Chapter 10: A Night to Remember

An: Welcome everyone to another chapter! HUGE ShoutOut to TurtleMan141 for Beta Reading!

Let me know what you guys think, I'm always happy to hear your thoughts! Also...a personal request, if anyone is interested please check out my Sauron: Dark Lord Among Heroes Story. That one is by far the most challenging so I am looking for opinions and advice on that one.

But other than that...ENJOY!

[Deficio: Egyptica]

Diana has to admit that she was indeed having fun. Over time she had been doing nothing but hero work since her time in Man's World. Yet here she was now with a fellow woman partying and having a wonderful time.

She had not had such a good laugh in her long life.

The more entertaining sides of Man's World fascinated her. The lights, the music, the spirits, all of it unique and different from her home. Yet she was about to be surprised further to find a man she had met only a few nights ago on the other side of the world.

Feeling a man's body bumping into her own, she was stunned to hear a familiar voice over the party.

"Lady Diana?" a familiar voice boomed over the music. Turning she was shocked to see the scarred yet smiling face of Warden.

"Warden!?" she said in surprise, "What brings you here?"

"Oh just exploring the Party Scene," he said with an awkward grin, "I've been spending so much time catching up with the family business, I was curious to think of different business ventures to pursue."

That was only partially true. Warden was indeed looking into different businesses, but Revan had been meeting with boots on the ground for Planet-Side Operations Updates. All of them in civilian attire so as to not rouse suspicion.

Plus, having taken over the Criminal Underworld, he had access to every resource they did...minus the hidden personal accounts a few players were using to end him. And while he knew assassins were at every corner, he simply needed to not wear the helmet as that was the only identifier they had.

"So it has you travelling quite a lot?" she asked over the music, to which Warden nodded with a weary smile.

"Indeed it does," he confirmed, "Though I feel your adventures keep you on your toes even more than I."

Diana was ready to respond when a certain Princess slid into their conversation. Looking down at that mischievous smile, Warden reckoned he was now in for a much more wild night than he bargained.

"Oh Sith-Spit…" his mind shouted frantically. This was no ordinary woman...this was a wild one.

"I'm in trouble now…"

"Ooooh Diana," she cooed, delighting in the sudden surprise and slight tinge of fear in the man towering over her, "You didn't tell me you knew the famous Warden Droste!"

Warden sure enough felt a sharp ping of emotion he hadn't had in forever: fear.

Not fear of life mind you, but troublemakers and tricksters always made the hairs on his neck stick up. They were the hardest to read and predict, even with his years of experience. Before he knew it, he was being dragged to the dance floor by one Princess, while the other watched on with an entertained grin.

So he did the only thing he could do: he went with the flow of the current.

Both Wonder Woman and Audrey couldn't help but giggle as he awkwardly danced to a music that was not at all his natural. But he tried his best to participate.

"Hey don't worry," Audrey grinned, placing his hands on her hips, "Just follow my lead."

Diana watched as Warden danced with the Princess. In spite of his initial shock and confusion, he seemed to be able to do well enough as he followed Audrey's masterful movements.

They were fluid, rhythmic, sensual, a practiced art that both caught eyes, and made the lucky man dancing with her lose all sense of restraint and stimuli outside of the woman in his arms. Any man watching would be jealous of the scarred man dancing with the blonde, while her partner saw nothing, felt nothing but her.

And yet, even as Warden danced with Audrey, behind the understandably enticed and infatuated emotions running through him...Diana could still feel a slight amount of awkwardness coming from the man.

He was clearly not used to such behavior...not directed at him at least.

[Chase Rice: Ready Set Roll]

Yet...something happened as the next song came on. Diana and even Audrey seemed to see a spark light behind his eyes. Like a lost, wonderful memory had come back to him as a wide smile came across his face.

If only they knew how true that was…

"May I?" he asked politely, extended a hand to Audrey. Now it was Audrey and Diana's turn to be surprised and caught off guard as the moment Audrey took his hand...Warden took the lead.

It was clear to them that he was much more in her element now, as all sense of awkwardness vanished. His feet were light, gliding across the ground as they moved across the dance floor. And with there being less people in New York experienced with the Southern Style Dancing they had plenty of room to move.

Which Warden used to full effect as he began to spin the princess. The sudden shift from awkward to confident had her smiling and giggling as he spun her and went through stunts and movements that had them both smiling.

As the song finally died down, Warden swiftly spun the princess before dipping her. As a final move, he told her what to do as he pulled her back and spun her one final time before releasing and extending his right elbow.

Which she hooked with her arm as they walked off the floor.

[End Song]

Shortly after they were both smiling and laughing at the table with Diana again.

"You are quite light on your feet for such a big man!" she laughed and grinned, "Who taught you how to dance!?"

With a shy grin, Warden could only quip, "Ex-girlfriends. Took my time learning since they enjoyed Country Two-Stepping...and I used to have two left feet."

Diana smiled at that, while the Princess grinned, "Oh my! How romantic!"

Warden smiled and nodded in thanks to the compliment before turning to Diana.

"Do you wish to dance as well?" he asked a now blushing Amazon. A reaction that surprised both of her fellow party members.

"I-I am inexperienced with the dancing style you performed," she admitted, to which Princess Audrey demanded that the two of them dance. That is...until she caught sight of her bodyguards hunting her down.

"On second thought, maybe a private lesson later? We need to run!" she yelled as she grabbed both their hands.

"Eh?" Warden pondered, only for both he and Diana to get pulled along. Before long he found himself on yet another plane and off to the skies, partying across the world!

