If you recognise it… I don't own it.
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Young Justice & Percy Jackson – Startish (Ridiculously Long)
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Robin was near the edge of the cliff, quite a distance apart from the others. He was clearly being targeted and two of the metas were in front of him, separating him.
Before Artemis could do anything to help, she noticed that Robin was verging on falling off the edge. Only just managing to stay on firm ground due to his light feet.
"Robin!" She yelled, forgetting the telepathic link.
The skater-boy glanced at her and followed her gaze.
"Cover me!" He yelled.
Artemis tried to fight her way free to help Robin. But she couldn't make any progress.
The skater-boy, however, managed to slip through. He charged at the pair of metas Robin was trying to get past.
Artemis watched in horror as the ground beneath Robin's feet gave way. The youngest of the team was falling off the cliff and there was literally nothing she could do to stop it. Miss Martian was too busy trying to fight her way back to the group, against the driving winds. Kid Flash was also finding the winds a problem. Aqualad couldn't get past the two metas that were also delaying her, Rocket and Zatana. And Superboy was fighting one of the metas one on one and not making any significant progress either.
The skater-boy reached the two metas. Almost without stopping, he decapitated the first and with the same motion plunged his sword into the second's chest.
Releasing the sword, he didn't stop his motion forward as he dived over the cliff.
He dived down, straight as an arrow. But she could tell that he wouldn't reach Robin before the boy finished falling. And even if he did, what could he do to help? The pair of them would be smashed to death on the rocks below.
But they weren't.
A huge wave surged out of the water and wrapped around, first Robin and then the skater-boy.
Then the wave fell back, having swallowed the two teens, and leaving not a trace of them behind.
Artemis tried to move to the shore. Tried to go help. But she couldn't get free.
*Robin's in the water!* She mentally yelled to all the others.
*I'll get him.* Aqualad replied instantly, *Miss Martian, I need a lift.*
*On it.* Miss Martian lifted Aqualad telekinetically and threw him towards the water's edge.
Aqualad landed easily, before moving quickly out into the deeper water.
"I wouldn't bother, if I were you." The blond remarked, even as the last meta fled.
"He could still be alive." Kid Flash snapped back, "Robin is prepared for anything!"
"I'm not saying he's dead." The blond snorted, "I know he's alive. He just won't be down there. Not anymore."
Aqualad continued moving into the water. Swimming down to the bottom he started to search for Robin.
*He's not here.* He sent via the telepathic link.
*Find anything?* Miss Martian asked him hopefully, *A clue as to where they've gone?*
*Nothing… Wait.* He spotted something glinting in the darkness.
*What is it?* Kid Flash demanded.
Aqualad swum to the item and slowly picked it up.
*It's a Birdarang.* Aqualad replied, before noticing an item next to it, *And one of Robin's Eskrima Sticks.*
*Nothing else?" KF pressed, *Rob carries a rebreather in his belt. Good for a long time underwater. He should still be fine. You sure he's not down there?*
*He's not down here.* Kal'dur confirmed, *Neither is the other boy.*
*Any sign of the other boy?* Megan asked.
*Nothing.* Kal'dur was blunt, *Someone go up the cliff and retrieve his sword.*
*You mean his stick.* Rocket corrected, *I can't find it. It's gone. Must have gone over with him… Or maybe the metas took it.*
*No it was a sword.* Kal'dur countered, *I think his partner has some questions to answer.*
*Too right he does.* Superboy retorted.
In moments, Superboy was restraining the boy, who wasn't even trying to fight.
"What do you know?" Superboy glowered.
"We were sent to help." The boy smiled, "Robin was and still is the target. This was just the first wave. We had to get him somewhere safe. He's currently en-route."
"Who is targeting him?" Rocket cut to the point.
"Not entirely certain." The blond was equally blunt, "But they'll kill him if they can. Our job is to stop that from happening."
"Where is your friend going with Robin?" Kid Flash demanded.
"I don't know." The blond stranger shrugged.
"Who are you?" Artemis snarled.
"Jason Grace." Jason replied calmly, "The exchange. Again."
There was a hint of amusement in his smile. Though he never actually laughed, it was clear that he found something highly amusing.
