Chapter 38: A Short Trip to Themyscira
Xi Nian had already heard about his Aunt Diana's homeland that night in the bathtub.
It wasn't New York, Metropolis, or any ordinary city or town. It was Themyscira—an ancient land left behind by the old gods, home to the warrior nation descended from the Age of the Gods: the Amazons.
Even through the fabric of her dress, Xi Nian could feel the smooth firmness and flexibility of the long legs he was sitting on. He asked curiously, "Auntie, didn't you say you were exiled from Themyscira?"
Themyscira, created by Zeus, king of the Olympian gods, was protected by magical barriers. Not only could human technology never detect it, but even those who left the island would forget its exact coordinates.
For that reason, Themyscira was a place that existed on Earth yet was cut off completely from the human world.
When Diana left the island during the First World War, she too had forgotten its location, effectively exiled forever, never able to return.
"That was indeed true," Diana nodded slightly, her bright eyes gleaming with wisdom. "But not long ago, thanks to your help, I thought of a way to return."
"My… help?" Xi Nian looked even more confused. When had he ever helped his aunt with something like that?
Diana's voice softened. "The way itself isn't important. What matters is—are you willing to come back with me?"
At that moment, across the river, the lights of the modern city grew brighter and louder. The night wind broke apart the thin layer of ice floating on the surface of the water.
Xi Nian suddenly realized—this was a choice.
Would he choose life in the human world, his identity, everything he had known for sixteen years? Or would he choose to follow his aunt?
Was there even a need to hesitate?
Xi Nian smiled. "I'm willing."
Diana, with a trace of doubt, asked, "Even if it means never seeing your friends again?"
"That would be a painful thing," Xi Nian admitted sincerely. "But if I could never see you again, Auntie, I'd die."
Since ancient times, many heroes had gladly died beneath a skirt.
And in his case, he wasn't just beneath one—he was sitting right on it.
"Don't be silly. Even if you wanted to stay long-term, my mother wouldn't allow it," Diana flicked a finger against the back of his head, smiling. "It's just a visit. I haven't seen my sisters in so long. We'll come back before your vacation ends."
"So when do we leave?" Xi Nian asked, curious. Wasn't this basically a little trip to Themyscira?
Or more like… going home with his aunt to meet the family?
Xi Nian thought so.
But Diana wasn't entertaining such ideas. Her lips curved lightly as she answered, "Now. We leave immediately."
…
The next morning.
Aegean Sea. On a massive three-deck cruise ship.
Thanks to the mild Mediterranean climate, it wasn't cold even in winter. Under the brilliant sunlight, tourists poured onto the open-air deck, enjoying the cool sea breeze and the romance of the ocean.
Visitors from all over the world, dressed in elegant suits or colorful gowns, mingled while gazing at the endless blue waves. Many clearly hoped for a romantic encounter.
But the moment one particular woman stepped onto the deck, all eyes turned. The men were stunned, and the women instantly lost their shine.
The black-haired woman wore a white, one-shoulder slit gown. Her exquisite face seemed sculpted by the gods themselves, her tall, mature figure outlined in perfect curves beneath the flowing fabric. Every movement radiated nobility and elegance, her softly curled hair gleaming under the sun.
Beside her walked a handsome young man, still carrying the freshness of youth, dressed neatly in a fitted shirt.
Together they looked like siblings with an age gap of about ten years.
Immediately, a gentleman strode forward, bowing slightly with polite charm. "My lady, may I have the honor of knowing your name?"
Before the woman could answer, the boy beside her suddenly slipped an arm around her slender waist, smiling politely yet firmly. "Sorry, she's my girlfriend."
Girlfriend?!
The entire deck erupted in disbelief. People rubbed their ears, certain they had misheard.
Even the gentleman who had just approached was left dumbfounded, instinctively glancing toward the woman for confirmation.
Diana didn't speak. She simply smiled faintly, as if quietly acknowledging it.
Xi Nian blinked innocently. "Sir, could you step aside?"
"Sir?!" The gentleman's lips twitched, as if struck a fatal blow. He stepped aside in defeat.
The other men on deck quickly gave up the idea of approaching too. Suddenly, the women around them didn't seem so attractive anymore.
This kid was already driving a "supercar" at his age? Life really was unfair.
…
Xi Nian kept his arm around Diana as they walked toward the railing, where the endless ocean stretched before them.
Diana turned her eyes on him and asked, "What did you just call me?"
"Gir—" Xi Nian stopped himself, then quickly corrected, "Auntie!"
"Really?" Diana's face was unreadable.
"Of course."
"Then let go of me."
"Oh…" Xi Nian reluctantly pulled his arm back, looking a little wounded.
Perhaps realizing she had been too harsh, Diana added softly, "Outside, don't hold me like that."
Xi Nian's heart skipped.
So that meant… at home, it was fine?
Perfect understanding!
"What if I want to hold you tonight?" he couldn't resist asking, wanting to hear her permission.
Diana turned her head away, focusing intently on the horizon. It was as if she hadn't heard him at all.
So… no chance.
Yet.
Xi Nian wasn't too disappointed. After all, even if she allowed it, he would be the one suffering in the end.
Suddenly Diana spoke. "I've started to recall fragments of Themyscira's location."
"That's great. Try to focus on it," Xi Nian said, his eyes lighting up. He stayed quiet, giving her space to concentrate.
If anyone could pierce the veil, it would be her.
On Diana's right hand was a golden lasso, its other end looped tightly around her left wrist.
The Lasso of Truth, capable of binding someone and forcing them to speak honestly.
But it had another hidden rule.
Even forgotten memories, buried deep in the subconscious, could be forced to the surface.
Last time, when she had bound Xi Nian, she had been inspired. Now she was turning the lasso on herself, using its divine power to defy Themyscira's laws and recall the island's true coordinates.
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