DISCLAIMER: I own nothing of Marvel's concepts.

Apollo's Archers-Student Heroes

A New Dawn

Hunter was running, he found himself running a lot after the gods fell. But this time he was running to something good. He was running to a graduation. He was years away from his own final graduation, deciding to keep that at bay as long as possible. He was running to make it to the June graduation where he was supposed to shake grads hands during the ceremony.

Hunter didn't know why they bothered. Hardly any students wanted to do the cap and gown show. Most parents wanted it, students were pressured into it, some had to do it so the school wasn't sued.

They were still working on mastering the time thing on Olympus so when a new god had something important to do, they had to find a way to skip those responsibilities. New gods, they still called themselves that.

Carter convinced the courts to have Peirson committed soon after world peace was achieved. Before anyone could question him, a court order psych eval got him institutionalize. Apollo's Archers tracked down Troy, they convinced him to join the school. Carter helped them convince Troy by showing him the truth about Peirson. While institutionalized, Petersburg was saved and cured of his Peirson persona.

The reason this graduation was so special to Hunter is because Pettersburg was getting his middle school diploma. With a lot of students graduating before June with college degrees and opting out of the ceremony, Xiam has one ceremony for all levels of achievement.

Hunter jumped the fence running faster than ever before. He almost made it but his jacket got caught on a fence post. His uniform was miniaturized into it and he hung by it. Erik discretely manipulated the fence post into dropping. Hunter ran inside, bolting up to his dorm, blowing past Trent and Troy who were waiting for him. Troy didn't know about Olympus.

Hunter threw his jacket off onto his bed and grabbed his faculty gown, putting his cap on as he raced out. He hurried down the steps just slow enough Sam couldn't bust him for it. Outside Hunter ran into Peter on purpose.

Peter said "Hey watch where you're going cuz."

Hunter said "Watch where you're standing." Their parents came over.

Trevor said "I didn't know you were graduating."

Hunter said "I'm not. I'm a instructor. I teach archery." He didn't know if blood wise he was still Hunter Hayes but he was still Hunter to his friends and family.

Trevor said "Yes, right. Subterfuge?"

Hunter said "An operative that undermines and changes long practiced traditions."

Trevor said "We got a letter with words to quiz you on."

Hunter said "There's Erik. I'm going to check in with him. He is a co-founder."

Hunter ran over "My parents are here. Could've warned me when you got off the fence."

Erik said "I know you don't like them."

Hunter said "They're not the problem. My uncle wasn't around long enough to be a problem. I'm fine with my parents. I'm fine with Trent, even though he's a mystic."

Sam overheard, he came over "Your brother's a mystic?"

Hunter said "Yeah. Let's get this ceremony done." They went on stage, grads and families took their seats. Erik gave the speech that June, Carter had given the February speech. They had ceremonies at semester. Carter, Erik and Hunter shook each grad's hand, both co-founders and a student teacher.

Hunter and Peter walked down the cliff to Puget Sound after changing into casual clothes. Peter said "Thanks again for helping me. I still barely remember Peirson."

Carter had worked with him on getting better. The telepath had wiped him of Peirson. Hunter was forbidden from allowing Peter into anything archery related. The US got another success story. Xiam got an eager to learn student, Carter was his court appointed counselor. And Hunter got a brother.

While Hunter and Peter were enjoying the sunny day, the Mutant Alliance had Trent cornered in the conference room. Sam/ Visor said "You're a mystic."

Trent said "I am a student of the mystic arts, yes. But just a student not a master. In fact I'm late for a lesson." He tried to leave.

Jack/ Wolf stopped him, "You can perform magic."

Trent said "Yes, limited magic. I have an aptitude for it but Hecate faded before teaching me to use it. I'm her heir but a human sorcerer is teaching me. I'm late for the lesson. Look the school is protected. Foreign magic can't enter. I can't bring magic in. Most magic breaks down inside the barrier. You're safe on the property." He ran out. Hunter wanted to tell Peirson the truth but couldn't risk a relapse. They spent the afternoon together. Hunter didn't know magic protected the school from attacks.

That afternoon Hunter crept out of his dorm. He ran in his uniform to the space needle, a child of Ares was on guard duty. Hunter raced past and up to Olympus. Hunter said "Not late."

Jason said "Very late. Past Xiam curfew."

Hunter said "We can't all just disappear. Let's get this over with so I can be done coming up here." They walked into the Olympian throne room.

Hunter took his seat. He had Artemis' simple throne, painted camo green. Hunter and Aaron spent most of a weekend moving out the ancients and reorganizing the palace street. They invited the Titans' heirs to Olympus and offered to help transition Mt Othrys but both offers were turned down. Collectively all heirs were new gods.

Hunter sat and they began, Aaron was a temporary king until Bea found a husband. Hermes' daughter Sara asked "Can we hurry? It's my night for Underworld duty."

Chance said "Karion has orders to wait for you before clocking out."