"Who is your friend?" Aqualad snapped.
"His father's favourite son. And probably technically my cousin." Jason smiled, "And I would not go after him. Not even an Atlantean could beat him in water."
"You have never seen an Atlantean swim." Aqualad retorted.
"You haven't seen him swim." Jason countered, "I do not know where he is going. And I do not know when he will get there. What I do know is that he will contact me when he is able. I am then to pass the message on to you. I also know that Robin is safe with him."
"Why should we trust you?" Superboy almost spat, "You won't even give him a name!"
"Because this was an exchange." Jason was calm, "I stay with you, while Robin goes with my friend. And, just so you understand, I am of equal value to my friend. If I had had the better opportunity, he would have stayed and I would have gone. I will not betray him. He will give you his name, when he is ready."
"Trulb tou eman s'dneirf rouy." Zatanna incanted.
"It's…" Then Jason tailed off, before smiling, "Good try. But it'll take more than that. You're strong."
"So are you." Zatanna blinked, "I've never had anyone shrug off that spell before."
"You should try arguing with my girlfriend some time." Jason shrugged, "Are we leaving? I don't think you want to wait for him to contact me out here… For one thing, I don't know how long it will take."
"If they don't come under another attack." KF countered, "Rob could be fighting for his life right now!"
"I doubt it." Jason returned calmly, "My friend is very good and very fast. Plus he has access to resources that I don't. Very few enemies can catch him in water. And he will be making your friend's safety a top priority."
"You don't even know where he is going." Zatanna pointed out.
"What I don't know I can't be made to tell." Jason reminded, "I have more information, but I will not give it to a Centurion. I will tell it to the Praetors in the Forum."
"What?" Rocket blinked.
"Your Mentors." Jason shook his head, "Sorry, I was raised Roman."
"You mean Italian." Miss Martian countered.
"No." Jason grinned, "Roman. There's a difference. Bit of a big one."
"If you are to come with us," Aqualad spoke slowly, "You will have to be bound and blindfolded."
"I was expecting that." Jason conceded, "Hurt me intentionally, and you will regret it."
"You will hurt us?" Superboy sneered.
"No." Jason snorted, "My girlfriend will."
"You have a girlfriend?" Rocket asked without thinking.
"Is that so surprising? I have mentioned her already." Jason retorted, "Let's just get this bit over with. I'd like to be in a fixed location when I'm contacted."
"You don't have a phone." Artemis pointed out, having briskly frisked him.
"I never said it would be a phone call." Jason countered, "Besides I don't own a phone. Never have done. Never will do."
"Then how will he contact you when he does not know where you will be?" Aqualad frowned.
"The Gods will provide." Jason smiled calmly, "They always do. Do you want my hands in front or behind?"
"You are taking this very calmly." Rocket was puzzled.
"You aren't half as frightening as some of the things I've faced." Jason shrugged, "And some of those were on my side. Hands front or back?"
"What have you faced that's worse than us?" KF asked, "Hands front. I want to be able to see them."
"My mate's dog and his little brother for a start." Jason replied, even as he complied, "My sister for a third. Though she should probably come first."
"You seem rather open." Artemis frowned.
"And nothing I've told you really helps." Jason returned, "Because I don't know anything that will actually help you. Not right now."
"His name won't help?" Zatanna pressed.
"No." Jason shook his head, "Because it won't lead you where he's going. Just like mine never would have. He won't hurt Robin. He would risk his life to protect a stranger… The World for a friend. I hate to think what he'd do for his family. He's possibly worse than me in that respect. Though it's a close run thing. Are we leaving?"
"You are very calm." Aqualad pointed out, once again.
"If I didn't want to be here," Jason smiled slightly, "You couldn't keep me."
"We've been doing this a lot longer than you." Artemis snapped.
"Have you?" Jason raised an eyebrow, "Are you sure?"
"We'd have heard of you." Rocket retorted.
"Would you?" Jason replied once again.
"Robs would have. And he'd have told me." KF supplied.
"There are more things in Heaven and Earth." Jason stated.
There was a moment's breath, before anyone responded to that.
