A/N Hello again. I wish to remind about the poll on my profile regarding what am I to write next. Feel free to vote.

Gamelover41592: yes. It just made sense for them to fight over something like that.

Namer1: I i'm afraid it wouldn't work. I tend to end chapters with some bad guys spoiler or something disconnected from the rest of the story. And even then, there is more than one plot going through the chapter.

CRUDEN: that was the point. He might have been scary for two not-so-experienced super-heroines, but Percy is a war veteran, best swordsman in who knows how long and most powerful demigod to walk the earth.

Mount Justice
November 11, 16:05

Wally entered the cave just as Zeta Tubes went off-line. He didn't find anyone in the kitchen, but once he entered the lounge the lights suddenly came up and he was greeted by a birthday party.

"Guys! You didn't have to!" He then gave one look at the buffet. "On second thought, who am I to refuse such magnificent things." This earned a round of chuckle from everyone. Then, M'gann and Percy brought four birthday cakes. Two of them were blue.

"We had a little bit of an argument over who is to bake you a cake, so we ended up both baking some and you will be the judge." M'gann explained.

"Yeah. Apparently, Martians does not understand the superiority of blue food over all other food in existence. Alas, the time has come to show, that any meal in color of sky, sea and saphire is far better than normal-colored food." Percy sounded as if he was speaking straight from his heart. Wally mostly ignored the speech, instead eyeing the four cakes, each with two candles on them. There was a single '1' and '6' four times over.

"Guys. I am not turning sixty-four the last time I checked." This earned another round of chuckles. even Conner actually smiled at this one. Wally then quickly blew off all the candles.

"What was your birthday wish?" Robin asked.

"Dude. You can't just ask that." Percy scolded the boy wonder.

Artemis gave both of them a wide grin and walked over to Wally. "I think I can guess." She then pulled him into a passionate kiss, much to the surprise of everyone gathered. Once they broke away, the expression of utter bliss on Wally's face suggested that it was exactly what he wished for. After all what was better than getting a kiss from his girlfriend. The party continued for some time until suddenly a holo-screen featuring Captain Atom appeared.

"Team meeting in mission room in ten minutes. Be sure to put your winter outfit."

Once everyone gathered, Captain Atom displayed a satellite image of flying fortress spitting snow all around.

"Five of such machines are flying over the whole country right now, paralyzing the whole infrastructure. The league will require all the help we can get to bring them down. Neptune, Artemis. You will help Black Canary, Wonder Woman and Green Arrow take down the Ice Fortress One. Superboy, Wolf. You two will go to help Superman with Ice Fortress Two. Aqualad, Huntress and Miss Martian will help at Ice Fortress Three. Aquaman and Martian Manhunter will meet you there. Tempest, Zatanna. You are to support Captain Marvel and Red Tornado at Ice Fortress Four. Robin and Aquagirl will meet Batman, me and Flash at Ice Fortress Five."

There was only one problem. Wally walked from the line and stood in front of the screen. "Uh... Sir? I think you forgot about someone..."

"Negative. A young girl in Seattle desperately needs heart transplant. They found a donor in Boston, but with all conventional ways of transportation gone, you are needed to move it. Air traffic is impossible with the snow."

"What about Zeta Tubes?"

"Hey, KF. The tubes are down, remember?" Robin apologetically reminded.

Zoe stepped out of the line too. "Actually, I have a faster solution." This earned a questioning look from the rest of them. She proceeded to explain. "Moon Chariot is not impeded by weather or anything really. It is the physical manifestation of the idea of moon. I can get the heart there in less than half an hour."

Wally wanted to happily take her place and see some action, but then his ring started to pain him and an ominous voice spoke in his mind. 'You will take this assignment. Only you will be late. I do not care what you punk do, but the heart must not reach the girl. And don't get caught.' Of course his 'benefactor' had to ruin his birthday even more. He sighted.

"No. It would be too dangerous. You would be moving above Mach 10. And we don't know how this... whatever it is supposed to be... will affect the heart. I for once felt enough 'godly poisoning' in my life."

"Kid Flash is right. I will not risk it."

"Guess I will not need stealth suit for this one." With sad expression he pressed the emblem on his chest and outfit turned yellow and red.

