Happy Harbor, September 22nd, 8:30 A.M.
Hunter looked up at his latest challenge with dread. He's never faced a foe that's given him such fear. He took a deep breath and clutched the leather strap over his shoulder. Diana placed a comforting hand on her son's shoulder.
"You'll be fine." She assured, "It's just public school."
"You make it sound like it'll be easy." Hunter grumbled before facing his mother, "Are you sure about this mother? A sudden transfer seems a bit odd doesn't it especially one from France."
"I had everything prepared while you were in Belle Reve including our cover. I'm an archeologist who travels around the world and you are my son who needs a sense of security." Diana explains gaining a blush from Hunter, "Besides, Conner and M'gann will be here." She said causing Hunter's entire face to turn pink.
"Mother, why are you doing this?" Hunter suddenly asked.
Diana sighed before turning Hunter to face her, "I've wanted you to be closer to your friends you're the only one on the team who lives on another continent. Even Aqualad moved into the cave." She then cupped her hands under his chin so she can meet his eyes, "And I know how distance can put a strain on a relationship."
Hunter avoided her eyes, "I never felt like this for anyone before." He admitted.
Diana smiled, "Then you must explore your new relationship and see if this affection can grow into love."
Hunter smiled before he wrapped his arms around his mother in a tight hug, "Thank you."
Pulling away Diana kissed his forehead before pulling out a piece of paper, "Your schedule." Taking it in hand Hunter read over his name and smiled, "You should get to class."
With one last hug, Hunter and Diana parted.
After finding the room number on his schedule he took a deep breath. He put his hand on the door handle and twisted. Pushing the door open everyone's eyes immediately landed on him. Amongst the class, he found Conner and M'gann who shared a look of surprise. He quickly looked away and approached the teacher.
"Uh, I'm new here." Hunter said handing him his schedule.
"I wouldn't have guessed. I'm Mr. Carr your civics teacher." The teacher introduced before standing up, "Everyone, this is Hunter Trevor-Prince, make him feel welcome. Hunter, why don't you sit behind Conner. Conner, raise your hand."
Conner raised his hand with a smile. Hunter smiled in return before he walked down the aisle of desks. Making it to his seat he sat down and quickly got his things out. He rummaged through his things before he realized he didn't bring a pencil. He sighed and sat up only to find a pencil in his face. Looking up he saw Conner's blue eyes and a smile.
"Here." He offered.
"Thanks." Hunter smiled taking the pencil in hand.
After class M'gann looked for Hunter and Conner. The two exited the classroom so quickly she lost track of them. She smiled to herself. She was ecstatic when she saw Hunter walk through the door but he seemed enamored with Conner.
M'gann opened her locker and quickly replaced her books. Karen Beecher approached her from behind while she eyed something down the hall.
"New boy works fast huh Meg." She commented.
M'gann closed her locker and saw Conner holding Hunter's books as the shorter boy organized his locker. She smiled at the sight but quickly coughed, "I guess he's Conner's type."
Karen hummed, "I don't blame him. He kinda looks like Wonder Woman's sidekick don't you think?"
A commotion caught their attention. Down the hall, they saw Hunter and Conner scramble to pick up a pile of books from the floor. They must've heard what Karen said. M'gann coughed nervously.
"I don't see it." She replied with a chuckle.
"Really? It's uncanny." Karen shrugged, "Guess it's just me."
During gym class, Hunter amazed everyone with his skills in every activity. He threw the furthest in javelin and hammer throwing. He was first place during track and jumped the furthest at the long jump. After gym class was over the gym teacher offered her assistance if he wanted to try out for any of the school teams.
Once the final bell rang Hunter, Conner and M'gann walked back to the mountain together. Conner and Hunter had their hands laced together while M'gann held her books. She smiled at the display but felt out of place.
"So Hunter did you like your first day?" M'gann asked.
The prince smiled, "Of course, it was nice to spend the day with you two." He smiled before he looked up to Conner.
"Are you going to try out for any teams?" She asked as they got to the tree line.
"I got my eye on gymnastics." Hunter answered before he dozed off, "Or perhaps track or maybe even wrestling. There are so many to choose from. What about you Conner?"
Conner shrugged, "Not interested."
"I'm sure you'd be a great football player." M'gann offered.
"Still not interested." The clone replied as they got to a hidden entrance leading inside the cave.
