A/N time for the great clash. I planned this chapter for long time. Percy is war veteran who had to kill, while Bat is idealist who believe in perfect world. Also, yes, Percy knows Batman's true identity. Once you know robin's it's not that hard to figure out.
DivineWhiskey: I will think about it.
ApollosCreed8: I will take it into consideration. They are both similar and different at the same time. Plus Percy can relate to her experience with sportsmaster.
HPfan7-8: Don't you say
Djberneman: No. Trident can temporarily store the power to amplify the abilities Percy already possess or the ones of the trident. He already is strong enough to defeat superman in single combat and skilled enough to go toe to toe with Lady Shiva and Ra's Al'Ghoul. If he got any more OP I don't think I would be able to keep this story interesting.
Themyscira
September 5th, 6:16
"Guys. You've got to see this." Wally screamed at the group that was returning from Royal Palace. Doctor Sandsmark decided that for the time being she and her daughter will stay on the island. Queen did not have any problem with it. Amazons were happy to accept another warrior among them. Diana also stayed to make sure that Cassie will be alright.
"What is it Wallman?" Artemis asked.
"Just hurry up."
The group went inside the Bio-ship. A big holographic screen displayed Queen Bee at the press conference in front of her palace.
"Last night a group of american so-called heroes attacked Bialya. They crossed the border with Qurac and destroyed science outpost, killing the lead scientist Simon Jones." A video appeared on screen next to her. It showed Neptune throwing trident at Psimon like it really happened, but there were some major differences. For example the cages behind them were empty and there was no Doctor Sandsmark or Helena on the picture. Also, Psimon wore a lab coat and not his usual attire. He was running from Neptune when he was pierced with the trident. "As you've all seen, this is what Justice League really is: a group of murderers that have no respect for wishes of free nations of this world. Bialya was never informed nor we agreed for them to enter out sovereign territory. I will demand compensation and for those perpetrators to stand trial." Then, the screen showed rest of the team minus Aqualad, wreaking havoc among Bialyan soldiers.
"We are so screwed"
Mount Justice
September 5th, 10:16
"Let me get this straight. You were supposed to run a silent recon mission. Instead, you destroyed a military encampment, devastated more than a dozen tanks and sent what qualifies as small army to the hospital." Percy wanted to protest but Batman gave him no chance. "And you. You killed a man."
"I saved Doctor Sandsmark." Percy protested.
"That doesn't change anything." Batman tried to shut him down. Not wanting to deal with angry Bat, rest of the team took a step back, but Percy remained unaffected. On the contrary. He stepped toward so he was facing him eye to eye.
"I think it does. If I had to choose between doing what I did and saving innocent life, I would do it again."
"I don't know how it's done where you come from, Perseus, but here we don't execute villains."
This crossed the line for Percy. He had to deal with Bat since the day he arrived. And none of the encounters were pleasant.
Flashback
"I am Percy Jackson and I am demigod, son of Poseidon." He extended his hand toward Batman, but vigilante rejected it.
"I will be watching you closely. For now, let's discuss the details."
"Ok then... Is he always like that?" Percy asked, looking at Diana. She silently nodded. "Anyway. May I get my stuff back? It..."
"No." Batman cut him.
"Alright." Percy smiled. "I tried nicely." Before Batman reacted, Percy extended his hand and with small shimmer his trident appeared. This earned a glare from Batman and surprised faces from the rest of the league. Diana chuckled. She knew her 'cousin' for only few hours and already she liked him.
"Don't try to act so smart. You are still under league custody until we decided what to do with you." Batman sounded irritated.
"Let me think about it... Nope. I told you already. I agree to your 'offer' to become a hero. But I will do it on my terms."
"Your terms? You are in no position to negotiate."
"Actually, he is." Superman joined the discussion. "Percy here showed good faith already. He also saved good chunk of Poseidonis."
"After destroying it first." Batman cut Supes' out.
"Actaully," Aquaman chimed in, "We learned that this was a bomb and not his powers. I suspect that Ocean-master was behind it."
"That doesn't change anything. Kid is loose cannon. We can't just let him go."
"Then let me train him." Wonder Woman volunteered, much to everyone's surprise. "I will train him and teach him about this world." Looking at Percy, she added. "That is if you agree."
"Cool with me." Was all response she received.
