Hello everyone! My name is son44 and welcome to my newest Fanfiction story called: Together.
I worked incredibly hard on this and I have very high hopes for this story. I'll have an important Author's note at the end of the chapter giving some clarification about a few things that occur in this chapter. I left some things intentionally vague so please read it! It will certainly improve the quality of the story as it'll give you guys a better picture of what I'm envisioning.
Disclaimer: I do not own Young Justice or PJO.
Gotham City; July 4th; 12:00 EDT
It was another beautiful day in Gotham City. Families were out and about enjoying their independence day with hot dogs and waiting for the Fourth of July fireworks show to light up the night sky.
"Daddy how much longer until the fireworks!" A young girl asked her father impatiently.
"It'll be just a bit longer sweetie" her dad replied "Now come and get some food. The hot dogs are finally ready."
The girl made her way across the picnic blanket toward the food that was waiting for her. However, fearful screams emitted throughout the park. The girl looked up and saw that a cliff of ice had appeared in front of her. Standing on top of said cliff was one of Gotham's most iconic villains, Mister Freeze.
"Enjoying family time?" the villain asked. His cold gun began to rev up until an icy blue blast shot out and froze the family into place.
"My family has other plans" Freeze said as created a ramp out of ice and begun to slide down it.
Freeze then began to take aim at the other fleeing citizens of Gotham. However, a Batarang came flying out of nowhere, knocking the the point of the cold gun off target and throwing the villain off his balance.
Mister Freeze took a second to recover and stood up straight,
"Batman." he said out loud, "I was wondering when-"
Freeze turned around to find no one there. Instead, only a childish laughter echoed around. A black shadow appeared over his head, and crashed into the glass dome around his head. The shadow then flipped away from the villain and landed on a patch of unfrozen grass.
Standing before Mister Freeze was Robin, the Boy Wonder. The Batman's protege was decked out in red, yellow, and black tactical gear with his signature utility belt around his waist. While Freeze was down, he threw two more birdarangs at Freeze's helmet, cracking it.
"Oh, Boy Wonder" Freeze drawls, "The Bat sent you to drag me off to prison. Frankly, I'm underwhelmed." The ice villain stood back up, aiming his ice gun at Robin at the same time.
"Great, but I'm kinda in a hurry here." Robin dismissed, despite the fact that Freeze's cold gun was buzzing to life right in front of him.
"Kids." Freeze says in annoyance. "Always in such a rush."
"Not talking to you." Robin says in a sing-song tone. Freeze looked confused. Robin just pointed behind the ice themed villain. Freeze glanced backwards only to see the Batman arrive with a flying punch to Freeze's face, breaking the glass of his helmet.
Star City Main Bridge; July 4th; 9:01 PDT
Icicle Junior landed and iced up the Star City Bridge. He then used his ice powers to create a shell of ice around him, knocking cars off balance and causing many to crash. He let out a maniacal laugh only then to be pelted by a barrage of green and red arrows. Icicle Junior looked up towards the new threat atop the the bridge only for another green arrow to come flying in and hit him in the shoulder. The nock of the arrow began to blink red and beep, causing the ice villain's eyes to go wide. He tried frantically to get the arrow out of his shoulder until the arrow blew up and sent him stumbling backwards.
On top of the bridge stood Green Arrow and his partner, Speedy, both aiming arrows at the ice-themed villain.
"Finally!" Icicle Junior growled"I was wondering what a guy had to do to get a little attention around here."
The ice villain then raised his left arm taking aim at the pair archers. Icicles then shot out of his hand toward the pair. The two archers responded by firing their own arrows.
"Junior's doing this for attention?" Speedy asked.
The first batch of icicles exploded due to the pairs expert marksmanship, but the second wave of ice was still heading for the two. This forced the pair of archers to dodge by running across the tower's width and down to the suspender.
On their way down the suspender, they continued to launch arrows, and dodge the ice that cemented on the bridge.
"I'm telling you now. This little distraction better not interfere." Speedy growled out to his partner
The two archers launched a pair of arrows at Junior, who in response, created an ice shield in front of himself. The arrows embedded themselves in the ice and exploded, creating a hole in the shield. Junior used the hole to his advantage, and launched more icicles at the younger archer.
Speedy then jumped off the suspender, and flipped over the icicles that Junior had launched at them. During the flip, he grabs and strings another arrow. As he straightens out, he takes aim and fires straight at Junior, hitting him right in the jaw and knocking him out.
"Ha!" Green Arrow chuckles, standing mere feet from where Junior ended his slide. "Kid had a glass jaw."
Speedy landed next to his partner and began to speak, "Hilarious. Can we go?" his patience clearly wearing thin. "Today's the day."
Pearl Harbor; July 4th; 6:02 HST
Many of the old battleships inside Pearl Harbor are frozen in place. Killer Frost stood on the U.S.S. Pennsylvania and continued to ice more of the ships inside the harbor. However, she stopped launching ice at the ships and began to fire at Aquaman. The King of Atlantis dodged ice blast after ice blast until he landed on the deck of the ship.
However, as soon as Aquaman touched down, Killer Frost launched another ray of ice, freezing him to the deck.
Behind him, Aqualad jumped from the bridge of the ship and over his mostly frozen mentor, who quickly broke out and followed after his protege.
"Don't tell me you're not excited." Aquaman says to his partner as the two charge towards Killer Frost.
"Right now, my King, I am more focused on the matter at hand." the dark-skinned Atlantean replies as he dodged another shot of ice.
Aqualad then leaped into the air and pulled out his Water-bearers. The eel tattoos that wrapped around his arm began to glow and dual hard water maces formed.
Killer Frost took aim at the teen and launched a beam of ice toward him. Kaldur moved his Water-bearers in front of the of the strike, freezing the handles. He landed right before ice villainess. With a yell, Aqualad used his strength and raised both his hands in a strong double uppercut. Shattering the ice around his water-bearers and into the head of Killer Frost, taking her out.
Aquaman stoped a few feet behind him, crossing his arms and gaining the teen's attention. "Well?"
"Yes, I'm excited." Aqualad admits. "Today's the day."
Central City; July 4th; 11:03 CDT
Ice covers the edges of a hole in the wall of a jewelry store in Central City. In the middle of the road stood Captain Cold, being circled at super speed by the Flash and Kid Flash. Cold attempts to shoot them twice, but isn't even close to hitting either of them. His third shot is closer, but he misses the Flash and ends up hitting a car, freezing it solid.
"Stealing ice? Really? Isn't that a big cliché even Captain Cold?" Flash asks, still running circles around the villain.
"Come on!" Kid Flash calls out. "We don't have time for this!" with that he slips his red goggles over his malachite green eyes, cutting out of the circle and heading for Cold's turned back. However, his talking gave him away and Cold turns towards the sound of Kid's voice, cold gun trained on the teen.
Kid Flash spun in an attempt to avoid the blast, but some of the ice hit his shoulder. The speedster continued to race toward Cold, snagging the Cold Gun and knocking the ice off his shoulder as he skids to a stop in the center of the street.
Cold growled and clenched his empty hand in frustration. The ice villain was then knocked out by the scarlet fist of the Flash as he delivered a sharp right cross against his jaw.
"Calm down, Kid." Barry says nonchalantly.
"Oh, please!" Kid Flash cries out in annoyance. "You'll chat it up with the cops, with bystanders, with Cold even" as the yellow clad speedster motioned to the knocked out villain on the ground.
"No. No way!" he said with excitement as he stepped up to his mentor, "Today's the day!"
Washington D.C.; July 4th; 13:00 EDT
The Wren Cafe
"Jackson! Bring those meals to table two!" A voice called out from inside the kitchen.
The raven haired boy let out a sigh, "You got it boss."
Percy grabbed the tray of food from the counter and moved his way through the small dinner. He quickly passed out the food to the customers and made his way back into the kitchen. From there he grabbed a wet rag and made his way back out into the dining area and proceed to clean off one of the dirty tables.
Percy let out a deep breath and stared at the clock.
One hour, Percy thought to himself, One hour till I'm off and I can go home.
One hour in the diner was torture for Percy though. Kids were always crying, the parents were constantly ignoring their crying kids, and it seemed like he was unclogging the toilet once every half an hour. His boss, Jimbo, was nice enough though. He had given Percy a job at the diner during his most desperate hour.
Percy wasn't allowed to complain though. He had desperately needed this new life and change of scenery. If it weren't for the gods, he would've been stuck somewhere he didn't feel he belonged anymore. It was up to him to make a new life for himself.
"Jackson! Are you daydreaming again?!" Jimbo called out from the kitchen.
Percy was snapped out of his thoughts, "No boss! I'm right here."