"Or you can try out for wrestling." Hunter suggested.
Mount Justice, 5:45 P.M.
After more futile attempts to get Conner to socialize Hunter and M'gann made lunch before Wally and Aqualad arrived. After eating Hunter decided to unpack his things into his room. He began by mounting his weapons on the wall. The weaponry ranged from spears, maces, axes, and swords from all around the globe. He then decided to hand a large tapestry of Themyscira at the head of his bed. After placing the silk sheets on the bed he began to place his books on the dark wooded bookshelf.
He was placing the last of his books on the shelf when his door opened, "Need help?"
Hunter smiled looking over at Superboy and Sphere who rolled around in the hallway given that he was too big to enter, "Thanks for the offer but I'm already done."
"So you're not busy?" Conner asked he closed the door.
Placing the last of his books on the shelf Hunter turned around with a suggestive smirk, "Not at the moment no." He replied before Conner put wrapped his hands around Hunter's lean waist and swiftly spun them around before they fell on the soft bed.
Conner's larger body perfectly overshadowed Hunter smaller one and his bulky arms trapped the young prince to his spot. Hunter's hands glided over Conner's torso feeling every defined muscle before he reached the clone's neck. Pulling him down their lips collided. The initial kiss was innocent and clumsy neither Conner nor Hunter has ever done this.
Leaning his head to the side Conner deepened the kiss. Their tongues swirled against each other pulling a moan from Hunger encouraging the clone to continue. Before Conner knew it he was flipped onto his back with his hands above his head. He only saw a glimpse of Hunter's sweet smile before they were kissing again.
This time Hunter took control of the kiss. Conner immediately got back to the matter at hand. Hunter seemed to concentrate before Conner felt a strange sensation before be let put a sudden moan. Hunter slowly pulled back revealing his beat red face.
Conner panted before he asked, "What was that?" He asked dazed.
Hunter let go of his wrist and sat up, "Well I've never kissed anyone before so I got this book that teaches you how to be intimate with your partner." He explained embarrassedly, "And some more, uh, mature things in that later chapters but that's beside the point."
Conner carefully sat up, "Do me a favor, keep reading it." He said before pulling Hunter back down smashing their lips together.
"Hey, Hunter can we-ah!" Conner and Hunter broke off their kiss at Wally's shrill scream.
Hunter quickly climbed off of Conner and straightening his clothes. Conner got up from the bed as gave the speedster a death glare. Hunter avoided Wally's petrified gaze as his face became beat red. Wally began to stutter as he tried to form words.
"Well, Wally did you ask yet?" M'gann asked as she walked into the room with Kaldur.
"Oh great." Conner groaned crossing his arms.
"Great Hera why?" Hunter mumbled as his face grew even redder.
M'gann noticed Wally's petrified state and asked, "What's wrong Wally?"
Wally only stuttered in response. Kaldur glanced around the three of them before whispering, "I believe Wally walked in on Conner and Hunter being intimate." M'gann gasped before blushing with second-hand embarrassment.
Both Conner and Hunter heard the Atlantian causing even Conner to form a slight blush. Hunter cleared his throat, "Uh what did you guys need?"
"Wally was wondering if you'd allow us a ride on the Invisible Jet." Kaldur said as the speedster remained embarrassed.
"Of course, give me a few minutes." Hunter replied before their teammates walked out. Hunter groaned in humiliation burying his face in his hands, "That was a catastrophe."
"It was my fault I forgot to lock the door. Sorry." Conner apologized before he gently took Hunter's hands into his own.
Hunter laced his fingers with Conner's and gave him a small smile, "It's fine. We'll have more opportunities." He said playfully before pulling away and walking out.
Conner seemed dazed before he snapped back into reality and nodded, "Right." He said following after the prince.
Eventually, they made it to the cove where M'gann and Wally stood by the black jet. Hunter glanced around before he asked, "Where's Kaldur?"
"He said he had to speak to Red Tornado about something." M'gann answered.
Approaching the jet Hunter reached into his pocket before pulling out a small button. Pressing it the ramp came down, "Come on in." He said walking into the jet.
Everyone took a seat before Hunter reached the pilot's seat. Sitting down he checked all the controls making sure that everything was ready to go. The light thud of bare feet against cold metal informed Hunter that Kaldur walking into the jet. Now that everyone's he began to prep the jet.
