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"Both of them have failed as Wonder Woman," a voice shouted. Diana could hardly make out what was going on. "Let me challenge her for the amulet so that I may slay Circe myself!"

"By the gods, have you lost it Orana?" another voice said. Presumably, Hippolyta.

"You are not allowed to favor your daughters against the gods' wishes. It is my right—"

"The title of Wonder Woman is one of honor. You would challenge her while she's still healing from the aftereffects of the Union?"

"The woman we face has no honor. Why should we?" she questioned.

"Leave this place, Orana!" she shouted. Orana huffed before storming out of the room. Hippolyta sighs before closing the door behind the woman. She shakes her head in frustration before returning her attention to Diana. Her face softens and her eyes glisten as Diana slowly raises up from her bed. She felt no real pain as her injuries were fully healed but she could still remember her injuries as if she were experiencing a new type of phantom pain.

"What was that about?" Diana asked.

"I was waiting for you to wake up. We performed the Union with the Earth to keep you alive," she responded.

"Were my injuries really that bad?" Diana questioned. Hippolyta cocked her head to the side. She placed her hand over Diana's head to see if she was sick. "What are you doing?"

"If Io didn't throw that axe at that woman's back, she would've killed you. That blast narrowly missed your heart and the aftershock that traveled throughout your body punctured most of your internal organs. Io started the ritual immediately, and I finished it."

"How could she start the ritual? And why did she not do this for Nubia?"

"Nubia was already gone. Besides, she already used hers once before. You know this is a sacred ritual. Which begs the question you brought up: how could Io start the ritual? No one should have taught her that chant. What if she were to say the full chant?"

"We can punish her later, mother. For all it's worth, she saved my life," Diana said in relief.

"That much I can thank her for."

"So, who was Circe?" Diana asked. "It wouldn't make much sense as to why she manipulated the corpse of a Kreeyan to take the amulet."

"Circe was once a candidate for Wonder Woman in the past. She ruined her opportunity after killing her husband. She felt him to be too weak to rule the people of Colchis."

"She was a queen just like you? I'm guessing the amulet went to you afterwards?"

"Not quite. I needed to prove myself worthy to the gods first. But my position was solidified long before. She was banished to Aeaea. It was no way for her to handle affairs outside of that island. That's why she projected herself rather than showing up physically."

"And she was still capable of killing my sister and nearly me as well?"

"Circe was a powerful witch. Low level spells could never affect immortals like us, but she's gotten stronger over the years. There are many who could still surpass her and they would not have faltered as she did last night."

"Why does she desire the amulet so much? Is there a secret to uncover from it?"

"There is nothing about the amulet that you do not already know. It is possible that she seeks to have access to it to get closer to the gods. Maybe she still desires to spite us by taking away the gods' protection over us." Hippolyta looked to the door noticing someone was coming in before the handle twisted. Diana noticed how her mother was on guard, suspecting that Orana may have returned. However, it was Philippus.

"I suspect you've told her about the armor I have prepared for her," she interrupted.

"What armor?" Diana asked.

"We did not agree on accepting Circe's request, Philippus," Hippolyta shouted. Philippus simply shook her head.

"It was a challenge, not a request," she responded.

"We would not put this island in danger for pride."

"This will not be the last time she visits us. She will attack Diana eventually," Philippus stated. "You have sheltered your children long enough. Nubia knew the risks when she faced Circe in Diana's stead. It is now time for Diana to do the same for the rest of us."

"We can send Egeria and some others to Aeaea and stop Circe. Io has already proven more than worthy. As has Orana."

"Then why not give the amulet and title to Orana as she requested?" Philippus mocked. Hippolyta was interrupted by Diana before she could respond.

"I've already decided that I would accept the challenge. My sister's death could never go unavenged no matter what decision you would've made. I will honor her," she reassured.

"Circe is no mere foe, Diana."

"That is why I must face her alone. If I accept the challenge at the decree of the Elder Lords instead, her power would be restricted—as would mine—but I would be able to stand a better chance than anyone else. In person, neither you, Artemis, Philippus, or Antiope would be able to stop her. Not without making it an official challenge."

"The official challenge bans the use of Sorcery. She would never agree to that," Philippus stated.

"That only applies to the global challenges. This will be a single challenge declared by her and accepted by me. If I allow it, she will accept," Diana responded. Hippolyta sighed as she had done numerous times lately. She nodded towards Philippus who did the same in return.

"Very well Diana. You may face her tomorrow," Hippolyta approved.

"We have a special armor for you being made by Pallas in the armory. She'll also have a new blade and shield for you as well," Philippus stated. Diana placed her fist over her chest.

"Thank you. Both of you. I vow to come back in one piece. You have my word." Hippolyta smiled at her daughter, as proud as could be. Philippus grinned.


As the noon came, Diana walks along the balcony of her room thinking about the events that occurred the night before. Nubia was a warrior who fought the likes of Hercules and Aries in the past. Many of Diana's closest friends perished in wars over the past few centuries. The world of Man was always seen as a cruel place, but Diana knows better. She's lived there for half a century, met her husband, and raised a daughter, only to return to witness her Sister's death at the hands of another woman. Circe.

A knock came at Diana's door. She cautioned her steps as she approached. As another knock occurred, a soft voice called out to her, muffled by the interference of the door. "Princess Diana," she said, "it's Io."

Io? she said to herself. Diana cracked the door open only giving the woman a view of one-third of her face. "Is something wrong, Io?" she asked

"I was going to ask you the same question. I haven't seen you since yesterday," Io explained sincerely. Diana smiles and widens the door. She offers to let the woman come in, but Io shakes her head.

"You saved my life yesterday. It's the least I can do."

"Diana, if you don't want company, you don't have to let me in," said Io as the flush color of her rosy cheeks stood out. Diana's smile widens as she scoped the woman from her short hair to her broad calves.

"I need a favor from you, along with the gift you had for me decades ago."


End of Chapter 3

(Upcoming—The Fated Battle)