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White0wlsuperheroine — Til Death
Published: 2014-08-13 22:37:01 +0000 UTC; Views: 4891; Favourites: 17; Downloads: 0
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'Til Death...A White Owl Adventure
“Tell me again why we're doing this?” Virgil teased as we headed up the stairs to the imposing building that was St George's Church in University Heights. “I mean a marriage is nothing more than a piece of paper and money given to the government.”
I shot my fiance a cold look, and his laughing stopped. “A marriage is more than a contract Virgil, its a covenant, and a commitment—as sacred as the oaths we swore to help those we could with our abilities. It's more than a statement of our love; its a declaration to the world that we're forsaking all others for one another. Doesn't that seem important to you?”
He hung his head sheepishly. “You know I was only teasing, right, Theena?”
I took his hand and patted it. “I know. Its just, this is a touchy subject to me. And you aren't getting cold feet are you?”
Virgil feigned mock indignation. “NO, cold feet would mean the end of me—I think you've met Fred.”
I nodded. “Just after our first date, remember?”
He frowned. “Yeah I do. I'm still concerned, Athena. You've been the victim of attacks simply because we're dating.”
I put a finger to his lips. “And I've dealt with most of them, Virgil. Black Ibis is gone for good, I know he told me Intrepid was dead. I don't think I have to worry TOO much about evil doppelgangers or supervillains. The Guild's transmitters are incredible and let's face it. You're stuck with me.
“Not officially until next Saturday,” he said.
“You're despicable!” I said.
“No I think he's in limbo—something about creator's rights...”
I was about to punch him in the arm when the heavy door opened and Father Timothy Palamara beamed at us. “Athena! So good to see you!” He gave me a bear hug, but settled on a hearty handshake for Virgil. He ushered us into his office, and we sat together on a sofa while Father Tim took out his tablet. He tapped a few things onto the pad, then faced us again.
“It's almost here,” he said. “And I'm so excited for you Virgil. Your gain is St George's loss, I'm afraid.”
“What do you mean?” asked Virgil, a bit confused.
“Father Tim thinks I'm leaving Queen City, dear,” I said. I turned to face my priest. “Actually we're going to try some different arrangements Father. I'm keeping my building for now, and I'll still have both Gold Line and museum interests to look after.”
“But we'll also be spending a lot of time together too,” said Virgil. And I have business interests here too. All Athena is doing is changing her name. “it is better to marry than to burn.' after all.”
“I'll be doing more than changing my name Virgil,” I said. “I have to change my business cards to read “Queen City, Empire City, and other locations.”
Father Timothy smiled at out banter. “Well, Mr Coleman...Virgil. I can see the warmth and love you two share. If you manage to maintain that, then this should be a splendid marriage, and God will bless you. And a Bible scholar as well?”
“My mother took me to church every Sunday,” said Virgil. “Though I haven't had much time since then.”
Nodding, Father Timothy leaned forward. “I can't tell you the last time I was in church either,” he said, confidentially.
“But, but you work here!” I said.
“Precisely, I WORK here,” he said. “I don't get to just sit back and let someone inform me.
The insight dawned on me and I nodded.
After a short pause, Virgil cleared his throat. “I was brought up in a Methodist church, so I'm not entirely sure how an Orthodox wedding would look.”
Father Tim smiled, and pulled out a lectionary. “I can explain,” he said, easily.
“Though there are some similarities to a Protestant wedding, we Greeks have a lot more ceremony to stand on, eh Athena?”
I nodded. “Its not so much a wedding ceremony as it is a procession,” I said.
Father Timothy nodded again. “There is incense, hymn and psalm singing, readings from the Gospels, Epistles, the Psalms and the Old Testament.”
“Very High Church,” said Virgil.
“You don't know High Church till you've seen this.” Father Tim continued. “A Greek Orthodox wedding is really two ceremonies in one. There is the Betrothal, during which the rings are exchanged. The second, the Service of Crowning, is longer and includes many prayers offered for the couple, the crowning of the bride and groom in marriage, sharing of the common cup and the celebrational procession around the table.”
“What about vows?”
“None are taken by the bride and groom. You are presenting yourselves to God, in your pledge to Him that you will live together as husband and wife.”
“What's this about a crown then?”
“This is the focal point of the marriage ceremony. The crowns are signs of the glory and honor with which God crowns them during the sacrament. The wedding crowns are joined by a ribbon which again symbolizes the unity of the couple and the presence of Christ who blesses and joins the couple and establishes them as the King and Queen of their home, which they will rule with wisdom, justice and integrity. The priest takes the two crowns and blesses The Bride and The Groom, in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Spirit and then places the crowns on them. The sponsor then steps behind The Bride and The Groom and interchanges the crowns three times as a witness to the sealing of the union.”