"Fine, but I will still keep an eye on him."
"One more thing Percy. What is your full name. You can't exactly expect us to believe it's Percy." Green Arrow asked.
"Didn't Bat show you my documents? I want them back too by the way. My name is Perseus. Perseus 'Achilles' Jackson. The middle name is another joke from the gods."
End Flashback
"You are right. You don't execute villains. And neither do I. But when needed, I can do what must be done." Batman wanted to say something, but Percy sent him his worst wolf-stare yet. "Now you shut up and listen Rich Boy. You were born with silver spoon in your hands. Yes, you might have lost your parents, but that is the only tragedy in your life. Guess what? Half of my friends lost one of their parents while the other completely ignored them." Batman was still in too much shock at the teen's outburst to actually react. Rest of the team found both too scary to try and intervene. Percy continued. "Since I was twelve my life was nothing but a battle. I did not choose this life like you did. I was forced into it because of who I was. I did not want to kill, I still don't. It isn't pleasure for me, it's necessity. This is not some perfect world. You are a fool if you believe that you can save everyone. Sooner or later someone will die. The question is, who will it be?"
Batman was now beyond furious. This impertinent kid not only showed no remorse after killing, but dared to defend his stand. "Killing is killing, no matter the circumstances." Bat wanted to continue, but yet again he was interrupted by Percy.
"Oh really? Go tell that to countless war veterans that fought to defend your country while you were doing what exactly? Jumping from the roofs and beating some muggers. You live in a bubble. Not wanting to see the truth, you created this perfect illusion for yourself. Money and expensive gadgets can't solve all the problems. I fought in two wars. You want to know how it is? I can tell you how it is. It's kill or be killed. One moment of hesitation and your friend is dead. One mistake and your friend is dead. One wrong move and you are dead." The earth started to shake with his words. "War is constant fight for survival. You can't defeat everyone by just knocking them out, because they will return stronger. I fought monsters half my life. I killed every single creature in Greek mythology. Starting with Minotaur ending with Gaia herself. If I just 'knocked them out', my world would now be layered with dead bodies and crumbled civilization. And I would be somewhere along this bodies. Tell me Bruce. Do you honestly believe that death of everyone would be better than one death? Death of two parents better than death of one mugger?" Percy was furious. This Batman was living in some bubble. If not broken, it would cost lives of countless others. It could even cost lives of his friends in the team because he wasn't going to do what needs to be done.
The last sentence did it for bat. "You are out. I don't want to see you anywhere near the team anymore."
Earth shook one last time before it stopped. "Fine. Have it your way. But remember. This isn't over Bruce." With that, Percy walked away. Some like Kaldur and Artemis wanted to chase after him, but rest stopped them.
"Now. I want full mission report by tomorrow. Right now League will need to deal with the fallout of your actions." With that, Batman walked into Zeta tube and disappeared in flash of bright light.
Undisclosed location
September 5th, 11:34
"Our trap worked perfectly." Queen Bee started the meeting.
"Yes. They never expected us to place cameras all over the area." Luthor smiled. "But sadly, it wasn't enough. Psimon failed. With testimony from Doctor Sandsmark they managed to question the 'good intention' of the science outpost enough to force us to drop the case before they start investigating."
"There is also the problem of this new hero, Neptune." Manta displayed the image of Percy using tank as a Frisbee. "I say we deal with him."
"Agreed, but we shouldn't waste the scorpion venom yet. Research proved it to be more potent than we expected. It can kill full-blooded kryptonian in just hours and right now we did not find any antidote." Lex explained.
"For now, let's initiate standard protocols. Ten million shoud be enough, right Great One?" Vandal ended the discussion.
"Of course. I will see to it."
"Good. Let the hunt begin."
Long Island
September 5th, 13:14
Percy sat on the half-blood hill overseeing empty valley. After Batman kicked him out, he wanted to have some peace so he jumped into the sea and willed currents to take him away. He had no set destination, but somehow he ended up here. For so long camp half-blood was his home, a place where he was safe and could be himself. Only that this world did not have such place. He hoped that The Justice League would be this place. Later, the Team replaced it for some time. But it didn't last long enough. This world was very different from his. Enemies were smarter, more public. They manipulated masses and used treachery and intrigue to fight. It wasn't really his style. Percy was a warrior, not politician. His carrier as a Praetor lasted barely a week. Half-way through he wanted to punch the paperwork.
