~0~

Once upon a time, in an island far away… there lived a princess who believed in fairy tales and happy endings.

Despite being raised in a tough upbringing, the princess managed to keep her enthusiastic ideals of the world and her dream

To one day meet her Prince Charming and live in his nice castle

~0~

"And they all lived…"

"Happily ever after!?"

Diana's squeal echoed throughout the room, bouncing from every wall to another. Her eyes sparkling with delight and magic, anticipating the following words with excitement. Her Mother, Queen Hippolyta, hummed slow as she carries the little girl off from her lap and into her nice bed. She then covers her with the blanket while caressing her chubby cheeks

"Happily ever after, my dear Diana…" she whispered as she kissed her on her forehead

The little Amazon let out a giggle in response "Your stories are always nice, Mother" she said while slowly closing her eyes "I love the part when the princess gets saved by her prince and then she finds her true love finally"

"Why that is very adorable, and that's why they are fantasies, my sun-and-stars" Queen Hippolyta uttered in a low voice, caressing her nice short raven hair

"Do princess get something like that, Mother?"

"Well… that surely depends"

"Do I get to have something like that?" Diana leaned in close with her eyes bright with excitement once again "A true love from a prince who will save me from my distress

Her Mother blew a sigh of relief "Diana, why else would you need someone like that for? You are a different from those princesses in those stories. You my dear – are an Amazon. A strong girl who can save herself from any danger without the help of any Prince whatsoever"

"Oh… is that so?" Diana's eyes drooped down in disappointment, her lips turning into a subtle frown

She turned to her daughter "And that is why you should be a strong and tough Amazon, independent and composed at most times, my dear"

"But!" Queen Hippolyta followed "I'll say this for certain…"

"Mother?"

"I'll say this for certain Diana" she said "As long as you have hope for something, you can do anything in life. As long as you have faith in yourself and that desire of yours, there is nothing you can't do"

Her sapphire blue eyes lit up upon hearing this "Really Mother!?"

"Of course, my Dear…" She wrapped her daughter in her arms in a nice embrace "Of course…"

"Now off you go to slumber. We have a big day tomorrow"

"I will" Diana responded "Good Night, Mother"

"Good Night, Diana" Queen Hippolyta hummed as she stood up from her bed. She smiled at her before blowing out the flame that illuminated her room

Diana closed her eyes, with a smile on her face. She closely snuggled against her pillows as her mind raved off to what her Mother just said

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~0~

"Diana!"

A sudden loud voice caused the maiden to break off from her slumber, fidgeting on her hammock just by the tree. She slowly opens her eyes, and sees the face of her friend, A little redhead Amazon – Artemis, watching her.

"Artemis?"

"Diana, General Antiope is calling for you!" Artemis hollered in desperation "Didn't you hear the bells?"

"I didn't unfortunately…" Diana murmured, slowly rubbing her eyes as she lets out a yawn "I believe my nap was a little bit too much"

"You were reading a book again?" Artemis uttered as she picks up a book from the ground by the tree and across a big fountain

"Yes… and it was as magical as ever!" Diana smiled, emphasizing her enthusiasm by waving her hands "It's a story about a princess who was kidnapped by an ogre, and she was rescued by a Prince… and they all lived happily ever after!

"You really like Fairy Tales huh…" Artemis asked

"Yes!" Diana's eyes lit up in delight

Suddenly, the sound of the bells echoed throughout the island, catching their attentions. Diana turned to Artemis who then gave her a nod

"We need to go back now, Princess Diana" The little girl said

They made their way to the middle of the encampment where a certain blonde general is leading a pack of women all dressed up in armor. Diana and Artemis immediately approached the woman as she turned to them with an unsatisfied expression

"You're late… again" she said

Diana flustered "Oh I am mostly sorry, Aunt Antiope. I was having a nice nap and then I lost track of the day and then... that's how I got here"

"Stupendous, but indeed predictable." Antiope said, waving her hand to the pack which indicated a break. She then turned back to Diana "Did you stumble upon your Mother upon coming here?"

"Not, unfortunately" Diana responded "Am I needed for something"

"Do you?"

A voice from behind made Diana almost jump. It belonged to someone she knew very well. Turning around, Diana made sure to form her lips into a reassuring smile

"Hello Mother…"

The sight of Queen Hippolyta and her silhouette from the sun alongside with the shine of her nice crown made her presence known even more as the Royal Queen.

Diana was also one, but she didn't have the same effect as her Mother has

The Queen studied her, her eyes darted from her toe to her head as her gaze grew narrow in addition "That's a very odd dress you're wearing, my child"

"Do you like it!?" Diana spun around in response, flaunting her hand-made dress made out of fresh silk, floral and cotton which went well with her floral crown. She was delighted with her Mother noticing it "I made it last night actually"

"Hmmm… that is certainly one way to spend your time with" Her mother responded in an unimpressed manner "I sure do hope you have practiced hunting just like how I instructed you to do"

"I don't know, Mother…" Diana looked away "I don't want to hurt those poor innocent animals. They're my friends after all"

"Those animals are your friends?" Queen Hippolyta repeated in disbelief

Diana nodded.

