The Amazon warriors gasped all at once.
"That's... from the temple's direction!"
"Could it be the gods descending again?"
"Nonsense—more likely another oracle!"
A moment ago, these women had been fierce and stoic; now, with their queen gone, they instantly transformed into a flock of gossiping sparrows. Their chatter overlapped—one even speculated, with shocking boldness, that the gods were simply bored and were sending the queen another child to raise.
Thea ignored the sudden chaos and steered her horse toward the tall girl standing a little apart.
She extended a hand politely. "Thea Queen."
The tall young woman blinked, caught off guard that this stranger was addressing her. But she quickly took the offered hand.
"Diana," she replied simply. "I have no surname."
So it really is her.
Thea's heart lifted with a flicker of awe. The Diana—only female founding member of the Justice League.
Compared to the weary Batman or the uncertain, self-searching Superman Thea had met, this version of Diana was so young—unsure, unshaped, her voice still carrying that earnest sincerity untouched by the weight of destiny.
"Do you know what's happening over there?" Thea asked casually.
With so many Amazons whispering around them, her question blended right in.
Diana thought seriously for a moment before shaking her head.
"I don't know. But from my mother's expression... it must be something urgent."
Too honest for her own good, Thea sighed inwardly. Dealing with gods like Horus or earnest half-divines like Diana always tested her moral limits.
Clearing her throat, she tried again. "That's your temple, right? You all worship the gods there?"
This time, Diana's eyes lit up. She nodded eagerly and began to explain—from Zeus downward—her gestures animated, her tone reverent. As she spoke of each god's deeds, her face glowed with pure admiration.
Thea found herself momentarily entranced.
She was... beautiful.
Sunlight brushed across Diana's cheek, outlining her long lashes and sharp, classical features—the kind of Greek beauty carved in marble yet alive with warmth. Her lines were strong, not soft, but carried a compelling grace, her eyes deep and steady like the sea. Peaceful one moment, storm-bound the next.
Perfect, Thea thought. She'd seen many women—Shiva's icy elegance, Catwoman's sensual poise, Felicity's quicksilver charm—but beside Diana, they all dimmed.
Her beauty wasn't just in her face. It radiated from the fierce conviction inside her—unyielding, righteous, burning with purpose. That was what elevated her beyond mortal grace.
"...and that was when Heracles said—huh? What are you looking at?"
Diana broke off mid-story, catching Thea staring at her.
Snapped from her thoughts, Thea coughed lightly. She couldn't exactly tell the woman she was admiring her face.
"I was just… noticing your eyes," she said smoothly. "You can see very far with them, can't you?"
"Ah—" Diana hesitated. She wasn't foolish; she knew better than to reveal too much to a stranger. But lying didn't come naturally to her either.
She was still searching for an answer when hoofbeats thundered back across the field.
Queen Hippolyta returned, breathless from the ride. Her sharp eyes flicked between them, suspicion and curiosity mingled.
"My dear," she addressed Diana first, "forgive me for interrupting."
Then she turned to Thea. "Would you come with me for a word?"
Thea didn't refuse. She guided her horse beside the queen, inwardly wary. What's this old matron up to? Trying to pull something? Doesn't seem like it. She's fit for her age, but nowhere near Diana's power level. If it comes to a fight, I win.
"You're from another world, aren't you?" Hippolyta's question cut straight through her thoughts.
Thea froze, color draining from her face. Already found out?
Technically, "another world" wasn't wrong—it was just far too vague. Dimensions, timelines, higher planes—they could all qualify. But how much did this woman really know?
Her reaction was obvious enough for the queen. After five millennia of reading people, Hippolyta caught it instantly and smiled with quiet satisfaction.
"Don't worry," she said gently. "The gods have spoken. The temple delivered an oracle foretelling your arrival. From this moment, you are our honored guest."
In truth, the oracle had been faint and cryptic, but the queen, piecing fragments together with her own assumptions, had arrived at this convenient conclusion.
Thea scratched her head. Another world, another prophecy, sure—whatever works.
Maybe the gods had blurred her identity on purpose, tweaking reality a bit to prevent any timeline mess.
Still, the ease of her acceptance felt... strange. The gods of this age were lazy, yes, but apparently not stupid.
"Diana, take Thea around the island," the queen said cheerfully. "I must return to prepare the ceremony!"
And just like that, she was gone, riding off in high spirits.
Thea blinked. That's it? I'm off the hook already? Didn't even ask questions?
Well, fine—if they wanted to treat her like a guest instead of an intruder, she wouldn't complain.
Following Diana, she spent the rest of the day galloping across the island. At first, Diana kept the pace slow, worried Thea couldn't ride well. But after a few circuits, she realized Thea handled her horse with uncanny ease—almost one mind, one rhythm.
Competitive spark ignited in Diana's eyes. "Let's see whose riding is better!"
Thea laughed. Why not? Her horse seemed overjoyed, practically radiating delight through their shared bond.
And so the two women—one from the future, one from legend—raced through the shining fields of Themyscira, sunlight glinting off their armor, laughter trailing in the wind.