Children of Ares

Season 5 episode 9 of Nightwing & Batgirl.
== Plot ==
The narrator narrates, "The Gods of Olympus were a symbol of life, power, wealth, and sacredness for the Greeks. Their strength and immortality comes from the faith of mortals. But through the passage of time, the people of Greece prayed less, and had become less and less faithful. As a result, the Gods are starting to lose their power. And if this continues, soon they'll start to lose their immortality. The time came, when finally one god decided to bring judgment to the mortals."
The scene moves to Thrace, home of the God of War. Ares and Aphrodite are having a conversation. Due to mortals' lack of faith and disrespect of the gods, seeing them take down sculptures of Gods, they decided to take action. Time is running out, and Aphrodite's beauty is also starting to fade. They now agreed to summon five of their children, to bring judgment to the world of mortals. These children are Phobos, Deimos, Eris, Lycus, and Penthesilea. 
"Come forth, my children. Today, we shall let the mortals feel the consequences of their actions.", Ares told his children.
"The mortals' acts against us Gods, have left us weakened. No god was willing to give their judgment. So I'm stepping up to it. I order you to maintain peace and order, and the god's powers over Greece", he continued.
"Time is running out, and my beauty is starting to fade. Do this for me, my children.", Aphrodite told her children. 
"But, we are not given command by lord Zeus. By doing this, we are going to act against his will. He will surely be furious of this.", Penthesilea worried.
"Ah, my father Zeus. As centuries passed, he's gone soft on the mortals. We wouldn't expect him to take action any time soon. The longer we allow these human actions to continue, the more we will suffer. It's time we put an end to this. Surely, my father will be proud of me once I restore peace, order, and power to Olympus.", Ares replied to his child. 
"Alright, father. We shall follow your orders and restore power to all gods.", Lycus and the rest of the children agreed.
Now, Eris opened a portal to the world of mortals in Greece. They introduced themselves to the people. 
"Have no fear, mortals. We are here to restore peace and order and your faith to the Gods.", Deimos announced.
All the Greeks were terrified. Suddenly, the children of Ares started wreaking havoc. They stripped the people of their possessions and wealth. They caused discord and strife among them. They also struck fear and terror into their hearts. Hours later, the gods on Olympus took notice of the catastrophe brought to the world of mortals by the Children of Ares. These are Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Hades, Apollo, Athena, Artemis, Demeter, Hestia, Hermes, and Dionysus. Ares was still at Thrace, with his wife Aphrodite.
"Who is behind this treacherous act?", Zeus asked.
"From what we have seen, we found that it was the Children of Ares who brought about this recent chaos in the mortals' world", Apollo answered. 
"How dare he act without my orders! I command you to stop their act against my will!", Zeus asked the other gods.
"I get he defied your orders. But, you don't see what he's trying to do.", Dionysus replied.
"He's trying to do chaos!", Zeus responded.
"No, my Lord. By unleashing chaos upon the mortals, they will soon ask the gods for forgiveness and once again pray for them. Through this act, he would be able to restore the mortals' lost faith on us.", Hermes said.
"I agree. We just can't sit here and allow the defiance of these mortals to continue.", Athena agreed.
"True. We're losing our powers and you haven't given these mortals judgment yet.", Artemis added.
"With all due respect our Lord, I think you've gone soft.", Poseidon also agreed.
"That's enough! The final decision still falls on me! Anyone who dares act without my permission will face my wrath!", Zeus said out loud, as thunder roared and lightning flashed down.
"I stand with lord Zeus.", Hephaestus agreed. 
"My king, there's one way we can stop this act by Ares without you having to bring out your wrath on the mortals.", Hera suggested.
"What is it, my queen?", Zeus calmly asked. 
"We can leave it to Diana, Princess of Themyscira", Hera answered.
"Alright, then. Have Hermes send our message to her.", Zeus agreed.
"Godspeed, my queen.", Hermes agreed immediately, as he took the queen's message. 
