Night had finally fallen over Themyscira, painting the sky with deep shades of blue and violet, while the full moon gently illuminated the crystal-clear waters surrounding the paradisiacal island. The sea breeze blew cool and fresh, making the torches on the walls flicker with wavering flames, casting long shadows of the palm trees and marble columns.
Arthur walked calmly along the trail that led to the coast, his steps sinking slightly into the fine, damp sand. The rhythmic sound of the waves crashing on the shore was soothing, but the scene that awaited him ahead quickly shattered any sense of normalcy.
At the edge of the beach, Hippolyta, majestic and imposing in her armor and flowing purple cape, stood waiting, accompanied by a select group of Amazons. The warriors, standing in flawless formation, remained firm and vigilant, true sentinels of the island. Diana was by her mother's side, already prepared for departure, her gaze resolute. A bit further away, yet still under the Amazons' watch, stood Steve Trevor, his hands still firmly bound with thick ropes.
As soon as he saw Arthur approaching, Steve let out a deep sigh of relief, almost as if rediscovering hope. He raised his tied arms in an awkward attempt to draw attention:
"Arthur, please… could you ask them to untie me?" His voice carried a mix of exhaustion and frustration.
"My arms haven't moved in so long… I'm starting to lose feeling."
Steve couldn't shake the impression that Arthur was some sort of "chief" or authority figure on the island. During the earlier interrogation and meeting, he had clearly noticed that Arthur's words weighed heavily in the Amazons' decisions, especially those of Hippolyta and Antiope.
Arthur, with a faintly amused smile, let out a restrained chuckle at the unusual situation. He then cast a brief glance at the Amazon guarding Steve and, with a simple nod, signaled.
The warrior immediately understood. With swift and efficient movements, she untied the ropes binding Steve, setting him free.
As soon as his arms were released, Steve groaned with satisfaction and stretched his stiff muscles and joints, breathing deeply as if savoring a rare moment of comfort:
"Ah… God… this is definitely the most comfortable I've been in days," he commented, rolling his sore shoulders.
Shortly after, Hippolyta turned to Arthur with a sincere look:
"Arthur, I realize that I've been causing you a lot of trouble lately. Diana… she has no experience whatsoever in the world of men. I… I hope you take good care of her."
Hippolyta's words carried more weight than they seemed. It was both a plea and a tacit acknowledgment of the role Arthur played in that unlikely group. Ever since Arthur arrived at Themyscira, his relationship with the Amazons had evolved significantly—from a mere tolerated guest to a true ally and, perhaps, a friend. Even Hippolyta and Antiope, who had always been wary of outsiders, now looked at him with more respect and trust.
Arthur took a deep breath, casting a serene glance at Diana, then back at Hippolyta:
"Don't worry. I'll take good care of her," he replied firmly, though with a touch of lightness.
"And honestly… with her skills, it won't take long for her to learn everything she needs."
Diana, who had been watching the silent exchange between Arthur and Hippolyta, smiled subtly, satisfied and even slightly amused by how concerned they both seemed about her.
After a solemn moment of farewell, Diana approached Hippolyta and embraced her tightly. The Amazons present observed the scene in reverent silence, aware that this departure symbolized much more than just a simple mission—it was the departure of a warrior princess who had finally chosen to face the world beyond the protective waters of Themyscira.
Hippolyta caressed her daughter's face with maternal tenderness but said nothing; her gaze was enough.
Diana then stepped back and headed toward the small boat moored at the shore, where Arthur and Steve were already waiting for her.
As soon as the three boarded, the tide began to gently pull the vessel away from the sand, guiding them toward the vast and unknown world beyond the horizon.
While adjusting the sails, Diana sat beside Arthur, her eyes fixed on the distant line where the sky met the sea:
"Where should we go now?" she asked, with the impatience typical of someone carrying a greater purpose.
"Why don't we head straight to the front lines of the war? That's surely where we'll find Ares!"
Her tone was decisive, almost impulsive, as it always was when she spoke of the God of War.
Arthur, however, shook his head with a calm smile and an understanding look:
"As much as that sounds like a good idea… Ares won't be there."
Steve, sitting a little further ahead, shot Arthur a look of approval, silently confirming the truth of that statement.
Arthur knew that, if events followed their expected course, Ares would still be disguised as Sir Patrick Morgan, moving within the upper circles of British command, far from the bloody trenches.
"Arthur's right," Steve added, crossing his arms.
"We need to go back and report the information I gathered. Only then will we have a chance to end this war more quickly."
But Diana didn't seem convinced. She furrowed her brow, insistent:
"That information won't stop the war. Only Ares' death can do that," she declared with unshakable conviction.
"He is the source of all this chaos."
Arthur took a deep breath, pondering for a moment. He knew that although Ares certainly fueled and manipulated the conflict, there was much more at play—greed, fear, pride… all deeply rooted in human nature.
Arthur then placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder:
"Okay… let's rest first. You're going to need all your strength." Then, as if remembering something, he reached into the pocket of his tunic and pulled out a small white pill, holding it between his fingers.
"Oh, and… this is for you."
Diana raised an eyebrow, curious, and took the pill without hesitation:
"What is it?"
Before Arthur could even answer, she brought the pill to her lips and swallowed it directly, just as she would with any other supplement from her training routine.
Arthur briefly widened his eyes, surprised by the lack of questioning, but before he could comment, Diana raised her hand to her forehead and murmured:
"Hmm… I'm… strangely… dizzy…"
Before she could finish the sentence, her knees buckled and she gently collapsed forward, falling into Arthur's arms, who promptly caught her.
If someone saw that scene out of context, they'd certainly think Arthur had just drugged her.
Steve widened his eyes in shock and quickly approached:
"You… you drugged her?" he asked, caught between disbelief and accusation.
Arthur scoffed, carefully settling Diana onto one of the makeshift cots on the boat and covering her with a blanket to protect her from the night chill.
"Who do you think I am, Steve? That pill was just to help her have a minimum amount of common sense," he replied, unfazed. Then he let out a small sigh and added as he sat by the helm:
"Forget it… go get some sleep. I'll take the helm."
Steve hesitated for a moment but eventually relaxed and settled nearby as the boat sailed serenely through the calm waters, leaving behind the faint lights of Themyscira and heading toward the world of men… and to war.
(End of chapter)
"Hmph. If you really want to be useful, then entertain me, try to throw those pathetic power stones at me. Let's see if even your insolence can amuse a king."