Chapter 10: The Departure

The twilight skies above Themyscira were painted in hues of orange and purple, the sun slowly sinking below the horizon. In a secluded corner of the palace gardens, Diana and Alex sat side by side, the crisp air filled with the scent of flowers and sea breeze. Diana was unusually quiet, her fingers lightly grazing the handle of her new sword—the Godkiller.

Alex, sensing her thoughts, broke the silence. "That's quite the weapon you've got there," he remarked, his tone light but inquisitive. "Care to tell me about it?"

Diana smiled softly, her gaze lingering on the gleaming blade before her. "It's more than just a weapon, Alex. This sword was crafted by the gods themselves, meant to defeat Ares—the God of War. My mother showed me the vault today, the treasures hidden there since the time of the Olympians. The armor I wear once belonged to Antiope, and the lasso..." she held up the glowing golden rope, "was a gift from the goddesses. It can compel anyone to tell the truth."

Alex raised an eyebrow. "So, you've got a sword to kill a god, armor fit for a champion, and a lasso that can force the truth out of anyone. You're practically invincible."

Diana's smile faded a little, replaced by a sense of gravity. "These weapons aren't just for me, Alex. They're a responsibility. My mother... she gave me her permission to leave, to confront Ares, but I know how much it pains her. She fears for me, for what I will face out there. She knows that once I leave Themyscira, I can never return to the life I had here."

Alex turned to face her fully, his expression softening. "You're not alone in this, Diana. I'll be with you every step of the way. Together, we'll take down Ares and stop this madness."

Diana looked at him, her blue eyes shining with determination—and something more. "I know," she whispered. "And that's why I'm not afraid."

---

Later that evening, the Amazons gathered to bid farewell to their princess and her companion. The palace courtyard was transformed into a grand celebration, a feast laid out in their honor.

The Amazonian warriors, who had fought side by side with Alex in the battle against the Nazis, had grown to respect him deeply, though they remained curious about his origins and power.

Queen Hippolyta presided over the feast, her gaze never straying far from her daughter. It was a rare occasion for the queen to allow such indulgence, but tonight was a special night. Diana, the future of the Amazons, was about to embark on the most dangerous journey of her life.

The sounds of laughter and song filled the air as Amazonian warriors shared stories of valor, their voices echoing through the stone halls of the palace. Diana, though smiling and engaging in the festivities, found her mind wandering to the task ahead. She glanced at Alex, who was deep in conversation with one of the Amazon generals.

As the night wore on, Queen Hippolyta called for silence. The Amazons fell quiet, their eyes turning to their queen as she stood from her seat, regal and composed.

"Diana," Hippolyta began, her voice steady, "you are my daughter, and there are no words to describe the pride I feel for you. You have grown into the finest warrior Themyscira has ever known. But the path you are about to walk is not an easy one. Ares is a god of destruction, and the world beyond our shores is filled with dangers unlike any you have faced before."

Diana stood, her heart heavy with emotion, but her resolve unshaken. "I know, Mother. But I must go. The world is at war, and I cannot stand by while innocent lives are lost. This is my purpose—to stop Ares and bring peace."

Hippolyta nodded, her eyes softening. "I do not doubt your strength, my daughter. You are the best of us. But you must be careful. Trust in your abilities, but also in your heart. And remember, no matter what happens, you will always have a home here."

Turning her gaze to Alex, Hippolyta addressed him directly. "And you, Alex. You are not one of us, but you have proven yourself a warrior of honor. You fight with the strength of the gods and the courage of a true hero. I ask only this of you—protect my daughter. Keep her safe, as you have promised."

Alex stood, bowing his head slightly. "You have my word, Your Majesty. I will protect her with everything I have."

Hippolyta studied him for a moment, her eyes filled with the weight of her concerns, but also with the recognition of his power. She knew he was more than just a warrior. His strength rivaled that of the gods, and his loyalty to Diana was unwavering.

"I trust you," Hippolyta said quietly, though her voice carried through the courtyard. "Take care of her. She is everything to me."

---

As the night grew darker, the time for departure drew near. The Amazons escorted Diana and Alex to the shores of Themyscira, where a small wooden boat awaited them. It was just a simple vessel, crafted by the amazonians hands, meant to carry them across the ocean to the world beyond the island's mystical veil.

Diana glanced at the boat, then back at Alex. "Are we really going to sail across the ocean in that?" she asked, a teasing smile playing on her lips.

Alex chuckled, shaking his head. "I think I've got a better idea."

He reached for Stormbreaker, the weapon humming with divine energy as he gripped it. "This," he said, gesturing to the enchanted axe, "is more than just a weapon. It can summon the Bifrost—a power that allows me to travel across space in an instant. We don't need a boat, Diana. We'll be in the outside world in seconds."

Diana raised an eyebrow. "You could have mentioned that earlier," she teased, stepping closer to him.

"I wanted to see the look on your face when I told you," Alex replied, smirking.

Queen Hippolyta approached them, her expression somber but accepting. "Then this is goodbye," she said, her voice low. She placed a hand on Diana's cheek, her eyes brimming with love. "Be safe, my daughter. And remember, you are never truly alone."

Diana nodded, her heart heavy with emotion as she embraced her mother one last time. "I'll come back," she whispered.

Hippolyta smiled faintly. "I know you will."

The Amazons stood in silence, watching as Alex raised Stormbreaker high into the air. The sky above darkened, and with a brilliant flash of light, a swirling portal of energy opened before them. The Bifrost's power crackled in the air, its golden light reflecting off the waters.

With one last glance at the Amazons—her people, her home—Diana took Alex's hand. Together, they stepped into the portal, the world around them dissolving into a blur of light and sound.

As the Bifrost carried them away from Themyscira, the Amazons watched in awe and reverence. Their princess was gone, off to face a god of war, but not alone. She had a protector and lover, a warrior who possessed the strength of the gods and the loyalty of a man who loved her with all his heart.

Hippolyta stood on the shore long after the portal had closed, her gaze fixed on the spot where Diana and Alex had disappeared. Her heart was heavy with worry, but also with hope. She knew that whatever challenges awaited them, Diana would face them with the courage of an Amazon—and with a protector by her side who would fight for her until the end of time.