Wally was speeding through empty road a bit under Mach 1. He was deep in thoughts and didn't want to accidentally hit something. At this speed any of such collisions could cost him his life, or at least earn him a month in hospital. The ring on his finger was slightly pulsing under his glove, sending unpleasant warm through his body. It served as a constant reminder of the demand that his 'benefactor' placed on him. Handling over some information here and there was not that harmful. It was still dangerous, but he always reminded himself that Artemis life was at stake. But now it was different. If he carried out the order, an innocent young girl would die. He would practically kill her. But if he didn't, the girl that meant the world for him would die. And even worse. She would die a traitor. While Artemis was unaware that he made a deal in order to protect her, he knew exactly what she did. To wake him from a coma, she agreed to serve Ares. Should she die from the necklace that connected her to him, it would be over. They would deem her a traitor from the beginning.

I am doomed. I acted rashly and landed ears deep into some muddy situation. Right now I have only one choice. Either I kill the girl, or sentence Artemis to death. Why does life hate me so much...

Wally was so focused on his inner dialogue that he almost missed a hulking brute throwing policemen around like a ragdolls. Almost being the key word. "That was Vandal Savage." Wally took a sharp turn and sped back at the immortal caveman. "I need to save this innocent guards."

"Ah. My target is here." Savage threw the officer he was holding into his car, instantly knocking the poor man unconscious.

Wally accelerated, breaking the sound barrier and punched the villain square in the chest, only for him to not even budge. Wally didn't stop there. He continued to speed past him and took another sharp turn. With all the momentum he could gather, he repeated the punch, but this time Vandal reciprocated. The longer hands gave him incredible advantage as he managed to catch speedster before he connected. The speed, reflexes or coordination required for such feat were beyond comprehension. Wally didn't give up. He started to furiously kick him several times over while hanging by the neck. Once he managed to kick Vandal in the nose, he let go and with a THUMP! Kid Flash fell on the ground. Luckily, he shifted so that the heart was intact. trying to change approach, Wally started to run around the hulking brute, trying to attack from various different angles. He made sure not to follow any pattern so it was impossible to know where he will strike next.

What he didn't expect, was that Vandal would just jump at random point in the circle he created. At this point, Wally was too surprised to dodge and his body slammed into the caveman. To his credit, Savage was actually pushed back this time.

"Funny. I actually felt this one." He then cracked his knuckles and started to walk to dazed speedster. "Let's see how much can you feel."

Wally looked around. The guards got away already. Checking his timer, he noticed that this fight wasted 12 minutes of his time already. Maybe that's a good thing. This way I will have an excuse and if I manage to bring Vandal Savage to justice my actions might be justified. The backpack with the heart started to weight him even more. He then gave one more look at the villain. Who am I kidding. I can't do this. And there are more pressing matters. He dashed forward. Vandal prepared to block another hit, but Wally swiveled around him and started to run away. He was already too far to see Vandal smiling. The immortal caveman pulled a communication device and pressed a button.

"Everything's going according to plan."

At Ice Fortress One, Percy and Diana slashed trough more and more of the ice cannons. More and more machines kept popping out, but it didn't faze them. Neptune had a hurricane around himself, tearing the fortress apart piece by piece. Still, the building was massive and by himself it would take him hours. Luckily, Wonder Woman was with him. She exploited the openings and cut the unprotected cables with her sword. They worked together well, but that's exactly what one would expect after months of sparring with one another. The only person Percy had better synergy with was Zoe.

On the other side, Artemis and Green Arrow stood back to back, firing exploding arrows at any cannon that popped out.

"Having fun?" Oliver smirked.

"You bet!" Artemis retorted as she leaped high in the air and fired several arrows at once, which detonated series of cannons and caused huge chain explosion, bringing one of the snow spatters off-line. Green Arrow watched this content of what his new protegee was capable of. Next to him, Black Canary sent a wave of sonic scream that cleared them a path to the next section. A large explosion on the other side suggested that Neptune and Wonder Woman were doing great. They were about to move out through the way when suddenly entire structure started to shake. Several explosions in random places quickly followed.

