"Please stop biting my ear, that-Ouch!" Yanking the three-year old away from his ear, Percy glared at the offending toddler, before positioning her in a way that she wouldn't be offending his person any more. Kicking open the door the gymnasium, he walked over to the collection of children around Barbara Gordon and Bette Kane. Barbara saw him coming and stood up, taking the squirming toddler from his arms,
"That's all of them in the entire block," he sighed, as Barbara passed the child off to Bette. They were in the Gotham Academy Gymnasium, which had been converted into a makeshift shelter. For the last several hours, Percy had been running around the city, gathering as many kids as he could. For those old enough, he simply sent them on the way to shelter, but he was forced to manually move the other kids.
"Any idea what's going on yet?" Barbara asked softly,
Percy shook his head, "No clue," He said roughly. Which wasn't exactly true, he was fairly certain that whatever was happening was magical in nature. It explained why he hadn't been effected. Demigods, especially the more powerful of their kind, were immune to almost all forms of magic. The only exception being the magic of other divine beings. Percy's theory had only been made stronger when he had called Jason, who confirmed that he too was still around. Along with almost every demigod they'd come into contact with. But Percy wasn't about to explain that to the Commissioner's kid.
"And I still don't know why I'm still here," He said, feigning frustration. Not too hard considering he really was feeling frustrated.
Barbara just patted him reassuringly on the arm, "Well I'm thankful you're here." She glanced back at the group of kids Bette was playing with, "You've been a calming presence for them." She paused, and worried at her lip for a second, before asking in an undertone, "You haven't heard anything from the League, have you?"
Percy arched an eyebrow but shook his head, "I reached out to the offices there, but nobody answered. I'm guessing they likely got caught up in whatever this is," He said. A pair of beeps registered from both of their pockets. As one, both Percy and Barbara pulled their phones from their pockets. Out of the corner of his eye, Percy could see several other kids doing the same.
The screen of his phone lit up with the insignia of the Justice League for a moment, before it flickered away and three recognizable teenagers appeared. The Atlantean, Kaldur, was standing in front of the camera, with Robin and Kid Flash flanking his sides.
"Attention, children and teenagers of Earth." Kaldur began, "I am Aqualad. These are my friends, Robin and Kid Flash."
Robin took it from there, "We are using Justice League tech to cast and stream to every TV, radio, computer, and smartphone on the planet."
Kid Flash took over, "We know you must be scared and angry. We know, with your parents missing, there's a temptation to run wild. But, please, stay calm."
"We will find a way to bring the adults back, but for now, the oldest among you must step up." Kaldur said
"Take care of your younger siblings, take care of kids who have no one." Robin said,
"Protect them," Added Kid Flash,
"It is up to you," Kaldur finished, before the communication ended.
That had been…enlightening. So whatever was going on, must have targeted the adult superheroes as well. Not a surprise, given that Percy hadn't seen hide or hair of the bat all evening. Or even any of the capes for that matter. Something magical was going on, that much was clear. Percy had been around the stuff long enough to recognize its signature, and the air was practically crackling with how much magic was being used. But did that make it his problem?
Percy grimaced, as a shooting pain raced through his head. He was suddenly overcome with memories, memories of his mother. Of watching what she had done for him, what she had endured for his own safety. Then of the kids coming to New Rome. The look of loss in their eyes, and the fear on their faces. The cries of new boots in the barracks, as they sobbed for their parents.
Percy felt something tug at his sleeve, looking down, he saw a small girl. She couldn't be more than five years old, and her dark blue eyes were watering with unshed tears,
"Mr. Policeman," She said, her voice a croaking squeak, "Are you going to find my mommy? I'm scared. I wanna go home. I miss my mommy!" Silent tears washed down her face. For a moment, her dark-blue eyes shined purple, but when Percy blinked, they were they normal again. Figuring it to be his imagination, Percy knelt on one knee, and gently wiped the tears from his face.
"It's all right sweetheart," Percy said softly, "I'll find your parents, don't worry. This will be over before you know it," He looked over to Bette, who walked over, and gently guided the child away. Percy watched them walk back to the crowd of kids, his decision had been made for him.
"Son of a bitch," Percy muttered to himself, and Barbara looked at him, "Stay here," Percy ordered, "Look after the kids," "Where are you going?" She asked, as Percy began walking from the gymnasium, "To get some answers," Percy said vaguely, and stepped out of the Gym. There was a darkened pathway around the corner, and Percy stepped into its shadows. He growled in frustration, loathe as he was to use it, this wasn't exactly a situation that called for restraint. There was some serious mojo being tossed around to cause this, and wherever the adults had gone, Percy had an obligation to try and figure this out. Cursing his obnoxious moral compass, Percy focused his mind and concentrated on the hidden cave in Happy Harbor, Rhode Island. His body disappeared in a mist, and he was gone.
