Although the others are confused on why Mara brought them to an abandoned old subway station in New York, they sense her nervousness and decide to go along with it.

With the aid of Harmonia, Ares created a permanent and secret portal back to Areopagus. In case Mara ever lost her way, is what he said. That was back when she was much younger and when he was less cruel. When Mara's sword was taller than her. When she couldn't imagine any other way of living.

Mara pries the train door open and dirt and debris flies everywhere. She places her thumb down on a tiny screen and the train starts to slowly move forward, creaking and groaning along the tracks.

Bennie suddenly screeches and lurches forward, flicking a large spider from her shoulder onto Wally, making the speedster squeal like a little girl. "Get it off! Get it off!" As he jumps around like a monkey, chaos erupts in the group.

"Stop moving!"

"Ew, ew! It's on me!"

"Get it away from me!"

"You take it!"

"Just kill it already!"

"Oh my god, where did it go?!"

"Artemis, it's in your hair!"

"What?!"

Finally, Robin flicks the spider far away with an unamused look. He sharply gestures to the front of the train where Mara stands. Her back is turned as she emotionlessly stares out the front window.

"Having left Areopagus behind, this cannot be easy," Aqualad says, placing a hand on Mara's shoulder. "But we are here for you."

"Yeah," Artemis reassures, grinning lopsided. "Whatever you need."

It's already too late to back out so Mara might as well prepare. Shaking off her nerves, she sighs. "It's a straight shot to Harmonia's cave. Areopagus is a big place. If we're careful, the others won't even know that we're there which means you have to listen to everything I say," she lectures. "My father built the very foundations. One wrong move and he might sense the vibration."

Looking nervous, Bennie nods. "You're the boss, boss."

Kid Flash raises his hand like they're in school. "And― just spitballing here―what if he does find us?"

"Then we leave as soon as possible."

"But―"

"The risk is too high."

"You need your gloves fixed," Robin says, brows furrowed in thought.

Mara shakes her head. "My gloves aren't worth anyone else's lives."

"And what about your life . . . ?"

A bright light encapsulates them like they're riding a chariot into heaven. But the other side is very dark. Now out of the train, the Team find themselves beneath a bridge like a bunch of trolls. A steady stream of water rushes over to them, soaking their lower half.

Mara remembers spending countless hours here trying to hide. She winces at the memory.

Being back doesn't feel real.

"Come on," she whispers, motioning for the others to quietly follow. Her feet lightly crunch against the rocks as she walks to the surface, the bright yellow sun kissing her skin.

Over the hill, there's a large metropolis of clumped together buildings. The town center. Eros is most likely to be hanging around there. It's usually where he brings his helpless subjects after stinging them with a love arrow. What he does with them? Mara never wanted to find out.

"I don't get it," Bennie starts, tugging on her ear. "If it's only your family living here, then why the big abandoned city?"

Mara stays silent, leading the Team towards a different path around the city. She's been gone for so long but she still remembers the place so vividly. It's been written in her DNA. "There are citizens . . . sometimes."

Wally stares at buildings. Even from afar, the cracks and discoloration is obvious. "So . . . where are they now?"

"Every hundred years, my father picks people from around the world. Those mourning or seeking revenge or both. They all fight to the death and he promises the winner immortality and a throne beside his. He calls it 'The Trials'." Mara pauses, trying not to show the discomfort on her face. "But he's never been one to share. The 'winner' gets hunted like a dog. Catching them is my father's favorite part. He likes the hunt."

The others are completely speechless. Mara pays their silence no mind as her thoughts race.

Her father's brutality is unmatched. He hates the heroes. She can't imagine what he would do if he got his hands on them. But he's had the opportunity many times. It almost feels like some sick trick, like he's playing a barbaric waiting game.

Wally clears his throat, clearing the tense atmosphere. "Is there any food here?"

Mara muffles him out as she sees the familiar twin peaks over the horizon. Harmonia's cave. "Up there," she points out. "We're almost―"

A pair of golden wings blind Mara's clear sight. "Come, sister! It's almost time for my play."

Immediately, the Team jump in front of Mara, readying their defenses. It's admirable, but Eros is hardly a threat.

Once the god of love catches a glimpse of the raven hair and crimson eyes, his face scrunches. "Oh, it's only you," he sighs. "I thought you were Harmonia." He focuses his shift on the young heroes who's defenses are raised, blades and fists raised towards him. "All that for little ole' me? I'm flattered."

