chapter nine: things go from 'this isn't too bad' to 'this is pretty awful' (so; predictably)

Honestly, Percy really feels like taking a nap and waking up in, like, ten years. Or longer, depending. Because there's only so many times he can handle all the actual shit life throws at him before feeling tired. Tired of worrying, of sleeping in strange places, of wondering when the next time he'll be able to see his mom and family again. Tired of thinking, 'is this the year they'll write on my tombstone.'

And although Percy has felt tired and slightly sick after the awful 'trip' into this world full of teenage superheroes and blood cults, facing off against Jason right now is sending a thrill of energy through his body that feels so refreshing.

Watching the Young Justice heroes spar earlier had been more than gnarly and, strangely, comforting. Because if Nico and Annabeth's theory is right and there is some magical deity trying to kill Percy, having wickedly skilled superheroes fighting beside them is something Percy is beyond grateful for. And in all honesty, watching them spar had brought back memories of a time that feels like eons ago, of practicing with Luke and learning to train his body and mind to dance with Riptide.

Jason looks over at Percy and grins; there's a feeling of excitement-the kind that makes you feel sort of happy and alive-that Percy knows Jason is feeling too. "I promise I won't wrap this up too quickly," Jason jokes and extends a fist forward.

"Uh-huh," Percy laughs and knocks his knuckles against Jason's as Nightwing hits a button on one of the projected holographic screens.

The older hero looks at them and nods, a grin of his own playing across his lips. (If Percy had been slightly in awe of his ability to command his team before, watching his sparring earlier had jacked the awe to downright respect; it was like watching a pro dancer turned trained ninja-assassin). "Alright, and begin." The screen lights up and Percy slowly moves one hand across and uncaps Riptide, something in his chest settling at the feeling of her in his hands. Vaguely, he can hear Bart's exclamation at watching his pen turn into a sword, but doesn't turn to look.

Jason's own hand opens, but the motion is upwards, the gold coin that he, like Percy with Riptide, kept in his pocket the night they were brought into this world glinting as his flips in the air. The coin falls back into Jason's waiting hand and he grips the hilt of his own golden blade. (A trick, Jason had told Percy, he'd done the first time he remembers meeting Leo and Piper. It's pretty dope.)

Percy cocks his head slightly to the side, waiting as Jason circles a few steps to the left. He can hear the others watching them talking quietly as both Percy and Jason hold still for a moment.

And then the fun begins.

Percy can't help but grin as Riptide sings, clashing against Jason's sword. The initial strike is so forceful that both Jason and Percy stumble back a bit before Percy bends his wrist and tightly dips Riptide, pulling her across. Jason's blue eyes widen slightly and he moves just in time to avoid getting sliced open from shoulder to hip.

'Don't wait to get killed,' Luke's voice echoes inside Percy's head. 'You either land the hit or take it. And chances are, you won't be alive to remember it.' Parry, block, lunge. Years of fighting, training, and practice feel like they want to pour out of him. Riptide jumps forward and again, Jason blocks, but now it feels like the blond teen has a better feel for the flow of the fight and for him. Percy knows that perhaps a friendly sparring session doesn't need to be this intense, but there's something inside him that needs this, needs to somehow release all the pent-up stress and worry and tiredness of the past day and a half.

Thank you, Annabeth, Percy thinks as he tucks his body low letting Jason's blade swing through the air above his head. How did you know that I needed this?

There's a snap like something crackling through the air and Percy instinctively ducks and rolls, fluidly rising to his feet and spinning back, Riptide arching out as he does. The lighting that had popped to life from Jason's fingertips has left the floor scorched black.

"Uh, please tell me that'll come out with a rag and floor cleaner," someone, it sounds like Superboy, although he hadn't been there when the fight started, says from one end of the room, and Percy can't help but laugh lightly even as Jason's blade nearly brushes his neck.

"Doesn't this bring back memories," Percy pivots and avoids another lunge by Jason, seamlessly blocking and then taking the advantage back and attacking, each strike bleeding into the next so the blond teen has no time to try to summon lighting. They're close enough now in combat that Percy can see a few beads of sweat coating Jason's brow, his blue eyes taking on a slight electric-quality, almost as if the nature he can control is mirrored in his eyes.

Jason grins, but it's slight, his concentration clearly being held by trying to avoid being cut in half by Riptide. "Actually, not really, because I don't really remember that fight in Kansas. Although I do know I whooped your ass."

