Mount Justice, September 7, 4:30 PM

"You what?!" Both Conner and M'gann exclaimed once Kaldur and Hunter explained everything.

The two walked in from school to find Kaldur bandaging Hunter's arm in the infirmary. Beneath the bandages, were five long cuts from Cheetah's claws. Then began a series of quick questions. What happened? Who did this? What were you doing?

"You were looking for Ares, after what happened?!" Conner demanded sounding more fearful than angry.

"Conner, I had to. Someone has to stop him." The shorter boy replied sincerely.

"But that doesn't have to be you, you could've at least asked for our help." He said, "I thought we were a team."

"When did you leave on this mission?" M'gann asked.

Hunter sighed, "Right after you went to school." He responded honestly and quickly added, "I didn't want to interrupt your first day."

"I don't care about that!" Connor exclaimed, "Who cares about school when you almost died!?" His voice boomed before he spun around and stomped off.

When Connor slammed the door close it shook the whole room and cracked the window on the door. Hunter sight and hopped off the bed. Raising his hand to grab the doorknob he yelped in pain and put a hand over his wound.

Cheetah's long and deep scratch burned in his arm. Usually, he would heal quickly from a wound like this but Cheetah's claws had magic. Magical weapons took longer to heal from. If she had aimed for his chest or organs he would've had to return to Themyscira to recuperate.

Kaldur immediately was at his side, "You shouldn't move too much."

"I should talk to him." Hunter said.

"You can talk to him later now you need to rest." Kaldur said guiding him back in the white bed. Hunter flinched whenever he would involuntarily move his arm, "If you'd like I can bring you some food?"

"Sure, thanks Kaldur." He smiled gratefully at the team leader.

The Atlantean left the room leaving Hunter and M'gann. There was a tense silence between the two. Hunter knew M'gann didn't like that he neglected to tell them about the mission and M'gann knew that Ares was a threat and needed to be defeated. Neither spoke and the tense silence continued.

When the silence became too unbearable Hunter finally asked, "How was school?"

M'gann gasped before answering, "It was fine, the classes were nice and I joined the Cheerleading Squad." She added proudly.

Hunter smiled, "They're lucky to have you. I assume Connor joined the football team?"

"Not quite, he mostly kept to himself." She replied.

"I expected as much." Hunter sighed, "Let me give a crack at it and he'll open up."

The martian smiled, "You seem to be the only one who knows how to do that." Her smile faltered before sighing, "He cares about you a lot you know, it's why he's so angry. The idea of you getting hurt like before scares him and the rest of us too."

Hunter's hand rested on his abdomen. He still remembered how the pain felt when Area ran him through with his own sword. It hurt so much he hardly felt the pain of crashing into the pain. His nightmares remind him of the pain almost every night.

Hunter sighed as his cheeks reddened before replied, "I care about him too a lot more than I should. I tried to fight these feelings but they keep coming back whenever I see him."

"You two need to talk about this." M'gann said, "I could feel your longing for each other a mile away."

The comment made Hunter's face turn redder. He began looked away from the martian nervously, "I should get some sleep." He quickly said before rolling on his side turning his back to M'gann.

The martian only chuckled.

Waking up Hunter groaned at the throbbing pain in his head. Looming around me found himself alone. Sitting up he looked around to find the room dark save for the beam of white light above his bed. Groaning he shifted off the bed and onto his feet. He raised his hand and began to massage his temple.

"Why does my head hurt so bad?" He wondered aloud.

Soon the throbbing in his head eased. He sighed in relief. Looking up he found his sword and shield by the door. He had left them there when Kaldur escorted him into the room.

Looking down at his arm he found that the stinging pain had ceased. Reaching over he undid the bandages. Beneath them, the claw marks were gone with only faded scars in their place. The scars will completely fade in an hour or so.

Feeling the ache in his stomach he decided to head out. Hunter grabbed his sword and shield as he exited the room. With his weapons on his back, he made his way to the living room. Entering the kitchen he rummaged through the pantry.

Eventually, he found a bag of barbeque chips. He then opened the fridge and grabbed a plastic bottle of water. Sitting down at the counter he ripped open the bag and began to dig in. Usually, he would eat a healthy snack but he was too hungry to care.

He continued to gobble down the chips and gulp down the water before he heard the thumping of boots hitting the ground caught his attention. His heart began to beat rapidly. With the heavy steps coming his way it was probably Connor. The clone is probably going to scold him for getting out of bed.

When the footsteps arrived at the room he spoke, "I know, I know I should be resting but I've been starving and-"

Hunter's words got caught on his throat as he saw who entered the room.

"Ares." His hoarse voice croaked.

Hunter moved before the god could make a move.

The sudden shake of the cave caused Connor to shoot up. On high alert, he jumped from the bed and quickly put his clothes on. Going out into the hall he found M'gann just as confused as he is.

