Paris, September 7, 5:00 AM
The sounds of panting, grunting, and clanging metal filled the French sky. Above the clouds and beneath the moon and stars mother and son sparred. Hunter was a sweaty mess while Diana seemed unfazed. Wonder Woman has centuries of experience over her son and it showed.
Hunter panted as he raised his sword and flew forward shouting out a war cry. He swung his sword down in a quick slash. He slashed at her, one, two, three times. When he went for another she quickly caught his wrist and threw him down over her shoulder. In one fluid motion, he landed on the floor cracking it.
Diana flew down at him with her own sword raised poised to strike. Hunter quickly grabbed his lasso before he jumped back. Wonder Woman slashed at him ferociously as he continued to duck and jump away from every attack. With a quick motion of his arm, he whipped the lasso around Diana's leg.
Jumping over the older woman he heaved the lasso flipping Diana backward. Landing he quickly straddled her back and quickly began to tie her up. But Diana thrusts her head back colliding with Hunter's face. He stumbled back, blood gushing from his nose.
Diana quickly knocked Hunter off of her and grabbed her blade. Grabbing Hunter by the arm she pulled him down shoving him to the floor. He tried to get up but he felt the sharp tip of her sword. Looking up he saw his mother standing above him.
"Something is on your mind." She started replacing her sword with her hand.
Hunter took it before Diana pulled him to his feet, "I've been distracted, I'm sorry." He bowed his head in shame.
"What is it?" She asked concerned.
Hunter picked up his sword before sighing, "It's Ares." He admitted, "I can't get over how easily he bested me. I thought that since I've been with the team and after all the missions we accomplished that I would become stronger, more skilled but Ares took me out like I was nothing."
Diana put a comforting hand on his shoulder, "You've grown with the team more than you have with decades of training on Themyscira. You've faced villains many others would tremble at the sight of." She said truthfully, "But Ares isn't your regular foe. He's a god, the god of war in fact and he's spent millennia honing his skills and harnessing his power. Even I have trouble when facing him."
Hunter scoffed, "Don't be modest mother, you were the one who imprisoned him." He said walking past her.
"And even that was difficult." She replied.
Hunter only sighed placing his hands on his hips as he looked up at the sky.
"Perhaps you should sit this mission out." Diana offered, "Given your state of mind."
Hunter shook his head, "I need to face this, or I'll never find the courage to do so again." He sighed before saying, "Just give me a few hours to get ready."
Diana only nodded before Hunter flew away. His battle with Aries and Circe has left a lasting impression. He's been spending less and less time at the cave and more time training in solitary. He been trying to master his divine magic but has made little headway. Each time Diana would need to pick him up from the floor and fly him home.
Hunter fears that he'll never gain control of that side of him. Perhaps he'll only become a liability and a burden when they face Ares and Circe. Shaking his head he tried to push those thoughts away. He had something else he needed to do.
He needed to see M'gann and Superboy off on their first day of school.
Mount Justice, September 7, 6:41 AM
RECOGNIZED
Wonder Warrior B-04
Entering the cave Hunter wore his civilian clothing a long-sleeved maroon shirt with his mother's golden logo, black skinny jeans, and white shoes. He found the mission room to be empty. He flew down the halls before reaching the cove where he saw Superboy working on a motorcycle with Sphere rolling around. Smirking he silently levitated towards him before plopping down in the bike.
"You know I heard you coming right?" Superboy asked looking up at the Amazon.
"A man can try." He shrugged leaning back on the leather seat, "Shouldn't you be getting ready for your first day of school?"
"I am ready." The clone replied standing up.
Hunter sniffed the air and cringed, "The distinct smell of motor oil may say otherwise."
"Ready for school!?"
They both turned around to find M'gann flying towards them with Kaldur, Red Tornado, and Martian Manhunter on her trail, "I made our lunches!" She said excitedly gesturing to two paper bags in her hand.
"The first day of the scholastic season carries great cultural residence. We want to wish you both well." Martian Manhunter stated.
"I'm guessing its not a Kryptonian thing." Superboy said unsure.
"Superman went just like everyone else where he lived or so my mother told me." Hunter chuckled.
"You may wish to change your appearance before you depart." Kaldur suggested.
"I spent hours choosing this outfit." M'gann said excitedly before her clothes morphed into a bright maroon two piece outfit with a white shirt and a matching hairband, "What do you think, can M'gann M'orzz pass for an earth girl now?" She asked.
"Well-" Kaldur's voice drifted off sd M'gann's skin remained green.