The Queen sighed in response "Can we take a walk, dear?"

"Of course we can!" Diana ran up to her side as they started walking away from the encampment. They trailed through the marble pathways of Themyscira with the wonderful view of the ocean and the nice atmosphere of fresh morning air

"You still haven't gotten over that phase, I'm presuming?" Queen Hippolyta uttered suddenly

Diana looked at her "phase?"

Her Mother stopped in her tracks to face her this time "I'm talking about your ridiculous dreams and absurd viewpoint of the world" She emphasized with her hands raised in the air "Diana, how much longer are you gonna keep up with this phantasm?"

"I honestly don't understand what you are pertaining to…"

"You're much too soft, Lass!" Her mother snapped at her "And you don't understand it even!"

Diana was speechless, she couldn't respond even. Stunned, she just stared at her mother in surprise

Upon noticing her daughter's reaction, The Queen decided to let loose "Look, Diana…" The Queen held her shoulders, looking at her this time "I'm just trying to prepare you to be the best Amazon that you can be. A strong resilient woman who fears nothing"

"But aren't I already that, Mother?" Diana asked without hesitation

"You are much too soft, my sun-and-stars." Queen Hippolyta bit back in a very stern yet loving way "This kind of thinking is gonna lead you to be taken advantage of by your enemies in wars" Queen Hippolyta resumed on her walk, which her daughter stayed behind on the same spot

A cloud of uncertainty rained over Diana. There was something she wanted to say, but she wasn't sure that she should. But her curiosity got the best of her..

"Must there be enemies…. Mother?"

This statement made the Queen stop in her tracks and turn to her with confusion "What was that?"

"Must there be always wars? Must there be always hatred? Why must we keep on inciting violence on each other?"

"Because the world out there is not the peaceful, loving and magical world from your books, Diana" Her Mother hummed in a low voice "Because the fiends out there are merciless brutes who think of us as mere weaklings with those whole ideals of your!"

"Perhaps we can change that… W-With love!" Diana reasoned out "Perhaps if we can show kindness to these brutes, maybe we can c-change their minds"

"Diana…" Queen Hippolyta chimed in a sweet voice "We can talk about this on another day, okay?" She then gave her daughter a nice embrace "I expect you to be ready in the coliseum this afternoon" Queen Hippolyta announced before finally walking away

Diana could only stare of her own Mother with Guilt and uncertainty inside of her. Deep inside, she fully disagreed with everything they stood up for. Ever since she was a girl, she always found this idea of "war" and "violence" to be very unnecessary

Her attention was then diverted to the crashing waves just afar. It looked as majestic as ever with the sun kissing it from the shine. Diana decided to take a stroll at the shores and went to her favorite spot where a hammock that she built was tied unto the palm trees.

She sat on it, wanting to reflect on everything her Mother has told her. Was she right all along? Is violence really the answer to everything? These were the thoughts that raved her mind

Suddenly, a sound of tweeting came up from behind. Out of nowhere, a pair of birds landed on her shoulders which Diana responded with a warm smile

"Winnie and Celestia!" she greeted with delight "How are you two doing today"

"We're doing just fine, Diana" Winnie tweeted

"But you don't seem to be otherwise" Celestia chirped, her winds caressing her cheeks in response "Is something wrong?"

"Ohhh… I don't know" Diana hid her face with her palms "All my life, all I've ever wanted was to live a peaceful and nice life with my one true love… Is that too much to ask?"

The birds looked at each other and shrugged. "Well… what is your definition of True Love, Diana?" Celestia asked in a chirping way

"Oh, I'm glad you asked!" Diana clamped her hands, as her eyes gleamed in daydream, imagining that special someone of her dreams

"You see… when you meet the someone who is meant for you…" She spoke in a very soft manner "Before two can become one… there's something you must do~"

Her singing attracted a whole lot of animals who are now approaching her.

"Do you pull each other's tails?" Oliver the Rabbit asked

"Do you feed each other corn?" Kenny the Chipmunk asked

Upon seeing this, Diana giggled a little bit in a very adorable way

"No… but there is something sweeter…. Everybody needs…"

Diana stood up from her hammock and walked just by the shores of the ocean. Seeing the wonderful blue of the waves calmed her once again. It was so beautiful that she had to express herself in the most Diana way she could ever express herself

"I've been dreaming of a true loves kiss… and a Prince I'm hoping comes with this~" She sang in a very sweet melody "That's what makes Every After-ings so happy!"