*Anyone get what he means?* Superboy asked.
*There are more things in Heaven and Earth than are dreamt of in your Philosophy.* Artemis supplied, *Basically he's saying we don't know everything.*
*Take it that Cadmus didn't think Shakespeare was important.* KF shrugged.
*Get him in the Bioship.* Aqualad ordered, *M'gann contact your uncle and have the League meet us at the Mount. Give them all the details we have.*
*We can deal with this ourselves.* Rocket protested.
*We cannot put Robin's life at risk, because of our pride.* Kal'dur pointed out, *And I will not condone torture. He won't talk to us… He will talk to Batman.*
*And Batman would kill us if we didn't tell him that Robin was kidnapped.* KF put in, *You do not want to see an angry Bat. Particularly when it comes to his Baby Bird.*
*Does Robin know you call him that?* Zatanna asked.
*All of the League does.* KF replied, *That's who he is to them. Batman's Baby Bird.*
They were moving towards the Bioship. Jason held in place by the cuffs around his wrists, which KF had produced from a pocket, a blindfold, which Zatanna had formed out of a silk scarf, and Superboy's firm grip on one arm.
But he offered no resistance, easily settling into the seat that Superboy chooses. He barely moves as Miss Martian adds restraints to the seat, more than is required as seatbelts.
It didn't seem fair to Zatanna. That this… This kidnapper could sit so calmly surrounded on all sides by his enemy. A prisoner.
In fact he sat almost regally. As if he were the one in control. And Zatanna knew that if they removed the bindings, he would look like some sort of Roman statue… Or a blond Superboy.
*He is not normal.* She reported even as she shuddered.
*We know.* Rocket agreed, *M'gann, what did Martian Manhunter say?*
*We are to report to the Mount,* M'gann replied, *The League will meet us there… Batman is… Upset.*
*You mean he's spitting blood and brooding.* KF translated.
*Does anyone have any extra information?* Kal'dur asked, *M'gann, mention that he believes that the other could outswim an Atlantean.*
*I have done.* M'gann nodded, *Also that the water moved up to save Robin from the rocks.*
*They want him alive.* Artemis muttered.
*Still a fall from that height,* Zatanna put in, *Even into water… He could have broken bones.*
*I couldn't sense any blood.* Kal'dur admitted after a long pause.
*You can do that?* Rocket frowned.
*Yes.* Kal'dur nodded, *It is not a common skill… Does anyone have any information on the other?*
*I remember what one of them called him." KF put in, *It stuck in my head because it sounded really Harry Potter… Half-Blood.*
*How did he take it?* Artemis asked.
*Like it was a compliment.* KF replied, *Mentioned he was proud of it.*
*Half-Blood?" Zatanna thought slowly, *Like half human, half something else?*
*Maybe.* KF agreed.
*He's not Kryptonian.* Superboy declared firmly.
*No,* M'gann added, *But he might be something else. Not Martian though.*
*Did anyone else notice the guy's tattoo?* KF asked, *On his arm. Eagle, four letters, twelve lines.*
*What are the letters?* Rocket frowned.
*SPQR.* KF supplied quickly.
*Senatus Populusque Romanus,* Superboy stated, *The Senate and People of Rome. The motto of the Roman Empire. Originally forged during the Republic, but kept by the Emperors.*
*Cadmus gave you that, but forgot to include Shakespeare?* KF blurted out.
*Luthor, I reckon.* Artemis declared, *Anyway… Roman cult? He did say he was raised Roman.*
*Did the other boy have a similar mark?* Rocket concentrated on the problem.
*I didn't see it.* KF shrugged.
*He was wearing long sleeves.* Kal'dur pointed out, *We wouldn't have been able to.*
*I'm sorry,* Zatanna shuddered, *But is it just me or is he too calm?*
*No.* Artemis shook her head, *He's too calm. It's like he's the one in control.*
*He won't be thinking that when Batman starts in on him.* KF shuddered, *He's not reasonable when Robin's safety is involved.*
*He's that bad?* Artemis blinked.