"Wonder Woman. What the hell is going on on your side?" Green Arrow screamed into his communicator

"Neptune decided to try something. It looks like it's working. Evacuate immediately. We will meet you at the extraction point."

The three heroes found it surprising that even with the shaking, they did not have any trouble with walking straight. Once they got to the extraction point, Wonder Woman and Neptune were already there. He was holding his trident tightly with other hand extended toward the ground. Their jet was standing there. The trap door started to open when a giant explosion threw them all back. The five heroes could only watch as their only way out slid down, falling off the floating fortress.

"What now?" Artemis asked. The storm around them was slowly getting more clear, but it would still be impossible for any normal aircraft to approach them. And if the weather did clear out up here, it would mean they would only have few seconds before this whole thing would crash down.

"I can get you down, but I can lift only two people." Wonder Woman suggested.

"Canary and Artemis will go first. I will stay and protect Neptune while he does... whatever you are doing man."

"It's called tremorkinesis, control over earthquake." Judging by his voice, this prolonged earthquake of such magnitude was slowly starting to give him a hard time.

Dinah wanted to protest, but Diana already lifted her and Artemis off the ground and started floating down. They slowly descanted until clouds completely shrouded them from the view.

"How you holding?"

"Could be better. If I stop now, I fear I will not be able to start again." Percy summarized. Suddenly, there was a huge explosion in the center and whole building started to fall down. "We need to jump. It's snow or never."

Green Arrow chuckled. "Puns in the face of death? I admit. You got style."

"I aim to please." Neptune made a mock bow.

"I still don't see our ride anywhere."

"Then we must hope she will catch us or I learn how to fly in next less-than-a-minute." Neptune picked Green Arrow bridal style and jumped off the Fortress, ignoring how the superhero screamed like a little girl. In the air, Percy focused on creating a hurricane around himself. The wind picked up and everywhere around them violent air currents tore apart any part of the falling structure. This indeed slowed his descent, but they were still falling.

"Maybe parachute would be a better idea!" Oliver screamed.

"If you have a parachute arrow, it would be nice to use it now. I didn't plan on falling from the sky today. That usually only happens at Thursday."

"Not that something, but it is Thursday."

"Oh! Forgive me that I have more important things to do. For example not ending as Paneptune."

"Now you are just being sassy."

"I am Persassy, thank you very much."

The earth started to get closer and closer. In panic, Percy desperately looked around. There was a river nearby! He reached toward the water while still holding onto the hurricane (which was not as easy as one may think). The whole river rose from it's bed and formed a slide for them to safely travel. Percy was obviously not wet once they walked out, but Green Arrow started to almost literary turn into an icicle.

"Never. Doing that." He pointed up in the air in unspecified direction. "Again!"

Artemis and Black Canary walked next to them. The older woman spoke. "Now as a responsible adult I should give a speech about how reckless this was, but it was also pretty funny to watch. Did you really need this triple circle and a double loop?"

"Hey. If you are falling from the sky into a water slide you created, you either do it with style or don't do it at all." Percy grinned behind the mask.

"Whatever. Can we now go. Preferably to a place where I can get a hot chocolate and warm clothes." Green Arrow spoke as his teeth chattered.

Wally was zooming at the speed of sound to get back the time he sacrificed to fight vandal savage. He would still be just in time... that is if he was really gonna do it. If he did, then Artemis would die. He could not let his girlfriend be killed because of his actions. But that would mean killing a sick girl who needed a heart transplant. She counted on him too. There was no real escape. Maybe if he didn't deliver the heart himself, instead faking that he was too worn out and asked someone else to do it? Or if he just deliver another heart. Yeah. Where will I find another heart?

Suddenly, his comm beeped. "Wally. It's Artemis. We cleared our assignment. I am on my way to Seattle. We will get a chance to celebrate your birthday some more. Just the two of us." He smiled at that. Birthday date? Great. But it won't matter. At best, she will be there to tell him it wasn't his fault and he did his best. At worst, he would get to see her one last time before she died. No. That would not happen. He will figure something out.