She then turned to her animals friends who were watching her "That's the reason we need lips so much… for lips are the only things that touch~"

"So to spend a life of endless bliss~" She sung in a more high-pitched melody this time "Just find who you love… through true love's kiss~"

An idea came to Diana.

"If we're going to build my true love, we're going to need a lot more help!" She then inhaled a lot of air as she fanned her hands with her mouth as she hollered a loud yet very lovely and gracious call "Ahh~ Ahhhh~ Ahhhhhh~"

All of a sudden, a bunch of animals all came out from their hiding and responded with her call. "Ahh~ Ahhhh~ Ahhhhhh~"

Eventually, they gathered around Diana and foraged every material they could find from the surroundings. From the stones, tree barks, sea weeds, sea shells and even pearls

As they worked hard to find the things, they started to sing in unison "She's been dreaming of a true loves' kiss, and a prince she's hoping comes with this… That's what makes ever after-ings so happy!"

After finally chucking up the right materials, the animals set to work. They started with the Arnel the beaver carving up the wood to be a perfect body and face, which followed by the dress made by the two hummingbirds, Christian and Charvee, and Ivan and Giovanni, the bunnies themselves. Next was the black seaweed as the hair provided by Emman the raccoon, and finally, the shiny blue pearls as the eyes given by Jamee the turtle

"That's the reason we need lips so much… for lips are the only things that touch~" the animals sang in unison

And just like that, they made themselves a model of Diana's true love

The maiden couldn't believe her eyes. It was exactly like how it was in her dreams. Her excitement and delight was making her enjoy the moment. The Prince of her dreams is right in front of her

And so… she sang again

"So to spend a life of endless bliss…"

The animals chorused with their own melody. Now mesmerized with how perfect everything was. It was so magical, as if straight out from a fairy tale book

"Just find who you love… through true loves kiss~"

o 0 o

It was finally afternoon, as the Amazons all lined up from each side. Each armed with their own weapons and wearing their own battle armor to add so. Fierce and feisty, their expressions seemed as if hostility was the only thing trendy in that place

From a distance, Queen Hippolyta watched with her usual calm demeanor. She was looking for a certain Amazon who happens to be her daughter who should be participating in the tournament.

"What troubles you, Hippolyta?"

Antiope's voice came from behind which startled her a bit. The Queen turned to her with uncertainty "It's just… I worry about Diana sometimes

"Perhaps, it is wiser to just let her be, sister. I do not see the problem of her demeanor at all" Antiope bit back "She's way too gentle and soft, but also quite strong and smart."

"She'll be eaten alive in the battlefield with that kind of mindset" Hippolyta reasoned out with proper emphasis "I haven't even seen her angry… or mad at some point"

Antiope was speechless, not knowing what words to use. Her sister was absolutely right, but somehow, something was urging her otherwise

"Sorry I'm late!"

And speaking of the devil, the maiden herself has finally let her presence known. She was still wearing her floral blooming dress and her flower crown was still resting on her head. She looked more like a blooming maiden for a ball than a participant for the tournament

The Amazons were all confused over Diana's attire, even though they should all be used to it already. And so did Queen Hippolyta with an embarrassed look on her face.

We now introduce our Amazons, from the right corner, the fierce leopard herself, give it up for Alexis!"

A slim yet muscular brunette woman then walked in the coliseum armed with a big sword and wearing a heavy armor. She looked fierce and intimidating, as if she was gonna cause some trouble

"And in the other side, our dear princess herself, the tough and strong Diana!"

Diana walked in. She waved at everyone, seemingly appreciative of everyone's cheers even though they were still bewildered of how the "tough" Amazon is acting, not to mention her dress

From the side, a feint whisper was heard "pssst Diana!" It belonged to the redhead girl, Artemis

"You forgot to put on your armor… and your sword"

"Oh, I won't be needing those, Artemis" Diana responded in a carefree way, literally spinning around with her dress flowing by her movements

"And we officially start the tournament, starting with Alexis and Diana!" one of the Amazons roared as they blew the trumpet, indicating for the fight to begin

Alexis didn't hesitate to charge at Diana with her side, with her grunts as powerful as ever that could make anyone shake to their knees. Diana however, was unbothered, she easily dodged the sword, hopping to the right which made Alexandra lose her balance

And of course… she fell to the ground

"Good Afternoon, Alexis!" Diana greeted in a friendly polite way "I love your hair today, it looks lovely~"

Alexandra's feisty face suddenly shifted in a more calm expression as she caressed her braided hair. She did spend almost a day making it like that and she was glad someone noticed

"Ohhh… thanks Princess Diana" She responded, still caressing her hair. And just like that, her hostile behavior had turned into a more rather calm one

Diana offered her a hand in which she accepted as pulled herself up. "Well, we'll have to fight now"

