"Follow me, Caius," Nubia said, standing as well.
I followed her out of the garden and through the city, trying not to stare at everything around me. We walked through winding streets, past training grounds where Amazons sparred with weapons and bare hands, past libraries filled with scrolls and books, past temples dedicated to various gods and goddesses.
Finally, we reached a building that was clearly a private residence. It was smaller than some of the others, but beautifully appointed, with a garden in front and large windows that let in plenty of natural light.
"This is my home," Nubia said, opening the door and gesturing for me to enter.
The interior was warm and inviting, decorated with weapons on the walls, comfortable furniture, and personal touches that spoke of a life well-lived. There were books everywhere, scrolls and modern volumes mixed together. Artwork depicting battles and peaceful scenes alike. A loom in one corner, half-finished work still on it.
"There's a bath through there," Nubia said, pointing to a doorway. "You should clean up. You're covered in dust and sweat from your early fight."
I nodded, grateful for the opportunity to collect myself. I walked through the doorway and found myself in a bathing chamber that was pure luxury. A large pool was set into the floor, fed by a natural hot spring if the steam rising from it was any indication. The walls were decorated with mosaics depicting ocean scenes, and there were shelves holding various oils and soaps.
I stripped off my costume, letting the nanotech fabric retract and store itself in the small device on my wrist. Then I stepped into the water, sighing as the heat enveloped me.
This is exactly what I needed.
I closed my eyes, letting myself float, trying to clear my mind and calm my body. The hot water helped, easing some of the tension in my muscles, making the constant hum of arousal slightly more manageable.
"What is this for? I said I needed to spar, so why get clean when..."
I opened my eyes and started to turn around, ready to ask Nubia what she meant.
And froze.
Nubia stood in the doorway to the bathing chamber, completely naked.
My brain short-circuited.
She was... perfect. There was no other word for it. Her body was a masterpiece of lean muscle and thick curves in all the right places, every line and plane sculpted by centuries of training. Her dark skin seemed to glow in the soft light, and her eyes met mine with calm confidence.
"I'm going to be your sparring partner,"
My eyes widened, and I felt my body respond immediately and intensely. My cock stood at full attention, the water doing nothing to hide my reaction.
Nubia's eyes dropped, taking in my physical response, and a small smile played at the corners of her mouth.
"Good," she said, stepping into the water. "This will make things easier."