Departure

As Diana and her mother reached the shorelines of their island, the loud noises of beasts and men became louder throughout the island.

In the sea, about 30 Trireme warships were scattered all around. Along those ships, Diana could see battle Minotaur, cockatrice, cyclops, gorgons, and even Satyr warriors.

Moreover, the monsters themselves were equipped with Greek amour and weapons of their own. A grim look passes down on Diana as she formulates the potential damage and blood shed of this upcoming battle. While Diana and her sisters have fought these monsters before, it wasn't to this scale and level of unity and formation.

In total, their forces outnumbered them 5 to 1. How Hercules was able to convince them to be under his command was a mystery. These monsters are usually wild and loath control of any kind, the God must've promised them something significant in return for their cooperation.

Walking to her mother's side, Diana wasn't surprised by Hippolyta's lack of hesitance or fear upon her face. Her mother was a seasoned warrior that lived through the turmoil of the past and ancient Greek wars. While the enemy was formidable, Diana was sure that her mother had some sorts of plan going into this. Her mother has a plan for everything.

Hippolyta orders her Amazons into the Hoplite phalanx formation which consists of their Amazons infantry warriors locking shields and projecting their spears out. The Amazon cavalry units were also positioned near the flank. Lastly, the Amazons archers were lined neatly in formation in the back awaiting Hippolyta orders. With all units in battle formation, Hippolyta now on horseback approaches the shoreline closer to the warships with Diana and Donna.

Coming to meet them in the middle, a large battle-scarred man sporting a Nemean lion skin on top of his head jumps from his ship towards the beach. His entrance is powerful enough to leave imprints upon the ground.

"Hercules, son of Zeus, why have you come here?"

Hercules chuckles before looking at Hippolyta.

"Hippolyta, my love, why the formalities? I am here to talk about an important proposition that would benefit our people both. Do not worry, I do not wish you and your Amazons any harm in the meantime."

Hippolyta snorts.

"The army of beasts behind you says otherwise."

Hercules smiles.

"Beasts or not, they are my people now and under my command. They will not harm a single one of you as long as we come to this agreement."

Hippolyta's eyes narrow.

"What proposition? You and any invader of sorts is not allowed to set foot on this island. The Gods themselves decreed this many years ago."

"Hmm, that is true, but times are changing and we, the Gods, are growing weaker by the day Hippolyta. Surely you have felt the ripples of change within the mortal world. The mortals are growing even more violent and arrogant as we the Gods are losing our power. They need order and protection from each other."

Hercules pauses before continuing.

"Zeus in his infinite wisdom has not addressed this fact and is allowing us to disappear into obscurity. I and many other Gods have formed a coalition of sorts to revive our glory and status among the mortals. No longer would we just be myths in their eyes. Join me Hippolyta, and together you can build a nation larger than this island and provide a paradise for your sisters out there in the real world. No longer would you be shackled and forced to live hiding among those mortals."

Hippolyta's eyes glowered.

"Did you forget Hercules? You and your men were the very people who forced these shackles upon my sisters and I. Your betrayal has led us to this point and time."

Hercules's eyebrow lowered and the corner of his mouth opened to speak but stopped. He had a look of understanding and dare Diana say it, a look of shame. With his head held downwards.

"Hippolyta, my actions that day should never be forgiven for the pain Inflicted upon you and your sisters. But please understand, those men were never supposed to do these things they did to you."

Looking into Hippolyta's eyes.

"The love you showed me was too good for a man like me. I did not deserve that happiness. I still needed to pay for the killing of my family before. In so, guilt overcame me and in my moment of weakness, I took your girdle and ran. I ran like the coward I was and ran without looking back. But my actions led to your subjection and pain. For that, I am truly sorry Hippolyta. But please, let me make it up to you. Join me and I can help you create a nation where you and your people will never have to hide again."

Crossing her arms.

"There is nothing to apologize for Hercules, our time together was a mistake that I will never make again. The Gods have given us enough, your actions will only lead to more of my people fighting a war outside. Now tell me Hercules, what else do you need of us before turning away? I've declined your request to join your coalition and wish to stay neutral."

Hercules sighs before nodding.

"Fine Hippolyta, if you won't join us, you will answer this one request. Open the Gates of Tartarus."

"Have you gone mad? Opening the gate will unleash chaos upon the mortal world. Many will perish from the monstrosity that the Gods have locked up for a reason!"

"That is precisely why we need it dear Hippolyta." A voice rings out. There in blinding flames, a tall man with a dark black helm and fire decorated torso says. His presence made the blood of every being on the island boil in adrenaline. Their blood rang out for a need to fight and kill.

Diana and Donna's discipline was the only thing holding them down just from being in close proximity to the being before them.

"Ares, I knew you were behind this whole situation. You want to unleash the enemies of the Olympians onto the world! Your father will punish you before you have the chance."

Ares laughs out loud.