Hazel asked "Why is he still around? Why'd the ferryman make it?"

Chance shrugged, Aaron said "Even if Hades' ferryman died, his heir would still be called Karion. Right Chance?"

Chance said "Right, King Aaron."

Aaron said "Our last names are connected to our domains for most of us."

Hunter said "Exception that proves the rule."

Aaron said "Sure go with that."

Damien said "In many depictions the Olympians are together with symbols of power. We should do that as the new Olympians."

Hunter said "If everyone else is on board. My symbols are easy, white bow for Artemis and golden arrow for Apollo. Archers' green quiver. If we do this we do it around Hestia's hearth for her heir and symbol."

Aaron said "Quick vote then get back to predetermined matters."

Hunter said "No. First we vote on dealing with predetermined matters." Every new god nodded in agreement. Hunter asked "All opposed?" Every hand shot up in agreement, Aaron last.

Hunter said "Picture with symbols of power." Again it was unanimous. Hunter said "Five minutes then meet back here." Everyone left.

Aaron asked "Who's in charge here?" but everyone was gone. Hunter invited surviving minor gods.

Jason saw and said "No. Not happening."

Hunter said "Separate picture. Hades last words."

Jason repeated "Honor those who came before you, son."

Hunter said "Wasting time Lord Jason."

Bea said "You're still doing that lord thing."

Hunter said "Yes Queen Skylar."

Jason said "Skylar?"

Bea said "My last name, try to keep up."

Jason said "Your last name is Athens."

Hunter corrected "You're thinking of Stone Athens. Aaron's temporary name."

They lined up for their picture. Hermes' twins holding his symbol of power, kneeling in the middle. Hunter held his bow down not drawn, he was next to Jason. Jason held the trident, standing next to Aaron. Aaron's axe was the turning point with Bea's master bolt over it in the picture. Chance wore a dark helmet with his sword held out towards the Hermes' kids in front. The rest were lined up with Alice at the hearth, kneeling before it with her head turned facing the same direction as the others. The camera flashed and they were done.

The next day the families were leaving Olympia. Trevor said "Spend the summer at home with us."

Hunter said "Summer has the best extracurriculars. Archery really picks up with credits out of the equation."

Trevor said "Trent said the same thing about extracurriculars."

Hunter asked "Do you know what Trent's field is? Lost arts, don't take him away from here. He can curate at museums. I shoot arrows." Trevor nodded and left.

Jack came up from behind "Lost arts. Did you look up his profile just in case?" Hunter nodded, eyes fixed on leaving parents dragging their kids home. He left the campus and went straight to the nearest base. He stayed with his summer team. The world peace sealed Apollo's Archers' hero reputation.

Aliens invaded Olympia, just another Tuesday in the city of heroes. Hunter was called in to assist the Protectors with the fight. Since the ancient deities fell the heroes were closer allied. A shared world shaping event.

Hunter came in to find an army of heroes, vigilantes, antiheroes, government soldiers, law enforcement, SIGO agents with a few bad guys and undetermined variables. The aliens were holding their own against it all. The Archers jumped into the fray without words or hesitation.

Hunter got above the street war. He saw one alien was well guarded without being out of place. The alien boss. He made his way to the commander, taking down any who got close. If anyone looked at him they would've seen a show and lost their fight. Aliens without heroes to grapple against started attacking the approaching threat.

While protecting himself on the way to the boss level Hunter shot the commander. All invaders and subsequent Earth combatants froze as the leader's cry rang out. Invaders quickly ganged up and took hold of humans as leverage. The boss started a speech in his language. His attacker just looked at him, confused and careful.

A translator clicked on "Do you really think you can beat me in single combat? Me,"

Hunter interrupted "Yes." He aimed his bow, cutting off the villains speech.

His combatant clearly didn't understand what happened as the invader charged Hunter. In response he let arrows fly, wounding his enemy. Switching tactics he put the bow in his quiver, grabbed his knives and swung at the approaching alien. A master combatant, Hunter dodged alien maneuvers while landing blows. Uninjured himself, his enemy was quickly beaten and at Hunter's mercy. The alien leader laid on the pavement with a bow aimed at his crotch.

SIGO's Maria Hanes called "End it. End all of this."

Bowstring drawn back, Hunter said "I will." He released the string, carefully instead of shooting.

Hunter grabbed his opponent, pulled it up with one hand "What would happen if I kill you right now? What would the response be?"

Translator mic clicked on "My people won't simply call off their plans. The response would be dire for your world."

Hunter tossed the alien to the ground "You're going to obey me. You will because if you don't I won't kill you I'll send you home in a flaming ship. Understand?" The alien boss nodded, "First release the Earth heroes and order your soldiers to surrender. Now!" Alien sounds, impossible for most to understand but Archers' techs deciphered enough to be sure he obeyed. His soldiers followed the orders.

Hunter said "You're important to your people. You were gonna gloat about it. You will return home. You will advise them off Earth or we will send a flaming heap of dead soldier to you. Understand?" It nodded "Swear as a warrior to obey those orders."