The scene moves to Wonder Woman who was at Themyscira, training the new army of young Amazons, along with her mother, Hippolyta. When suddenly, Hermes came to the scene, to deliver Wonder Woman the message from the gods of Olympus. She took the scroll and read it. She and her mother were surprised at first.
"Ares! He never ceases to amaze me with his acts", Wonder Woman said.
"Indeed. That's why you are being called upon by us, gods of Olympus, to stop Ares and his children, from wreaking havoc, to the world of mortals", Hermes told her.
"Take me with her.", Hippolyta asked.
"But mother, no one will look after the army. I can handle this. I will be fine. I promise.", Wonder Woman told her mother.
"Alright, be well then. May the gods of Olympus guide you through this battle.", Hippolyta told her daughter.
"We will.", Hermes assured Hippolyta. Now, Hermes bid farewell and ran away at Godspeed. Wonder Woman now also flew away. 
Meanwhile, at Gotham, Nightwing and Batgirl are battling Clayface, Killer Croc, and their henchmen in one of their kidnap-for-ransom operations. Nightwing and Batgirl were quick to get to the scene and take down all their henchmen. But, Clayface and Killer Croc threatened them by pointing a gun to the heads of the mother and her child if they try to get closer. However, unexpected allies came. It was Hawk and Dove. Hawk and Dove knocked down Clayface and Killer Croc from behind, then disarmed them. Now, Nightwing and Batgirl delivered the finishing blows on the villains. Later, the police came and arrested Clayface and Killer Croc and got the kidnapped mother and her child to safety.
"Well, that was unexpected.", Nightwing said.
"How are you guys able to come and help us at the right time?", Batgirl asked Hawk and Dove. 
"You know, we got lots of spare time. Luckily, we are able to come across the two of you in action.", Hawk answered.
"Yeah, thanks a lot for your help.", Batgirl replied.
"I thank you two, as well. Though we could've just disarmed them at that moment by throwing Batarangs at their guns. It don't really take much of an effort.", Nightwing told the two.
"Sure you do", Dove replied.
"Oh, come on. You were slow to make your move. So we decided to get down and help you guys.", Hawk chimed in.
"We already said thanks.", Batgirl said, ending their exchange. 
Then, Batgirl received a call from Wonder Woman.
"Batgirl and Nightwing. I need your help. I was sent by the gods of Olympus on a very important task. To stop the children of Ares from bringing chaos here at Greece.", Wonder Woman told them.
"Alright. We'll be there as soon as possible.", Nightwing replied.
"We will be working with Hawk and Dove.", Wonder Woman added.
"Um, not sure if you know this but, we are with them right now. They just helped us beat our foes recently.", Batgirl answered.
"Oh, really? Then much better. Get going now. We have a whole country to save.", Wonder Woman told them urgently.
"Alright. We're on the way.", Hawk and Dove responded.
Now, Nightwing, Batgirl, Hawk, and Dove got on the R-Plane and moved to Greece. On the way, the encountered Donna Troy/Wonder Girl. 
"Donna! You're here too? Cool.", Nightwing said, surprised.
"Oh yes, I am. Didn't Wonder Woman tell you?", Wonder Girl asked.
"Nope, she didn't", Batgirl answered.
"Oh, I see. So, she sent me because my rival, Lycus, one of Ares' children, has been summoned. I'm here to take him down once again.", Wonder Girl told them.
"That's cool, Donna! I believe in you. Go kick Lycus' butt", Nightwing told her.
"Alright, thanks", Wonder Girl replied as she flew away.
"Nightwing, you're getting too caught up with her", Batgirl told him.
"I see someone's jealous.", Hawk said.
"Sorry, Barb. C'mon, I was just talking to her.", Nightwing told Batgirl. 
"You seemed, awestruck with her.", Batgirl told him.
"No, I wasn't. Believe me. Do I even have to kiss you just to make you feel better?", Nightwing replied. 
Suddenly, they were attacked by enemies from the ground. It was Phobos who used his magic staff against them. They saw the Children of Ares on the ground. Now, they landed down.
