Mount Justice, August 27, 8:23 PM
"It's safe to say that the mission was a complete bust." Hunter said walking into the living room in black basketball shorts and a loose red tank top with his mother's logo.
Hunter had just finished showering off all the clay that was in every crevice of his body. The team had just gotten the beating of their lives by Clayface. No matter what they threw at the villain he either absorbed it or morphed right through it.
M'gann popped her head up from the oven, "Hunter, you're still here!" the martian exclaimed.
"Of course I am, where else would I be?" He asked with a smile.
"Well, don't you usually go home after a mission?" Megan wondered.
"Usually I do but there's a Gala my mother's at tonight and I didn't wanna be alone." He answers hopping on the counter, "Trying the cookies again?"
"Brownies this time." She replied shutting the oven and turning it on, "Are you usually alone at home?"
"No, I usually attend the galas with her but they always bore me to death." He rolled his head back, "Those snooty society people are all so full of themselves I don't know how, mother, doesn't send them flying through a wall."
"Well good thing her second profession allows her to channel those frustrations." M'gann replied causing the amazonian to laugh.
"I never thought of that." He said as he began to float absentmindedly, "Those parties are nothing compared to the feasts we would have on Themyscira, we would celebrate, compete and battle for days."
"Celebrate what?"
"The usual stuff, victory in battle, birthdays, holidays, festivals, marriage. Just what the mainlanders celebrate." He explained before turning his back so he faced downwards.
"Sounds very fun." Megan smiled, "I wish I could see it."
An audible ding rang in the kitchen. Hunter just had an idea. The prince quickly looked up to see M'gann pulling out a trey of undercooked brownies.
"Did the box say 30 minutes or 3?" She wonders before Hunter got in her face causing her to yelp.
"You just gave me an idea." He smiled brightly, "I'll take you to Themyscira!"
"Really?!"
"Absolutely! We don't have any missions coming up and it'll be fun." He exclaimed before he gasped, "We can invite Artemis, it'll be the three of us!"
"What smells like chocolate?"
The two turned to see Superboy walking into the living room.
"Four of us!" He screamed before flying across the room to face Superboy, "Superboy do you wanna come with M'gann, Artemis and I on our trip to Themyscira?"
"Uhh. . ."
"Perfect!" He flew right past Superboy and down the hall, "You guys won't regret it!" His voice echoed down the hallway.
The other two looked down the hallway dumbfounded, they never seen Hunter like this before.
Superboy turned to look at M'gann, "What did I just walk into?"
"You'll have fun." M'gann assured putting the brownies back in the oven resetting the timer before she gasped, "Wait I don't what to wear, what to pack." She began to panic before flying after Hunter, "Hunter wait, what's appropriate attire for Themyscira?!"
Superboy huffed a breath. With those two so excited he won't have a choice on whether he's going or not.
Mount Justice, August 28, 5:00 AM
Both M'gann and Superboy waited in the Waterfall room. They had forgone any suitcases per Hunter's request. The Amazon prince had assured them that anything they think they need is already waiting.
A flash of light caught their attention.
RECOGNIZED
ARTEMIS B-08
The blonde walked out of the zeta-beam and yawned, "This trip better be worth it."
"Of course it will be!" Hunter's voice boomed.
The three turned to see Hunter walking in full armor wide awake as if it's not dawn, "Are you guys ready?"
"Ready." M'gann said enthusiastically.
"Sure." Artemis replied.
Superboy shrugged.
"Great!" The Amazon flew past Artemis and began pushing buttons on the control of the Zeta-Tube, "Themyscira doesn't have any Zeta-Tubes installed but I can get us close enough so that we can fly there."
Artemis cleared her throat, "Maybe you forgot but two of us can't fly."
"Oh, I've got that handled." He brushed her off before the Zeta-Beam came to life, "Come on!"
The three began to walk to the Zeta-Beam, "Where do you think he's beaming us?" Artemis asked.
"He said close." M'gann replied.
"Close to a mysterious island that's location is unknown?" Superboy asked as they all entered the Zeta-Beam.
Mount Giona, Greece, August 28, 12:00 PM
Exiting the Zeta-Beam the finding themselves in a dark cave. They stood in darkness a second before a golden glow eliminated the cave. Everyone saw that it was Hunter's golden lasso. The glow revealed Hunter's beaming smile.
