There is a mutiny underway within the Amazons.
The pro-war faction led by Penthesilea has no intention of abandoning Britain and retreating to Themyscira. After all, it was her idea in the first place to let the Atlanteans land on the island and clash with the Amazons, ultimately triggering the volcanic eruption that resulted in mutual destruction.
Her goal had been to make Diana abandon her last hope, turn instead to invading the world of mortals, and then wage a cataclysmic war with Atlantis until the entire surface world belonged to the Amazons.
At that point, she would naturally negotiate with Atlantis over how to divide spheres of influence.
But now, the return of Themyscira has led Diana to decide to give up the land the Amazons won by the sword and retreat back to that secluded paradise like a coward. This is something Penthesilea cannot accept.
She gathers a group of armed followers loyal to her and confronts Diana as the order to withdraw is issued:
"Diana, think of your mother—my sister—Hippolyta. Those Atlanteans murdered her. We must make those sea-dwellers pay in blood!"
Hearing this, Diana instinctively tightens her grip on her sword. But recalling what Joey had told her, the blazing anger in her eyes gradually clears again:
"No. We will not abandon our vengeance against Atlantis—but that vengeance should not come at the cost of the world of men."
Diana decides to feign agreement for now, to stabilize her aunt. Things are likely more complicated than they appear, and the priority should be to return to Themyscira before making further plans.
She recalls the conflicts between Themyscira and Atlantis over the past year—from the bloody wedding after she chose to marry Aquaman, to Mera—who had once been on good terms with her—suddenly coming to assassinate her, only to be killed in return...
It all feels as though an invisible hand has been guiding events step by step, escalating tensions and leading to the full-scale war between the two races.
Diana herself does not have much faith in Joey's claim that the war can be ended. She may be willing to stop, but that does not mean Aquaman—who currently holds the advantage—would accept peace.
A war only has the possibility of ending in peace when both sides are exhausted and battered.
The Amazons are willing to accept peace because Themyscira has been restored—but Atlantis has yet to feel any real pain.
"No, Diana. I will not stand by and watch you hand over the Amazons' land to others!"
Penthesilea advances with her spear. Behind her, members of the guard led by Artemis flood into the Buckingham Palace council chamber.
Meanwhile, the 'Furies'—the royal guard personally formed by Diana—remain largely loyal to their queen. They emerge from the corners of the palace and hold the rebels at bay.
Seeing this, Diana cannot help but feel a sense of absurdity. She has read countless accounts of men turning against each other for power—even brothers killing one another—and never imagined Themyscira would be no exception.
Penthesilea's demands are not without reason. She has many potential supporters among the Amazons. Whether for vengeance for their queen or due to the perceived weakness of the mortal world, many Amazons—including Diana herself in the past—have felt an uncontrollable ambition.
But now that Penthesilea has openly challenged Diana's authority as queen of Themyscira, things actually become simpler.
Diana raises her hand to stop the tension between the two sides, then draws her sword and points it at her rebellious aunt:
"What the Amazons need most right now is unity—not meaningless bloodshed. Penthesilea, let us resolve this the Amazon way—just you and me."
As soon as Diana finishes speaking, both sides' guards step back, clearing a large circular space in the center of the hall.
Penthesilea has no choice but to accept: "You dare challenge your own teacher? Then come, Diana."
Diana steps forward into the arena as well: "I still remember when you taught me swordsmanship as a child. When did we become so distant?"
---
Meanwhile, Joey hovers high above Buckingham Palace, watching. His vision easily pierces through the roof, allowing him to observe the duel between Diana and Penthesilea in real time.
Everything that happened over the past two hours—how Penthesilea summoned Artemis, how she organized her forces step by step—has already been heard by him.
He did not tell Diana, nor did he intervene.
It's not because he enjoys watching beautiful women fight, but because it would not be appropriate for him to speak on such matters.
This is, fundamentally, an internal Amazon affair. Diana is no fool—she knew that ordering a withdrawal would cause backlash.
But she likely did not expect the one leading that backlash to be her own aunt.
It's starting—Joey gathers his drifting thoughts and focuses on the duel.
At the beginning of the fight, Diana is at a disadvantage. Under her aunt's relentless attacks, she is forced onto the defensive.
After all, this is the aunt who raised her—highly skilled in combat. Every thrust of her spear targets vital points, making Diana's hesitation even more costly.
Diana deflects the spear with her sword, gradually stabilizing herself despite the unfavorable situation, parrying one deadly strike after another.
Though the fight is visually impressive, Joey can't help but yawn.
If Diana showed even half the ruthlessness she had when fighting him, this battle would have been over long ago.
Before long, Diana finds an opening. With an upward swing of her sword, she forces Penthesilea to release one end of her spear.
Then, with a side kick, she sends Penthesilea flying and seizes her weapon.
"It's over, Penthesilea."
Penthesilea tries to rise and continue, but Diana presses the spear's blade against her shoulder.
With no bloodshed, the internal crisis is resolved.
Diana orders Penthesilea and Artemis to be detained, then ascends to where Joey is waiting in the sky:
"Thank you for not interfering in our internal farce."
The Amazon air force had already reported Joey's arrival to her.
At this moment, she is beginning to believe—at least a little—that he truly has the capacity and resolve to lead both sides toward peace.
Joey says nothing. He simply looks at Diana's waist.
The Lasso of Truth.
"No."
Diana understands what Joey is thinking—because she is thinking the same thing.
Rationally, she could use the Lasso of Truth to interrogate Penthesilea and Artemis.
The origins of this war are shrouded in mystery, and they both chose to oppose her the moment she decided to withdraw from the mortal world.
But emotionally, Diana is not sure she can accept the truth.
At the bloody wedding between her and Aquaman—who really murdered her mother, Queen Hippolyta?
The answer now seems worth reexamining.
If the truth is not what Diana and the Amazons have long believed, then how great would Penthesilea's crime be?
All the Amazons who died in battle with Atlantis, all the Atlanteans who perished, and her own mother—would all be laid at her feet.
But this hesitation lasts only a few seconds. Diana grips the Lasso of Truth at her waist and steels herself:
"I will uncover the truth, no matter what!"
"No need."
Joey looks down at the prison where Penthesilea and Artemis are being held:
"Someone will come to them on their own."