Translator on "I swear as a warrior I will advise my people off Earth. No need to send a fireball of our soldier."

Hunter backed up from pacing around the fallen. He kept his bow on the enemy as it climbed aboard the invasion ship. SIGO agents hauled the invaders off. Everyone met up at the Protectors' HQ. They all recognized Hunter as the deciding factor in the battle. His words always modulated near outsiders.

Judo said "Not to agree with Athena or Poseidon but you would make a great king." Hunter aimed his loaded bow at her.

Huntsman said "You don't kill. The aliens didn't know that."

Hunter said "Apollo is god of plagues and healers." Not backing down. His company line echoing beneath his words.

Judo said "It's doesn't matter, right?" He put the bow down.

Archers enjoyed the party, even with SIGO agents present. A drunk Tommy Starr was once very common. But it was still something to see, especially at hero parties. When Tommy started slipping into drunken induced insanity, Hunter walked by and casually took the drink then a pair of Protectors walked him out of the room. Hunter handed the drink to Wolf. At the bar he grabbed another can of pop and acted like nothing happened because to him nothing did happen. Wolf finished the drink.

The skies darkened and everyone shut up. Hunter tilted his head down and made his way over to his team while the heroes also switched to serious mode. An orb broke a window as it flew in. A recording played "Turn over your champion archer and your world will be spared. Otherwise this will be the end for Earth." Short, sweet and threatening; better than most villains' threats.

When it stopped Agent Brooke observed "You really look identical doing that." Referring to the Archers. She touched one's hood and it zapped her.

Styx broke the orb as thoroughly as Beastman would've, Huntsman said "We are not doing that."

Hunter said "We are." He let Carter into his head to hear the plan.

Carter asked "What if we turned him into a Trojan Horse? It might make accessing the ship much easier."

Erik said "Prisoner exchange, him for the one we sent back. Looks like we're compromising."

Hank said "Could work, the Trojan Horse part."

Judo said "So could the prisoner exchange. We'd have to contact them to arrange it."

Hunter raised his hand, Patriot and Kyle returned from dealing with Tommy. The argument was loud enough they heard the whole thing. Patriot said "You don't have to raise your hand."

Hunter said "Right. We could use their translator so our words aren't mistranslated. My team understands enough from the gloat to make sure it's translated right."

Judo said "You guys understand alien, I didn't know that."

Hunter said "Pattern recognition, rather simple."

Hawk said "I never thought of it that way. He's right."

Peter said "Someone, somewhere along the way learned how to translate between two languages. They weren't taught because they were the first. Maybe that was the original method for learning two languages, finding the meaning in their native language of another's words and gestures."

Bowmaster said "You lost everyone. Let's focus. So your team can make sure it's translated right but can't translate it." Hunter nodded.

Huntsman asked "Can you make a translator? Is this just a matter of you can't use it?" Hunter nodded.

Hawk said "Make the translator and we'll use it." He got glared at.

Huntsman promised "We won't let SIGO or Starr have it. We'll just use it and return it when we don't need it anymore."

Hunter nodded and gestured an Archer forward for their comlink, it was given to Huntsman. He pointed at Huntsman, Bowmaster and Judo then palm down he shook his hand side to side. The message was received only one of those three can use it. The trio nodded as they accepted the com. Hunter looked over to Hank.

Hank said "We should get to work on the device." Hunter followed him and the scientists out of the room.

Hunter stood completely out of place in the lab. SIGO agents Finn and Simon were there so he couldn't lower his hood. A quick X-ray showed all of the devices Archer's carry.

Seth/ Hawk said "With all of that, a Trojan Horse should be easy to hide."

Hank asked "Can you take it all out so we can connect our device to some of it?" Hunter laid everything and the quiver out.

Finn asked "What is the point of some of this stuff?" Hunter stayed silent.

Simon asked "Can we see your bo staff?" Hunter shook his head. The scientists conversed about the possibilities. Hunter just stood like a guard.

After the scientists finished arguing, Hank said "We need to rig the device up to you." He sat on the table Hank was gesturing to. They decided how they were going to make the Trojan Horse and gave him the rest of his stuff back. Hank told him "You might want to put the quiver on at the last minute with the device going underneath." Hunter nodded. Only Finn and Simon didn't know who the man in the green hood is.

Simon said "I need to run some tests on him to make sure this will work. For the test I need to know who he is and his medical history."

Kyle said "That's not going to work."

Hunter said "Do what's needed."

Kyle said "It looks like someone likes you."

Simon said "I need medical history."

Hunter said "Yes or no only."

Finn said "You can make that work."

Simon said "I need to do a physical for starters."

Hunter had already put his mask on, carefully he pulled his hood off. He didn't want to drop any sharp weapons. Simon took Dr. Chase's stethoscope for the physical. As an athletic gifted, Hunter had annual physical exams so he didn't need her to talk him through it or even say a word. Dr. Chase was the Protectors' doctor, Agent Simon used her equipment for Hunter's exam. She now knew Hunter may be blonde but that was all the profile data.