"Just kidding!" M'gann replied before twirling around as her skin turned from martian green to caucasian pink, "Meet Megan Morse!" She said her earth name proudly before rounding on Superboy, "What's your new name?"
"My what?" Superboy asked dumbfounded.
"I chose the name John Jones for myself." Martian Manhunter said morphing into an African American man in a suit, "And suggested John Smith for Red Tornado, you could be a 'John' too." He suggested.
"Pass." He quickly rebuffed.
"My father gave the name Prince to my mother who gave it to me, maybe you can be a Prince as well?" Hunter added.
"I think it suits you better." Superboy replied.
"Conner has always been my favorite name." Megan suggested to which Superboy only shrugged.
"A last name will also be required." Kaldur informed.
"Perhaps. . .Kent." Martian Manhunter said and it took everything within Hunter not to laugh.
"Oh in memory of Dr. Fate! The late Kent Nelson." Megan exclaimed.
"Sure." Hunter nodded.
"Fine, I guess it'll be an honor or something." He replied half-heartedly.
"Well, Connor Kent time to change your shirt." She said chipper and when Superboy looked down at it curiously, "You don't want to reveal your secret identity."
"Actually I have just the tool for that." Hunter said reaching into his back pocket revealing a pair of glasses, "Put these on and you'll be just fine."
Conner took the glasses in hand and inspected them, "How are these going to help keep my identity a secret?"
Hunter chuckled, "Believe me they've been tested and have been proven to work."
Conner placed the glasses on and looked at Hunter unsure, "So?"
Hunter smiled as he felt heat rush to his cheeks. The black-rimmed glasses complimented his strong features perfectly, "You look good, perfectly incognito." He quickly said having realized he was staring.
"We should get going." Megan said chiming in.
"Wait shouldn't I be Conner Nelson?" Conner wondered as they walked away.
Hunter walked with them as they made their way out of one of the secret entrances to the cave. Hunter explained every subject they would have, english, history, math, and many other basic subjects. Personally, he found them all to be quite easy as he's studied those subjects for decades.
When the High School was within seeing distance Hunter stopped, "This is where I leave you."
Probably for good.
"Wish us luck." Megan said practically giddy.
"Yeah." Conner waved nonchalantly.
"Super. . .Conner." Hunter corrected himself.
Conner turned around before he felt a pair of soft lips pressing against his cheek. The feeling went as soon as it came. Hunter was already walking away, "For good luck." He explained before walking away gaining a smile from the clone.
Unbeknownst to the Kryptonian Hunter didn't share that smile. It was a goodbye kiss just in case he didn't come back.
The buzzing vibration in his pocket signaled that he got a text. It was from his mother."
"Found a new lead. Be at the cave in a few minutes."
Looking around to make sure there weren't any prying eyes he took off into the sky.
Hunter had changed from his civilian clothes to his red and gold armor. Entering the cave he found Kaldur in the mission room heading for the Zeta beams. The Atlantean was dressed for combat as well.
"Kaldur, where are you going?" He asked curiously.
"Red Arrow has requested my help with a mission." Aqualad replied.
"Is the lone wolf howling for help?" Hunter asked with a frown, "After disrespecting the team, our friends?"
Kaldur replied with a sigh understanding Hunter's frustration with Roy, "I understand your frustration Hunter, truly I do but Red Arrow is my friend so despite his harsh words I must aid him."
Hunter understood where Aqualad is coming from. Conner threw many harsh words his way at first but he would still risk his life for the clone. The Amazon could only nod in understanding getting a nod from the Atlantean in return.
On his way to the zeta tube, the beam lit up.
WONDER WOMAN 03
Out walked the Champion of Themyscira in full body armor. Diana noticed Hunter and Kaldur in the room.
"Good, you're here Hunter." She commented, "Greetings Aqualad."
"Greetings Wonder Woman." Kaldur nodded with respect, "I was just on my way out."
"Actually, I suggest you stay here, we may need aid in our latest mission." She replied patting his shoulder before walking past him.
Kaldur was about to object until he saw the screens appear in the cave. The familiar face of Car Grant at the Rhelasian peace summit.
"What does the Rhelasia have to do with Ares?" Hunter asked.
"This." Diana replied as the screen zoomed in over Cat's shoulder. It focused on an orange blur. When the image enhanced they saw who it was.
"Cheetah?!" Hunter exclaimed.
"Yes, Cheetah was last seen on Themyscira breaking Ares out of imprisonment." His mother replied, "There could only be one reason why she's at the summit."
