Unprecedented Beginnings, part 1.
Yellow Stone National Park
Around 11 pm.
The team lay battered, bruised and unconscious on the ground. Red Tornado's vicious attacks weakened them considerably. Until the Volcano dude showed otherwise. Quite the plan indeed. And within a second, the team retaliated as one. Even their guest for the day got in some spells to counteract the menace. Yet all failed. This new addition to Tornado's family was beyond their abilities. They needed serious help and Tornado didn't seem to have the answers. He flew away, possibly to get help. Until then, they had to manage.
Aqualad took control. He directed each member of the team to with precise tasks so as to contain the maniacal android. The team functioned as efficiently as a well-oiled automotive, with each member knowing their purpose and functions while executing the assigned roles and jobs like a laser in an ophthalmological procedure. And Zatanna, their wildcard helped contain the android too. Tornado had no knowledge about her, and so did Volcano. However, Volcano's function seemed to be destroy, irrespective of its well-being. Unknown to the heroes, it started the dormant super-volcano and plunged it into its phase 2 directly.
Lava started to spew from the fissures that grew on the ground. The super-volcano became active in the blink of an eye and Volcano burst into raving fits of villainous laughter, a staple for no-matter-the-cost supervillains. The ground began to shake vigorously throwing most of the heroes off-balance. At a loss on what to do, Aqualad called in the Justice league while Zatanna pulled them all into a protective purple shield, undoubtedly straining her.
With chaos reigning all over and an inevitable explosion soon to occur, no hope was left in these heroes. Until they heard a deafening boom. Fearing it to be an eruption, they were befuddled to see a tall, broad-shouldered figure clad in heavy golden-bronze, antiquated greek-themed armour, with a three-foot-long leaf-shaped bronze sword, descending onto Volcano. A single swipe of that sword clutched in its hand made a deep incision on one of the limbs of Red Volcano. Volcano screeched making a sound akin to that of a high-frequency step-up transformer. It grumbled in the background of heavy electric crackling and spoke the thoughts enveloping all present there, "Now, another menace to deal with. Do you people sprout from an incubation centre? It seems futile to even challenge a hero these days. Father was evidently right. The earth needs to be repopulated by my red army. You are new though. Tornado didn't know you. So, this being your very own funeral – as well as your own world's – it will be the last chance to introduce yourself".
"You know?", the now-identified male started saying, "Even bad-guy machines are as cliché as they can get. Monologuing. Over-confident. Over-ambitious. Don't know their ass from their head. And certainly, forget to account for unknown variables. But who cares? For my name matters not, but my actions shall, you arrogant android." He launched himself at the red monstrosity but was promptly flushed into the air with a burst of lava from the ground. In the gravelly mechanical voice associated with every AI movie of dominance and take-over ever made, Volcano maniacally laughed. "Doesn't matter where they grow. They all shall come and go the same way. In no time."
In but an instant, invisible and imperceptible to anybody, the figure moved with speed just short of the likes of Shazam, Superman and Flash, and cut through the armour on Volcano straight into his processing centre. Heavily damaged, Volcano began to move in a haphazard manner, like being clubbed to the head. It malfunctioned and toppled backwards into a lava stream that formed behind it, began dissolving. Seeking to cause as much damage before leaving, it waved of its hand and the entire ground rumbled with a ferocity unseen before. The tremors and the pressure waves that originated were felt as far away as Tokyo along the Pacific and Istanbul across the Atlantic. Yellow Stone Super Volcano had gone into stage three.
The red family arrived and were stunned to find their youngest brother a steaming hunk of metal and the active supervolcano in the beginnings of stage 3. Their attention was diverted, however, when they heard a guttural roar from the new figure among them. They see him drive his sword into the ground and his entire figure begins to glow. It starts out a pale red. Then goes on into the glowing red. Then white-hot. Captivated by the sheer spectacle they were witnessing, they almost failed to dodge the massive amounts of water that had been unceremoniously drained from underground reservoirs and the debris being flung their way from an unprecedented class-5 tornado raging havoc on the volcanic ash and gases that spewed into the atmosphere. Even the red family had no control over the elements they possessed control over. The sheer power rolling of the figure was intense and overpowering. The team lay incapacitated from the pressure and heat waves that was scorching the barren grounds. Yet, the explosion was contained. The unknown armour-clad saviour was working his magic and after about a minute of complete bedazzlement and utter spectacle, the volcano was brought under control. The earth-filled up the fissures and cracks. The lava cooled down and the new rock was firm. Earth was saved by an extraordinarily powerful stranger, who maintained control over three elements at the same time and prevented a stage-3 supervolcano from bringing the extinction and ice age once again.