"What's happening?" M'gann wondered, "Are we being attacked?"

Connor didn't answer instead he focused on listening for the source of the commotion. "You won't get the better of me this time Ares!" Hunter's voice echoed.

"It's Ares, Hunter's fighting him!" He exclaimed before dashing down the hallway.

M'gann began to follow before she had a second thought, "Someone should notify the league." She said before turning around and flying down the opposite direction.

Hunter smashed through the stone wall of the cave just missing Ares. The god has been playing with him, dodging each and every one of his attacks with a damned smirk on his face. The prince never questioned why he didn't counter-attack he just kept lunging at the god.

Eventually, they smashed their way out of the cave and into the night. Ares jumped down from the cave and into the grassy clearing. Hunter stepped onto the ledge of the hole they created. He took his shield in hand and gripped his sword until his knuckles turned white.

Before he could lunge for another attack his head throbbed in a sudden hold of pain. He held up his closed fist against his head. The pain caused him to take a knee. His vision blurred and he felt fatigued.

"Is this all the prince of the Amazons has to offer?" Ares taunted.

In an instant, the pain stopped and his senses sharpened. Pushing himself to stand up Hunter glared at Ares. Keeping his gaze on Ares he raised his sword and shield. He let out a mighty war cry and jumped.

Connor followed the damage and debris like a crumb trail. Hallways, floors, and ceilings were all damaged. It looked as if bombs were set off inside the cave. It was almost unrecognizable.

Eventually, he found a hole that led outside. With a powerful jump, he leaped through the hole. He landed on the grassy ground just beyond the back door. The clone looked around and found no sign of either of the two.

"Get back here Ares!" Hunter's voice rang through the sky.

Looking up he saw Hunter flying into a grey cloud. Even with his enhanced eyesight, he couldn't see through the cloud. He's on his own.

"Hunter!" He called out, "Come back, you can't fight him alone!"

"Connor!"

Turning around he found M'gann and Red Tornado flying towards him, "We've notified the Justice League." The android informed, "They are on their way as is the rest of your team."

"They flew up into the sky, I only saw Hunter chase after him." He explained.

"We have to go help him." M'gann quickly said flying up but Red Tornado grabbed her shoulder.

"Perhaps we should be patient." The android said.

"But Hunter needs our help!" Connor exclaimed walking up to the hero.

"And what help would we provide?" Red Tornado replied, "Miss Martian could only be of use in a distance in this battle and one wrong move can result in her demise. Physically you can hold your own against him but his weapons are magic which you are susceptible to."

Connor remembered the pain of the purple fire in Themyscira. He growled at the memory.

"And while I could provide some support I will only eventually get in the way." The android finished, "We need the other's aid to detain Ares. For now, Wonder Warrior is our only hope of beating him."

M'gann looked ready to argue but relented because she knows that he's right. Connor closed his hands into fists until his knuckles turned white. The clone looked up at the sky as black clouds blocked out the moon. Soon the night turned black save for the flashes of lightning. Thunder rumbled through the air and shook the ground. The storm formed far too quickly to be natural.

"This isn't right." Connor growled before he jumped.

"Connor, wait!" The martian called out as the clone jumped up the mountain.

Reaching the mountain peak he looked up at the sky. The flashing of lightning and the booming of thunder filled his senses. Closing his eyes he focused. Cutting through the thunder he listened for Hunter.

"This storm won't scare me away Ares!" The prince roared, "Get back here!"

The breaking of stone caused him to open his eyes. Looking down at Happy Harbor he found a cloud of smoke. They came down from the sky and into the town. Without a second thought, he jumped down from the mountain top.

Landing on the floor he leaped over the small building at the column of smoke in the middle of the town. Arriving he rushed forward, "Hunter!"

Diving into the smoke he was immediately attacked. A punch to the face sent him flying across the street and into a building. Groaning he quickly got back up at his feet. He glared at the silhouette in the smoke and climbed out of the building.

"Come on!" He challenged god.

When the smoke dissipated he paused.

"But-"

He didn't get the chance to talk.

Hunter glared at the God of War. Walking out of the smoke he raised his blade. That last attack was sloppy and sluggish. Perhaps he was beginning to tire out. Maybe he has an actual chance now.

"A sloppy move like that is unlike you Ares." He said before leaping at the god.

Ares dived out of the way just in time to avoid the blade. However, he wasn't quick enough to avoid the bash to the head by his shield. The impact sent the god over the harbor and into the water. Without a second thought, he flew towards the god.

Landing on the wooden harbor he kept a sharp eye for the god. Sporting bubbles in the water he raised his sword ready to attack. The creaking of a wooden board caught his attention. Glancing to his right he jumped back.

Standing at the other end of the pier was Ares. Hunter began to charge at the man before he heard something splash in the water. Looking down he gasped in shock.

In the water was Ares.