*Look," KF sighed, *The Flash is my uncle. And that's cool. But Batman… He's Rob's dad. And an overprotective one at that. You don't want to know about the List of Rules for when Superman used to babysit… A copy got passed round the League, years ago. It's slightly scary.*
*In what way?* Rocket asked, everyone turned to glare at her, *What? You've got to admit the idea of Batman being… Well, almost human? It's kinda odd.*
*But it's the way it is.* KF shrugged, *That's the way it's always been. I think that's why Flash and Aquaman and Green Arrow took us on in the first place… Because they all thought that if Batman could be such a good father figure that they could do so too… A sort of one-upmanship competition.*
*That's why the whole partner thing started?* Artemis is appalled and slightly indignant.
Before anyone could say anything else M'gann was settling the Bioship down in the cavern that was used as a hanger.
Superboy roughly grabbed Jason, but was careful enough not to cause any harm. He didn't want Black Canary upset at him after all.
The Team moved quickly into the Mission Room. Despite the large size of the room, it didn't feel big enough for the League at that moment.
It wasn't even as if all of the League was present. Wonder Woman wasn't there and neither were the Hawks.
However with the Flash pacing in circles at a speed which might cause the floor to have a permanent wear pattern… With Superman hovering a good two feet off the floor… With Black Canary fidgeting…. With Green Arrow checking his bow and arrows… With all of the League clearly worried…
Apart from Batman. He stood off to one side, near the shadows. Away from the chaos. Just standing there. As if nothing could phase him. As if nothing had happened.
Only he wouldn't have been there if nothing had happened.
As the Team were spotted, the mood of the room quickly changed. Those members of the League who were hovering or floating, sank back down to the floor. Automatically, without thinking, they form two lines, leading the way to Batman.
The Team walked down, Aqualad leading, Superboy following with Jason. The others sort of clustered behind.
The room was unnaturally silent. It made the Team uncomfortable, and while they could have spoken silently among themselves, they didn't. It didn't see right.
Yet despite all of that… All of the tension that was practically tangible in the air… Jason still moved as if he were in control.
Some of that might have been due to the blindfold making it impossible for him to see just how many people were scowling at him.
They stopped about five metres in front of Batman. Superman was just off to Batman's right, with Black Canary taking the other spot on Batman's left, with Red Tornado next to her.
At Batman's nod, the blindfold was removed. Aqualad quietly and discretely let it hang behind his back, so that it could make its way through the other members of the Team, until it reached Zatanna and disappeared into one of her many pockets.
Much to everyone's surprise, Jason met Batman's gaze head on. Without flinching.
In fact, he straightened up slightly, as if rising to attention… No, more as if he were matching Batman. Somehow making himself just as imposing as Batman… Just as authoritive.
The pair of them stood there. Facing off.
It was clear that Batman was trying to use silence as a weapon. To make Jason uncomfortable so that he would fill the silence himself.
But Jason seemed just as comfortable as Batman.
In fact it was Superman that twitched first.
"Jason Grace," Batman glowered, "Reported missing by his sister Thalia Grace at the age of two. Police never investigated. Thalia Grace ran away. Neither child has been seen again since then. Jason Grace would be seventeen years old. Thalia Grace would be twenty four. If either of them were still alive."
"Thalia's fifteen." Jason replied calmly.
"She is seven years older than Jason Grace." Batman countered, "You cannot claim to be her brother and not know that."
"I know she should be twenty four." Jason shrugged, "But I also know she's fifteen. She'll be fifteen until the day she dies or the day she breaks her oath. And you'll never find her. Not unless she wants you to find her. And that won't happen. You can't even find out where I've been these past fifteen years. And I was the easier one to find."
"I will find out." Batman snarled.
"No. You won't." Jason retorted, "Just like you won't find Robin. Not without help."
"Who is your ally?" Batman snapped.
"That is for him to tell you." Jason stated.
"Where has he taken Robin?" Batman demanded.
"I don't know." Jason replied calmly, "He could have taken Robin anywhere. We both agreed that if there was a situation, which meant that one of us had to grab him and one of us had to stay then we would not tell the other where we would seek sanctuary. I would have taken him to Camp Jupiter. But then I'm Roman. He's Greek. Could have gone anywhere."
