(I'm so sorry for the late update, college kept me extremely busy with piles of homework. It's really frustrating and disheartening for me that I can't write these stories more often. Anyways, I hope this update makes up somewhat up for the wait.)

killian rainey: I wasn't certain. The Amazons are warrior women, and they claim to embrace strength and femininity. So I thought what's natural and good for women to do is something they'd do before possibly their last day. I don't know. (Huh? I thought that would be obvious? Hmm…I guess you'll find out.)

gemm1mt: (Same as I told killian above, sorry.)

Chapter 21: Contest of Champions

(Themyscira, moments later)

The crowd gathered looked at the mysterious warrior with uncertainty. The Amazons looked at one another with some kind of understanding. The one calling himself 'The Shredder' held an imposing and menacing demeanor to him. Ares looked at him with curiosity, eyes studying the dark and bladed form of the warrior.

"Quite the entrance, mortal. You certainly have the flair for this." Ares chuckled.

"And you are a pathetic excuse for a god." Shredder scoffed.

Ares laughed at the remark, but the Amazons sensed anger in his demeanor.

"So you are the one the boy fetched? I must confess, I wasn't sure what to expect." Ares said.

"Calling upon me to fight was something he dreaded, much to my amusement. I also seek some entertainment; my blades haven't ever tasted the blood of a god before." Shredder grunted.

This time, Ares laughed.

"You are indeed most amusing, mortal. To think you could best the God of War?! I must say, you make for a great laugh." Ares cackled.

"The only one who shall be laughing is I when I stand over your corpse! I am Oroku Saki! Duke Acureds! The Shredder! And I SHALL BE YOUR END!" The Shredder proclaimed, red eyes blazing within his helmet, lightning shooting across the sky.

Ares was quiet for a moment, studying the Shredder. He placed his helmet back on his head. Opening his right hand, a golden xiphos sword materialized from a sudden appearing fire. Around his left arm, fire surged around it until it formed a golden shield with the Greek symbol of war, an Omega symbol.

"Your amusement seems to be as great as your insolence." Ares growled, eyes suddenly blazing with fire.

"Bah! Your bluster does not make me quake, fool! I shall silence you by cutting out your tongue!" The Shredder scoffed, raising the blades of his left gauntlet.

"Well…Hippolyta…it seems the boy chose well for what I asked." Ares grumbled.

"Disappointed, Ares?' Hippolyta hissed.

"On the contrary, my dear Hippolyta…I'm thrilled!" Ares chuckled, grinning.

The Amazons looked at one another, confused and unsure. Batman eyed the Shredder with suspicion. Wonder Woman watched him with curiosity. Superman still rubbed his neck, carefully watching Ares.

"I don't like the look of this, Batman." Superman said.

"Yes, the situation has a dread feeling to it. This 'Shredder' seems dangerous, if alone in how he speaks. We have to wait and see what happens…and prepare to act if something starts to go wrong." Batman whispered.

(To Glory by Two Steps From Hell plays)

"Come, warrior! Face the God of War!" Ares proclaimed, a grin across his face.

"You call for your doom! For you won't leave her alive!" The Shredder snarled, raising his claws.

Ares laughed as he ran forward.

"Kiyah!" The Shredder snarled as he leapt forward, kicking out with his right foot.

Ares raised his shield up, blocking the attack, but the Shredder's attack stopped Ares momentum if for a brief moment or two. The Shredder dropped to the ground and slashed with his left claws. Ares brushed them aside with his shield, but the Shredder used the momentum to strike with his right claws. The blades struck Ares's breastplate, metal against metal causing a terrible sound. Ares growled as he slashed with his sword to the side. The Shredder ducked under the attack then struck out with his right foot. The attack hit Ares in his chest, followed by a sweep kick. Ares fell onto his back yet quickly got onto his feet along with the Shredder. Ares grunted as he jabbed with his blade, but the Shredder blocked with his right claws. The Shredder locked the sword with his claws as he pulled the hand back. He struck with his left claws, but Ares blocked with his shield. Ares growled as he thrust with his shield forward. The Shredder leapt over the God of War with a flip. He suddenly grabbed Ares's shoulders as he flipped over him and tossed him forward once he landed on the ground. Ares grunted as he hit the ground.

"If that is the best you can do then this contest shall soon end. I was promised a battle with the God of War! Not a fool playing at warrior!" The Shredder hissed.