He landed on the floor of a familiar looking cave. He barely had time to get his bearings before someone shouted, "Percy!" And something barreled into him, nearly knocking him to the floor. He wrapped his arms around the familiar brunette missile.
"Zatanna?" He asked confused, "What the hades are you doing here," He gently pried her from his midsection and knelt on one knee to get a better look at her,
"Every adult in the world has disappeared, including my father, and you don't think I'm looking into it?" The twelve-year old asked, and Percy arched an eyebrow, "You know that's not what I meant," he said, "I meant, what are you doing here, Z, you can't be telling me-"
"Percy, I love you like a brother, but now is really not the time!" She shouted, and Percy winced. She was right, he could run his crusade against her following in her father's footsteps at another time.
Someone coughed behind them, and the pair turned to look at the gathering of teens, watching them awkwardly,
"Oh, right," Zatanna said, "Introductions. Team, this is-"
"We've met," Robin said icily, "What are you doing here detective,"
"Yeah," Zatanna said, "How are you even here?"
"Not what I meant," Robin interjected, but Zatanna ignored him,
"I thought every adult in the world was magic'd awa-oh," She said, before blushing faintly, "Yeah, that. Forgot about that,"
"Ok what the hell is happening?" Demanded Kid Flash in annoyance, throwing his arms into the air, "One minute, Zatanna is about to find out where the magic is coming from, the next, there's a grown man, who apparently hasn't been zapped out of reality, randomly appearing in the cave. Anyone else just a little suspicious,"
"Perseus would never-" Kaldur tried to defend but Percy waved him off and pat Zatanna gently on the back, stopping her from glaring at the speedster.
"Your suspicions are fair, but I promise I'm not here to hurt anyone, except the people responsible. I swear on the Styx," His proclamation was punctuated by a loud crack of thunder, and all eyes looked to the ceiling of the cave in confusion,
"Well that wasn't ominous at all," Artemis muttered under her breath,
"And a sign from the gods that he's telling the truth." Kaldur said, to which Percy nodded. Some of the team relaxed a bit at his words, but still looked uneasy,
"I take it Kaldur'ahm and Batman briefed you on me after my last visit?" Percy asked,
"Last visit?" Zatanna asked, but Percy just gestured at her that he'd explain later,
"He did," Superboy affirmed, "Including that you can use magic,"
"Not this kind of magic," Percy snorted, "Mist-magic, a magic unique to my people, can't be used on a scale like this. Not unless it's being used by a full-blooded divine entity." He said with a shake of his head,
"So then why weren't you taken?" M'gann asked,
"Because my people are mostly immune to magic. Especially me." Percy explained,
"Why you, specifically?" Robin asked,
"Because I'm a badass," Percy snapped, before turning back to Zatanna, "Did you locate the source?"
"Not yet," She admitted, "I was just about to try when you appeared," She gestured to the holo-map of the world. Percy nodded and gestured for her to get on with it. Stepping aside, Zatanna approached the map. Withdrawing a wand, she pointed it at the map.
"Etacol Retnecipe Fo Yrecros!" Zatanna intoned, the map beeped, and a red dot appeared off the coast of North Carolina,
"Roanoke," Percy growled, fighting down the burble of white hot anger that threatened to overwhelm him,
"You think-" Zatanna asked,
"It's him. Klarion," Percy said,
"How do you know?" Robin asked,
"Klarion was among those who disappeared from Roanoke with original settlers. It's home to a one of the largest magical hotspots on the planet. The influx of raw natural magic emanating from the area makes it the perfect place for something this strong." Percy explained,
"You know an awful lot about magic for a cop," Superboy observed,
"I dabble," Percy said snidely, "How long will it take you to prep?" Percy asked Kaldur,
"A while, we still don't really know what we could be dealing with here and-" Robin tried to say before he was cut off,
"SHAZAM!" Cried a voice from nowhere, and suddenly a bolt of lightning erupted from nothing, striking the far side of the room, and kicking up a layer of smoke and dust. Percy shielded his eyes, and pushed Zatanna behind him so he could better cover her. Pulling his weapon free from its holster, he leveled it at the intruder, only to pause when the smoke cleared.
There was a kid, standing there, looking at himself in amazement,
"Hey! It works!" He said in excitement. Kaldur led the team over to the kid as Percy stowed his weapon. Sharing a confused look with Zatanna she just shrugged.
"Superhero bullshit," Percy just muttered before joining the kids. As it turned out, the kid was actually that Captain Marvel guy, a magical behemoth with powers that rivaled Superman himself. Percy had to swear that he wouldn't reveal the kid's secret, like Percy would do that to a ten-year old, but he did so anyway. Apparently, when the kid transformed into his other self, he traveled between the world with the children and the one with the adults. Whatever magic was being used, had created two separate realities. One with the adults, and one with the children. Using the Captain as a go between, the kids worked up a plan for a simultaneous attack on the magical site.