I interjected, “And at the end of the ceremony, we're in the front of the congregation, crowned and presented as icons of faith. Almost like the saints...” My voice trailed off.
Father Timothy stroked the small beard he'd started to grow. “I never considered that, Athena, but it's an apt comparison. But then you two are used to people holding you in high esteem, right?”
I blushed. Of course Father Timothy knew my identity, and Virgil had trusted him as well. But my priest usually wasn't so forward.
“I mean after all, you're both well respected. Athena, you're a noted archeologist and everyone knows about the Coleman Foundation. Have you considered how you're going to juggle those careers with family, and your...ah...extracurricular activities?”
We looked at each other. Children were very much a part of the Nikos family, but I didn't really know Virgil's thoughts on the matter. He spoke first.
“That's one of the reasons Athena is staying in Queen City,” he said.
“Because of the family ties?” asked Father Tim.
“No, because of STAR labs,” he said. I looked at him quizzically. Virgil continued. “STAR has some of the best genetic labs in the world here. They've agreed to work with us to insure a healthy child, should we want one. After all, my alien physiology many not be as compatible with humans as we would think.”
Father Timothy nodded. “Very wise. And I'll still get to keep the third love of my life close at hand.”
“Third love?” I asked.
Father Timothy laughed. “Maybe my fourth...I'm not sure. But yes. I love the Lord and His Church first. Then there's my mother. But Athena! Surely you know I love YOU too. However there's Sofia Perro, too—she's been making eyes at me since I first came to St George. And she can cook!” Father Timothy patted his stomach. “Maybe I should consider marrying myself.”
“You can't marry yourself. You just have to live together,” quipped Virgil.
“What was that verse again, Virgil?” I asked with a smirk. “Better to marry than to burn?”
“Well in my case, it's self preservation,” said Virgil. “I can't cook—so by marrying you, I won't have burned dinners any more.”
“As if Sterling would let you eat anything less than 3 stars.”
“I know, its why I have to hide to eat hot dogs.”
We chatted for a while longer, finishing the final details for our wedding and then Father Timothy stood up, blessed us and we left.
“Speaking of hot dogs,” said Virgil. “I could really have one of those funny things you Queen Citizens serve.”
“A Bratwurst?” I asked.
“No, I was thinking a cheesy chili hot dog.”
“Those are called conies here, Virgil. And its my treat.”
A short time later we were at Gold Line, and the staff smiled as I came in. “Hi Miss Nikos!” said Christine, the manager. “What will you have?”
“Three cheese conies with mustard and onions for my fiance,” I said. “I'll have a four way with beans.”
We sat down in a booth, and the food appeared. Virgil smiled and made to eat one, but I stopped him.
“When did you make arrangements with STAR?” I asked. “That's a big bombshell to be dropping.”
“Well, part of the purpose of a marriage is to bring children into the world, right? And I've always been taught any birth control is the man's responsibility. So I would assume I have some responsibility to bring a new life into the world.”
“But would I be a test subject? A guinea pig?”
“I don't think so. We're pretty compatible in a lot of ways already. And we both know our sex is pretty good.”
I nodded. What Virgil said made sense. I finished my lunch, and we headed for my Jeep, for the short drive back to Victory Park, and my apartment.
But as we passed the fountain of Queen Boadicea, I spotted a bright orange-yellow light in the sky, just out the driver's side of the Jeep. I pulled the Jeep to a stop.
“Virgil, did you see...” But a Crimson and Gold blur was already racing in the direction of the flash of light. I stripped off my jacket and skirt, rolled down my white boot tops and grabbed my gloves and belt from my purse. Locking the Jeep, I flew off after Virgil.
He flies so much faster than I do, but I caught up to him a brief moment later. Captain Valiant was surrounded by several beings in a heavy armor. Some sort of anti gravity device kept them aloft, and they were shooting at Captain Valiant with lances of arced energy.
Val convulsed in pain as the first blasts shocked him to the core. He rocked back and strained against the rays, then with a shrug of pure, raw strength, he shot forward, breaking free of the beams and diving into the corps of attackers, scattering them like bowling pins.
I dove in and caught one of the armored goons, grabbing his lance from him. A guttural voice rumbled dissent, but a swift White Owl kick silenced any further commentary. I studied the alien tech, and determined which buttons did what. (I apologize here to the Highway Department—There's a new pothole on Highway 60)
Aiming the lance at the goons, I was ready to fire. “Back off,” I said. “Earth will not fall that easily!”
From above, I heard a voice commanding “CEASE!”