The celebrity's nephew always had messy hair in pictures while the man she was examining had neatly combed blond hair and a few scars on his chest that would've been noticed on a celebrity's relative. Hunter stopped his healing ability from processing the injuries for just this occasion with someone examining him who could blow his cover. It didn't show up in pictures because he was rarely shirtless in pictures and used a holographic projector on the off chance he was somewhere his chest could be photographed.

Simon touched the scars, Hunter put his gloved hand on her arm. She jolted back "That's enough for the physical. You can put your shirt and hood on." Archers had specially insulated shirts that keep their sweat from weighing them down, they used shirts with tags cut out to make their undershirts.

Simon started the questions "Are you diabetic?"

Hunter couldn't believe that was a serious question "No."

Simon entered the answer "Do you drive?"

Kyle said "Keep questions relevant. He doesn't have to answer irrelevant ones."

Simon said "I told you I need records." Her British accent was almost fake sounding when she got worked up but Hunter knew from Archers' identification that she was a native of England.

Kyle responded "Medical records. Driving has nothing to do with the project."

Simon asked "Do you want to do this?"

Kyle said "If you can't keep it relevant then I should be doing that." The emotions in his words made Hunter surprised Kyle didn't go Beastman. He took the tablet and Agent Simon left, Finn followed to calm her down. Kyle erased the records from the SIGO network she was uploading them to and sent Hank the access list for later.

Kyle tapped a few things then asked "Is there a history of heart conditions or diabetes?"

Hunter said "No."

Kyle asked "Any relevant medical conditions?"

Hunter said "No."

Kyle said "That's about it. We can use a health monitor for other relevant concerns." Hunter moved his finger across the top of his wrist and looked at Kyle questioningly. The question was if by health monitor Kyle meant activity watch.

Kyle said "Yes that's what I meant." SIGO agents were still gone so Hunter showed Kyle his hidden com.

Kyle said "That could work if we were in the system." Hunter signed okay, he shook his head as he tapped his wrist for watch.

Kyle said "Okay." He spoke up to the other scientists "Are we ready yet?"

Hank said "Just waiting on Simon to clear him medically."

Kyle said "He's clear. She was sending the information to SIGO, trying to make a file for him."

Henry said "Then we're good."

He came over and walked through how to put the wiring on under his shirt. The wiring was for stability, if asked he could say it helps carry the weapons. He put his stuff where they told him to, they'd added a little something to them to make the Trojan Horse circuit. The wiring was to complete the circuit, once on board it was no longer needed because the horse would already be set. The system was made for speed and efficiency most importantly.

The siege began while they were setting him up. Hunter wanted to join the fray but the science squad got him to focus on ending it the right way. He stayed sitting while they checked his work. Once done they went out to where the party had been. Agent Wade walked up to him with cuffs, Hunter knew it was for the plan but the geniuses didn't think he would so they tried to calm him down. He put his arms out and Wade cuffed him, the wiring was not wearer friendly and the painful expression made them think he was mad.

He got into character for the exchange. SIGO was only cleared for the exchange, outside that they had no ground to stand on for having any cuffed Archers. They made the exchange with Hunter uncuffed for a few moments between groups. He knew better than to screw things up. The other heroes pretended to be angry at SIGO.

Every hero was in on the charade and in on the raid. Mutant Alliance, SIGO and Protectors were the big players, every hero was assigned to one of the three. The big three split the heroes into teams and gave everyone their job. Some were passed between the three players. They were wild cards or eventually assigned to a squad with a job. A few squads had the job of covering the streets and keeping the invaders busy in doing so.

That was the plan anyway. Hunter rode out of the tower on a SIGO jet, Wade played guard. They landed and Wade lead his prisoner out, the other agents were there to secure their trade. With them out in the open, the alien invaders sent down their own ship with prisoner on board. Wade used SIGO's translator he said "On three we each send ours towards the other. No tricks and no one person going first or everyone dies." He opened his jacket to show a bomb with dead charges, hostile negotiation tactic. The other side agreed, they ordered the cuffs be removed for the exchange. On 3, prisoners were pushed forward. Playing his part of Trojan Horse perfectly, Hunter stumbled over as if confused.

Arriving at the other side of the exchange, Hunter was cuffed with a chain linking cuffs to his collar. They didn't predict that but it was fine, he only had to get on the ship for the plan to work. He was taken back to the mothership. They scanned him for any tricks, luckily he had no lock picks and the wiring wasn't the recording kind so they didn't care about it.