Percy hadn't been certain that the big bad bat would have been too receptive to Percy's involvement, but either Percy was warming to the man, or Zatara had convinced him that Percy would be useful. Either way, Percy was on the team, and as they prepped for battle, Percy went back to Gotham to gather his own supplies.
Deep within the bowels of his trunk, Percy stared at his armor. It had been years since he'd last put it on. Years since he'd allowed himself to use the full power he had been cursed with. But this wasn't a normal situation. The type of magic being thrown around so casually was…disturbing. It required thought, and planning. Something deeper was going on, but Percy couldn't dwell on that for too long. The fact of the matter remained that Klarion was back on the plane and apparently had killed Kent Nelson. A man Percy considered a good friend. Percy had once had the chance to end the demon. Could have ripped the demon from its host and cast it back to hell where it belonged. It was Percy's momentary act of kindness that had resulted in Kent's death. Another body that he was responsible for. Another dead friend.
His decision made, Percy took the armor.
BREAK
Someone let out a low whistle as Percy strode back into the cave. Percy rolled his eyes as Zatanna clapped happily at the sight of him,
"You're actually wearing the armor!" She said excitedly running over to him,
"Didn't seem like I had a choice in the matter." Percy said, then looked over to the others and lowered his voice, "You know what I have to do, right? The other's going to be a problem?"
Zatanna looked down to the ground, before glancing back at the team, biting her lip in worry.
"They might, but I doubt that would stop you," She said, and Percy snorted,
"Not likely," he said, as he walked over to Kaldur.
"Your Highness," He said, his eyes widening in surprise as he took in Percy's armor, "I didn't know you still had it,"
"Never lost it kid," Percy said, idly, as he looked around at the gathered group of teens.
"Wonder Woman fixation much?" Kid Flash, said, only to be smacked on the back of the head by Artemis,
"You're not planning on using that sword are you?" Robin asked warily, eyeing the Sword of Mars on his hip.
"If I have to," Percy said, crossing his arms,
"Absolutely not," Robin said hotly, crossing his arms, "Heroes don't kill,"
"Good thing I'm not a cape then," Percy said, then turned back to Kaldur, "How're we getting there?"
Kaldur nodded, and led Percy and the team to a hanger bay. Inside which was what Percy could describe, as a spaceship.
"You're shitting me," He said,
"Martian, remember," Zatanna said, as she followed the team up the loading ramp.
"I hate my life," Percy grumbled as he climbed into the ship. Once inside all the seats were already occupied.
"Ope," M'gann said, "Hello Megan! Here you go, detective," She said, and a chair materialized out of…nothing it seemed like, next to Zatanna. Warily, Percy climbed into the chair. He let out a surprised yelp when a three point harness suddenly tied him to the chair. "Trunked up superhero bullshit," He said gratingly, as he leaned back as the ship took off into the air.
It took an hour to get to Roanoke, where Percy was overcome with the feeling of some very powerful, and very ancient magic. They arrived on the edge of a forest, the leaves on the trees had already begun shedding, and their bare branches entwined with one another in a criss-crossing pattern that made an almost wall blockading the forest from trespassers. The martian ship used some kind of cloaking mechanism that Percy didn't even bother trying to wrap his head around, to shield them from being discovered as they approached. "There it is," Kaldur announced. Percy pressed the release on his harness and walked over to the canopy. He could see the unmistakable form of Klarion standing in a circle of runes. There was something in the middle of the ring, but at the distance they were at, Percy couldn't get a clear look at it.
"Any way to give me a better look at that ring?" Percy asked, and suddenly the canopy zoomed in, giving Percy a better look at the ring. Percy focused his attention on the stone that had been planted in the soil, directly in the middle of the ring.
"That's the power source," Percy said, gesturing to the stone. "It's the anchor behind the spell."
"Do you recognize it?" Kaldur asked,
"No," Percy said, "But I would wager that there's a similar gem on the other side with the adults."
"So we smash the stone, we merge the realities," Kid Flash said, punching one hand into the other for emphasis.
"And probably smash the realities into smithereens in the process." Percy said, "What do you mean?" Superboy asked,
"You know how Klarion anchors himself to this reality through his cat? Well you destroy the cat, you throw homeboy from this reality. Same exact sort of thing here. Only here, that thing is charged with enough magical mojo to tear the realities apart from the backlash. We need to capture it intact. That's your job."
"You don't give us orders!" Robin snapped, "This is our team, and our mission."
"You will handle the witch-boy then, your highness?" Percy just rolled his eyes at Kaldur's honorific but he was done fighting the kid. He seemed hell bent on it anyway.
"Yeah, me and the demon have some unfinished business." Percy said, then looked over at the martian, "How do I get out of this thing?"
A hole appeared in the floor, leading straight down, and Percy nodded his thanks. "I'll give you an opening. Take it, grab the crystal, and get out of dodge until the smoke clears."
"How will we know what the signal is?" Zatanna asked as Percy prepared to leap down the hole.
Percy looked back over his shoulder, "Just wait for the screaming to start." and he hopped down onto the earth below.