Percy wonders if it's because he's sparring with the son of Jupiter, but there is something electrifying about being able to truly go all out and focus on at least one tangible thing (kicking butt, and Jason's preferably). "That joke was almost Leo-worthy," Percy grins, adrenaline pumping through his body. It's almost as if he can feel it, the blood rushing through his veins, the water contained by his skin. Huh, that's...different. Subconsciously, Percy focuses on slowing it down; he knows that it's possible to get too excited and that leads to mistakes. "I seem to recall Piper saying that if it hadn't been for Blackjack, we would've been minus a demigod."

"Right," Jason is still parrying Percy's attacks, but his frown is more pronounced, and strangely, his movements slightly slower. "She meant you, not me, sweetheart."

"Uh huh, sure," Percy drags the word out, pressing his advantage. There's a flicker in Jason's eye, something like worry before he suddenly dodges out of the way and Percy has to half his movement jaggedly to avoid actually hurting him. "Jace, what the-"

The sound of lighting snapping into existence cuts off his sentence and without thinking Percy manages to just barely let his body move him out of the way to avoid being hit. Woah, that was close. The energy had passed only millimeters from the left side of his face. I need to get him to slow down...which is hysterical considering he's the son of the god of the sky and like, wind or whatever.

"Watch it," Nightwing's voice sounds sharp, the white lenses of his mask narrowed. "This is a sparring session, keep it under control."

"We're good," Percy nods. He looks at Jason pointedly. Are you okay?

Percy isn't sure how long they've been sparring, but certainly not long enough for Jason to be sweating so much, or breathing that hard. His lips are closed in a thin line, and he's staring at Percy with troubled eyes.

"Sorry, yeah," Jason shakes his head, trying to loosen the tension in his body. "I just... reacted a little too instinctively. I'm good."

"No worries, bro," Percy offers a grin and raises his sword. It's so strange, it's like he can feel the liquid moving through his body-the feeling is new and weird but also exhilarating. "Ready for round two?"

(\M/)

\/

Piper smiles as Jason and Percy fist bump and waits for the go-ahead from Nightwing, which comes a few moments later. She nudges Annabeth as the boys begin. "This'll be pretty different, huh?"

"Oh yeah," Annabeth nudges Piper back. She seems...more content, Piper thinks, which could be because Percy finally looks like himself. Annabeth was right; giving him an outlet to deal with all the stress looks like it's helping. Piper has seen Percy sick and tired and worn out and barely alive especially after- after Tartarus. But since they've been in this different world he hasn't looked or, or felt, like himself, which okay, makes sense considering everything but it felt more than that. It's not something either she or Annabeth can really put their finger on (she misses Hazel so much right now because dealing with magic is her thing and please let her be okay) but at least now he looks less...drained and hurting.

"Wait," Cassie pokes her head forward in Piper's direction, leaning around Robin and Nico. "Different how? You guys spar, right?"

Leo pipes in before Piper can respond. "Oh yeah, totally, but Percy and Jason have never had the chance to do it properly because like, mind-controlled fights don't count."

Robin inclines his head with a wry grin. "I think we'd all agree with that."

"The fact that we can even say that says something about our lives," Nico comments dryly.

Piper snorts before taking her gaze away from some seriously neat swordplay by Percy to respond to Cassie. "Leo's right, but what I meant was in the past their fights, and I guess almost all of ours', usually involve trying to stay alive and wide-open spaces with plenty of things to break. And," she adds with an afterthought. "It's not even people or other demigods usually. When we fight against titans or monsters you kind of have to go all out or your chances of survival drop by like, ninety-three percent."

Annabeth nods, her attention focused on the fight. "Right, like national monuments, random mountains or buildings, cars, that sort of thing. But a fight here in a much more controlled space with a lack of open sky for Jason and a close body of water for Percy changes things up."

The resounding bam that echoes from Percy and Jason's swords meeting draws everyone's attention back to the sparring ring and the resulting attacks and blocks from both demigods are so fast and forceful that it takes Piper's breath away for a beat.

"Dude," Robin murmurs. "That's some skill, though."

Cassie nods, a grin in her voice. "Now that is what I meant when I said my fellow demigods would do me proud."

Piper exchanges a look with Annabeth and because hey, watching Percy and Jason is really neat. (And pretty attractive but that's beside the point). A snap of lighting and the echoing of thunder within the small space is sudden enough that almost everyone in their little group on this side of the Cave takes a step back, followed by a cheer from Bart and Gar on the other side. There once was a time that Piper hadn't thought much of Percy, because, well, after watching Jason toss pillars of lightning from his fingertips and summon winds powerful enough to knock down buildings, Percy initially just hadn't seemed all that impressive. That mindset had quickly changed and even now, Piper isn't sure that she's actually seen Percy totally go all out.