"Good" Jimbo said "Cause table seven needs refills!"
Percy moved to kitchen and grabbed a pitcher of lemonade and made his way out to table seven. Percy began to pour the drink and it slowly filled up.
As soon as he finished pouring the drink, Percy began to bring the drink back towards him. However, one of the screaming kids at the table flailed his arms and knocked into the iced tea, spilling it all over the table and onto the kid.
"Di immortales" Percy muttered under his breath as he quickly grabbed napkins from inside his apron and started to clean up the mess.
"What is your problem!?" the mom angrily yelled at Percy, "You spilled lemonade all over my baby and his meal!"
"Ma'am" Percy said quickly "Your child was the one who hit the pitcher…"
However, before Percy could continue the mother began to yell at him again,
"I demand that you bring my son new food and I will not be paying for this meal!"
Percy just groaned, "Ma'am I have to talk to the owner about that."
"Do you know who I am? I am Senator Barbara Nash! If anything I'll have you fired or this restaurant shut down for health code violations!"
Percy then turned away from the angry senator, and toward the kitchen. However as he turned, his foot slipped on an ice cube that was on the floor and Percy landed hard on his back.
Percy groaned as the wind had gotten knocked out of him.
"Today is not the day" Percy quietly said to himself.
Washington D.C.; July 4th; 14:00 EDT
The Hall of Justice
Before the Hall of Justice stood Batman and Robin, Green Arrow and Speedy, Aquaman and Aqualad.
Batman turned to his sidekick with a rare smile on his face, "Today's the day."
"Welcome to the Hall of Justice." Green Arrow continued.
"Headquarters of the Justice League." Aquaman finished.
"Oh, man!" Kid Flash's voice cried out, catching all of their attention and causing them to turn away from the Hall for a moment. Flash skids to a stop first, followed closely by his sidekick. "I knew we'd be the last ones here." he griped crossing his arms, causing Flash to raise an eyebrow behind his cowl.
As the group walked down toward Hall, the crowd went insane.
"Is that Batman?" someone asked from the crowd.
"I see Flash and Flash Jr!" a female fan called out
"His name is Speedy, duh." an older man replied.
"No, Speedy is Green Arrow's sidekick." a younger voice corrected.
"Well that makes no sense." a fourth spectator quips.
The group of heroes made their way to the front door. Before they went in, Green Arrow turned his partner.
"Ready to see the inner sanctum?" he asked.
"Born that way." Speedy replied excitedly.
"I'm glad we're all here." Aqualad says, turning the conversation towards the two boys younger than himself and the one older than him.
"Have all four sidekicks ever been at the same place at the same time?" Kid Flash asked.
"Don't call us sidekicks," Speedy commands, practically growling the first words, "not after today."
Kid Flash smiles apologetically, "Sorry, first time at the Hall. I'm a little overwhelmed."
"You're overwhelmed, Freeze was underwhelmed. Why isn't anybody ever just whelmed?" Robin asked, as they walked through the doors.
Inside the hall were giant statues, of the leagues founding members. In front of them stood a twenty foot tall statue of Superman. The statues on the right of Superman stood equally tall versions of Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, and Martian Manhunter. On the left were the statues of Batman, Flash, and Aquaman.
"Oh." he manages, staring up at the statues of the initial Justice League members, "Maybe that's why."
The group continued to walked until they arrived in front of a sliding metal door which had AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY written on it. As soon as they came to a stop, the door slid open, revealing Martian Manhunter and Red Tornado. The two step out of the hallway and onto either side of the door.
"Robin, Speedy, Aqualad, Kid Flash," Red Tornado said in a montone voice, "welcome to the Hall of Justice"
The android then turned around and lead the proteges inside. Robin and Kid Flash gave each other a fist bump and quickly followed after the android.
"You now have unlimited access to the gym, our fully stocked gallery, and of course our library." Red Tornado said as another door opened in front of them revealing a large library with massive supercomputer.
Flash turned back to face the four teens, "Make yourselves at home."
Robin and Kid Flash flopped down into their chairs, while Aqualad calmly takes the one across from them.
Speedy, however, remained standing. Looking directly at the leaguers.
"Quick debrief to discuss the coincidence of four Ice Villains attacking on the same day." Batman said quietly to the other leaguers.
The caped crusader then turned back to face the teens.
"We shouldn't be long." Then he turns to another door, and a fisheye camera pops out.
"Recognize: Batman; 0-2, Aquaman; 0-6, Flash; 0-4, Green Arrow; 0-8, Martian Manhunter; 0-7, Red Tornado; 1-6." A robotic voice calls out.
"That's it?" Speedy demands his anger and volume catching all of their attention instantly.
"You promised a real look inside! Not a glorified backstage pass!" The young arched said angrily as he crossed his arms.
"It's a first step." Aquaman says calmly, "You've been granted access few others get."
"Oh, really?" Roy questions angrily.
The archer then gestured toward a group of tourists taking pictures of them. "Who cares which side of the glass we're on?"
"Roy, you just need to be patient." Green Arrow replies ad he tried to quell his proteges anger.
"What I need is respect." Roy growled, before turning around to look at the other three proteges.
"They're treating us like kids." Roy complaied "Worse... like sidekicks! We deserve better than this."
Kid Flash, Robin, and Aqualad all exchange a small glance. Then all three turn to Roy, but their eyes are downtrodden.
Roy's voice drops, "You're kidding right? You're playing their game? Why?! Today was supposed to be the day, step one in becoming full-fledged members of the League."
"Well, sure," Kid Flash spoke up, looking to the other two proteges. "but I thought step one was the tour of the HQ."
"Except the Hall isn't the League's real HQ." Roy replied angrily "I bet they never told you. It's just a false front for tourists. It's a pit stop for catching Zeta-beam teleporter-tubes to the real thing," he gestures up with his right hand in indication for his next words, "an orbiting satellite called the Watchtower."
Green Arrows turns, catching Batman's glare, "I know, I know, but I thought we could make an exception." Batman continued his glare. "Or not."
Aquaman moves slightly forward, "You're not helping your cause here, son. Stand down or…"
"Or what?" Speedy demanded "You'll send me to my room? And I'm not your son!" he snaps.
Roy then turned to Green Arrow, "I'm not even his."
Roy paused for a second collecting himself, "I thought I was his partner, but not anymore."
Roy took his hat off his head and slammed it into the ground.
All three younger proteges eyes went wide with shock with what their life long friend had done.
"Guess they were right about you three." Roy said as he made his way out of the Hall, "You're not ready."
A few seconds after Roy leaves, an alarm begins to blare from the computer. The group turns and they see the face of Superman on the screen.
"Superman to Justice League." the Kryptonian says "There has been an explosion at Project Cadmus. It's on fire."
"I've had my suspicions about Cadmus. This may present the perfect opportunity to in-" Batman begins, but is cut off as another alarm comes through.
"Zatara to Justice League" this time the face of the Magician shows up in a small screen in the lower right hand corner, "The sorcerer Wotan is using the Amulet of Attan to blot out the Sun. Requesting full League response."
"Superman?" Batman questions.
"It's a small fire" the big blue boy scout assures, "Local authorities have it under control."
"Then Cadmus can wait" the Dark Knight states. He then presses a key on the massive keyboard below, "All Leaguers rendezvous at Zatara's coordinates. Batman out."
The three proteges stand up from the seats and prepare themselves for fight ahead of them.
"Stay put." Batman states, barely even looking at them before he gives his order.
"What?" Robin questions, shocked. "Why?"
"This is a League mission." Aquaman says.
"You're not trained." Flash continues.
"Since when?" Kid Flash demands.
"I meant you're not trained to work as a part of this team." he says, gesturing to the other two mentors beside him.
"There will be other missions, when you're ready." Aquaman stated calmly.
"But for now, stay put." Batman glared
All three look disappointed, but as their mentors walk away, anger starts to come over their faces.
"Glad you didn't bring you-know-who?" Green Arrow asks Martian Manhunter with a small tease in his tone.
"Indeed." the alien agrees rapidly.
They walk in behind Aquaman, Batman, and Flash, but Red Tornado looks at them for a moment before following. Then the door closes.
Kid Flash scoffs. "When we're ready?" he questions, looking between the two beside him.
"How are we ever supposed to be ready when they treat us like… like sidekicks!" Kid Flash angrily says as he throws his hands in the air.
"My mentor... my King... I thought he trusted me." Aqualad said sadly.
"Trust?" Kid Flash questions sarcastically. "They don't even trust us with the basics! They've got a secret HQ, in space!"
"What else aren't they telling us?" Aqualad questioned.
Robin sighed, "I have a better question. Why didn't we leave with Speedy?"