Ares's eyes narrowed in anger then he rushed forward. He shouted as he slashed with his sword, but the Shredder blocked with the claws from both hands. The Shredder forced the blade up then he leapt up, slamming his right knee into the face of the God of War. Ares growled as he skidded back then ran forward. He thrust his sword forward, which was blocked by the Shredder. But Ares instantly slammed his shield forward, sending the Shredder flying back. But the Shredder flipped in the air and landed gracefully. He then surged forward. The Shredder jabbed with his right claws, but was blocked by Ares's shield. The God of War brushed the claws aside then slashed with his sword. The Shredder ducked under the blade then jabbed forward with his left claws. Ares blocked with the armor on his arm then kicked out with his right foot. The Shredder skidded across the ground, claws scrapping the marble beneath him.

"You have skill warrior, but you cannot best a god!" Ares proclaimed.

"All I see is a pathetic worm who believes a blade and shield can stop me! HAHH!" The Shredder snarled then raced towards Ares.

The Shredder snarled as he slashed with his right claws, which Ares blocked by bringing up his sword. Ares grunted as he pulled his blade back, but the Shredder growled as through his left hand forward. The palm struck Ares's helmet and face. Ares growled as he bashed his shield forward. The Shredder was sent rolling back. Ares growled as he jumped forward, slashing with his sword. The Shredder slid under the attack then kicked out with both feet, hitting Ares in his chest. Ares landed on the ground and smashed his shield into the Shredder's chest, sending him skidding back. Ares bellowed as he rushed forward, going into a fury as he attacked with both sword and shield. The Shredder grunted as he dodged the attacks, trying to counter…but the God of War's fury struck him and sent him flying and into a pillar. The stones fell upon him as the Shredder growled. Ares's laughter boomed.

"It seems your champion has fallen, Hippolyta. Now we shall-" Ares started to say.

"Errrraaahh!" The Shredder snarled as he leapt from out of the pile of stones.

"What?!" Ares growled.

The Shredder dove at the god and slashed down with his right claws, leaving two marks on the god's breastplate.

"WE ARE NOT DONE!" The Shredder snarled as he went into a fury, slashing his claws back and forth.

The right claws struck as Ares's sword hand, sending the blade flying away. Which was instantly followed by a strike from his left claws, scraping the shield away from the God of War. The Shredder snarled at this. The Amazons watched in shock.

(The song ends)

"Pick up your sword and shield! NOW!" The Shredder hissed.

Ares stared at him, eyes narrowing.

"Are you as foolish to battle me when I am armed?!" Ares scoffed.

"I wish to defeat you when you believe yourself at your strongest! Then you shall realize no matter how you fight, what you fight with, no matter how you try to battle you cannot defeat the Shredder!" The Shredder proclaimed.

Ares held out his sword hand, palm open. The blade flew into the god's hand. Ares then pointed the sword at the Shredder. The Shredder prepared for an attack. Ares then grinned and then laughed.

"You believe I am as foolish as to not see through this façade? In battle a warrior's heart is revealed in how he fights. Yes, you are fierce, skilled, and determined…but I have seen the key pieces: you leapt with a vengeance from the broken pillar when I threatened these women and you allowed me to rearm myself! You fight with honor!" Ares cackled.

"Honor?! BAH! You think I will fall for whatever game you are-" The Shredder snarled.

"You are so quick to respond, as if I have seen your true self." Ares scoffed, grinning.

The Amazons and their allies looked at the Shredder.

"I see who you are." Ares scoffed, sheathing the sword.

Ares raised his right hand. Fire burst around it like an aura then surged towards the Shredder. The Shredder growled as the fire covered him, as he was unable to move. Lights shot from the fire. Both sides covered their eyes as the light washed the area. As the light faded, both sides looked to see the fire gone and the Shredder suddenly change into an injured Chaos Chimera, who could seemingly barely stand, as a purple cloudy ring dropped from his head to his feet then disappeared. The claws retracted back into his gauntlets. Chaos Chimera fell to his knees.

"Drew?" Wonder Woman gasped.

"Drew." Superman said, surprise in his voice yet while the Man of Steel tried to remain calm.

"So this is still what you wished for? Is he your equal?!" Batman bellowed.

"If only. He was of the opposite moral character that I ordered to face…his battle prowess has potential…but the contest is over." Ares replied, seemingly disappointed with the outcome.

"What?!" Queen Hippolyta scoffed.

"He bested you! The fight is over!" Wonder Woman shouted.

"Did you really believe any could defeat me, sister?! I am the GOD OF WAR! Now as I said I would: I shall destroy this island!" Ares proclaimed, raising his hands into the air.

