WONDER WOMAN : THE ENEMY OF MY ANCESTOR
PART 3
The next morning Diana arrives in Themyscira and as always receives a warm welcome from her sisters before traveling to the Amazon's citadel of arcane magic and history. The island's protections react to Leandros's presence within her lasso, as if knowing the great calamity that has been invited: strong winds, dark clouds and distant thunder disrupt Themyscira's long kept balance.
Diana navigates the dark corridors of the citadel and approaches Alexa, the oldest living Amazon and former advisor of the queen.
"Greetings sister, there is something we need to discuss".
"Greetings princess, what troubles you?".
Diana uncoiled her now blue lasso, letting it gleam faintly in the dim light, "I wish to undo the punishment that has been inflicted on a tormented soul".
"Who's soul is to be freed?".
"Leandros of Phthia".
"Phthia? A myrmidon? That is impossible, they haven't existed for over 3000 years. Why do you wish to aid him, our dear queen Penthesilea was slain by their kind!".
"Apollo forbade Leandros entry to the underworld for his desecration of a sacred temple. This punishment is cruel and unjust. Please, help me undo it".
"Diana, Apollo is not to be trifled with. If he learns of your intentions, you could bring ruin upon us all!".
"When have we ever feared retaliation from the gods? Allowed it to dictate our course? My mother defied Ares to ensure our freedom. You stood by her then, please stand by me now".
Alexa's gaze drifted to the lasso, noting the golden strands have turned blue. Then suddenly, sharp as a sword thrust, the sound of a loud distant horn split the air. Bright and baneful was its voice, a shivering scream that made Diana's bones thrum within her. It was a terrible sound of pain and fury that seemed to burn her ears. When the horrible sound expired into silence, Diana caught Alexa who nearly collapsed to the ground, seemingly sapped of her strength. Outside, the everyday life that has been undisturbed for millennia is disrupted as all of Themyscira begins to prepare itself for whatever response is being mustered.
"That—that was the horn of Olympus… Hera's veil has been lifted, our island is no longer hidden from the gaze of men and gods!".
"This is why the island stirs: the winds, the thunder—Apollo's forces are gathering. Let us make haste in undoing this curse!".
"He's tethered to your lasso for now, to free him we require the scrolls of Tartarus, follow!".
Diana and Alexa make their way to the darkest depths of the citadel through endless corridors and stairs, passing through secret doors and passages that guard the darkest secrets of the Amazons. Eventually the pair find themselves in a large dark chamber, the sides are lined with statues of the gods of Olympus. Then suddenly, the stone eyes of Apollo's statue start to glow blue, spectacularly illuminating the entire chamber. Alexa looks in awe as the stone statue of Apollo begins to speak to Diana in a godly voice, its glowing eyes tracking her every move.
"Daughter of Themyscira. Return what you have stolen from me".
"Leandros does not belong to you Apollo, he belongs with his brothers in the world of the dead".
"The blood of my followers stains his sword, he will suffer for his actions. Hand him over and spare your people from ruin".
"What he did–he has paid for a hundred times over, i'm putting an end to this".
An uncomfortable silence settles as the glowing eyes of Apollo's statue stare a hole through Diana, testing her resolve and commitment. Suddenly the gigantic door Diana and Alexa passed through opens again and an entourage of Amazonian soldiers pour through to surround the pair. Out of the darkness steps Gloria, one of the fiercest Amazons alive and head of the queen's guard.
Diana had expected some resistance from her sisters, but she could hardly believe her eyes when Gloria's new ally stepped out of the darkness. It was none other than Artemis, goddess of the hunt and Apollo's sister. Gloria spoke,
"Princess Diana, you have gone too far this time".
"I've gone as far as necessary. You're with her now, Gloria?".
"Your time amongst men has poisoned you, sister. You have brought the enemy to our home, and with him, war".
Artemis takes a step forward towards Diana, looking her in the eyes with a self-satisfied grin.
"Gloria here has wisely decided to accept my brother's generous offer".
"Has she? Going behind my mother's back is treason Gloria, i offer you a chance to-".
"She only seeks to protect her people, as should you. Give up the Mycenaean and none of your people need die".
Diana and Alexa stare down the entourage of soldiers led by Gloria and Artemis, their hands resting on the pommels of their swords. Gloria has distrusted Diana ever since she ventured into man's world, viewing it as a betrayal of the most sacred and deeply held values of the Amazons. No doubt she allowed Artemis to enter Themyscira behind the queen's back.
Diana's breath steadied as she stood in the center of the dark chamber, facing down Gloria and Artemis. The tension in the air was thick, like the moment before a storm breaks. Diana had long feared the day she'd be forced to stand against her sisters for what she considered just, now the line has been drawn and only fate can decide its outcome.
Suddenly, once again the heavy chamber doors swing open, and a figure draped in regal armor and royal garb steps into the room—Queen Hippolyta. The presence of the queen commands instant respect; the centuries of leadership and wisdom she carries emanate from her. Hippolyta's gaze moves to the surrounding Amazons, all of whom have now lowered themselves to one knee, the weight of her authority unmistakable. Gloria's and Alexa's faces are a mixture of uncertainty and loyalty, but both fall to one knee, their loyalty to Hippolyta is clear despite their divided positions.
But then there is Artemis. The goddess of the hunt does not kneel, she stands as defiantly as she has always stood—above the mortal coil, untouched by reverence. Her eyes lock with Hippolyta's with a cold, steely gaze, challenging the queen's authority not with words but with sheer will.
"Artemis. I swore by the spirits of my venerated ancestors that no Amazon would ever bow to man or god again. And yet here you stand, uninvited, on sacred ground".
"I am here to prevent a great calamity, queen. Your daughter's hubris has endangered your people. Surrender Leandros, and my brother's wrath may be stayed".
"You would threaten me, even as you trespass in my halls, sowing discord among my sisters?".
"Set aside your pride and misguided sense of justice, queen. Unlike your revolt against Ares, you have nowhere to run anymore".
"My people do not fear death, Artemis. They welcome it, and the glory it brings. Leave Themyscira at once and never return".
Artemis's amused and nonchalant expression turns stone cold, her eyes staring a hole through the queen of the Amazons. It was not the first time Hippolyta felt the dread of divine eyes set upon her, she stood unshaken like a mountain, though barely. "It is only by the mercy of Olympus that you inhabit this paradise. Let me help you remember". The chamber suddenly erupted into a brilliant flash of bright light, blinding everybody. When it passed Artemis was gone, having returned to Olympus to muster their army.
Hippolyta stepped forward, "My sisters. Once again our existence is threatened by the powers of Olympus. It is my desire that we convene in the council chamber tonight. I believe you will have much to explain, my daughter".