"To cause a war." Hunter deduced, "North and South Rhalesia is tentative at best. One wrong move could spark a war."
"Why would Cheetah want a to start war between the North and South?" Kaldur inquired.
"War fuels Ares." Wonder Woman answered, "The death, hatred, and despair of battle increase his power, and with enough power, he could spark one war after another until he becomes unstoppable."
"We need to find him, Circe and Cheetah, and take them down. If we can't we do that we have to make sure the summit ends with a peaceful conclusion." Wonder Warrior declared.
"Agreed." Diana nodded before turning to Aqualad, "So Kaldur are you willing to aid us on this mission?"
Kaldur looked up at the image of Cheetah. Roy had told him to come alone and not tell the Justice League. He promised that he wouldn't but with the God of War himself involved perhaps its best to tell them the truth.
"Honestly this is quite the coincidence." Kaldur stated.
Mother and son exchanged a look before Hunter asked, "How so?"
Prime Minister Tseng and General Manh Li have been at each other's throats for most of the summit. However, whenever the fighting began to resort to threats of war Lex Luthor quickly stepped in.
From his place in the crowd, Hunter glared at Lex. The man was a ruthless genius who had it out for Superman. Hunter never quite figured out why he had such a grudge against the Man of Steel. Though he theorized that the man's narcissism might have a role in it.
Looking around he scanned the room for any sign of Cheshire or Cheetah. Having told Red Arrow of Ares' possible role in the summit they devised a plan. He and Kladur were to blend in with the press and look for any signs of Cheshire or Cheetah. Red Arrow drew everyone's attention in full uniform behind the politicians. Lastly, Wonder Woman remained on the roof in case they get unexpected guests in the form of Circe or Ares.
"That's far enough Cheshire." Kaldur's voice rang in his ears.
Darting his haze around he found Kaldur holding up his weapon towards the tea server. Seeing her murderous smirk Hunter quickly acted and jumped over Kaldur as the assassin kicked the tea cart at the sidekick. The Atlantean took control of all the liquid in the room from, cups, soups, and bottles. Both prioritized the civilians as Kaldur formed a water shield and Hunter raised his arms and crossed them.
When the cart erupted in a fiery explosion Hunter took the full brunt of it. His clothes burning off his skin revealing his armor underneath along with his sword which was strapped to his back. The whole floor shook violently as the explosion raged. When the fire died out and the smoke cleared Hunter found the entire room in ruins.
Looking around he found two large statues have collapsed creating a makeshift barrier between them and the politicians. Hunter sighed in relief when he saw Aqualad and Red Arrow approaching. Hearing a groan glared at Cheshire as he approached her.
"Time to get some answers." He said grabbing his Lasso of Enticement.
She tried to avoid the lasso but Hunter was faster. In a blink of an eye, Cheshire was ensnared. She pulled out a hidden dagger and attempted to cut through the rope but to no avail.
"That won't work!" Wonder Warrior yelled before he pulled on the lasso with all his strength sweeping Cheshire right of the ground.
Grabbing her by the collar Hunter slammed her to the ground, "Where is Sportsmaster and Cheetah!?"
"I won't reveal-" Cheshire resisted all the could but when the lasso shined gold she gasped, "He's coming on a helicopter in case I failed and I don't know where Cheetah is."
"It's over Cheshire." Red Arrow stated aiming an arrow directly at her.
The lasso shined once more, "This is only the beginning."
Just then a gust of wind caught their attention. Looking up they saw Sportsmaster on said helicopter with masked assassins from the League of Shadows. The masked man threw a javelin at them. Recognizing the device immediately Hunter flew forward and caught the projectile but it exploded before he could discard it. The explosion caught him by surprise and caused him to stumble back.
Just then an animalistic growl echoed through the room. Through the smoke cloud, Hunter was tackled by an orange blur. Hunter quickly allowed himself to fall back before kicking off his attacker. Quickly getting to his feet he saw as his opponent gracefully landed on her feet.
"Cheetah." He sneered in vexation.
"Well, well if it isn't the little prince." She said in her thick British accent.
Without another word the two began to circle each other like predators waiting for the kill to show vulnerability.
"How did Cheshire lie to me, she couldn't resist the Lasso of Enticement." Hunter stated breaking the silence, "Unless she didn't know about you."
"It's called compartmentalization boy you should know a lot about that given your just a small piece amongst the Justice League." She taunted showing her fangs in a menacing smile.
"Lies, I have faith in my mother and I know that she would never hide anything from me." He replied before reaching over his shoulder and quickly drew his sword, "And even if she does I know she does it out of love!"