BREAK
"Why are we listening to the mentally unhinged LARPer again?" Wally asked, and Zatanna felt her cheeks go flush in anger,
"Hey!" She said defensively and and he raised his hands into the air in surrender,
"Just saying, you saw him earlier, guy looks ready to kill Klarion," He said,
"That's exactly what he's planning," Conner said, crossing his arms in his seat, "Or did I misinterpret what 'You know what I have to do' means?"
"So he is planning on killing him!" Robin said,
"See Kaldur!" Wally shouted, "Your 'Prince Charming' is a madman!"
"You would do well not to disrespect him, my friend. We owe more to that man than you can possibly understand."
"And there we go again with this," Wally said in exasperation,
"I have explained it to you twice already," Kaldur said evenly, "He is the son of-"
"The god of the seas, yeah sure, whatever. He's still a grade A jerkwad."
"Watch what you say about him!" Zatanna said again,
"Why are you so protective of him anyway?" Artemis asked curiously, "And for that matter, how does your dad know him,"
Zatanna shrank back in her seat somewhat, "I don't know the whole story, only that one day dad came home with him. Said they were working together, or something. I was pretty young at the time, so I don't remember much, only that they were working with a couple of other powerful sorcerers doing…something. I think they were investigating supernatural occurrences or something."
"I thought detective Jackson wasn't a hero?" M'gann asked, confused.
"He's not," Zatanna said quickly, "He-he doesn't much care for heroes. Like's to say that they are unchecked weapons of mass destruction with no oversight."
"That's what the Justice League is for!" Robin said indignantly,
"Yeah!" Wally agreed, and looked around for confirmation from the others, only to pause when Artemis squirmed in her seat,
"Don't tell me you agree with him?" Wally said in disbelief,
"I mean…" Artemis said, uncomfortably looking away, "I doubt you'd understand. You have powers, but do you understand how terrifying some of you are? And that's nothing compared with the rest of the league. I mean, you've all seen what they can do, who could stop them if they decided they didn't want to play fair any more?"
"You really think the League would ever go rogue?" Robin asked, astonished,
"Anything is possible!" Artemis snapped defensively, "And I'm not saying he's right, only that he might have a point!"
"Um guys," M'gann said, "I'm all for debates about the ethical ramifications of heroism, but I think detective Jackson just gave us the signal," She pointed out the canopy and all turned just in time to see an enormous explosion of magical energy erupt around the forest, followed by an enormous roar. Wally summed up what they were all thinking.
"Holy crap, dude…"
BREAK
Unaware of the conversation occurring high above him, Percy camouflaged himself, and crept forward. Taking cover behind the trunk of a large tree, Percy examined the circle, and the witch-boy within. Lounging in the dirt beside the circle, was an orange tabby-cat with black stripes and blood-red eyes.
Pulling his sword free of the scabbard, Percy took careful aim of his target. Grabbing the sword by the hilt, Percy began reaching out with his will. With a firm hold of his domain, Percy grit his teeth and with a mighty heave, he hurled the sword at the cat.
Klarion spun around immediately, and just before the sword was to pass into the neck of the familiar, he waved his hand and the sword was deflected away as a massive boulder materialized in its path.
"Well, well, well," Klarion said, a wide grin threatening to split his face, "Look what the sea-urchin dragged in."
Percy wasn't in the mood for playing games. Percy released his pent up power, and the ground beneath Klarion erupted into a geyser of searing water. Klarion screeched in pain and surprise, and summoned shield around him, protecting him from the scalding waters, the steam from the geyser however became trapped in the shield, blinding Klarion from seeing Percy. Which was exactly what Percy had wanted. Turning his attention back to the cat. It hissed in anger, and Percy jumped, getting better aim at the cat over the boulder. Summoning a trident of water, Percy hurled it at the cat, but it didn't sit idly by and wait to get hit. It leapt out of the way, hissing and spitting in anger. Landing on all fours, the cat suddenly transformed. In the blink of an eye, the innocent tabby was replaced with a mutated monster, the size of a tiger. It let out a monstrous roar and leapt at him. Reaching out, Percy recalled his sword, which had been embedded in the trunk of a tree. The sword streaked through the air, and the hell-cat had to leap out of the way as Percy caught the weapon around the handle. Twirling the blade in his hand, Percy glared at the large creature. It let out another roar, and leaped through the air at him. Percy side-stepped out of the way of the attack, bringing his sword down in a slash which caught the beast along its flank. It let out a howl of pain, as black blood spurt from its side.
A matching howl of pain and fury came from the circle. Out of the corner of his eye, Percy could see Klarion had cleared away the rest of the steam and water.
"I hate demi-gods!" He snarled in fury, before raising his hands in the air. Crimson flames erupted from his hands and streaked across the ground towards Percy. With a flick of his left vambrace, a shield materialized and Percy braced behind it. The flames slammed into the shield, and Percy grunted as he was pushed back a few feet. He caught sight of movement out of the corner of his eye and had to jump to the side to dodge out of the way of the large beast as it attempted to pounce on him.
