Themyscira—known to most outsiders only in legend—was said to have been created by Zeus himself, King of the Olympian Gods. Protected by powerful magic, the island lay hidden from the modern world. Its mystical barrier bent perception, cloaking it from satellites, sonar, and radar. To anyone approaching from afar, it was just an endless stretch of ocean. But draw too close, and a thick, shimmering mist would rise, stealing away all sense of direction. Few dared to sail into it, and none without purpose ever returned.
The Waverider's small expedition pod sliced through the veil of mist, and the world changed in an instant. The haze fell away, revealing a brilliant expanse of blue sky. The sunlight glittered across the turquoise waters, and beneath white, drifting clouds, the island came into view—majestic and pristine. Towering cliffs crowned with green, sweeping forests, and far in the distance, a gleaming city of marble columns and domed rooftops.
"This is Themyscira," Sara Lance said, hands steady on the pod's controls. "Beautiful, isn't it?" She guided the craft down toward a quiet strip of golden beach.
The hatch hissed open, and Sara stepped out first, followed closely by Jack Kadere. His boots sank into the warm sand, and he let out a low, satisfied whistle.
"I think I'm starting to like it here," Jack said, glancing at the ocean and then back toward the distant city. "You sure you really want to leave me on an island full of Amazons?"
Sara gave him a pointed look. "I know you're resourceful, but the Amazons aren't just ordinary warriors. They're highly trained, and they won't take kindly to an uninvited man wandering around. Keep your head down, don't make trouble, and you'll be fine. I'll be back for you as soon as the timeline is stable."
Jack shrugged casually. "Just don't say I didn't warn you if you regret it."
Sara smirked faintly before climbing back into the pod. In a swirl of sand and a roar of engines, the craft lifted off and vanished into the horizon, leaving Jack alone.
He turned toward the heart of the island and smiled to himself. The name Paradise Island made sense. For the Amazons, it was a sanctuary of peace and power. For a man… well, an island of nothing but warrior women could sound like paradise of a different sort.
Before he could take a step, movement on the cliffs above caught his eye. Several figures appeared—Amazons in bronze and leather armor, their helmets gleaming in the sun. Each carried a longbow, their posture alert and commanding.
In a blur of motion, they leapt from the cliffside. Mid-air, they fired arrows that sank deep into the rock face, using the shafts as anchors to swing down with effortless grace.
After landing, the Amazons wasted no time. They notched fresh arrows, their bows aimed squarely at Jack Kadere as they advanced in perfect formation.
The entire maneuver took barely ten seconds—smooth, precise, and without hesitation.
The gleaming arrowheads looked more than capable of punching clean through him, but Jack showed no trace of fear. His dark eyes flicked over each warrior, more curious than intimidated.
"Hi there. How's it going?" he greeted with an easy smile.
The Amazons didn't answer. Their eyes stayed cold and guarded, their stances unshaken.
Jack tilted his head slightly. "Tough crowd."
Clip-clop. Clip-clop.
From beyond the dunes came the sound of powerful hooves striking sand. Within moments, several magnificent warhorses crested the ridge, their riders commanding attention with every stride.
"Your Majesty, what should we do with this intruder?" one of the Amazons called to the woman riding a flawless white steed.
She was unlike the others—taller, with a regal bearing. Her long golden hair shone in the sunlight, and on her brow rested a finely crafted diadem that spoke of authority. Her leather armor left her arms free for combat, while a flowing cloak of white fur trailed behind her. Her strong legs gripped the saddle, clad in golden knee-high boots.
This was Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons—mother of Princess Diana, known to the outside world as Wonder Woman.
"Is he alone?" Hippolyta asked, her voice calm yet commanding.
"We found no one else," the lead scout replied.
"Take him to the palace. We'll question him there," the queen ordered.
Hippolyta turned her horse as if to leave, while several warriors began closing in to escort Jack.
"Hey," Jack called out casually, "mind giving me a ride?"
The words stopped them cold.
Ride the Queen's horse?
Gasps rippled through the warriors. Even the horses shifted uneasily. For an outsider—an intruder—to make such a request was nothing short of outrageous.
Hippolyta's gaze swung back to him, her eyes narrowing. "Stranger, are you mocking me?"
Jack kept his smile, speaking with disarming sincerity. "No mockery. I just… really like horses. Out there in the world, you don't often get a chance to ride one, let alone a mount like yours. And, well… yours is the finest here. I figured I'd ask."
Her expression hardened. "Seize him."
At once, the Amazons surged forward, their expressions fierce and unyielding.
Jack shook his head and muttered under his breath, "Legends team, I told you you'd regret this."
He bent slightly, his posture suggesting surrender.
The Amazons smirked—had his bravado finally cracked?
But in the next instant, Jack's fist drove into the ground.
BOOM!
The beach erupted, sand exploding outward in a shockwave. The impact sent warriors sprawling, horses rearing and whinnying in alarm. Even Hippolyta herself was thrown from her saddle, tumbling into the sand.
Straightening, Jack brushed a few grains from his jacket. He looked around at the stunned faces and sighed.
"Really," he said, almost mournfully, "I just wanted to ride your horse… not you."