His binds were removed and he was forcefully shown into an arena. Champion, right. He had his bo staff and his wits, more than enough to take on most enemies. The enemy was a monster, probably a prisoner too. Remembering Huntsman's not killing comment, he realized the problem. This was the colosseum, a duel to the death. He didn't kill so he was as good as dead. He charged the sword carrying enemy, pole vaulted the way his special way using his staff right over the enemy. That was entertaining. He did a showy staff trick as the monster of an alien recovered his own wits. Pretending to prepare a real strike Hunter circled the monster after it walked back. He let his huge opponent have the first hit, dodging it by running up the sword. He was careful not to slip and cut himself, he had to move fast onto the thing's shoulders. He balanced on the beast's shoulders. Where was the extraction team?

He leveraged his weapon to make up for the size difference. Following a false slip, Hunter struck and the monster fell as he landed. The move imitated death without killing, or it did when in the fictional setting on a human.

Another monster was released on him. This other monster was a humanoid green skinned gladiator. He saw the determination in his opponent's eyes. Were they being blackmailed? Did defeating one alien damn a whole world? No time to think with that sword coming at him. Hunter switched to his bow and fired at the attacker. As the green guy got close he threw his bow in his quiver and used his knives for the closed quarters. Archers know how to assess a situation, he decided to disarm the attacker by cutting tendons to disable the hand.

When the sword fell, he heard cheering. He put his knives away, not going to kill. Then picked up his staff, collapsed it down to carrying size and put it away before fixing his bow on his chest. He picked up his unarmed opponent's weapon, put the blade up to the alien's neck and saw the fear in its eyes. It wasn't fear of dying, it was fear of failure. Fear of failing is common among any who put too much pressure on themselves to be better than the best they can be. Hunter slammed the sword into the sand. He knew for a fact the enemy was being blackmailed, he had no choice. Hoping for the best, Hunter refused to kill the defenseless alien. He couldn't understand a word that was said.

A guard with a gun came in, he said something to the defeated alien. His translator clicked on "You kill him or both homes die."

Hunter knew the translators worked both way, he said "I won't kill. Threaten Earth. I don't care."

The guard kept his gun on Hunter "Finish him. Or Earth dies and so does his world. Do it now."

Hunter said "No. You won't shoot me after I defeated both enemies. I know how this works. I won now I have value to you in these matches. You get something from these fights and you won't risk ruining them by destroying your leverage over fighters."

The guard lowered his gun, "Smart slave. Usually takes time."

He turned his gun on the loser, Hunter jumped in the way as the shot went off. Now he was damaged goods, they may decide he's not worth the repairs. If the viewers weren't upset by the shot then he just saved two, maybe three lives. Three if they dumped the dead and the monster knew he was beat, letting them dumping him. The shot slave was dragged away with the slave swordsman. Mindless violence distracted the crowd while the arena doctors operated on the attraction. Good thing the wiring was laced into his hood, it kept his gear in place when his hood was yanked off. They operated quickly, most on board were slaves in some form.

They fixed the arena attraction then sent him back into action soon after he woke up. To up the stakes he was to face multiple combatants, they were all forced into it. Hunter used his keen eyes to take down each enslaved alien gladiator non lethally. Running around with various weapons increased his entertainment value, his no killing rule made him a sensation in the ways he took down his opponents. He fought three more rounds after the injury. His methods, weapons and rules were gimmicks.

After the rounds he was thrown in a cell. He kept his quiver, bow and knives but not his hood. They hadn't even discovered his false bottom. He tapped his com, "Everyone is a slave," he said. Transmitting intel while toying with his knives. He saw a pair of unchained creatures coming and tapped the translator on, transmitting the words. He was the only Archer with a small microchip implant, it translated the words for Hunter to hear.

One said "Quite impressive. I caught only a few shows. What was that overly armed one doing?"

Two said "That's our latest acquisition from Earth. A skilled warrior that won't kill. The the audience loves it."

One said "This is it." They stopped at Hunter's cell, he continued toying with his knives. "You let it have weapons in its cage."

Two said "We could throw it in the arena as is. The other weapons add to the audience interest."

One said "Really. How much?"

Two said "Not for sale, it is too valuable of an attraction."

One said "You have to be willing to part with some of your toys to get anywhere. Not just the broken and dead ones." He turned to the other creature "What if one of mine were to beat it? Fully armed, no holds barred. We let a few guards play judge."

Two said "Excellent idea. We'll do it in my arena. Two champions facing off. That is a valuable commodity." They continued discussing the fight. Hunter tapped his com off.

The alien prisoner in the cell next to him said in English "They're talking about auctioning you off. Guess you won't be here long."

Hunter looked up, he set his knives next to him and walked over to the bars "Did you just speak English?"

The prisoner asked "How do you think they learned it? From invader con?"

Hunter said "I don't care, won't be here long. My planet has many heroes, a whole herd of new ones yearly."

The prisoner said "Believe me I know. Where did you think I learned English?"

Hunter said "I just wanted to stop criminals and now I'm fighting aliens for invaders. Guess small time doesn't exist any more."

The prisoner said "Guess not. We can't talk anymore."