All ending with them standing atop the Eiffel Tower.

It was only here that Warden and Diana saw the facade of the party girl faded, and the woman that was Princess Audrey, the woman who loved her people and her country come to the front. This was why he disliked tricksters, so many of them get so enveloped in their lie that no one knows the truth.

Not even themselves.

Yet he had no room to criticize...he had two lives after all.

Such thoughts were expelled however as Audrey launched herself off of the tower. Such a move made Revan nearly break his cover and save the woman, thankful another more public hero was on the case and dove after her. Yet even as she fell, he could hear Audrey laughing both as she fell and was carried back to the top. The moment she had returned to the top of the tower however...the facade dropped.

She was melancholy, depressed even. Apparently some form of arranged marriage had been scheduled and the wedding was the next day. And this was her final day to be "A Free Woman."

And in that moment the trickster nature melted away...and he felt a kindred soul. Someone bound by duty and responsibility for a greater purpose and denied the things everyday people take for granted. Before he realized, it was his nature as Revan who spoke: a piece of wisdom from ruler to ruler.

"The calling to accept your duty is never an easy one Little Princess," he began, his tone catching the attention of the two women, "I admire your fortitude to put your people first."

He then turned to face them with a face of severity.

"But don't mistake the demands of others with the duty to your people," he said coldly, "Learn what is necessary to protect and serve your people, don't just do what others expect of you."

"You must take the action that will be best for the people you serve," he finished. That sober tone, his serious face, and the scars which defined the canvas it sat on. All of them shattered the visage of a jovial young man and before them stood the victim of war, torture, and an unknown trial of whatever else happened to darken his soul.

Hearing this stunned the women as the young man seemed to age before their eyes. Softly, Audrey walked over to the man whose eyes seemed to have dulled. Gently she raised a toward that scarred face.

For a moment he twitched and tilted away, but after a moment of locked eyes, she tried again. This time, despite the evident concern in his eyes, he did not move away. The moment she felt his scars, his face seemed to soften.

"They said you were changed since the day you vanished," she said softly, "Your eyes are so old for one so young."

Diana for one could not help but admit that she saw the exact same thing. The blue eyes which had shone all night had faded to a steel blue. His eyelids were low, and his whole stature, once proud and strong now looked weary and fatigued.

"How I wish I could have met the boy," she whispered, "Before the world forced him to become a man."

What was perhaps the most tragic thing...was how he leaned into her hand. A clear sign of the lack of warmth over the years he had gone missing. She traced his scars and he seemed nearly enraptured by the touch.

In that moment, Diana's empathic abilities caught the emotions that had been hidden throughout the evening. Such pain, sorrow, regret even washed over him. Focusing on it, she felt a calm and dedicated drive that appeared to be reinforced and motivated by that pain.

And yet, in spite of such emotions, she could feel a small warmth in his heart as this gesture of kindness from Princess Audrey seemed to bestow a gift far beyond what she realized.

She was reminding him that the touch of another person can be kind. And with it he seemed to be provided a respite he had not been expecting. Tension she had not noticed melted from his form like ice when approached by fire.

After a moment, Warden's eyes reopened. They were softer, and with it came a gentle smile. A real smile, soft and warm.

"I knew you were more than a party girl princess," his voice low and gruff, yet sincere, "You truly have the keen mind and a sharp eye of you woman worthy of becoming queen. I encourage you to rely on that in the days to come."

With what she felt to be regret, he pulled away from her hand. But what perhaps frightened Diana...was the fact that in that instant she lost all sense of his emotions. It once again painted a picture of a man who endured hell.

As he looked to the rising sun he spoke, "I must prepare to head home, please give your father the king my regards my lady. I truly pray I may be graced with the chance to see you again."

Kissing her hand, he faced the Amazon, "And Lady Diana, it is again a pleasure. I pray to meet you again."

And with no other words, he made his departure, leaving the two women to look at his back with sorrow in their hearts.

[Somewhere Over the Atlantic]

Warden looked outside the window, something within his mind troubled him about this day. The Force was screaming at him, that something terrible was about to happen and he was going the wrong way.

"What troubles you sir?" his personal Aide asked. He looked over to the woman dressed in a white pants suit. She held a holo tablet in one hand, and a glass of wine in the other. For most she appeared to be a young, rising star in Warden's business enterprises.

But to those in the know, she was one of his deadliest, most capable servants.

"Jaesa…" he began, "I want you to reach out to our contacts: shadows, infiltrators, cyphers, everyone. I want everyone looking into this Vandal Savage character. Everytime I think of him the Force pulses.

"As you wish My Lord," she said in an almost sultry tone, "But...surely such a man is not worth your personal attention? After all, you could conquer this world in a matter of hours."

Revan's eyes bored into her, and she shivered both in fear and...something else far more carnal. Only her former master had ever held such a dominating presence, and yet here sat a man far beyond him. She craved him, and yet Revan had denied her...for now.

"You already know that this takes precision and delicacy," he began, "Many of this world are capable of abilities both bizarre and fearsome. Take that and the many organizations that know this world far better than us, and we could have a gruesome rebellion."

"Add to that, reports of interstellar foes are already beginning to prod at the defenses of the Maw Installation," he continued as a flight attendant, secretly another Sith Assassin, poured his glass of whiskey, "A war on two fronts is foolish. No, better to earn trust and gain allies."

For a time he was silent, seeing the look of disappointment on his Aide's face before sighing. He had to sate that sadistic nature of hers soon.

