Chapter 3: Princess of the Amazons
In New York City, an ancient greek styled building stood proud amidst the modern architecture around it. This was the Themyscira House, the embassy for the famed Isle of Women. Inside the building sat Diana, princess of Themyscira. At the moment, she was going over some paperwork for her job as Ambassador of her home island. She set her pen down for a moment, taking a few seconds to flex her fingers. As she did, her eyes drifted to a photo sitting on her desk. It was an old black and white photo, showing her in the middle of a group of three men. Seeing the picture caused her to think back. Back to how it all began...
...
Themyscira, 1918
Hidden away from the world of man, there exists an island populated solely by warrior women. Followers of Athena and Artemis, these women spend their days training, honing their skills until they were the best of the best. Diana, the daughter of the queen of the Amazons, Hippolyta, trained the hardest out of all of her Amazonian sisters, and yet, part of her longed for something more than endless training.
This became evident one day when she was in the midst of a heated training session with one of her fellow Amazons, Aresia. The two were trading sword blows with each other, keeping a constant speed and grace. As they fought, Aresia noticed that Diana's eyes occasionally drifted to the shores of the island.
"Are you still daydreaming about the mortal world, Diana?" Aresia asked.
"More like dreaming of getting a better fight out of you, sister." Diana retorted, pressing her attack.
"All for the better." Aresia commented, blocking Diana's attacks. "There's nothing in the world of man by hatred and death."
"So says you." Diana insisted. "We have been taught that men are naught but barbaric creatures, but it has been many centuries since Aphrodite freed our people from man's oppression."
"You honestly think man's world has changed?" Aresia remarked. "They are incapable of changing."
"That remains to be seen." Diana countered. "Considering no Amazon has laid eyes on a man since Hercules came to our shores, we may never know.
"And Hera willing, it will stay that way." Aresia replied, kicking Diana in the chest.
Diana tumbled to the ground as Aresia aimed her blade at her chest. Diana batted the blade away with a thick metal bracelet welded on her wrist. Aresia continued slashing at Diana, only for her to continue blocking with her bracelets. Finally, Diana brought her bracelets together to block a blow, only for a surge of energy to shoot out from her wrists, knocking Aresia back. Aresia pulled herself up off the ground, staring at Diana in shock. Diana was equally stunned, looking at her bracelets as the glowed red hot before cooling to their normal silver color.
"What was…?" Diana let out.
Before she could question any further, a war horn rang out across the island.
"Something's passed through the barrier!" Aresia declared.
Acting on instinct, Diana bolted off the ground, running towards a cliff that looked over the ocean. She looked out, seeing a smoking plane descending from the sky. It spiraled out of control before finally crashing into the water. Thinking fast, Diana ran forward and dove into the water.
Beneath the waves, she could see the plane sinking rapidly. She could also see the form of a person struggling to free themselves. They seemed to have part of their clothing stuck on the inside of the plane. Diana swam up to the drowned plane, easily smashing through the cracked glass that kept the pilot trapped in the plane. She tore through their clothing, then grabbed them and swam for the surface. Once breaking the surface of the water, she swam towards shore carrying the pilot in tow. Finally, Diana reached the shore and placed the pilot on the sand, finally seeing them clearly.
The pilot had short blonde hair under a leather helmet with cracked goggles. He was wearing a leather jacket with a flag sewn onto the sleeve, a torn white scarf under it, tan pants, and thick black boots. The thing that really caught her attention though was the fact that the pilot was a man. The first man she had ever seen. He began to stir, instincts kicking in as Diana reached for where her sword would usually hang. Finding her holster empty, she clenched her fists, preparing for a fight as the man's eyes fluttered open.
"Am… am I in… heaven…?" He let out upon seeing Diana.
Diana seemed surprised, gently sliding out of her defensive stance.
"Who are you?" She asked.
"Name's Steve Trevor." He answered. "Just had an unhappy accident that caused me to crash here… uh, where is here?"
"Themyscira, the Isle of the Amazons." Diana informed him.
"... you're joking." He let out. "There's no way."
"I can assure you this is no joke." Diana insisted.
The sound of running feet met their ears, spurring Steve to try and rise. He winced in pain, reaching for a pistol on his belt. Diana snatched the weapon from him, crushing it in her grip.
"Do not fight." She commanded. "Men are forbidden on Themyscira. If my sisters believe you to be hostile, they will kill you without hesitation."
"Guess we can't have that, can we?" Steve remarked.
Steve then raised his hands, getting on his knees as Aresia and several more Amazons arrived. They all pointed spears at Steve, their faces cold and merciless. Just then, the Amazons began parting into two lines, making way for a woman with long black hair wearing flattering yet functional leather armor. She wore a golden circlet on her brow, marking her as an important member of Amazon culture.
"What is this?" The woman questioned. "How did a man get through the barrier?"
"I do not know." Diana admitted. "He has surrendered willingly."
"Men are forbidden here, Diana!" Aresia shouted. "The penalty is death!"
