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It was twilight when Yara and Mary both descended into the Amazon jungle. Yara jumped off Jerry, who took off and flew ahead. They followed him until they came to the entrance of Akahim, the city of the Esquecidas. Homes and large buildings are all connected by a series of paths, and no part of the city is left untouched. “I consider this my other home. I can still come and go, usually when I’m asked to go out for one mission or another but also when I have the time. Probably let me do the talking at first so they don’t mistake you for a prisoner.”“This is beautiful!” Mary commented as Yara lead her past the entrance gate. But before Yara could respond, several warriors approached with spears at their side, their hands holding tightly.“Hey there, relax alright?” Yara had her open hands up in the air. “It’s just me and a friend!”One of the women relaxed her body and grip, but her eyes remained on Mary. She took a couple of steps forward towards the heroines. “You should have warned us you would be bringing an outsider into our city, Yara.”“Yea, sorry about that Potira.” Yara apologized as she brought her hands back down. “But this is about something serious. I’ll need to talk to Gaboymila if she isn’t too busy. However, do tell her it is kinda urgent.”Potira remained focused on Mary as Yara spoke. She studied her, Mary’s body still tense and her mind unsure of how she should be reacting to the situation. Then Potira partially extended her bent arm out, Mary took a moment to process but then moved her body in response. Her hand reached out and wrapped itself around Potira’s tightly. Even this was enough to get a sense of how strong just one of the Esquecidas was, and Potira in return could sense the power flowing through Mary’s body. A half smile on Potira’s face, she relaxed her grip and moved it away from Mary’s reach.“I shall go inform her.” Her hand waved back towards the other warriors, who now stood down and backed off. “Stay close by so we can reach you easily.” She turn and moved toward the Queen’s palace while the warriors moved away and returned to their posts.“This is why I think we should have left earlier,” Mary said. “We could have explained sooner and maybe gotten everyone together quickly. We don’t know what Hera will do or when.”“You promised Darla. And I don’t want to get on that girl’s bad side if all of those judgy questions and comments were her warming up to me.” Yara’s hands were on her hips as she walked on the bridge leading up to the palace and looked out to the horizon, the sky still partially lit and stars peeking out from the sky. “Besides, things feel calmer when the sun is setting.” Mary followed Yara, approaching the edge of the bridge and leaning forward on the railing. They remained in silence for a moment, just taking in the sounds and smells of the jungle. Some of the stress that Mary had built up in her body, from being a new hero to just dealing with her studies, slowly flow out of her with each passing breath. Her eyes looked to the side and looked at Yara who also stood in silence. But her look showed a hint of uneasiness. Or at least something that was hidden at the back of her mind.“Everything alright?” Mary asked her friend.“I was…thinking back to my aunt.” Yara let out a sigh. “She didn’t want me to come to Brazil. And I think she will be less thrilled about me rejoining the tribe. I can get why I grew up where I did and why she tried to raise me as she did. But I haven’t gone back to her yet. There are some things I need to get off my chest but - I just don’t know what she’ll say.”Mary didn’t respond at first, figuring out the right words before answering. “I’m not the right person to talk to about family issues. That’s something I’m still figuring out myself, even living in a house as great as the one you saw. But I’m going out on a limb and saying she did it from a place of love. Just meet her after all of this is done and rip it off like a band-aid. It’ll hurt like shit at first, but then you're done with it.”Yara’s hands moved up from her hips and interlocked with each other at the back of her head. “Probably should do the same thing with Joao. Gotta figure out how he feels about all of this.”“A boyfriend?” Mary asked.“Wouldn’t you like to know?” Yara smirked at the brunette.“You were the one that brought him up!” Mary pointed out. “And not much room for other guesses based on what you said.”Yara stepped forward, turned, and leaned back on the railing with both hands holding onto it. “He’s this cute guy who was my tour group driver when I first came. Been with me for several of the major things that have happened to me as I started learning about all of this.” Her hand waved out to the city surrounding them. “But I’ve always been more casual with relationships. Had a couple of short-time relationships with a couple of guys and girls back in school but never clicked and evolved after a certain point. Maybe I can do that with him but need to ask him if he’s fine with how I live my life.”