"Dear Hippolyta, my father will do no such thing right now. Ever since the mortals have raged their wars across the world, I was the only God that benefited from it. My powers have grown to match my father and it is only a matter of time before I will end him with my own hands. Opening up the gates now will give me the bloodshed and necessary time to do so."

"I won't let you."

Ares smiles.

"You won't have a choice."

Hippolyta looks at Hercules who turned back and looked at her solemnly.

"Did you know that it was Hera? It was Hera that made me go mad and kill own my wife and daughter. Hippolyta…the blood of my daughter that I held that day still echoes throughout my mind every night. Hera and Zeus will pay for their crimes against me. I am truly sorry, but I stand with Ares."

"So be it."

Hippolyta signals her hand and immediately arrows upon arrows fly to the sky. With a thunderous roar among the Amazons, they begin charging towards the beachhead and towards the beastly monster with Hercules's rank.

"Daughter you and Donna will fight Hercules, I will take on the God of War."

"I understand mother/Queen." They said in unison.

Ares lets out a roar of laughter while materializing his black spear and shield. Hercules' eyes narrowed towards the two young women before him. They looked formidable in power, but Hercules has been a warrior for centuries, it took a lot more than just natural talent to surprise the God of Strength.

Making the first move, Hippolyta with her spear thrust it towards Ares who continued laughing enjoying the battle underway.

Diana and Donna encircled Hercules who stood his ground in the center. The beasts who approached them were signaled away by Hercules to fight somewhere else, he wasn't going to allow any meddling in this battle.

While Hercules remained unarmed, Diana and Donna knew to not underestimate the God of Strength.

Donna held her sword and shield looking at any weak points along Hercules body. Sensing his overwhelming aura Donna gritted her teeth in frustration.

Diana had similar thoughts before looking back at Donna. They seemed to understand each other as they both rushed towards Hercules at the same time.

Diana slashed her sword aiming at Hercules ankles while Donna thrust her spear aiming at his neck. It was only a matter of seconds but Hercules was able to lunge first towards Donna and took a hold of her spear, twisting it before taking a hold of Donna.

With a quick motion, Hercules threw Donna like a rag doll towards Diana who quickly diverted her sword. But the two collided and were knocked down.

Hercules did not stop as he punched with his fist raised towards the fallen women.

Diana held up her bracers at the impact that loudly echoed across the battlefield. Hercules in surprise was knocked back a few feet from the impact.

'What powerful armaments to be able to push back his punch.' While Hercules does not brag, his title God of Strength meant something.

Now on the offense, Diana and Donna rushed towards Hercules throwing punches of their own.

With blinding speeds unnatural to mortals, the two Amazons sisters tried their best to land a hit on Hercules but were unfortunately intercepted by his counter blocks.

Diana's body was met with a huge punch that seemed to knock the air out of her body as she was sent flying across the battle.

Donna in frustration aimed towards Hercules' throat with her fist but was caught in mid punch. Realizing her mistake, Donna tried and struggled to get out of his grasp.

Diana, now just getting up, sees Donna stuck within Hercules' hold as he raises her in the air.

Knowing that Donna was in trouble Diana aimed with all her power towards Hercules's back torso in order to knock him off balance.

But instead of expecting that, her impact on his body did little to budge the God.

Even when it connected it seemed to do little damage against him even after her subsequent punches that echoed loudly across the battle.

Hercules looking down on Donna who growled in anger looks at him murderously. His fingers reached around Donna's neck and were able to squeeze when images of the nightmares of his daughter came rushing back towards his mind. Remembering the haunting look his daughter gave him made his finger go numb.

Dropping down the gasping for air Donna. Hercules looks at Diana in seriousness.

"Is this what you want Diana? You want your sisters to perish on this island fighting a battle that the Gods themselves have turned a blind eye to? Zeus, our father, has not made a single action to stop this from happening! Look around you Diana and witness the results of their inaction."

Diana pauses and looks around the battlefield as his words sink into her.

Her sisters were putting a valiant fight but they were countlessly outnumbered and pushed back inch by inch.

Diana sees one Amazon warrior fighting against a horde of gorgons that surrounded her with spears before dousing her into flames from their attacks. Another group of her sisters tried to encircle a battle Minotaur but it's ferocity and bloodlust overcame any tactics went it charged and through their formation.

The screams and shouts of her sisters rang in her ears. Diana had grown up with these people and now they were being massacred in front of her eyes.

'Where are the Gods in all of this? Have they forsaken her mother and sisters despite years of servitude?'

"Stand down Diana, stop this needless bloodshed."

But before Diana could answer, a loud scream rang across the battlefield. There in the center Diana sees an Amazon's warrior cradling her fallen mother who had a spear wound near her chest. The gaping wound left so much blood on the floor that it didn't even seem possible.

Diana's face drained of all colors as her legs struggled to even stand.

Hercules's face also had a similar expression before looking at Ares who chuckled crossing his arm and disappearing in flames. It seems that the battle took more out of him than expected.

'Your death won't be in vain Hippolyta.'

Hercules made a silent command to of all his beastly monsters and they responded.