To distract himself, Percy took his computer, now charged and set, and started learning to program and code. This is one of the skills that he still had to master. While back in his world this abilities were not only not needed but straight up dangerous, here it was necessity. This world was so much more advance. Or maybe I just lived under the rock back home... Percy set himself a bank account in Swiss bank (the kind that doesn't ask questions) and wired the money from his 'Mercury Bank' card. Just like that, Percy became billionaire. For all the bad gods did, they at least made sure he was comfortable in this new world. Before he did not need any of this done, because first there was Themyscira, then the Team. But now he was on his own. Batman made it clear that he wasn't wanted. Of course this 'payment' would attract attention of the authorities, but he didn't care at the moment.
Just then, Percy sensed someone closing on him. Someone familiar. In fraction of seconds he summoned his trident and blocked all the incoming darts.
"You again? I am in no mood for battle right now so please leave me alone." Percy said looking directly where the attacker tried to hide. Key word tried.
"What can I say? I like challenges." With that Cheshire jumped at Percy throwing some Kunai. Of course he blocked the daggers and caught her two sai mid-air with his trident. He used her momentum and the grip he had on her blades to throw her over his head and push her into the ground. With small twist he threw both knifes away and left her defenseless. Pushing the trident to her chest, Percy made sure she couldn't escape binding her to the ground with water from his gauntlet and freezing it. "Now talk. Who are you and why are you still trying to kill me?"
"Aren't you a curious one?" The assassin smiled behind the mask. "And a handsome at that. Mrau" Percy pressed the trident and sent her his wolf stare. "Alright, but you are no fun right now."
"I am not in a mood."
"Whatever you say. Anyway, there is a bounty on your head. Whole ten million. Apparently someones feels threatened by your good looks." Cheshire said with her mocking voice.
"How did you find me."
"Well, pretty boys always attracted me." After feeling the pointy end of Percy's weapon she relented. "Fine. I came here to look for some clues. I did not expect to actually find you. When I saw you, I thought it is my lucky day. And looks like it still can be..."
Percy didn't try to understand what she meant. His gut told him to dodge and so he did. At that moment a bullet came where his head was less than a second ago. He turned and blocked another few shots with his trident. One of the bullets passed through his blockade, but luckily it jumped off his chest armor. A man wearing black and orange armor walked out of the forest with automatic sniper rifle. He tried shooting few more timed, but Percy could easily deflect all attacks. The new assassin looked at Cheshire bound to the ground and Neptune could swear he heard a chuckle under the mask.
"So I see you already dealt with my colleague. Good. That means she won't interrupt me." Deathstroke dropped the sniper rifle and drew his sword. He jumped at Percy, but his attack was stopped by the trident. He tried to attack few more times, but every attack was either blocked or deflected. Finally, the assassin thought he saw an opening and attacked from the left, but Percy was expecting it. He blocked the strike with top of his weapon and used the shaft to undercut Deathstroke. Of course assassin jumped over the shaft, but by doing so he fell off balance and gave Neptune chance to switch to offensive. Percy proceeded with mixture of jabs and slashes, keeping the enemy at bay. The range advantage made the fight much easier compared to when he fought using Riptide. Of course he still had the faithful blade, but Poseidon's trident was much more versatile and it was practically made to suit Percy. It changed in size after he summoned it for the first time and the shaft was almost like made for his hands.
"Not bad kid. I must say I'm impressed. You clearly have experience. But not enough!" Deathstroke jumped back, throwing smoke bomb at Percy mid-air.
Initially, Percy started coughing as the smoke got into his lungs, but he regained composure in time to block an attack from deathstroke. He then kicked the assailant away and run the other way to get visual. Once back on the hill, Percy saw only broken, half-melted remains of the bindings he made for Cheshire. She disappeared... Like a Cheshire cat. And I thought it was just the mask. Neptune unfroze the water and gathered it back into his gauntlets. Second assassin did not give up so easily. Percy blocked the strike, but he was distracted. Deathstroke capitalized on this and managed to disarm Percy, sending the Trident away. Now he was unarmed against one of the deadliest swordsman on earth. Assassin went for one strong overhead chop, but Neptune caught the blade in both hands. Then, he pressed more and they both heard the crack. Then, sword shattered under pressure. Assassin looked dumbfound on the grip and what was left of the sword.