"What's the matter, detective?" Klarion said derisively, continuing to cast blasts of fire in Percy's direction, which he had to dodge out of the way of, "You're usually far chattier. Last time you couldn't stop talking what's the matter? Cat got your tongue?"
Percy ducked out of the way of another stream of fire only to immediately get slammed into the ground as Teekl pinned him to the earth. The monster reared its maw back and Percy screamed as its enormous fangs sank deep into Percy's neck. Pulling his fist back, Percy rapidly cooled the air around his knuckles, sheathing them in dry ice. Just as his fist was about to connect, Percy commanded the the oxygen atoms around his hand to expand, containing the carbon dioxide within a confined space and not allowing it expand. The resulting combination of the dry ice, with the force of the punch, caused a chain reaction which exploded violently upon contact.
The familiar screeched in pain, as it was blown off of Percy and sent careering through the clearing and into the forest. It smashed through several large trees before it came to a rest, motionless on the ground. Klarion let out another wail of pain and misery as he collapsed to the forest floor in pain.
"You cheater!" He screeched, "Who are you to attack a harmless kitty cat?" He gasped in pain as both he and Percy rose from the ground at the same time. Klarion glared at him, "Why are you so quiet?" He demanded, as he swayed slightly in place. Then, a disgusting and blood-thirsty girl spread across his face,
"Oh I see, this is about the old man," Klarion cackled in glee, "Oh that was fun! You should have been there, one shot was it all it took and 'pop' went the magic weasel. Shame he was so weak, it would have been fun to play around with him some more."
Percy just glared at the witch-boy, before wincing in pain. It felt as though someone was trying to pry open his temples with a hammer, as a voice rang in his head.
"Detective? It's Miss Martian," Said the familiar voice in his head,
"Oh what fresh new hell is this?" Percy said in an undertone, as he gathered energy into his hand.
"Don't speak, I've linked you telepathically with the rest of the team, just think what you need to say and the rest of the team will hear you," Miss Martian explained,
"Just what I always wanted, the thoughts of hormonal teenagers rampaging through my mind," Percy thought without really thinking about it.
"Yeah, cause we're all thrilled about this too," Kid Flash snarked,
"Shut up, you're the fast one, right?" Percy thought, as he finished channeling his energy into an attack.
"The fast one? I'm-"
"Yes, he is." Zatanna cut in, "And Percy please don't be needlessly antagonistic."
Percy ignored her, "You're about to have your opening. Get ready to grab the gem and get out of dodge," Percy thought,
"Don't give me-"
"It will be done," Aqualad thought sternly,
Without another word, Percy launched his attack. It was a small ball of condensed air, roughly the size of a baseball. The ball of air whizzed at Klarion who tried to put up a shield of energy, only for the attack to go straight through the magical construct and collide with his mid-section. The ball exploded outward, as the compressed air rapidly expanded and Klarion was thrown from the runic circle.
"Now!" Percy ordered, and was nearly thrown from the ground as a red and yellow blur raced past him. Percy didn't wait to see what happened from there, as he launched himself in the direction of where Klarion went flying.
As Percy streaked through the air, he launched a bolt of ice at the still form of Teekl, freezing it to the ground. Using the air currents to guide him, Percy maneuvered himself through the air and redirected his way towards Klarion. "You cheap-shotting, cheater, McCheaterson!" Klarion snarled as he pulled himself from the ground. "I was going to have some fun with you, but now I'll just kill you! Say hi to the old man when you see him in hell!" Black and red lightning burst from the creature's fingertips and shot in Percy's direction.
Snarling in fury, Percy raised his arms in front of him and brought the shield up once more. The shield took most of the direct attack, but Percy was still struck with stray bolts of electricity. Still, it wasn't real electricity, but magically summoned electricity and as such, Percy barely even felt the attack as it seared across his skin. Klarion's eyes went wide in sheer terror, as Percy bore down on him, and tried to teleport but Percy wasn't about to let him get away so easily. Percy threw his sword at the witch-boy, who tried to raise a shield but the sword was divine, and cut straight through the magical wall of energy, and caught the demon in the stomach. Klarion screamed in anguish and wrapped his hands around the handle, his eyes wide in horror.
Percy bore down on him tackling him to the ground. Tumbling together, Percy rotated the pair of them so that he was on top, and wrapped his hands around Klarion's face.
"What are you going to do, fallen hero?" Klarion laughed out, blood pooling around his lips as he sneered up at Percy, "You can kill me if you want, but you and I both know that I'll just reform in Limbo Town. It might take weeks, months, even years, but I'll be back. I'm a Lord of Chaos, and Chaos, cannot be controlled!"
Percy just tightened his grip around the demon's face, and reached out to the divine and began chanting,
"Ab hoc plans est, unde venisti de quo egressus es." He intoned, his eyes glowing bright green as a sudden wind picked up around them.