The three teenagers look down sadly, filled with a mix of regret, anger and sadness at being denied the right to fight alongside their mentors.
"What is Project Cadmus?" Aqualad asked slowly.
"Don't know," Robin admitted. However, a small evil grin appears on his face "but I can find out."
The Boy Wonder walked over to the super computer and began to type out codes and search for information.
The computer buzzed, "Access Denied" an automated voice says.
Robin laughed, "Wanna bet?"
Robin punched a few more codes into the computer and the files began to move at nearly lightspeed.
"Whoa" Kid Flash murmed "How are you doing that?"
Robin grinned as he hit a few more keys "Same system as the Batcave."
"Access Granted" The automated voice rang out.
The entire file the Justice League had appeared in front of them. A picture of a two story building appeared and a small amount of text as well.
"Alright Project Cadmus" Robin stated "Genetics lab here in DC."
A frown appeared on the Boy Wonders face, "...That's all there is, but if Batman's suspicious… maybe we should investigate."
"Solve their case before they do." Aqualad said as a small smile appeared on his face, "It would be poetic justice."
"Hey" Robin managed through his chuckle, "They're all about justice."
Aqualad then sighed, "But they said 'stay put'."
"For the blotting out the sun mission, not this." Robin said with a smile as he put his hands on his hips.
"Wait" the speedster starts, grabbing Robin's shoulder and turning him towards him, "Are you going to Cadmus? Because if you're going, I'm going!"
Both boys then turned toward Aqualad smiling, Robin utterly beaming and Kid Flash with a dash of hope in his.
"Just like that?" Aqualad asked. "We're a team on a mission?"
Both their smiles die down, but Robin gains a smirk. "We didn't come for a play-date."
The three boys shared a determined look and then took off for the doors.
Washington D.C.; July 4th; 14:30 EDT
Percy was sitting on a stool in the kitchen and waiting as Jimbo tried to talk to the angry senator about what happened with the lemonade. He had really started to hate mortals. There was no way one angry mortal could cause a whole restaurant to shut down, right?
A few minutes, later Jimbo returned back into the kitchen with an exasperated look on his face.
"So" Percy said awkwardly, "What did she say?"
Jimbo leaned on the counter and used his hands to massage his temples, "She said she wanted me to fire you or I'd have to shut down the whole place."
Percy's heart sank in his chest. He needed this job. It was his only source of income and without it, he would be royally screwed.
"Jimbo I…" Percy began but he was cut off as the large man held up his hand.
"Don't make this any harder than it has to be" Jimbo said quietly.
A crestfallen look fell onto Percy's face and he slowly nodded his head. The boy took off his apron and pressed it softly onto the counter. He stuck out his hand for a handshake and Jimbo returned the gesture.
He then made his way out of the kitchen where Senator Nash was staring smugly at the Percy. He made his way toward the door, but before he left, he willed the dirty dish water in the sink to shoot out and hit the senator right between the eyes.
The senator let out a cry of disgust and Percy just let out a laugh as he made his way out of the diner and down the street.
Percy began to think to himself as he walked down the street. After a few months of living on this alternate Earth, he had found that some things were the same as his Earth as well as some things being extremely different. However, two things had stood above the rest.
The first thing was that before Percy had left, Poseidon had convinced the Gods to bless Percy with gifts for his unwavering service to Olympus. The council had put it to a vote and it ended 7-5 in Percy's favor.
Zeus had (reluctantly) blessed him with enhanced strength. From Hermes, he had received enhanced speed. From Apollo, he had received enhanced durability. Hephaestus had blessed Percy with a magic belt with a trident belt buckle. While it didn't seem like much at first, the God of the Forge told Percy it would transform into a custom set of armor that would offer extra protection. Athena had gone next. She blessed Percy by removing his ADHD and Dyslexia. Finally, Percy's father offered him a new magic shield. It was similar to the one Tyson had made for him in the sense it was a wrist watch, but when Percy expanded the bronze shield to its full circular size, there was a lone trident in the middle.
Shortly after that, Percy had found himself on an alternate Earth. In order to make sure that he really was, Percy dropped an f bomb directed at the lord of the sky. All Percy got back was a beautiful silence. There was no thunder clap in the sky or getting struck by a lightning bolt, just the honking of cars on the streets of Washington DC.
The second thing was something that had really caught Percy's eye though. On this Earth, there was a team of superheroes called the Justice League. To Percy's knowledge, they were a group of heroes with incredible abilities, similar to his own, that protected the world from super villains.
Initially, Percy had thought about making a name for himself as a hero. After all, his powers from being the son of Poseidon along with the blessings given to him by the gods made him more than capable of going toe to toe with this Earth's strongest villains. However, Percy quickly shot down the idea. He came to this Earth to forget. He needed to clear his head from the horrors that befell him in the Giant War as well as mourn the loss of his loved ones. Percy didn't need to be a hero anymore. He just wanted to be normal.
Percy stopped in front of a glass building with tinted black windows. He turned toward the building and his reflection stared back at him. Over the past few months, Percy had finally turned seventeen and he had grown. He now stood at 6'2" and his body had filled out nicely.
However, when Percy stared at his reflection, he felt like he was staring at a fractured man. He had used to be a hero. Someone who had sacrificed for his friends. The Giant War had changed all of that.
Percy was pulled out of his thoughts when he heard an explosion. He turned toward the origin of the sound and he saw smoke rising from the air no more than a block or two away.
Percy wanted to turn around and forget he ever saw it. He really wished he could. But back at the cafe, he had saw on the news that the whole Justice League was responding to some crisis involving the sun. There would be no Leaguers coming to help.
Percy took a deep breath and ran his hands through his windswept hair. He stared at his reflection in the mirror one last time. Then, the son of Poseidon took off toward the direction of the explosion.
On his way there, Percy tapped his belt buckle. Gone were his white t-shirt, blue jeans, and black running shoes. In its place was a layered, collared, black leather vest with gold plates and blue accents worn over a chain-mail shirt. The vest continued into a loincloth which hung over chain-mail and black pants. On Percy's forearms were leather arm-bracers similar-looking to the vest with a red underside. He wore knee-high brown boots with gold piping. In addition, a blue cape now hung over Percy's right shoulder.
Due to his enhanced speed, Percy was now at the sight of the explosion. He took a quick glance at the building name and Percy saw it was named Cadmus. He flinched slightly at the Ancient Greek reference, but his attention was quickly pulled toward the firefighters who were desperately trying to reach two scientists trapped in the building.
Percy dashed toward the building and he felt the familiar tug in his gut as he used the water from the fire hydrant to launch himself up toward the window where the scientists were. The scientists eyes widened as the armored man came flying toward them and they quickly moved to the side of the windows. Percy landed in a roll and quickly sprang to his feet.
"You guys okay?" Percy asked.
The scientists quickly nodded their heads signaling they were okay.
"Alright" Percy said quickly "This is gonna get a little weird so just hang on okay?"
Percy then raised his arm out and began to focus. A platform of water formed out of thin air and the scientists stood shakily on it. Percy concentrated and moved his hand toward the fire fighters and the two scientists quickly began to descend toward the ground.
However, an explosion racked the building and Percy lost control of the water platform that was carrying the scientists. The scientists let out a scream as they began to free fall. Percy tried his best to focus again but suddenly a blur of yellow came out of nowhere and grabbed the scientists. The blur continued up the side of the building and deposited the scientists on what Percy guessed was the roof.
The boy in yellow began to slip and grabbed onto the side of the window. Percy snapped out of his confusion and moved toward the window where the kid in yellow was hanging on. Percy heard a cackle fill the air and a raven hair boy dressed in red, black, and yellow outfit swung through the broken window.
The young boy gave Percy a quick nod and moved to help Percy pull the kid in yellow back into the building. As Percy and the boy finally pulled the red headed boy in, a third teenager appeared controlling the water from the firefighter's hose. The last teenager created a hard water platform and raised it up to the top of the building. Moments later, the scientists were back on the ground and the dark skinned teenager had put out the fire.
The four now stood on the top floor of Cadmus, with Percy on one side of the room with the teenagers on the other.
The raven haired boy spoke first, "Who are you?"
Percy paused. He wasn't sure if he should tell them his name. Then again, Percy barely existed on this Earth. It's not like they would be able to find him again if he did.
"My name is Perseus" he replied "But my friends call me Percy."
"Like the Greek hero?" The boy with the eel tattoos asked.
Percy flinched slightly, "Yeah like the Greek hero."
Before the dark skinned boy could reply, the redhead in the yellow suit started to talk, "Thanks for pulling me into the window with Robin" he said as he motioned toward the raven haired boy "I would've been in big trouble if you hadn't."
