(a/n: if you're getting a notification for this chapter twice, I've had to delete it and re-upload it because some parts were coming out in bold (when they're not supposed to) also! I was a space cadet and they're not fighting gorgons ha ha I've changed it after some people (who are way smarter than me) reminded me that gorgons are medusa's sisters. so yeah, let's just roll with the change and keep having a good time!)
chapter ten: the party gets started
"Alpha, Beta squad," Nightwing calls without turning his attention away from the screen. Tim can see algorithms and expressions flash across the screen as data is analysed and sorted, most at risk-sectors, dispersion of first responders, highest concentration of monsters suddenly appearing out of nowhere. "Suit up and be back here in three minutes."
"Aye, aye, bossman," Bart, or maybe Gar, calls back. Tim can hear the sound of rapid footsteps as the other heroes leave and Tim is grateful that he decided to forgo civies today; changing into his uniform in a rush can be an absolute pain. (People say Bruce is one of the smartest people in the world (except when it comes to culinary skills), but Clark Kent wearing his costume under his clothes for max efficiency? Absolute freaking genius).
Beside Tim, Barbara waves a hand in Dick's direction. "'Wing, check this out."
Tim peers over to look at the schematics along with his brother. "You sure that's accurate?" At Babs' unimpressed look Tim quickly offers her a cheeky smile. "I mean, of course it is, you ran the numbers."
"It's great how things just always seem to get worse," Dick mutters. He uses two fingers to double-tap one of the screens and then frowns. "We're stretching ourselves really thin to cover every location. What other Leaguers can Canary send to assist?"
Barbara grimaces and pulls up a list of active Justice League members, no doubt looking for potential back-up. "This really couldn't be better timing." Her sarcasm is obvious.
Tim glances at them and shifts closer to pull up a different window, an idea popping to mind. "Well, it's not like Gotham doesn't have plenty of birds and bats in the area," he says nonchalantly. It doesn't quite work, because Tim knows that both Dick and Babs can read him like an open book in this area, despite his best efforts.
"It's worth a shot," Barbara considers, looking at Nightwing.
Dick runs a hand through his hair, clearly deliberating. "Fine, you're right. But if things get out of hand I am not sitting through the lecture by myself."
"You're such a baby," Babs rolls her eyes as Tim can't help but grin.
"Yet you love me anyways," Dick smiles prettily back before switching frequencies and stepping out of earshot of the others, speaking into his comm. "Hey, it's me."
"Um, Batgirl, Kaldur."
Tim copies Babs' head movement and turns to look at Annabeth. She's staring at Tim's brother, who's off to the side now and speaking low enough that Tim can't hear (sadly) before switching her attention to the other two senior heroes. Her expression of determination is strong enough to remind Tim a little bit of Cass.
Annabeth steps forward, glancing from the screen above Tim's head and then back to Barbara. "We're coming with you."
You don't need to be Babs to have predicted that, Tim thinks while glancing at Kaldur to gauge his reaction. There isn't one, really, except a furrow in his brow and Annabeth continues before he can respond.
"We know how to fight monsters," Her words have caught the attention of the other demigods and heroes in the room, who pause their conversations to listen in. "We have the experience, abilities, and weapons for it. You're stretched thin covering a lot of ground; we can help."
Nico nods, adding, "only Imperial Gold or Celestial Bronze can touch those monsters."
"And it just so happens that," Leo walks forward, leaning an elbow on Percy's shoulder. Percy's just short enough that it works. "That's exactly what our blades are made of."
Tim honestly really wants to know how a freaking laser blast or small bomb or ripping them apart wouldn't somehow touch the Greek monsters, but he knows to table his question because Kaldur is shaking his head despite the demigod's argument.
"I do not think that is wise," he says. (Tim has always been just slightly jealous of Kaldur's accent; it makes his statements sound like polite requests but ones you'd better listen to). "First, as we've just witnessed, your own powers could be altered," his gaze is steady and it switches briefly from Annabeth to Percy. "I do not believe I need to state the potential hazard that poses. Second, this is a world you are wholly unfamiliar with and despite your experiences, defeating monsters is vastly different from disarming a violent criminal without injuring them, yourself, or others. Third, the very appearance of these monsters could be a ploy to gain yours. So while I understand your desire, I do not believe it is prudent."