Klarion's eyes went wide in horror, "What are you doing!" He shrieked, and tried to struggle, but Percy just slammed his head against the hard ground,
"Ergo et memoriam sola manent."
"No! Stop! Ahhh!" He howled as his eyes suddenly glowed black, and his true form emerged.
"Unde antiqui metto fonema ut."
Klarion's body began to contort and shake as the wind grew in velocity. Percy's eyes changed from green, to bright gold as he continued to invoke divine magic. The earth itself shook and Klarion continued to scream that unearthly wail of pain, misery, and abject fear.
"Capti anima tua usuque in sempiternum, et facies retributionem!" Percy finished the incantation, and Klarion let out an ear-shattering screech. His skin split and cracked, as though it were made of glass. His jaw broke as it opened wider than humanly possible and black smog raced out from his throat. The smoke shook and the body shattered and then both were engulfed in bright golden light, and they were gone.
Percy fell to the ground, panting heavily as sweat dribbled down the side of his face. It had been too long since he'd used so much of his power, and he was…rather out of practice. Thankfully, he still had more than enough to deal with the likes of something like Klarion. He saw a dark, webbed hand extend in front of him. Looking up, he saw Kaldur standing over him, a smile on his face.
"Need a hand?" The Atlantean asked, and Percy took the offered hand, and allowed the teenager to heft him to his feet. The others ran over to him, Percy could see the gem in Kid Flash's hand.
"What-what was that?" Miss Martian asked, "Where did he go?"
"I banished his soul," Percy said simply, "Klarion won't be back anytime soon, likely ever,"
"So he's dead?" Artemis asked, and Percy shrugged,
"Might as well be," He said, and snatched the gem out of Kid Flash's hand, who yelped in annoyance.
"Ok," Superboy said, looking around, "But if Klarion is gone, why haven't things changed yet?"
"No idea," Percy muttered, as he examined the gem, he tossed it over to Zatanna, "Recognize it?"
Zatanna looked at the gem, but shook her head, "I have no idea," She said, sounding disappointed, "I'm sorry," "Don't be," Percy and Aqualad said at the same time. They shared a look, and Percy nodded at the teen.
"So let me see if I have this right?" Robin said through clenched teeth, "The adults aren't back, we have the gem but don't know how to use it or how it works, and the only person who knew how it worked is dead!"
"Pretty much," Percy said uncaringly, "You sound like you don't even care!" Robin seethed, getting right up to Percy and poking him in the chest,
"Because I don't," Percy said, arching an eyebrow at the boy wonder. "Look junior, I'm not the magical artifact expert, that's Zatara. Chances are real good that he knows, and if he doesn't I know at least two other guys who are experts on the subject. Whatever this thing is, someone knows what it is, and how to deal with it. So no, I'm not worried." Percy shrugged at the look of indignant fury on Robin's face. It looked like he was about to launch into another dressing down when there was a flash of lightning, which struck the ground a few meters away. Turning to where the lightning struck, Percy saw the kid, Billy he thought he remembered, from the cave. He looked around for a few seconds, before he saw them, and ran over.
"Guys!" He panted, "The gem in the center! You got to get to the gem in the-" It was then he noticed the gem in Zatanna's hand. "Oh, wow, you guys already got it. That's so awesome!"
"Thank Hercules over here," Artemis said, jerking a thumb over at Percy,
"Please don't compare me to that raptor Graeca," Percy said indignantly
"Woah," Billy said, looking up at Percy and his armor. "That's so cool! You actually managed to beat Klarion! I've heard that even Dr. Fate has had-"
"Captain!" Aqualad said sternly, and Billy flinched,
"Right, sorry," He said, awkwardly scratching at the back of his head, "The other's are almost wrapped up, we'll finish off the bad guys and talk to Zatara about how to fix this. I'll let you know when we've got something. SHAZAM!" There was another flash of lightning and Captain Marvel disappeared.
"Superhero Bullshit." Percy sighed,
"Well, I'm just glad I didn't need to use this," Zatanna muttered as she pointed at a rock and dispelled an illusion spell, revealing a very familiar helmet to Percy. With another incantation, Zatanna summoned the Helmet of Fate to her arms, and Percy just stared at her.
"Where did you get that," He asked,
"We rescued it from the Tower of Fate, the night Kent Nelson was killed," Aqualad explained. Percy grabbed the helmet from Zatanna's grasp and examined it.
"Hey, what are you doing with that?" Kid Flash said hotly,
"Do you know what this is?" He asked Zatanna,
"Of course we do!" Kid Flash said, "Whoever puts on the helmet, becomes Dr. Fate and is possessed by the spirit of Nabu."