"Come on!" The prince said excitedly.
The other three followed the amazonian towards the entrance of the cave. When they exited the cave the light caused them to squint. When their eyes adjusted to the light they realized they were in a forest.
"Where are we?" Artemis asked.
"Mount Giona, Greece." Hunter answered, "Come on it's just right over here."
"Hunter is being uncharacteristically vague about this." Artemis comments as they followed him through the forest.
"Maybe he wants it to be a surprise." M'gann suggested jumped over a log.
"As long as we get to where we're going." Superboy chimed in.
"Here!"
The others found themselves with a view overlooking the mountain range. They walked up next to Hunter who looked at them with a smile plastered on his face, "Well?"
"It's beautiful." M'gann beamed in awe.
"Pretty." Artemis said taking in the view.
"It's nice I guess." Superboy shrugged.
"Now how about this." Hunter said raising his hand. He waves his hand and their view was obscured by a black jet, "How about now?"
The others stood in shocked silence.
"Is that the Invisible Jet?" Artemis asked.
"Yup." Hunter stepped forward caressing the black metal, "SR-71 blackbird was modeled after this baby, able to reach up to Mach 10, armor forged by Hephaestus himself, modified to seat up to ten people, fit with two M61 Vulcan rotary cannons, enough missiles to reduce even Aries to cinders and with a few magical upgrades this baby can do anything." The others watched in silence as Hunter broke down all the features of the jet. He seemed to be extremely attached to it.
"Very impressive." M'gann said flying up to inspect the jet closely.
Artemis smirked as she made her way to the ramp, "Raised by men or women, boys still love their toys."
"I got a little overboard right?" Hunter asked flustered.
"I don't think so." Superboy stepped forward putting his hand on the black steel, "Nice, built it yourself?"
"Oh no, my father crashed on Themyscira after he was shot down and my mother helped him. They rebuilt and redesigned it and that's how my mother came to the world of man and became Wonder Woman." He explained smiling as he told the story his mother had told him thousands of times, "I've only made some modifications, upgraded the armament, and the extra seats were my idea." He looked up at the jet, "It's the last thing I have left of him. Oh, wait!" He scrambled in his armor before pulling out dog tags, "And this!"
Superboy leaned closer to read the name, "Steve Trevor. He was born in-"
"Yea, he fought in World War 2. Nazis shot him down to stop him from retrieving some secret intel." Hunter replied stuffing the dog tags in his armor, "And don't ask me my age." He added.
"I wasn't going to." Superboy replied with a smirk.
Hunter smile widened before remembering why they were there, "Well uh let's take to the sky." He stammered scurrying past the Kryptonian.
Walking up the ramp Superboy saw ten seats lining the sides of the jet's interior. He looked up to see nets with seven duffel bags in them. He must have prepared bags for everyone on the team. When did he do that?
The ramp behind him began to rise back into place, "Take a seat, everybody." Hunter called back from the pilot's seat, "Take a load off, take a nap we'll be there in thirty minutes." He informed as he flipped switches and pressing buttons.
The three of them took their seats, Artemis and M'gann next to each other and Superboy across from them, "How are we supposed to take off without a runway?" Artemis asked.
"Shall I levitate the jet?" M'gann suggested.
"No need." The prince assured pressing a button. Suddenly they felt the plane taking off from the ground, "Underbelly thrusters." He informed.
"Wait, you said thirty minutes right?" Artemis asked.
"Yea."
"If this thing can get to Mach 10 why don't you go full speed and get us there immediately?" Artemis wondered.
"Well you guys got up early and I thought you would want the extra rest." He shrugged before began to flip switches, "Taking off. . . now."
They were suddenly launched forward as the afterburners roared. They watched through the wide viewport as they took to the sky.
Artemis sighed, "I don't know how I can sleep when. . ."
A snore caught her off guard. Turning her gaze she saw Superboy fast asleep on his seat. Sighing she leaned her head back and closed her eyes. Hunter chuckled at the two before focusing in the sky ahead.
"She's very impressive."
Hunter had just realized M'gann was still awake. He smiled, "Yeah she is. Jealous?" He teased.
"I'm fine with my bio-ship, thank you very much." The martian replied, "Besides is your jet capable of intergalactic travel?" She challenged.
"Not yet."