“Seems solid to me.” Mary straightened up. “But I really can’t give you advice in this area. I’ve been too busy and my life is too chaotic with all of this super shit to give it a real go for a while.”“I’m sure you’ll figure it out.” Yara gave Mary’s shoulder a playful punch and chuckled, Mary nodding her head and pushing hair behind her ear. Both heads turned when they heard a whistle from Potira from the opened palace door. “Well, time for the audience.”“How do you want to start-?”“I’m going to wing it.” Yara pushed herself off the railing. “Relax!” She cut off Mary before any words could fire from her exclaimed facial expression. “I have this handled.” Both climbed up the steps and entered the palace, being brought forth to the sitting Queen of the South American Amazons.Queen Gaboymils sat on a humble throne, wearing a ceremonial headdress that wrapped around the top of her head and her shoulders. Long earrings made of beads with feathers dangling from the end hung down and on top of her chest. “Welcome home, Yara.” She greeted the newest member of her people with warmth. “Forgive me, but I wasn’t told your name.” She directed her next sentence to the woman from Philadelphia.“Mary is just fine…your majesty.” She lowered her head and did a self-conscious curtsy. “Apologies, I haven’t met any queens before.”“No need for apologies.” She assured her. “But please, what is the matter you need to speak to me about?”“Short version, Hera is stirring shit up again,” Yara explained. “Longer version is that Diana wanted us to ask for the Esquecidas to help us in confronting her again on Olympus.”“Our assistance in this matter is given,” Gaboymils responded. “But I’m curious - why isn’t Diana herself here with you?”“I think I know why,” Mary rubbed her chin as she listened to the wisdom of Solomon in her head. “With Hera in charge of Olympus, that means she can close gates to everyone except those she permits. This means Diana is out looking for the most vulnerable one so she herself can sneak in and let us on the other side storm through. At least, that’s my assumption.”“I mean, right,” Yara said, going with Mary’s instinct despite lacking confirmation. “That sounds like a solid plan to me.”“It is a well-sound strategy,” Potira chimed in. “However, the circumstances of this assault are different back when we came for you Yara. All of the powers and resources of Olympus are at Hera’s disposal. And if none of the other gods interfere, that means we will be fighting a battle that can’t be won.”“If it’s magical backup, then let’s track down Cuca and force her to help us out,” Yara suggested. “Tie up that gator’s mouth shut and get her to help in exchange for her freedom. Admittedly, a bitch move to do, but she does deserve it.”“How many alligator and crocodile villains are there on this planet?” Mary muttered to herself as she rubbed her temple.“That would not work. When it comes to challenging the gods, we need help from the divine,” Gaboymils told them. Her hands reached up to her neck and pulled up a necklace she had hidden under her ceremonial attire. “Our gods are trapped in between the physical and the spiritual. This day, we are the only ones who pray to them and keep their stories in our hearts. The rest of the world has forgotten them. But you, Yara, can bring them back to our world.” She held out her hand to the young warrior who stepped forward. The Queen held onto Yara’s hand and placed the amulet in her palm. “You are already recognized as a hero for this country and some are starting to remember the old tales. But they can’t return to our plane unless you go to the heart of Rio de Janeiro and call out to them in prayer while holding this. Then they will come.”“I don’t think they would listen to me,” Yara told her. “I just came here. Wouldn’t someone like Potira who is more familiar with them be appropriate?”“You have their blood running through your veins. A descendant of their power will act as a stronger pull.” Gaboymils bowed her head to the young woman. “Never forget you are more than you allow yourself to be.” All Yara did in response was bow back to the Queen. “When you have done that, let us know where to go and we’ll join you in battle.” Potira lead Yara and Mary out of the palace and took them down the paths toward an empty domicile.“Rest up and head into the city at first light.” She told them. Her hand patted Yara on the shoulder before she left them.“That shouldn’t be too hard. Couldn’t be any worse than the monsters Billy and I use to fight regularly together.” Mary noticed that Yara remained quiet and held her arms as she tried to read her. “Are you nervous?”