A loud sonic boom and the Flash was the first to arrive. Moments later, Superman was there. Then followed the Javelins with Zatara, Batman and Black Canary along with them. To say they were surprised would overwhelmingly be understated. Their surprise or rather worry was on the precipice of frightening and terrified. A super-volcano in stage - 3. In a million years, they could never have wagered that their covert team would be in such a situation in the first place, let alone stop it. Even from a distance, they were able to see the satellite feed of what happened and hoped beyond hope their kids were alright. And then the mysterious figure came in to save the day while they were almost too late and unsure if they could do anything about it in the first place. No matter. The earth is safe for now and they had to thank this individual for it. Regardless, the questions and congratulations will have to wait.
The stranger stopped glowing and was charred so black, that one would mistake him for a mass of highly-carbonated coal. He seemed to be breathing with great difficulty. Immediately, M'gann went to work. She recalled the bio-ship and placed their unknown saviour on a resting platform. The rest of the team and the red family piled into the ship, and they all flew together towards Mt. Justice, in awe of the stranger who had the power to stop a mini-extinction level event single-handedly when that shouldn't have been possible to stop.
Mt. Justice.
Silence permeated the hall. The entire Justice league had gathered with exception of Wonder Woman. She had other matters to deal with like the resurgence of Ares, Hades and Circe – an unlikely alliance but one that happened anyway. Or so she claimed once she heard that there was a figure clad in ancient Greek styled armour who was charred as black as a panther, recovering from severe injuries after stopping a super-volcano from erupting. None of them had words to describe their feelings. But one thing was certain. A being as powerful as this had gone unnoticed to their eyes for so long. His motivation was unknown. His powers were not documented. He was as much a mystery to batman as humanity was to the red family.
The red family. Another set of unknown variables. How to discern the truth and verify their accounts? Was this a part of their original programming? How to be sure if they really want to be heroes? So many questions. The answers don't seem to be there today.
The figure stirred and immediately the gaze of every individual in that room shifted to him. In a gravelly whisper, that sounded like chalk scratching on a blackboard, "Water… get me to the water".
Superman was the first to respond. Seems like he and Con… the illegitimate clone were the only ones who heard this plea. He immediately swooped down, lifted the kid up gently and placed him in the water. Instantly the wounds started to heal, and a green glow enveloped the kid. After a few minutes, the face seemed to have healed sufficiently for the kid to open his eyes.
"Well, this is shitty," the unknown kid internally mused. "Now they know I exist. It was bound to come out at some point. I hoped to have pushed it further, but this seemed a genuine threat. I couldn't leave that to chance. I mean, what if something went wrong and Yellowstone actually blew up. Imagine that. No. I did the right thing. That brings us back to this. How to get out of this without revealing too much? Athena. If you can hear me, it would be really good for a plan to pop into my head. How about this? I make you a deal. I will lead an excruciating archaeological survey for the lost Parthenon. Savvy?
(After a few moments of intense silence) Well. It was worth a try. Time to stop the staring creeps." He began to talk voice his thoughts. "Do you know it is impolite to stare? At least I was led to believe that was a part of human manners. From what I gather, I have two Martians, one Kryptonian and his clone, a bunch of meta-humans, some enhanced humans from the sea, fortunately, no amazons and well, a bunch of costumed human beings as a part of your two teams. Not to miss, a literal lord of fate and few sorcerers. So, it is not something new for you to encounter the unexpected or shall we say supernatural… Not the right word. I think the correct word would be… unprecedented. But I digress. I am sure you have questions. However, I will answer them the best I can. I know you will be paranoid about a super-powered individual running around etcetera, etcetera. I mean, Batman is a well-documented control-freak and extremely paranoid. (On seeing the Bat glare) And the famous glare is here… Okay. Okay… I'll stop. I'll make you a deal. Until I am fully healed, I will answer all your questions truthfully but if I cannot reveal the answer, I won't answer properly."
Batman spoke in his low, baritone voice "You are in no position to negotiate or deny us answers. You will speak, willingly or unwillingly. The powers you exhibited stopping the yellow stone eruption are far beyond devastating and catastrophic to be up for grabs. You need to be guided, trained and taught restraint and control. If not, you will only be a loose cannon. And that cannot be allowed. So, let's start with, what is your name? Where are you from? How did you acquire your powers?"
