Chapter 4: The Shadow of Ares

Queen Hippolyta sat in the quiet of her chambers, her mind heavy with the weight of the past days. The battle against the Germans had shaken her people, but it was more than the brutality of modern warfare that troubled her. It was the feeling, deep in her bones, that something far more sinister was at work—an ancient evil stirring beneath the surface of the world.

She stood and moved to the window overlooking the tranquil shores of Themyscira. The peace of this paradise now felt like a fragile illusion. Her thoughts drifted to the gods, to the long-forgotten threats that once roamed the world of men and gods alike. One name loomed above all others: Ares, the God of War.

Though Hippolyta had hoped that Ares' defeat in ages past had weakened him, the chaos unfolding in the outside world suggested otherwise.

Wars ravaged the lands of men, driven by hatred and malice, and every conflict seemed to bear the dark signature of Ares' hand. His hunger for destruction was endless, and if he was truly behind this, then it would only grow worse.

She paced, memories of the ancient battles with Ares coming back to her. His power had never been merely in strength, but in manipulation.

He thrived on discord, turning men against one another and feeding off their violence. The wars across the planet now were not isolated—they were part of a larger tapestry of conflict, one that Ares had undoubtedly woven. His purpose was clear: to plunge the world into chaos and rebuild it in his image.

Hippolyta clenched her fists. She needed proof, but in her heart, she already knew the truth. "Ares had returned."

Summoning her advisors, she explained her suspicions, careful to keep her words measured, though her heart raced with the urgency of what was unfolding.

"We must prepare," she said gravely.

"Ares is not only the god of war, but the harbinger of humanity's ruin. If we do not act, he will drag the world into endless bloodshed."

---

The next day, under the watchful gaze of dozens of Amazons, Alex and Diana faced each other in the grand colosseum.

The morning sun shone brightly, casting long shadows across the circular arena. Alex, bare-chested and relaxed, stood across from Diana, who was clad in her warrior garb, her sword and shield resting at her side.

This was not a fight to the death but a test of strength, skill, and resolve—a clash of two beings gifted with powers beyond the natural world.

The Amazons, always curious about outsiders, watched with eager anticipation. They had seen Alex's strength in battle, but none could fathom how he compared to their princess, Diana, the strongest warrior among them.

Diana stepped forward, her eyes focused. "Are you sure about this? I will not hold back."

Alex smiled, the air around him crackling with quiet confidence. "I wouldn't expect you to. Show me what an Amazon is capable of."

Without another word, Diana lunged at him with incredible speed, her fist aimed directly at Alex's chest. He barely moved as he caught her strike with his palm, the force of it sending a shockwave through the arena.

The ground beneath his feet cracked slightly, but Alex stood firm, his muscles tensed with barely a strain.

The crowd gasped in amazement as Diana pushed harder, her face etched with concentration. But Alex stood his ground, not budging an inch.

"Impressive," Diana muttered, stepping back and launching into a flurry of attacks. Each blow was precise, each movement a testament to her mastery of combat.

She swung her sword, slashed with her shield, and attacked from every angle. But Alex's combat mastery shone through—he blocked her strikes effortlessly, his movements fluid and precise, never wasting energy.

"You're holding back," Alex said calmly as he ducked under a swing, stepping into her guard and grabbing her wrist.

With a swift motion, he twisted her arm, gently but firmly pushing her back.

Diana grinned. "You'll regret saying that."

With a burst of speed, she leapt into the air, her sword raised high as she brought it down toward him. Alex raised his hand, summoning the power of Thor. Lightning sparked around him, and with a loud *crack*, Stormbreaker materialized in his grip just in time to meet Diana's blade.

The clash of metal echoed through the arena, sending sparks flying. The force of their collision created a shockwave that sent dust swirling into the air, forcing some of the Amazons to shield their eyes.

For a moment, they stood locked in place, their weapons pressed against each other. But as Diana pushed harder, summoning every ounce of her strength, she could feel Alex's power. It was like trying to move a mountain.

Finally, Alex stepped back, releasing the pressure. "You're strong, Diana. Stronger than most. But strength isn't enough."

With a fluid motion, he swung Stormbreaker in a wide arc, the sheer force of the blow sending Diana flying back. She landed on her feet, her eyes wide with surprise.

"You've been holding back too," Diana said, breathless but exhilarated.

Alex smiled. "I wasn't trying to overpower you. But if you want me to, I can show you more."

Before Diana could respond, the sky darkened, and a low rumble of thunder filled the air. Alex lifted Stormbreaker toward the heavens, and the storm responded. Lightning danced across the sky as the power of Thor coursed through him. In an instant, he released the energy, sending a bolt of lightning crashing down to the ground beside Diana. The sheer force of it caused the earth to tremble, and Diana had to leap back to avoid the strike.

The Amazons watching from the stands erupted in cheers, their excitement and awe palpable. This was unlike anything they had ever seen—two titans, testing each other, learning from one another.

But before the match could continue, a horn sounded in the distance, signaling the end of the trial. Alex lowered his hammer, the storm dissipating as quickly as it had come.

Diana, still catching her breath, smiled at him. "You're more than I expected. You'll make a fine ally in the battles to come."

Alex chuckled, brushing off the dirt from his hands. "And you're a warrior worthy of your title, Princess of Themysceira."

---

Later that day, Alex lay on the shores of Themyscira, the sun high in the sky. He closed his eyes, letting the warm rays wash over him.

The powers of Superman, though vast, were still dormant within him, awaiting the touch of sunlight to fully awaken. This island, with its golden light and serene peace, was the perfect place to tap into that hidden potential.

As he lay there, he could feel the energy of the sun seeping into his skin, recharging him, making him stronger. The quiet hum of his abilities, always there beneath the surface, began to grow louder. He could feel his senses sharpening, his muscles strengthening, and his mind becoming clearer.

The time would come soon, he knew, when his full potential would be unlocked. But for now, he allowed himself a moment of peace, content in the knowledge that, with Diana and the Amazons, he would face the challenges ahead.

As his powers grew beneath the sun, Hippolyta's fears grew as well. Ares was rising, and war was coming. Themyscira would not remain untouched by the tides of conflict much longer. And Alex, with his growing strength and connection to the outside world, would be at the heart of it all.