“You kidding?” Yara turned her head and snorted. “We got this!” She held out her fist and Mary bumped it with her own before the two of them entered the domicile. They dealt with the fears of the upcoming conflict as they tried to gain much-needed rest.******Hippolyta kept her hooded up to cover her face as she walked through the silent halls of Olympus. When she heard footsteps, she clung to walls and pillars to make sure she was out of sight. Her feet moved from the hard floor of the hall and onto the grass of the gardens. She pushed branches to the side as she approached the reflecting pool. Unfortunately, she arrived to see she was not the first to reach it.“I thought you might try to reach out to your daughter.” The Wizard sat on the edge of the pool with his feet planted on the ground. He held his new staff loosely in his right hand. “But I’m afraid I need to keep using this for the time being.”“Yes, I can tell you're afraid,” she coldly spoke. “I’m assuming it’s that same fear that talked you into bending your knee to Hera, is it not?”“My reasons are not for you to decipher, Hippolyta,” The Wizard warned her. “It is best for you to return to the hall.”“Perhaps they aren’t,” She narrowed her eyes as she stepped closer. “Whatever they may be, you will not succeed in your endeavors and Hera will be dethroned by my daughter’s hand. Even if you deny me the ability to speak to her, she will persevere.”“Diana will find herself forced to work alongside a child whose loosing power even as we speak right now,” The Wizard stood up. “And she will have to join forces with the Amazon that sent you to Olympus, an act that hasn’t healed yet. That loss of trust will lead to failure as they approach the guardian of the gate they approach.” He moved and stood in front of Hippolyta with unblinking eyes and unwavering movement. “But take comfort that she will not be killed by the guardian’s hand. She will be given to Hera who will carry out that deed in front of mortal eyes. Then you’ll see the power of fear and its influence. Go back inside.” He warned her one final time. Eventually, she turned and moved back into the hall. As The Wizard returned to staring into the pool and waiting for Yara and Mary to be in a more vulnerable location, Hippolyta spotted Hermes moving around. She quickly moved and caught up to him.“Forgive me Hermes, but I need you to send an urgent message!” She begged.“Hippolyta…” Hermes nervously looked at her. “Hera is expecting me before her. She is keeping a close eye on me. I’m not sure if I can spare the time to risk going to Diana right now.”“As much as I want to warn her, I realize that isn’t the best decision. What I need you to do is go to Yara.”Hermes considered for a moment, looking around in case anyone was listening to their conversation. Then he nodded and his gaze returned. “I’ll see what I can do. Tell me your message.” As soon as she did, he left her to go in front of Hera. Hippolyta wrapped her robe around her closely and walked through the hall in silence.******The streets of Cairo were calmer at night, allowing Diana and Billy the freedom to walk more freely through the city. Diana kept her hood up over her face while Billy did the same with his sweatshirt.“Why can’t we just teleport right to the gate?” Billy softly asked. “I should be able to get us there no problem.”“We need to allow Yara and Mary time to gather enough allies. It is because of the Esquecidas that Yara was able to escape from Hera the first time they met. They are a force we need on our side. Besides, it isn’t wise to simply go through and simply wait on the other side for any longer than necessary.”“I understand that,” Billy admitted. “But didn’t Zeus interfere as well? Won’t we need another god on our side?”“My mother now resides on Olympus. She can influence those that are willing to fight but are waiting for the right opportunity to arise in their favor.” Diana took them through an alley. But when they got to the other side, she stood still which caused Billy to bump into her. Across from them a redhead with black and red armor was waiting. Artemis leaned back against the opposite building, the head of her battle axe resting on the ground with her arms crossed.“How did you know we were here?” Diana asked.“Queen Faruka sensed something of great magical power mysteriously showed up here and asked me to seek it out.” Artemis eyed the young boy accompanying Diana. She noticed that he was breathing a bit harder than he should. A tired look was painted all over his young face, making him feel much older than he should. “Although, this great magical power seems to be diminishing. Who is this child?”“Name’s Billy,” He picked up his hand and waved at her. “How are you, miss…?”“Is he important?” Artemis ignored Billy. “He is younger than the Brazilian and doesn’t appear to have any formal combat training to speak of.”“He’s the chosen champion of Mamaragan,” Diana told her. “The Rock of Eternity is connected to him. But someone is stealing that power for themselves.”