Percy rubbed his eyes blearily as he followed Diana through the many halls of the palace. He was still going over the conversation he'd had with Bruce.
Percy still couldn't believe how easily the man had been able to read him. He hadn't even realized he'd given anything away to suggest he knew Dick's secret. The Batman's title of 'worlds greatest detective' was truly deserved.
Percy glanced at Dick who was walking side by side with Bruce. His hands were fidgeting behind his back as though he wasn't quite sure what to do with them.
Clearly Bruce wasn't the affectionate type. He had expected the man to hold the hand of his young ward who he cared for so deeply, but as Percy was beginning to realize, Bruce showed his affection in different ways.
Eventually the group stopped in front a pair of large wooden doors guarded by two magnificent sculptures crafted from marble. Each warrior held a shield bearing the mark of a lightning bolt. If Percy remembered his history correctly. Zeus breathed life into the clay baby queen Hypolita had created, making him the father of princess Diana.
"We have arrived." Diana announced.
Dick looked up at Bruce sadly and Percy's heart ached for him. He knew what it was like to be separated from his mom for so long, unsure when or if he would ever see her again. It was one of the worst feelings in the world.
"Uh, before we go any further I've got some bad news." Thalia spoke up. "Artemis has summoned me away, there have been talks of unrest in the wild and she needs all her huntresses. She's only allowed me to stay with you for so long as we were in a time of peace."
Dick ran up to her and wrapped his arms around her. "Not you too!" He whined.
"I'm sorry kiddo." She ruffled his hair sadly. "Maybe I can convince Artemis to send me with you on the last stretch of your journey but right now, I'm needed elsewhere."
"You promise you'll come back?" He said giving her big puppy dog eyes.
"Oh geez." She muttered. "I'll try my best, okay? But I make no promises."
Dick nodded, knowing that was the best he'd get.
"Be careful out there Thalia." Annabeth said rubbing her arm.
"Same goes to you too." She said embracing Annabeth in a hug.
"And once you find out what's going on send us an iris message." Grover said. "If there's unrest within the wild, I'll want to be there to help."
"Of course." Thalia said hugging Grover.
"What no hug for me?" Percy joked. At this Thalia slugged him in the arm. "Ow!" He protested.
"Take care of them Jackson! And try not to get killed." She smiled good naturedly. Then she turned to Diana. "I'll wait for you by the invisible jet."
Diana nodded, and with that Thalia turned to leave, but not before giving Dick one more reassuring hug.
Once she was gone Diana began to explain what lied beyond the large wooden doors. "Upon entering you will be struck by a large beam of light that will transport you to the hall of the gods on Mount Olympus. It will be extremely bright so be sure to shield your eyes upon entering."
They all nodded
"I cannot go with you, but I wish you all good luck." She turned to Bruce. "I trust you'll be able to see yourself off the island, I unfortunately have other matters to attend to and must leave right away."
"Of course." Bruce gave a soft smile.
Diana grinned and touched her forehead to his before bending down towards Dick to embrace him in a hug. "I will see you again young one, farewell."
"Bye Diana." He whispered.
After nodding to them each with respect she turned from the hall and left.
"You guys go ahead. I need to say goodbye to Bruce." Dick said sheepishly.
Annabeth smiled tenderly and ruffled his hair. "We'll meet you on the other side."
Grover followed after giving him a wave and a solute. "Don't be too long! We don't want to stay in Olympus longer than we have to, trust me!"
Annabeth whacked him in the head. "Grover!"
"What? The gods are intimidating!" He said honestly before they both stepped into the chamber and disappeared in a flash of light.
Percy was about to follow along when Bruce stopped him. All it took was a look from the man for Percy to get the hint.
Bruce focused his attention in on Dick, kneeling down he placed his hands on the boys shoulders and gave him a reassuring smile.
At least Percy thought it was a smile. It was so faint it was almost unnoticeable.
"No matter what happens up there, stay strong. Remember your training. There's nothing more to fear than fear itself. Stay calm and you'll be fine."
Dick nodded sharply, a lot like a soldier would to their commander. But his shoulders relaxed slightly at the same time, and Percy realized he was used to this type of reassurance. Dick didn't need to be coddled, Bruce had trained him well, and trusted that Dick would be able to face whatever challenges awaited him.
Of course he wouldn't be alone. His friends and big brother had his back. Besides what's the worst that could happen? Percy had dealt with the gods before...
Okay a lot could happen, but they'd be able to handle it!
Probably.
"I'll miss you Bruce." Dick said quietly. "Don't get used to going solo for too long though." He began to smile. "Before you know it, your trusty partner will be back to kick butt and steal the show!" Dick said enthusiastically.
Bruce ruffled his hair. "I don't doubt it chum." But something about his expression told Percy he did. He stood up and adjusted Dick's sweater. "Goodbye Dick." He said sadly.
The young acrobat jumped up into his arms and hugged Bruce tightly taking him by surprise. Bruce froze before relaxing into the hug and whispering so quietly Percy almost couldn't hear. "No matter what happens when you meet him, I'll always be your dad."
"That's what I'm counting on." Dick smiled.
Finally, the boy reluctantly let go, allowing Bruce to gently put him back on the ground. When Dick turned around Percy acknowledged the slight widening of his eyes. Dick hadn't realized Percy had stayed behind.
"Percy, a word." Bruce called.
Mutely Percy followed, but he didn't miss the look of suspicion his little brother gave him before he and Bruce walked out of earshot.
"Somethings not right." Bruce said, straight to the point. "I hear that Poseidon was not even aware of a second son, and upon finding out about his existence he didn't even attempt to make contact?"
"I had been wondering about that." Percy mumbled.
"When things go awry, I want you to take Dick and get out as fast as possible."
"I don't know if-"
"It's evident from the way you and friends talk, that you trust these gods about as much as I do. So I don't care how you do it but make sure you both get out safe. Dick is your family now, so I'm trusting his life with you."
Percy nodded seriously.
"Don't disappoint me Percy." Bruce placed a hand on his shoulder and squeezed. Although the act itself was intimidating, there was something about his expression that made it seem strangely reassuring.
Was this how Dick felt?
As they walked back towards the large doors Percy could feel Dick's eyes boring holes into his head.
"You ready to go?" Percy asked.
He nodded slowly, still regarding him questionably. The young boy gave one long last look at Bruce before walking through the doors into the beam of light.
Percy nodded to Bruce and followed Dick in through the doors where he was immediately engulfed by a blanket of white light.