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The Games that Gods Play	By : Ristul Category: DC Verse Comics > Wonder Woman Views: 16896 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Wonder Woman,nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
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Losses amongst Kessanalt
in combat are inordinately high. Figures from the Scyran Diversion, Crawl of the Grey Stars, and the Arden Offensive campaigns indicate that participating Kessanalt stand a 30% chance of being killed in their first five missions, and survival through to the end of a campaign is only 80%. The campaign casualty rate for Kessanalt officers is even higher, approaching a dismaying 95%.
The figures seem surprising in light of their exemplary skills, though they all neglect an important point: The missions Kessanalt are assigned to are often suicidal. And junior officers are trained to lead from the front, further increasing their risks.
-Internal Memo, Star Control
They gathered in the base’s main hall, ready for Angle Man to transport them to Asgard. Most of the men were pragmatists, carrying a great deal of firearms in addition to their own melee weaponry. In stark contrast, most of the women carried more archaic weapons, like swords, axes, and bows. Only the Amazon Artemis carried guns as well, despite her own preference for the bow, which was slung across her back. As a member of the Bana-Mighalls, she was also familiar with the weapons of Man’s World.
There was a bit of a problem though.
“So why can’t I go with you?” Cassie Sandsmark demanded of her mentors as she stood angrily before them. “Ramon is going with them, and you’re not stopping him!”
Some of the Amazons cast furious glances the men’s way, but Jake and Morgan just whistled to the air feigning ignorance. Ramon lugged around several weapons in his backpack, then tucked the sword he had used to duel with Ares in his belt. He gave Cassie a sympathetic look, before Jake yelled at him to check his ammunition magazines one last time.
“They’re men, stupid males, what can I say?” Io offered. “Besides, it’s going to be dangerous there, and if anything happens to you, how are we going to account to your mother about it?”
Mala added, “Cassie, we know you mean well, but in combat you might be a liability. We’ll have to watch out for you, and it might be a costly distraction.”
“What? You think I can’t pull my own weight?” Cassie fairly shrieked. “Hey, I wasn’t the one who got so beat up I had to stay in bed for three days and then climb out of it as though nothing’s wrong!”
“Yes, that is strange indeed.” Wonder Woman looked Ramon’s way, who quickly scurried behind Jake’s imposing bulk under her imposing gaze. Ares and Gawain healed very quickl, far faster than mortals should. I wonder if they’re hiding something… She didn’t forget that Phillip had healed a gaping chest wound in mere minutes either, no matter how often he denied it.
Diana quickly added to her ward, “Cassie, your outburst is unbecoming of an Amazon. If we told you to stay behind, we would have good reasons to do so.” She held up a hand to forestall Cassie’s inevitable reply. “You are not as prepared as we would want you to be. And we cannot afford to watch out or you if you encountered trouble. Finally, if all goes wrong, you would be the only one left to carry on the fight.”
“If Cronus beats the Norse gods, then it won’t matter,” countered Cassie. “He’ll have enough power to rule the world unopposed, and I don’t think even all the superheroes of the world combined could do anything about it!”
Diana shook her head, trying to deny the younger woman’s point.
“She’s right, you know.” The King of Pain walked over, looking like a sleek panther shadow in his black combat suit, which all the men wore. She wanted to scold the man for butting in. “We need everybody. And Cassie can hold her own.”
Diana frowned. “When just yesterday you were screaming at her that she had to be faster?”
“Failure builds character. Being scolded, put down, and then proving others wrong builds resilience,” answered Phillip easily.
He spoke to Cassie, “Yes, I was being hard on you, but I’m hard on everybody, you know that. But that doesn’t mean you’re not good enough. You’re better than when you just arrived here, and I think you know that too.”
Diana was shocked at what he was saying, “Phillip!”
He ignored her, and asked Cassie, “So… You understand the risks?”
Wonder Girl nodded.
“That you might die? Or worse?”
She paled, but nodded again.
“Good. You’re in. Go get your stuff. Look for Jake.” He flicked his thumb at the weapons store. Cassie smiled gratefully at him, then ran off to get her gear.