"Next time the Underworld gets out of line," he began, "I'll let you blow off some steam."

And with that, her warm brown eyes vanished, replaced by those of an excited Sith.

"Oooh you know how to spoil a girl My Lord," she cooed, an advance that Revan tuned out. His mind was far from that of romance...and just seconds later it paid off as Jaesa's tone switched from sultry to professional.

"Sir," she said, getting his attention. With a few gestures on her tablet, the television showed the channel she had been observing.

Showing this Vandal Savage declaring dominion over the world with a satellite Rail Gun ready to decimate any city of his choosing.

With a fire in his eyes he was on his feet and barking orders.

"Get the Death Squad on that satellite! They are to secure that satellite! Have SCORPIO activate the needed communications and logistics for the op."

Jaesa's fingers were already dancing on her tablet issuing the orders, "At once my Lord...and shall I send a detachment of Storm Troopers to Kaznia as well?

Revan did not bother to turn, knowing she was following him, "No...this is a large scale, fast and hard op, and the main force is not ready to engage a fully organized country in such a manner. For now we will have to settle for the instructors we have on the ground."

As they made their way into the Quin-Jet attached to their Air Bus he opened the locker containing his armor, "Contact Shae Vizla, she and her people are about to take the stage."

[Classified Location]

[Samuel Kim: Mandalorian X Ezio's Family Theme]

Already the Mandalorians were scrambling, putting their armor on and charging their weapons. Initially they were instructed to keep underground and train The Revenant's forces, but this was the second time the Butcher had called them out into conflict. But this would be their true debut to the world. The Dark Lord had set a stage worthy of their culture, heritage, and honor as warriors.

As the Destroyer of Nations, or in this particular case, it's saviors.

"A stage worthy of a Mandalorian!" Crassus Dorn roared in excitement as he attached his jetpack to his back armor plate. Even as he grinned, one of his comrades, a scarred woman by the name of Moren Dawn punched his arm as she smirked.

"Better make sure I don't get more kills than you...again," she teased the man who grinned right back.

"Oh I'll get you today don't you worry," he said as he hoisted his rotary cannon over his shoulder, "This baby will cut through them like Bantha Butter!"

Dawn of course simply scoffed as she tapped her pair of pistols as her tone became sultry, "Oh I know how much you love to spread your shot, but precision wins every time baby."

Dorn's own face seemed to register the implication as his brow raised, but was unable to respond as a group of their trainees came up to their instructors. Standing, Dawn took a few steps toward the group.

"Wish we could come with you," one of the trainees said, his face betraying the frustration he felt.

"You trained us to handle situations like this!" said another, a young woman, not a blemish on her face, which made a scarred warrior such as Dawn smile at her naivete'.

She had been that way once, before she earned her Beskar armor. Yet these two and the rest of their troop had the same fire in their eyes. The fire would serve them well once honed and trained. But at this point it would only get them killed.

"You're not ready yet kid," Dorn said as he walked past them and toward the Quinjet Transport where his brothers and sisters waited. As he left, Dawn looked to the group who all looked both insulted and humiliated. With a sigh she addressed their group.

"Listen, " she said and she grabbed her helm, "We're training you and your fellows to protect your home, and stand beside the finest soldiers in existence. But you must not go in when you are unprepared, that would get you killed."

After a moment, they realized they could not argue. They knew why they had signed up, the dangers they prepared for. The invasion of that parasitic species, then the attack on New York City?

They were just the beginning, and they would have to be prepared for much worse. For now, they kept to the shadows, and allowed their seniors to handle the risk, until they were worthy of standing beside them.

"Besides," she slammed her helm on her head, "He is waiting for a stage worthy of you. Until then, it's our job to teach you, protect you, and ready you, for the inevitable storm that will come bearing down upon us all."

As Moren walked past them, she stopped and turned.

"That's why you're destined to become the Storm-Troopers after all!" she said with confidence before stepping onto the ramp. With a final two finger salute, they watched the ramp close and the quinjets launch.

As the trainees watched, the quinets rose through the open roof before their engines launched to the sky. They wanted to prove their worth...but she was right, they weren't ready.

But given time, they'd be able to take up the helmet of the men and women they aspired to stand beside. Those who were already putting in place the systems that would protect their home. Protect their world.

[Kaznian Airspace]

Revan currently was listening as SHIELD, ARGUS, and the Hero Coalition all discussed manners in which they could get involved. All of their discussion however led to violent, overly brutal force unleashed upon the small country, nevermind the satellite above.

"Negative," he interrupted, "you get involved in an international incident and it will only escalate the situation. SHIELD can get involved as they are responsible to the World Security Council and operating as an International Force. But anyone not associated with them or the UN are at risk of breaking international law."

None could argue that statement, it was true that SHIELD was the only that had jurisdiction for military action. The heroes, apart from Captain America himself and the Agents, were mainly involved in humanitarian efforts and taking on "extraordinary events."

A power-hungry madman did not qualify.

"I will go," he stated, "none know my origin and therefore none can be blamed no matter the outcome but myself. And since I cannot be traced, you cannot be blamed. I'll have the coup members put in their place by the time you arrive."

"To hell with that!" he snarled, "You've done some good in helping us out, but taking on an entire country is beyond what 200 men!"

At that, Director Waller chimed in, "Agreed, you'd need a full tactical force and enhanced beings to pull this off with the kind of speed you need. I can have special operatives en route in five hours."

Superman for one was having none of this tactical strategy, "One of our own is in there too, we can't let her stay as a prisoner of this criminal!"