"And that means something to you?" Black Canary snapped.
"Of course." Jason nodded, "It means we had very different upbringings."
"You were abandoned by your mother at the age of two," Batman declared, "Are all your people similarly abandoned?"
"No." Jason shook his head, "Some of us actually come from pretty decent homes. And I wasn't abandoned. My mother did as she was told. She gave me to my father's wife. For my safety."
"Your safety?" Batman pressed.
"Your father's wife?" Black Canary blinked, "You're the product of an affair?"
"Yes." Jason was blunt, "Trust me, I got off lightly. My father's wife does not take his infidelity lightly. By naming me after her favourite hero and entrusting me to her care… It was the safest he could make me."
"Safest?" Superman put in, "She abused you?"
"No." Jason shrugged, "She is my Patron. But I've heard what she's done to some of my father's other children… She at least never raised a hand against me. Not in anger."
"You were raised by the Cult then." Batman stated.
"Cult?" Jason blinked, "You think I'm part of a… Well, I suppose… It's sort of true. Can we get back to the main subject here though?… This is the Forum after all. And the Senate is in session."
"You were really raised Roman, kid?" Black Canary frowned.
"If the mark on my arm doesn't prove it…" Jason smiled, "I'm a Praetor."
"We would have heard of a Roman style Cult." Superman countered.
"No," Jason shook his head, "You wouldn't. Unless you're one of us… Unless you know us… You won't find us. Camp Jupiter is hidden from your eyes… And I doubt Robin is there… My cousin has friends there, but also powerful enemies. They wouldn't hurt Robin… But they'd certainly separate the two. And of all the people in the world I'd trust Robin's safety to him over anyone apart from myself."
"So where would you expect him to go?" Green Arrow put in, "He's your cousin. You must know him pretty well."
"No." Jason snorted, "We only met about a year ago. We're just very similar personalities. And we learnt about each other through our friends. I met his. He met mine. Then we met each other. We just clicked… But as for where he would go? I don't know. He's unpredictable. Like his father. That's the one main difference between us… It's not just his upbringing. It's the way he is. I could give you a list of places… And I bet he wouldn't be in a single one of them… "
"How do you plan to contact him then?" Superman asked.
"I don't." Jason shrugged, "He'll contact me."
"How?" Black Canary frowned, "You don't have a phone."
"The Gods will provide." Jason grinned wickedly.
Suddenly, as if in answer to Jason's words, the air in front of him shimmered. Then an image appeared.
It was the other boy. His bright green eyes clearly visible and sparkling with delight. He was facing Jason, a wide grin on his face.
"Cousin." Jason greeted.
"You in the Forum?" The boy looked around slightly, "Looks like you are… And you're not properly dressed for it."
"I don't think they'd have appreciated it if I asked them if they could wait a moment while I put on my toga." Jason returned quickly, "Besides, I didn't pack it, and anyway…"
Jason held up his hands to show off his cuffs.
"Cool!" The boy laughed, "That's a new one."
"Yours didn't try?" Jason asked.
"Cuff the guy that's towing him underwater and keeping him alive?" The boy raised an eyebrow, "He's not that stupid. How much do they know?"
"My name." Jason shrugged, "That Robin's in danger… That's about it."
"Playing it close, huh?" The boy smiled.
"Where's Robin?" Batman snapped, having walked around the image to face it.
"Hey, Robs!" The boy yelled off to one side, "Your boss wants to talk to you."
"Not boss," Jason interrupted, "Father."
"Really?" The boy blinked in surprise, "You sure?"
"Hey, my dad may not be winning any parenting awards this millennia. But I know a father when I see one." Jason returned.
Robin appeared in the visual. His mask was still firmly attached. A bruise was starting to develop on his temple. But despite that he didn't look stressed or under duress or even restrained.
"Rob!" KF dashed forward, one arm going through the image in his excitement.
Instantly the image vanished.
"Don't do that!" Jason spun and caught KF's wrist, "Touch the image and we lose the connection. And he isn't made of money!"
"He has to pay for the… Connection?" Kal'dur asked confused.
"Of course." Jason nodded.
