JL Finale 04: Antiope Arrives at Themyscira by adorety

Vue • Story/Sequential • posted on Nov 10, 2014

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Description

Antiope was topside, face to the wind and their destination. In a few hours the moment of truth would be at hand. As she was exploring her thoughts and how best to confront her sister, she noticed the winds suddenly picking up and the ocean churning harder. Concern arose as she scanned the horizon for storm clouds, yet she saw none. Her concern turned to suspicion as she imagined Circe betraying them and sending them to the bottom of the sea. But she knew the sorceress wanted Hippolyta dethroned, more than she wanted Antiope at the bottom of the sea. Scorn suddenly appeared as these speculations raced through her mind. She was at once relieved and alarmed. If Scorn was here, then something was wrong. “Scorn! What is wrong.?” She had to raise her voice as the winds picked up. Scorn explained the situation with her suspicions of the Batman. Antiope was not happy about any of this, but she felt she had little choice. She had faith in her sisters and they all knew the risks. “Then make it so.” Was Antiope's response to Scorn. She watched as the wondrous woman flew ship to ship giving the news, until she saw the distant figure bolt back to the sky and her awaiting ship. After a couple moments the ship vanished and a few moments later heard a boom as the ship broke the sound barrier. The winds picked up and the waves got larger. Antiope and all the Amazons hunkered down and strapped in for the rough ride. For some it was probably the longest nearly two hours of their lives. The ships leaned heavily and the wooden masts and wooden broadsides creaked and groaned. Two of the smaller ships were taking on a lot of water. They were old Greek designs not made for sailing on the open seas. They were designed for traveling the coasts of the Mediterranean and short forays beyond the sight of land on calm days. They bobbed up and down between two of the larger 19th century vessels, but it became apparent that they would not last the whole journey. Rather than letting them drown they were ordered to stow their sails and fall back. The could arrive at the island at their own pace. Communication between the ships consisted of shortwave, battery operated radios obtained from plunder and stranded boats and ships over the years. The captains of the floundering ships acknowledged their orders and lowered sails. But it was not soon enough for one of them. The center mast suddenly snapped forward. The rigging whipped about catching many Lost Tribe on the over crowded boat, off guard. The mast fell forward trapping and killing others and then the hull split. Horrified Amazons looked on in helplessness as their sisters fell into the sea. Some were dragged beneath the waves as heavy ropes and rigging sank. Others sank already dead from the damage of the ship breaking apart. The other small ship fell back and the fleet pulled away. All witnesses prayed to the goddesses that the lone ship could save any survivors. Antiope received word of the tragedy. Their were about one hundred women packed on that ship. And another one hundred or so on the ship left behind. She hoped their were survivors, but the one ship would be hard pressed carry many more without floundering or capsizing. There was nothing to be done now. She looked ahead with a heavier heart. On top of the tragic loss of her sisters, this means she lost two hundred warriors and she needed every one she had. They continued on in the churning sea, hoping that a localized squall without clouds, would not gather much attention. But they encountered no one else and in short time they reached the alleged location of Themyscira. Of course all they saw was open water, but that was what they were supposed to see. Continued below...

Comments (18)