"Again, no," Revan barked, "You are a symbol of hope to the world Superman. If you go in, you the Justice League, even the Avengers...you become no more than thugs sent by a foreign government in the world's eyes."

Iron Man, ever the hot head, was having none of it, "To hell with that, we need to go in hard and fast to take this bastard down. I dismantled my weapons branch because of potential incidents like this!"

Revan was swift to cut him off, "And your decision was as honorable as it was foolish: wholly and completely."

All were silent, until Stark finally admitted, "I don't know whether to be insulted or complimented...I feel like I just got a bit of both."

"You disarmed both the good and bad men," he stated as he strapped his armor, "but the bad men still found weapons without you. You only disarmed the good."

"No," he strapped the belt around his armor, "Only the Princess of Kasnia can put an end to this, furthermore, Wonder Woman is most likely arrested and under lock and key. And it won't take 200 men, I'm taking a tenth of that to the ground. And it won't be a whole country, only the location where Savage and his conspirators are controlling the satellite."

"And the Satellite itself, should they get orders to fire manually," he added, "I will see to it myself."

At this, Batman snarled in distrust, "And why should we trust you to take on all of this risk? Why put faith in a butcher?"

Revan was silent for a moment, choosing his next words carefully, "Consider me your Sin-Eater."

And with that he cut the line.

After taking a deep breath, the Dark Lord turned to address the Mandalorians who stood in the Quin-Jet. His hood was down and his helm was still in the locker. He needed them to see his face. The face of the man they called Butcher. Very few had seen the man's face, which made it all the more sincere when he spoke.

"Centuries ago," he began, "I was your enemy...and yet, you deem me worthy to stand by and lead you with your Mandalore against forces that would have seen us all dead."

"An honor I do not take lightly."

"But now," he paused for a moment...he was not used to asking for personal help, "I call upon you to be savior and heroes once more. Down below, a man not unlike Valkorian threatens this world."

"My Home…" he said softly, regaining his fortitude he spoke with a firm and deep optic.

"And I cannot allow that, so I humbly ask," he began, "warrior to warrior, that you help me in protecting my home. I know I have asked a great deal from you these past years...but I humbly request your service once more. Not as my subordinates, but as warriors."

For a time these Mandalorians, each of them the very best of their clans and entrusted with training the Dark Lord Revan's forces, their Emperor...were each stunned as they saw the man humble himself to be their equal. After a moment, Shae stepped forward.

"In times past, you were our foe," she said coldly, "You were the Butcher, the fiercest and most formidable threat my people have faced."

After a moment of letting that fact settle, she spoke with a much kinder tone, "And yet, you met us on the field of battle, you vested us with honor. And so by doing you freed us from hidden shackles. Then proceeded to challenge and hold back that same enemy until we could stand by your side. You called us from exile to face a foe that threatened us all, and not only restored the honor of my people, but named us Heroes of the Alliance."

"You fought for us," she said as she placed a hand on the shoulder of the man who towered over her, "by honor we fight for you."

"We are more than fellow warriors now," she watched as his eyes widened in surprise and shock as she spoke in the tongue of the Mandalore. A tongue they only spoke

"Aliit ori'shya tl'din" (Family is more than bloodlines.)

Hearing such words from the Mandalore herself, and to see the 20 men and women at her back with confident smiles...was a true shock that warmed his heart. Even Jaesa, who had no understand of their tongue, could feel the aura and emotions of the room swelling between her new master and the Mandalorians.

That an unbreakable bond had just been forged between them.

With a confident smile, Revan placed his own hand on Shae's, "Well then…Mando'ade (Children of Mandalore)"

The Mandalorians were shocked that Revan spoke their tongue fluently, but it solidified their bond all the more. Turning away from them, he placed his helm upon his head before raising the hood, then a fist in the air.

"Mhi solus tome!" (We are one together!)

The Mandalorians let out a large battle-cry and began to hit each other in the chest and across the helm to build up their adrenaline and prepare for battle as Revan grinned.

[Samuel Kim Music: The Battle over Coruscant]

Revan turned to the ten holo droids, "SCORPIO, hack into every comm system and satellite. I want them to know who's coming for them."

Across the world, every form of technology was hijacked for a second time that day as the Revenant issued a direct challenge to Savage.

"Attention, people of the world," he began, "As of a few short hours ago, Vandal Savage declared dominion of the earth with the consequence of disobedience to be destruction."

"I will not allow that," he declared, "No man has the right to raise himself above others without the support of those they seek to lead. A fact that this cowardly fool deems to be beneath him."

In his bunker, Vandal Savage seethed in rage as he swore to find and kill this man. Not realizing that the Revenant was coming for him.

"To those still loyal to the rightful heir, Princess Audrey," the Revenant addressed, "lay your weapons down and you shall be unharmed. Upon the honor of my helm, I shall not harm you."

"But to Vandal Savage and his conspirators," his voice now took a deadly tone, "know this: your barbaric actions are at an end. Come sunrise, the crown will once more reside upon Princess Audrey's head, and you shall face the consequences of your misdeeds."

"You have sixty seconds to stand down, then my Wolves come for you," and with that Revan cut the feed as he turned to his Mandalorian allies, his clan who flanked the walls as the ramp lowered.

"You know your assignments, hit them hard, hit them fast," he ordered as he walked through them, "And find the Princesses Diana and Audrey!"

"Mandalorians!" he roared over the winds, "Pirunir Sur'haaise!"

And with that Revan leapt off the ramp with Jaesa following him closely, leaving a stunned group of Mandalorians.