"Hey," Leo grins over at Cassie. "Was there ever any doubt? And the rest of us would totally kill it, too." He nudges Nico, grinning even wider when the smaller teen grouses, "Valdez, dude, your elbow is in my face."

Piper smiles again, watching as Percy ducks and rolls, bouncing up and blocks Jason's attack just in time. "It's kind of funny how...dissimilar, they are," Piper says quietly to Annabeth. "Jason's so structured and thought-out and Percy's-"

"Weirdly genius in the craziest ways with zero impulse control and totally wings it?" Annabeth grins and Piper can't help but laugh because kind of, yeah. "I know," she continues, looking back at Percy. "Sometimes I wonder how we're even-"

"Hey," Nico interrupts, his dark eyes narrowed. "Is Jason okay?"

"What?" Piper turns to look over Jason, who doesn't look much different from before except...hold on, that doesn't look right.

Robin frowns. "Something's changed."

"Yeah, uh, Pipes?" Leo starts then looks at her questioningly, along with Nico, Robin, and Cassie.

"I, I'm," Piper blinks and turns to look at Annabeth because truthfully she isn't sure. Jason doesn't look right and there's definitely something weird going on with him but it's Annabeth's tensing up beside her and staring at Percy that is making Piper's stomach do a flip. "Annabeth?"

Her friend doesn't turn to look at her. Instead, her expression grows more severe and she mutters, "I need to talk to Nightwing," before spinning on her heel and making her way over to where Nightwing is standing with the older heroes.

"Okay," Leo draws the word out, looking at Annabeth's back. "I don't think I'm following, anyone else?"

Nico doesn't respond, instead closely looking at Percy and Jason once again, and Piper is torn between following Annabeth and asking Nico what in Hades he's looking at.

"I think," Cassie starts haltingly, "that either Jason isn't feeling well, or-"

"Or something's going on with Percy," Robin finishes lowly.

(\M/)

\/

"They're both really good swordsmen, that much is obvious," Artemis comments, keeping her voice low enough so that only Dick, Barbara, and Conner can hear. "But they're also both so different."

Dick nods, carefully watching the two demigods continue their dance. They're impressive; both Percy and Jason are able to control their blades in ways that Dick's seen professional assassins and combo that with the superhuman abilities? There's a reason they're called demigods.

"Yeah, Percy is much more…"

"Sporadic?" Conner offers.

"Instinctive," Babs finishes, tracking the black-haired teen as he jumps to the side to avoid a hit and twists back around to retaliate. "Solid technique but way less methodical than Jason."

Dick nods again, rolling slightly on the bottoms of his feet to keep his balance as the ground shudders in response to the boys clashing swords again. "Percy feels less structured to me, which allows him more freedom but less planning. Jason," Dick cocks his head to the side, observing as the son of Jupiter blocks Percy's hit. "Well, he fights like a Roman."

The floor shakes again and another flash of lighting, this time accompanied by thunder, cuts across the room. Dick shifts back on his feet, Barbara doing the same but she leans in a bit and bumps her hip against his.

"Man, it's like watching a mini version of Diana and Captain Marvel go at it," Artemis raises her eyebrows as Jason and Percy's force and speed increase, the movements speeding up even faster. The parallel is a good one, and the respect in her voice is well-deserved, in Dick's opinion. While swords have never been an item of choice for Dick (uh, too bulky and where is the pizazz?) he can use one just fine and appreciate when another can as well.

Conner crosses his arms across his chest. "You guys did tell them to avoid physically damaging the Cave as well as themselves, right?"

Babs grins and shakes her head. "It'll be fine, the Cave's been through worse."

"Besides," Dick adds, "it survived you and Cassie sparring last week." It's crazy to think that that was only a week ago; it feels like it should be so much longer and shorter at the same time. Ugh, I need an energy drink. And like, an eclair. And for Bruce to come home. The last time Bruce was unreachable in space, Dick sent one of his best friends undercover, faked another's death, and had his father return home just in time to lose a friend. That wound is still too fresh and jagged and it hurts. Logically, (and quite obviously) Dick knows that correlation doesn't equal causation and all that jazz but there's something so reassuring knowing that Bruce has his back when needed. And this whole situation? Deities sacrificing teenagers for some really bad purpose which could potentially lead to mass elimination of life and who knows what else? Yeah, he could use it.

Artemis laughs as Conner huffs and acquiesces, "okay, fair."

"Hey," Barbara frowns, motioning with her chin towards Jason. "Does he seem alright to you?"

"Now that you mention it," Dick switches focus from watching Percy to Jason. Babs is right; Jason's movements seem lethargic, slower, like he's having a hard time lifting his arms and moving his legs. He mirrors Barbara's expression. "That doesn't look-"

"Nightwing."