There's a pause of silence in the Cave, only broken by the sound of Babs doing something with holographic monitors and Dick's muted conversation and Tim can feel the tension start to rise. (Bruce would be so proud of Kaldur; look at that logical reasoning delivered succinctly and to the point.) Annabeth and Jason look almost...shocked by Kaldur's response, Leo and Percy raising both and one eyebrow respectively and Nico's frown is more pronounced.
Tim watches as Conner narrows his eyes (because yes Kaldur has some solid points but also the demigods are strong and can fight. Percy and Jason's spar is proof enough) before beginning to speak but whatever it is Conner was going to say is cut off by Jason.
"I'm sorry," he says, stepping forward. "But no."
Tim coughs slightly to cover a laugh because that's one way to start a conversation. (Generally not the smartest tactic).
"Okay well," Leo interjects, somewhat distractedly. Leo, like the other demigods, is wearing the clothes Babs and Kaldur had provided (simple jeans, a plain black v-neck and jacket). Leo must have either stolen Jason's or given Babs the wrong size because his jacket is definitely too big on him, making him look a little bit like a well-dressed hobo, complete with the crazy hair. "Percy's brother from another universe has some valid points."
"Leo," Piper and Jason sigh at the same time. Tim is suddenly hit with a memory of Nightwing and Wally saying "Bart," in their exact same tone of voice.
Percy shoots Leo a look before firmly responding, his tone polite yet pointed. "To be fair, yeah, your reasoning makes sense, I get it. But Kaldur, leaving us here while you go off trying to save lives and deal with a shitton of monsters at the same time? That doesn't." Percy's accent is more pronounced now; it's similar to a New York accent but slightly different, too. "We can help; this is what we're trained to do. And regardless of the danger it poses to ourselves, hiding in this cave while civilians are being hurt isn't right." There's a fierce gleam in Percy's eyes and something about his stance reminds Tim of Jason. "We're demigods; handling that mess out there is practically our job description."
Annabeth nods in agreement. "We might still have way too many questions, and I mean, way too many, but you cannot tell me you think those monsters showing up now are a coincidence. Whatever's happening out there, it concerns us."
Okay, points to the defence, Tim thinks. Percy and Annabeth make a pretty solid unified team.
"We respect your position," Annabeth continues, turning her gaze from Aqualad to Nightwing, who is still speaking on his comm, before switching to Barbra. "But we are totally experienced with diving headfirst into unknown environments and adapting as we go. We're not helpless, and," she enunciates clearly, "we aren't prisoners."
Tim can practically hear the unspoken "are we?" hanging at the end of Annabeth's sentence. It's impressive, honestly, how she was able to turn the conversation around; Kaldur's lips are drawn in a thin line. The tension is slowly climbing and Tim can see his teammates shift slightly.
"I need to get ready," Babs mutters as she hits a final keystroke. She motions to Dick to get back here, now, as one of the demigods, Jason, replies. Tim doesn't hear what he says exactly because he's focusing on watching Dick's expression as he finishes the call, but it doesn't give anything away. "There's an argument about who's invited to the party, have fun," Babs quickly catches Dick up, grinning when he groans quietly.
"From one pleasant conversation to another," Dick rolls his eyes (the action done enough times that Tim can tell even with the mask on) and steps forward towards the others. Barbara closes the holographic screens, mouthing to Tim 'I want all the tea when I get back.'
Tim flashes her a thumbs up, looking back to observe the rest of the room's occupants. At some point while Tim was distracted Artemis must have rejoined the group, geared up and ready to go. Her lips are pursed and beside her, Conner is slightly scowling.
Tim can remember a time when his mother had taken him to a concert- Concerto for Flute, Harp, and Orchestra in C major by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. His mother was always more inclined to listen to Sibelius or Shostakovich's symphony No. 5 in D minor, Op. 47, but she always had a special love for the harp. "They're majestic, and sound lovely," Janet explained, her perfectly manicured red nails typing away on her phone. "But so delicate; if their environment changes and the wood is under too much pressure, the strings will snap and break." The color of her nails perfectly matched the color of her lips. "Just like people." Tim isn't sure why this particular memory is suddenly popping into his mind but the confidence and assurity with which Annabeth is standing and speaking reminds Tim vaguely of his mother; a woman who makes her own plans.
"No, you're not," Conner is saying as he crosses his arms across his chest, and Tim has a feeling that this conversation needs to come to a conclusion, pronto. "But rushing into a situation without thinking through your options isn't helpful; it's stupid."