Hunter felt his head throb in pain but pushed through, "Illusions won't save you, Ares, I'll just cut you all down!" He declared before lunging at the Ares on the pier.

Before he could get close an invisible force took hold of him. He was raised from the ground and into the air. Hunter was forced to turn around. When he looked up he found a third Ares waiting for him.

"You won't win by hiding behind tricks like this!" He roared before his eyes glowed a blinding white color.

A wave of white energy erupted from him sending the third Ares flying. Hunter panted, his entire body ached with a dull pain. The sudden surge of power backfired. He knew he should be cautious when pulling from that power, however, when facing Ares he needed to throw caution to the wind.

"I never thought I'd do this before I was ready." Hunter lamented removing his left bracelet. He began to feel a burning feeling beneath his skin and it only intensified as he removed the opposite bracelet, "But I have to end your plans before they come to fruition!"

A white aura of energy began to illuminate around his body like fire. His eyes shined like blue diamonds as they intensified with fury. Dropping his shield he took his sword in both hands. Now with only his blade, he was prepared to due battle, win or lose, life or death.

"No more holding back!" He roared as the aura intensified making him appear like a star. Looking down at the town he found more clones of Aries. At least a hundred of them all looking up at him waiting, "I will cut you all down!"

In blinding speed, he shot down at the floor and landed with a shockwave of white energy. The wave sent the onslaught flying back however before they could collide with the floor they began to levitate. Hunter's illuminating eyes glared at them. He flew at them raising his blade.

Another Ares clone appeared before him but this one wielded a sword. Their blades clashed cracking the ground below and shattering nearby windows. Hunter instantly grabbed his wrist pulling the god into a stumble and shot his knee up to Ares' chin. He then spun around delivered a powerful kick to his chest sending him into the sky.

Glaring at the numerous clones of Ares he began to charge another pulse of energy. Before he could unleash his attack he was shoved into the ground. He quickly stood up but as soon as he was on his feet he was taken down again. With an irritated snarl, he shot up and looked around.

A red and black blur zoomed towards him. Hunter raised his arms and braced himself. This time when he was pushed he remained on his feet but stumbled back. The next attack made his feet skid across the floor. Hunter anticipated the next attack and when it came he was ready. Jumping up he flipped over the blur and grabbed it by the nape.

The blur became clear as it was another Ares. He planted his feet on the ground and threw the illusion over his shoulder and into a building. Suddenly someone bear-hugged him from behind. Hunter raised his legs and shot them down flipped them over landing on his attack. When the grip loosened he rolled over stood raising his blade ready to cut down the illusion.

Someone kicked his back causing him to turn his attention away. This time Area wielded a bow and aimed an arrow at him. He roared and dived at him. The flew across the air and into his should exploding. The white aura took the brunt of the attack.

He glared at all Ares' around him and pointed his sword at them all, "It'll take more than that to stop me. I won't stop until you-"

He was tackled into the ground. Above him, Ares held his wrists down. Hunter's head stung in pain causing him to lose control of his power unleashing a wave of energy. Everyone and everything was sent flying away from him. Even Hunter didn't come out unscathed from the burst of energy.

The prince could hardly breathe as his lungs were collapsed, each short breath sent burning pain through his body. Pushing on he willed himself to stand on shaky legs. Once upright he could hardly move it took all his strength to remain on his feet. When the Ares that held him down groan on the floor he glared at him.

"I. . .will. . .end. . .this." Each word took everything he had to mutter.

Each step shot sharp pain through his body. Hunter knew that if he doesn't heal himself soon he'll surely die. If he finds his way to the underworld he'll make sure to drag Ares down with him. He refuses to leave this world with such a monster remaining on it.

Standing above the god he placed his foot on his chest, "Die. . .together." He declared as he began to build the energy in his body into a singular spot and compress it.

He's turning himself into a bomb.

At this moment Hunter felt peace knowing that he's ridding the world from what could be its greatest threat. He found himself thinking about all the friends he's made in the short time since he's left Themyscira.

M'gann who he can confidently say is his best friend. Whenever he imagined having a brother he sees Kaldur's face. Robin and Wally may have their faults but they knew how to lighten the mood. Artemis reminded him of the Amazons and he would gladly call her his sister.

And Connor.

His one regret was never telling him.

Feeling the pressure inside him reaching its breaking point. Closing his eyes he accepted the outcome of this fight.

It's over.

.

.

.

"Hunter!"

His eyes shot open as his body began to shine a bright light.

M'gann?

"Hunter, wait!"

Mother?

"Uncle, J'onn can help you!"

In an instant, his mind cleared. Stumbling back he found himself surrounded by terrified civilians and his unconscious friends. Looking down he found a battered and bruised Connor. With a sharp intake of breath, he took another step back.

"What. . .did I do?" He coughed blood as the light became blinding.

"Hunter!"

Looking up he could only see a black silhouette among the blinding light.

What did he do?

BOOM!!