The ground beneath everyone shook.

"This isn't over, Ares!" Chaos Chimera shouted.

"It is, boy! You can't stop me!" Ares scoffed.

"Amazons! If we are to die, we shall die with honor! Charge!" Queen Hippolyta proclaimed.

The Amazons bellowed as they rushed forward. Ares closed his left fist. A wall of fire appeared before the Amazons then circled around them, trapping them and Batman & Superman.

"Goodbye, harlots." Ares scoffed.

"ARES!" Chaos Chimera screamed.

The God of War grinned as he turned to look at the boy. To his amusement or surprise, he wasn't sure, Chaos Chimera lunged forward with a furious roar. With the ferocity of an enraged tiger, he crashed into the God of War which sent him sword, shield, and helmet flying away. The rumbling instantly stopped and the fire disappeared. Both sides watched as Chaos Chimera pummeled Ares. Chaos Chimera snarled, eyes blazing, as his right fist repeatedly slammed into Ares face. Ares snarled as he raised his left arm, blocking a punch then responded with his own punch with his right fist. Chaos Chimera caught his wrist with his left hand. He struggled as his hands tried to grab and push away the god's hands. He growled as he shot his right fist forward, slamming into the god's face then repeated with his left fist. Chaos Chimera growled, eyes wide with fury as he repeatedly slammed his right fist into the god's face. Blood covered the god's face and dripped from Chaos Chimera's fists. He raised his hand again, but then he looked to his side. The Amazons stared at him, unsure of what to think. The looks he saw on their faces made him his own vicious visage slowly disappear. He stood up and looked at Ares, whose eyes were closed yet still smiled. Chaos Chimera turned to the god's army, who seemingly shifted at the young warrior's look.

"Your leader is defeated! The contest is over! You have lost! Flee here and don't return!" Chaos Chimera commanded.

The army shifted, unsure of what to do. Chaos Chimera's eyes narrowed.

"NOW!" Chaos Chimera bellowed

The god's army fled, disappearing into forest. Chaos Chimera panted heavily and dropped to the ground. The Amazons cheered, banging their swords against their shields. Wonder Woman and Queen Hippolyta walked forward, a few other Amazons, including Artemis, acting as a guard. Queen Hippolyta looked down at Ares with contempt.

"What shall we do with him?" An Amazon asked.

"I say we place his head on a pike as a warning." Artemis snarled.

"Ares is not honorable, but we are…as much as I hate this…we shall imprison him…he lost the duel and shackles shall be his punishment for his defeat." Queen Hippolyta said.

"How? Can a god be shackled?" Artemis grunted.

"I can help with that." A familiar voice said.

In a puff of purple smoke, Circe appeared.

"Witch! How did you escape your shackles?!" Artemis growled.

"I…allowed her to walk free…the boy had her use her magic to change his appearance and strengthen him to combat Ares. Her powers were what lead to his defeat. In return, she is free." Queen Hippolyta answered.

"And I'm so grateful." Circe chuckled.

"My…My Queen…I dare ask: is that wise?" Artemis asked.

"The boy won…and he pleaded that she could help…he had faith in her…it seems." Queen Hippolyta sighed.

"He knew a good thing when he saw it. Also, I'm not a fan of Ares. I'll gladly help you bind him." Circe chuckled, running a hand through her hair.

Circe approached Ares. She raised her hands and began to speak in ancient incantation. Her hands glow purple and purple lightning shot from them to the god's wrists and ankles. Rings of purple fire danced around the god's wrists and ankles.

"This will hold him for a time. I shall need to ward whatever cell you will hold him in." Circe said.

"Good enough." Queen Hippolyta said.

Wonder Woman knelt down by Chaos Chimera's side, holding his head against her torso. She took his soaking mask off, revealing his bruised, bloody, and broken face.

"My queen…what of…Drew?" Artemis asked, her voice a mix of emotions.

"He needs rest…and a healer…" Queen Hippolyta replied.

"I can help with that as well…I do owe him…so much." Circe added.

"Very well…he will be under your care once Ares is safely locked away. Come." Queen Hippolyta sighed.

She, Circe, and a few Amazons who carried Ares walked away. Batman and Superman walked to stand around Drew and Diana.

"That was…" Superman tried to say something.

"Stupid." Batman grunted.

"No…brave." Wonder Woman responded then kissed Drew's forehead.

To be continued…

(Again, I'm so sorry for the late update. It's been hard to get back into the swing of things with my stories. I hope this partially makes up for the long wait. I hope to update more now.)