Tim agrees and he can actually hear Bruce's voice inside his head; "those who fail to plan, plan to fail."
A faint scowl crosses Nico's features. "We know that," he snaps. "And we also know-"
Kaldur demures, "I would not put it so bluntly but I agree. For all we are aware this could be a strategy to get you exactly where-"
Annabeth shakes her head, exasperation evident on her features. "Okay yes, I mean. Look, I'm sorry if we're being difficult but you have to understand how impossible it is for us to just sit here and not do anything-"
"And she means that literally; like, we all have serious ADHD-" Leo cuts in.
"And," Annabeth juts her chin towards the monitor. "We don't even know who, or what, we'd be trying to avoid by staying here."
"Agreed," Jason says. "Plus, we can give you guys some cover-"
"We understand, it's not easy," Artemis raises a hand calmly. "But think about it rationally-"
Piper glares, her shoulders raised defensively. "Listen, we aren't-"
"Enough."
Piper's lips snap close as Dick waves a hand through the monitors, the screens disappearing as he does. Tim isn't sure if it's the stress of the last few days, a lack of coffee, worry for Bruce or just a mix of all three but Tim can tell that now is not the time to ignore him.
He levels a pointed look at the demigods. "We don't have time to continue this debate, so I'll make this simple. Kaldur's logic makes complete sense, and taking into consideration all the current unknown variables, smart. However," Dick lifts a hand to stop any interruptions, "I see your points, and in this situation, am going to agree."
Tim wishes the demigods knew just how lucky they are that it's Dick who's in charge of Young Justice, and not Bruce or Dinah. Dick's a truly good leader who knows how to communicate clearly and is able to take into consideration both sides' thoughts and feelings. It's a ridiculously difficult skill to acquire and an even harder one to utilize well, and Tim is sometimes overwhelmed because how do you live up to Dick Grayson?
"No, you're not prisoners here, and yes, we all want answers to our way too many questions," Dick's expression isn't quite a glare, but it's getting close. "I said it before and I'll say it again; you're not alone in this. Which means that however the hell this mess outside relates to you, we're all involved."
Nico and Percy are nodding, their expressions genuine and Tim can relate to the slightly embarrassed expressions on Piper and Jason's face. They really don't have anything to be ashamed of but it's almost impossible to be on the receiving end of one of Dick's lectures and not feel a bit mad at yourself. (Tim can also relate).
"But understand this; regardless of your experience and knowledge, this is not your world, and the rules you know don't apply here, as we've clearly seen." Dick doesn't look in Percy's direction but Tim does. "Furthermore, it is imperative that you listen to whoever of us you're with not only for your own safety, but for ours as well."
Annabeth clears her throat, a look of appreciation and respect on her face. "You're right. And I promise that whatever your call is, we'll follow it as best we can."
Tim can't help but think that Annabeth would make a great lawyer.
"Good." Dick continues, "you'll go in with non-descript uniforms, keep your comms. on and listen to your field leader. Try as much as you can to avoid damaging property and do not rush off solo to play hero."
There's nods from the other demigods and Tim knows that the severity of Dick's last warning will stick. It's one that every Young Justice hero hears before they depart for missions, one that is felt too personally.
"Thank you," Percy says gratefully, his eyes focused.
Dick's expression softens into one of understanding and he nods in response before turning to Conner. "SB, can you take them to get suited up? You guys have two minutes so don't worry about doing your hair."
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"Listen up," Dick raises his voice to grab the attention of those standing in front of him, Young Justice heroes and demigods quieting down. It's go time. "Alpha Squad; Aqualad, Arowette, Blue Beetle, and Piper, you've got Down Town Happy Harbor. Take the bio-ship and notify the state EMT departments that you're on your way. Check in with me and the other field leaders once you've arrived." Dick doesn't pause between instructions or check to see if they're focused because he knows he doesn't need to.
"Beta," Dick continues. It's tricky splitting up the squads because out of all the demigods he's only really seen two fight. Please don't let me be wrong, Dick thinks as he watches Piper stand beside Aqualad. It doesn't matter that they're infinitely familiar with being adults all by themselves; if something happens to them, any of them, out there...Dick shoves those thoughts away into an air-tight tupperware and shoves it back where it will be forgotten for the time being. (Just like Roy does with his actual tupperwares). "Batgirl, Wonder Girl, Spoiler, and Nico, you've got New York City. Take the Super-Cycle."