The two chuckled at their repartee. The rest of the flight was filled with teasing each other's ships and pleasant conversation. They would also chuckle, absolutely not giggle, at Superboy's snoring.
The moment Hunter felt the magic surrounding the island he began to slow down the jet, "We're almost there, wake the others I want them to see this."
"Right."
Soon the sight of the water of the Aegean Sea was replaced by high white limestone cliffs and lush green grasslands and forests. Hunter smiled at the sigh, he remembered whenever be would climb up trees and jump from branch to branch.
"Whoa." Artemis looked in awe over Hunter's shoulder.
He pointed down to great plains below, "I used to ride my horse in these plains as well as the Kangas."
"Kangas?" M'gann inquired.
"Large kangaroos." He answered nonchalantly.
"Any other unusual animals you care to mention?" Artemis asked.
Hunter tilted his head, "Well we've got horses, chickens, boars, longhorns, deer, tigers, and monkeys." He paused causing the others to think he was done, "Also pegasuses, chimeras, dinosaurs from Skartaris, a few griffins my grandmother cares for in the royal stables, a sphinx and a school of megalodons protecting the island from the sea and Ladon the dragon with a thousand heads." He hummed to himself, "I'm not sure if you can count them but we have Naiads and Dryads."
Superboy looked confused, "What are. . ."
"Water and tree nymphs." Hunter answered quickly before he began to push buttons, "Hang on I'm taking her down."
The invisible jet slowed down to a stop as it began to slowly descend. Hunter had landed on a beach at the foot of a limestone cliff. The humming engines began to quiet down as Hunter powered down the jet. When the prince stood up and faced them he beamed.
"Let's go." He walked past them as the ramp lowered.
The others followed him out of the jet and onto the beach. The sun's rays bared down on them in the most pleasant way. Taking in the sight Superboy accidentally bumped into Hunter. The clone stepped back to see the prince standing completely still.
"Hunter what is-" The clone began to ask.
M'gann cut him off, "Look."
The three of them saw what or rather who Hunter was looking at. Down the beach, they saw a woman with raven hair and blue eyes identical to Hunter's. She was clad in golden armor, golden bracelets, brown leather boots, and a tan fur cloak. What stood out the most was her golden crown, the gold curled around her head framing her face perfectly, at the center a six-pointed starburst in contrary to Hunter's and Diana's five-pointed stars.
In a burst of speed, Hunter flew towards the woman leaving a cloud of sand in his wake. When the sand blew away in the wind they saw the two embraced in a hug. The two began to have a conversation, they were too far to head and Superboy decided to give them their privacy.
With a bright smile, Hunter escorted the woman toward them, "Grandmother this is Superboy, M'gann and Artemis. Guys this is my grandmother, Hippolyta Queen of the Amazons."
"It's nice to meet you, your majesty." M'gann bowed and Artemis followed suit.
"It's an honor." The blonde added.
The two looked to Superboy who only greeted with a casual wave, "Hi."
"It is nice to meet you all, any friend of my grandson is a friend to the Amazons." Hippolyta greeted, "Come we've prepared a feast for you." The queen informed as they all began to walk down the beach.
"You've been expecting us?" Hunter asked before he smiled, "It was Lyla wasn't it?"
The Queen chuckled, "Yes."
"Who's Lyla?" Artemis asked.
"You would know her by her hero moniker, Harbinger." Hunter clarified.
"Why is Harbinger here?" M'gann asked.
"She's out official historian." Hippolyta answers as they reached the limestone staircase that curled around the cliffs.
As they climbed the steps M'gann, Artemis and Superboy took in the sight. At first, they were surrounded by trees and white cliffs but as they higher they climbed the scenery began to change. Large limestone statues of gods replaced trees and carved stone buildings replaced cliffs.
When the reached the head of the staircase they saw a bustling civilization of women. They pushed carts of food, trained with various weapons, read books on the steps of a large building they assumed was a library. But as soon as they saw Hippolyta and Hunter they all stopped whatever they were doing.
"My grandson, your prince, has returned!" Hippolyta announced.
The silence erupted in cheering and applause. The other three stood off to the side as Hunter was consumed by the crowd. They all fell into indistinct chatter asking Hunter how many battles he fought and how many villains he defeated.
Hunter looked back to his friends and saw them standing back before he announced, "I've done what you all are wondering fought villains and bested them but I wouldn't have done any of that without my team." He gestured to them, "Without whom I would not be here."