"Stay your hand, Aresia." the woman told her. "We shall give him a chance to explain himself. If he proves benevolent, we shall send him on his way."
…
Not long after, Steve was taken to a pavilion where he was made to kneel before a grand throne. The woman from before, none other than Hippolyta herself, sat on the throne with Diana at her side. Hippolyta held the end of a glowing golden rope that was bound around Steve's wrists as she asked him questions.
"Who are you?" She asked.
"I am Steve Trevor, a pilot for the United States Airforce." He revealed, much to his surprise. "Why did I say that?"
"The lasso will compel you to tell the truth, no matter what secrets you may have." Hyppolyta explained. "Now, what interest does this 'United States' have with our island."
"None." Steve answered. "I thought this island was just an ancient greek myth. Part of me thinks I hit my head really hard and I'm hallucinating."
"How did you come so close to our borders, then?" Hippolyta pressed.
"I was in a fight with another airplane." Steve replied. "I shot him down, but not before he damaged my wing, forcing me to crash near your island."
"Why were you fighting?" Diana questioned out of curiosity.
"We're in the middle of a war." Steve explained. "The war to end all wars."
The other Amazons all turned towards each other in surprise and concern. Hippolyta shared their concerned looks, glancing down at Steve once again.
"How massive is this war?" Hippolyta asked.
"The entire world is fighting in it." Steve told her. "Every able bodied man is out there fighting, from every country.
"A war Ares himself would be proud of." Diana remarked bitterly.
"Diana, take him to the prison on Reform Island for now." Hippolyta ordered. "I will deliberate on what to do about him."
"Of course, Mother." Diana said with a small bow.
She then turned to Steve and took hold of the lasso, pulling him to his feet. She escorted him out of the pavillion
"I have a question of my own." Diana said as they got outside. "Why did you think you were in heaven when you woke up?"
"... because you look like an Angel." Steve answered, causing Diana to blush a little as she led him off.
…
That night, Steve rested on the bed in his cell. It was the nicest bed he'd had since the war started, and despite his status as a prisoner, he slept rather well. His thoughts drifted to the woman who saved him, who had turned out to be the princess of the entire island. As he lay in bed, he heard the sound of someone approaching his cell. Cracking an eye open, he was surprised to see Diana standing there.
"Oh, hey." He greeted, sitting up. "Wasn't expecting to see you so soon."
Diana didn't say anything at first. Instead, she seemed to observe him, like one would an animal in a zoo.
"All amazons have been raised to believe that men are brutal, savage creatures." Diana told him. "We swore an oath to Aphrodite that none of us would ever allow a man to control us. And yet, when I look at you, I see nothing of the legends and stories we were taught."
"Um… thanks, I guess." Steve replied.
"What is man's world truly like?" she wondered. "Your 'United States'."
"Well… it's not perfect to be sure." Steve did his best to explain. "It's got it's selfish jerks and people who try and use others, but there are still good people."
"And you are willing to give your life for these people?" Diana asked.
"Yeah." Steve answered. "I mean, I'd prefer to live, but if given the choice between saving my own skin and saving the lives of innocent people… I'd take the shot. I'm a soldier, it's kinda what I do."
Diana gave a small nod, as if making up her mind about something.
"Should you be released, what would you do?" She questioned.
"Head back to London, where I was stationed." He explained. "Report my mission a success and go where I'm needed next."
"I see." Diana said. "And… if you had someone with you. Someone to aid you in your cause. Would you accept it?"
"Yeah." Steve replied, a little curious. "Why? You offering?"
...
Later, Diana returned to her mother's chambers, where Hippolyta was coming to a decision.
"Mother, I wish to bring the man back to fight in the war." Diana spoke.
"That is not your decision to make." Hippolyta replied.
"But he is merely fighting for his home, for his people." Diana insisted. "Is that not what we ourselves are trained to do."
"It is," Hippolyta confirmed. "However, we cannot forget the most sacred law of Themyscira."
"Sending him back would be honoring the law." Diana reasoned. "Besides, if he found a way through the barrier, then others may as well. This war could be a threat to everything we have built for our people."
Hippolyta paused for a moment, thinking over what her daughter had said.
"Your point is sound." She admitted. "But I will not leave Themyscira completely defenseless. We will hold a tournament to find the strongest among us to go with him to the realm of man."
"Then I wish to enter as well." Diana declared.
"No Diana." Hippolyta forbade. "Your place is here. You do not possess the wisdom needed for such a venture."
"But mother-!"
"My decision is final!" Hippolyta declared. "Now respect it."
Diana looked angry, then turned and marched out of her mother's chambers. Hippolyta watched her daughter leave disheartenedly before turning to one of her advisors, Menolippe.
"My queen, Diana is one of our greatest warriors." Menolippe pointed out. "You know as well as I that you cannot keep her on Themyscira forever. That is not why she was born."
"I am aware…" Hippolyta replied. "But it is not her time yet. And if the Gods be willing, it will not come anytime soon."