Dick, along with the other three senior Young Justice members, turns to look at Annabeth, who approached their little group. Her expression is even more severe than Barbara's, her shoulders as tense as they were back when they were discussing Percy's awful dream. (Dick is so beyond thankful that at least in their world, nightmares are just nightmares.) "Annabeth?" Dick questions gently.

The daughter of Athena takes a quick breath before saying, "something's wrong. You need to stop the fight right now."

(\M/)

\/

Jason isn't sure what's happening, but he's never felt this slow in his entire life. It's not just slow though, it's like something is weighing him down; like some force has increased the density of his limbs and getting them to move is taking way more effort than it should. What in Hades is going on, Jason thinks, scrambling to the side to avoid getting impaled. This is way not normal.

Even after fighting the Titan Krios, dealing with Gaea, and everything in between, before, and after, he can't remember feeling like this. It's like his blood has turned to molasse. Okay, make some space and think this through; I just need some spa- the automated sounding from the Cave's speaker system derails his train of thought.

'Session terminated; all participants stand down.'

Jason blinks, exchanging a glance with Percy who looks as confused as Jason feels. It's only now that they've paused that Jason can really feel the heaviness of his body and he takes a few breaths to stave off the worry that is slowly creeping in. You're just tired, it's nothing. Jason's arm follows Percy's, both of them lowering their swords (okay, that felt weird) as Nightwing and Annabeth start walking over.

"Give us a sec, guys," Nightwing calls out towards the other heroes and demigods. "We're going to take a quick break."

"Sweet, snack time!" Bart throws his hands up and then over Jaime and Gar's shoulder, trouncing out towards the kitchen with the other two in tow. "Yo, Virgil, Cissie, com'on."

"Okay but we're grabbing something healthy," Virgil answers.

"You have five minutes," Barbara calls out after them before turning back to her conversation with Kaldur, Artemis, and Conner. The older heroes don't seem too nonplussed by the pause, but Piper is looking at Jason with eyes wide with...worry. Now that he thinks about it, so are the rest of his friends standing beside her, Nico frowning, and Leo running a hand through his hair.

"Hey, what's going on?" Percy asks, basically reading Jason's mind. "Is everything okay?" His tone is hesitant and Jason understands why when he looks over and sees the expression on Annabeth's face. Nightwing has stopped beside Jason, also waiting for Annabeth's answer.

"Percy," she starts then stops, staring at him with a look Jason can't quite discern. "You can't do that."

Do what? Jason blinks.

"Do what?" Percy stares. "Uh, were we being too intense?" He looks over to Nightwing who pauses for a moment before answering.

"Annabeth?" His tone is expectant and relaxed, but he's clearly waiting for an explanation.

Annabeth shifts slightly and Jason isn't sure if he's seen her look this...uncomfortable before. "It's," she starts before looking over at Jason. "Percy," she says slowly. "We talked about this, remember?"

Percy doesn't look any more enlightened than the rest of them. "...about being too intense?"

"No," Annabeth sighs sharply. "We talked about not doing that, remember?"

Jason stares, glancing at Nightwing to see if he has any idea what she's talking about but Nightwing just looks like he's raising an eyebrow.

"...That…?" Percy repeats slowly. "Uh, Annabeth, babe, I'm not sure I'm following-"

"Jason," Piper calls, interrupting their (extremely weird) conversation by joining their group along with almost everyone else in the room. She frowns, reaching forward and resting a hand on top of his, gently removing his sword from his grip. It's only now that Jason realizes how much effort it was taking him to hold it up. "Jace, are you okay?"

"You don't look so good, man," Leo adds, handing him a water bottle.

Cassie nods but offers him a grin. "Sick fight, though. Super demigod worthy."

"Thanks," Jason responds slightly breathlessly and takes a sip of water before offering Piper a strained grin. "I...I'm just feeling kind of off right now, a little weighed down. I should be good in a few, though." At least, Jason hopes so. There's a moment of silence as everyone stares at each other before Leo shrugs easily.

"Makes sense, you did seem a little lethargic at the end there."

Nightwing gazes at him with a look that Jason can't quite place, but if he had to guess, possible concern. "You sure you're okay? We could run a few tests to be sure."

Robin nods and murmurs, "we should probably do that anyway, just to make sure nothing from our world is affecting you guys."

"Uh, if you think that's best," Jason says, rubbing the sweat off his forehead with the back of his hand. Man, that was weird. "I don't know, it was sort of like-"

"Annabeth," Nico breaks in, looking at her meaningfully. "What's going on?"