"Got it," Babs motions the two young teens over to her side.
Dick nods, silently communicating be careful. Her response is the same as always; you too.
"Superboy," Dick looks at his friend. "You're leading Delta; zeta into Central Square and alert the local hospitals to prepare fear toxin antidotes- we're not sure if they'll be necessary but better safe than sorry. Leo, Beast Boy, and Virgil, you're with SB."
Last Dick had known Crane was still registered as being locked away in Arkham, but if there's one thing twelve years of vigilante experience has taught Dick it's better safe than sorry.
"Yes! The zeta is that 'beam me up thing, right?" With his wild hair and oversized jacket, Leo doesn't look extremely intimidating or like a, well, demigod. More like an excited middle schooler waiting to ride their favorite roller coaster.
Conner shrugs, "I don't watch Stargate."
"Are you serious?"
Dick isn't sure if both Leo's incredulousness and Virgil's exclamation are in reference to the fact that Conner doesn't watch Stargate or because they don't know he's joking, but he doesn't waste concentration checking.
"Zeta squad," Dick pauses, frowning. He really doesn't like how spread out they are, each squad barely being enough to handle a mix of insanity and monsters. I absolutely love it when the entire freak-fracking JLA is unavailable to assist with crises because they're dealing with other crises. "Artemis, you're in charge; take Jason, Annabeth, and Kid Flash and head over to Metropolis East End. Arsenal will meet you there."
"Ten-four," Artemis gives him a mock salute and confident smile and Dick is infinitely grateful for her presence.
"Lastly, Gamma. Percy, Robin, you're with me. We're hitting Gotham." Dick looks at Tim, but if his little brother noticed that Dick purposefully placed him between himself and a wickedly strong demigod, he doesn't show it. "Keep the lines clear and communicate, and watch each other's backs. Any last questions?" Dick looks at his friends, teammates, and the six misplaced teens, each gazing back with determination and focus.
"Good. Let's roll."
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"Do not anger the gods."
Annabeth can almost hear her mother's words echoing in her head as the lights from the cities below flash by. How many times had Athena told her that? Enough that Annabeth felt pure terror when Percy controlled the blood in Misery's veins. Enough that she knew to be careful. Enough that even though they're in a literal different universe her shoulders are still tight with anticipation.
The realization that Percy was able to control Jason without even knowing it...Annabeth closes her eyes briefly, focusing on calming down.
Before, when Annabeth and Percy had just started dating, her mother's warnings had seemed apocalyptic and, honestly, unnecessary, because Annabeth isn't dumb. And then after Kronos, after seeing what Percy could do, she understood a bit more why her mother had cautioned her. But it wasn't until that moment in Tartarus that Annabeth finally understood.
"There is a reason, daughter, that the three oldest gods swore to never have children. It was one shared among us all and I warn you child, he must never forget this."
It doesn't matter that Percy fought for them and with them. It doesn't matter that he was used by Hera in her plan against Gaea. It doesn't matter that Percy is one of the best people to ever be and that Annabeth loves him.
"Do not anger the gods."
Children of the first, second, and third oldest gods should not exist. The powers that have been given to them should not be allowed. Justice for the gods, balance for the world. Yet the actions of the gods are nothing but consistent and for that, at least in this instance, Annabeth is grateful.
Percy, Thaila, Jason, Nico. They're a big-important- piece of Annabeth's family and if they ever demonstrated the true capability of their powers, the gods would be quick to remember the reason they should not exist. And Annabeth knows, in her gut, that Percy's ability to control the liquid within a living body would gather the attention of Olympys and Annabeth refuses to let that happen, not in that way.
In Tartarus, Annabeth hadn't been able to verbalise everything to Percy; everything was already too awful and scary and she wasn't capable of saying anything but "some things aren't meant to be controlled. Please." And despite his own pain and hurt, he'd trusted her without question.
But now, though, Annabeth knows she needs to explain it all fully because its knowledge owed to him. Because to restrict such a potent capability without reason would be ridiculous; Percy had saved their lives the first time he'd managed to do it and it could very well in the future as well. Annabeth doesn't doubt that if it came down to it-saving her or avoiding the gods' scrutiny- Percy would do whatever it took to keep her and everyone else safe and alive, regardless of the danger that posed to himself. The danger from from the underworld and from the heavens.