…
The next day, the Amazons all stood before Hippolyta as she began the tournament. Steve was bought out to witness it, though he was kept bound and under heavy guard. Several amazons, all wearing helmets to hide their identities and prevent favoritism, stepped forward to participate. It started with basic combat, then branched into other skills such as archery, swordplay, and horseback combat. The warriors fighting until two were left standing. Both then relinquished their weapons, facing a pair of amazons armed with arrows. The amazons readied their arrows as both warriors held up their fists, ready to deflect the arrows with their bracelets.
"What are they doing?" Steve questioned.
"We Amazons have trained our reflexes." Menolippe informed him. "A true amazon can stop an arrow with her bracelets. Whomever is left standing after this round will be the winner."
"Guess it's a good thing you're not using bullets then." Steve remarked.
The two archers fired their arrows, one for each amazon. The two competitors blocked them easily, so two more archers were added. All four fired at the warriors, and they deflected them all the same. Two more archers were added, meaning three arrows in total for each amazon. This time, one of the competitors was not fast enough, the final arrow striking her in the shoulder. This left only one standing.
"We have our victor!" Hippolyta declared.
All the amazons broke out into cheers as the fallen amazon sat up. She threw her helmet off in anger, revealing herself to be Aresia. The victor walked towards Hippolyta, bowing in front of her.
"You have fought bravely," Hippolyta told her. "And as such, I bestow upon you the title of Champion of Themyscira. It will be your duty to uphold truth, justice, and honor in the world of man. Do you understand the mission bestowed upon you, and are willing to take it?"
The warrior then took off her helmet, revealing herself to be Diana.
"I do." She told her.
There was a few gasps in the crowd, as well as a flicker of surprise from Hippolyta. Steve couldn't help but smile, but wisely kept it hidden when eyes drifted his direction. Aresia saw this and moved to protest.
"My Queen, Diana was forbidden from entering the contest!" She declared, still holding her bleeding shoulder. "She had no right to compete, and thus I am the true champion!"
"No." Menolippe spoke up. "By Athena's decree, once a warrior has completed the tournament an accepted their duty, it is forbidden to take it back."
"Menolippe is right." Hippolyta admitted. "Even if it wasn't how I envisioned it, the decision of champion is final. And no one, not even me, can recind it. Diana will go to man's world and aid in ending this great war!"
Cheers rang out once more, including a proud smile from Menolippe. Diana beamed with pride and anxiousness, stealing a glance at Steve. He gave her an awkward thumbs up, smiling happily.
…
Later in the armory, Diana received a new set of armor for her journey.
"This armor was custom made for you." Hippolyta explained. "It was modeled after the flag on Steve Trevor's uniform."
Diana took the uniform, a red and blue leather armor with golden trim. They came with a pair of long boots with armored plates.
"It looks amazing." Diana regaled.
"You will also need these." Hippolyta told her, holding out a sword and shield.
Diana took them in hand, getting a feel for them and testing their weight.
"They are perfect." She declared.
"Take this as well." Hippolyta insisted, holding out the golden lasso. "Man's world is full of deceit. With this, you may bring truth to them."
Diana was hesitant to carry such a tool, but she reluctantly took it, placing it on her belt.
"And finally, one last gift." Hippolyta declared. "Not as your queen, but as your mother."
She slipped her circlet off her head, sliding it onto Diana's.
"I know you will make me proud." Hippolyta told her, placing a hand on Diana's shoulder.
"I will try to." Diana replied smiling.
…
Later, Diana emerged from the armory, decked out in her new armor with her shield on her back and the lasso and sword on her side. Steve saw this and his jaw dropped in surprise, having never seen anyone look so radiant and yet so deadly at the same time. Diana walked towards him, cocking her head slightly.
"Why are you staring?" she questioned.
"I… sorry." Steve apologized. "Just… that's good armor."
"Thank you." Diana told him. "Now, we must set sail if we are to reach the realm of man in time."
"Right." Steve agreed as they went to the docks.
They boarded a small sailboat and departed from Themyscira, Diana giving her home one final look before it disappeared into the enchanted mist.
…
Present Day
Diana set down the photo, letting out a sigh. It had been many years since that fateful day, and yet she never regretted her decision. True, she felt homesick every now and then, but she knew she was needed in the world of men. Just then, sirens began blaring from outside, several police cars whizzing past. Diana watched them go, then stood up from her desk. She slid off a pair of glasses she wore before spinning around.
Gone was her official business woman attire, replaced with the red, gold, and blue armor she had worn that fateful day. She then took off out a nearby window to fulfill her duty as Champion of the Amazons. As protector of the world. As Wonder Woman.
As you've no doubt gathered so far, I'm doing individual chapters for the main league members before starting the main story, like I did with Avengers. and yes, this is only part of Diana's story, but these are just meant to show snippets of what each character is like. I do intend to continue the WWI story someday, but just not now. Stay tuned for more