“Phillip Delacroix! What do you think you are doing?” Diana shouted at him.
He cringed a bit at her harsh tone, but quickly recovered his composure. “We won’t be doing her any favors by leaving her here. Besides, Ramon is going too.”
Diana tapped her right foot impatiently on the ground. “Which is why I’m doubting your sanity. Ramon’s situation is different from Cassie. And he doesn’t have a stake in this. Both of them should stay here!”
He shrugged, “You’re right. He’s not involved. He shouldn’t be.” His tone turned dead serious. “But he also understands the consequences. He will not sit on his hands. And neither will Cassie. Their sense of justice guides them, and I think that Cassie got hers from you and her own mother. Put yourself in her shoes. Would you be content to wait here either?”
Diana sighed, “No.” She couldn’t in clear conscience counter his last assertion. “Very well then.” He nodded, and walked back to the men’s area, where Jake was shouting to Gawain about loading up on more rounds for the huge recoilless rifle the big man was carrying.
“What a strange man.” Phillipus noted as she walked up beside Diana. The Amazons and former goddesses were clad in their traditional Amazon armor. Gawain had been able to teleport them quickly to Themyscira for their armor, and back out before Cronus could stop them. “He hides his core deeply under a cloak of arrogance, but if you look a bit more carefully, he actually cares a great deal.”
“I am still worried for Cassie.” Diana admitted. She adjusted her special golden armor, designed to provide maximum protection and movement.
“So are the rest of us, but he’s right. Cassie should be with us. Zeus is her patron, and it is only right that she participates in the battle to free him.”
Further conversation was stopped when Phillip whistled for everybody to gather. Wonder Woman saw the men bristling with weapons. Jake looked the most intimidating, packing the recoilless rifle and two heavy machine guns on his huge frame, and enough weapons for a small war.
“The moment we get to Asgard, be prepared for anything,” said the King of Pain. “Check your Mark One Model Zeros,” he pointed to his eyes, “And listen out,” then to his ears. “Establish a perimeter, then we’ll decide our next step.”
He nodded to Angle Man, who held up his triangle in reply. The entire party stiffened as the triangle glowed for the briefest of moments.
Then they were suddenly outside a huge castle, made of white stone, and warded by row upon row of wary, watchful bearded warriors on the ramparts. Almost as soon as they had appeared, a party of warriors yelled at them, prompting the gates of the castle to open, revealing a small army of Norse warriors.
Wonder Woman took the initiative, and walked forward carefully, making sure to leave her hands empty of weapons. “I am Princess Diana of Themsycira, Champion of the Amazons! I request an audience with Lord Odin of Asgard!”
A tall handsome man appeared at the head of the Norse party. “I am Baldur, fair maiden, and your arrival had been expected.“ Diana shared a look of surprise with Phillip. “Please, this way.”
“Looks like my estimates were a bit off,” Phillip whispered to Diana as they followed Baldur through the beautiful environs of Asgard.
“I think this is better.” The Amazon replied. “A whole Asgard would be a much better ally than the half shattered wreck you predicted.”
“Excuse me, lady, but that is not true.” Baldur interjected. “Our defenses, and many warriors have already fallen. Cronus and his army shall be here in the evening. We have scant time to prepare. I do not know why Lord Odin insisted on seeing you.”
Wonder Woman knew any questions they had would be answered by the Lord of Asgard. “Lead the way.”
They came to a huge throne room, dominated by a hulking one-eyed man on a golden throne at the far end. Warriors lined both sides of the hall, disheveled and tired. It was clear they had already been in battle.
“Athena! Ares! Princess Diana!” Odin called out as they approached his throne. “It is good to see that you have arrived to render aid to Asgard!”
“Lord Odin, thank you for receiving us.” Wonder Woman replied. She had naturally taken over leadership of their group, due to her greater familiarity with the various customs of the pantheons. Ares and Athena, and the Egyptian Goddesses seemed unwilling, while Phillip was uncharacteristically quiet.