Hunter saw a squad of guards going on duty and noticed everyone go silent. A chain of aliens brought food in. All the proof he needed the aliens weren't victorious on Earth, nothing for him but a confused look as servers tried to explain. A guard hit a server with a baton, Hunter ran to his cell bars and was zapped for it.

A translator clicked on "Looks like hero doesn't like how you hit him." They turned to Hunter.

The nearest guard asked "What do humans eat?" Hunter stayed silent, he'd discovered silence was a weapon when used just right.

His door slid open slightly as the guard stepped in and tried to hit him. He dodged, grabbed the guard's arms and drove him into the cell door, driving forward as it zapped the guard. Guards pointed guns at Hunter, he let go and the guard fell out of his cell. He would've been shot if they were allowed to shoot the show's star slave. He backed up, acting careful but scared so as not to attract too much attention.

The guard who saw Hunter in the first place said "No food for that one."

Hunter didn't need more food to fight. Within 20 minutes he was taken to the arena with his hood still fully loaded. His opponent was ready and Hunter saw it wasn't some scared slave but a real warrior, standing ready for a fight with his sword.

Hunter waited for the attack, deciding unarmed was the best course of action. He felt strangely fine with mercilessly beating on that which feels nothing. It came down to let him suffer from his injuries or end it. Hunter couldn't bring himself to deal that final blow, even a mercy kill. That fight forever made his reputation as a force to be reckoned with.

The arena's owner came into the arena with guards pointing guns at the green clad gladiator. The owner said "Was that a fight or was that a fight? A little unfair with my skilled fighter against that ruthless animal. That was a fight to be remembered. Sponsored of course by the animal's regular master. This human can and will defeat any brave enough to challenge him. Sign up you or your slaves to fight him for a fee, feel free to sign up security and teams." He raised Hunter's hand. At least they knew his species name.

The arena owner walked Hunter out. His translator clicked on "You're going to be a big money maker for me. Better keep you clean and fed to improve your value."

Hunter said "You own an invasion fleet?"

The owner stopped and smacked Hunter "You do not ask questions." They continued walking, not to the cells. The owner said "You'll be a star. I'm going to bank on this. You'll sleep in a suite so we can sell video." He explained as if Hunter were an equal, the slap taught his attraction better. Hayes stayed silent. While planning aloud the owner escorted his slave to his new home suite.

He showed Hunter his new luxury cell, he couldn't leave so it was a cell. Hunter had a big bed, bathroom and TV along with a bar and fridge that were empty. The owner said "You like it. We'll stock it with your food so we can show you enjoying yourself between fights."

The owner turned to Hunter "You need a sword so we can show you with a bloody blade." Hunter pulled out a knife and showed the owner, playfully lifting it from against the alien's neck up to his eyes. The owner said "Perfect. You can keep your bloody weapons. I'm going to be absolutely rich." He walked towards the door, turned back "We need a name for the flyers."

Hunter said "Apollo's Archer." The guards hefted their guns at the backtalk.

The owner said "Really? That'll work. One question: What's Apollo?"

Hunter said "Apollo was the ancient god of archery, the sun, healers, plagues, music, poetry, prophecy and young males. At one time he was herdsmen of the gods before the younger god Hermes took that."

The owner said "He's everybody's god. Great. What does your kind eat?"

Hunter said "I don't need food for another few weeks. Our food comes from our planet, haven't heard of humans eating alien food. Astronauts pack their food." The owner left, happy at the news.

He came back in with a remote, he pressed a button to reveal an armor mannequin. He said "Suit in there." Hunter sat on the couch. The suite was some kind of employee quarters.

The owner said "You need to take off your suit, save it for fights."

Hunter said "Unarmed human, boring. Human armed to the teeth with weapons living in a suite, interesting."

The owner said "Great idea." Hunter looked at the TV, the owner showed Hunter the remote "All the Earth channels." He wandered out, talking about all of the money he'll make. The door closed.

Hunter looked closely around the room and found the cameras. He looked at the remote and found bonus buttons like call (for food and drinks?), chamber (armor mannequin), a few others. He focused on the TV. If he was boring they wouldn't look too hard. He looked at a camera, video no audio, of course they planned on taping him sleeping in the suite.

He tapped his quiver bottom a few times to prevent listening in "Private gladiator arena. Won a bunch of fights without killing, now owner wants to banking on that. Everyone's a slave except guards with guns and audience members. Servers, fighters, probably medics, all slaves." He acted like he was whispering to himself. He dropped his hood, no one to recognize him and the com read it so SIGO wouldn't get a shot at surprising him.

He stayed boringly normal for a human, watching TV and not leaving the couch or moving much. Guards peaked in occasionally to check on him, must be making sure he wasn't trying to trick him. During one movie, the guards came in and a translator clicked on "Get up." Hunter stood as he hit record.