"This ends now, Children of Ares!", Nightwing said, as he, Batgirl, Hawk, and Dove went down the plane. Wonder Woman and Wonder Girl also stood along with them.
"You're too late now, Diana! We've already caused a war between the Athenians and Spartans.", Phobos told the heroes.
"Don't you realize what you've done?! You've brought chaos to the world of mortals.", Wonder Woman told them.
"Actually, we're doing the contrary. As time passed, mortals grew more and more arrogant. And less faithful. We're just bringing them the judgment they deserve.", Deimos replied.
"What? You children are in no position to do so! Especially against the will of Zeus!", Wonder Woman told them.
"Ah, Zeus! He's gotten soft through the centuries. I doubt he'll be able to give the judgment mortals deserve.", Lycus said.
"You were all just like your father! Deceptive, manipulative, hungry for power.", Wonder Woman told them.
"We're doing it for the gods! Now, if you'll excuse us, you heroes still have a choice to make. Fight us, or stop the war between Athenians and Spartans.", Deimos told the heroes.
"You! We'll get back to you later, after we settle the dispute of the Athenians and Spartans. We assure you, you'll regret what you've done.", Wonder Woman told them.
"Good luck with that. See you later then.", Eris said, as she and the others disappeared.
"No! Lycus! Get back here. I'm gonna teach you a lesson.", Wonder Girl said, but the Children of Ares are already gone.
"Don't worry. You'll get the duel you want later. For now, we got a dispute to resolve.", Wonder Woman told Donna. Now, they flew to Attica, where the battle between Athenians and Spartans are taking place. While on the flight, the heroes had a little conversation.
"Ares was really able to cause a second Trojan War. Imagine having such power.", Dove said.
"Correction. It's Peloponnesian War that occurred between Athens and Sparta. And that power ", Wonder Woman replied.
"You sure know a lot about your home country.", Nightwing said.
"Of course she does.", Batgirl responded to him.
Hawk was able to gather his thoughts and asked, "What if the wrath of Ares' children was just a ploy for the Greeks to regain their faith again? It makes sense cause, come to think it. Now, that they're in adversity, they'll start praying for the gods, and the gods in turn regain their strength, therefore giving them ability to restore Greece to peace and order. What if they're actually doing this for the gods to regain their power, and therefore restoring peace and order to Greece again?".
Wonder Woman became infuriated hearing this, "First of all, violence is not the solution and it never will be! And second, Ares acted without Zeus' command!", Wonder Woman replied to Hawk, raising her voice.
"Woah, alright, alright. Chill now, princess.", Hawk said, intimidated by her reply.
Later, they reached where the Spartans and Athenians battle. They landed at the middle of the two factions. 
"Listen up, you Greeks! We hate to hurt you all. But if you don't stop your petty battle any time sooner, I'm afraid we'll have to take you all down.", Dove told the soldiers.
"Who do you think you are? You know nothing about us!", a Spartan general said.
"Yeah. This is none of your business! Leave this between us.", the Athenian general agreed. 
"Okay, but maybe there's a way to settle this all without shedding blood", Hawk told them.
"This is the way we'll both understand. They started it. They wanted to take over our economy and riches", the Athenian general said.
"No! They wanted to take over our land and add us to their military force", the Spartan general said in defense.
They argued until the battle once again continued. On other parts of Greece, all the people are in adversity, and they are starting to pray for the gods to provide their needs.
Meanwhile, Ares' children got back home to Thrace.
"We did it father. We've successfully spread chaos throughout the world of mortals. Sooner, they'll start holding onto their faith on us gods", Phobos told their father Ares.
"They sure are. I can feel it. I can feel the power once again flowing through my veins.", Ares responded.
"I too, can feel it. I'm slowly starting to regain my lost beauty.", Aphrodite also said.
Meanwhile at Olympus, the gods also start to feel their strength and power flowing back through their veins.