“It is only proper to do so, Princess Diana.” Odin nodded solemnly. “Enough of the pleasantries. I shall speak of the perils facing Asgard, so that you and your brave band can yet turn the tide of battle.”
Odin began to speak, telling them of the unsuccessful defense of the bridge, then the failure of the mobile defense in the outer regions of Asgard to hold back Cronus’ rampaging hordes. They were left holding Asgard, to await the final battle.
“And we shall hold!” Thor, the Norse God of Thunder, declared. “Cronus and his Titans shall fall before the might of Asgard!”
Odin nodded indulgently at his son. “Aye, they shall.” His single eye glinted with cunning. “Since Heimdall is badly hurt, we need an able general to lead our warriors.” Thor puffed out his chest proudly, awaiting his father’s inevitable choice.
“Princess Diana’s arrival is a fortuitous event, because I do have a candidate in mind.” The way he said it made Diana feel uneasy. What does he mean?
Odin pointed into the midst of her group. “Phillip Delacroix, otherwise known as the King of Pain, and the Lion of Ares. You shall lead Asgard’s defense.”
Diana spun round to see the open shock on Phillip’s face. He narrowed his eyes, and started to protest, “Lord Odin…”
“I say nay!” Thor roared angrily, striding up beside Phillip, his huge bulk easily eclipsing even Phillip’s height. “My lord, this pipsqueak of a mortal is far too weak to handle the rigors of battle with the Titans. Even mighty Heimdall has fallen! How would this puny man fare?”
Diana saw Phillip sigh, as though he had no choice. Before anybody in the room could blink, his sword was suddenly out of the scabbard, the tip right below Thor’s chin. The King of Pain stood fearlessly before the God of Thunder, and Thor did not even have the chance to react.
The King of Pain said while everybody was still in shock at his sheer speed. “Lord Odin, I accept your appointment.” Then he stared right at the flabbergasted Thor. “Lord Thor, I suggest you lay off on your insults. You’re too slow and not aware enough of danger around you.” His sword slid back into the scabbard just as quickly. The Lion walked nearer to Odin’s throne, and knelt before the Lord of Asgard. “I am at your service for the duration of this crisis.”
Odin smiled. “Very good.” Phillip stood up. “Thor, stand down. I have my reasons, and you shall have more than enough opportunity to prove your worth in battle.” He waved his hands, “Now everybody out, except for General Delacroix, Princess Diana, Ares, and Athena. Baldur, make arrangements for the Egyptian Goddesses and their compatriots.”
The hall quickly emptied, leaving only the five of them left. Before he closed the doors, Thor shot Phillip a look of death, which the King of Pain ignored.
“You don’t miss a trick, do you, Odin?” Phillip glanced over to the doors of the hall as they closed.
Odin leaned forward, “You tell me.”
Diana frowned. There is more here than meets the eye. Odin knows something, which is why he placed Phillip in command. But what?
“You love your son very much.” Phillip started prowling in a circle before Odin. “And you know that whoever is in command here has to lead from the front, because that is your tradition. Almost as certainly, whoever leads from the front stands a very good chance of dying.”
Odin nodded, “Do you blame me for that?”
“HAHAHAHA!” The wretched laughter dragged out from Phillip carried its own tones of insanity, and Diana shivered at the dreadful undertones in his voice. “Why should I blame a father for doing what he thinks is best? You demand the best for your son, that’s only natural. And expected. Never mind that you’ll be offering me up on a platter for Cronus. I don’t mind. Actually, I don’t even fucking care.”
Diana shook her head in amazement. It was clear that Odin was offering Phillip to die in place of whichever Norse God should have been in command, and the King of Pain did not mind it at all! What the hell is Phillip thinking?
“And you underrate yourself. Cronus will find you no easy foe.” Odin grinned, and whispered silently. “Because I know what you are.”
Phillip stiffened in mid step, then slowed to a halt, standing again before the Lord of Asgard. “What do you know?”
“Eons ago, I sacrificed an eye for wisdom, and part of that wisdom tells me what you are. Ancient lore and all that. And you’re not alone here. I can tell that there are two more of your kind in your…”
“Shut up,” interrupted Phillip. “That info is on a need-to-know basis.”