They're all looking at her now, but she's staring at Percy trying to communicate something silently. "Percy, can I talk to you for a sec-"

"Wait, Nico, is something wrong?" Piper interjects, concerning lacing her words. She's slipped her hand into Jason's despite it being gross and sweaty, which is sweet but also helping him balance on his feet because man, that fight really took it out of him.

"Hold up, did Percy do something?" Leo looks at Annabeth with confusion.

Annabeth in turn levels a look at Percy again, and she looks kind of pale. "Percy, you ca-"

"Annabeth, I don't know what you're talking about," Percy throws up his left hand in exasperation, clearly still as lost as everyone else.

"Uh, Jason?" Robin asks slowly. "You good, there?"

It takes Jason a second to piece together why everyone is staring at him now; his left hand is raised in the air, a perfect copy of Percy's. The motion had sent his partially capped water bottle flying, landing a few feet from where the older Young Justice heroes are clearly observing the conversation.

"Dude?" Leo asks.

"Uh, this- that wasn't me, I don't," Jason is having a hard time forming complete sentences because his freaking hand just moved by itself.

"Percy!" Annabeth insists sharply; she looks slightly frazzled. "You need to stop, now."

"Stop what?" Percy exclaims. "I'm not doing any-" He freezes. "Oh shit."

"Can someone please explain what in Hades is going on?" Piper says, but Jason has been around her long enough to pick up on the slight magic embedded in her words. Piper must not even realize she's doing it because she's looking with concern between Annabeth, Percy, Jason, and Nightwing.

"Percy's controlling the- the liquid in Jason's body."

What.

Jason stares at Annabeth who looks almost as shocked as everyone else like she can't believe she just said that. His gaze swings towards Percy, who looks almost as bad as when they'd first crashed into this world.

"'Controlling the liquid…'" Piper trails off in disbelief.

Robin leans towards Nightwing, both heroes wearing somewhat impressed expressions. "Can Kaldur do that?"

Leo is looking at Percy with wide eyes. "Dude, no way."

"I, I didn't," Percy starts quietly, looking at Jason then down at his hands. They're trembling slightly. "I wasn't even…"

"You didn't realize?" Nightwing asks gently as Barbara silently walks up beside him. Distantly, Jason wonders what this must look like to him, a hero who lives in a world with people who can fly and perform magic, looking at some displaced demigods freak out over the fact that their friend is way more powerful than they thought.

"No," Percy stares at Nightwing and then Annabeth in horror. "I would never- shit. Annabeth I," he chokes on his words and it makes something in Jason's chest hurt.

"When did you learn how to…" Nico trails off, looking between Annabeth and Percy. Their expressions look haunted and something in them must have told Nico something because his own changes to one filled with sorrow and grief. "Oh."

It's then that Jason catches on, him along with Leo and Piper if their faces are anything to go by. There's only one place that can leave two of the strongest people he knows hurt like that.

"Tartarus," Piper whispers, horrified.

Jason can see Percy visibly flinch and any peace that sparring might have brought has gone out the window and smashed to smithereens on the pavement. Whatever feelings of anger Jason thinks he should be having over the fact his best friend had just controlled his body (although completely accidentally so would upset feelings even be justified?) disintegrate because no one should look that...tormented or terrified. He slowly extracts his hand from Piper's and catches her eye, motioning with his chin towards Annabeth before walking over to Percy and gently wrapping him in a hug, Percy's trembling arms stuck at his sides.

"Bro," Jason murmurs. "Breath. It's okay, you're safe. I'm safe. It's okay." He's thankful they can give their friends at least a little bit of support; he can see Piper wrapping a hand over Annabeth's shoulder from the corner of his eye. Over the past few months Jason knows that the flashbacks have been getting better, but this whole rotten situation seems to have incurred a new one for both demigods. (Jason makes a mental note to check on Nico later as well, just in case). It should also probably feel weird having such a difficult moment in front of people they've just met, but somehow it isn't. None of the Young Justice heroes seem distressed or uncomfortable; if anything, they look understanding.

"Guys," Annabeth says, "you have to understand-"

"Annabeth," Piper cuts in. "It's okay, really. We can figure this out later."

Jason can finally feel Percy breathing somewhat regularly and lets him go, squeezing his shoulder before turning back to the others.

"If there's anything we can do," Nightwing offers kindly. "We're here." Barbara nods, her eyes empathetic and Jason knows that they mean it. Thank you.

Annabeth nods, scrubbing a hand across her face. Jason watches as she makes eye contact with Percy, something unspeakable being shared, and walks over to stand on Percy's other side, giving him a strained smile and holding his hand in hers'.