"Now that everyone's here how about I take you-" Hunter's voice trailed off as he heard something. It sounded like waves crashing but it was closer than the beach, it was approaching.
"Hunter what's wrong?" M'gann asked before Hunter shot up from his seat.
"Something's coming." That was all he said before he pulled his lasso out from his shirt and making his way out of the jet.
Stepping outside Hunter heard the creaking of metal. The rest of the team followed on high alert. Hunter scanned the area before an explosion erupted. A cloud of smoke engulfed the hangar.
"Conner, M'gann, guys?!" He called out before he was engulfed in water.
The Amazon moved to slam his bracelets together before the water maneuvered his lasso. Hunter watched helplessly as his lasso wrapped his arms behind his back. Hunter struggled against the golden thread to no avail. As he fought against the lasso he struggled to hold his breath.
Eventually, it became too much and his breath was forced out as water filled his lungs. A million things ran through Hunter's mind as his sight faded. Who was doing this, was it Ares? Where's his team? Are they alright? Is Conner alright?
He only had unanswered questions as he drowned.
Hunter opened his eyes and looked across the distant wasteland that was once Metropolis. He let out a shaky breath as his eyes raked across the skyline. The sky burned orange through the smoke of all the fires. The fire pits are engines of war and torture, they're used to forge the armor and weapons of the Parademons.
Behind him, Nightwing approached him, "This is a nightmare."
Hunter shook his head, "No, this is worse." He said as an explosion erupted in the ruined city, "Much worse."
"Everyone's here, we should get going." The masked hero informed before walking away.
Hunter gave the city one more look before turning away. He followed Nightwing down into the Gotham Underground. Reaching the inner sanctum they found the team waiting for them. The Wayne family built this in the case of war and now it serves as the Batcave.
Looking over the room he saw who was left of the Justice League. Nightwing, Tigress, Blue Beetle, Miss Martian, Aquaman, Static, Nubia, Kyle Rayner, Oracle, Cyborg, Raven, Red Robin, and Robin. Finally, his eyes landed in Conner, he wore his new suit which resembled Superman's suit greatly aside from the short sleeves, black jacket, and the lack of a cape.
"Is this everyone?" Hunter asked.
"Almost." Nightwing said as holograms appeared around the table.
The new arrivals were Harley Quinn, Huntress, Killer Croc, Batwoman, John Constantine, Spoiler, Orphan, Clayface, Question, Zatanna, Black Adam, Red Hood, Killer Frost, and Jessica Cruz.
"So now that we're all here." Red Hood crossed his arms, "What's the point of this?"
"We've found something." Nightwing began before an image of a building appeared, "Question found out that Granny Goodness will arrive with a new army of Parademons in two weeks."
"The Legions of the Amazons are holding down the front in Europe." Hunter informed, "However if this army of Parademons arrives then they'll be slaughtered."
"My king is right." Nubia said, "Our numbers dwindle with every battle."
"Unfortunately the same can be said of the Atlantean forces." Garth said rubbing his eyes in exhaustion, "We've lost the Philippines, Japan, and Hawaii. We're barely holding onto Madagascar."
"The League of Assassins aren't fairing too well either." Robin said dourly, "Over half of our hideouts where discovered and destroyed by the Furies."
"We have five days." Question said tilting his head back, "Brother Eye has detected a cluster of Parademons gathering where the Daily Planet once stood. That's where they're going to arrive from."
"Nightwing and I have formed a strategy to prevent their arrival." Hunter informed, "This will require perfect timing and precision."
Looking around the room he saw nervous and unsure looks from a few of the others aside from Harley who was playing with a yoyo. Hunter sighed and stood straight, "I know the past few years have been hard. Actually, they've been downright horrible. We've lost many comrades, friends, like Jesse, Bart, Ivy and. . ." Hunter hesitated before he glanced at Nightwing, "And Starfire but they all knew what they. . .what we're all risking. We've chosen to be on the frontlines we've chosen to put our lives on the line to prevail against evil."
Superboy stepped up beside Hunter and spoke, "He's right. We've all lost people and they trusted us to keep on fighting for them."
"We have to make sure that their sacrifices weren't for nothing." Nightwing added.
"We know guys." Clayface said, "But we're not exactly a conquering army here. Even actual armies aren't doing too hot either, whatever's left of them."
"We know Basil but we won't need an army." Nightwing replied, "We're going to set a trap."