“Ahhhh…” Odin offered Phillip a nasty smile, unconcerned that a mortal had dared to scold him. “I see. Very well then, I shall keep your secrets. And you have plenty, don’t you?”
Wonder Woman peeked at Athena and Ares, and even the God of War seemed as puzzled as she was. Who are the other two? She frowned. She remembered Donna telling her something about Gawain, something that the demons had called him, but the knowledge just seemed out of reach for the moment.
Odin continued, “Truth be told, I don’t care what you are. But I do care that you represent Asgard’s best chance for a victory.” He sounded wistful for a moment. “I remember the warriors of legends, of those who…”
“Is there anything else?” Phillip hissed. Diana knew he had no wish for others to hear what Odin was going to say.
“Ahh, but I do tend to ramble. Yes, there is something else.” Odin reached down beside his throne, and picked up a scabbard with a sword. “A gift for you.” He tossed it at Phillip, who caught the scabbard and drew the blade in a single swift motion.
Diana stared at it in surprise. It was plainly adorned, and functional looking. Still, the hilt was silver and gold, and the double-sided blade shone brightly with alternating layers of silver and gold, casting a pale halo around it. That wasn’t the strangest thing about the sword.
The strangest thing about it was that it seemed like the bright mirror twin to Phillip’s other magical blade. The dread dark blade he had named Infamy.
He drew Infamy with his right hand, and looked at one sword, then the other. The similarities between the two were unmistakable. He raised his head, and asked Ares, “The sword you gave me… It wasn’t from Hephaestus, was it?”
Ares lowered his eyes to the floor. “No. I lied. It was just an old sword I picked out from Olympus’ armory.”
“And you said it was from Hephaestus because you thought it would make Phillip feel appreciated.” Diana said flatly. She had known Ares was a liar, but lying like this to his own subordinate? She felt sorry for Phillip that he was working for Ares, but then again, she also felt sorry for Ares, because it was becoming clear that Phillip was not easily intimidated by the God of War.
Odin interjected, “I am sorry, but it looks like I should come clean.” He sighed heavily, “I thought I could just throw you a shiny bauble to assuage your anger…”
“HAHAHAHA!” Phillip started laughing again, stopping Odin’s words. He continued to laugh long and hard, leaning over at the waist from the force of his mirth. They stared on in puzzlement.
“Heh,” he straightened himself. “Lord Odin, do you know where the blade you had came from?”
Odin frowned, “From the oldest parts of the armory of Asgard. So many weapons have been stored there, that nobody can determine the origin of many of them.”
“Ares?”
“Like I said, from the armory of Olympus. I searched for records on it, but found nothing.”
Phillip grinned, then held up both swords side by side in front of his face. They gasped in amazement. Runes appeared on both blades, glowing blue runes on the bright sword, and red runes on the dark one. “Can any of you read the runes?”
“No, I cannot.” Odin admitted. “It is an ancient language, long before the time of the gods. Amazing. What do you think they are?”
Phillip looked thoughtful, “These are probably a pair of swords, made by the same hand, and meant to fight together. My guess is that they were separated a long time ago, and ended up in Asgard and Olympus without anybody knowing what they are.” He raised Infamy and hit the other blade, resulting in a burst of blinding light. Crackling energy tendrils sprang from one sword to the other as he pulled them apart. “Together, they are greater than if they are apart.” He bowed to Odin, “My lord, this is a magnificent gift. Thank you.”
Odin laughed in relief, “Finally, a favorable omen for our battle! To reclaim an ancient treasure like this! The Fates smile upon us at last.” He looked down at Phillip. “I see I have not made the wrong choice in selecting you to lead the battle.”
“I will not fail you.” He sheathed both swords, then slung both scabbards across his back.
Odin waved a hand, “Then go make your preparations. I have delayed you long enough.”
As they prepared to leave, Ares said, “Wait.”
“Yeah?”
The God of War smiled. “Phillip, you should think of a name for your latest acquisition.”