"We'll, uh, we'll let you know," Jason responds as easily as possible.

Leo gives a weak smile. "For what it's worth, that's a pretty gnarly ability." Nico elbows him, clearly trying to say "not the right time."

Percy gives a shaky laugh and squeezes Annabeth's hand. "Thanks." Percy leans towards Jason, his expression earnest. "I'll, we'll explain later. Jason, you have to know I would never-"

"Bro," Jason shakes his head with a smile. "I know." Jason can tell neither of them is okay, but hopefully one day, they will be. They'll all be.

"I think we should take a pause," Artemis offers quietly, her voice comforting. "Get some water and a snack." Her smile is kind. "I know where Bart hides the good ones."

Jason hadn't even noticed Artemis and Conner joining the group, Kaldur standing beside them, but the archer's joke gets a half-grin out of Annabeth and a small laugh from Leo, so Jason's thankful.

"I am confused about one thing, however," Kaldur glances between Nightwing and the other demigods slowly. "While I understand this is not a topic you wish to discuss, I am troubled; is it possible Percy did not realize his effect over Jason due to being here?"

Robin frowns. "Like a multidimensional displacement disparity?"

I didn't think this could get more confusing but never mind, Jason thinks sardonically to himself. He runs a hand through his hair to push it away from his face, grimacing as his t-shirt slightly sticks to his skin; it's now slightly damp, the sweat from the fight cooling off and starting to dry.

"Is that even a thing?" Cassie mutters under her breath and then grins cheekily at Robin when he gives her a look. Conner chuckles, covering it with a cough quickly and ignoring the look Robin transfers his way. Their levity helps lighten the mood a bit and Jason exchanges a small smile with Piper.

Conner raises a hand, his expression thoughtful. "That could have something to do with it; I mean, we already know that the multiverse can alter capabilities and physiology."

Barbara nods slowly. "Percy," she looks at him thoughtfully. "Has something like that ever happened before? You not noticing…?"

Percy shakes his head with feeling, glancing at Annabeth before answering. "No, never. The one time I did it was basically the opposite; I had to really concentrate-" He glances away then back to her. "I, I was desperate."

Jason is extremely curious about what Percy's referring to and it makes him wonder if Nico knows something the rest of them don't.

"You think that our powers have been changed somehow?" Nico asks, smoothly filling the pause after Percy's answer. Leo makes a face at that and Jason is relieved to see Percy return the expression; he looks better, the color of his skin finally looking more or less back to normal.

Kaldur purses his lips, cupping his chin with a hand. "My understanding of magic and the rules of multidimensional travel is, unfortunately, limited. But, I do believe it would be possible that the knowledge you demigods had of yourselves in your world would not be the same in ours due to the effects of the travel."

"You mean that whatever brought them here could have done something, not just the result of them being here," Barbara says. She shakes her head. "There would be some heavy magic involved with that."

Nightwing nods. "If it was purposeful, I want to know why. And if Percy's now able to do something so effective without even realizing it- well," he glances at Barbara. "I don't like where this might be heading."

"Wait," Percy raises a hand, stopping suddenly to check that Jason's is still by his side. Jason lifts it to punch Percy lightly in the shoulder, grinning.

"You're good, dude. Don't worry."

Percy looks at him gratefully, his wide green eyes searching Jason's face for a second before switching back to Nightwing after returning the grin. (It's not the usual Percy smile, but it's a solid attempt and Jason'll take it.) "You think that whatever brought us here might have affected my powers-or godly DNA, and that's why I wasn't realizing?"

Kaldur sighs. "Truthfully, I cannot say with complete assurance but the possibility is high."

Oh, fantastic. Jason rolls back his shoulders, relieved that any sense of weariness is untraceable now. Besides Annabeth, Piper murmurs, "that does not sound good."

Annabeth looks about as comforted by that thought as Jason. "That would not be good." She sighs in frustration. "More questions and no answers; why does this sound so familiar."

"Well," Leo starts.

"That was sarcasm," Annabeth says at the same time as Nico says, "that was rhetorical."

"Have any of you guys noticed anything different?" Nightwing asks, looking at Nico and Leo then Piper. "I know you said that origin of the magic was focused on Percy, but-"

"No man," Leo shakes his head, interjecting before Nightwing can finish. "I mean, like, aside from being seriously confused. Or maybe yeah and I just haven't noticed? Because there was a time where I was possessed by an eidolon without having any clue and that was almost catastrophic-"

"Leo, we get it," Nico says. "Save the biography for another time-"

"Uh, rude. And it's an autobiography for your inform-"

"-and to answer your question," Nico continues undeterred, turning back to the heroes. Jason can see Artemis and Conner hiding grins, Cassie and Robin not at all. "I haven't either. But then again, I haven't really tried to do anything that really uses my, uh, powers, so." He shrugs, ducking his head slightly. At least some things are still the same, Jason thinks, noticing Nico's discomfort at being the center of everyone's attention. Although, the thought of Nico's powers suddenly escalating is wild; he can literally control the dead. What would that look like?