After we deal with this, Annabeth thinks, gazing out the window in the jet flying towards this world's New York. I'll explain all the joys of being related to the gods to Percy after this. And to the others. Annabeth has a feeling that Jason might have a hunch, but out of all of them perhaps only Nico is as aware of the delicate balance a child with their parentage must maintain.
"Okay my dudes," Artemis' voice comes from the front of the jet as they begin to descend. "Get ready, we're there in sixty seconds."
(In any other situation, Annabeth is sure she would be geeking out over the construction and design of the craft, but currently her brain is too crammed with worry about her boyfriend, worry about why they were brought here, and worry about how to get home. It all kind of sucks.)
"Got it," Bart replies. He flashes Annabeth a quick grin but doesn't joke or start a conversation, a seriousness that seems strange on him.
"You okay?" Jason asks softly. He's gazing at her with concern and Annabeth quickly nods, schooling her expression.
"Yeah, thanks." It's her turn to offer a quick smile. "Just thinking."
Jason doesn't reply but instead squeezes her shoulder for a second before looking ahead.
"Okay Zeta," Artemis flicks several switches and knobs and now Annabeth can make out the utter chaos below them and feel the adrenaline start kicking in. "We're up."
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Happy Harbor isn't looking very happy right now, which is unfortunate, because Piper could sure use good vibes in her life. Which is kind of really sad because life was good just three days ago. Gaea defeated, rebuilding Camp Half-Blood, Leo being alive, and her family. Not her dad, although she loves him to absolute pieces, but her demigod family.
And not just her close friends (five of whom are currently spread out in a totally strange world fighting crazy people and monsters) but her cabin mates. Sure, things had been incredibly rocky when she'd first met the other teens who's only common trait was their mother, but now, after everything that's happened, Piper misses them.
Has it really only been less than a week since we started redesigning? The thought is weirdly disconcerting, and Piper wonders what their cabin looks like now. (The plan was this: a life-sized-dollhouse-turned-cabin with pink walls and lace pastel curtains is as outdated as women not having rights and so they had decided to do something about that (finally). The design process had been fun, and the insight from the Athena cabin super helpful. Piper hadn't expected interior design to come so naturally, but it makes sense because beauty isn't restricted to just someone's physical appearance. And so it was out with the old and in with the refurbishing and just generally making their cabin less 'extremely tacky' and more 'beautiful'.)
But now instead of deliberating over what paint color and bathroom tiles to choose she's trying to figure out how why in Hades she isn't in her cabin right, how to get back in it, and whether or not to ask her best friend about some of the most horrific memories of her life.
Good vibes all around.
"Oh boy," Cissie is staring ahead at the trashed streets and just general insanity.
There are police and military personel running back and forth, sirens blaring from both cop cars and ambulances and people screaming because there are giant freaking monsters tearing them apart. The streets are blocked off in an attempt to keep the MONSTERS somewhat contained and the people not in their mouths.
It's so beyond weird seeing legitimate government officials dealing with what Piper and every other demigod deals with in secret that for a second she thinks it can't be real. But the captain that is beckoning them over is definitely real enough, and so is the blood trickling down the side of his face from an open wound, the SWAT gear he's wearing, and the rifle in his hand.
"Blue Beetle, Piper," Aqualad orders, striding forwards to the thick of the mess. "Go start dealing with those monsters. Arowette, you are with me."
"Got it," Piper nods to Jaime as they start following. His costume is by far one of the most interesting Piper's seen but also one of her favorites right now because he can make a freaking blaster form at the tips of his fingers. "Let's roll."
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Leo is kind of having the time of his life right now. But also not. But kind of.
It's complicated.
On one hand, this world has a legit Star Trek transporter that's disguised as a phone booth and it's giving Leo all kinds of ideas about ways to implement something similar back home. (If a giant flying war ship and fire breathing dragon can be built, so can this thing. It's sitting right under his to-do's that include building a demigod-safe cellular network, assembling a deep-fier to perfect his falafel recipe, and constructing another animatronic. Maybe not a dragon but a giant T-Rex? Nico had said that idea was pretty cool.)
On the other hand, the last time him and his friends were involved in some world-altering catastrophic catastrophe Leo had almost died. Not really, but kind of.
An occupational hazard of being a demigod.
But still, Leo can admit, if only to himself, that the thought of dying (again) scares him. Because this time, there isn't any Physician's Cure sitting in his back pocket and there's no guarantee of where he'll end up after death in this world.