The Amazons all turned to look at them. They all stood in silence before the three heroes we're crowded just like Hunter. The prince laughed joyously as his friends were bombarded with the same questions that were directed at him.
Reform Island, Themyscira, August 28, 2:00 PM
Deep in the jungles of Themyscira, a tan blur broke through the lush green. Jumping from tree to tree, the predator stalked her prey. Two amazon warriors patrolled the area. Amber eyes followed the two warriors as they walked out of the treeline.
NOW!
The predator jumped down from the tree and with a roar, she engaged her quarry. Before the could she pounced on the left slashing her throat. The second amazon jumped back glaring at the predator. The predator had a bloodthirsty look in her eyes and growled before she dashed forward.
The predator ducked under a slash of a sword. Clasping her fists together she swung upward and hit the woman's chin. The amazon stumbled. The predator chuckled before jumping up and flipping forward into an ax kick knocking the amazon down. Raising her clawed hands high she swung down ready for the amazon blood to spill.
"That's enough, Cheetah!"
The claws stopped before they could make contact. Amber eyes glared up at a red-haired woman in purple, "Don't interrupt my hunting." Cheetah stood up, still coming down from the high of the hunt, "Circe."
The sorceress smirked, "We both agreed that you will control your urges whilst we're here."
"Correction, we agree that both of us would control our urges." Cheetah replied with a growl.
"Yes." The sorceress walked past the huntress, "It is tempting to unleash my army of Bestiamorphs and eradicate these Amazons once and for all." Red eyes shimmered with hatred, "There's nothing I want more, but that is not why we're here."
"Where do they hold him?" The English woman asked.
"In the deepest level, my spies are never wrong." Circe replied, "Their prison is well fortified, how do you intend to break in?"
Cheetah chuckled, "Their defenses are meager compared to Belle Reve's. I'll get in." She glared at the witch, "And what of you, what will you do?"
Circe smiled, "I have a feast to attend." She looked down at the unconscious amazon before a cloud of violet mist engulfed her body. When the most dissipated she turned into the amazon. Her pale skin now had an olive complexion, her hair no longer red but blonde and her ruby eyes now emerald green. The witch inspected herself, "Perfect."
"What of this one?" Cheetah asked looking down at the amazon.
The witch looked down at the woman before shrugging, "Kill her." Circe simply replied before walking away at the sound of flesh squelching.
Themyscira, August 28, 4:00 PM
After some well-deserved rest in some of the most comfortable beds, they've ever slept on the four had reconvened in the entrance hall of the royal palace. They all admired their own and each other's new outfits that were given to them.
Artemis was dressed like she was a huntress. Her hair in a tight braid, leather breastplate and leather tasset belt over green single shouldered green peplos. The bands of leather went down her thighs and past her knees to the knee-high bronze greaves. On her forehead, she wore a circulate tiara much like Hunter's but bronze instead of silver.
M'gann, on the other hand, took on a less militant look. In a short, loose, sky blue single shoulder chiton revealing right shoulder. A long magenta silk shawl hanged from her elbows. She had her hair tied into a braid with a silver circulate tiara over her forehead. Her hair sloping down her left shoulder in a waterfall of auburn curls and a crown braid over her forehead.
Superboy dressed like a gladiator. Shirtless under a black leather breastplate. Black tasset belt over a red tunic and silver greaves over his shins. His left arm bare and his right covered with a silver manica. Superboy had forgone the offered helmet and cape because he simply didn't want to wear it.
"You guys look amazing."
The three of them look up the marble steps and saw Hunter striding down in with the most extravagant outfit any of them had seen him in.
The prince wore golden armor identical to his usual armor. In addition, he wore a white chlamys pinned over his right shoulder with a golden eagle pin, the pale ivory fabric was dotted with rubies and adorned with golden stars sewn in. He wore a silver with rose quartz gemstone on right his pointer finger, snakes of gold curled over his ears.
Artemis whistled, "Must be nice being royalty."
"You look so amazing." M'gann gushed, "Don't you think Superboy?"
Hunter turned his blue gaze to look at the clone. Superboy stood silent, not able to find the words. The clone gulped before attempting to speak, "Uh-"
The thud of boots caught their attention. They all turned to see a dark-skinned woman approaching them.