The city appeared on the horizon. He was closing in. Only few more minutes to come up with some plan or make a decision. He checked his timer. He still had sixteen minutes left. He would make it in four on a bad day. Wally sighted. It shouldn't even be a choice. I will not be able to live myself either way. At least that way someone will...

Doctor Cross waited outside the hospital and checked his watch once more. There was no sight of Kid Flash with the delivery. He sighted. His breath was frozen and formed a mist. With resignation he walked inside. About two minutes later the delivery arrived. Kid Flash looked around, but he couldn't find a doctor. A man, wearing coat and a surgical cap walked outside.

"Please tell me I made it!" The speedster managed to say between panting heavily and handing over the heart.

"I am sorry. The girl died eight minutes ago. I will take the heart. There are others waiting." With that, the doctor walked away. Wally fell on his knees.

Eight minutes. It means if I did hurry, if I didn't stall or try and fight savage so long, the girl would live. I killed her... He moaned. Barely standing, he walked inside and sat on the nearest chair. Before he realized it, a swarm of doctors surrounded him.

"Kid Flash! You've got the heart? The queen is waiting!" Head surgeon urged him

"The girl died and now the heart is going to the queen?" He asked confused.

"The girl is the queen. Queen Perdita of Vlatava. She is alive for now, but the clock is ticking." This sent a bolt of electricity through Wally's body. He quickly looked around and noticed the fake doctor to whom he handled the heart going down the elevator.

"I will deal with it. Wait here." He then sped down the stairs to the car park below, leaving doctors in a state of confusion.

When he got down, he saw the man about to enter the car. He pooled all his strength into accelerating and zoomed by, grabbing the backpack and going back to the stairs. Suddenly, a wave of nausea hit him and he slipped. Wally's head started to feel like someone used his brain for kickboxing training. He tried to crawl to the backpack, but the fake doctor was faster. Kid Flash looked around to see count Vertigo behind him.

"I could have guessed. Vertigo." A sharp pain went through his right tight. A sword was plunged into it.

"It's count Vertigo you peasant." The villain was now standing in front of him. One hand was on his temple, still holding onto the cane part while in his other was bared sword.

"Aren't you supposed to be in Belle Reve? After how you were defeated with the rest of 'Injustice League'. It must've been humiliating. Getting your ass kicked so hard by one guy with a trident." Wally taunted him. The clock was ticking and if he didn't figure something out, the queen would die and whole country would end up under the rule of a super villain.

"It's called diplomatic immunity."

Suddenly, Wally swiped his legs, and knocked the count off balance. Ignoring the pierce wound on his tight, he run to Vertigo's henchman and took the backpack. Both handles were torn, but he held to it close. The pain was starting to get to him, but he ignored it and jumped over several cars. Last second he changed direction from going for the stairs as a wave or nauseating vibrations crashed there. In split second he run toward the car exit and escaped the chase. Going around, he crashed through the front window, making sure that the backpack was not damaged. The surgeons were startled as he handled them the pack. Doctor Cross urged them to hurry. Seeing that everything was going okay, Wally collapsed.

He was awoken by the sound of an heart monitor beeping steadily next to him. In the background the TV was on.

"...ice League managed to destroy all five of Ice Fortresses. While their effects might linger for a few days, the country is slowly returning to normal. Thank you, Justice League."

"In other news, Queen Perdita of Vlatava died today on the operation table. After hours long surgery, the medical team responsible for her heart transplant was ultimately unable to save her life. The next in line for a succession is her uncle, Count Verner Vertigo, but some of the country officials question this. The main base for concerns is his involvement with so-called 'Injustice League', responsible for trying to hold the world hostage. Some of the neighboring countries outright refuse to acknowledge him as the ruler, with Markovia threatening to cut all diplomatic and trade relations should he be crowned king."

Suddenly, someone turned the TV off. Count Vertigo walked inside the room. He pulled himself a chair and sat next to Kid Flash's bed.

"So all your efforts, all this work, this sacrifice... And still for nothing." He placed too much accent on the word sacrifice for Wally not to notice.

He was in league with Ares. Figures since they were both in the Injustice League. Eh. He focused, not letting his mind wander off too much. "It must sting Vertigo. Knowing that you now owe a debt to Vandal Savage and Five Ice villains, all for nothing. Your niece would die either way."