"Not enough huh? Face it. You won't beat me. Go away now and I will leave you to it. I am really not in the mood right now, so..." Percy never finished. Deathstroke drew his second blade and jumped at Percy. This time, he pulled riptide and went for a counter. He caught the blade into his sword's guard and with a flick of his wrist sent it away. Then, before Deathstroke had time to comprehend what happened, Percy hit him in the head hard and sent him unconscious.
Percy gathered his things and left for the river. He wanted to jump and swim away, but before he got a chance, a javelin landed in front of him and exploded.
"Ugh. What a guy has to do to have some time alone..." Percy grumbled before standing up and summoning his trident. "Seriously. I took down two others. What makes you think you have any chance?"
Another javelin was thrown at Percy, but he caught it in the prongs of his weapon and with spin sent it back to the sender. Out of the woods jumped the man wearing hockey mask and football armor. "You ignorant brat. I am Sportsmaster. I already took down your whole team before."
"Yeah? Well I am Neptune. One advice man. Never fight me near the water." Percy was getting tired with constant attacks. One was a nice practice. Two was actually something. Three was irritating. He focused on the water in the river and made a large chunk of it fly up and directly at 'Sportsmaster' or whoever this assassin was. He tried to dodge, but tsunami covered him all. Percy sized the moment and froze it all with him inside. Finally dealing with the assassin, he jumped into the water and swam away.
Percy decided to go to Washington DC. He remembered about League's safe house in every major town. New York was too close and there was too big chance of being followed. He contemplated contacting Diana or the Team, but Batman's words rang in his head. "You are out!". If he did not want him, he won't beg. It's not like he needed them. Sure, fighting solo is more dangerous, but at least he knows who can be trusted. The look on the teams faces. Robin. Wally. Superboy. Miss Martian. They all resented him for who he was. For what he did. They feared him for what he might become. At least Aqualad and Artemis tried to stop him. Percy was grateful, even if the effort was futile. He wouldn't stay if not wanted. After all it was the Justice League who forced him into the 'hero' thing. But he can be hero just as well without them. There are many superheroes that aren't in the league and still do good. Or he could abandon this life completely. There wasn't anything forcing him to be hero really. Except my stupid savior complex.
Ignoring the thought, Percy changed his direction last minute, deciding to instead go to Luthor plaza hotel. Some luxury would be appreciated. Percy changed into his blue hooded jacked and well-worn jeans. over his super-suit. He put the mask and the gauntlets inside his bag and sent trident away. He wasn't sure where it went, but it was safe from anyone who would try to grab it. It was his. The last gift from his father. Well semi-last, because there was still the belt, but Percy left it in the Bio-ship with most of his stuff. Only the bag he called and his ever-returning wallet were safe. Good thing he kept his laptop inside the bag.
After registering at the hotel (Percy got himself all-inclusive king's suite), he went up to rest for a bit. Later that day he would have to go do some shopping and figure out what to do next. He couldn't stay here for long. Not when there was a bounty on his head. His whole life he run, hid from monsters. He came to this world to escape the life, but it was forced onto him. Now he was a public person, but he was not a hero. Not yet. He tried league's way, but Batman kicked him out. Now it was time to forge his own way. Time for Neptune be his own hero. Not being ready to go out in the open, Percy bough a pair of swim trunks in hotel store and got to the swimming pool. It was gigantic, accustomed to fit at least fifty people. One of the walls was made of glass and gave beautiful sight on the city. Percy sat underwater and watched as lives of people went. After good hour he spotted some flash of light one one of the rooftops. It attracted his attention, sparking his combat instincts, but he ignored. Suddenly, a bullet pierced the glass and hit him square in the chest. It would have pierced the heart, but it flattened on Percy's skin. Huh? I am bulletproof? He did not have time to capitalize on this, because glass wall broke and water poured out. He tried to stop it, but he was too late. It pulled him outside and now it was free fall from thirty third floor is not exactly the most pleasant. He tried creating hurricane and lifting himself, but it didn't work. He also couldn't summon his trident. Great. Suddenly all my powers are out.