"Such naivety." Cheetah replied before growling, "It'll make killing you all the easier."
In a burst of blinding speed Cheetah began her attack. Hunter barely had time to react when he raised his sword blocking a slash from her claws. She let out a blinding fury of scratches and slashes. If he didn't know any better he'd say that she was as fast as Wally.
Expecting another slash he was shocked when the heel of her foot slammed against his cheek. The force of the attack sent him stumbling. A snarl caused him quickly to duck under to the swipe of claws. He quickly spun his body around and with a spinning motion of his leg, he kicked Cheetah's feet from the ground.
Cheetah however gracefully used the momentum of the attack to spin back. She flipped across the room before she stopped between Red Arrow who was pursuing a still tied up Cheshire.
"Room for one more!?" She roared before kicked at Red Arrow.
Red Arrow raised his arm to block the attack but wasn't prepared for Cheetah's strength. His arm slammed against the side of his head sending him reeling into the wall. Cheetah pounced at the hero ready to tear him limb from limb. A sudden grip on her ankle ceased her attack before she was spun around and thrown across the room, colliding with Cheshire.
Red Arrow looked up to find Wonder Warrior standing before him with his back facing him, "I didn't need your help." He grunted.
"You would rather I allow her to rip apart limb from limb?" Hunter asked as the taller boy came up next to him, "I'd gladly stand by and watch as the two of them mop the floor with you."
They watched as both women got up from the floor. Cheetah easily undid the bind of the lasso freeing Cheshire. The assassin then revealed two hidden sai blades. Hunter glared as Cheetah began to twirl around his lasso.
"Aqualad, let's end this!" Red Arrow suddenly said firing an arrow towards the ceiling.
Hunter watched as he shot put a sprinkling with a minor explosive. The smoke set off the fire system and water began to rain down upon them. Aqualad quickly took control of the water former a large eel.
Hunter quickly grabbed Red Arrow by the arm, "Brace yourself." He warned before spinning around and throwing him at Cheshire.
Red Arrow quickly caught on to Hunter's plan and dropkicked Cheshire in the face. Cheetah went to attack Red Arrow but Wonder Warrior tackled her to the ground. The two tumbled across the room before Cheetah slashed at Hunter's arm. The prince grunted at the pain but kept on fighting.
He quickly took hold of his lasso and ensnared Cheetah. Standing up he tightened the lasso's hold with a tug. She roared at him but he quickly swung his leg forward kicking her in the temple. The villain was out cold and Hunter smiled triumphantly.
His moment of victory was short-lived as smoke filled the room. He saw that Aqualad's water construct fell. Suddenly a single assassin emerged from the smoke and jumped at the two leaders. However, a single beam of energy shot him down.
"What?" He whispered as he followed the source of the attack to find Luthor's assistant with a mechanical arm, "She's an android."
The two Rhalesian leaders began to sing praises to Lex of how they owe him their lives and of his mechanical bodyguard. Hunter rolled his eyes as he hauled Cheetah over his shoulder.
"Where is Wonder Woman?" Aqualad asked as he and Red Arrow approached.
"Right here."
The three boys watched as Diana flew into the room with Circe tied up in her lasso.
"Any signs of Ares?" Hunter asked.
"No. I believe he left as soon as he saw me however we have just deprived him of his only two allies." She said before landing on the ground.
"Where will we send them?" Hunter asked.
"Cheetah will be sent to Belle Reeve they have the necessary facilities for her." She replied, "And I believe Circe will enjoy her time in torturous."
"Oof, that's rough." Red Arrow commented.
Hunter turned to his teammate, "Aqualad, I'm sure you can handle the rest here." The Atlantean nodded then he turned to Red Arrow, "Red Arrow." He paused before nodding to the teen, "It was nice working with you."
The ginger nodded in reply, "Likewise."
With that Diana and Hunter flew off to lock away their prisoners.
In a hotel room within the building, Lex Luthor was pouring three glasses of brandy, "That went well." He comments, "Both Li and Tseng were both quite impressed with Mercy's equipment and are quite literally buying into the piece." He said turning to his secret ally, "Our plan to ensure the eventual reunification of Rhelasia under Lexcorp's political and economic is a success." He handed his ally one of the glasses.
Ra's Al Ghoul took the glass in hand, "And thus another corner of the world sees the light."
"As does our new partner." Lex said raising the third glass that flew out of hand.
The glass landed in a large callous hand, "Soon this world and Olympus both shall see the light." Ares smirked drinking the glass.