But really, he doesn't want to die because now, he has things and people he wants to live for. It's a feeling and value that he's so grateful for. Because years ago, after his mother's death, the abuse of his foster mom, every single bad experience at the foster homes, the nightmares, scars, and guilt, there was a time he didn't want to.
And now he feels like he's going a little crazy with the ping-pong-ing of his emotions. The pros: geeking out over the mind-blowing implications of quantum mechanics, the immensity of knowing that there are multiple universes, and enjoying the time he's spent hanging with and getting to know the teen heroes. The cons: the crap-ton of anxiety that's pounding inside his skull and makes him edgy with worry when he thinks about Hazel (she's fine she's fine please let her be fine) and Frank, Percy's nightmare, the potential mess they're somehow involved in (again) and the very real possibility that getting home might not be possible.
"Hey man, you good?"
Leo shakes his to shake off those thoughts and meets Virgil's tense expression. "You were kind of shaking there for a second."
Leo can't help but laugh and he knows he hasn't managed to completely hide his distress. "Totally good. Peachy. One-hundred percent bueno, how about yourself?"
Leo hadn't expected his response to come out so jaded, but Virgil doesn't look confused or affronted. (It's not like Leo had anticipated that such a displacement of space would jerk with his mental headspace and emotions so much, and his own cynicism is surprising himself). It's weird how all of these heroes are so good at refraining from giving any reaction aside from a feeling that just conveys sympathy. Leo honestly doesn't know what to do with that.
"Myself? Not gonna lie, pretty nervous." Virgil's gaze is weighted. "But I know I've got people watching my back. Same as you."
Leo nods, suddenly grateful. "Yeah," his voice isn't as peppy as he intended it to be and he clears his throat to sound less choked up. "Right. Thanks."
Virgil slaps him on the back once before following Conner and Gar out of the alleyway away from the phone booth and into a main street into Central Square. There are pieces of evidence from the havoc that they can hear coming several meters away; screams, sirens, helicopters circling overhead and echoes of bullets being fired.
Dad, if you can hear, please watch over us and keep up safe. Please.
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"Beta," Batgirl's voice comes through Nico's comm. loud and clear, not being affected by the wind (unlike his hair which is whipping all over his face.) "Our ETA is two minutes."
"And then the party'll really get started." Nico can hear the grin in Cassie's voice but can't see her; she's sitting in the seat behind him and Spoiler.
"Okay so Nico," Spoiler's mouth and nose is covered but her hood is down, her hair flying everywhere as well. (But has no chance of flying in her mouth when she speaks, unlike Nico.) "I'm just insanely curious; Percy said your dad, Hades, god of the dead-which is so gnarly- legit lives in Hades."
"The Underworld," Nico automatically corrects. "But yeah, he does." This must be the first time someone's used the words 'your dad, Hades' and 'gnarly' in the same sentence.
The world below them isn't a blur but it is passing by quickly as the 'Super-Cycle' (a sentient weird machine thing that Nico knows Leo would freak out about) flies through the air towards New York City. It's always uncomfortable being in the air, but unlike in his own world, it's mostly manageable in this one.
"Right, Underworld. What's it like? Like, do you guys, I don't know, do Father's Day celebrations and stuff?"
Nico knows for a fact that he hasn't once in his entire life celebrated Father's Day. Or any holiday with his father, really. It feels worse than he thought it would. There is a voice in his head that whispers that solitude will be his companion, his arrow of time. Nico ignores it, not allowing himself to go down that 'pit of despair' (a reference from a movie that Nico does actually love) and he can't help but grin slightly at Spoiler; Nico doesn't think he's ever been asked that before.
"Oh yeah," Nico shifts in his seat, Cassie leaning forward enough that he can see her and Spoiler both looking at him curiously. From the front, Batgirl doesn't say anything. "Our family celebrations are always so much fun that people are just dying to join."
"Oh ha, ha," Cassie snorts and Spoiler laughs.
"Hey, at least your family time sounds better than mine; it's always a grave affair."
Nico rolls his eyes and can hear Batgirl choke on a laugh. "Okay, no more, please."
"Yeah, Spoiler," Cassie says. "They're not lifting up our spirits."
"Oh, come on, my puns are killer."