Not having many other options, he managed to pull closer to the tower and push himself away. This gave him enough power to crash into another building. It all happened in a matter of seconds to any spectators. Percy quickly jumped up on his feet and looked around. The office he landed in was rather large, suggesting it belonged to someone influential. Oh well. Hope he had this place insured. Percy analyzed his surrounding, looking for some weapon. He opened the desk drawer and found a gun and two spare ammo clips. Wow. Someone doesn't trust security. He grabbed the gun and put the spare ammo clip into his trunks to make sure he won't run out so easily. Percy checked the room for some spare cloth, but only found a woman's bra. Definitely not something he wanted to wear while being hunted by group of contract killers. Police wouldn't come fast enough so he had to save himself.
Percy walked out of the office and into the hallway. He could in theory try and search some other office. It was Sunday and nobody was home, but he abandoned the plan immediately as he caught the sound of footstep. He jumped into closest room and locked the door. He aimed the gun at the leg of whoever would come. Despite what Batman believed, Percy was determined not to kill mortals unless absolute necessity. One could argue that when someone tries to kill you it is necessity, but Percy was used to that. Instead, he wanted to incapacitate them and get more info on who put the contract. The steps were being louder and louder. Percy steadied his breath and prepared. The doors suddenly opened and Percy shoot.
"Oh fuck. Seriously sweety?" Cheshire cursed at Percy. "Didn't your mom teach you not to shoot at women? I hoped that maybe at least your father taught you not to shoot at beautiful women." She finished seductively.
"Girl..." Percy moaned. "What I need to do to get rid of you?"
Cheshire tried to move closer, but she only fell back and cursed. She could feel the bone in her leg broken. "Oh? You don't want me? Such a shame. You are really handsome." She tried to touch his abs, but he took a step back.
"Yeah sorry nope. Not really my type. You know the white face, this whiskers..." He joked before taking off her mask. This time, electroshock didn't work on him or didn't affect him. "Now better. Now tell me how did you find me so fast?"
"Easy. I slipped tracking device into your bag while you were busy fighting Deathstroke. I saw you jump off the window and into this building so I slipped in."
"And the man who destroyed my window? And took away my control over water?" Percy continued interrogation
Cheshire was reluctant to tell him anything more, but seeing that she had no way of running with broken leg and he had a gun, she relented. "That would be Anatoli Knyazev, KGBeast. He is dangerous assassin. As for how he blocked your powers... There is a toxin harvested from deep sea flowers that can stop Atlantean magic. I guess yours is similar enough. It works on contact so he probably laced a bullet with it. Effects last for anywhere between two hours and few days. Now please stop waving this gun like a madman or you might accidentally shoot yourself and ruin your pretty face. It would be a shame."
"You wanted to kill me few minutes ago. Am I that good looking?" Percy joked, but stopped waving the gun. Cheshire wanted to give him some witty comeback, but a heavy steps one the level above them silenced them both. Percy silently moved to the doors. He wanted to run away and leave Cheshire to herself, but his stupid consciousness did not let him. "Ugh. Cursed me. Fine." He turned back to the assassin. "Right now we are both in tough spot. You have no chance of escaping and I am in no place to battle. I can't even summon my weapon. We need each other. I offer an alliance." Seeing her unconvinced, Percy wanted to leave, but another thought came to his mind. "You accept contracts, right? What if I offered you double the bounty on my head to help keep me alive?" This sparked Cheshire interest.
"Yeah. There is no way you have that kind of money. Good looks can't get you that far."
Percy only smiled. "You noticed where I was staying? I will give you a clue: it was top floor."
"Fine. I accept the contract. Now let's move before this moron realizes he is on the wrong level." Right on cue the ceiling shook and some paint fell down on them.
"I think he just did." Percy picked Cheshire bridal style and run outside he office they spent last few minutes. They got to the main area of the office. Long lanes of boxes where during weekdays low-level workers did their job. Percy with Cheshire between them and started running. He wanted to make his way toward the staircase. They were already half way through when behind them there sounded a large THUD! followed by loud steps.
"Come out tovarishch. I will end you quickly" A loud voice, modified by some tech sounded through the place. "I admit. You Atlanteans are tough. You deserve a quick and painless death."
