Chapter 9: Diana’s Restlessness

Diana could feel it in her bones—the call of the outside world. Every day spent on Themyscira only heightened her sense of urgency, the pull to leave the island and confront the evil that lurked beyond their shores. The battle with the Nazis had been a grim reminder that the world outside was descending into chaos, and every fiber of her being screamed that she was meant to do something about it.

She paced along the temple gardens, her restlessness barely contained. The peace of Themyscira no longer comforted her the way it once had. The world outside was at war, and she felt trapped here, unable to help.

Later that evening, Diana found her mother in the grand hall of the palace. Queen Hippolyta sat at the head of a long marble table, her face etched with quiet contemplation as she studied a map of the island's defenses. But Diana's heart was far from Themyscira's shores, and she knew her mother sensed it too.

"Mother," Diana said, her voice steady but laced with determination. "I need to leave. The world outside is suffering—Ares is spreading war, and I cannot stand by any longer."

Hippolyta sighed, placing her hands on the table and closing her eyes for a moment before responding. "Diana, you are not ready. The world beyond our island is not just a place of battle—it is filled with deception, suffering, and corruption. Once you leave Themyscira, you may never return."

"I know," Diana replied, stepping closer. "But that's why I must go. Ares is out there, manipulating men into destroying themselves. If I do nothing, I will never forgive myself."

Hippolyta stood, walking slowly to the large stone windows overlooking the ocean. "You have a good heart, Diana. I know you wish to help them, to bring peace to a world consumed by war. But I fear the outside world will consume you instead. I've kept you here to protect you, to keep you safe."

Diana approached her mother, her expression softening. "You have taught me to be a warrior, to fight for justice and to defend those who cannot defend themselves. I must go, Mother. This is what I was meant for."

Hippolyta turned to her daughter, her face filled with a mixture of pride and sorrow. "If you are to leave, then you must be fully prepared."

---

The queen led Diana to a hidden chamber deep within the palace—a vault known only to the ruling family. It had been sealed for centuries, its contents untouched since the days of the gods themselves. As Hippolyta opened the heavy stone door, the chamber was bathed in a soft, golden glow, revealing ancient artifacts and weapons of unimaginable power.

"This is where your true heritage lies," Hippolyta said, guiding Diana inside. "The gifts left to us by the gods to protect mankind. They are yours now, if you are to face Ares."

Diana's eyes widened as she gazed upon the items before her. Among them was a gleaming golden armor, its intricate designs shimmering with the light of the gods. Next to it rested a golden lasso, coiled neatly on a pedestal, its magical aura palpable. There was also a shield and sword, both forged in the fires of Olympus, imbued with the strength to withstand even the mightiest blows.

"This armor was worn by Antiope, the greatest warrior among us," Hippolyta said, her voice reverent. "The lasso is a gift from the goddesses themselves, its power unbreakable. And the sword... the 'Godkiller,' crafted for a single purpose—to defeat a god."

Diana hesitated for a moment, her fingers lightly tracing the hilt of the sword. "This is what I will need to defeat Ares."

Hippolyta nodded. "But it is more than just a weapon. It is a symbol of who you are. You are not just Diana, daughter of Hippolyta. You are a champion, born to protect mankind."

Diana took the armor and sword, her resolve hardening. "I will defeat him. I swear it."

---

Later, as the queen watched her daughter prepare for her journey, she called for her trusted commander, Antiope's successor, General Myrene. Myrene approached with a respectful bow, her face lined with the experience of countless battles.

"Your Majesty," Myrene said, her voice steady. "You summoned me?"

Hippolyta nodded, her gaze still focused on Diana from afar. "Diana is preparing to leave. She will face Ares in the world beyond our shores, and I fear for her. Not just because of the war, but because of the man—Alex."

Myrene frowned. "Alex? He has proven himself a powerful ally, my queen. He fights with the strength of gods and cares deeply for Diana."

"That is what worries me," Hippolyta said softly. "I see the way she looks at him—the love and obsession in her eyes. And I see the way he looks at her, as though she is his entire world. Their bond is strong, perhaps too strong."

Myrene considered the queen's words. "It is true that their connection is unlike anything we have seen before. But Alex has never shown ill intent. He is devoted to Diana, and I believe he would die to protect her."

"It is not his intentions that I doubt," Hippolyta said. "It is the future I fear. Diana is not like other Amazons. She is immortal, yes, but she is also vulnerable. Her heart is... fragile. And Alex—he is not just a man. He is something more, something we do not fully understand."

At that moment, Alex approached the queen and Myrene, his expression calm but firm. He had overheard part of the conversation and stepped forward, looking Hippolyta in the eyes.

"I know you are concerned for Diana's future," Alex said, his voice steady. "But you don't need to be. I am not bound by the same limits as other men. I can live longer than the gods themselves if I choose. I will take care of Diana—for as long as it takes. I will stay by her side until the end of the world, if need be."

Hippolyta's gaze softened, though the worry in her eyes did not disappear. "You speak of eternity as though it is a simple thing, Alex. But love is not always enough to face the trials of immortality. You may live forever, but the burdens of time can change a heart."

Alex's face remained resolute. "I understand what you're saying, but my feelings for Diana are unshakeable. I will protect her, fight alongside her, and help her carry any burden she faces. I am prepared for whatever the future holds."

Myrene, who had been listening quietly, nodded approvingly. "He has proven his strength, Your Majesty. In battle and in spirit."

Hippolyta sighed, her gaze drifting back to her daughter. "Perhaps you are right, Myrene. And perhaps I am worrying too much. But as her mother, I cannot help but fear for what lies ahead. Ares is not the only danger in the world."

"I know," Alex said softly. "But whatever happens, I will stand by her. I promise you that."

With those words, Hippolyta nodded, though the weight of her worries lingered in her heart. As Diana donned the armor of her ancestors, preparing for the journey ahead, the queen could only hope that Alex's love and strength would be enough to protect her daughter from the dangers of the world—and from the god of war himself.