The stranger looked rather discomforted with the interrogation that was being developed. He was healing. Quickly. His entire torso's flesh had been replaced and his lower body's charred skin and skin had ceased to exist. An unnatural rate of healing… One that began only when he was placed in water. He twitched his mouth and then stopped. He fell into deep thought and after quite a few uncomfortable minutes, he began to speak. "My name is Perseus Apollyon, but I go by Percy Jackson. I live in Metropolis, and you can find me whenever you please. My powers are of no concern to you. I have been watching the Justice League, the Injustice League, their affiliates and members for the past few years. Together along with several alien forces, conquerors and humans, you are the most dangerous beings alive today. I have been tasked by my master with the preservation of western society and civilization and the earth and its ecosystem. While it is admittedly a hectic job, my role in history has lead to the peaceful extension and progress of human society into far less troubling and conflicted times. Then you superheroes started popping up. By your very nature, you invite conflict and speed up the progress of weaponry and warfare more than those of peace and clean energy. However, your intent was good and thus I have let you remain without interference. I am content to let this phase grow out and let humanity gently pull its progress towards a civil, peaceful society as your phase will pass, just like Hitler, Mao, Stalin, the British Empire, the French Empire, the Dutch, Portuguese and the rest did in the 20th century. I will pick up the pieces left from the inevitable war and teach the lessons needed to be taught and execute my duty. Today too, I was executing my duty. I kept an eye on your "covert" team and found the situation to be out of their hands and thus stepped in. Anything else?"
Batman looked impassive as always. Visibly incomprehensible and an emotionless zombie. The rest of them however had no qualms admitting the ludicrous position they found themselves in. Zatara was the first to speak. "So, you are an immortal agent of the earth? I have never heard of you. There are no myths, none whatsoever even remotely describing what you just said. And regarding your abilities on display today, while this absurd story may address them, it certainly doesn't add up for the numerous times the western civilization was threatened, you never turned up. So, mind telling us the truth? I can force it out of you using a truth spell", ending that tirade on a high note.
Percy smirked. "Damn. Well caught. Impressive Sorcerer. I wondered if my cover story would hold up. It does conveniently explain everything, doesn't it? Too conveniently in fact. However, I didn't completely lie. My name is Percy Jackson. I just can't and won't reveal anything further. But I have been watching you superheroes for the past few years. And the new team you formed with your... trained children was also under my observation. Tonight, they truly outplayed themselves and cornered like cattle against a raging lion. So, I helped. The rest is... a cover story that usually works on you folks most of the time."
Batman was pissed. Visibly. The last time it seemed that way, Joker had attacked Alfred unwittingly. He had paid for it dearly. All leaguers moved away from him. They could feel the anger and frustration flowing from him. Snidely he responded, "Well. You were true to your word. But I haven't been true to mine. I did say, willingly or unwillingly. So, my friend J'onn here will have your details for me."
To that, he received a peal of raucous laughter, more frightening than amusing. "He will not find anything there. If he prods further, he will only get hurt. Telepath or not. The more he tries the further he will be from the truth and the closer he will be to leaving this realm. I shall leave you with this last warning – Proceed at your own risk. Can you risk having him incapacitated or worse? It is not a threat. I cannot harm any of you. Except for the machines. There are no rules regarding them. And time's running out. You have at best another two hours before I recover completely and leave, irrespective of the way to try to keep me captive. I suggest you ask something I answer. But, then again, I am no Batman."
The members of the league immediately established a telepathic link and debated the need for J'onn to extract the information. Most of the leaguers, including J'onn, believed that it was necessary to know who this kid was. However, they did wish to gain the information from him willingly without the need for impinging on his privacy. They decided that if he wasn't going to be upfront about it, J'onn will have to extract it forcefully. Besides, he played them like a bassoon already. A little hurt won't do him anything bad.
J'onn was immensely impressed with and extremely irritated by the kid. First, he effectively stopped an active supervolcano. Next, he spun a great story that they almost believed, the keyword being almost. Then he went toe-toe with Batman and still hasn't backed away yet. Lastly, he managed to get under batman's skin. Not an easy feat at all. Regardless, he was to deliver the decision to him. "So, Mr. Jackson w-", he began but was rudely interrupted. "Call me Percy… Sorry for the rude interruption. Have never got the mouth filter working quite right. Please. Continue." J'onn blinked at the rambling teenager. "As I was saying, Percy. We will give you two choices – just answer our questions willingly or I enter your mind and extract the information forcefully which will hurt a lot. You have too much power and without any knowledge of your skills, we are afraid to let you leave as is."
Percy raised his eyebrows… err… what was left of them anyway. "Not much of a choice. I did say I would answer your questions as best as I can possibly. I am bound by codes of conduct, rules, oaths of secrecy that inhibit me from revealing much. I can only tell you so much, not enough to sate batman's curiosity. Regardless, I will stay here for the next two hours. How about this? I will willingly offer you a few of my relevant experiences, but not reveal anything that is bound under oaths of secrecy?" The last words were directed towards Batman.