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adorety

3:03PM | Mon, 10 November 2014

The rest of the ships made it to the barrier, though the other smaller craft were in varied and serious states of damage. Circe dropped the winds completely as the ships approached the barrier. The sun was already below the horizon and a natural fog had come in. Circe used this and amplified a fog around the enchanted fleet. This would all but guarantee them to get close enough to the harbor. Antiope prepared a talisman she had carried with her since leaving Themyscira over two thousand years ago. This was a key to allow them all to pass the barrier. All things in view of the bearer can cross the barrier and enter the waters of Themyscira. Antiope had climbed to the top of the highest mast of her ship and surveyed the fleet. She brought the talisman out and spoke the necessary rite. When she was done, a rosy colored dome that stretched to the sky was revealed to her. She held the talisman tight as they approached and passed through the barrier. After all the ships passed, she looked around and at the sky. The stars looked the same, but just a little clearer. The air even seemed cleaner. It is said that the area around the island is just enough out of phase with the rest of the world that most cannot see or approach the island. This is not full proof and there have been incidents of shipwrecks and the occasional downed aircraft. Sometimes small fishing boats and even small smuggling speedboats have crossed the barrier as if it were not there. If found, the Amazons determined the fate of those who found themselves in their territory. And by law, no men remained on the island for long. As for the sea creatures it has no effect on them at all. And some of the magical creatures of Themyscira have deserted these protected waters for the outer seas at their own risk. The natural fog and mists enhanced by Circe were a thick blanket obscuring the fleet. In the fog vision was no better than ten feet. Antiope stayed aloft and above the fog as they approached the docks and she saw the lights of the harbor. She saw no ships coming to meet them and saw no warning fires or beacons anywhere. Her heart raced with excitement as she looked upon her old home. Lights from the buildings could be seen climbing up the hills and the lighthouse at the harbor entrance glowed dimly. It was no longer needed, but was kept dimly lit for old time's sake. She felt she had come home. But this caused the anger and hate to stir at being denied this beauty for so long. As they came to the docks, the mists began to dissipate. She could see figures on the docks standing still. She imagined that they were wondering at the strange nature of this fog. Antiope smiled to herself at the thought of the fear in the minds of those traitorous Amazons. Many of the Amazons of Themyscira were alive all that time ago and would remember the enslavement, Antiope's revenge and then their betrayal of Antiope. She continued watching as the fog and mist continued to fade and diminish to a regular light and low fog bank. Then she saw the figures on the docks scrambling. Soon she heard the warning bells and the fire in the lighthouse suddenly grew bright. A beacon near the dock whooshed into life, but it was too late. Antiope's fleet was at the docks. “Warriors!!” She shouted loud. “Brace for impact!” A moment passed as her ship collided with the docks. The whole fleet had slowed without aid from Circe's winds, but they moved forward fast enough and they were certainly heavy enough. The four largest ships rammed the docks with the other five large ships went ramming moored ships in the harbor and docks. Antiope's army swarmed over the sides of the ships screaming cries of vengeance. But they remembered their leader's words. Capture and disable. Do not kill until their former sisters have been given a chance to join the Amazons of Bana Mighdall, the Temple of Women. They gained the shores quickly and overtook the docks and anyone before them. Captives were already being taken to one of three ships equipped to hold prisoners. Antiope was still in the highest mast and smiled at what she witnessed. Her general, the Shim'Tar, of her army led them forth until they secured the walls and gate of the harbor and docks. Antiope quickly climbed down, practically dropping the whole eighty feet of the mast. Her strength was nothing less than that of an immortal Amazon and she could feel it grow with her return to her native soil. She laughed and with a broad and wicked smile, much like Scorn's, she moved to the front of the army and led them through the gates. In the back of her head she wondered where Scorn was, but knew that she, her crew and mechs would come from behind. Hopefully they were already rooting out the enemy. Antiope smiled at the thought and reveled in the joy of walking in the streets of her home city once again. She hope she didn't have to raze it to the ground. Thanks for stopping by. Come back on 2014/12/11 for the Battle of Themyscira.

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Greywolf44

3:39PM | Mon, 10 November 2014

Outstanding visual. Love the lighthouse and incredible lighting. It needs no story line!

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Cyve

3:41PM | Mon, 10 November 2014

WOW... It's an outstanding image... Marvelous creation and great concept... Outstandingly well done !!!

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Mulltipass

4:02PM | Mon, 10 November 2014

Beautiful render!!! all around fantastic!!

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Darkwish

6:21PM | Mon, 10 November 2014

You did very nice picture!

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RodS

8:46PM | Mon, 10 November 2014

This is nothing short of a masterwork, Art! The story, the art, it's all worthy of a blockbuster movie. I'd certainly be first in line for tickets... On the edge of my seat for the next.....

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