“That explains his current condition,” Artemis confirmed. “But why are you here?” The two stood in silence, an uncomfortable feeling surrounding the two that started to overwhelm Billy. He then forced himself to speak up.“We think Hera is responsible and we are trying to get to Olympus.” He told the redhead Amazon. “We’re trying to reach a gate that she might not be keeping close tabs on so we can sneak in.”“If that gate is close to here, then I know of which one you speak of,” Artemis picked up her axe. “I’ll join you.”“I thank you sister, but it is best if we go on our own,” Diana firmly told her.“But what if someone is already guarding the way in?” Billy turned to Diana and argued. “I can’t help you in my condition. If I do use what I have, we run a risk of being sensed. It’s better to-!”“My skills are more than adequate,” Diana answered Billy. She grabbed Billy’s hand and started to lead them away from Artemis.“Diana,” The Bana-Mighdall general spoke up. Diana stopped moving and Billy looked over his shoulder. He saw Artemis’s head looking downward, the shadows covering her eyes so he couldn’t get a good look at her face. But the tone of her voice had seemed to soften and sounded like there was some sorrow she was keeping in check. “Allow me to at least make up for my actions.”Neither one spoke for a long time. Then Diana’s head moved to meet Artemis’s rising eyes. A simple nod was enough confirmation and Artemis followed behind the two. The party kept marching through the city and towards the desert.******Rio de Janiero was crowded with people and cars. The sun was almost at its peak. Street musicians were playing loudly to be overheard above the commotion of people shopping and getting around. But there was always a small gap that allowed two women to walk through without having to bump into anyone. Both Yara and Mary were wearing red cloaks that hid their more iconic outfits, but some people recognized Yara when news footage of her working with Wonder Woman. Some of the kids ran up to her, talking to her in Portuguese. Yara smiled at them, saying only about half as much back to them. However, it was enough for them to move on and let them keep going in peace.“How much Portuguese do you know?” Mary asked.“I knew certain phrases before coming down. Ponita has helped me learn more, but it’s still a struggle,” Yara responded as they turned a corner and started down a much less crowded street. “This would be easier if they specified a building or a landmark instead of ‘the heart of the city’> Like, what does that even mean? The literal center?”“Possibly,” Mary scratched the back of her head as she looked around. “Maybe they were referring to a shrine of some kind. Or wherever the most amount of people gather.”“Fucking Hell!” Yara swore in frustration. She pinched her forehead and stopped moving. Then she turned to face her companion. “In that case, maybe we should split up and check a few places?”“I don’t know. That might make it easier for anyone tracking us to take us out.” Mary objected.“We’ve been watching our backs since we got here and no one has stood out. Besides, wouldn’t they make their move the moment we got to this point?” As soon as Yara finished her question, a bolt of lightning struck down on their street several meters behind the young Amazon. “Since I can make things happen by just saying it, I wish whoever just landed is here to help us!” She yelled out towards the sky before turning to see what is behind the smoke from the blast. Several bystanders quickly moved away but stared at the man who just landed in the middle of the street. A skinny man with a dark complexion and a red cape hung to the back of his seemingly frail body. In one hand he carried a gold staff which formed into a lightning bolt at the head. White hair and a beard covered his face, but both heroines could tell his attention was on them.“Wait…that’s the wizard that gave Billy his powers!” Mary recognized.“Holy shit, is he here to help us?” Yara asked in surprise.“Yes, child.” He spoke to Yara directly. “I’m here to save you the trouble of going to Olympus to fight Queen Hera. I stand in her place, and will defeat you here.”“You know that’s not what I meant.” Yara’s face hardened, tearing her cloak off, and got into a battle position with her hand already at her Bola.“Hold on.” Mary held her hand towards Yara as she took a step forward. “This doesn’t make sense. You had doubts about Billy before but you admitted to being wrong. What is going on?”“Billy used magic to alter the state of the Rock of Eternity. That action doesn’t go unnoticed. It has become clear that after doing that and sharing his powers so willingly with you, he has no interest in following the example I created. Billy will be dealt with. But now, I’m here to reclaim the gifts he bestowed upon you.” The Wizard pointed his staff and shot a bolt of energy that sent both of them flying out back to the busy street. They knocked over several people and the rest surrounding were already moving quickly to get out of the way.