"Is it technology or magic?" The Atom spoke up.
"Can't be magic," Zatanna breathed, "I didn't feel anything. I usually feel something when there's magic going on near me."
Any further discussion was prevented by the image appearing once more, this time both Robin and the boy were in the frame.
"Don't do that again," The boy instructed firmly, "Someone your end breaks the connection again I am not paying for a third call today."
"I already told them that, Seaweed Brain." Jason snorted.
"Thank you, Sparky." The boy retorted, "Now… You probably want some information. And seeing how Jason has been keeping his mouth fairly shut, I'd better start. My name is Percy Jackson. Perseus, if you look at my birth certificate. But I go by Percy."
"Why did you take Robin?" Batman demanded.
"Because he was the target." Percy was blunt, "They wanted him dead. And the ones that sent them? They still want him dead. His Team can't protect him. They can't even see what we fight. He was a sitting duck. I got him away so that the threat would leave his friends. They won't target them… I don't think they're that smart."
"Or maybe they're smart enough not to." Jason took up the thread, "They know what might happen if they did."
"True." Percy nodded, "Robin can see the threats. And we can teach him how to fight them. Equip him so that he's able to fight back. And hopefully, together, we can fix the main problem."
"The Prophecy." Jason agreed.
"Who are you to make such decisions for us?" Aquaman stepped forward, "You are but a child still."
"Who I am is Percy Jackson." Percy replied, "What right do I have? No right. More of a responsibility. I know the burden he carries. Carried it myself once. Alone. It was not easy."
"No, it's not." Jason agreed, "Never will be. But he has my sword."
"And mine." Percy finished, "I may be a child in your eyes. But I have seen war. And fought it."
"You sound like you are pledging yourself to his cause." Hal Jordan frowned.
"No, to his deed." Percy shook his head, "It is not a decision to be made lightly. Were I to have my way, he never would have been involved. But it was not our decision. He was chosen by Powers far above us. I know not why. I know not what for."
"But we know what the cost could be." Jason nodded, "Maybe we did this the wrong way. But we didn't exactly have a lot of choice."
"You could have approached us directly." Superman challenged, "Told us that Robin was in danger."
"We didn't know it was him." Jason countered, "Just that it was one of you. One of the Heroes of the Mortal World. We did not know who, until we arrived on that cliff."
"As it was we were nearly too late." Percy sighed, "Nearly too slow… Had it been anyone other than the two of us…"
"It would have been too late." Jason nodded, "Of all of those who were looking, only we two could have stopped Robin's fall."
"Death Breath might have," Percy conceded after a moment, "Depends on how prepared he was… He might even have gotten there fast enough so that Robin wouldn't have fallen."
"What right do you have to take Robin from those who love him?" Aquaman cut across the pair, "What right do you have to make decisions for us? What right do you have to say what is the best for him?"
"What right do you have to question us?" Percy retorted, "I don't know who you are."
For a moment there was stunned silence.
"He's not joking," Jason put in, "We've not exactly been keeping up to date on who you all are… Until recently I barely even knew you lot existed."
"He's been a little insulated." Percy grinned.
"I thought I was doing well in that I could identify Superman." Jason shrugged.
"I was a little better," Percy snickered, "I could manage Superman, Batman, Robin, Wonder Woman, Green Arrow, Flash and Black Canary. Of course that was before we were briefed on potentials for the target… You weren't one of them. Who are you?"
"I am Aquaman," The reply came after a shocked pause, "King Orin of Atlantis, Poseidonis and the Seven Seas."
"You are not the ruler of the Seas." Percy's tone was reprimanding, "Do not claim a title you have no right to."
"I am Lord of the Seven Seas." Aquaman returned calmly, "It is my title by birth-right."
"It was never yours to claim in the first place." Percy's voice was lower this time… Angrier, "I do not deny that you are King of Atlantis. But the Seas are not yours to claim."
"You know not what you talk about, child." Aquaman stated, "I am King of the Seven Seas."
Percy's eyes grew hard and when he spoke it was in a language that they didn't understand. The words rolling off his lips were clearly filled with anger and disgust and fury. They were also flowing at a steady pace, lumbering but with intent, like a furious bear. The anger and the fury in his voice and eyes prevented anyone from moving or objecting.