A shock Dorn voiced, "Did he just jump without a jetpack!?"

Shae, who had worked with Jedi and Sith just smirked as she followed their brother, "Yes he did. Try to keep up Rookie!"

And with that, she leapt after Revan, followed by the rest of her people.

The Battle of Kaznia Keep was about to begin.

[End OST]

Savage's mercenaries were on high alert, after having received a direct threat, they watched the only road coming to the Keep. Any force that was coming toward them would have to come this way, and any aerial assault would be heard and picked off by their AA guns.

Well...all but one.

[Samuel Kim: The Bad Batch]

With a resounding BOOM and an explosion of debris Revan came crashing down to the earth. The Force Blast he sent into the Earth both softening his landing and launching everyone too close into the air and destroying the Main Gate. Metallic and stone shrapnel tore through several of the mercenaries as they screamed.

Those screams could still be heard as the cloud shrouded both attacker and victim. The guards rushed to the entrance ready for the attack. But it never came, all that could be heard were the footsteps of a single man.

As the cloud dissipated, the soldiers still capable of standing raised their weapons. Those loyal to the princess had either fled or been locked in the keep's dungeon with the Princess.

Leaving only the rough, hired mercenaries ready to earn their pay.

But they were soon to realize they were outmatched, as the sudden impact had been a distraction to mask the landing of the Revenant's allies.

[0:25]

Before they could counter, twenty of their number fell to the ground with cauterized holes smoking through their bodies. Another five were mowed down by Doren's sentry gun, and three more fell from Dawn's precise blaster work.

With the sudden shock passed, they finally opened fire on the unknown warriors who were upon them with a fury unlike anything the world had seen. Each moment was filmed by the Sith Seeker Droids, hovering above the battle recording the events and broadcasting for all to see.

The guards at the gate, amidst the chaos made the mistake of completely forgetting the man now at their backs. And the moment they turned, he was upon them.

Today was not a day of restraint, this was a day of cutting down and destroying terrorists. They received no mercy as the Dark Lord's crimson blade snarled to life.

With a deep snarl and searing hiss the blade removed their heads which fell to the earth. With explosive steps he quickly dashed through them, allowing his blade to pass through them with no effort.

As he cleared the courtyard, the Mandalorians cut through the tower and walled defenses. Either by blaster, rocket, or flame-thrower they snuffed out each and every foe without fear. Their armor was capable of resisting lightsabers, a bullet couldn't hope to penetrate their plates.

Though enough firepower could certainly rattle them as a few of their number went down when a well aimed round struck their helm or a full round of buckshot rammed into their chest plates.

But Mandalorians were more than their armor, they were living weapons. Each an army within a single body, capable of the harshest of environments and deadliest of foes. So when the mercenaries fell upon them with blades in hand to stab between the plates...the Mandalorians trusted on their other senses to combat them.

The moment they felt the thug take hold of them, it was over. Their own hands and feet lashing out in a fury, either to slam into their foes' skulls, blasting them back with wrist mounted repulsors, or to restrain them with grappling wire until they could regain their senses.

And each had the support of their brothers and sisters. With professional ease they strategized and communicated the best way to defeat their foes. They moved akin to a pack of wolves hunting prey, cutting off their foes from their group before tearing them apart with blaster fire.

The last remaining thugs tried to charge the Dark Lord in a hope that his death would make the rest panic. But the Mandalorians were quick to act.

[2:05]

With a final flurry of red blaster bolts, Shae landed beside Revan who looked at her handiwork impressed. The Courtyard was secure, filled with the bodies of their foes. Shae flew raised a hand to her ear and opened the comlink.

[End 2:15]

"Sit Rep!" Shae ordered.

"No casualties Mandalore!" Dawn said as she holstered her pistols, "A few flesh wounds between the plates, but nothing that a bacta bath can't sort out once we get the lead out."

[Samuel Kim Music: Maul vs. Clones Theme]

Revan remained silent as his Shadow stood by his side, "Jaesa, find Savage. Mandalorians, to the Dungeon, free the prisoners. And cut down any who raise their weapons against you."

Revan is about to leave when he feels a tugg in the Force.

"Oh, and be careful to not harm the Dark Knight" he added, "No doubt he is breaking out the Amazon as we speak."

Without another word Revan strode into the building as Jaesa vanished into the shadows. For a time they were not approached by any more mercenaries, but as they went further into the palace, the Dark Lord's presence seemed to become all the more unbearable. A sudden, deadly air overcame them as they saw the walls begin to crack and items in the halls began to crumple. Something about this particular mission had clearly enraged the Dark Lord.

Though...Shae had an idea. As Mandalore she saw the records and journals of her predecessors. And one particular report truly made her blood chill...the reason Revan joined the Mandalorian Wars. The Genocide of Cathar...

With relief the Mandalorians broke off as they bolted into the dungeons as all could feel the sudden chill taking over. An unnatural chill, an impossible chill...

A Deathly Chill.

[Kasnia Dungeon]

Wonder Woman was finding it tedious as she was deflecting these bullets. They needed to find a way through them. Fortunately that was provided for them as bolts of light tore through their opponents just before they dropped to the ground dead.

That was until they found themselves facing a group of heavily armed and armored soldiers.

"Oh good, you're the heroes we were sent to find," the leader said, a woman based on the voice, "I'm Shae Vizla, we were sent to bust you and the Princess out along with any other hostages."

"Sent by who?" Batman demanded.

"He's just upstairs clearing the way," she answered, "Come on, we need to get everyone clear."