"It's no problem" Percy replied quickly "But if anything I should get going. I don't think I should interfere with whatever it is you guys are doing here."
"What are you doing here?" Robin asked suspiciously as the eye slits in his domino mask sharpened.
Percy put his hands up in self-defense, "I just came cause I saw someone needed help. The same as you guys I'm assuming."
The three boys shared a look for a few seconds until dark skinned boy nodded his head. He then reached his hand out.
"My name is Aqualad" the boy said stoically "And these are my friends, Robin and Kid Flash."
Percy reached his hand out and shook with Aqualad, "Again my name is Perseus, or just Percy for short."
Before Percy could shake hands with the other two, Robin had made his way over to the computer and Kid Flash was searching the lab for anything of significance.
"What are you guys doing?" Percy asked.
"This location had Batman's attention and he was going to investigate. However, a potential world ending event warranted his attention elsewhere." Kaldur explained.
"So we came to check it out when he couldn't" Wally said as he looked through a file of papers.
Percy just nodded his head and began to make his way toward the elevator to leave. Aqualad followed a few feet behind searching the room Kid Flash hadn't checked yet. As Percy turned down a long hallway to get to the elevator he noticed a blue skinned creature with horns protruding from his head. However, Percy and Aqualad only caught a glimpse of whatever it was before the doors closed.
Percy and Aqualad shared a glance at one another.
"You saw that too right?" Percy asked.
"I did indeed" Kaldur replied.
The clang of the doors closing drew the attention of Robin and Kid Flash.
"Elevators should be locked down." Kid Flash stated.
Robin quickly moved past the older boys without a word. Robin inspected the elevator.
"This is wrong." Robin muttered to himself as he pulled up the holoscreen on his gauntlet, revealing the specs of a Sliver Slip Express Elevator, "This is a high-speed express elevator. It doesn't belong in a two-story building."
"Neither does what Perseus and I saw." Aqualad stated gravely.
Percy and Kaldur shared a look and the two moved to opposite sides of the elevator doors. The pair pulled on each side holding the doors open.
Robin ducked under their arms, and keeled down to try and get a better look. "And that's why they need an express elevator" the Boy Wonder said out loud.
Below Robin was a giant hole, with no bottom in sight. The last time Percy had seen a hole that deep was when he had fallen into Tartarus. He shivered at the memory, but it was quickly forgotten as Robin fired his grappling hook into the ceiling and began to descend downward into the darkness.
Aqualad and Kid Flash followed with almost no hesitance and jumped right in along with their friend.
Percy was stuck in the elevator doorway not sure what to do. He had a chance to just leave now and the other three boys would never know where he went. He could return to his simple, yet not so great life and continue to be peaceful. However, Percy had saw something not human in the elevator and he really wanted to know what it was.
"Ugh" Percy grumbled to himself "I'm probably gonna regret this."
With that Percy let go of the doors and flung himself down the elevator shaft to catch up with the other three teenagers.
After falling for a few seconds, Percy grabbed onto the grappling hook. It didn't take long for him to catch up as the group was waiting for him right outside of a floor marked SL26.
Percy and Kaldur made their way over to the elevator doors and pulled them open. Robin swung from his grappling hook into the room and the two boys shut the door. A few seconds later, the elevator doors slid open with a grinning Robin on the other side. The group of boys eyes widened at the sight before them.
"Welcome to Project Cadmus." Robin announces. Kid Flash smiled as he bolted off.
"Kid, wait!" Aqualad tries, but the speedster ignored him.
"Is he always like that?" Percy asked.
"Sadly yes." Robin replied before taking off after him.
Percy and Aqualad started sprinting after Robin.
The sounds of heavy footsteps filled the hallway and a giant elephant like creatures filled the hallway. Kid Flash tried to slow down but the vibration from the creatures hitting the ground caused him to slip and skid across the floor.
Percy's eyes widened in fear as he realized Kid Flash wouldn't be fast enough to get up in time without being trampled. Using his enhanced speed, Percy dashed past Aqualad and Robin. Percy dove and grabbed Kid Flash, just barely dodging the creatures humongous foot.
Robin and Aqualad quickly caught up to the pair, with Robin checking to see if his best friend was unharmed.
The elephant like creatures let out a growl towards the heroes, and a smaller one on top of it's massive trunked head hissed. It was at that moment the horns on the smaller one glowed red, forcing the larger one to continue walking away.
"No. Nothing odd going on here." Aqualad says sarcastically.
After that Robin turned to face toward Percy, "How did you move that fast? It wasn't as fast as KF but it was way faster that me."
"It's a long story and maybe I'll explain it to you later" Percy replied "But come on. We need to move."
The heroes took off down the hall until they came to a large locked sliding metal door in front of them. Robin quickly plugged into the terminal station next to the door and began to hack. The door's center quickly went from red, to yellow, then to green. Kid Flash was waiting next to Robin when he hacked, and Percy and Aqualad covered their six.
As the door opened, both Robin and Kid Flash had looks of awe on their face.
"Okay, I'm officially whelmed." Robin said as he caught Percy and Aqualad's attention.
Inside the room was towering rows of bug-like creatures, each giving off electrical pulses that seemed to run through a generator in the wall before them.
"This is how they hide this massive underground facility from the world." Kid Flash realizes as they walk between the towering rows. "The real Cadmus isn't on the grid. It generates its own power with these… things. Must be what they're bred for."
"Even the name is a clue." Aqualad agreed, "The Cadmus of myth created a new race by sowing dragon's teeth into the Earth."
"Except those dragon teeth create vicious skeleton soldiers" Percy murmured not loud enough for anyone to hear.
"And this Cadmus creates new life too." Robin agreed as he hooked up to the nearest computer of one the rows of creatures. "Let's find out why."
Robin's holoscreen appeared before him and the boy began to read quickly as date flashed before his eyes.
"They call them Genomorphs" Robin said as he caught Kid Flash and Aqualad's full attention.
"Whoa! Look at the stats on these things- super-strength, telepathy, razor claws. These are living weapons." Robin literally reeled back in shock.
"They're engineering an army, but for who?" Kid Flash questioned.
"Wait. There's something else." Robin said, as another batch of information came up on his gauntlet. Aqualad moved behind Robin and began to read over his shoulder.
"Project Kr" Robin muttered, "Ugh! The files triple-encrypted. I can't-"
"Don't move!" A new voice echoed throughout the hall.
The group of heroes turned and were at the ready. Before them was a man with a golden shield on his forearm and gold helmet over his face. On his shoulder sat one of the smaller genomorphs. Beside him were other medium sized genomorphs that were longer, skinnier, tailed and had razor sharp claws.
Guardian stopped short when he saw who was in front of him, "Wait, Robin, Aqualad, Kid Flash?"
"At least he got your name right." Robin teased, as he worked on the Kr file behind Aqualad and Percy.
"I know you." Aqualad said, "You're Guardian, a hero."
The hero puffed out his chest "I do my best."
Percy let out a snort. He knew this guy was no hero. If he was down here protecting these... genomorphs and keeping them a secret, then he was no friend of theirs.
"Then what are you doing here?" Kid Flash questions.
"I'm Chief of Security." Guardian responded "You're trespassing, but we can call the Justice League, figure this out."
Percy tensed up. Guardian just stared at the boys, but didn't say anything. Behind them, a ding from Robin's holo computer indicated the decryption of project Kr was finished.
"You think the League's gonna approve of you breeding weapons?" Kid Flash demanded.
"Weapons?" Guardian questioned. "What are you-" Guardian's eyes go wide just before his G-gnome's horns begin to glow. "What have I-" he brings his head to his temple as it falls to his chest. "Ugh my head."
"Get ready…" Percy said quietly to the group.
Finally, Guardian moved his hands away, and shot a hard glare at the proteges. "Take them down hard!" he told the genomorphs "No mercy."
With a growl, the genomorphs lept into action. Robin moved quickly in front of the three and dropped a smoke bomb.
"Scatter!" Percy yelled out.
Kid Flash backed up as a genomorph slashed at his face. He barely dodged and used his super speed to make his way up the wall. Using his momentum, Kid Flash launched himself at the pursuing genomorphs. With his arms fully extended, the speedster clotheslined the genomorphs, effectively taking them down.
One of the genomorphs charged at Aqualad. It tried to grab onto his shoulders and slice at his chest, but the Atlantean quickly grabbed it and threw it into another genomorph. When Aqualad's back was turned a shoulder rush from Guardian knocked him off his feet.