Looking up I saw a figure in a dark green leotard with a long flowing cape of gold. Her skin was a pale blue and her hair was almost white. “I am Spartaca, Empress of the Seven Systems and I have come to claim my mate.” She gestured toward Captain Valiant, and I shot him a dark look.
“Look lady, I don't know who you are,” said Captain Valiant. “But I'm not your mate. I'm promised to...”
“I have no concerns of your plebeian promises,” sneered Spartaca. “I am the Empress and my word is law.”
“Not on this planet,” said Valiant.
While he kept her occupied, I signaled the Guild for information on either the Seven Systems or Spartaca. I dropped a live feed drone into the air to record the scene for the monitor computer. I turned just in time to hear Captain Valiant say, “Look lady, for the last time, I'm already promised.”
“To who? To HER?” The contempt in her voice was beyond apparent. “Why should a god like yourself align with a scruffy little TRAMP, like her?
“TRAMP?!” I shouted. My hands were already moving and a bop ball hurtled at high speeds at Spartaca. She waved her hand and it caromed off, dropping to the ground.
“My powers are more in line with you, Captain. She can barely even keep pace with you. Surely you need a woman who is ALL woman, and not a want to be.”
That did it. I shrieked across the sky and walloped Spartaca with all I had. My fist felt like it had hit flint, and I flinched at the pain just a bit. But I was full of rage, and determined to fight for my man. No peroxide blonde from deep space was going to get him without a fight.
Spartaca remained unmoved, though, and asked Captain Valiant, “Is this your preference? Someone who initiates a weak offense? Who cannot take down an opponent? She wouldn't be a partner Captain, she's a liability.”
I swooped in one more time and Spartaca grabbed my wrist, pulling me into her own. I saw stars and then blacked out.
“White Owl!” cried Captain Valiant. At that moment, the remaining guards fired their lances at him, encasing the powerful hero in a thick block of ice.
Spartaca looked at frozen Captain Valiant, then back at my limp form. She considered dropping me, but then another idea crossed her face. “Bring them both to our base,” she ordered. “I will make this misguided champion change his mind about his 'betrothed.'”
****
Captain Valiant rolled over and rubbed his head. His vision was still blurry and his tongue felt fuzzy. He sat up on the bed then leaped to his feat shouting, “Athena!”
Beside his bed, a panel slid up, revealing a communications screen. The face of Spartaca gazed at him with wantonness and haughtiness.
“Welcome back, my mate. You are aboard the Imperial Vessel Majestrix and I trust you are quite comfortable.
“Where is White Owl? What have you done to her?” demanded Captain Valiant.
“Your little plaything is quite all right, my love. I'll let her live, if you agree to forget her and become my consort.”
Val glared. “No deal. She's the one I want.”
Spartaca looked non nonplussed. “I assume you only think that. I could just kill her and be done with it. But I'll give you a chance to prove it. In fact, I propose a little game.”
“No games, Spartaca.”
“No? Such a pity. I'm afraid I'll have to space her then. But don't worry. I'm sure you'll forget about that little nothing when you're ruling with me.”
“Don't you harm her or so help me...”
“I won't harm her...IF you play my little game.”
Val's shoulders slumped in resignation. “What is this game?”
“I simply want to know if this 'White Owl' really your soul mate, or if she's just another woman to you. How well...how intimately do you know her? Could you find her in a crowd of hundreds just like her?”
“In a minute!” said Val, enthusiastically.
“Well then. Your task is easy. All you have to do is tell me which is the REAL White Owl. And instead of hundreds or even dozens...I've given you a choice of two.”
Two more panels rose on the wall, and Captain Valiant stared at the monitors. On each screen was a woman, dressed and looking like White Owl. Each was in a large circular stock, hanging limply.
“Have you hurt her?” he asked.
“I assure you, I have not. Nor have my...'inquisitors'...yet. One of these two is White Owl though. Which is it Captain?”
Val studied the monitors intently. On the right hand side of each screen, a scroll of vital signs flowed. Both were identical, heart rates, blood pressure, eegs... “If I choose right, what happens?”
“Then you and your love will go free, for Spartaca is magnanimous. But if you fail, then the woman is not your true love. She will die and you will be my spouse.”
“You can't kill her!”
“Can't I? I am Spartaca, Empress of the Seven Systems. My very whim is law! If I let her live, you would pine for her in some mistaken dream of requited love. By killing her, you become stronger, and will grow to accept my affections.”
Captain Valiant studied the screens, then asked. “Do I have to choose from here? Or can I be closer? Perhaps ask a question or two?”
“By all means. My men will escort you.”
The door slid open and Valiant stepped into a corridor. A guard flanked him on either side and the Captain complied as he was led to another part of the Majestrix.
The door slid open on a large, unfamiliar room but there in the center were the two stocks.