Of course Percy didn't listen. He sneaked with Cheshire between the cabins, moving only when he was sure that KGBeast was not seeing him. To his relief, his life sense still worked. I wonder. Percy frantically looked around to find dark enough shadow in the box he was in. The darkness under the desk was not enough. An idea came to him.
"I have an idea how to get us out of here. It might work, but be ready for a fight." He whispered to Cheshire. She wanted to protest, but he didn't give her chance. He lit the table lamp and jumped under the desk. Of course the whisper and light got Anatoli's attention. He was already wreaking through the boxes to shorten the distance. Percy focused on the shadow inside and imagined himself and Cheshire melting into it. Slowly, the world around him darkened and distanced from him. Cheshire wanted to give him some comment about risking her life on something that 'might' work, but found herself unable to utter any words. Percy was feeling all the juice getting out of him. He searched for other shadow strong enough to get them. Subconsciously, he could feel incoming assassin. Finally, he found shade large enough to travel to few levels below in dark closet. He was about to travel there when an explosion lightened the whole box. He sent Cheshire down, but he was caught mid-way. It expelled him right in front of the large barrel. Percy looked up to see beefy armored man. What immediately got his attention was the fact that the man had a large gun mounted instead of a hand.
"So. Malen'kaya rybka nakonets-to vyshla iz ukrytiya." He wanted to shoot him then and there, but Percy still had his gun. It was a matter of seconds. Either I do something, or my mind will be being collected for next few months. He did not have chance to aim the gun high enough to hit head or arm, but well-aimed bullet to assassin's private area can save life even better. KGBeast gave a series of multiple colorful curses while falling on the ground. Armor stopped the bullet from ripping his manhood to shreds, but there was now a dent and Percy was sure this villain wouldn't be able to walk for some time. Percy got up and with one swift kick sent the enemy unconscious. Only then Percy had a chance to give him a better look. tight fitting armor protected chest, legs and head, leaving the shoulders and arms completely revealed. Percy looked at gun that was starting right below his elbow. It looked rude, but quite advanced at the same time. Efficiency over looks. Percy shook his head before stepping at it and putting good chunk of his strength to make sure it was completely wreaked. Not even Leo would be able to repair it without replacing ninety percent of parts. Smiling at his work, Percy tried walking away, but exhaustion got to him. Shadow travel consumed almost all his energy reserves. He tried to walk away and escape, but fell. Last thing he saw before the lights went out was that some woman wearing red jacket with pretty revealing window over her chest area.
He woke up to see the rooftop of the building he was in. The broken window in the hotel next door gave it away. Where is the police when you need them? It's the middle of the day and no one is interested in shooting in the hotel and destroyed office? He was tied with largest chain he saw to this day. Memory of what happened slowly returned to him. Percy could still feel his water powers absent. He was still in his briefs, but now his gun and ammo clips were absent.
"You finally awake. Good. I was starting to loose my patience. Master said that you might yet be of use to us." Percy tried turning his head and see the woman, but he couldn't. No matter which side he rotated his head, she was still in his blind spot.
"It's impolite to talk to people without facing them." Percy joked while he tried to figure out a way. Suddenly, his chains fell down and he realized he is free. Immediately he jumped on his feet and turned around, ready to face another assassin. She was there. Another young woman, probably in her early twenties. Like he remembered, she wore red jacket with pretty revealing window over her chest area. She also had black, well-fit trousers and a belt with yellow ring acting as a buckle. In her hands were two swords somehow similar in design to riptide. Her hair was chopped short and uneven and Percy suspected that she cut it herself using the sword she was holding. She tossed him one blade and nodded for him to take it.
"I will make this honorable for you. You will have a chance to die in battle."
"Yeah... well any other day I would accept an offer from such a beautiful lady to dance a bit, but there is no music and I am in my underwear. It would send a wrong vibe. You get me?" Percy mocked, but he picked the blade. It felt strange in his hand. Only one side was sharpened, while the other was dull. Definitely not best for his style. "Do you have any other weapon? This one is not really my style." Lady Shiva was slowly getting irritated with this insolent teen. Somehow he didn't seem at all scared by the fact that she was about to kill him. Either that or he was confident in his victory. She remained silence, not letting him see the irritation. Percy shrugged and tried summoning his bag. To his ultimate joy, it came. He dropped the sword and immediately pulled his belt and put it on. Shiva looked surprised on the whole ordeal. She decided that this was getting out of hand. She jumped at Percy, who at the moment was unarmed, but he blocked the attack with different sword with leaf-shaped blade.