"Philippus!" Hunter exclaimed running and engulfed the ebony-skinned woman in a hug.
"It is good to see you, my prince." The woman smiled before he pulled away, "Everyone is waiting for you."
Hunter then turned to his friends, "Let's go."
M'gann and Artemis followed Philippus down the large corridor. Superboy stayed behind and Hunter saw him standing still. The prince walked up to the clone and took his hand catching his attention. With a smile and a gesture of his head, he coaxed the clone into coming with them.
With their hands still clasped together, they ran down the corridor. When they caught up with the three women they were already a large wooden door. The tall rectangular double doors we're carved to depict the five goddesses Athena, Aphrodite, Artemis, Demeter, and Hestia creating Themyscira. Wisdom, love, fertility, the hunt, and the hearth, these gifts kept them thriving through millennia.
When the doors groaned opened revealing a great hall lined with long tables that were brimming with food. The Amazons all stood as the five them walked down the main aisle. At the head of the hall, the high table stood high with Queen Hippolyta at the center. The five of them walked around the table and took their seats Philippus and the other high council members to the queen's left and Hunter and his friends to her right.
"We've come to celebrate the return of my grandson, your prince, and his friends, protectors of the world of man." She gestured to them, "Now we feast!" She announced and the room erupted in cheers and applause.
Still disguised as an Amazon, Circe stood atop the roof of the royal palace. The witch had set magical energy bombs all over the city. She needed to wait for nightfall so Cheetah can strike at the prison in the shadows. What she hadn't expected was for the son of Diana to arrive but this development ultimately made it easier for her to enact her plan.
Looking at the setting sun the witch smirked in satisfaction. This will be the last peaceful sunset that the Amazons will ever know.
"Artemis this is Artemis." Hunter introduced the blonde archer to the ginger amazon, "Artemis trained me in every weapon known to man." He then turned to the amazon, "Artemis here is one of the best archers I've ever seen."
"Your archery skills are subpar my prince, so forgive me for not taking your word for it." The amazon replied.
Artemis' eyebrow twitched, "Perhaps a demonstration is in order."
"Is that a challenge mainlander?" The amazon asked.
"If you see it that way, personally I don't." The blonde replied smirking.
"I regret this." He mumbled before he stepped back and scurried away.
At the corner of his eye, he saw M'gann and Lyla engrossed in a conversation about outer space. Lyla had explained briefly of her intergalactic travels with the Moniter. It had been ages since either of the girls felt like they could relate to anyone.
His smile faded when he saw, at the far end of the head table sat Superboy alone picking at his food. Walking through the crowd and around the table, he pulled back the seat next to Superboy and sat down.
"Hey." Hunter greeted gently.
"Hi." Superboy mumbled keeping his gaze locked on his plate.
"Are you ok?" The prince asked concerned.
"I'm fine, go have fun with your people." He answered almost bitterly.
Hunter looked down at the hand playing with the fork before gently taking it in his own, "You're my people too." He circled his thumb across the back of Superboy's hand, "Come on."
The clone looked up to see the amazon standing up with a gentle grip still on his hand. Superboy allowed himself to be pulled onto his feet and dragged away. They got curious and suggestive looks as Hunter lead Superboy away from the feast. The Kryptonian caught a single glare from Quee Hippolyta as if it were a warning before they exited the great hall.
Superboy allowed Hunter dragging him away until they got to a flight of stairs, "Where are we going?"
"A place I go to when everything feels a bit too much." Hunter glanced back and smiled at him.
That smile always had a way of easing him.
They kept climbing stairs until they arrived at a ladder, "Come on up." He encouraged before he started climbing.
Climbing after him Superboy saw that Hunter only wore a thin loincloth and it was nearly see-through. His face burned red as he turned his gaze to the side. When Hunter pushed open a circular wooden door the cool night air descended down on them. The prince quickly climbed out of the circular doorway and Superboy followed suit.
What he found was more than he expected. They stood in a circular open roof. The floor was made of polished black marble depicting the gods of Olympus in gold. A carved stone railing circled the platform as if they would need it.
"Whenever everything would feel too much for me I would always come here to give myself some perspective." Hunter said putting his hands on the railing looking out to the sea, "As a child, used to think the world ended at the horizon. But then I learned that the gods created so much more beyond the line where the sea and sky meet." The prince turned to see his friend, "I know how you feel. Like you're out of place like you don't belong."