As the unknown soldiers broke the locks and got the hostages out, Wonder Woman began to shiver, wrapping herself in her arms as her eyes went wide.

"Wonder Woman!" Batman said in fear, "Are you injured?"

"N-No…" she shakily said, "E-everything's g-gone...cold. Such cold hatred and fury…such...pain…"

Within a blink her eyes shot to the ceiling, looking to something only she could see. A demon stalked the halls of the palace, and she prayed to Hera and all among the Pantheon for mercy to any who came across the devil's path.

[0:48]

But there was no mercy to be found in the Dark Lord's heart. Already too many deaths had been claimed by these terrorists when the US Carrier group had been destroyed by the first shot from the Rail gun. Now, he would claim vengeance in the name of the Fallen. He could feel their fear, their dread, and he feasted upon it as he stalked his quarry. For within these dark halls, none would escape his terrible wrath.

On the outside he appeared calm, focused, his powerful stride never breaking, but inside he had channeled all sense of warmth of these halls within himself in a focused, blazing fury as the Dark Side demanded blood. He held nothing for these monsters but disgust. He saw only the genocide of Cathar, the massacres of the Outer Rim, and the countless dead at the hands of "Conquerors."

He held no contempt for the Mandalorians of today, but his fury of the few in their number who committed such atrocious crimes made even a Sith Lord's heart break before that sudden emotion turned to rage, massacring the monsters whose hands were covered in the blood of innocents.

So great his fury that as he walked, the Force warped and tore apart the halls as he passed. Wood, stone, even metal was ripped from its birth and joined the menagerie of debris floating around him. He truly embodied the wrath of the Force.

So as he turned the corner and found well over a score of mercenaries in his path, all they saw was a wraith in tattered cloak and armor of countless battles. He appeared as some ancient knight of old returned from Death with the single purpose of ending their lives. The debris surrounding him and the unnatural chill giving him a demonic presence. Yet the moment that glowing crimson visor turned to them...all the debris fell to the stone at his feet.

And with the snarling-hiss of his crimson blade of fire...he unleashed hell upon them.

By his will, the bullets curved around him, freeing him to simply charge and cut down these usurpers with the brutal, wrath-fueled swings of Juyo. Limbs fell, heads rolled, bisected bodies crumbled and burned. His crimson blade leaving molten gashes through walls and flesh as he carved through their numbers with wide, powerful arcs of his blade.

The more he carved, the more he felt the Dark Side's pleasure as vengeance was carried out. Yet even the Light urged him on to find justice and prevent further bloodshed. And so he embodied the Force.

Those who did not suffer the blade felt the Wrath of the Force itself as their necks snapped in an instant or found their bodies embedded into brick walls which gave way to their new macabre ornaments. The multitude of shrapnel Revan had amassed suddenly launched itself toward his foes either embedded themselves in their flesh...or simply tore through them.

Before long all who were a part of their mercenary force still above the bunker lay dead. Those within the halls of the Palace anyway. The screams and gunfire had faded, leaving only the menacing hum of his Sith Blade.

For a time he stood among the macabre scene until he heard Jaesa speak via comlink.

[End OST]

"Master," she began, her voice shivering from his bloodlust, "it appears Savage has elected to stay within the bunker below the Palace."

Revan scoffed, "I see, so he relied too much on his technological terror. Secure the entrance to the bunker, but stay out of sight. Shae, results on the Dungeon?"

Shae's voice came over the com, "We are en route with the Amazon and the Dark Knight. The Princess is in her chambers, ETA 2 minutes."

Revan nodded, "Excellent, I will meet you there."

The two heroes joined the final push to rescue the Princess and capture Savage. Over time they watched as these unknown soldiers covered their flanks. Their weapons' aimed down every corner and hall before either of the heroes could check for themselves. But even as they looked they only found...scorched bodies and walls.

Someone had carved the way for them...brutally.

"(They don't call him the Butcher for nothing…)" one of the soldiers said in an unknown tongue. A fact that made both of them go wide eyed as neither of them knew the tongue...which was near impossible. As they grew closer to one particular door, two of the few remaining guards at their post. Before either of them could process the sudden emergence of foes, two accurate bolts were blasted off through their skulls.

"You didn't have to shoot!" Batman snarled. Each of the T-Visored helms looked to him with tilted heads that betrayed dismay. As they muttered in their personal language, they came to the door and opened it.

The moment it did, a distraught Audrey was hugging Diana, "Diana! I'm so sorry I did not believe you!"

Then she saw the many armored men and women at their back, "Uh...who are they?"

The answer came from down the hall, "They are with me."

There came the man who had been a thorn in the side of both hero and villain alike, the man who they slowly began to fear. Not because of the ferocity he could bring...but the loyalty that he clearly earned.

"The Mandalorians, the finest Warrior People in this, or any galaxy," he said with pride. Diana could feel the swell of pride from the "Mandalorians."

The Dark Lord turned to the Princess who seemed to cower in his shadow. Yet the words that came next.

"You have no need to fear me Little Princess," he said, causing Audrey to go wide-eyed, though Revan did not notice as he once again was confronted by the Dark Knight.

"Exactly how large is your private army?" he demanded to know. Batman was a master of theatricality, deception, fear, add to that his martial skill and even in a verbal confrontation he could make nearly anyone crack.

Even the Mandalorians were affected as they gripped their blasters and beskar blades tightly in preparation to act. But the Revenant simply ignored the question and addressed the Queen.

"My Lady," he began, "have you been harmed?"