"It's fine, guys," Mara sighs. The Team slowly lower their weapons, but Robin secretly grips onto a blade just in case. "Where's Father?"

"Well, dear sister, aren't you going to introduce me first?" Ascending, Eros twirls in circles, his wings almost smacking Mara in the face as she shoves them away with an irritated snarl. "Hello fragile Earthlings! I am Eros, god of everything that the son touches. That desire that you feel pumping through your blood? That is me. I am everywhere and everything all at once."

He waves his hand and a rose appears. Gliding down, he holds it out towards M'gann, who only stares at him with a mixture of shock and disgust. "My beautiful lady, your dashing red locks remind me of an enchanting dove that I loved once upon a time ago."

Superboy defensively steps in front of his girlfriend, grabbing the rose and crushing it between his palm. "Take one more step and I'll bash your teeth in."

Eros watches as the petals make a slow descent to the ground. "My, my, such anger," he murmurs. "Let us change that, shall we?"

An arrow appears from nowhere and shoots towards Superboy's chest. Knowing Eros' tomfoolery all too well, Mara catches it and snaps it in half. She snags her older brother's hand and bends his wrist in an uncomfortable position. "Stop!" she exclaims. "Is Father here?"

"Ow! Unhand me at once!"

"Yes, or no?"

"How should I know?"

"Well give me something, or you won't be able to use that bow for a week."

"Did you forget about the healing fountain?" he scoffs.

"Then I'll tear your wings from your flesh."

Looking on in exaggerated terror, Eros rips his hand away. "You are too bold these days. What has gotten into you―"

"Eros!"

"Ugh, fine. You are no fun," he whines, cradling his hurt wrist. "That is why Harmonia is my favorite sister. But Father sent her out to Earth a couple of days ago. Some made up quest about fetching a pretend relic that once belonged to Mother." He dramatically places his hand over his heart. "Oh, our poor, sweet sister and her gullibility."

Mara's words die in her throat as horror dawns upon her. They've come for no reason. Harmonia isn't even here. All of this is worthless.

But how will they get back home if Harmonia isn't here to open a portal?

Eros flicks his wrist, rolling his eyes. "Anyways, what brings you all the way up here? You're normally confined to your chambers."

The Team share a glance. "Uhh, didn't you get the memo?" Kid Flash sasses. "She's with us now."

All Eros does is blink at the news. "Oh, phooey," he says, faking a pout. "Whatever will I do now? Perhaps remodel your room into my new love chamber?"

"Ew," Artemis whispers to Bennie. "What does that even mean?"

Mara huffs, already facing the opposite direction. "Do what you want with it. We're leaving. Now."

For someone with no idea on their next plan of action, Mara boldly heads in the other direction.

This time, a genuine frown falls upon Eros's lips as he flies in front of his little sister. "Leaving so soon?"

"He is right," Aqualad says, side eyeing the love god. "We cannot go yet."

"Yeah, not before your gloves are fixed," Bennie adds. She points to Eros. "You―cupid-wannabe―does your daddy-o have any, like, bottled potion that could put the spell back on Mara's gloves?"

Unamused, Eros' upper lip retreats into a snarl. "Cupid wishes he was me."

"Not the point."

"And you dare insult me when you look like a highlighter?"

"This 'highlighter' can shove your head all the way up your―"

"Enough!" Aqualad hisses, silencing them. Even Eros stares in shock at the Atlantean's fierceness. "This is an urgent matter that must not be faced with childishness."

Eros turns up his nose. "I am no child. I'm thousands of years old and I―"

"You sure don't act like it," Bennie cuts in.

"Why you little―"

"When did you last see Father?" Like a paranoid person seeing visions, Mara's eyes frantically dart around, never lingering on the same object.

"Who knows?"

"What about Phobos or Deimos?"

"Once again, not bothered to care." Eros rolls his eyes. "I've held a grudge against the wonder twins ever since they placed that dynamite beneath my pillow. I'm still partially deaf because of it."

Superboy's ear twitches.

"Ugghh," Bennie groans. "You are so useless."

Eros makes a 'hmph' sound at the Green Lantern. "At least I look good while doing it."

"Oh, you wish―"

"Shhh!" Superboy demands.

"What is it?" Aqualad asks.

"I-I'm not sure . . ." Superboy's face scrunches. "It sounds like footsteps, but a bunch of them, maybe even hundreds."

Storms gather overhead, dulling the air and casting shade on the young heroes.

Mara swears she feels her heart stop.

"No," the girl gasps, taking fearful strides backwards. "He found us."