Superboy shook his head, "No, you don't."
"I do." Hunter asserted stepping forward until he was barley and inch away from the taller man. He had to look up to meet the ocean blue eyes of the clone, "Growing up I was the only child on this entire island, the only boy. The Amazons were given Themyscira by five goddesses so that they could be away from the tyranny of man and I felt I was spitting on their gift. I felt that one day the goddesses would sink the island solely because I was born." He took both of Superboy's hands into his own and squeezed them, as if he was afraid the clone would run away, "I stopped feeling that way the day I began my training. The more I let my insecurities take control the more I was knocked down, again and again. When I finally cleared my mind I began to excel in every field of combat and then I opened my eyes and saw that despite my gender I belonged here just as I belong with the team." He pressed Superboy's hands to his chest, "You belong too, on earth, in the cave, with the team with. . ." He stopped himself from finishing.
"With you?"
Hunter gasped, what does he mean by that? He tried to pull away but now Superboy had him in his grip, "Superboy I-"
Their moment was interrupted by a ground-shaking boom. Their hands let go of each other as they looked to the source of the sound. They ran to the east side of the railing and saw a raging violet fire where a building once stood. A second explosion came into life in a ball of violet fire.
The two of them watched as explosions erupted all over Themyscira, "We're under attack." Hunter flew up and Superboy jumped after him.
Landing in the Stately Plaza they found themselves surrounded by fire. Straying a bit too close to the flames Superboy recoiled away in pain. He looked down at his left hand and saw it burned.
"I'm hurt?"
"Let me see." Hunter stepped forward in concern. Superboy raised his hand revealing the burn, "This isn't just fire, its magic. Kryptonian's are susceptible to magic."
"Do you know who's behind this?" Superboy asked.
"I have a hunch." He mumbled.
The violet fire, laced with magic. It has to be her, that damned witch.
His thoughts were interrupted when he heard a scream.
"We need to get everyone out of here." Hunter said before spreading his arms.
Superboy watched as Hunter slammed his bracelets together. A sphere of white energy blasted from his bracelets and spread throughout the plaza. The white energy didn't destroy anything but easily put out the violet flames all around them.
A violet flash from behind them caught their attention. They both turned around in time to see a pillar following down on them. They were ready to catch it until the stone pillar stopped midway of its fall.
"I got it."
Both boys looked up to see M'gann floating above the plaza. She seemed to be struggling to carry such an enormous pillar with her mind so they quickly got out of the way. With a groan, she dropped the pillar.
"Are you guys alright?" The martian asked landing on shaky legs.
"Fine, how's everyone else?" Hunter quickly asked.
"Queen Hippolyta sent everyone around the city to help anyone who needs it." She informed.
"Any idea on who's done this?" Superboy asked.
"Circe." Hunter answered with antipathy, "An evil sorceress. My mother and I have fought her many times."
Another explosion interrupted their conversation. They all looked over to see a building crumbling. The prince looked around and saw more flames roaring. His home and people were burning. He could hear all the screams all around the city. He closed his eyes before opening them revealing a look of determination.
Hunter quickly flew at the building but a hand on his shoulder stopped him. The Amazon looked back to see M'gann.
"M'gann what are you-"
"Hunter listen we don't know anything about Circe but you do." She began, "You have to find her."
"But my people-" Hunter began to object.
"Superboy and I will help them as well as Artemis and your grandmother." M'gann replied, "If you want to help them find the cause of all this destruction."
Hunter looked around and saw the Amazons helping each other. He was blind to what was truly happening around him. Amazons aren't like mainlanders they run through fire and have no intention of running out until they save one of their own.
Nodding he looked to M'gann, "Help them, I'll find Circe and end this destruction." He said and they nodded before he flew up.
Flying high above everyone he could see it all. The fire, buildings, the beach, and forest. He could see all the destruction. This view gave him an idea, Circe would need to be close to set these bombs as well as enjoy her sadistic show.
He began to look around in search of her. She would need a high viewpoint to see everything. The highest point of the city is the royal palace. He looked behind him and saw the palace before he closed his eyes. In the case of an attack or natural disaster, the Amazons were to head to the forest and into a hidden bunker so the palace should be completely empty.
Concentrating his hearing on the palace he heard a single heartbeat. It was beating what gave her away was the laughter. She was enjoying this. Clenching his fist he opened his eyes and glared at the building and with a burst of speed he flew across the night sky and over the city.