“Already have.” Phillip smiled grimly as he marched off. “What is the opposite of Infamy, if not Glory?”

Wonder Woman found Phillip much later, staring out from his perch on one of the defense towers. It was night, and Cronus had yet to advance as they expected. Scouts were keeping tabs on his army, and it seemed like it would be a dawn assault instead.
She asked him, “Penny for your thoughts?” The lights on the walls, and the coolness of the air, coupled with the Aurelia Borealis above them, made the night extremely pleasant, despite the sword of Damocles hanging over all their heads. The Amazon Princess thought it was romantic, and certainly many of the Asgardians were taking advantage of their off-duty hours to enjoy the night with their loved ones.
The Lion of Ares turned to look at her. “Why not ask for it free?”
She laughed softly at the wry expression on his face. “Trouble with the Asgardians?”
He rolled his eyes. “You heard it all, huh?”
“You certainly opened their eyes.” In other words, he had kicked their stubborn asses.
“I would have opened their throats.” He replied dryly. “I was,” he held up his thumb and index finger, “this close to losing it. What is it about being macho anyway?”
She arched an eyebrow at him, “Are you saying that you aren’t? Because I seem to recall…”
“Okay, okay, I get the point.” He grumbled quietly. “What the hell was Odin thinking when he appointed me?”
“He said something about warriors of legend. Is there anything you’re not telling me?” She watched him carefully, hoping that he wouldn’t shut himself off.
“Yes. And no, I will not tell you what that is.” He looked purposefully away from her.
“Then maybe I should ask Gawain, Jake, or Ramon. They should know.”
He stiffened visibly. “They won’t tell you anything.”
“Because you told them not to?” Amusement flitted across her lovely face. “And you said you didn’t know them? Besides, I thought…” She was cut off by a very peculiar sensation, one that she could feel through her bond with Donna. Wonder Woman closed her eyes for a moment, before she realized what Donna was doing. She blushed furiously.
“Diana? Anything wrong?” Phillip peered warily at her.
“Uh, no, nothing.” She replied just a bit too quickly. “Just that, ah, my connection with Donna can sometimes be very… uh, uncomfortable. Not to mention embarrassing.”
He stared at her, before his eyes grew wide. “You mean…”
She nodded, her face burning. It wasn’t as if she had never known of sexual coupling, but still… she was a virgin, and lacked the experience to deal with it.
“Jeez.” Phillip shook his head in disbelief. “It must feel horrible.”
“On the contrary, it feels too damn good. I can feel Donna’s happiness, what she’s doing. Her love, her emotions. Everything.” She lowered her head, allowing her hair to cover her face so that Phillip wouldn’t see her flushed face. “It’s just that… I am a bit jealous. And maybe the fact that I’ve never done it for real. I would sit with my friends, they would discuss sex, and I stay absolutely quiet until it was safe to talk.”
He was incredulous. “You, jealous? You are the most desired woman in the world. You can have the pick of any man you wanted, and you’re jealous of your sister?”
“It’s not as simple as that.” She sighed. “I’ve met many men, but few ever looked beyond the Wonder, and to the Woman beneath. It happened with so many. Rama, Trevor…” She smiled ruefully, “Maybe the fact that I come from an Amazon society frightens the rest off.”
“Huh.” He grunted. “I would be scared off too.”
She laughed, but was not convinced. “Really.”
“Really!” Phillip repeated indignantly. “Look, you’re smart, capable, and beautiful as hell, even without your powers. Men would fall over for you if they ever thought they had a chance.”
“But they never do.” And neither do you. She tapped a finger on the parapet, pleasure running through her body at his words of praise.
“Well, you could take up the Asgardians on their offer.” He joked. “Plenty of them were asking you out.”
“Please.” She punched him lightly on one arm. “Most of them seem interested in my body for a one-night stand, and nothing else. Typical males.”
He smirked, “Maybe that’s the problem. Your expectations for us typical horny stupid males are too high.”