They roughly ushered him out, he flicked his hood up and hurried ahead of them. He saw fear in his opponent's eyes, be merciful but win. Hunter ran at the alien, he flipped with his hands hitting the alien's shoulders. During the flip he pushed down with all his weight at an angle on the enemy's shoulders to knock the guy down as he landed. He kicked the sword away and aimed at his bow the fighter's back. For show he picked up the sword.

The next combatant came in as the current one hobbled off. This one was all anger, hard to read why. Attacking with sword in hand he whipped the opponent's weapon out of hand. He pushed the ET down with his right shoulder after faking a left side collision. Once down Hunter dropped the sword and switched to his staff, swinging it around, both showy and hitting the opponent's face. A bell sounded the end of the fight, first time a bell sounded.

He ran to the far side of the arena, putting his staff away. Three opponents entered. Running fast, Hunter took one down with ease and disarmed the others in under two minutes. He kept up the pace and made the last two knock themselves out. It was almost magic the way he fought and the audience loved every second of it.

The owner sent 5 signed up combatants in at a time. They charged Hunter, he used mostly unarmed methods to defeat them. Pulling a knife to disarm two of them. The fights kept going on and the champion never tired. Running around the arena, disarming and defeating any in his way. More combatants were signed up, the fees were paid and for two days Hunter fought nonstop. He used most of his weapons.

After the two days he ran out of challengers and was ushered back to his suite. He pretended to pass out on his bed. He thought about the situation. Archers learn to judge time on a curb from the long shifts, they don't see many clocks. The raid must've failed, otherwise he would've been rescued by now.

His com came to life, lucky his hood was up or else he wouldn't have heard it. "Hunter, you there? Please respond."

Hunter whispered "I'm here."

Ethan said "Bad new. Earth has been taken and the heroes are off world. Archers are hiding out and helping where we can but we can't risk getting caught in the now occupied territory. Sorry, no rescue. You're on your own."

Hunter said "Copy." The com went dead. His whispers were seen as sleeptalking.

When he sat up the owner came in, "Good, just in time. It's time we challenge a real gladiator." He walked Hunter to a shuttle. Hunter sat down and cuffs were left off, must have stun guns. When they got close to the planetside, he made his move and escaped. Planetside he ran into the heroic bandits the Space Guards.

Their half-human leader Preston asked "How'd you get here?"

Hunter said "Long story. Tell you after we get out of here."

Preston (not his hero name) asked "Who are you? I can see you're human." Hunter pointed to a sign on the planet's colosseum. Preston read "Apollo's Archer. Okay come with us."

A member that resembled a squirrel said "We're just going to trust he is who he says he is."

Preston said "Riot, have you seen Apollo's Archer? That's him."

Hunter said "I'll explain things, off world. Earth is not independent anymore." They ushered him to their ship.

Riot said "We came here for a reason."

Hunter pulled his com, hit a few buttons, "This is a list of everything this is designed to be."

Riot took it, "I might be able to make it work."

Preston said "Good, we can find a more permanent solution later." He modified the ship quickly and they took off. In space they put it in neutral.

Preston said "Explaination time."

Hunter dropped his hood and gave an overview of the team then explained the Trojan Horse prisoner exchange.

Preston said "I'm just going to assume all of this is true. Haven't been to Earth in a while, must've missed the part about Apollo's Archers. How did you end up in those gladiator matches?"

Hunter said "The exchange went off perfectly. Guess the invaders gave the fight promoter me just to get rid of the problem. How should I know Preston?"

Preston asked "How do you know my name?"

Hunter said "My team isn't on good terms with SIGO and we regularly hack them."

Preston said "Okay. Why Apollo?"

Hunter said "Apollo's twin sister Artemis had a team called the Hunters of Artemis. Apollo and Artemis were both great archers. Apollo's Archers are kind of like the Hunters of Artemis, except for some immortality stuff."

A green teammate with red tattoo looking things said "The no killing thing comes from your code."

Hunter said "Before anyone can train to become an Archer he is sworn to secrecy then given a handbook he has to live by the rules in his handbook. When they finish training they're sworn in, the oath has everyone obey the code for life. The 18 year old ending point is for the young males part of Apollo's domain."

Preston asked "What happens if they break the code?"

Hunter said "It varies."

The tattooed alien said "You have quite the organization."

Hunter said "Have to with our numbers."

Preston said "You can use all of those weapons."

Hunter said "Yeah, I can but darts and some other stuff isn't needed for the recorded fights. We don't dip any of it, skill makes it all work. Skill and infinite engineering, the arrows never run out."

Preston asked "When was that invented?"

Hunter said "Only my team it."

Riot asked "What got you into doing all this?"

Hunter said "Long story."

Preston asked "Can you contact Earth? So we can combine our efforts with the rebels."

Hunter said "Sure. Archers are definitely allied with normal rebels. I'll need my com."

Preston said "You'll have to hide when we get the parts we need to repair the ship. Just to be safe."

Hunter nodded and Preston hid him. When they stopped for the parts, the ship was searched and Apollo's Archer used his invisibility he'd discovered during the wars. They didn't see him when they looked right at him. Space Guards were questioned and passed the tests. Hunter came out once they were offworld.