Nightwing sighs, running a hand through his hair. "Makes sense, but still. It's a solid angle to run down. Kal," he motions to the Atlantean. "Is it possible to at least get in touch with Queen Mera? Her knowledge of Atlantean magic might give us even a starting point with this, at least."

Kaldur nods. "Of course."

"Queen Mera's such a bawler."

Cassie's comment was probably meant to have been whispered to Robin, who nods in agreement, but it's voiced with a bit more enthusiasm, causing Kaldur to smile and Nightwing shakes his head in amusement. Jason isn't sure who they're talking about but he's assuming she's someone who lives in Atlantis. Or, well, the Queen of Atlantis, which sounds pretty cool.

"Sorry," Cassie clears her throat. "You were saying?"

"For now," Barbara says, turning to Jason and Percy. "I think it's safe to assume regardless of why or how your abilities might be different while being here. I know that's really comforting, but-"

"It's a safe assumption," Annabeth agrees.

Jason nods along with several others, checking to make sure Percy doesn't look like a standing corps anymore. Jason's insanely grateful to Kaldur and the heroes because the haunted, distressed look has disappeared from Percy's features.

"So, what now?"

Percy quietly voices the question in Jason's head, looking around at those standing in the circle.

"Well," Nightwing says. "This at least gives another angle to consider and with any luck, Queen Mera will be able to help. For now, though, I think Artemis had a point; taking a break and then-"

"Hey, hey, hey!" The cheer is so loud and exuberant that Jason can't help but jump slightly, all of them looking over to see Bart and the others re-entering the room. "Wait, did you guys finish the fight? Shoot, who won?"

Cissie scrubs her knuckles through Bart's hair, ignoring his protests. "Bart, I don't know how the fastest kid here can make us all late; I told you we didn't have enough time to make fish tacos."

"Technically it was Jaime's idea," Gar points out, looking at the teen in question.

"I didn't think it'd take so long," Jaime grumbles. "And it wasn't just me; Virgil said he wanted healthy food. And besides, you guys all agreed." He looks back over to the demigods and heroes who are standing in the middle of the sparring ring, watching them with amusement. "Why are you all standing like that?" He frowns. "No, they're not. Oh, would you stop saying that?"

"Dude," Virgil looks at him with a raised eyebrow. "You good?"

"He's fine," Bart says breezily. "But seriously, who won?"

"We, uh," Percy starts then looks at Jason for help. Jason isn't sure what to say, definitely not 'oh you know, Percy can actually control people and didn't realize he was doing that to me because we think whatever brought him here is affecting his powers. You know, not that he wasn't insanely powerful to begin with, but don't worry, it was an accident that only brought back memories of the worst place you can possibly imagine.

Nightwing shakes his head with a smile. "We didn't resume the session, Bart, you're all good. We're going to switch out partners now, however, and continue with-"

An echoing voice interrupts whatever it was that Nightwing was about to say, more holographic screens materializing in the air accompanied by a beeping alarm.

"Black Canary to Cave."

It's like someone flicked a switch. Every hero in the room is suddenly alert, all discussion of Percy and Jason's duel forgotten, side conversations and joking stopped, each person looking towards one of the screens, which is bigger than the rest. The woman on the screen is beautiful, her blonde hair swept over one shoulder, and Piper can tell without anyone needing to voice it that something's just happened.

"Cave to Black Canary," Nightwing responds as his fingers type something out on one of the keyboards. Barbara is beside him, doing something that pulls more screens to life and summons what almost looks like a control panel. "What's the situation?"

"Down Town Happy Harbor, East End in Gotham and New York City are under a level four attack. We're dealing with multiple unknown creatures and what looks like a mind-altering substance; civilians are acting extremely violent, unresponsive to first responders, and displaying extremely unstable mental status."

"Woah," Leo murmurs.

"Hot dang," Robin steps forward, moving up to join Nightwing and Barbara. His chin is titled slightly back, staring at one of the screens reporting on Gotham. "Hot dang."

Jason seconds that because they're all looking at the same screens which are providing a rather informative visual thanks to the media and news outlets; it looks like pure chaos and-no. way.

"Are those-" Jason starts but the video feed changes, switching back to one of the news reporters.