It was at that moment Percy let out a yell and punched Guardian, sending the brain washed superhero sliding backwards on the metal floor. Guardian quickly recovered and rushed toward Percy. He tried to hit Percy across the face with a right hook but Percy dodged the blow and quickly kicked his leg up, hitting Guardian in the stomach. Guardian lurched forward from the kick that stopped him, only to be met by a ferocious left cross against his exposed face and then a right uppercut to his hunched over body that sent him crashing into another genomorph.
"Let's get out of here!" Percy yelled as he grabbed a lunging genomorph and threw it across the room and into one of the batteries, effectively electrocuting it.
"Get to the door!" Robin called out.
The group of heroes began sprinting towards the door and quickly madee their way out into the hall. Alarms blared as the heroes sprinted past genomorphs that began to flood the hall. One of them had the unfortunate luck of standing in front of the Son of Poseidon. Without breaking stride, Percy threw a right hook into the face of the beast and imbedded it into the way to the left of them.
The group made it to the end of the hall and Robin started to hack into the elevator. However, a huge group of genomorphs rounded the corner and came barreling down the hallway.
"Any day now Rob!" Kid Flash called out his eyes go wide at the hoard.
"I'm going as fast as I can!" Robin yelled back.
Percy knew that the horde was going to get them before Robin could finish hacking. There was only one way Percy could stop them.
"KF! Aqualad! Get behind me!"
The two boys listened to their elder and Percy stuck out both his hands in front of him. Percy began to focus and remembered what his father had told him long ago. With a yell, a wall of water appeared in front of the demi-god. With renewed determination and force, the water slowly began to freeze, forming an ice wall and stopping the horde from advancing.
Percy fell to a knee, taking in air in ragged breaths. An occasional thump could be heard from the other side of the wall signaling that the genomorphs were trying to get through. However, they were making little progress.
Kaldur and Wally stood wide eyed and mouths agape at the sight in front of them.
"How the-" Wally began until he was cut off by Robin.
"I got the elevator! Let's go!"
"Kid, help me grab Perseus." Aqualad instructed.
Wally didn't hesitate and the pair quickly slung their arm under Percy's and hoisted him up. They slowly made their way toward the elevator. However, a loud pounding could be heard and large cracks in the wall began to form.
Eventually, the ice wall broke as two of the elephant sized genomorphs sent ugly gray fists through it. The medium sized genomorphs bounded down the hall after the heroes. Before they could reach the elevators though, the doors closed and the elevator car began to move.
The group quickly caught their breath as they sat panting on the floor of the car.
"What the hell was that?" Wally said between breaths.
"Something I haven't done in a long time" Percy said quietly.
The group continued to sit on the floor until Kaldur peered his head up at the numbers above the elevator door.
"We're headed down?" Kaldur asked harshly.
"Dude, out is up." Kid Flash says as he pointed his fingers upward.
"Excuse me?" Robin questioned, visibly offended, "We're going to Project Kr, it's down on Sub-level 52."
Aqualad put his arms between the two physically cutting off the conversation. "This is out of control. Perhaps- perhaps we should contact the League."
The elevator began to slow and finally came to a stop with a ding. The doors slid open to reveal Sub-level 52. The four boys picked themselves up and warily made their way toward the organic looking room.
Robin sprinted ahead with his colorful cape flying behind him, leaving Kid Flash to turn to Aqualad and Percy, "We are already here."
Kaldur sighed in an effort not to get mad at the younger proteges, "Which way?"
Robin chuckled, trying to keep the situation light. "Yeah, bizarre-looking hallway one, or bizarre-hallway two?"
"Whatever it is, make a decision quickly" Percy said.
"Halt!" a voice rings out from hallway. The heroes glance upward and see a blue looking figure with horns on his head. The beings horns began to glow red and he lifts a pair of batteries telekinetically, and launched them toward the teens.
Percy swiftly makes his way to the front of the group and activates his shield. Percy planted himself into the ground, covering the heroes from the explosion. Robin quickly recovered and threw an explosive disk toward the creature. Using its telekinesis, the creature stoped the projectile, but before it could attack again, the heroes had already taken off down the other hallway.
Further down, a scientist emerged from a door labeled Project Kr. Kid Flash came sprinting around the corner at high speeds and accidentally crashed into the scientist, tripping both of them. As KF starts to get to his knees, he hears the doors behind him begin to close.
At that moment the other proteges and Percy came sprinting down the hall and Percy's eyes got wide as he saw the Kr doors begin to close. Percy slid his shield off his wrist mid stride. He then cocked his arm back and slung his shield with all his might. The shield flew like a frisbee over KF's head and lodged itself between the door, jamming it.
Wally could hear the doors gears beginning to grind "Hurry! Hurry!"
Kid Flash and Robin both jump through with Kaldur close behind. Percy was the last one through and he quickly grabbed his shield and yanked it out of the doorway. The group turned and looked through the closing doorway and watched as Guardian and the genomorphs come around the corner. Eventually the door closed all the way, separating the two groups.
Robin quickly made his way to the terminal and hooked his gauntlet up to. After a few seconds of hacking he looked up "I disabled the door. We're safe."
"We're trapped." Aqualad said in a dark tone.
"Uh, guys." Kid Flash says out loud "You'll want to see this."
KF then hit a button on the keyboard and all the lights in chamber focused on the center of the pod.
The four teenagers stared in utter disbelief at the sight before.
"Whoa!" Robin muttered under his breath.
Kid Flash steps around the console, getting a closer look at the boy "Big 'K', little 'r', the atomic symbol for Krypton." he turned back toward the group "Clone?"
"Robin, hack." Aqualad commanded.
It took a couple seconds for Robin to register what Aqualad said ,"Oh. Right, right."
Robin then plugged into the console. It asked for a password, but the Boy Wonder quickly bypassed the program.
"Weapon Designation: Superboy, a clone force-grown in… sixteen weeks?!" Robin said as his eyes widened in shock. "From DNA acquired from Superman."
"Stolen from Superman." Aqualad accused.
"No way the big guy knows about this." Kid Flash agrees.
"Solar Suit allows him to absorb yellow-sun radiation 24/7." Robin continues to read off.
"And what about the genomorphs?" Percy asked as he motioned toward the ones on Robin's holo-computer.
"Genomorph Gnomes, telepathic, force-feeding him an education." Robin relayed sourly.
"And we can guess what else." Kid Flash said nervously, "They're making slave out of, well, Superman's son."
"Now we contact the League." Aqualad commanded.
Aqualad reached for his emblem, Kid Flash went to his lightning bolts on the side of his head, and Robin attempted to get in touch with Batman from his hologlove.
"Nothing?" Percy asked nervously.
"No signal." Robin verifies.
"We're in too deep... literally." Kid Flash said.
It was at that moment that the three Genomorphs inside the pod began to hiss lightly and their horns glowed red.
"This is wrong." Kid Flash finally says.
Robin needed no convincing. "We can't leave him like this."
Both are now looking to a concentrating Aqualad. "Set him free."
"Wait! What if he attacks us like the genomorphs did?" Percy says frantically.
"It's a risk we're going to have to take" Aqualad said solemnly.
The Boy Wonder quickly began to type into his holopad. After a few seconds nothing happens. Then the genomorphs began to hiss and the boys eyes inside the pod snapped open.
Before anyone can blink, Superboy launched himself out of the pod and toward Aqualad. The clone tackled the Atlantean to the ground, leaving KF and Robin in shock.
"I told you guys!" Percy said as he charged into action.
Superboy and Kaldur tumbled over one enough for a few seconds, until the clone ended up on top of Aqualad. Superboy launched three punches onto the face of a pinned Aqualad until Percy came bounding over and shoulder checked the clone off of the protege.
"Whoa! Hang on, Supey." Kid Flash said as he tried to calm him down.
"We're on your side!" Robin said as he attempted to talk to the raging maniac.
Superboy let out roar and lunged toward KF at a blinding speed. He dodged the first punch but is then hit with a devastating haymaker which sends the speedster flying into a wall, knocking him out cold.
"KF!" Robin shouted to his friend.
Robin quickly engaged Superboy. He acrobatically flipped and weaved his way through his attacks until Superboy stumbled forward leaving his back exposed to the Boy Wonder. Robin quickly brought out his taser and shot the pins into the clones back, sending high volts of electricity into him. The taser did nothing but bother Superboy. The clone grabbed the cable and pulled with all his force, sending Robin flying towards him. Robin's eyes widened as he saw Superboy extended his right arm. Robin crashed into the clothesline at full force, knocking him out with a sickening thud.
Aqualad and Percy quickly closed in, in order to keep Superboy away from their only powerless teammate. Percy quickly grabbed Robin and began to move him over toward thw wall where Wally was knocked out.
Aqualad pulled out his water-bearers and created a massive hammer. The hammer then slammed into Superboy's stomach sending him back a few feet.