Percy put the bag down and got into stance. Both he and Shiva were not facing each other. Honestly, Percy hoped he would get to eat some ambrosia and maybe regain his strength, but no avail. Both fighters attacked at the same time. When they blades met, it sparked before Percy managed to overpower her and push her back. She gracefully landed and adjusted her strategy. Seeing that full frontal assault will put her in disadvantage, she instead opted for series of quick, vicious strikes that were hard to dodge. If at least one of the precise attacks landed, Lady Shiva would likely win the battle or at least cut some of Percy's muscles taking out of the equation hand, leg or head. To her complete surprise, he not only blocked the initial few attacks but also got her out of balance, regaining the upper hand. He then went for one swift slash that. He expected her to dodge to his left, giving him an option to then use his other hand to send her unconscious or at least daze her long enough for another attack to connect, but instead she side-stepped right, almost walking into his blade before cutting his bare shoulder. Blood started slowly pouring out and he realized that she was actually very skilled. Many would call this move pure luck, but for Percy's trained swordsman eye it was obvious that this was carefully planned and perfectly executed strategy. He backed a bit to get some distance before suddenly lunging toward.
Shiva hoped that the battle would end quickly. Deathstroke was great assassin, but he was nowhere near her level. After hearing about his failure, she wanted to test this boy. Someone who attracted the attention of Great Ra's al'ghoul sure was a worthy opponent. Yet, she did not expect this level of skill from someone so young. She coated the bullets used by KGBeast to poison him and make sure 'neptune' couldn't use his magic. The dumb brute would hope that single shot would end someone so strong. Of course the poison apparently did not fully work as he was now fighting with some magic blade, but at least they were on more or less even ground.
Percy clashed his blade with Shiva. She expected him to repeat the move he used previously, sending her backward so she prepared to cushion it, but instead he locked their blades by the guard and with some weird move he sent her sword away. This didn't surprise her enough. With incredible speed she jumped back, using Percy's face as a launch-pad and kicking him hard. He was sent two steps back and it give her chance to grab the second sword that he dropped. Percy recovered last moment only to block another series of vicious strikes. He finally saw an opening and jumped in, but he created mirroring opening. They both attacked at the same time, leaving a quite nasty scar on their respective right upper part of the torso. Lady Shiva now had a tear in her jacket.
"Well, now I see the advantage of fighting mostly naked. At least my clothes are safe." Percy mocked. The assassin kept her cool, but she was analyzing this boy. His style was very chaotic, unlike anything she ever saw. It was a natural mixture of several different schools. Some techniques like this disarming move she never seen before. Like her, he was impossible to read, only difference was she practiced for years to show no emotions or body language indicating her moves, while he did exact opposite. He sent conflicting signals and distracted his opponent with talking.
"At least I had some modesty not to show up in just the underwear." Shiva played the role of irritated cold assassin. She needed him to get comfortable, give him illusion of control over the battlefield. Percy acted like mature person and stuck his tongue out. This actually irritated Shiva. "Stupid boy. How dare you mock me?!"
She lunged at him, but unknowingly she fell right into the trap. At first he was prepared to block like she expected him to, but with speed that might rival that of Captain Marvel, Percy side-stepped the last moment and let her fall. Not able to stop now, she did next best thing: cushioned the fall and got on her feet. When she was back in position she found herself with cold bronze blade at her neck. She could feel the metal pressing into her. With one wrong move she could have her trachea cut, which would have led to painful death by suffocation. Reluctantly, she dropped her sword. Percy was smart enough to stand on the opposite side of the hand she kept her blade, making it impossible to make any move.
"Congratulation. You won. I am impressed. For sure our paths will cross again." With that, Shiva threw three small smoke pellets. When the cloud finally dispersed, Percy found himself alone on the roof.
He walked down to see a packing movie team. Smart. Make it all into action movie No one will suspect it is for real. First, he went to get Cheshire, but she was long gone. Apparently the nickname had a reflection in reality. He walked back into the hotel. Receptionist stopped him.
"What is the title of the movie you are acting called sir?" Percy could swear she was looking nowhere near his face.