One by one, the monsters stopped their advances and held formation awaiting Hercules next orders. The Amazons warriors were confused amidst this ceasefire before looking at the center of the battle. They too had expressions of shock and disbelief. The Hippolyta that led them all of those years had fallen? No it surely is a sick joke...

Diana wobbled closer to her mother who palely looked at her daughter. Despite the injuries, Hippolyta smiles looking at her beautiful daughter. She held her daughter's face with the palm of her hand as silent tears fell from Diana's face. Diana tried to call over a healer but Hippolyta shook her head looking sadly at her daughter now.

There was so many things she wished to share with her daughter and so many experiences she wishes she can spent with Diana. Deep down, Hippolyta knew something like this was going to happen. She just thought that she had more time, more time to make up her wrongs. But alas, her fate was otherwise.

Even now, looking at Diana, Hippolyta couldn't help but smile at her little girl now.

"No...there is no need for that, there's not much to be done with a weapon meant to kill Gods. Especially not against a mortal such as I."

Diana looked at her mother not believing this.

"No-no this can't be...I-I can't lose you too." Diana said in tears.

Making a signal, Hippolyta silently orders her Amazons to give some space between her and her daughter.

"Diana, my beautiful daughter, you have become all that I could ever wish for in a daughter. You live with the best virtues of an Amazon without any of it's prejudices. You are the very hope of our people...much like Astra is for mankind."

Hippolyta then reaches down and pulls out a ring and a black key. The ring was magnificent in design that had an unknown symbol towards the middle. The symbol had an infinity symbol rotated 90 degrees which looked like the number 8 and it was fire red. The key on the other hand was a simple black key that had a skull design.

Slipping the two items into Diana's hands, Hippolyta looks at her daughter seriously.

"Diana, this key is one of 4 scattered around the world that unlocks the gate of Tartarus. Make sure to never let this key fall into Ares's hand."

Hippolyta closes her eyes before continuing in a heavy tone.

"And lastly, this ring belongs to Astra. Make sure you bring it to him alright daughter?"

Diana, still tearful of her mother, could not understand why she was bringing him up. Hippolyta avoided talking about his departure ever since he left many years ago, so why was it now that she brought him up?

Understanding the confused look on Diana's face, Hippolyta shook her head.

"Daughter, your mother is a coward much like Hercules. I'm sure you suspected it, but Kal-El did not leave because he thought you were weak, he left because he blamed himself for what happened to you. He in his moment of weakness saw himself as a irredeemable monster that couldn't control himself."

Diana held her breath still for a moment but she continued listening.

"I-I in my moment of weakness failed him. You were the only one who truly saw him for who he was at all times. I lied to you my daughter in order for you to be stronger than what you were then. I knew it would cause you pain but I still did it. Hate me for it daughter and leave this island and never return."

Still Diana did not budge.

Seeing as how her daughter did not move or listen.

"Diana, you must leave please before Ares returns. I-I don't have much time left. I'm just a dead woman talking now, please leave my daughter."

Seeing as how Hippolyta's eyes watered in tears brought Diana out of her numbness. In all of her life, she had never once seen her mother shed a tear, but now, just seeing her mother this way broke Diana.

"I was never the mother that I should have been for you and Astra, I'm sorry for causing you two so much pain."

Diana shook her head as she held her mother's hand one last time. Hearing the footsteps of Hercules and his forces, Hippolyta gave her daughter one last smile before closing her eyes for good.

Hippolyta silently prays to Aphrodite one last time for her daughter's happiness before drifting off into the darkness.

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Drying her tears, Diana's face returns to her usual cold demeanor. Her mother's death has now frozen her already frigid heart. The pain from Hippolyta's death has hurt Diana so badly that she had to switch her mood in order to preserve her sanity or mindset.

Diana makes way towards their magically enhanced boats at the docks.

There she sees the blonde man from early that day trying to sneak around.

"You are coming with me Steve Trevor."

Diana needed a guide of the outside world. He will have to make due. Taking a hold of his shoulder the man protested in pain before looking back at Diana in surprise.

"Oh it's just your princess, I thought it was one of those bull-man beasts or something. What happens now?"

"We leave this island and I help you get to where you are needed."

"Oh...wonderful I actually didn't expect that."

Diana and Steve made their way into one of the small boats and set sail. The only thing with her right now is the two items from her mother and her armaments.

As the boat reaches further away from the island, the sun starts to set as night approaches. Placing her hand on the point marker, Diana closes her eyes in exhaustion from this day.

The night feels especially colder even with all her Godly blessings.

Steve Trevor wasn't sure how they were navigating this boat, but chose to stay quiet. From what he heard from the guard, the Queen had fallen in battle and now the beasts control the island. While he didn't appreciate being treated like a prisoner, Steve couldn't help but feel bad for the princess right now. Losing a mother must be difficult and he could tell that Diana was holding in those emotions even now. It wasn't in his place to comfort her, Steve continued to stay silent as they passed away from the island.

With an Amazon princess now about to embark into the world, Steve wonders how this will affect the war.