Finally he paused for a breath. He turned his eyes from where they had transfixed Aquaman, to face Jason.
"Jason," Percy's voice was firm, "Fill them in on who we are. Don't call me. I'll call later. Need to breathe."
He waved his hand through the image, breaking the connection.
"And you couldn't have backed off?" Jason turned on Aquaman, "Percy doesn't have much of a temper, but you had to push his biggest button. Di Immortales!"
"Will he hurt Robin?" KF asked before anyone else could say anything.
"Hurt Robin?" Jason looked confused, "No… No. Percy's angry. But he wouldn't do that. It's not his nature. Robin's safe. It's Percy I'm worried about. I've never seen him that angry."
"What was he saying?" Artemis pressed.
"I don't know what he said." Jason shrugged, "It was Greek. I'm Roman."
"It was several anatomically impossible things." Wonder Woman declared, having arrived by Zeta-tube only moments before Percy's rant, "His Ancient Greek is impressive for one not raised in the culture."
"Cabin Five I bet." Jason half-smiled, "Always good for an oath."
"Where was he?" Batman demanded.
"I don't know." Jason replied, "It was pretty generic. But I don't think I've been there. It's not Camp… Either of them. And it's not New York… Though if Percy thinks he's safe there… There's water nearby. Probably saltwater, Percy prefers it. But that still leaves you a lot territory to cover. Best to wait for him to call back."
"Is there any way to trace the calls?" Batman snapped.
"None," Jason was swift to reply, "That I know of anyway. You could ask the messenger. But I don't know where she is… Or who Percy used."
"There was no messenger." M'gann frowned.
"Just because you didn't see one doesn't mean there wasn't one." Jason returned, "I can think of two he could have used."
Any further discussion was stopped by the sound of stone moving against stone.
Every head turned to look at the source of the sound. It was one of the stone slabs that made up the floor, moving upwards and then to one side.
*Did you know there was a tunnel there?* Zatanna asked the rest of the Team.
*No.* Was the chorus of response.
*Robin might.* Artemis supplied after a moment's pause.
A head popped up through the hole, looking around. It was a girl, about sixteen years old. Dark brown skin and hair.
"Found them!" She chirped downwards, "Well… One of them anyway…"
She pulled herself up into the room. Jason moved through the Heroes to help her up to her feet.
"Hey Haze." He smiled at her, "You got our message then."
"Yes, and they are not happy." The next person out the tunnel replied.
It was a boy of about the same age. A distinct Asian cast to his features, a slightly baby-face, which didn't seem to fit with his stocky frame and military short black hair.
He helped another girl out of the tunnel. Her skin was dark, but not as dark as Haze's. Her hair cropped unevenly short, with two thin braids. She saw Jason and smiled. Her smile lighting up her whole face and transforming her from a beauty into a Beauty Queen.
Reaching up she pulled Jason down into a soul-searing kiss.
*Ok-ay, I'm thinking girl-friend.* Rocket remarked.
The girl pulled back and smiled as Jason leant his head down to rest his forehead on hers.
"No hug?" She asked.
"Kinda tied up, Pipes." He held up his hands to show the cuffs.
"Leo." She turned to the latest child to emerge from the tunnel.
He was short, particularly compared to Jason. Even shorter than the other boy. With curly black hair, innocent smile, pointed ears, and a bounce in his step. He was clearly of Latino decent.
"I got it." He bounced over to Jason, pulling equipment out of his tool-belt as he did so.
The cuffs were in Leo's hands in mere seconds.
"Do me a favour," Leo muttered, "Next time get cuffed with something decent. These are pathetic… Can I keep them?"
"If they're that bad, why would you want to?" A new figure asked.
This one was again a male, with shaggy, black hair that looked as if he'd just gotten out of bed. His skin was almost unnaturally pale, which was only enhanced by his black clothing.
"I think I can do something with them." Leo shrugged.
He tucked the cuffs into his tool-belt.
"Jason." The last person out the tunnel looked at the former prisoner.