Aqualad tried to check and see if Robin was okay, but the heavy footfalls of an angry clone forced him to turn around. Kaldur quickly reached his hands up and grabbed Superboy's.
"We are trying to help you!" Kaldur yelled at the clone.
The boy let out a yell and slammed his head forward into Aqualad's. The Atlantean became dazed from the surprise blow. Before he could summon a shield with his water-bearers, Superboy pressed both his hands together and raised them above his head. The clone then brought the hammer down onto the Atlanteans head and knocked him into the ground face first.
Percy had just placed Robin next to KF when he saw Aqualad get slammed into the ground. He quickly left the Boy Wonder and sprinted over using his enhanced speed. Percy threw a right hook, catching Superboy off guard and sending him crashing into the the wall.
Superboy quickly recovered and with a roar, launched himself at Percy. The demi-god quickly raised his shield and a torrent of superpowered fists smashed into the shield, making Percy slowly slide backwards on the ground.
Percy quickly dropped to the ground and performed a sweeping leg kick that knocked Superboy off his feet. Percy quickly sprang up and was on top of the clone. He then rapidly began to bash his shield into the clone's face.
"Go to sleep. Go to sleep. Go to sleep." Percy begged as he kept on punching.
After a few seconds of punishment, the clone reached his hand up and grabbed the shield mid strike, stopping it in its track. The clone had rage written all over his face and Percy gulped.
"Uh sorry about that?" Percy said quickly.
Superboy then used his other hand and punched Percy, sending him tumbling across the ground. He groaned quickly as he started to get up, but he yelped as his shield slammed into the wall about an inch from his neck.
Percy quickly stood and charged at Superboy. The clone met him in the middle and the two then started to exchange blows with one another. A gut check from Superboy. A hook across the face from Percy. The two durable fighters went at it.
Unbeknownst to Percy though, the door to Project Kr had finally opened and a group of genomorphs, Guardian, the blue figure from earlier, and a scientist with glasses charged into the room. The group stood in awe as they watched the unnamed hero in front of them traded blow for blow for Superboy and only to be slightly bothered.
"Who is that?" Guardian asked.
"I'm not sure" the scientist with glasses said as he sent a cold glare toward the Son of Poseidon, "But he's special."
The scientist then noticed the three knocked out heroes to the side of the room. He used the small the genomorph on his shoulder to command the larger genomorphs to take up positions near the sidekicks.
Superboy threw a left hook at Percy, but the Son of Poseidon grabbed the clones arm. Using his momentum, Percy flipped the clone and threw him across the room.
"Give up!" a voice called out.
Percy turned toward the voice revealing it belonged to a scientist. Three of the genomorphs had their claws to the proteges throats. Percy glared toward the scientist with his fists clenched.
"Unless you want your friends blood to water the ground here, I suggest you do what I say" the scientist said.
Percy let his fists relax and Percy raised his hands above his head. However a feral roar rang out and Superboy came down with a fist onto the back of demi-gods head.
Percy's vision was blurry as he laid down on the ground. The scientist motioned for Guardian to collect the heroes who were passed out on the floor.
"Bring them to the pods" the scientists voice rang out.
The genomorphs began to drag the unconscious bodies of the heroes across the ground and out of Project Kr.
"What about the other one sir?" Guardian asked.
"Bring him to sub level one" the scientist commanded, "Have him be ready to move so that we can study him in a new location. Our partners will want to know about him."
Percy reached out a hand toward the unconscious bodies of the proteges of Robin, Aqualad, and Kid Flash. However, Superboy saw Percy move and he moved in front of him. Percy looked up at the clone only to see him deliver a hard kick to his head.
Percy found himself back at Camp Half Blood. He was fighting through a horde of monsters, trying his best to make his way toward Gaea. He swung Riptide through another Earthborn, it exploded in a puff of golden dust and it brought his total to 54.
Percy took a second to collect himself on the battlefield. The Greeks and the Romans were doing their best to hold off Gaea's armies while Leo finished his repairs on Festus. The Seven's plan involved Leo, Jason, and Piper riding up on Festus and pulling Gaea out of the ground. They weren't sure if it would work, but they had to try.
Percy hadn't seen any other members of the Seven for a while now. The last one he had seen was Frank, who was romping around the battlefield as an elephant and stomping all over the Earthborn.
Percy was pulled out of his thoughts when he heard a scream fill the air. Percy turned and he saw Annabeth suspended in the air. An Earthborn had one of its many arms around her throat and she was struggling with both hands to break free.
"Annabeth!" Percy called out. The son of Poseidon took off in direction of his girlfriend, frantically trying to get to her. Multiple squadrons of Earthborn stood between Percy and Annabeth but he didn't care. He turned into a hurricane, striking down Earthborn left and right. His kill count long forgot.
Percy was less than a few feet from Annabeth when a pair of Earthborn grabbed each of his arms. Percy tried his best to break from but the combined strength of the Earthborn was too much for him.
Percy could see the Earthborn's hand grasping around Annabeth's throat tighter.
"Annabeth!" Percy screamed out to his girlfiend.
He could see her stormy grey eyes glance toward him. She gave him a soft smile and mouthed something toward him, but he couldn't tell what she said. After that, Annabeth's struggling hands went limp and they fell to her sides.
Percy could only watch wide eyed as the Earthborn threw his girlfriend and searched for his next victim. Rage began to build in Percy's chest. He failed. He failed her. He broke his promise.
A primal yulp emerged from Percy, and he pulled his arms so hard that it ripped the Earthborn's arms out of their sockets. Percy then turned himself into a vicious killing machine. He slashed and cut into any Earthborn that were lucky enough to get through the deadly hurricane that was around him.
Percy kept fighting until a supernova of light filled the sky. He used his hand to glance upward and block some of the blinding light. Shards of bronze and earth fell from the sky and crashed into the ground. Percy realized that Jason, Leo, and Piper had succeeded. They had pulled Gaea into the sky and destroyed her conscious one and for all.
Percy desperately began to search the battlefield looking for Annabeth. After a few minutes of searching, he saw her curly golden hair on the ground a few feet away. Percy dashed over and slid onto his knees next to his girlfriend. Her silver eyes were unmoving and she had flecks of dirt covering her face.
"Annabeth…" Percy said quietly. He used his thumb to wipe some of the mud off her cold face. He then pulled her lifeless body toward his chest. The Son of Poseidon began to cry. He weeped for his friends. He weeped for his love. He had failed. He had failed all of them.
Percy felt a sting against his face as he woke up from his hellish nightmare.
"Gah!" Percy said with a yell. He quickly woke up and saw Kid Flash, Aqualad, and Superboy fighting back against the genomorphs. Percy realized he was strapped to a table and Robin was trying to get him free.
"What the hell happened?!" Percy frantically asked Robin.
"Like you said" Robin began "It's a long story. I'll tell you later if we're lucky!"
As soon as Robin undid the last leather strap, Percy sprang into action. He punched a genomorph that had almost gotten the drop on Kid Flash and sent it flying into another group of genomorphs that had turned the corner.
"We need to go! Now!" Kaldur commanded.
"Head for the stairs!" Robin yelled.
The five teenagers took off for the stairs. Before they could reach them though, something crashed through the floor. An ugly gray humanoid genomorph grabbed Superboy and threw him through the ceiling above them. The creature then jumped through the hole after the clone.
"How long was I out for?!" Percy yelled frantically.
"Not much longer than us" KF replied "But quick! We have to help Superboy!"
Kaldur then swung his arm around Wally and jumped through the hole in the ceiling after Superboy. Percy did the same with Robin, and the two jumped through to see Kid Flash and Aqualad helping Superboy back to his feet on the first floor of Project Cadmus.
Across the way, the beast let out a scream toward the heroes. Almost as if it was challenging for them to take it on.
Kid Flash adjusted the goggles on his forehead and took off toward the beast. He began to run circles around it, causing the monster to get angry. While it was distracted, Superboy leaped foward and punched it right in the mouth, causing it to crash into one of the pillars, completely destroying it.
Robin's eyes got wide as he saw pillar come crashing down. He typed into his holopad and the schematics for Cadmus popped up.
"Aqualad! Percy! I got an idea!" Robin called out.
The boy's elders quickly made their way close to Robin who began to explain the plan.
"Are you sure it'll work? Kaldur asked.
"It's our best bet right now." Robin said as he saw Superboy get tossed across the room.
"Sometimes the best plans are the craziest ones" Percy replied "Let's go!"
The three boys took off. Robin began to make a giant X on the floor with chalk with where Blockbuster needed to be if the plan was going to work. Aqualad used his mace to take out the last two remaining pillars on the right side of the room. While Percy worked his way through the ones on the left.