Coming to Hunter groaned as he tried to move only to find himself restricted. Opening his eyes he found himself tied in the Lasso of Enticement. Looking up he found himself hanging from the cave ceiling. His wrist and ankles were tied together behind his back. He struggled against the lasso without avail.
Looking down he found Aqualad and Miss Martian trapped in a cage made of fire Kaldur. On the other side of the room, he saw Conner and Wally trapped in twisted metal restricting their movements. Lastly, he saw Sphere wedged in a wall.
"That dream." He wondered aloud before he heard a familiar voice echo through the cave.
"Attention Robin, attention Artemis you have exactly ten minutes to surrender or the lives of your teammates will be extinguished." Red Tornado's voice announced.
Looking down he saw a flaming female android with a striking resemblance to Red Tornado hovering towards the cage. The flames intensified fatiguing Kaldur. The second android rose from the cove and raised his hand sending a wave towards KF and Superboy. Hunter struggled against his binds swinging back and forth.
"No! Artemis, Robin, never surrender!" He yelled his voice echoing in the cave, "You can beat them!" He screamed in frustration before he swung forward and slammed his head against the cave ceiling breaking the stalactite the rope was tied to.
"Hunter!" Conner yelled as he helplessly watched the prince fall into the water.
Hunter struggled against the lasso as he sunk to the floor. Holding his breath Hunter fought against the binds around his wrist and ankles. He looked around to see anything that can help him. Above him, he saw Artemis and Robin swimming to the surface. They didn't notice him and he couldn't call for them.
His lungs aching he was forced to exhale. His vision faded to black once again as the water invaded his lungs. Will he make it out this time?
The day has come. Everyone was in position and ready to strike. Wonder Warrior, Superboy, and Nightwing each lead their teams, Alpha, Beta, and Omega. The Alpha team is going to engage the Parademons directly, the Beta team is supposed to distract Granny, and the Omega team is meant to close the Boom Tube.
Hunter is the leader of the Alpha team which consisted of Black Adam, Nubia, Red Hood, Robin, Kyle, Huntress, Spoiler, Aquaman, and Batwoman. They mainly dealt with the more bloody and longest battles alongside the armies of the world. Superboy leads the Beta team which had Killer Frost, Static, Harley, Croc, Jessica, Raven, Tigress, and Blue Beetle. They mainly deal with more heavy hitters such as any commander, general, or even the Furies. Nightwing leads the Omega team they focus on collecting intelligence and infiltration. This team consists of Red Robin, Question, Zatanna, Constantine, Cyborg, Miss Martian, Oracle, Clayface, and Orphan.
Alpha and Beta were once lead by Wonder Woman, Superman, and Batman but when they died the positions were passed down to Kaldur, Black Lightning, and Nightwing. But when Kaldur and Black Lightning died these positions were once again passed down so Hunter and Superboy took up the mantle. The mantle of Aquaman was passed down to Garth. Static would've been the new Black Lightning but felt that he wasn't ready. Nubia became Wonder Girl after Cassie and Troia died and Wonder Woman after Diana died.
Hunter leaned against the concrete beam of the parking garage. Closing his eyes he took in a shaky breath before sighing. So many deaths in such a short time in what seems to be a never-ending war. All of this death and for what, for a tyrant's ego?
"Are you ok?" Conner's voice echoed in a whisper.
Hunter smiled to himself. Even when he doesn't say anything Conner could always tell when he's feeling down.
His smile faded his face fell somberly, "Sometimes I feel that this is all pointless. Most of the population is dead, mother and grandmother are dead, we're losing more people with every battle. How do we win this? How do we fix it all?"
Even without seeing it, he could see Conner's concerned frown, "We should take this one step at a time. We can't fix everything all at once we have to take it one step at a time and focus on what's in front of us." Conner said quietly.
Hunter allowed a small smile on his face, "When did you become so smart?"
"I married you didn't I?" Conner chuckled.
"The boom tube is opening!" Nightwing's voice rang through their earpieces.
"See you after this." Conner said confidently.
Hunter only smiled before he made his way to the rest of his team, "Remember we are to engage the Parademons. Leave Granny to Beta."
"Got it." Red Hood said pulling out his pistols.
"We'll follow your lead, my king." Nubia nodded before she drew her sword.
"Let's squash some bugs!" Clayface exclaimed morphing his hands into hammers.