"Where have you been keeping this?" Percy demanded, and Zatanna rubbed her shoulder uncomfortably as she averted her eyes,
"Leave her alone," Robin said defensively,
"Zatanna, look at me," Percy said sternly, and with what appeared to be great difficulty, she finally met his gaze. "Where have you been keeping this?" Percy asked slowly,
"In the cave…" She said, uncomfortably, "In the…trophy…room,"
Percy let out a slow breath from his nostrils, and tried to reign in his flaring temper before he lost control. He closed his eyes, and calmed himself, when he felt like he wasn't about to unleash a sudden storm, he re-opened his eyes.
"Let me get this straight," Percy said, "One of the most power magical artifacts, on the planet, has been sitting defenseless on a shelf in a cave, guarded by sidekicks. Do I have that right?"
"The cave isn't-" Miss Martian began to say but stopped when Percy glared at her, Superboy growled angrily at Percy but Percy ignored him.
"Protective enchantments?" Percy asked,
"There are…a couple on the cave itself I think. But not on the trophy room." Zatanna said,
"Ignoring the fact that you brought this to a fight with the potential to use it, and I will be speaking to your father about that, I will be speaking to them about this." And with that, Percy took the helmet and stalked off.
BREAK
They only had to wait around another ten minutes before Billy came back and told them that they had subdued the remaining villains and were ready to attempt to merge the realities back into one. Percy watched, perched on the helm, as Zatanna prepared to cast the spell her father had written down for her.
"Perseus Jackson," Intoned an annoyingly familiar voice in his head,
"Oh godsdamnit," Percy grunted,
"You disrespect me," Nabu said in his mind, speaking through the helm
"I disrespect a lot of people. Join the club." Percy snarked
"You are using the anchor of a Lord of Order, as a chair!" The voice thundered in Percy's mind,
"A pretty shitty one too," Percy confirmed with a nod, "Seriously, you're going right up my-"
"Get off of me, you impudent child!"
"Oooh," said Percy sarcastically, "Real intimidating there Nabu." He made a show of squirming around to get more comfortable, "Ahh," He sighed in content, "That's much better," Nabu just growled.
"Percy, please try not to antagonize the Lord of Order for me will you kid?" Said another voice in his head that Percy recognized,
"Kent?" He said, "What the Hades are you doing in there?"
"Decided to keep Nabu company, help him find a suitable heir in exchange for releasing the one with the mouth from his possession," Kent explained,
"Flash Jr.?" Percy asked, "Kid was dumb enough to put on the helmet?"
"There were…mitigating circumstances." Kent said, and Percy snorted,
"And you have disrupted those attempts at finding a host." Nabu growled, "You have disrupted the natural order. Destabilized the way things were supposed to go."
"Excuse me?" Percy said,
"Nabus right kid," Kent said, "He's shown me. He was supposed to take possession of Zatara today. Your interference disrupted that."
"And that is not the first time you have destabilized the Order." Nabu seethed, "You have altered much. Changed much. The future, once clear, is now clouded in uncertainty. Something is happening."
"What do you mean?" Percy asked, now genuinely interested,
"He means that someone is screwing around with the way things are supposed to happen." Kent explained, "You were never supposed to get involved with that little team over there. You were never supposed to meet with the Justice League. None of this is right."
"Someone is changing things. Altering reality. And I do not have any idea who, or what, it could be." Nabu said, sounding…genuinely worried. Which made Percy feel immensely uncomfortable. He had only ever known the spirit of the helmet to be pissed or slightly annoyed. Never…scared. It was unnerving.
There was a sudden explosion of magical energy and a flash of light, as Zatanna finished the spell. Percy blinked, and there were suddenly far more people standing in the field. Percy recognized Batman, Zatara, and who he thought was the hero Red Tornado.
"Well whatever it is, I'll deal with it when and even if I have to," Percy said, standing up and grabbing the helm, "Sounds more like a cape problem to me. And I'm not in the business of helping Capes."
"You helped them today," Kent observed,
"Didn't exactly have a choice in the matter, did I?" Percy said, and there was no response to that as the helmet fell silent. Batman and Zatara were speaking to Aqualad and Zatanna. Noticing his approach, they broke off the discussion and approached him.
"Detective,"
"Percy,"
Greeted the pair, and Percy nodded at them,
"Aqualad said that you dealt with Klarion. What did you do to him?" Batman asked, he didn't sound angry, merely curious. Or, as curious as a monotonous drone of a man could sound.
"Ripped his soul out and cast it into the cage," Percy said, and Zatara's eyes went wide.
"What is the cage?" Batman asked,
"He means that he cast the witch-boy's soul to hell." Zatara said,
"You sent him to Tartarus?" Batman asked
"No," Percy said, "I sent him to hell."
"They aren't the same?" Batman asked,
"No," Percy said with a shake of his head, "Each domain has its own form of the underworld. Don't ask me how it works, I don't have a clue. Not my business. Just know that there is a hell as described by most Abrahamic holy books." He explained. "Tartarus is brutal, but easily escapable. The cage is a part of hell that is…far less pleasant. Which is saying something, believe me."