“Great reunion. I mean it.” Yara got up on one knee. “You mind if we end this now?”“Don’t have to ask me twice.” Mary threw off the large red cloak, standing up in her full hero form. Lightning crackled around her body and she began to levitate off the ground. Yara made the first move, heading straight forward. The Wizard shot another blast, but Yara dodged that and pressed her feet against the side of the building long enough to reach out and wrap her Bola around the staff. However, he expected this and pulled hard. The Amazon pulled off the building and The Wizard clenched his fist and delivered a backhand hit to the side of Yara’s face. Her body went to the side and virtually crushed a nearby dumpster. Just as he was turning back to Mary, though, she already made her way over and delivered a lightning punch that sent him flying down the street over the people until he landed on top of a moving car that came to a screeching halt. Mary went to Yara and pulled her onto her feet. “I’ll keep her distracted. You still know this place better than me, hurry and find whatever looks like.”“Alright, but I’m getting a hit in first.” Before Mary could object, she jumped and leaped over people still trying to get out of the way. Her hand reached out to grab a light post and turned her body to The Wizard. Just as he was getting up, Yara’s extended leg pushed her foot up against his head and sent his body down to the concrete. Yara grinned before turning and going oppositely. The Wizard pushed himself up and aimed his staff at the fleeing warrior. Mary used her speed to push the staff so the blast hit the car The Wizard has already damaged when his body slammed into it.“I’m still holding out that you are under some kind of spell. But I’m still not going to go easy on you.”“You shouldn’t regardless.” The Wizard let go of the staff and it started to move on its own. Mary was sent flying up and through the air. It was purposefully trying to shake her by getting her to collide with cars or the sides of buildings. But she held on for a while. It wasn’t until The Wizard formed a golden hand that extended from his arm that was she forced to let go of the staff. He pulled his arm back sideways and slammed Mary through a nearby building.Yara could still hear the fighting even from her distance. She ran with the crowd at first but then started to jump up and land on anything to get above and look around. Trying to locate anything she could recognize as the spot she was looking for. But then she heard a kid cry out for help. Yara looked up and saw that a young boy was dangling from a window, possibly trying to look out to get a better look at the action. Yara threw her Bola and it wrapped itself around the boy just as he lost his grip on the ledge. She jumped forward and caught him in her arms, landing down on her feet. He hugged and thanked her before quickly getting back inside the building and back to the apartment. As Yara turned, she jumped up the side of the building and got to the roof.“Fuck this!” Yara reached into her pouch and pulled out the amulet and looked up to the sky. Her hand held out the amulet in a firm grip. “I don’t care if this is the heart or not! I’m calling to you so that you can all get your asses from wherever you're at and come down here!” While she didn’t realize it, some people were paying attention to the fight and started to pray for the safety of those protecting the rest of them. Some of those prayers were made by the elderly who remembered stories from their childhood and thought about the people in those stories as their prayers left their lips and minds. All of this happened just as the sun was finally at its peak. The amulet burned in Yara’s hand until it cracked and broke. Yara pulled her hand down to try and hold all the pieces, but it turned to dust and vanished.Down on the ground, Mary moved fast to try and land more blows against The Wizard. But he teleported before she could ever make it, getting her to run around until he was landing blasts against her consistently. Eventually, she was on both knees trying to catch her breath. Smoke was coming from all the areas he had hit her, burn marks across her body. The Wizard approached her, holding the staff with both hands and building up one more blast to make sure she stayed down.But before he could blast her, a blast of light blinded everyone in the surrounding area. Even The Wizard lost focus and had to cover his eyes. As it went away, The Wizard was hit with a massive fir blast that pushed him away from Mary and against a van that began to melt. When the fire died down, The Wizard had some burns across his chest and he had seemingly fallen out of consciousness. Mary looked up toward where the blast came from, her hand reaching up to block her eyes from the sun. To her surprise, she was looking right up at the sun. Or at least, the person up in the sky right in her view line of the sun. A golden bull with fire around its neck carried down a man from the sky. The man had short blonde hair, and his skin tanned to the point where he almost appeared golden. A crowd of people moved closer to the area where he and Mary were, but they still all kept a safe distance, unsure of what was going to happen. The man turned and waved to the people, a huge smile showing off his white teeth in enthusiastic joy.