After registering the question she shook her head, "No, I am alright. Though I am more than ready to tear Savage apart!"

A sudden plethora of chuckles filled the room as the Mandalorians approved of the young woman's nature. A bit of confusion

"Hehe I like this one," Shae said aloud, earning a smile from Audrey, and surprisingly Diana. For some reason the Amazon felt a kinship from the woman in the PowerTech Helm. Her very nature screamed confident warrior, but also confident leader.

"Alright Princess," Shae addressed Audrey, "You ready to take back your crown?"

All but Batman grinned as she took on the demeanor of a royal. As she walked passed them and toward the elevator to the Op Center she turned back, a look of fire in her eyes.

"And that's Queen Audrey!" she barked, earning chuckles.

"Okay," Shae turned to Revan, "Now I reallylike her!"

[Operation Center]

Vandal Savage was enraged, he was clearly being delayed. His demands were not being met, nor had any communication been sent. Add to that after initial reports of a small strike team attacking the Palace...all he had heard were panicked screams and the dying cries.

Add to that reports of the SHIELD Helicarrier making its way in Kasnian Airspace...he was running out of time.

"Perhaps they need yet another demonstration!" he snarled as he input another coordinate strike: Washington D.C. With a malicious grin, he watched as the target was confirmed and the countdown began.

Nothing could stop him from claiming absolute power!

Or so the Mad Immortal believed.

[International Satellite: 30 Minutes Prior. Samuel Kim Music: Imperial Suite]

Agent BlackOut and his unit of Death Troopers were already latched into their seats and waiting for the impact of their boarding pod to hit the hull of the Space Station. They knew they were going to have to check their fire, lest they risk a second hull breach and killing all on board but themselves. An option deemed unacceptable while hostages were aboard.

But they would not be Death Troopers if they weren't capable of this mission.

Revan was handling the ground operation, and putting his faith in them...they would not fail. A decision each of them made as the droid pilot began countdown to impact.

[0:48]

"[3...2...1...IMPACT!]" as the pod tore through the hull and sealed the breach. Immediately the door opened and all nine soldiers bolted out of the opened door with weapons raised. They only had seconds before coming across enemy soldiers.

Sure enough they heard footsteps and shouting coming down the hall as they heard a commotion before turning the corner to find a good twenty men in space suits and specialized weapons aiming at them.

[1:18]

But the Death Troopers were faster, unleashing precise shots to take the first five down before the remainder could open fire. Even as the Savage Usperers opened fire they did not halt, relying on their armor to take the brunt of the damage as they continued to push.

A few of their number dropped with lucky shots to gaps between the armor, but their medic was quick to act and stop the bleeding as the others continued to push forward. These were Death Troopers after all, they handled the deadliest and dirtiest jobs with little chance of support coming to help them. They brought Death.

Which was why Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, and Flash were all caught off guard as the men they had been battling through the station suddenly fell dead with cauterized holes in their chests.

"What the-" Lantern exclaimed, only to turn and raise his ring to the black armored soldiers.

Who ignored him and swiftly moved to cover the command center's entrances as their captain went to insert an unknown drive into the main console. After a moment, he pressed a finger to the side of his helm and began to speak.

"Scrrzt! Shzzt Vrrt Dzzz Jiit Vrrrmt!" the scrambled voice barked to whomever he had communicated with. Before anyone could ponder the words, the automated computer rang throughout the facility.

"[Mass Driver Cannon Offline!]"

A voice that came as comfort to all who heard it as heroes and soldiers alike seemed to let out a sigh of relief. The crisis had been averted.

And now it was up to Revan and the Mandalorians to secure the madman responsible for all this.

[2:05]

The moment the elevator door opened Revan was a blur of speed and ferocity. The Dark Lord's blade carved through the soldiers with a practised speed and grace developed by countless battles.

His ferocity was terrible...he carved through them without hesitation. Within seconds all but a few remaining soldiers remained, firing wildly at the hellish knight that carved through their comrades.

So shocked were Wonder Woman and Batman by the merciless bloodshed they failed to go after Savage who had already begun to flee the scene. They had been quick, but not quick enough as the Kasnian general roared his sonic scream.

Thankfully a certain someone had granted Diana her diamond earrings and she was able to power through and stop him...by crushing the metal brace around his neck and knocking him out.

"Thank you Audrey...Diamonds are a girl's best friend," she muttered as she pulled the diamonds out of her ears. Turning around she heard Mandalorians calling out the all clear.

"No sign of Savage sir!" the large man with the sentry gun called out. Revan was quick to deactivate his lightsaber as he spoke via open comlink so everyone could hear.

[End OST]

"SCORPIO," he spoke, "Where is he?"

"It appears that he is headed toward a private bunker to the south end of Kasnia hidden in a forest," the robotic voice answered, "I estimate he will arrive in twenty minutes."

"We need to stop him before he gets there!" Audrey screamed.

"That won't be possible…" Revan stated, "by the time we catch up he will be locked down. It will take forever to break through, and he could likely find an escape. Then he could be lost forever."

"We cannot allow that!" Audrey screamed, "that vile SNAKE must pay for the crimes he has committed!"

"[If I may…]" came the voice of SCORPIO, "[There is oneoption…]"

[International Space Station]

"Thank you for the assistance," the Manhunter said with his voice clear and calm, "We had been too preoccupied with the soldiers to stop the countdown."

With a nod the captain switched off the scrambler.

"Happy to be of service sir," he said, his voice still coming out mechanically gruff, "These kriffing scum needed to be stopped before they took any more lives."