"So he's dead." Batman said flatly,
"No," Zatara said, "Klarion is a Lord of Chaos. They are…difficult to kill to say the least. They are most comparable to a god. They take control of a host body, and use it reap their chaos. When the host body is destroyed, the soul of the Lord of Chaos is cast out, but it isn't destroyed. What Percy did, was rip the soul from Klarion, who died hundreds of years ago in the disappearance of Roanoke, and Percy trapped that soul in hell. It will take centuries, if not longer or even ever, for him to reform and come back."
Batman just grunted, then extended a hand, "Thank you, for your assistance. This could have gone…poorly, if not for your intervention."
Percy shook the man's hand, "You're welcome. But I'll be honest, I only did this because it was Klarion. This won't be happening again."
"I expected as much," Batman nodded, then gestured at the helm, "I assume you plan on taking that?"
Percy nodded, "It belongs in the tower." He said, "From there, Nabu can find his next host. And that doesn't even touch on the whole hiding it in a cave with a bunch of teenagers thing."
"The cave is protected," Batman said, "That being said, I agree. Without Dr. Fate, the League is not equipped to properly enchant the cave from magical intrusion. No offense to you, Zatara."
"None taken," The magician said genially, "You are correct. I have done what I can, but the defenses of the cave are paltry, compared to the Tower. I have been petitioning for weeks to have the Helmet returned."
They were distracted by the arrival of a headache. The remainder of the Justice League arrived on the scene. With the two worlds reunited, the rioting had a come to an end, allowing the remainder of the league to investigate the site of the disturbance.
"Ah crap," Percy muttered, as three particularly large headaches began walking in his direction, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Aquaman strode over and flanked Batman and Zatara.
"Evening Cousin," Wonder Woman smirked at him, and Percy sighed, "Diana," Percy said, "I didn't realize you were working again, Perseus," Aquaman said, crossing his arms over his chest,
"I'm not," Percy said, "This was a one time deal."
"You sure aren't dressed like it," Wonder Woman observed with a raised brow.
"Next time I throw down with a Lord of Chaos, I'll keep that in mind," Percy said,
"What are you doing here detective?" Superman asked, he looked…annoyed.
"You don't seem surprised to see me in armor," Percy observed
"We've been briefed," Superman noted, and Percy stared at Diana who just shrugged,
"Not like we haven't thrown down with the gods before Percy." She said and Percy just sighed.
"All the adults in the world disappeared, I couldn't exactly sit back and do nothing," Percy said unconcerned, "What's got your long johns in a twist?"
"You called Lois," Superman said hotly, getting in Percy's face, "You told her about my-about the Superboy!"
"I did," Percy affirmed, "And?"
"What gave you the right?" Superman demanded,
"Nobody," Percy said with a shrug, "What are you going to do about it?"
"All right boys, put 'em away," Wonder Woman said, stepping in between them, "What's done is done. No putting the genie back in the bottle." She grabbed Superman and started guiding him away, but not before glancing back at Percy, "We should catch up Percy, soon." Then she
and the Man of Steel headed off towards the rest of the League.
"I should get going," Percy said, gesturing to the helm, "I think it's high time this got back to where it belongs."
"Agreed," Batman said, then gestured to someone behind him, and Black Canary approached the group.
"A babysitter? Seriously?" Percy asked incredulously,
"You hold one of the most powerful magical artifacts in your hands, did you really think you wouldn't have a baby sitter?" Batman asked rhetorically,
"Besides," Canary added, reaching into her pocket and withdrawing a large golden key from her jacket, "I have the key."
Percy was too tired to fight it, so he just nodded and grabbed Canary around the arm,
"Hey!" He heard a male voice call out, but Percy ignored him,
"Try not to throw up, this may be a bit…disconcerting." And with a final smirk down at the woman, Percy and Black Canary vanished in a flurry of water particles.
AN: The spell Percy used roughly translates into "Leave this plane from whence you came. So nought but your memory shall remain. To the pit so ancient I send you hence. Your soul forever trapped, you face recompense." But it could be something else, I don't speak Latin and translate can be finicky. Now I know that some of you are or have already typed out that Kent Nelson was freed from the helm during the injustice league attack, but….I decided not to have that happen here, purely for my own enjoyment. So, this is introducing something that I'm going to explore much later down the road. For those worried this is where I jump the shark, and have Percy get involved with the Capes more, fret not, Percy will be back to pounding pavement and solving crimes soon enough. This was just an important character arc for Percy, as well as finally set the full plot in motion. I have an endgame in mind. Something really, really special. Something BIG, that I don't think has ever really been done before. So get excited. Thanks again for all the love and support you all have shown, and I'm glad you're all enjoying the ride as much as I am. As always if you enjoyed this but haven't checked out my other work, give them a try you never know you might find something else you like. I'm also on discord now, you just have to copy the link that's in my profile bio if you want to come and hang out with us. Stay safe, stay healthy and have an awesome week!