"It's working, Lord Zeus! The powers we once lost, are starting to flow back through our veins.", Apollo told Zeus.
"This still doesn't justify Ares' actions against my will!", Zeus said, slamming his fists on his throne.
"It's time we give back to the people, and give them the bounty that they ask for.", Demeter told Zeus.
"We don't hear prayers coming from false faith!", Zeus exclaimed.
"Indeed.", Hades agreed.
The heroes now decided to join the party and disarm the soldiers from both conflicting factions. Later, Wonder Woman spoke out loud, "That's enough! It's been centuries already since you've battled for power! Things have changed now. You are all powerful in your own rights. This battle is pointless! Come to consider it. Why are you battling? You wanna know why? You are all being manipulated by Ares!", she told the two battling armies.
"Ares?", a soldier said.
"Of course. The god of war! He's responsible for this. And his children", Athenian general said.
"Finally. You knocked some sense into them.", Hawk told Wonder Woman.
"We stand down!", the Athenian general said, after realizing they've been manipulated by Ares' children.
"We are all brothers. Let's end this war now", the Spartan general responded. Now, both sides retreated.
Meanwhile, Ares and his children are enraged. 
"Impossible! How are they able to stop this war?", Ares said. "Now, children! It's your turn! Take down the Princess of Themyscira, and her allies at all costs!"
"As you wish, father.", Eris said. Now, they transported to Peloponnese, where the heroes are.
"Now that the battlefield is cleared, it's time we battle you, Princess Diana, and your liutenants!", Penthesilea said. Now, the heroes and Ares' children clashed
"Penthesilea. I'm disappointed at you. You're an Amazon. You should have known better than seek chaos along with your siblings", Wonder Woman replied, as she battled her.
"Lycus. Guess you wanna have another go.", Wonder Girl told her rival, Lycus, one of Ares' children.
"You bet.", Lycus responded, as he battled with Wonder Girl.
Hawk and Dove battled Phobos and Deimos, while Nightwing and Batgirl fought Eris. 
Meanwhile at Ares' home, Zeus suddenly showed up in front of him and Aphrodite, who were sharing a sweet moment at their bed.
"You! And you had the audacity to engage in sensual acts while placing entire Greece in turmoils?!", Zeus told Ares, infuriated.
Ares changed into his nightrobe and told his father, "Oh, father. I'm glad to see you. Aren't you proud of me. I've restored all the powers of the gods. Now, you won't have to worry about losing your immortality."
"Insolent! Do you think I'm proud of you, acting on your own accord, without consulting us, Gods of Olympus?", Zeus replied, as he slapped him.
"Father, all I ever wanted was to make you proud. I guess I've never been your favorite.", Ares told his father.
"No, son. It's not like that.", Zeus replied.
"No. I don't want to hear from your lies anymore! The truth is clear.", Ares responded, as he faded and went to Peloponnese, where his children battle Diana and the other heroes. 
"Diana, you better stop this battle now. Before it turns out badly for you and your allies. You must've taken it the wrong way. We've placed entire Greece into chaos, to restore order. I saw that doing this is the only way the faith of the Greeks upon us will be restored.", Ares told Wonder Woman, and the other heroes.
"Come on, father. Donna and I are just getting started", Lycus told Ares, as he and Wonder Girl continued their duel.
"That's bull! You can't send gods and goddesses of fear, terror, and strife, and expect to bring about peace and order", Dove responded.
"You haven't been making any sense lately, Ares. Why is it?", Wonder Woman said, as she attacked Ares. 
The battle continued, until later, Ares' children were taken down.
"Ares. Come to think of it. Are you really doing this for the sake of all the gods? Or for yourself alone?", Wonder Woman asked.
"I did this all for the gods!", Ares answered.
"Is that so? Then why did you take action without my orders?", Zeus said, as he appeared on their battlefield. 
"You didn't take immediate action, so I did.", Ares answered his father.