"Blue harvest" He quickly answered before disappearing in the elevator.
Tired beyond imagination he went into his apartment. Of course he already popped few squares of ambrosia, but it was more of mental stress thingy. His brain worked in overdrive mode for almost half a day. He was constantly pumped with adrenaline and now that it all got out, he was feeling the pain. Tomorrow probably he will feel the muscles, but for now he just wanted to take a cold shower and hit the bed. He dropped the bag on the coach in living room and wanted to undress, but his life sense picked another person in the room. In matter of seconds, Percy was on the behind the flipped over table. It wouldn't serve as too much of a protection, but at least hid his exact location.
"There is no need for such violent actions Mr. Jackson. I only came here to personally apologize for any trouble you might have encountered during 'filming' today."
Percy needed no introduction from the trespasser. Well, technically it wasn't trespassing if you owned the building. "Luthor. Cut the play. I am sure you know who I am and I as hell know who you are."
"Oh! I am flattered Mr. Jackson. Please take a seat. I am sure it will be more pleasant for both of us to talk like civilized people." Lex coated his words with sugar, but Percy sensed that he was actually honest.
"Fine." He took a sit on the other armchair. "Now. What do you wan't to talk about. Really." For now, Percy decided to act like cold professional. It might work better with Luthor.
"As you wish. It didn't escape my attention that you Mr. Jackson became billionaire out of nowhere..."
"Take in account that today I already faced five of some of the deadliest assassin in the world. Let's play open cards Luthor. I read the file Justice League has on you. I know you are nowhere as clean as you act to be."
"Fine. I know you aren't really from this world." This was a gamble. Lex could break the bank if he played it right. Or earn another superhuman enemy. "I also know that for some time you acted as a superhero named 'Neptune'. From a convincing source I learned that you were kicked out of Justice League Side-kick squad and that there is large bounty on your head. Did I miss anything?"
"Probably that I attracted attention of every federal agency in the world by creating an account in Swiss bank using public network, only to seconds later transfer billions of Dollars." Percy gave a sarcastic comment, but his face remained cold. It took a lot of strength to keep up with the appearance.
"I wouldn't worry about that. I made sure that it wasn't suspicious. After all, you were owner of Triton Security prior this morning when I bought the company from you. Quite a large company providing safety systems for luxurious clients all around the world. After your father passed away and you were of age, you decided that it's better to sell it and live in fortune old pop made for you." Luthor gave him a wide grin. Similar to Percy's mischievous grin, but it was more evil. Some people would be scarred by it, but he didn't even shrug. One of the ups of going through two wars was that he was hardly scared by anything now.
"So you sized the opportunity and got yourself new shell company?"
"Yes and No. We both gained on this, so why worry?" He pulled a small device from his pocket. It took Percy few seconds to realize it is actually a mobile phone. It was thinner and lighter than he ever seen before. "This is another gift for my fellow billionaire. In this mobile phone there is long list of useful contacts. From trusted real estate agent to a good tailor to several companies that can increase your wealth even more."
Percy nodded unconvinced. He reluctantly took the phone. "And why are you so kind to me Luthor. You never do anything if this doesn't benefit you."
"Let's just say that I am looking for a friend."
"I've looked two different devils in the face. I must say Luthor, none were as convincing as you. I will keep your gifts, but I will not be a pawn in your game." Percy looked Luthor in the eyes and gave him toned down version of the wolf stare. Just like he expected, the rich guy flinched and collapsed deeper into his armchair. He quickly regained his composure, but Percy knew that he won this set.
"I perceive you more of a knight. Very chaotic, but extremely useful. Anyway. It's a tough world. Better to have friends in high places."
"Believe me Luthor. My friends are higher than your's could ever get. Now excuse me. I planned on taking a shower and I'm sorry to say that, but you are nowhere near my type. I think it's the hair." Percy dropped the illusion and returned to his sarcastic self. He tried hard, but he just couldn't resist. Luthor stood up and murmured something like 'nice day' before leaving the apartment.
A/N and that is all for today folks. I hid an easter egg somewhere in the second part. Next chapter will either contain about two months time skip and/or second part of 'the great hunt'. I hope I did honor to the assassins in this chapter. And I am not sure about the confrontation with batman. He is really tough character to write.