Alexis immediately threw a punch, which of course Diana dodged. She gave her a nice low kick which Diana only hopped to avoid as she flipped into the air and landed on the opposite side of the ground. Alexis turned and charged a punch, but instead of dodging, Diana held her fists this time and pinned her on the ground, sitting on her back in a very elegant way

Alexis tried to lift herself up, but Diana was far too strong that she couldn't even lift herself a few inches

"I'm sorry about this, sister…" Diana softly apologized, which Alexis only nodded in response

And just like that, the trumpets roared again, as the crowd cheered. A winner was finally revealed which had caused an outburst of applause in the coliseum

Diana stood up and helped Alexis stand up also. "Nice battle, sister. You were lovely as always" Diana uttered

"Likewise… though I would prefer to be tough than lovely" The brunette gave her a nod of respect before finally walking out of the coliseum in defeat

Antiope came to her with an impressed expression "You were wonderful there, Diana." her teacher said "I'm so proud of you"

"Thank you, Aunt Antiope~" Diana responded with a curtsy

Her gaze soon was caught by the Queen herself coming up to her. She looked… quite different from the way her sister did

"Mother, how was I?" Diana excitingly came up to her Mother, anticipating for her answer

"I can't believe you would disgrace me like that, Diana…" Queen Hippolyta muttered with stern on her voice "All I asked was one thing… just one thing and you couldn't even do that"

Diana was surprised over her Mother's unexpected response

"B-But I won… Mother…"

"You disgraced me and the principles of the Amazons with the way you acted!" Queen Hippolyta finally snapped with resentment in her eyes

Speechless, Diana was mumbling slow words with her lips shaking

"Y-You're unhappy…"

"This whole act is making us look bad, this whole soft and weak approach you do in everything!" Her Mother added, not holding back whatsoever

"B-But Mother…"

"No more! I'm not having no more of this, Diana!" Queen Hippolyta roared angrily "It's either you change your ways, or you are not an Amazon."

Shocked, Diana took a step back, with distraught on her face. Hearing her mother say that most definitely hurt her so.

Antiope decided to act on Diana's defense "Sister, that's enough!"

"No, I've had enough!" she barked "All I've ever done so far is consider and tolerate… but no more!"

"But she's still you daughter!" Antiope reasoned out

"I have no weak daughter!" Queen Hippolyta snapped, which stunned Diana greatly

She slowly stood up "I am not… your daughter?" tears now started to flow on her cheeks which made her Mother guilty.

"Dear, I didn't mean it that way…"

She was too late as her daughter immediately dashed to the opposite side with her tears flowing in the air. Without stopping, Diana headed to the one place she would often find solace in… the fountain near the tree that she would always hang out in

Diana stopped to wash her face with the water, as she contemplated her Mother's words.

"Aww… you poor thing!"

A sudden voice from behind made Diana turn. It belonged to the witch, Circe, herself in her usual sinister looking outfit, quite different to Diana's lovely and gracious theme

"I was watching the whole thing and I must say… it was very terrible" Circe raised her hands up in emphasis "How she said that to you nonchalantly, as if you don't matter"

Diana only stared at her, no response whatsoever

"Well… lucky for you I have just the thing to help you with your pain!" The witch said as she turned to the fountain "Right here is an enchanted fountain that could make your dreams come true…"

Her interest was immediately liven up upon hearing those words "Dreams?" Diana repeated

"Yes, my Dear… all of your dreams!" Circe buzzed in an awfully convincing way "Just stare at the fountain and make your wiishh"

Diana did so, as she turned to the fountain. Seeing her reflection on the water, she closed her eyes and made a wish, hoping it would come true

But all of a sudden, a force from behind made her lose her balance, as she slowly fell into the fountain. Diana asked for help, but Circe was no longer there with her

She held on the edges, hoping she won't be sucked in the deep fountain

Artemis arrives on the scene, and without hesitation, she immediately reached out for Diana's hand in which she held on tightly

"Don't let go, Diana!"

But the current of the water was way too strong, that Artemis had no choice but to let go. Diana could only scream as she fell down deeper and deeper into the fountain as her form disappeared from the darkness of the abyss.

Queen Hippolyta and Antiope finally arrived to the scene. Artemis didn't hesitate to tell them what happened.

"Hera, no…" Antiope uttered as she turned into her sister who was as shocked as she was

"H-How could this be…" Queen Hippolyta slowly muttered

"Don't worry, she'll be just fine" Circe uttered from behind, which caught all of their attention

"I saw the whole thing, she tripped on herself and fell down herself"

"And you didn't even bother to help!?" Antiope grunted in anger

"Relax, General. I know where this fountains leads to?"

"And where does it lead to?" Queen Hippolyta asked slowly

The witch turned to them with a serious expression on her face

"A place where there are no such thing as a Happily Ever Afters.."

o 0 o