"Is that behavior spreading beyond the city's boundaries?" Barbara asks. It looks like she's either creating a computer program or doing something else that involves a lot of math.

"I'll check in with Mal, see if he has any additional info," Artemis says to Nightwing before pulling out a cellphone.

Conner points to the things on the screen that Jason can't stop staring at. "And those?"

Kaldur, who's looking at a different screen, asks, "when did this begin?"

"Confirmed reports came in about seven minutes ago and government officials reached out in five. Donna's identified that the creatures you're seeing are in fact Greek in origin but we don't know where they're coming from or why yet."

"Oh," Leo says, his eyes wide.

Piper stares. "Holy-"

"-shit." Nico finishes. "That's a crap ton of-"

"Gorgons," Percy says emotionlessly, like he can't believe his eyes.

"Ugh." Annabeth groans.

Jason kind of wants to knock his head against a wall because yes, this is their lives now apparently; alternate universes and hordes of monsters coming out of nowhere mixed with just a little bit of civilians-going-crazy.

Despite clearly being focused on whatever it is their doing, Nightwing turns slightly to look over his shoulder. "You're familiar with these creatures?"

Percy grimaces and Piper settles for scrubbing a hand down her face. "Yes, unfortunately."

"Wait," Annabeth looks between him and Kaldur, who are looking at them expectantly. "You mean you're not? Like, these aren't common in this universe?"

Bart, who was standing beside Jaime several feet away, is suddenly beside them. "Uh, not really but then again, my parents were technically just born so who knows, anything's possible."

"Hold up, what?" Leo does a double-take, staring at the red-head.

"We'll take that as a 'no'," Annabeth grimaces, looking back at one of the screens.

"Metropolis is just now reporting a similar situation," Robin announces. A fifth screen comes to life next to the others. "Both at East End and Central Square."

"Damn," Nightwing mutters. "That's five locations. Babs, how we looking with triangulating the origin-?"

Barbara shakes her head, frustration evident on her features.

"You guys will need to handle this one," Black Canary sounds grim. (At this point Jason's just assuming she's a member of the Justice League, if the user i.d. on the screen's live feed is anything to go by). "I haven't heard anything from Superman, and the other present Leaguers are dealing with the natural disasters in Indonesia. I've contacted Captain Marvel and his team but they're tied up in Vladivostok on League business."

"I'm not really sure what she's talking about," Jason murmurs. "But we need to get out there and start dealing with those monsters."

Percy nods firmly, any trace of painful memories from Tartarus gone from his face. "And pronto."

"So, what," Piper says, quiet enough to not intrude on Nightwing's continued conversation with Black Canary. "The mist doesn't exist here?"

"The what?" Bart whispers loudly, sticking his head around Leo to look at her.

"Uh, the mist," Jason answers, spelling out the word so the hero doesn't think they're saying 'missed'. "It's what conceals all of the gods and monsters and, well, magic from normal humans."

Cassie pulls her attention away from the batfamily (what a name) to comment, "that sounds like the concealment around Paradise Island." Leo raises his eyebrows at Jason but, for what feels like the fifteenth time, Jason's just as lost. "But to answer your question," she says to Piper. "Basically, no."

"Which is why our insurance policies are so insane," Bart adds noncommittally.

"Bart, you don't even have insurance."

Nico grins slightly at that. "That's wonderful, but why would gorgons even show up here? It's not like you're operating on the same monsters-underworld-demigod system that we are."

"I think I've got a better question: how did they get here?" Leo demands, throwing a hand forward to indicate the screens.

Wouldn't we all like to know, Jason thinks to himself, looking back at the screens.

Percy says after a moment, "same way we did?"

That doesn't make Jason feel any better.

The conversation stops as Black Canary's screen closes and Nightwing turns to look at the mix of demigods and Young Justice heroes standing some paces behind him. He looks totally calm and in control and Jason can't help but feel slightly jealous at the ease with which he's able to adapt to these ridiculous situations.

"Okay team, listen up."

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first, thank you so, so much to all those of you who've commented; I read and appreciate each and every one! to be totally honest, i am 100% biased towards percy, and if (like me) you feel like this sparring scene wasn't enough, just know i've got some good moments planned that'll make up ;) (also, half of this chapter (THE ANGST) was not planned; it just came out of nowhere so hopefully it worked) also, the coin flip thing jason does is taken from the hoo (tbh i haven't read boo in years (bc its the one i don't own) so if things aren't consistent just chalk it up to creative liberties (i'm taking quite a few of those with this story) :) up next: lots of fighting and someone gets kidnapped and more characters join the scene (because I wasn't juggling enough already) let me know your thoughts on this chapter if you have a min!