When the fog clears, a horde of people wielding torches and blades stride forward. They stop only inches away from Mara and stare, their eyelids heavy and the inner corner foggy. All the demigoddess does is stare back in confusion.

"Ah, I was wondering when you'd arrive." A low cackle echoes over the mountaintops. "You and your foolish friends have fallen right into my hands."

He could be anywhere.

Mara freezes in her spot, too horrified to even move like she's standing on an explosive pressure point.

"Now that I have your attention," Ares' voice ricochets and Mara whips around, swearing that he was right behind her. "Let the fun begin!"

The civilians stare at each other. An older man is the first to throw a punch. After that, chaos breaks out. The horde of people appears infinite as they materialize around every corner, screeching and fighting. Puppets on a string. Ares' influence is too much.

And the more he's worshipped, the more powerful. He'll practically be invincible at this rate.

"Team, stop them!" Aqualad shouts.

Mara watches as her friends race forward, but they're lacking in numbers.

A man throws a spear through another's chest. A woman slits the throat of a young man. Tongues are cut. Limbs are removed. There's no end to the madness.

And it's all because of Mara.

Roaring fills the demigoddess's ears. She doesn't hear as footsteps approach her from behind. With one slash across the chest, Ares leaves his daughter withering. It isn't so much about the pain, but the sudden energy spikes and bloodthirsty lust that follows.

"No," she gasps, her red eyes flickering. Right before she can fall to her knees, Superboy catches her.

With a growl, the Kryptonian throws out his fists like a wild beast. "Does treating her like this make you feel powerful?!"

"Feel? Boy, you don't know your words." Despite all of the screaming, Ares's laughter reigns true. "One feels blood rush through their fingers like a river. They feel their flesh peeling back because of soldering heat. I do not feel," he spits out. "I am."

Appearing, Ares smacks the clone away with the back of his hand. He takes a knee beside his daughter, gently stroking her cheek. "Surrender," he demands. "You as well as I both know that this is over. Your hero saga has ended."

Tears sting in Mara's eyes as she struggles to gain control. A part of her wants to run and hide, but the other half wants to start a war of bloodshed. Fighting the murderous urges stings like she's being set on fire and electrocuted at the same time. It makes her feel like an imposter in her own skin. And she just wants it to stop.

"Mara!" An explosive birdarang lodges into Ares' chestplate. He skids backwards with a growl. Robin holds Mara close, cradling her face in his hands. "Just hold on!" he cries out. "We're gonna get you home!"

She almost doesn't recognize the touch, the lines of reality blurring.

"She is home!"

Robin seems frozen in his spot from seeing the God of War up close and personal for the first time. He's only ever heard stories or seen terribly misinterpreted pictures. "As long as you're here, this place will only ever be a prison!"

The Boy Wonder's words make Ares flare his nostrils. He storms forward and brings his fist down. Before it can be detrimental, Bennie appears and forms a bubble. "How can you do this to your own daughter?!" she demands, feet scraping against the ground. "Look at her! Look at the pain she's in. That's all because of you! Why?!"

Ares watches his child wilting. For a moment, he retracts, eyes widening slightly behind his helmet. Then he lets out an angry battle cry and stabs his sword through the forcefield. Bennie's footing fails and she goes tumbling away. "I owe no puny mortal any explanation!"

Mara watches on with clenched teeth. She already knows that her father's right―it's all over. She knows that she's going to lose the battle, but she just doesn't want to lose control while her friends are here. What if she hurts them?

"Come with me, daughter," Ares says, outreaching his hand. "And I will spare your friends."

She's already a goner. There's no reason she has to drag her friends down with her.

By now, her pale complexion is already cracking into a sickly gray as she shakily raises her head. The last thing Robin expects is the look she gives him. It's so subtle, but the tiny eyebrow scrunch is enough for him to know. "No," he gasps. "You can't."

"Go, please just go," she breathes out, eyes clouded with tears. "Forget about me."

"No," Robin breathes out. "Never."

The roots of Mara's hair starts to turn a stark white.

"I didn't mean what I said about wishing we never met," Mara says, gasping for air through her tears. "Knowing you has been the best part of everything."

Robin rests his forehead against hers. His face is tense, but his eyes hold a certain softness that only appears when he looks at Mara. "I'm not going anywhere without you."

"You have to."

Without thinking, she presses her lips against Robin's. Salty tears pour down her cheek, blending in with the kiss. A part of Mara's soul feels like it's being ripped away in the other direction, so she grabs onto Robin like he's her anchor. He holds her with just as much passion.