She had curly blonde hair with a single white streak, and a determined stance. Surprisingly she had a blue baseball cap hanging off her belt.
"Where's my boyfriend?" She asked.
"With the Hero of the Prophecy." Jason replied quickly.
"And where are they then?" She pressed.
"I don't know." Jason answered after a short pause, "He's safe though. I swear, last I saw of Percy he was fine."
"How did you get separated?" The pale boy asked.
"The Hero fell." Jason was apologetic, "Off a cliff. Percy was in the best position. He grabbed and ran. Safest thing. Get the target away. He checked in about five minutes ago. Looked fine. Both of them. Bruise on the Hero's temple. Not from us."
"You were under attack?" Pipes frowned.
"Three Scythian Dracanae and two Venti." Jason nodded, "The heroes were doing pretty well, before we turned up. Out of their depth, of course. But doing well."
"Why did Percy cut the IM?" The blonde asked, "That's not like him. Not without telling you where he is."
"He got upset." Jason sighed, "Aquaman over there, declared he was King of the Seven Seas."
All six of the newcomers took in a hiss breath.
"He did what?!" The pale boy blinked, "That's… That's… What do they know?"
"My name, his name," Jason started listing, "That we were told someone was in danger, but not who. That there's a Prophecy, thought I don't think they took that on-board. Apart from that… Nothing. Oh, but they think I'm part of a Roman style cult."
"That's a new one." Haze snorted, "Why?"
Jason simply twisted his arm, to show off his mark.
"In that case," The Asian boy grinned, "So are we."
Both he and Haze revealed similar marks on their arms, though neither had the Eagle. The boy had a pair of crossed lines with one bar beneath the letters. Haze had some sort of symbol and once again a single bar.
"How badly did Percy take the claim?" The pale boy pressed.
"He swore, at length, in Ancient Greek," Kal'dur reported, "Then disconnected the connection. After instructing us not to call him. He also said that we were to be told who he is. However we know who he is. He told us his name."
"You got off lightly," The pale boy remarked, "I probably would have taken a similar comment even worse… And I don't get along with my father as well as Percy does."
"None of us get along with them as well as Percy does." The blonde sighed, "And loyalty is his Fatal Flaw."
"Sounds more like an asset to me." Rocket frowned.
"The worst of flaws are good in moderation." The blonde countered, "We need to tell them who we are."
"Agreed." The pale boy nodded, "Jason, you go first. You're technically ranking."
"Who goes after that?" Leo pressed, "Are we going descending ranks or Roman then Greek?… Where do we rank anyway? I'm not certain."
"Jason," The blonde instructed, "Then the rest of us as we feel like it. I'm last and I'll do Percy."
"Seems fair." Pipes shrugged, "Jason?"
"Not all the titles." Leo put in, "Doubt they'd get half of them."
"Alright." Jason grinned.
He turned to face the Justice League and the Team. He easily fell into what looked suspiciously like parade-rest.
"Jason Grace," He declared, "Consul to demigods. Praetor of the Twelfth Legion. Counsellor of Cabin One. Son of Jupiter."
"Piper McLean," Pipes stepped forward to Jason's side, "Counsellor of Cabin Ten. Daughter of Aphrodite."
"Leo Valdez," Leo moved to Piper's other side, "Counsellor of Cabin Nine. Son of Hephaestus."
"Hazel Levesque," Haze moved to bracket Jason, "Matriculae of the Twelfth Legion. Daughter of Pluto."
"Frank Zhang," The Asian boy stepped up, "Centurion of the Twelfth Legion. Son of Mars."
"Nico di Angelo," The pale boy stated, "Counsellor of Cabin Thirteen. Son of Hades."
"Annabeth Chase," The blonde spoke up, "Counsellor of Cabin Six. Daughter of Athena."
She moved so that she was slightly forward of the others.
"And Percy Jackson is Counsellor of Cabin Three. Consul to Demigods. Praetor of the Twelfth Legion. Son of the Storm-Maker, Earth-Shaker, Lord of Horses. The son of Poseidon himself."
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If you've made it this far, well done! Sorry about the ridiculous length, but the muse really wanted to get to this bit.
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