Preston asked "Where were you?"

Hunter said "Right where you left me. Hiding in plain sight, helps with being a vigilante."

Preston said "Okay, so you were cloaked."

Hunter said "Whatever you say."

Riot handed back parts of his com "Great now call your Earth friends."

Hunter looked at Preston, "I'm not a tech."

Preston said to Riot "You need to fix the com. You took it apart, you can put it back together." Riot got to work on the com, grudgingly. Hunter sat down without a word, he could hear an argument among team members in the ship's bridge about trusting him. He closed his eyes, sleeping lightly. Riot returned his com and he made the call. When the team came out from the bridge he stood. They got cloaked as soon as they were off.

Hunter ran to Olympia, where the fight that started everything was. He saw wreckage all over. He was spotted by street police. Using the skills he'd become well known for, he eliminated the threat posed by the aliens. Wearing the Archers' uniform was now illegal. A patrol ship caught sight of him and he eliminated the threat that squad posed in record time. Space Guards had caught up fast as more LEOs spotted him.

The ship had apparently stopped for too long because he was quickly surrounded by personnel transport ships. Apollo's Archers recognized him without the staff and joined the fray. Soon they were in a war of their own making. Hunter lead some Archers out of the area on a shuttle, taking aliens with them for clearance codes. Ethan was among the unit, he fixed up Riot's patch job. They didn't know their leader was a new man, neither did the man himself but he had definitely change.

With a tech at the controls, he came back. He said "You are going to tell us everything you know about the heroes you fought from this planet. You will tell us how to get them. Anything else we need to know from you will be provided as well."

Translator permanently on the alien he was kneeling over said "No."

Hunter said "You will break, everyone does eventually."

The alien said "Do your worst." Must've heard that from Earth media.

Hunter said "If you insist." He pulled an arrow out of his quiver and jabbed it into the guard's shoulder, on humans that move dislocates the shoulder. The guard screamed. "Feel like talking. Locations of captured Earth heroes for starters." The threat of pain can be as bad as torture itself. Hunter's eternal smile looked wicked to the alien in pain before him. Archers were stunned by his behavior.

After some convincing the alien gave "Fine. As you wish, gladiator. Like you they were given to arena masters." Receiving names Hunter nodded and knocked the alien out.

He went to the cockpit "Set a course for the Mojave Desert. Some time in the sun for these guys."

Ethan asked "What happened to you? Why did he called you gladiator?"

Hunter said "A lot. Cause that's what I am to them. They gave me to gladiatorial games. Take the uniforms. Could come in handy." They dropped the prisoners off in the desert naked. Then Hunter guided them to the Space Guards' ship.

An idiot Archer drew his bow at the aliens. Hunter gestured down. He walked up to Preston "Given to gladiator games. Got the names of which ones the heroes are in."

Preston said "Saw you steal the ship."

Hunter said "We knock them all out then what? We got information. Aliens aren't protected by Earth laws so not illegal. They're illegal immigrants at best according to American law."

Hunter turned to his team "Make the needed arrangements before you leave if you're leaving."

He asked Preston "Can you help us get the heroes back?"

Preston said "Sure. We'll help free Earth." He gestured Hunter to get in.

Tattoo guy said "You can't be serious."

Preston said "Dakar I am serious. The Protectors and mutant heroes are friends." Hunter was seated and ready to go, he gave names. They left Earth with Archers tailing. They plotted a course through the galaxies to rescue heroes.

Jumping onto fight ships and going straight to the ring. He saw Patriot fighting for his life. Hunter shot down the opponent. He'd been named a rogue by his former master with a bounty out on him. Thankfully the stolen uniforms got his hero friends in. He fought off guards and shot spectators. Soon it was a riot in the arena.

Hunter and Patriot ran to the cells. They released the prisoners and slaves. More escapees means smaller bounties and betters chances with confusion. A few heroes were sold to each arena master.

With Riot hot wiring ships for escapees they cleared the arena ships. Returning to Hunter's temporary home to get the English speaker and add to all out chaos. Using a few ships to get home they hit the mothership of the invasion. Taking down guards and freeing prisoner. With calculated assaults they took down the fleet.

The heroes met aboard SIGO's HQ, designed as a flying fortress. Preston said "With a little help and a lot of work we can take the problem aliens off your hands."

Armory said "Thanks but no. We already know what they did isn't illegal to your authorities."

Preston said "Worth a shot. What will you do with all the aliens?"

SIGO Director Nathans answered "They'll be the first inmates of our new orbiting containment facility. In case of any unauthorized entrance into our solar system the station goes into lockdown. When attacked it drops from orbit. 100% escape proof."

Hunter said "Wow." Everyone spun, having forgotten he was there.

Preston said "You are good at that." Trying to disguise his surprise.

Hunter said "The alien that taught them English. He knows some of the players, could be a good ally if you make it an alliance."