As he grew closer to the laughter bus anger flared. He threw caution to the wind when he saw a single figure standing on the roof. He roared and pulled his arm back. Circe saw him coming and sent two violet blasts of magic at him. He quickly barrel rolled to the left and dodged the blast but he was hit by the second blast.
The prince plummeted too the ground below creating a creator in the ground below. Ripping the cloth over his shoulders he stood up and grabbed his lasso. He glared up at the witch who flew into the sky revealing her true appearance.
"You may have Diana's abilities but you don't have her knowledge or her skill." Circe taunted.
Hunter only glared at her before flying up at the witch with a boom. This time he dodged both magical blasts and tackled her further into the sky. She thrust up her knee and leaned back, flipping Hunter off of her.
"Such brute strength, I could use a man like you to lead my army." She smirked as violet energy emanated from her hands.
"You could use a thousand spells on me Circe but I will never serve you." Hunter replied whipping his lasso at her.
The sorceress narrowly dodged the golden lasso before she sent a barrage of magical blasts at the prince. Hunter quickly used his bracelets and leg braces to block the blasts. She witch flew away and the prince quickly took chase. He flew faster and whipped his lasso at her but she teleported away in a puff of smoke.
"You are no match for me."Her voice echoed in his head.
"Is that why you're hiding?" He asked aloud.
He chuckled echoed through his head irritating him further. The taunting laughter distracted him enough for a magical blast to hit his back. The prince began to fall from the sky but he quickly kept himself in flight. Her laughter just grew louder and louder. Another blaster his back and he quickly swung around the lasso but hit nothing but air.
"Enough!" Hunter roared slamming his bracelets together unleashing a ball of pure white energy.
The pulse of magic knocked Circe back causing her to release her cloaking spell. The light blinded her long enough for the Lasso of Enticement to wrap around her. With a harsh pull, the sorceress was dragged down right to meet Hunter's first with her face. She tried to escape through teleportation but the lasso not only minded her body but her powers as well.
"It's over." Hunter glared at the woman who only smirked.
"It has only just begun." Circe replied.
Over Circe's head, he saw a flicker of light in the distance. A flaming arrow from the prison. A signal of a jailbreak. He glared back at Circe and tightened his grip on the lasso.
"What did you do?!" He raised his arm and prepared to wail on her.
"I freed him." She answered gleefully.
"Do you have any idea what you've done?!" He exclaimed.
"I do, that's why I did it you little fool." Circe smiled.
He moved to punch her out cold but he was tackled by a large figure. The sheer force of the attack sent him plummeting down, crashing through buildings and into the center of the plaza. The prince groaned in pain as he struggled to get up.
"Hunter!"
Hunter looked over to see M'gann flying towards him. The martian kneeled down next to him and helped him stand. Superboy and everyone else ran to the prince and gasped at his appearance.
"What was that?" Superboy asked.
Hunter stood up and looked up at the two floating figures, their silhouettes in contrast to the moon behind them.
"Aries, the God of War." He glared up at the god before he unsheathed his sword, "Stay here, I've got them." He flew up at the two without hesitation.
"Wait!" Hippolyta called out to her grandson.
"What is it?" Artemis asked.
The queen looked to blonde, "He's no march for Aries alone. Even for Diana, he is a formidable opponent."
Hunter saw red as he charged at the God of War. He raised his sword and swung down at the god who easily caught his wrist. The prince quickly went to punch the god but his left wrist was caught as well. He then leaned his head back and swung it forward headbutting the god to little effect. Aries smirked before leaning his own head back and delivered a devastating headbutt to Hunter.
Blood gushed from the prince's nose as Aries let him go. Hunter shook off his vertigo before he swung his sword again but Aries once again avoided the attack. The younger man began to deliver a series of slashes with his sword but to no avail.
"Is this all the son of the champion of the Amazons has to offer?!" Aries taunted.
"Shut up!" Hunter roared before thrusting the sword at the god.
Aries caught his arm and squeezed until he heard the cracking of bones. Hunter wailed in pain as his right arm broke, dropping his sword. Aries caught the sword before thrusting it into Hunter's abdomen. The prince's wails stopped as he could barely make a sound let alone a scream. He coughed up blood and wheezed in pain.