"It's king Vertigo now, you lowly, irritating peasant. And maybe yes, maybe no. If I didn't get them to slow you down, they might have yet helped her. But alas."

"And now that you are a king, nobody can trial you for murder."

"It's called Regicide." He smiled at kid Flash, but the young hero grinned widely in response. He then pulled the partition curtain aside to reveal Queen Perdita, alive and healthy, with four bodyguards. She had a tape recorder in hand.

"It's called Regicide." She played the tape, proving that their whole talk was recorded.

"You... You..." The villain could not find the words foul enough to express his rage. Instead, he pulled the sword from his cane and lunged at the queen. He was mid-air when suddenly his face met with something metal. He fell down and the sword-cane rolled away. wally was now holding an IV stand like a baseball bat. Two of the guards grabbed the count and restrained him.

"Count Verner Vertigo. For attempted Regicide and treason against your country, I hearby revoke your diplomatic immunity and place you under arrest. Take him away." Queen Perdita spoke with royal-like authority.

"Well played, Child. Well played. Cherrish this small victory, but remember. One battle does not end the war." He sounded really pissed. Bodyguards pushed him when he tried to resist. "Don't touch me peasants!"

Once the criminal was escorted, she smiled. "Thank you. I owe you my life. And my country owes you their freedom."

Wally stood from his bed and picked the sword-cane from the ground. He wanted to hand it to her, but she refused. "This sword never belonged to my uncle. It's a family heirloom of royal house of Vlatava. I would be honored if you kept it. As a Souvenir perhaps?" She smiled brightly.

He pondered it for a second, but Wally shook his head. "Thank you, your majesty, but I think I know a better souvenir."

She still didn't take it from him. "Take it anyway. I will be content knowing it's in safe hands." Her voice was now a bit more mysterious, but it might have also been the accent. He just shrugged and said his goodbye.

Once he walked out of the Hospital, he was greeted by Artemis, still in her superhero getup. "Oh Wally. I am so sorry. I heard what happened." She then noticed the cane he carried and the backpack. "Oh. I see you still got a souvenirs." She also noted he was smiling. "You seem rather... lighthearted."

"Well, considering that queen lives, count Vertigo is now in prison and I practically single-handedly saved the whole country from tyranny of a super-villain, I think I am entitled to be happy, right?"

She embraced him. "Certainly. Now my superhero maybe would like to change into something nicer. I believe we were supposed to celebrate your birthday." She was now grinning widely.

His ring was itching him, but he decided to ignore it for now. "Yeah. I think I would like it." Deep down, he was starting to get worried. Ares struck him as someone who would not take disobeying him lightly. The fact that his vengeance was not yet present only unnerved him more. But for now he decided not to worry.

They walked through the town, now in civilian clothes. He sent the cane and backpack back to his home through Zeta Tube. It was nice. Just the two of them, walking through Seattle. They entered a park, now empty as it was already pretty late. With all the snow reflecting the streetlamp lights it was lovely. The atmosphere was incredible. The two of them held hands tightly as they walked side by side, completely silent, just enjoying each others company.

"You know..." Artemis started. "I think I could live in this city one day. It's so beautiful here." She looked around.

"Well, the crime rate is almost 90% higher than national average, so they could definitely use a superhero..." Wally blurted and earned himself a jab in the stomach. Artemis did have a bone-y elbows.

"Not like that you doof. I mean I won't be a superhero forever. And neither will you." She pointed finger at his chest. "With the brains of yours I see a great career for you in the science world."

"I always saw myself more as a stand-up comedian." He joked.

"Yeah. You would starve the first year into the job. Or more like first month."

"I don't know. I never really thought about any life besides... that all." He spoke.

"Seriously? No plans for life? You know that being a superhero does not pay the bills."

"I figured, but it seemed so... distant. Now suddenly my dad is talking about getting a driving license and you are asking about my future job. I am the type of guy who does not plan what he will do in the evening. It's a miracle I actually think through where I take you for dates." He joked.