Hunter gave them an approving smile before he scowled up at the boom tube. They all watched the boom tube in the sky waiting for the legion of Parademons but nothing came. Hunter gave the team an uneasy look before he eyed the boom tube. What's going on?
"Guys somethings up." Jaime said through the comps.
"You think?" Red Hood replied sarcastically before the ground shook.
Hunter quickly looked out to see two figures standing above the ruins of the Daily Planet, "Guys we got company. Two hostiles."
"I see em'!" Harley laughed through the comp.
A whistling sound echoed before Hunter saw a rocket flying down at the two unknown hostiles. The rocket hit its mark with a fiery explosion shaking the ground. Hunter kept an eye on where the two were standing as the smoke cleared. The King gasped as he saw them still standing.
"They're tough." Hunter said raising his sword, "Stay back. Back me up when I give the signal." He ordered his team before flying down.
"Hunter wait!" Nightwing exclaimed but it was too late.
Raising his blade he swung down at one of the invaders only for it to be caught in a metal hand. The assailant turned to face him. He gasped in shock before looking up to see a sight that would plague his nightmares.
"Mother?" His voice cracked looking into the robotic eye.
The cyborg that was once his mother grabbed him by the neck and lifted him off the ground.
This truly is a nightmare.
The cyborg raised her fist aiming for his chest. She pulled her arm back and met Hunter's eyes. Swinging her arm she broke through his armor and ribs. Hunter let out a wail of agony as his blood spilled to the floor.
Hunter gasped shooting up and raising his hands to his chest. Looking down he found the hole in his chest gone. His breathing was cut short as he coughed up water. Leaning over he coughed and wheezed before his lungs were cleaned out.
"It was a nightmare?" He wondered aloud.
"Believe me, the nightmare's over."
Looking up he saw Artemis offering her hand. Taking it he allowed her to help him up. He looked around to find everyone freed save for Conner and Wally who were still trapped in molded metal. The two red androids were on the floor unmoving.
Hunter smiled at the blonde before hugging her, "I knew you two could do it."
"Don't mention it." Artemis smiled at the gesture before handing him his lasso.
"How did you do it?" He asked curiously.
Robin explained their plan for the EMP blast and how Artemis pulled it off nearly single-handedly. Hunter gave them both hugs before he made his way to Conner.
"You're alright." Conner sighed in relief.
"And you're still trapped." Hunter taunted before playfully ruffling his hair getting a frown in return. Hunter then took his free hand gaining a soft smile.
"Will you quit playing with that thing and get us out of here!" Wally demanded at Artemis who couldn't get the drill to work.
"It's not working genius! EMPs shut down all machines remember!" The blonde shot back.
"All machines present at the time." A voice corrected.
Everyone looked over to see Red Tornado approach. The Android landed next to the group and asked, "What has occurred?"
"A little visit from your family." Robin replied glancing down at the two androids.
"Your extremely nasty family." Artemis added.
"I wasn't aware I had relations." Red Tornado replied making his way towards the androids.
"Where have you been?" Superboy asked.
"Watchtower monitor duty." He answered, "I knew there was something amiss when communications were down. Your zeta-tubes were inoperable so I arrived in Providence and flew from there." He explained as he kneeled next to the other androids.
Suddenly the drill began to work again, "The EMPs worn off!" Wally exclaimed.
Before anyone could do anything the air in the room was sucked away. Hunter looked up to find Red Tornado taking the air with two cyclones. Everyone lost the air in the lungs and fell to the floor. Hunter was the last to stand and struggled to stay on his feet.
"Not again!" He gasped out before he fell over out of breath.
"Hunter, Hunter wake up please!"
Hunter was shaken out of his dream. When his vision focused he was met with the sight of his mother above him. He yelped and pulled away from her hold. He scrambled away from her before he looked around and saw that he was surrounded by the League in the cave.
His panic eased as his mother pulled him into her arms and he allowed her to. Hunter's breathing evened out as he regained his bearings. Diana pulled him to her chest closing her eyes she thanked the gods that her son was alright.
"What happened? Where's Red Tornado and the other androids?" Hunter asked as Diana pulled him to his feet.
"Gone." Artemis answered, "They're all gone."
Hunter silently looked around the room to see an equally disturbed look from the team and the League. One of their own has betrayed them and their base has been compromised. Hunter however was worried about something else. Those nightmares felt so real that Hunter felt as if he was still dreaming.
What did they mean?