Chapter 7: The Island of Warriors and Sunlight

Alex sat at the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea, the warm sunlight bathing his skin as he watched the waves crash against the rocks below. His time on Themyscira had been a period of immense growth, not just physically but also mentally. The island had become a sanctuary for him, a place where he found peace and purpose alongside the Amazons. Each day brought new challenges, but he welcomed them with open arms, knowing that he was becoming stronger.

The Amazons had taught him more than he ever expected. Though his power far exceeded theirs, they showed him what it meant to fight with purpose, to value honor, and to never relent in the pursuit of mastery. Training with them had sharpened his combat skills, pushing him to levels he hadn't thought possible. And then there was Diana. She was the heart of Themyscira, and over time, she had become the heart of his world too.

But as much as Alex enjoyed his time here, he couldn't ignore the changes in his body. The sun—his greatest source of power—was fueling him in ways that he hadn't anticipated. Over the past few weeks, Alex had spent hours sunbathing each day, feeling the energy of the sun seep into his very core. Each time, he felt his strength increase, his senses sharpen, and his body grow stronger.

---

After a particularly intense sparring session with Diana, Alex found himself on the beach again, lying under the midday sun. He closed his eyes, letting the warmth of the rays wash over him. As he soaked in the sunlight, he could feel it—his strength growing, little by little.

"I can feel it," he muttered to himself. "I'm getting stronger."

He opened his eyes and sat up, his gaze distant as he tried to calculate. Over the past few weeks, he had estimated about a 2% increase in his strength—an improvement he could feel in his muscles, his endurance, and his overall power. But he knew this was only the beginning. His full potential as a Superman-level being was still far from unlocked.

If he kept up this routine, it would take roughly two years to fully unlock all of Superman's abilities—his peak strength, his heat vision, his ability to fly, and more. The sheer thought of it was exhilarating, but also daunting. Two years was a long time, and with the war brewing in the outside world, time was a luxury he might not have.

Still, there was no denying the growth. Every day spent in the sun made him more powerful. He could feel it in every fiber of his being. It was as if the energy from the sun was awakening something deep inside him, something that had been dormant since his reincarnation into this world. And while two years seemed like a long journey, Alex knew he couldn't rush it. He had to be patient, to let his body adapt to the growing power within him.

---

His musings were interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching. Diana's presence was unmistakable, her confident stride and the faint clinking of her armor giving her away before she even spoke.

"You're doing that thing again," she teased, standing above him with a knowing smile.

Alex squinted up at her, feigning innocence. "What thing?"

"The 'lying in the sun pretending it's all part of some grand plan' thing," she said, crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow.

Alex chuckled, sitting up and brushing sand from his hands. "Hey, it is part of the plan. Sunlight fuels me, remember? Besides," he added with a mischievous grin, "I'm pretty sure you enjoy watching me pretend to train."

Diana rolled her eyes, though she couldn't hide the smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "You're impossible, you know that?"

"Impossible?" Alex leaned back, resting his hands behind him. "I think you mean 'charming.'"

Diana laughed, sitting down beside him on the warm sand. "If you say so. Though I'm starting to think you're more of a lazy sunbather than a warrior."

"Hey," Alex said with mock indignation, "just because I don't sweat as much as you when we spar doesn't mean I'm lazy."

Diana shot him a sideways glance, her lips curving into a playful smirk. "You're lucky you're strong, or your charm wouldn't save you."

Alex grinned, leaning in closer. "Strong, charming, and humble. What more could you want?"

Diana nudged him with her shoulder, laughing. "Don't push your luck."

---

Their bond had deepened over the weeks. There was a connection between them that went beyond words, beyond sparring or shared battles. It was something neither of them could fully explain, but it was there—an unspoken understanding, a warmth that grew with each passing day. Their time spent training together had slowly evolved into something more, a mix of teasing banter and quiet moments that left Alex feeling more alive than he ever had.

The Amazons had certainly taken notice. They were a people steeped in tradition, and Alex's presence—along with his growing closeness to Diana—had sparked whispers among the warriors. Some admired his strength, recognizing the way he fought beside them without arrogance or cruelty. Others remained skeptical, wary of the power he held and the influence he seemed to have over their beloved princess.

"He's strong, no doubt," one Amazon remarked as they watched Alex and Diana spar from a distance. "But strength alone doesn't make him trustworthy."

"Perhaps," another said thoughtfully. "But he's proven himself. He fights with honor, and he cares for Diana. That much is clear."

Not all the Amazons were convinced, but Alex didn't let their opinions weigh on him. **His focus was on his own growth, both as a warrior and as a protector of Themyscira.**

---

One evening, after a day of training and sunbathing, Alex found himself sitting with Diana near the fire in the Amazonian courtyard. The flames flickered softly, casting a warm glow over the two of them as they sat in comfortable silence.

"You've adapted well here," Diana said, breaking the quiet. "The Amazons are impressed. So am I."

Alex smiled at her, grateful for the compliment. "I've learned a lot from all of you. This place… it's like nowhere else. I feel stronger every day."

"That's because you are stronger," Diana said with a knowing look. "I can feel it when we spar. You're holding back more and more."

Alex chuckled, shaking his head. "Maybe a little. I don't want to hurt anyone."

"You won't," Diana said confidently. "But soon, you won't be able to hold back. You'll have to embrace your full strength."

Alex nodded, his mind drifting back to his earlier thoughts. "It'll take time. I figure I have about two years before I fully unlock all of my abilities. Until then, I have to be careful. I can't afford to rush it."

Diana looked at him, her expression thoughtful. "Two years… that's a long time."

"It is," Alex agreed. "But I'll get there. And when I do… I'll be ready to face whatever's out there. Ares, the war, everything."

She smiled, her gaze steady. "I know you will. And I'll be right there with you."

Alex returned her smile, feeling a sense of calm wash over him. For now, this island—this peaceful sanctuary—was enough. But he knew that soon, the world outside would call to them, and their strength would be needed more than ever.

As the fire crackled and the stars appeared overhead, Alex leaned back and looked at Diana. "You know," he said with a playful smirk, "I think you're secretly enjoying our sunbathing sessions together."

Diana arched an eyebrow. "Oh? And what makes you think that?"

"Because you keep showing up," Alex teased. "Either you like watching me soak up the sun, or you're worried I'll get too strong and leave you behind in our sparring sessions."

Diana laughed, shaking her head. "Don't get too confident, Alex. I'm still the better fighter."

"We'll see," Alex said with a grin, leaning back to enjoy the warmth of the fire and the company of the woman beside him.

For now, the battles could wait.