For a moment, it's only the two of them.

Then, her hand slips from his.

"I love you, and I'm sorry."

Robin's eyes widen.

"Correct choice, child," Ares praises, teleporting behind her and grabbing her by the arm, snagging her away.

"No!" Robin yells, reaching out for her. His fingers just barely graze hers before he's yanked in the other direction by a bulky figure.

Deimos. Similar to Phobos in many ways, except his hair is a raggedy mess on his head and his muscles protrude through his armor. "Shall I crack their skulls, father?"

"Absolutely not," Phobos scolds. "Who would clean up the mess?"

"Why, Eros, of course."

The love god scoffs and places a dramatic hand over his heart. "I am no busboy."

"Could have fooled me."

Ares stands strong beside his family, throwing Mara's frail frame onto the dirt beside Phobos's feet. He glances at her with an unreadable expression.

"Phobos!" Ares shouts.

Phobos sighs and pulls aside his cloak, revealing a shiny blue orb that somewhat resembles a bowling ball. "Sorry about this," he sighs, looking at the scattered young team and their hopeless faces. "Don't worry, we will take good care of her."

Ares smirks. "Indeed, we will."

And then he takes a blade and slices Mara's throat.

The injury is too fatal. She can't fight it anymore. Within a mere matter of seconds, she's become someone completely unrecognizable. She struts forward and takes a stand beside her father. Their features are no longer indistinguishable.

Her face wrinkles. "Vermin," she spits out. Her sharp gaze pierces the young heroes with looks of disdain and disgust. Her eyes land on Robin and she falters for a moment.

"Mara, it's us!" M'gann cries out, holding a passed out Artemis in her lap. "Your friends!"

"You are nothing but the dirt beneath her feet," Ares says, his sword glistening in the light. Kid Flash tries to rush at the war god, but he immediately catches him and dangles him by the throat. "Such fragile creatures," he murmurs, eyeing the speedster with a look of disgust. "A shame that you will not leave here alive."

As Ares squeezes his shut tighter, Mara watches as the young hero struggles, his face turning purple.

Kid Flash. That's Kid Flash.

No, who is that? You don't know him. You don't care about him.

No, stop. That's Wally.

You know him. He's your friend. Right . . . ?

Phobos looks at Mara. Her exterior shell is rough, but her eyes tell a different story. She meets his gaze. "P . . . Please . . ." she whispers. "D―Don't . . . Don't let him― agh!" She clutches the sides of her head with a grimace. The ends of her fingers start to outreach into black claws.

After that, she stops fighting.

Superboy stomps forward, punching Ares in the chest. He doesn't budge. He releases Kid Flash and focuses on the Kryptonian. He raises his blade and strikes it down. He readies to feel the squelch of guts and blood at his fingertips.

But he feels nothing.

The young heroes have started to fade away like ghosts in the wind.

"Phobos!"

Still fiddling with the Orb, Phobos shrugs at his father. "What? A deal is a deal."

"That I never planned on fulfilling."

"My father not being a man of honor?" Phobos sarcastically replies, rolling his eyes. "What a change in the tide."

"I have and will never claim honor." Ares's nostrils flare. "Because of this, my end goal has been far surpassed."

Phobos's features harden. "If you'd have killed her friends, she never would have forgiven you."

"Mara is gone," Ares snaps, striding over. "The daughter of war has awoken. She's finally been returned to her rightful domain."

"You can't possibly think that this will last?" Phobos scoffs, angrily getting in his father's face. "Remember why you made her wear the gloves in the first place? Because you can't control her. And that's your worst fear, isn't it? Knowing that you're powerless."

"You've forgotten your place," Ares growls. "Must I remind you?"

"If you dare."

Deimos stands in between the two of them, splicing the tension. He angrily shoves his palm into his twin brother's shoulder. "Whose side are you on?"

"Rationality." Phobos glares down at Deimos. "I'm only trying to ensure that we will have a future with our little sister. Killing all of her friends in cold blood kind've would have had the opposite effect, don't you think?"

"SILENCE!" Ares thunders, his voice slicing the wind in half.

The twin brothers quiet. Deimos swallows thickly and looks at the ground, staring at the dried blood on his boots. Phobos is more hesitant, but is eventually forced to avert his gaze.

"Very well," Ares says, holstering his weapons. "Marazah, follow." He nods to the demigoddess and she mindlessly drags on his trail. "The blueprint to the future awaits."