"Yeah. Lucky..." She started, but suddenly the necklace around her flew up and the string suddenly shortened. She began to choke as the air could not pass. The pain made her fall on the ground. She tried to pull it off, but it wouldn't leave. Panicked, Wally picked her bridal-style and began to run. He wanted to go to the hospital, but they would not help her. No human method would work. He needed... someone. Whether it was alien technology or even straight up magic from deepest part of hell or Hades or pink dimension of fluffy unicorns of doom, he had to save her. He went through the list of all the sorcerers he heard Flash talk about. There was Zatarra, but she was out of the picture. It would raise a lot of questions. There was Doctor Fate, but he wouldn't even need to ask questions. Maybe Percy could help him... He shuddered, remembering last time the demigod fought the god of war. From what he heard, the Bayou is still pretty much treated as a ecological disaster. The earthquake, hurricane, tsunami. No that would not work. Artemis was slowly losing consciousness. He could almost see the life escaping her. He realized he was still running, so he stopped on the nearest rooftop. He grabbed the necklace and pulled. It allowed her to take one breath, but then it only latched back and tightened even more. He got maybe two minutes before she died.

"May this serve you as a lesson. You do not disobey my orders. Any orders. I tell you to jump, and you will not ask me how high. You will just jump." Suddenly, his ring started to almost burn him. He felt an excruciating pain on his right shoulder. Pulling down the shirt, he saw that there was a bloody symbol of mars there. It looked like someone cut him with a knife. "You are both mine. Consider yourself lucky that I still have some need for the two of you" Wally noticed that Artemis' necklace finally loosened a bit and allowed her some breathing space. Suddenly, there was flash of light and in front of them stood Ares in all his glory. His overall posture was more bulky now, but otherwise he was unchanged. Under his helmet the flames still hid his features and the golden sword strapped to his belt was all the same, but there was this aura of power around him, greater than any before.

"No! You said he would not know. I promised you anything, but he was not supposed to know!" Artemis panicked and Wally pulled her closed.

"He knew from the beginning. He made a deal to protect you, but he failed to uphold it. Now you will both help me. Or there will be much more severe consequences. You are both mine. Should either of you die, your soul and body will be mine to use. However. I. please." He made sure to accent each part of the last sentence.

"What? You knew?" She was confused. Wally pulled her closer and showed her a ring on his finger.

"I did. But I couldn't let you just sacrifice your life for me. I had to do something. I had to protect you." he spoke soothingly. Trying to calm her down. She was still in shock from almost dying and this situation was not helping her at all.

"But... You don't understand. You have no idea who I am."

"You are a good person and you are my whole world. I won't loose you." He smiled and hugged her tightly, like he was trying to protect her from the bad world around them.

"Touching. I would gag if I had a stomach. But sadly a certain demigod pierced it. If Aphrodite was here she would've probably made me leave you alone. But I have other plans for you." He opened his clawed hand to reveal four vials. "When I give you a signal, you will splash the main punk and his girly with the content of this. Is that clear?" He threatened.

"What is this stuff?" Wally asked. Suddenly, the fresh wound on his shoulder pained and he saw it all open again. Speedforce long since closed it before, but now it opened. Artemis let out a scream next to him and he noticed similar wound in the middle of her arm where she usually wore an armband while in superhero suit. Clever, easy to hide and still painful. For a looser god, he was quite creative in his torture.

"I said no questioning my orders. You will do as I say or you will beg me to end your miserable existence faster." He spoke with rage in his voice. Each of them obediently took two vials. He then disappeared in another flash of light.

"I guess I have some explaining to do..." Wally started, but Artemis interrupted him, pulling him into a kiss.

"That was THE most romantic thing anyone ever did for me." She said after breaking apart. Then, she smacked him in the head several times. "It is also the most stupid, irresponsible, rush, immature, Wally thing to do. Have you thought about the consequences?" She kept smacking him until he finally caught her wrist.

"Ouch. Enough! I get it. I also remember you did the same thing to save my life, so you are in no position to judge." This finally calmed her.

"Okay. You got me there." There was a moment of awkward silence as they just sat on the rooftop. Finally, Artemis spoke. "So what now?"

"I guess we pretend nothing of this ever happened, help him with what he wants and then move on. Whatever his final plan is, I am certain Percy, Zoe and the league will stop him..."