Batman was perplexed. None from his past was so open yet so guarded. It seemed the kid was genuinely speaking yet unable to reveal much. At this time, it would seem like the best deal he is being offered. He will take it. So, he nodded his assent to J'onn and in turn, the kid.
Satisfied with the pleasant nature of the conversation, and no longer required to witness the most unholy regeneration of flesh, bone and organs, Superman decided that he could leave for home now. There should be nothing to fear and the rest of the league stuff can be dealt with later. A mad Lois however is a danger none should face. So, he took his leave with many of the leaguers dispersing with him for a myriad of their own reasons. Left behind were the Red family, Canary, the younger team, the Bat, J'onn, Zatara and Zatanna.
Batman decided to contact Wonder Woman and inform her of the situation. After a heated debate, he convinced her to come to the cave as soon as she could. In the meantime, he decided he could approach with a line of questioning that would subtly circumvent all the conditions Percy had monologued about before. "So, Percy, isn't it? Tell me how you stopped the eruption."
Percy's face contorted into a sly grin. The sight was truly horrifying, the stuff of nightmares. Parts of his face were covered with his natural, Mediterranean complexion while others were covered with pale pink flesh. Some parts had veins and nerves still visibly shown. It was a grotesque combination that made fear toxin of Scarecrow, the stuff of rainbow dreams. Percy spoke, "Clever batman. A very good questioning approach. If it was just one year back, I may have carelessly broken my oaths and vows to this kind of questioning. But not this time. You will need to do better to know about my powers, abilities and so forth. Those I cannot reveal to you lot."
Batman glanced at J'onn, who nodded back at him. "Sorry Kid. You left us no other choice." J'onn settled into his telepathic trans and began to transition into Percy's mind. Yet, he felt immense resistance. At first, he assumed Percy trained himself to be beyond psychic probing. So he pushed harder, searching for the weak point in the wall surrounding his mind. The harder he tried, the stronger the wall got. At this point, beyond violently destroying his mind, he wouldn't be able to get the memories of Percy. He stopped trying and instead started attacking the wall with all his might to try and force his way into the protected kingdom. But the wall withstood. It was a testament to the strength this kid possessed. He tried for quite a while before he grew annoyed and exhausted from expending so much energy. Finally, he let loose and attacked the wall with all he got. A small window opened and he flew in. What he saw left him instantaneously paralyzed, traumatized and in a sheer state of terror. And a psychic force blasted him out of the window he came through.
On the outside, the Martian Manhunter collapsed in a heap and reverted to his true martian form. He was reduced to a catatonic state, whispering and stuttering constantly with what seemed to one syllable sounds ranging from just T, Ta, Tar and us. Immediately, Miss Martian rushed to her uncle and cradled him. With incredible fury, she turned her attention to the seemingly oblivious teen and screeched threateningly "What did you do?".
It was usually then the accused dropped the ball and spilled their guts. But even with furious glares of the ten-odd superpowered individuals and the Batclan in the room, this brat was oddly unperturbed. In fact, he just shrugged at M'gann's threat and seemed too unbothered to care. With a smug grin, Percy said "I was right, wasn't I? Well, I warned you. Besides, I did nothing. I allowed him access to my mind and memories. The perks of being me, I suppose."
Superboy exploded. "You smug son-of-a-bitch. I will rip you apart. Who do you think you are?"
"Have care when you address my mother, you piece of shit. Perhaps, the Kryptonian should know who the human donor of your DNA was. Then he will treat you like the atrocity you are. How dare you? I have been nothing but patient and cooperative to a bunch of uncivilized, uncaring, costumed freaks who think they can break the law and get away with it in the name of good intent and saving people. All this after me saving your literal asses for the screwup with reactivating a super-volcano before its time and so many other issues you and your team caused. So, shut up and fuck off."
Watching his puzzled face and the rest of the league's as well, Percy realized he let something out he wasn't supposed to. "Shit. I screwed up. Changed it too much. Revealed too much. What to do? Yes. I can do that." He was muttering to himself and then spoke aloud, "And now, I can leave. I have said too much. I must say, I have observed this team for the past few months from their disastrous attempt at Cadmus to today. Good Job then. Oh. And tell Diana, Percy said hi and it's Greek salad tonight. Goodbye. Let's never do this again." The water slowly withdrew from him and he seemed to turn into mist and disappeared even as both Batman and Canary lunged at him to secure him. They grabbed nothing but air.
Then the cave computer announced in its computerized crackling monotone, " Recognized: Wonder Woman. 03."