"Yeah, thanks for the assist," Flash began, "But did ya have to kill them?"

"Flash," Green Lantern spoke up, "They're soldiers, they don't have the same role as heroes. And they just helped save who knows how many lives!"

"I know!" Flash blurted out defensively, "But still…"

All seemed to be going well...until each of these Death Troopers seemed to be receiving a group communication. Their voices went back to scrambled, but their tone seemed to have become professional as the Captain of the squad began typing on the keyboard.

"What are you doing!?" Lantern demanded to know, but he received no answer. When he was ignored, a massive green hand materialized and he pulled the man from the console.

"Answer me!" he barked, only to find eight barrels pointed at him and his allies.

"Whoa!" Flash said with raised hands, "What's going on!?"

The Captain answered, "We have orders for a new target."

The phrase horrified the heroes.

"WHAT!?" Green Lantern shouted.

[Kasnia Palace. Star Wars OST: I'm So Sorry]

"Out of the question!" Batman snarled.

"It was not a question," Revan retorted, "And it is not your call."

At that Revan turned to Audrey, "The decision is yours Queen Audrey. You can allow him to escape and attempt another coup, another world devastating event, or your can strike when he feels safe, and risk minimal casualties. He's in a forest, we can order an evacuation and then reduce his bunker to ash with his own weapon."

"My men on the station can fire the weapon," he explained, shocking all in the room, "but the choice is yours. It must be yours."

A heavy air claimed the room as the Queen was presented with her first impossible decision. Her expression was filled with hesitation and horror at the decision she was now forced to make. Could she risk this man trying to attack her people?

Attack the world?

She could save the world here and now...or she could risk his escape and a second attempt of domination that she would hold no power over. Seeing her hesitation, Revan spoke to her directly.

"This will not be the first impossible decision you will make as queen," he said, raising her chin so she could look directly as his helmet, "But for the sake of your people, you must make the choice that serves your people. Not blindly follow what others expect of you."

Pulling out a holo-comlink, Revan spoke, "SCORPIO, activate protocols for evacuation of the area."

He stepped back a respectful distance and activated the open holo-com.

"My men act on your orders My Lady," he said, a clear image of the Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, and Flash surrounded by Death Troopers as GL held their captain hostage.

"What is the meaning of this!?" she screamed over the communication, "Release him at once!"

"Princess this man was preparing to fire on your country!" Green Lantern protested.

"Yeah!" Flash interjected, "We are just trying to-"

"That's QUEEN to you!" she snapped, "And I am well aware of their actions. Now release him! He and his fellows are operating for the good of the Kasnian people!"

With a deep frustration GL and his compatriots complied, stepping aside for the captain to step forward. Taking a moment to stretch and flex his muscles after having been under such restraint, he then addressed the Queen.

"Your Highness," the Captain addressed her with a nod.

"The Revenant has informed me that you have a lock on Vandal Savage's hidden bunker is that correct?" she asked. Immediately she received a second nod.

"Yes ma'am," he answered, "One-Hundred klicks deep into rocky terrain surrounded by forest."

For a moment she was silent, taking one last consideration as she looked over the point of no return. Turning back she locked eyes with Diana, pleading for her council.

With a gentle smile she walked forward, "We all have to make hard choices sometimes. Whatever your choice," she smiled softly, "I support you. For the good of your people."

With a gentle nod she turned to Revan who had folded his arms and remained still. A dark monolith of robes and armor, the embodiment of vengeance who had offered his full power to her. And all it would take was one word.

With a deep breath, she stepped over the ledge, and with the voice of a Queen, she gave the order.

"Fire."

[1:28]

"As you wish," was all Death Trooper said before pressing the button for the Firing Sequence. The alarms began to blare through the station as the countdown began. From the Heavens they would watch as they brought Hell to Earth.

[The Palace Cliffside/ 1:40]

They watched in horror as the great flaming hunk of metal came raining down. There was no stopping it now, even Superman had been ordered to stand down or face the consequences.

The whole world could only watch with bated breath...as the meteor struck.

[1:55]

In an instant the forest was gone, replaced by the fires of hell as they licked at the few trees that had not been reduced to splinters. A massive wall of air thickened until nothing could be seen...just a massive, expanding dome of white bearing down upon them.

The Queen tried to bear it, to prove she was capable of facing the blow she struck on her own soil. But as the wave of pressurized air came for her, she faltered and prepared to dive to the grass in terror.

Only to find a strong pair of arms and cloak wrap around her. She looked up to find Revan holding her from behind, helping her stand her ground as the massive shockwave finally struck them. The sound was deafening, and the shockwave shattered glass and rattled stone.

But the Queen stood strong, with the help of the unknown man of scarred armor and tattered cloak and hood.

She watched as the hellfire and dust cloud emerged behind the veil of white. And while she was horrified by the sight, she also took comfort that the threat to her people...to the very world itself.

Had been defeated.

"We must be certain!" she stated in shock, earning a confused look form Revan, "The man claimed to be immortal, and he healed from my strike. We must be certain that he did not survive that."

With a nod Revan gestured to his Mandalorians who took to the sky and toward the hell blaze. Revan released her and made his way to the edge

[2:11]

"Whatever is left of the usurper," he said as he stepped onto the edge, "I shall bring to your throne."

With a fright they saw him fall to the earth, before watching him rise to his feet and walk into the hellish blaze.

AN: There you have it! Yet another chapter! Please let me know what you guys think! Still looking at potential pairings, and story arc ideas so feel free to give a shout!

Blessings to all!