"I hope so. But what..." She didn't finish as he pulled her closer, hugging her tightly.

"I don't know. I wish I knew, but I don't have the answer. I don't even know if this is magic or science. Where went the times when the only crime to stop was a plain bank robbery or thief steeling a purse of an elderly lady?"

"I have no idea. They probably retired once they heard of such a great duo as us." She gave out a weak laugh.

Metropolis
November 12, 23:33

Reverse Flash walked into a very secure room. There, Doomsday was locked in a stasis field. A twenty-ninth century technology. It was attuned to his cells so others could safely enter it with no worries outside of slight migraine.

"Are all the modifications ready?" He asked

"Not yet sir." the nearest scientist answered. "We have a bit of trouble with adjusting the control collar with no way of testing it. The micro-pauses in acting of Stasis field do allow us to test his brain activity, but without field testing, we have no way of being sure."

"Then better be sure, because should it be free before final calibrations, no one is living through. It will make sure of it." He not so much threatened as stated.

Qurac
November 13, 06:16

A large group of armored vehicles crossed the border with Bialya, followed by large amount of tanks and mobile artillery. People living nearby were used to seeing small skirmished between patrols, but this was something entirely different. A full-scale invasion. And with the power like never seen before here. Squadrons of soldiers, some in military outfits, others in more civilian clothes or only partial uniforms, all entering foreign country armed to teeth. They were ready to kill anyone who stood in their way. Blood lust in their eyes was almost unnatural. The Bialyan army did not stay idle while Qurac invaded. In almost every place on the border, the shots could be heard. The total war has begun.

Back at the capital of Qurac, Dhabar, the press conference was held. On the podium stood Noor Harjavti, the daughter of president Rumaan Harjavti.

"Qurac was weak. For years, Bialya threatened us and raided our borders. We had to live in fear. My father was a good leader, but he was weak one too. He believed that other powers would keep us safe. That the world would keep a dictator like Queen Bee in peace. But that has to end. We must raise and solve our problems by ourself. This morning, my father was removed from his position as the president of Qurac and I took his place. Under my leadership, Qurac will raise. We will no longer need to live in fear of Bialya or Queen Bee. My first decision as ruling leader of our great country, I declared war on the enemy that lived freely to plot. No more I say! With the fall of despot, we shall free her people and unite the two halves. Qurac and Bialya might have once been one country, but if the union is to happen, it will not be under her tyrannic rule." The gathered crows cheered. There was a faint glimmer in their eyes. A faint red light.

Western Mongolia
November 13, 07:33

"What is the meaning of this! How dare you! That puppet of yours just invaded my country!" Queen Bee was raging on the tele-screen at Ares, who stood calmly in the middle of large room. "And you did something to her soldiers... I can't... I am losing!" She tried to mask her panic with rage, but most of the members saw through it.

"I don't care. Your plan clearly does not work fast enough. You want to scheme and play, but it does not work. A bunch of kids is all it takes to foil your plans. From now on, we will do things my way. We will start a new world war. I will make sure that it will last long enough for them to develop interstellar travel. Then, Earth will rise as an intergalactic dominion. And I will be the only god the galaxy knows. Then, nobody will stop me!"

Vandal was sitting in the back. He listened to the speech of his once patron. In truth, he was powerless to oppose him. The failsafe built in the new body was destroyed during the transformation. Helmet swallowed all safety measures. Ares was now a god inhibiting the most powerful mortal body that was found. One that would never rebel against him.

"You are okay with this Savage?" Queen Bee screamed.

"I am. For now we will follow this plan." He mulled over the idea of calling his partner for help, but for the first time, it might not be enough. Ares was now more powerful than Superman on Kobra-venom.

"Good. Let's get this party started."

A/N We are in the endgame now folks. I think three chapters left. Maybe another one for epilogue. I apologize for the short chapter, but I did wanted to stop here and start next chapter right in the action part. Sorry if I missed your review, but I am pretty busy with some stuff. Winter break ended and now life is out there to make sure I don't have free time.

When I start writing next chapter, the poll with be closed. Right now I have already pretty good idea what I will write, but just to be sure.