Kid Flash and Superboy were trying their best to slow Blockbuster down, but he just kept coming. Superboy went in for a punch, but the monster grabbed his arm and threw him into Kid Flash, sending them both tumbling.
Percy, Aqualad, and Robin helped the two back to their feet as Blockbuster let out a giant roar in their direction.
"Robin do you have enough explosives to take down the last pillar?" Percy asked.
The Boy wonder quickly checked his utility belt and pulled out his last three explosive disks, "Yeah this should be enough."
Percy nodded, "KF can you distract him?"
Wally let out a groan, "Man what do you think I've been doing this whole time?"
Percy let out a small smirk. He then turned to Superboy and Aqualad, "Can you guys knock him back onto the X?"
Aqualad was about to reply but Superboy spoke first, "Of course we can. There's no way he'll be able to get back up."
Percy just nodded his head toward the two.
"Wait, what are you going to do?" Kid Flash asked.
"I'm going to make sure that he stays on the ground" Percy replied "Are you guys ready?"
The boys nodded their head and all prepared themselves.
Percy took a second. Then he called out, "Go!"
Kid Flash took off toward Blockbuster and began to run circles around the hulking behemoth. He let out a roar and while he was distracted, Superboy and Aqualad leaped toward Blockbuster, punching him in the face. The giant fell backwards onto the ground where Robin's X was.
"Aqualad give me a boost!" Percy called out.
Kaldur quickly turned around and locked his fingers together. Percy jumped and his foot landed on the Atlantean's hands. Aqualad then used all his strength to fling Percy in the air.
Once Percy reached the apex of his jump, he pulled Riptide out of his pocket and uncapped it. The three foot blade of celestial bronze mixed with mortal steel sprung to life. Percy began to fall toward the ground where Blockbuster was. As Percy finally reached the ground, he stabbed Riptide into the monster's shoulder, effectively pinning him to the ground.
"Robin now!" Percy cried out.
Robin gave him a nod and threw his explosive disks into the last remaining pillar. The disks gave off three small beeps until the finally exploded. Percy quickly jumped off Blockbuster and using his enhanced speed, sprinted in order to catch up with the others who were running for the exit.
"It's coming down!" Kid Flash yelled.
"Superboy! Aqualad! Cover Robin and KF!" Percy commanded.
Superboy and Kaldur quickly grabbed the two teenagers and covered them with their bodies. Percy tapped his wrist and shield sprang back to life. He covered his head and he felt the weight of Cadmus come crashing down onto him.
Once everything stopped shaking, Percy began to lift with his shield. He looked over and saw Superboy was also lifting the same piece of rubble. The two exchanged a silent nod and threw the concrete slab off of them.
Breathing heavily Aqualad turned to Robin and Kid Flash, "We… did it."
"Was there… ever any doubt?" Robin questioned. He reached out his hand to Kid Flash and the two gave each other high fives.
Superboy moved himself fully out of the rubble they were covered in and looked to the still pinned Blockbuster.
"I knew that sword would keep him pinned" Percy said with pride. However, nobody replied to Percy as Superboy began to look at the moon.
"See?" Kid Flash questioned as he used his thumb to gesture toward the night sky "The Moon."
Superboy only stood there took it all in. He then began to squint his eyes as a figure appeared in the moonlight. As the figure began to slow, it revealed the stern faced leader of the Justice League, Superman.
"Oh, and Superman." Kid Flash comments "Do we keep our promises, or what?"
The rest of the Justice League landed beyond the perimeter of the destroyed Cadmus building. Martian Manhunter, Zatara, Captain Marvel, and Red Tornado flew behind the Big Blue Boyscout. They were followed by Captain Atom, Hawkman, Wonder Woman, Hawkwoman, and the first Green Lantern (Hal Jordan). The second Green Lantern (John Stewart) used a hard-light platform from his power ring to create a platform for the Leaguers who couldn't fly; Black Canary, Aquaman, Batman, and Green Arrow.
As Batman stepped up next to Superman, Flash zooms in, standing to Batman's left.
Superboy stepped up first toward the leaguers, gaining scrutiny in Superman's eyes. However, Superboy doesn't stop as he lifted the torn front of his suit, revealing the same S that mirrored the one on the big blue boy scout's suit. Superman's eyes widen in shock, while Superboy's features soften. Only for Superman's gaze to turn hard and cold, bringing on an annoyed look of confusion on Superboy's face.
"Is that what I think it is?" Batman questioned.
"He doesn't like being called an 'it'." Kid Flash said as he stepped up and used his left hand to cover his face so Superboy wouldn't see.
"I'm Superman's clone!" Superboy spoke up, gaining a shocked look from Kid Flash. Martian Manhunter shared a look with Captain Marvel, Flash with Green Arrow, and Aquaman and Black Canary can only look on in shock.
Batman's eyes zero in on his proteges, "Start talking."
After an explanation of what happened at Cadmus and Percy retrieving Riptide from the behemoth's shoulder, both Green Lanterns trapped Blockbuster inside a sphere, while Hawkman, Hawkwoman, and Captain Atom flew alongside them.
Superman is off to the side having a conversation with Wonder Woman and Martian Manhunter. Nothing is said for a moment, then Manhunter placed a hand on Superman's shoulder, causing Superman to meet Superboy's gaze.
Superman sighed as he meets his cross-armed clone. "We'll, uh, we'll figure something out for you. The League will, I mean." he corrected himself quickly. "For now, I better make sure they get Blockbuster squared away." Superman then took off into the air, leaving Superboy following him with shocked, hurt, and confused eyes.
"Cadmus will be investigated," Batman says drawing the teens' attention to him, Flash, and Aquaman as they walk towards them. "all 52 levels but let's make one thing clear-"
"You should have called." Flash piped up, even catching Batman's attention.
"End results aside, we're not happy." the Dark Knight growled "You hacked Justice League systems, disobeyed direct orders, and endangered lives. You will not be doing this again."
"I am sorry, but we will." Aqualad stated strongly.
"Aqualad, stand down." Aquaman attempted to command the older teen.
"Apologies, my king, but no. We did good work here tonight, the work you trained us to do. Together on our own we forged something powerful, important."
"If this is about your treatment at the Hall, the three of you-" Flash began to say.
Kid Flash doesn't hesitate to correct him. "The five of us, and it's not."
"Whoa whoa, what do you mean by the five of us?" Percy said.
The group of teenagers turn to face Percy and the Leaguers give the unknown boy a harsh glare.
"I'm sorry but the only reason I ended up in this mess was because I wanted to help the people trapped in the Cadmus fire. I didn't mean to get wrapped up in all of this." Percy said as he motioned toward the ruins of Cadmus.
"And you expect us to let you walk free?" Flash asked "They told us what you can do. We have questions."
"I'm sorry, but too bad" Percy replied. He tapped the buckle on his pants and his armor disappeared, revealing his white t-shirt, blue jeans and black running shoes "I'm just a regular kid who walked away from the hero business a long time ago."
With that Percy, turned his back to the heroes and began to make his way off the Cadmus property. What Percy didn't see though was that Batman's eyes narrowed at the boy who had just walked away.
The group of boy's quickly sober up after seeing their comrade walk away.
Robin began to speak, "Batman, we're ready to do what you taught us, or why teach us at all?"
"Why let them tell us what to do?" Superboy asked angrily, "It's simple. Get on board or get out of the way."
Batman gave the group of boys a hard glare, "Fine. We'll see what we can do."
Wide smiles all appeared on the proteges faces and Superboy even had a small smile on his face.
"We'll be in touch shortly" Batman said to rest of the leaguers and proteges "But for now, Barry, can you see to it that Superboy has a place to stay?"
The Flash nodded his head and he motioned for Superboy and Kid Flash to follow. Aquaman also motioned for Aqualad to take their leave. The proteges quickly said their goodbyes, until Robin and Batman were the only ones left.
Batman gave his protege a tough glare for a few seconds until a small smile appeared on his face, "I'm proud of you Robin."
The Boy Wonder just looked up at his adopted father and was grinning ear to ear. However, his smiled died a bit.
"Thanks dad" Robin said "I just wish that Percy would have agreed to it to. I don't think we would've made if it wasn't for him."
"Well then it's good we have one more thing to do tonight" Batman replied.
Robin glanced over to the caped crusader and saw that he had a tracking device in his hand. A large grin appeared on Robin's face. The two then pulled out their grappling hooks and propelled themselves up toward the nearest building.
Percy quietly made his way up the stairs of his worn down apartment building. His neighbors always seemed to complain that he was too loud when he came home and if he did it one more time, they had threatened to call the landlord. Percy tiptoed down the hall until he made his way to his apartment.