Hunter began to fall from the sky but Aries caught him by the hair, "Tell Diana that I've returned and that I will have my revenge." He informed before lifting Hunter up and hurling him down at the city.
Hunter didn't feel when a brick of the city below broke underneath the force of his plummet. He barely heard M'gann's scream or Hippolyta and Artemis' calling of his name. His vision began to fade leaving the last thing he saw being a familiar set of blue eyes as the last thing he saw.
Themyscira, August 29, 6:00 AM
"How is he?" Diana asked hastily as she walked down the hospital.
Diana had only just heard of what happened to Hunter. Artemis and M'gann took the Invisible Jet to the cave where they informed the League of Aries' escape with the aid of Circe and presumably Cheetah. Batman and Superman tolled her of what happened personally. She flew to Themyscira herself breaking the sound barrier in less than ten seconds.
"He is fine but he hasn't woken." Hippolyta informed as they turned the corner into the room of the purple ray.
The Purple Healing Rey was a device created by the blacksmith Io. It can heal all injuries and ailments. The fact that Hunter has yet to wake up worries her.
Her worries were temporarily overwhelmed by confusion and curiosity. By Hunter's bedside, Superboy sat asleep with his hand in Hunter's and his head rested on the bed.
"He hasn't left since it happened." The queen informed, "Day and night, he hasn't eaten barely slept. He cares for Hunter."
She walked Superboy's side and softly smiled, "Yes, Hunter cares for him as well."
Diana was curious about Hunter's interest with Superboy. He always asked her to bring up the clone around Superman. Hunter wanted the hero to acknowledge Superboy and to accept him. She realized that at some point it went beyond concern and perhaps beyond friendship.
She put a gentle hand on the clone's shoulder who shot up, fists up, ready to defend Hunter with his life. When he realized who stood before him he quickly lowered his fist. Diana saw his face turn beat red and allowed a small smile to break on her features.
"Wonder Woman, I'm sorry I just-"
"It is alright." Diana assured, "I am glad he has such a devoted protector." She teased causing Superboy's face to turn even redder.
"Is there any news about his condition?" Superboy asked looking down at Hunter.
Her amused smile dropped, "Unfortunately no."
"Is there anything you can do?" The clone asked cautiously.
He was afraid he overstepped until she spoke, "Possibly." She walked around the bed, "Do you know of our lineage, the source of our power?" She saw the confused look on his face before continuing, "My mother, Hippolyta conceived me with the God-King of Olympus, Zeus. I received a few of his abilities as well as the abilities of my mother."
"And Hunter?"
"Takes after me more than his father, the combination of amazon and god genes overpowered those of a mortal man." Diana explained, "But his body is weaker than mine. Until he can learn to harness his power correctly his body will destroy itself from the power. His bracelets help contain most of the power."
Superboy looked at Hunter's wrists, "Have you mastered this power?"
Diana only replied with a reassuring smile, "Yes, but it is unusual for him to stay unconscious so it may be difficult." She clarified before resting a gentle hand on her son's forehead.
Superboy watched anxiously as Diana closed her eyes in concentration. He watched in amazement as white light emitted from her hand. He flinched when the light suddenly flashed. The clone blinked just before Hunter groaned.
Superboy quickly leaned over Hunter. He worriedly watched as the prince blinked rapidly before his eyes fully opened, "What are you so worried about?" He asked sitting up.
Without a single word, two large arms engulfed Hunter in an iron tight embrace. Hunter was taken aback by the show of affection by the clone. When his shock subsided he hugged the clone right back. The prince closed his eyes and basked in the warmth of the Kryptonian.
Superboy's shaky voice cracked when he spoke, "I thought that you-"
"I'm so sorry I worried you." Hunter quickly apologized tightening his own embraced on the clone to assure that he was still alive.
Diana smiled at the spectacle but that smile quickly fell to a frown of concern. Will Hunter be ready to let go of Superboy when the time comes or even let go of the rest of his team? That's a bridge they'll cross eventually but now they must deal with Aries and Circe even potentially Cheetah working together.
But right here, right now she felt happy for her son. He found someone who cared for him the way everyone deserves to be cared for. She could tell her son was precious to Superboy and vice versa. Diana grew nostalgic at the sight, she remembered what it was like to feel that way for someone and to have that feeling returned.
She hoped that Steve would've approved of them.