Chapter 48: Return to the Mortal World
At noon, the sun blazed like a great fireball high above the blue sky.
Outside Themyscira, on a massive cruise ship just returning from a five-day voyage at sea.
With the cool sea breeze carrying a hint of moisture, a stunning beauty in a white off-shoulder dress with a slit, and a young boy who had changed back into his modern uniform, appeared unnoticed on the third deck's side.
"Aunt, I'm sorry, I messed everything up…" Xi Nian drooped his head like Xiao Huang, recalling the furious expression on the Amazon Queen's face that morning.
After all, that was the greatest loss Themyscira had suffered in a thousand years.
"Just be more careful next time." Diana didn't scold him, only spoke softly.
"There'll definitely be a next time! But… will I even get another chance?" Xi Nian's lips twitched as he remembered Antiope's barely suppressed anger, and the stunned faces of the warriors and commonfolk alike.
If he went back to Themyscira, would they beat him up on sight?
"Of course not." Diana smiled faintly, gazing toward the sea growing more distant. "They've already acknowledged you. They'll welcome you when you return. Next time, I'll even take you to meet my mother in the palace."
Looking at his aunt's profile, Xi Nian's heart thumped uncontrollably again.
Diana was already breathtaking, but when she smiled, she was even more dazzling.
Her lips curved into a beautiful arc, and Xi Nian couldn't help but recall the indescribable moment from last night.
A spark ran through him, warmth spreading from his lips and flooding his whole body.
A kiss, and he crossed into transcendence.
Xi Nian's silver eyes widened as he entered Half-God Mode, staring at Wonder Woman's calm and composed face so close to his own.
"This is your reward for last night. Instead of a hug." Wonder Woman lifted her head slightly, her voice trembling just enough to betray her calm facade. It was as much for herself as it was for him. "But this is also to help you inherit my power. Yes… that's all it is."
Whether self-deception or not, it was a reasonable excuse.
A proper justification for crossing the line, if only briefly.
"I see…" Xi Nian murmured, hiding the burning emotions in his silver eyes.
Then suddenly, he said, "It's not enough."
"What?" Wonder Woman froze, staring at him blankly.
"The medium… there aren't enough of them." Xi Nian spoke with perfect calm, then rose on his tiptoes and pressed his lips against hers, catching her off guard.
"So, not enough mediums. I suppose that can't be helped."
Wonder Woman's gaze softened, calm once more. With a faint sigh, she tilted her head down, no longer resisting, offering something softer and sweeter.
Moonlight spilled into the temple. Upon the stone altar, the Mother Box, silent for millennia, remained still.
…
Back in Washington.
After tidying up the house, Diana left for work.
Her job was something she changed every few years. Xi Nian hadn't understood why before, but now he did. With her immortal body, if she stayed in one place too long, even with magic to conceal her nature, people might eventually notice something unusual.
Fortunately, Diana's talents made finding work easy. Currently, she was a shareholder in a well-known private law firm in Washington.
After a shower, Xi Nian finally powered on his phone, which had been off for five whole days. Immediately, countless notifications flooded the screen.
Startled, he nearly thought it was a virus.
Before he could check, the doorbell rang.
Curious, Xi Nian opened the door. Standing outside was a tall, well-built young man holding a pet carrier. He looked exhausted, with dark circles under his eyes.
"And you are…?" Xi Nian began.
Before he could finish, the young man waved his hands nervously, speaking in a rush. "Hi! Is this Xi Nian's residence? Where Miss Diana lives? I'm Barry Allen!"
"Barry Allen?" Xi Nian blinked. He remembered his aunt mentioning leaving Xiao Huang in the care of a friend for a few days.
"This must be yours." Barry unzipped the carrier, and in a flash, a small orange figure leapt out.
"Wait!" Barry gasped, ready to use his powers.
But the little orange blur didn't attack. Instead, it buried itself into Xi Nian's arms, rubbing its head affectionately against him, meowing pitifully like a normal cat.
"Hahaha, Xiao Huang, how have you been these days?" Xi Nian laughed, rubbing its soft head with both hands.
Barry stared, stunned. If he hadn't just spent days exhausting himself to keep this little creature in check—even with his Speed Force protecting him from its energy-draining ability—he might have believed it was just an ordinary kitten.
"You know about its… special nature, right?" Barry asked cautiously.
Looking at Xiao Huang cuddling in his arms, Xi Nian nodded without hesitation.
"Good. Since it's safe with you, that's all that matters." Barry exhaled in relief, turning to leave. "I'll head out first."
"Wait." Xi Nian stopped him, smiling as he extended a hand. "I'm Xi Nian. Thanks for looking after this little one, it must've been tiring."
"Well… it does have its cute side."
Barry glanced at Xiao Huang, then quickly shook Xi Nian's hand with sincerity. "Besides, Diana once helped my father. Taking care of her pet was the least I could do. Xi Nian, right? I live not far, 26 Central Street. If you ever want to drop by, you're welcome at my place!"
"I'll remember, bro. Next time, I'll bring Xiao Huang to visit you." Xi Nian waved goodbye.
"Uh, maybe leave Xiao Huang out of it. But of course, you're welcome anytime…" Barry's face twitched.
After watching Barry enter the elevator and leave, Xi Nian blinked and lowered his head toward Xiao Huang. "He's a good guy, isn't he?"
"Meow!" Xiao Huang cried indignantly, as if saying it couldn't beat him.
"So, he's another extraordinary one?" Xi Nian thought aloud. By now, after everything he had seen, encountering someone with powers didn't even surprise him anymore.
After all, who in his home wasn't extraordinary now?
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