“Fear not, my people! It is I, Kuat the Sun God!” He yelled out loud as remained sitting on his bull. Yara had jumped down from where she was and pushed her way through the crowd to the open space. Kuat extended his arm out to the approaching woman. “You must be the Esquecida that called! Let me give you my thanks, great warrior.”“Sure, appreciate it,” Yara said. “Listen, I’m super happy you're enjoying yourself right now. But my friend and I over there need your help.” She pointed over to Mary who was getting up on her feet and made her way over, taking note of the bruises she had sustained.“Please, I can’t just jump into battle after spending so long away!” Kuat said. “I must get accustomed to this changed world.”Yara reached a hand up and grabbed Kuat by the collar. It was only now that Mary noticed that this guy was wearing robes similar to the ceremonial garment that the Amazon Queen had worn the other day. It wasn’t an important detail, but it was a sign that Mary’s head was readjusting after taking some damage. Kuat was on his feet, facing Yara closer to eye level. “Listen, we can’t wait for you to scratch your ass and sample cuisine! Don’t I get some kind of no strings attached favor from the gods for doing you this solid?”“Yara, please don’t pick a fight with the god that helped us,” Mary interjected. That was when another creature from the sky came down and landed next to them. It was a mule that glowed pale blue, with similar flames surrounding its neck. The rider had short curly black hair and when he saw the three of them together, he had a look of concern.“Brother, how have you already gotten yourself into trouble?”“I can’t help that I attract those with similar passionate personalities, Iae.” He looked over with a grin. Yara’s eyes narrowed and her grip tightened around his clothing.“I’m sorry about all this!” Mary stepped toward the one called Iae, holding her hands together as she looked up at him. “But we do need to ask for some help.”“Interesting…I recognize the aura of your powers. You are a champion yourself, a representative of the Greek pantheon?” He asked.“Technically, yes,” Mary confirmed. “But they are planning on subjecting everyone on Earth to them. That’s why we came, so we could ask for your support once we reach Olympus. Remember, Yara?” She turned to give a look over to the woman still holding the other god by the collar. Yara‘s face relaxed a bit and she let go of Kuat’s clothing.“Yea…please help us kick some ass.” Yara crossed her arms while Kuat unwrinkled his top.“I wasn’t going to say no. Just wanted to see your reaction.” He flashed a smile.“That’s a relief,” Iae responded. His hand reached into his shirt and pulled out a dark blue pearl. Flicking it over, Yara caught it with one hand. “Crush that and we will appear wherever you are. We can’t come right at this moment. Kuat does have a point where we still need to gather our bearings after being away for so long. But we will answer.” Iae motioned with his head and Kuat got back on his bull, the two taking off just as Jerry was coming down from the sky. He galloped to Yara, snorting and neighing as he clomped his hooves.“Slow down! What did you see?” Yara tried to understand what her Pegasus was saying. Mary looked over to find that The Wizard had already gone but a rolled-up scroll was left in his place. She made her way over, kneeling and unrolling it. Yara saw what Mary was doing and Jerry calmed down enough to stand in one spot. “Damn it! I was hoping we could get some answers about any weak spots of Hera’s we can use.”“We got the next best thing. Where Diana and Billy are heading. And it says we should be there soon.” Mary got up and started to prepare herself for takeoff. But her hand was placed on her ribcage when she felt it starting to press hard against her lungs.“Yea, your in no condition to fly solo.” Yara jumped up and swung her legs over Jerry’s back. He trotted over and Yara reached out with her hand. Mary took it and she was pulled up on the flying horse, her arms wrapped tightly around Yara’s body. “Let’s kick down the door and bring the ruckus!” Jerry flapped his wings and the two took off, leaving Rio de Janeiro and heading off to join their allies in the desert.