"Oh, my gods," Nico groans but he's grinning. It's nice to do that, grin and laugh despite the intensity of their situation and all the things they need to worry about. And, it's also refreshing to be around people who not only are totally chill with a child of Hades, but also think it's 'gnarly'.
It makes him fiercely miss Hazel (who he's desperately trying to not think about while his mind won't let him forget) and weirdly, makes him want to visit Hades when they get back to their world. Some things are simpler there; freely speaking in Italian, not missing any pop-culture references, and hanging out with souls that are just as bitter as Nico.
"Nightwing would be so proud," Batgirl says. "But time to get serious; we're down on the ground in thirty seconds. Nico, you and Cassie are in charge of those monsters: we need them gone. Spoiler, you and I will start getting the civilians out of there."
"Got it, BG." There's no more grin in Cassie's voice and Nico squints his eyes to better make out what's going on below them.
It doesn't look good.
"Here we go. Beta Squad, let's roll."
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Percy knows that had Annabeth been with them, she would have been freaking out over Gotham's architecture.
The city looks like a mix of metropolitan and victoria-era buildings, high arches and actual gargoyles perched atop cathedral style buildings. The sky is overcast, dreary and grey, and the streets are half cobblestone in some areas, brick in others, and then regular tar elsewhere. It's like over time the old has been destroyed multiple times and slowly been replaced with the new, but it hasn't quite been completed.
But beyond that, the city itself has character, as though she's a living, breathing creature, and Percy doesn't stop himself from glancing over his shoulder.
"Everything good?" Robin murmurs beside him and Percy guesses he shouldn't be surprised that his hesitancy has been noticed. It's a little scary how observant the 'bats' are while appearing otherwise.
"Just a weird feeling," Percy slowly uncaps Riptide, feeling better with the weight of his sword in his hand. Ever since the sparring session Percy hasn't been able to shake the awful feeling creeping inside him, but now isn't the time to practice calming breathing techniques or journal. They've got monsters to fight, questions to answer, and a home to get back to.
"Commish, this is Nightwing. Tell your men around the barricades to pull back."
Percy isn't sure who Nightwing's talking to, but someone must be replying on a different radio channel because he doesn't hear it. Percy can, however, make out the noise and sounds of people yelling, guns, and sirens blaring. A dirigible is flying overhead, something Percy hasn't actually seen before aside from in Fringe, a show Annabeth loves.
"They're clear," Nightwing says a brief moment later. He levels a gaze at Percy. "You're sure about going ahead first?"
"Positive," Percy responds immediately. "Let me deal with the bulk of the monsters so you guys have some room to move." Percy returns the look. "I've got this."
Nightwing only pauses for a second before nodding once. "You know the plan."
Percy glances away for an instant towards the sounds of the chaos as Nightwing says, "let's move." He turns back to look at them but both Nightwing and Robin have completely disappeared, a feat that Percy feels should be impossible.
"Okay," Percy says to himself, staring a little dumbly at the empty space. "That's...kind of creepy." Percy pushes his amazement back and takes a breath, the overwhelming sense of water nearby flowing over him. It's comforting that it's the same here as it is in his world, and Percy wastes no time summoning it up out of the sewers, down pipes, through fire hydrants and the fountain off to his left.
"Let's do this."
(\M/)
\/
"It's working. His presence is felt."
The walls supporting the ceiling are thick, stones stacked upon stones to keep the tunnels hollow. It's dense enough that the air is stale and heavy, weighing down like the shadows filling the antechamber.
"Finally. We are close now. Are our Brothers in place?"
The few sources of light aren't bright enough to offer much but that doesn't matter to the dead.
"Yes. At his command to yours. It is in motion; they will find the boy."
.
.
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Okkkaay! First, thank you again to everyone who's commented/reviewed, I'm thankful for each one! So a few of you pointed out that there are like, three gorgons only and their medusa's sisters (a fact I totally forgot about) and I've since fixed it but thank you again for letting me know. :) also, for everyone asking "wtf can percy not blood-bend it's so practical" I'm right there with you, but I hope this headcannon makes sense. I have to say, there are several aspects of the hoo books that I reeeaally don't get (was I the only who felt like I was watching an episode of Gossip Girl while reading about the Aphrodite cabin? The potential that was missed with those kids uuuggh) but regardless, I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Also, more plot!
Up next (but for realz this time): lots of fighting. Something bad happens (again) and a certain demigod is going to have a really, really bad day.