However, before Percy could go in, there was a paper stapled to the door. On it read, Eviction Notice: Please Vacate the Premise by July 8th or you will be forcibly removed, in big bold letters. Percy glared at the paper for a few seconds until he tore it off of the door. He quickly inserted his key into the lock. Percy opened his door and quickly slammed it shut behind him.
He took a gaze around his apartment. Saying it was worn down would be considered a compliment. The wallpaper was coming off the wall in certain places and Percy was sure that the apartment violated at least a dozen health codes. However, beggars couldn't be choosers. He had to make do with what little money he made off of a bus boys salary.
Percy quickly made his way to the kitchen. He grabbed his lone cup from the sink and proceed to fill it up with tap water. Once it was full, he took a long drink and instantly began to feel better. The gods had blessed him increased durability, but that didn't mean he couldn't get hurt. After all, Superboy did land a few blows that he would be feeling tomorrow.
Percy placed the cup back into the sink and leaned against the counter. He began to think about the adventure he had just had. Percy certainly wasn't expecting to get dragged into that and he definitely wasn't expecting to see every member of the Justice League up close and personal either. Percy's mind drifted back to people he fought alongside with. He had to admit, himself, Aqualad, Robin, Kid Flash, and Superboy had made a good team.
However, Percy quickly tried to debunk the idea. He stepped away from being a hero for a reason. He had lost everything the last time he fought to protect people, and he swore he'd never let that happen again.
It was at that point that Percy felt a breeze run through the apartment. He narrowed his eyes. He hadn't opened a window and he always kept them closed when he went off to work. Percy quickly spun around and pulled Riptide out of his pocket. The blade sprung to life and the blade gave off a glow that slightly illuminated the dark room.
Using the light from Riptide, Percy could make out the form of Batman standing across from him in his own kitchen.
"How did you find me?" Percy questioned the bat.
Batman remained silent and then spoke only one word, "Tracker."
Percy instantly reached behind his back and felt a small metal object hanging on his shirt. The Son of Poseidon quickly pulled it off his shirt and tossed it back to the Bat, who expertly caught it with one hand.
"Why are you here?" Percy asked.
"I just came to talk" Batman said calmly.
Percy eyed the Bat warily. He had heard stories of Batman and his fighting prowess. Only a fool would underestimate him.
"Alright then talk" Percy replied "Cause after all you are standing here in my apartment."
"It won't be your apartment for much longer" Batman said coldly as he motioned to the Eviction Notice Percy had left on his table.
Percy just glared at the Bat until the Dark Knight spoke, "I want to know why you turned down Kid Flash, Robin, Aqualad, and Superboy."
Percy finally lowered Riptide as he realized Batman wasn't here to harm him. He leaned it against the counter and then looked up to face him, "I turned them down because the life of hero has cost me everything" Percy said sadly.
Batman raised an eyebrow toward Percy edging him to continue.
"I may not look like it, but I'm from an alternate Earth" Percy said "Back where I'm from, I've fought in two wars and I've lost everyone who was close to me."
"And why does that stop you now?" Batman asked.
Percy took a second to think and he let out a deep breath, "Because it was my fault" he said shakily "I can't afford to see anyone else die on my conscious."
Batman glared at the boy, "You should know that Robin, Kid Flash, and Aqualad choose this life. They believe in fighting the good fight for the people who can't protect themselves."
Percy leaned against the counter, quietly taking in the Batman's words.
"You can't let your fear of losing people hold you back." Batman then deposited a small slip of paper onto Percy's table next to his Eviction Notice. "If you change your mind, come to this address."
Percy grabbed the paper from the table and read it, "Happy Harbour… What is that?" He looked up from slip and found himself standing alone in his kitchen, with the Batman nowhere to be found.
Percy started back at the paper one more time and took a seat in one of his chairs. "Happy Harbor huh…" Percy whispered to himself quietly.
Mount Justice; July 8th, 8:04 EDT
Green Lantern and Captain Atom flew around the cave, both carrying large pieces of equipment around the Mountain. On the central platform stood four teens dressed in civilian clothes along with Batman, Aquaman, Flash, Hawkman, Black Canary, Red Tornado, and Captain Marvel.
"This cave was the original secret sanctuary of the Justice League." Batman explained to the four boys. "We're calling it into service again. Since you four are determined to stay together and fight the good fight, you'll do it on League terms."
All four watched as Batman walked slightly away from center of the room. "Red Tornado volunteered to live here and be your supervisor. Black Canary's in charge of training. I will deploy you on missions."
A pair of sunglasses covered Robin's eyes, "Real missions?" he checked.
"Yes, but covert." Batman confirmed.
"The League will still handle the obvious stuff." Flash said as he rested a hand up from behind on Kid Flash's right shoulder. "There's a reason we have these big targets on our chest."
"But Cadmus proves the bad guys are getting smarter. Batman needs a team that can operate on the sly." Aquaman continued.
"The six of you will be that team." Batman stated.
"Cool! Wait." Robin does the very simple math and realizes the problem. "Six?"
Batman only looks over his protgé's shoulder and all four turn to see Martian Manhunter stepping out of the shadows with a green skinned, red haired teenaged girl. "This is the Martian Manhunter's niece. Miss Martian."
She raises her left hand, giving them a small wave and smile, then a shy "Hi."
Kid Flash looks down to Robin as he puts one hand on his hip, Robin in turn looks up at Kid Flash. "Liking this gig more every minute" Wally whispered, "Uh welcome aboard, I'm Kid Flash" using his thumb to point at himself.
"That's Robin," the smaller raven steps to the side and gives the Rock 'n' Roll sign.
"Aqualad" the Atlantean gives a small nod, but says nothing more. "It's cool if you forget their names."
"I'm honored to be included." Miss Martian says sincerely, clasping her hands in front of her.
Aqualad, Robin, and Kid Flash all walk over to talk to her, but Superboy stays behind. However, the Boy Wonder notices and calls out to clone "Hey Superboy, come meet Miss M!"
Superboy then walks over to the rest of the team and Miss Martian uses her shape-shifting ability to change her shirt color from white with a red X to black with the same red X.
She looks down before speaking "I like your t-shirt." she admits. Superboy gave her a small smile, which caused Robin to nudge his elbow into his chest with a smirk on his face.
"Wait" Wally called out, "You said six of us. Is Roy joining to?"
Before anybody had a chance to respond, the Zeta beam teleporter revved to life and an automated voice filled the cave, Recognized; Perseus B0-5.
The yellow light of the Zeta beam disappeared to reveal a raven haired boy dressed in an olive green shirt, brown leather jacket, blue jeans, and black shoes. The boy was carried a large duffel bag over his shoulder and he had a smile on his face.
Instantly, large smiles appeared on Wally, Robin, and Kaldur's faces, while M'gann and Superboy both share smile smiles.
"Percy!" Robin called out "You're back!"
"What made you change your mind my friend?" Kaldur asked.
Percy gave them a small grin, "I guess you could say I had an epiphany."
The group of heroes then all stood around and began to chat and laugh as they talked about their latest misadventure.
Off to the side, Black Canary was talking with Batman and Aquaman.
"I will admit, Percy interests me" Black Canary said to the group.
"I agree" Aquaman concurred "If what the team said about his water powers was true, he warrants our undivided attention."
"Agreed" Batman replied "But for now let them be. After all, today's the day."
Alright everyone that was the first chapter of Together and I really hope you all enjoyed it.
So a few things I would like to explain:
1) Yes I gave Percy some pretty basic powers. Nothing to fancy, but considering that most of the people the Team Face's are heavy hitters, I thought it would be a good addition.
2) Percy's backstory and how he ended up on the Justice League Earth is something I'm going to tease over time. I gave a few snippets of what happened that made him leave and why he was reluctant to join the team. That'll be a recurring them for some time, but don't worry. It will eventually pass.
3)Percy's armor! If you want to see Percy's armor, it's just Thor's armor from when he and Loki first confronted Hela in Norway during the movie Thor Ragnarok. It's real badass armor and I really think it looks good on Percy.
4) Guys I need you help figuring out Percy's potential love interest for this story! I have nothing against gay ships, but I am not planning to write them into this story (sorry about that). So if you could leave a review for which super heroine you think Percy should fall in love with, that would be great.
5)Finally, please leave a review guys! It lets me know what I have to work on as a writer and it'll make for a better story for you guys. However, there's no need for flames. If you don't like something just give helpful advice on how to make it better. No need to be a dick about it.
Alright guys I really hope you enjoyed this chapter. I'm not sure when I'll update so just hang tight. Don't worry though it won't be more than a month (hopefully).
This is son44 signing off. Until next time folks, and happy reading.