"You didn't consider that by doing so, you only caused them to ask for their desires. You couldn't make them repent by doing so. You know the gods don't pour bounties on people who demonstrate false faith. You made a big mistake. But this time, I forgive you.", Zeus told his son.
"Really? Thank you, father.", Ares responded.
"My son. I hated you for the way you used your powers to achieve what you desired. But I've come to realize that everything must be balanced. There should be order, and there must also be chaos. Without your presence, there is no balance between kindness and violence.", Zeus said. "Your children are down. Now go on. Please take some time to heal."
"We thank you, father. But, there's one thing we must do first.", Ares responded, as he told his children to rise up as they undo the damage they've done. All arguments are resolved. All the poor Greeks had their wealth restored. All the mortals' worries and fears have disappeared.
"Very well, my son. You didn't have to impress me. I've always liked you and believed in you from the beginning.", Zeus once again told his son.
"We love you too, father. My children and I promise to never do such ambitious acts again.", Ares promised his father.
"Very well, then. Go on, my son, and my grandchildren.", Zeus responded. Now, Ares and his children bid farewell to Zeus and the heroes.
"You got me this time, Donna. But I'll be back soon.", Lycus told Wonder Girl.
"Sure. Anytime you're ready.", Wonder Girl responded.
"Till we battle again, Diana", Ares told Wonder Woman.
"I would be honored to face you again, Ares.", Wonder Woman replied.
Zeus bid farewell to the heroes as well, as he disappeared and got back to Olympus.
At Olympus, all the gods were delighted and Dionysus poured drinks for all them, to celebrate peace and order back in Greece. Ares was the last to come, and he received a warm welcome. All the gods had a toast. 
"So, problem's solved.", Dove said.
"Indeed.", Diana replied.
"Time to go home now. I'm really hungry already.", Nightwing said.
"Alright. Goodbye, then.", Wonder Woman said, as she and Wonder Girl thanked Nightwing, Batgirl, Hawk and Dove and said goodbye.
Now, Nightwing, Batgirl, Hawk, and Dove rode the plane and flew away. The episode ends with Wonder Woman and Wonder Girl getting back to Themyscira and sharing a moment with Hippolyta, Diana's mother and Donna's aunt. 
== Characters: ==
=== Heroes: ===
* Diana/Wonder Woman-Princess of Themyscira
* Nightwing
* Batgirl
* Hank Hall/Hawk-brother of Dove, possesses super strength and durability.
* Don Hall/Dove-brother of Hawk, has enhanced agility and senses.
* Donna Troy/Wonder Girl-sidekick of Wonder Woman; also born and raised of Amazons.
==== Others: ====
* Greek mortals
* Hippolyta-Diana's mother; warrior queen of Amazons.
* Spartan army-waged war on Athenians, suspecting them of trying to take over their military force.
* Athenian army-warred with Spartans, suspecting them of threatening their economy.
=== Gods of Olympus: ===
* Zeus-god of thunder; king of Olympus.
* Hera-goddess of women, marriage, and childbirth; queen of Olympus and wife Zeus.
* Poseidon-god of the seas.
* Hades-god of the Underworld.
* Ares-god of war.
* Apollo-god of light and music.
* Athena-goddess of wisdom.
* Artemis-goddess of moon and the hunt.
* Demeter-goddess of agriculture.
* Hestia-goddess of home and hearth.
* Hermes-swift messenger of the gods.
* Dionysus-god of wine and ecstacy.
=== Other Gods: ===
* Aphrodite-Goddess of love and beauty; wife of Ares.
=== Villains: ===
* Basil Karlo/Clayface-a former actor turned serial killer.
* Waylon Jones/Killer Croc-a man mutated into a crocodile who became criminal.
* Ares-sought to restore faith of mortals to gods through brutal means.
=== Children of Ares: ===
* Phobos-god of fear.
* Deimos-god of terror and dread.
* Eris-goddess of discord and strife.
* Lycus-a beast who is rival to the champion Donna Troy.
* Penthesilea-Ares' fierce Amazonian warrior daughter.