Chapter 46: The Night Before, Awakening
Themyscira.
On Xi Nian's third day of training, the sun dipped halfway below the horizon, painting the sea with flames of gold and red.
Tomorrow would be the day Diana and Xi Nian left the island to return to the human world.
It would also be the day of Themyscira's annual Amazon Warrior Tournament. A tradition passed down since ancient times, the contest was a celebration of combat, including cross-country runs, swimming, horseback riding, archery, spear throwing, and more, to determine the strongest warrior. Every Amazon would gather to watch and rejoice.
Both events guaranteed that tonight would not be like any other night on the island.
…
General Antiope was descending from the training ground's mountain when she saw Diana waiting at the path. The princess wore no crown, her black hair loose over her shoulders.
"Princess Diana!" Antiope began to bow, but Diana stepped forward first.
Like the mischievous girl she once was, Diana slipped her arm into Antiope's and said with a playful blink, "Antiope, walk with me?"
"You…" Antiope sighed, equal parts helpless and affectionate, but she nodded without hesitation.
As night fell, the two women stood at the cliff overlooking the training grounds.
"Antiope," Diana said, "thank you for training Xi Nian these past days."
"It was nothing. Teaching him is no different from teaching our Amazons." Antiope's tone deepened. "But have you truly decided? To leave Themyscira again tomorrow and return to the world of men?"
Her brows drew tight with disapproval. "It has only been three days. That boy barely scratched the surface. If he wants to be a real warrior, he'll need far more time."
Diana suddenly laughed lightly. "Antiope, weren't you reluctant to teach him at first? And now you want to teach him more—just like how you secretly trained me when I was a child."
Antiope didn't deny it. "I admit, he has some talent in both learning and combat. But in the end, he's still only human. Training can at best give him some ability to defend himself."
"As long as he has a foundation, that's enough," Diana replied.
Antiope frowned, recalling Xi Nian's sudden reversal in their spar three days ago. "Has your mother not summoned him yet? Compared to a few days ago, some of the Amazons are starting to recognize him."
"That's still not enough," Diana's eyes shone.
"Antiope, can I ask one more favor?" she asked softly.
"Princess, say it," Antiope answered with a solemn nod.
"I want you to register Xi Nian for tomorrow's Warrior Tournament."
"What did you say?!" Antiope's face froze in shock.
But then she understood.
If Xi Nian could perform well in the tournament, he would win the Amazons' recognition. And with the Queen herself attending tomorrow, he would be noticed directly.
Yet, Xi Nian was only a human boy. Even with the strange strength he'd shown three days ago, he could not possibly shine in such a competition—if anything, it would likely end in embarrassment.
After all, the contest was not a one-on-one fight, but a test of physical ability and skill across many trials.
"Princess, you'll ruin yourself with this!" Antiope burst out.
She wasn't worried about Xi Nian. She was worried about Diana. Their fates were already tied together—his honor was her honor, his loss her loss. To send a boy with only three days of training into the arena against the fiercest Amazons… even Antiope could not picture that outcome.
"It's decided," Diana said quietly but firmly. She turned and walked away, leaving Antiope standing stunned on the cliff.
…
Inside the ancient hall, Xi Nian sat on the bed in the main chamber, waiting for his Aunt Diana.
Her nightly visits had kept him going through the days of brutal training. After all, who could resist the chance to hold Wonder Woman as a divine pillow?
And each night's "reward" was different—depending on what she wore.
The first night, she came in golden royal robes, like a noble goddess. He hadn't dared to move a finger.
The second night, she wore a simple white Greek gown, pure and soft, like a blooming white peony. The fabric was light and delicate, completely different from royal attire.
The third night—last night—she wore her training outfit: a leather skirt and a tight chest-wrap that revealed her toned waist. It was simple, but breathtaking.
Though all three nights were nothing more than holding each other, each felt utterly unique.
Xi Nian's chest burned with anticipation as familiar footsteps echoed down the corridor. He looked up.
Diana entered, wearing her red battle armor—the attire of Wonder Woman—sword and shield strapped across her back.
"Auntie, are we leaving Themyscira already?" Xi Nian asked, springing up.
"Not yet. Tomorrow, after the tournament," Diana said, her gaze firm. "In the morning, you will compete in the Amazon Warrior Tournament."
"Alright," Xi Nian nodded without hesitation.
"Do you even know what the tournament is?" Diana raised an eyebrow.
"Sort of heard the warriors talk about it, but not the details," Xi Nian admitted with a shrug.
"You agreed without knowing?" Diana stepped close, lifting his face with her hand.
Xi Nian grinned. "If Auntie arranged it, then there must be a reason."
"Good. Then it's settled. Not only will you compete—you must take first place," Diana declared with confidence.
"That… might be a little difficult." Xi Nian's voice wavered. He didn't know all the rules, but he understood it was the Amazons' grand competition.
"What if I sweeten the deal?" Diana lowered her proud head suddenly.
"Eh?!"
Xi Nian's pupils shrank like a collapsing star. He smelled violets, and then felt warmth against his dry lips.
His eyes flew wide. Staring at the goddess before him, his irises shifted into divine silver.
His hands gripped her slender waist. His black hair turned shimmering silver, cascading wildly over his shoulders.
At that instant, Xi Nian awakened. Half-god power surged from within, shaking dust from the Mother Box across the hall.
The ability, Master of Affection…
Had been triggered!
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