She moved closer to him, drawing herself near. “But they can still be met.” She looked at him warmly, “You know, I am more certain than ever that you are not my foe, no matter what you say.” She could feel the heat from his body, her arms reaching out for him. “This is a beautiful night. Some of the Asgardians are having a ball in the hall. Take me dancing.”
He stepped away from her, and for an instant she saw the hidden longing and pain that he concealed so well. “Sorry, Diana, but this… can never be. I’ve got to go.”
She stared after him as he retreated quickly away, fading into the shadows. Wonder Woman sighed. What will it take to convince you, Phillip? The depths of her own growing feelings for the man who was supposedly her enemy was also becoming harder to ignore. Why can’t things ever be simple? She felt like punching something in frustration. She had managed to get close to him with their conversation, and he had started to show his human side, but then she had to scare him off.
Diana promised herself. Next time, I’ll do better.

Phillip groaned, his head in his hands, sitting on the small cot he had been given. What the hell was he thinking, letting Wonder Woman get close to him? He acted differently around her, he knew that now, and it terrified him that she could make him behave that way.
For the few moments talking with her, he had felt like a human being. Not the cold hearted killer Ares needed, not the supremely confident leader Odin wanted him to be, not even the obsessed, half insane seeker of vengeance his sordid past had made him, nor the slumbering demon that lurked in the deepest corners of his blackened soul. When he was with her, everything else melted away. All his fears, his sorrows, his doubts, his painful memories. He would catch glimpses of hope, of faith in a better future, not just for others, but for himself as well.
He had to tell himself that it was all an illusion. That his fate was sealed, one way or the other. There was no joyful ending for him, no happy ever after. Gawain had once said, “You lived your whole life with only one rule: You lose.” Time had borne that truism out sufficiently. He could win in the short run, but never in the long run. Never.
And Diana wanted a part of that? When he had absolutely nothing to offer her? Nothing except his own pain, and the inevitable heartbreak when she realized what he truly was?
The King of Pain knew he could tell her the truth, what he was, but he was afraid she would only become more determined to… to… love him. That was the problem, wasn’t it? He still couldn’t make her hate him. He didn’t know if he was even capable of loving her back. And even if he did, what was the point? He worked for Ares, and the conflict of interest was obvious.
He steeled himself, resolving to avoid the Amazon, avoid talking to her in any capacity beyond the official. He had no other choice. It would be better for both of them, even if Wonder Woman didn’t know it, wouldn’t accept it even if she knew.
It didn’t make him feel any more satisfied.

Cronus bellowed out his glee as he surveyed the army before him. “Excellent, Arch. With this force, none shall withstand my might.”
Monsters roamed at the fore of his horde, followed by rank after rank of hollow eyed Greek warriors, their senses controlled by Oblivion and Disdain, fooling them into thinking they were entering battle to protect Olympus. His Titans stayed behind the formation, maintaining their illusions over their thralls.
Cronus, not for the first time, wondered where Devastation was. The girl had disappeared after her confrontation with the King of Pain, citing the need to prepare for her revenge. Arch, however, had told Cronus that she was terrified of the mortal, and stayed away because of that same fear. It also worried Cronus, as he kept asking himself about Delacroix’s true identity without answer.
Regardless, Cronus knew he could win. Despite severe losses to his ranks from the Asgardians’ stout defense, he had plenty of fodder and power left in reserve to defeat Odin. Once he had defeated Odin, he would have enough power to force even Gaea into subservience.
That wasn’t all. Wonder Woman and the rest of her bitch Amazons and Goddesses had arrived in Asgard. Cronus wasn’t worried by that either. He looked at the two Amazon warriors clad in golden armor by his side. He had returned them to life on Arch’s suggestion, knowing that their presence on the battlefield the next day would be a severe shock to Princess Diana and her Amazons.
The Champion of Themyscira could never hope to defeat these two women. Queen Hippolyta of Themyscira and her sister Antiope. Wonder Woman’s mother and aunt.
Cronus imagined the shock and dismay on the faces of the Amazons, and sniggered. The clash between Amazons would be the stuff of high comedy to him. He laughed as his army began marching towards the white walls of Asgard.
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The Games that Gods Play