Val started forward toward the woman on the left, then stopped. He stared intently at one White Owl, then the other. They were visually indistinguishable. He let out a low whistle.
“Wow, that will be a tough decision.” he said. “It would take the wisdom of Spartacus to figure out which of you is White Owl.”
“You mean the Wisdom of Athena” said both women, simultaneously.
Val's face fell. From a speaker, Spartaca's voice rose. “They are identical, my dear Consort to Be. But you were so certain that you could identify your love. Still, if you'd like to admit defeat, I can send your plaything home.”
“No. I will be able to do this.” He placed his fists into his forehead and thought long and hard. Turning to the one on the left he said, “Where am I from?”
“Cassiopeia Eta IV” She replied. “A planet in your home system's Goldilocks zone, a bit closer to your sun than Earth.”
The second White Owl spoke up. “As a result, Earth's sun has given you great powers, but its distance from the sun means you suffer pain when you are subjected to arctic temperatures.”
He turned to the second Owl. “Where did we go on our first date?”
“You took me to the Guild meeting.”
The first Owl spoke up. “It was where I was elected into the Guild's membership.”
The thought of failure crossed Valiant's mind, and he nearly panicked. Calming himself, he tried once more.
“What do I do to support myself?”
“You're the head of the Coleman Trust. A Philanthropic outreach and investment group.”
“You've even sponsored my digs occasionally.”
“I'm growing weary of this game, lover,” said Spartaca. “You were so certain you could reveal your 'love' that you bet her life on it. I will give you one last chance to decide. Then you must tell me.”
“All right, then,” said Virgil. “For all the marbles.” He strode forward confidently, and grabbed the White Owl on his left by the hips. Pulling her restrained form toward him, Captain Valiant placed a long, smoldering kiss on her lips. The eager response set his heart racing and he broke away with a smile. He touched the captive woman's lips with a finger and said, “Wait here.”
Turning to the other woman, he repeated his kiss. The return kiss again was eager, full of love and passion, and as Captain Valiant broke away, he broke the stocks, taking White Owl into his arms with a joyful smile.
“OK guys, this is the real White Owl,” he said. “No doubts about it.” Jerking his thumb at the other one, he added, “And I suppose you should free your Empress as well.”
I watched in fascination as Spartaca morphed back into her own shape. It was like watching myself melt in a bad dream.
“How did you know, Captain Valiant?” she demanded.
“You looked like her, sounded like her and knew all her answers, Spartaca. But you couldn't react the same way she does. And when I marry her, it will be until death.”
“Well, I am a monarch of my word,” she said. “But I will not cease watching.” Spartaca turned to me and said, “You are unworthy of him. But you DO love him. Treat him well White Owl for I will know.”
“You've no worries there, Spartaca. I hope you find your one and only too.”
“After all this, you bear me no ill will?”
“Well I didn't say THAT. But I do wish you well. If we meet again, I hope it is as allies.”
“That goes for me, too,” added Captain Valiant. She smiled at him and I wanted to pull her hair out again. Instead Val directed me to the transport booth.
A minute later we stood on the blue grass of Northern Kentucky, not far from St Matthews. I heard the chimes from the cathedral on the south side of the river and I smiled.
“Do you think we've seen the last of her?” I asked.
“I wouldn't count on it,” said Val. “Let's just hope she comes in peace next time.”
“Or I'll send her home in pieces,” I said. Val laughed. “You're a wonder.”
“No, I think she's living in Washington,” I said.
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Comments: 14
A truly fantastic and unique story!!! Loved every moment!
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Various reasons - start with the summary of Greek orthodox marriage liturgy.
Add the new twists on the judgement of Solomon.
Top off with giving me the idea for chilli cheese bratties...
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Too late--Gold Star actually does those as a special throughout the year
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Huuuhh!? Gold Star make vinegar.
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Gold Star Chili www.goldstarchili.com/
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Nicely done - you really do write well.
...and no comment on Skytower's expertise in dungeon management and administration. Makes me consider some of his fics in a different light, though... (mimble-wimble)
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Thanks for the Compliment. And yes Skytower has his own unique perspective on heroines
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You're the forgiving type, I've had a few mistresses who would have tossed her into the dungeon for at least a year.
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I'm not a mistress, she's an empress, and and do you KNOW how much a dungeon would cost to maintain?
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Depends on the dungeon and to paraphrase an old saying "If you have to ask, you're not an evil mistress"
Still being an empress I'm sure she has one.
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She probably does--somewhere in the Seven Systems
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Maybe she'll let you spend a weekend there someday.
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There are better forms of pre-marriage counseling...
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normally I would agree--but you have to admit we don't generally do things the easy way
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