The Second Age of Heroes

by Black' Victor Cachat

Diana: "People said the Age of Heroes would never come again." Bruce: "It has to. We don't have any more time!" After a pause and visible reluctance, Diana finally said, "I may know of two more warriors." Trapped on another world, and away from the ocean, Percy and Annabeth are retired. But then aliens invade...

5. On Death

I do not own Percy Jackson or Justice League, or any of the media attached to either of them.

-X/\X/\X-

Beta read by the wonderful VixenRose1996 and MasterQwertster.

-X\/X\/X-

Guest Reviews:

Relax

Not impossible for Diana to become a romantic figure here in the future, but I see what you mean for the big sister vibe. Certainly a good friend at minimum. Also aiming though for an aspect of 'peer' vibe, since while Diana does not think she is 'better' than anyone, there is still that sense of connection with those who have gone through the same sort of stuff as you, and from similar worlds.

Aquaman's ultimate fate remains a spoiler-detail. However I was inspired by one of those fics in one of the previous author notes to start to wonder about how it would impact Mera if she believed he was dead. That there was no child of Atlanna with the blood to reunite both worlds and so forth, and how it would impact her character. Hence why I wrote her bitterer in the early stuff.

Yes, and you made some interesting points for that pairing of Percy/Annabeth/Mera. Although currently Mera having to readjust her perspective of Percy (including that he is not her cousin, but honestly that was not an issue for her before, because royalty). Curious as to what you make of her thoughts now and her feelings on them and their impact upon their relationship; romantic and otherwise.

For Orm, he does not need to prove his heritage, as it is well documented that he is a direct descendent of King Atlan, who was a son of Poseidon. In Riordan terms, Orm is a Legacy, with his godly blood increasingly diluted every generation, even if they all gained enhancements to survive underwater. Canon Arthur acquired his ancestor's most legendary gift through a combination of his mom's faith, and because Tom Curry's own 100% mortal genetics shifted things up enough for belief and science to come together.

Mera is sitting upon some pretty sensitive information and how she handles it will be tricky. Starting with the issue of how she could even prove it. Plus, since people are assuming Percy has Xebel royal blood as well, Nerseus considers him a threat to his (and by extension Mera's) throne as well.

Oh yes, Percy is honestly even more of an outsider than Arthur as he knows pretty much zilch about their culture, their stories, individuals, etc.

Here is the newest chapter, and I hope it was worth the wait! Thank you for your Review and Support! :-D

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Guest (please choose name/nickname next time )

Percy's mom is still Sally Jackson, entirely a normal Human aside from having True Sight.

Here is the newest chapter, and I hope it was worth the wait! Thank you for your Review and Support! :-D

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Guest (please choose name/nickname next time )

Arthur is probably a bit, if noticeably, physically stronger than Percy, but no water abilities.

Early twenties for Percy and Annabeth.

What do you mean about controlling the ph balance?

Here is the newest chapter, and I hope it was worth the wait! Thank you for your Review and Support! :-D

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Guest (please choose name/nickname next time )

Diana at least is certainly worried about how their first meeting went…

Here is the newest chapter, and I hope it was worth the wait! Thank you for your Review and Support! :-D

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Hoplit

For a good while, Mera has 'known' what she felt she needed about Percy, and drew preconceptions based upon that. The reality is far more awe inspiring, terrifying, and surreal than she ever imagined. Glad it is coming off nicely :-) For Diana, her initial meeting with Percabeth will be touched upon more here, but I like how you describe the relationship she is trying to at least achieve with the couple. As for how relationships will develop more . . .

I can assure you that if Orm had Arthur, and quietly enough that nobody knew it, he would have killed his half-brother. So no brainwashed soldier angle. His fate is a Spoiler, but Mera certainly believes he is dead, which has had a major impact upon her character and the reason for her initial bitterness in the earlier chapters.

Barry is proving to be a surprisingly fun character, and a good foil for Percabeth.

Not as desperate for Superman maybe, but still something to consider . . .

LOL I almost feel sorry for Orm ;-P

Here is the newest chapter, and I hope it was worth the wait! Thank you for your Review and Support! :-D

-X/\X/\X-

The Second Age of Heroes

-X\/X\/X-

Chapter 5: On Death

-X/\X/\X-

Previously:

The newly formed team located the alien warlord Steppenwolf, and rescued the prisoners he had taken to track down the Mother Box of Men. His death was assured if not for the last moment intervention of the Mother Box from the Amazons, the sole one in his possession, retrieving him. Due to revelations during the fight causing distractions, Percy Chase-Jackson and Annabeth Jackson-Chase revealed to the others that they are the demigod children of Poseidon and Annabeth respectively, having come from an alternate dimension where the Olympian gods were all alive. Later, Princess Mera questioned Princess Diana for details about the couple, and the goddess revealed some of their feats, which greatly distressed the Atlantean as her people had been hunting Percy out of the mistaken belief he was a bastard child of the royal lines.

-X\/X\/X-

Pozharnov, Russia

Within the toxic, abandoned Human city, Parademons chittered and moved aside in fear as their general, Steppenwolf, stomped towards the broken, black pillar at the centre of it all, with the single Mother Box he had managed to retrieve burned into it.

Only one, but still enough to show him.

Enough for him to communicate what he had learnt.

A part of him breathed a sigh of relief that after retrieving him from that disastrous battle, the Mother Box had also healed the cut to his cheek when he had touched it. Despite all he chanced to gain, it was a gamble to do this when he still had only one piece of The Unity, for it was all too possible they would notice this disgrace.

Unbidden, his earlier boast came to him.

"This world is divided. They are a primitive species. Unevolved and at war with one another. Too separate to be one. Their free will must be ripped from them, like the other worlds. Given absolution in one glorious belief, to serve Him."

. . .

"The Mother Boxes will be found and united. No protectors here. No Lanterns, no Kryptonian. This world will fall, like all the others."

His seven-fingered grip upon his axe-shaft tightened as shame rippled through him at the reminder of the promises he had made, and how he had been denied. Especially by the son of the Old Gods with his blasphemous mouth.

A part of him hungered to make that one suffer. To inflict upon him agonies beyond anything this world knew, to break and shatter his mind until he worshipped Him as he should.

Except Steppenwolf knew the dangers of letting his urges get the better of him.

This was not the first time he had been humiliated conquering a world, and even if never as significantly as this time, he would still not allow himself to be turned from his duty. To imperil his chances of going home and basking in His presence once more.

The boy of the seas would be captured, the location of the Mother Boxes ripped from him by the spare mind probe, and then executed without delaying the hunt before it was moved elsewhere.

His failures would be forgotten in light of his victory, and in his most private moments he could take some solace in knowing that it was this world of all worlds which had troubled him so.

Even in the Great One's youth when he had been so insulted, he had still been more glorious than Steppenwolf could claim now.

Of course Steppenwolf ignored how this world was ultimately weaker than it had been thousands of years ago. The Atlanteans and Amazons hid away, seemingly reduced to myths, while the tribes of Man squabled viciously amongst themselves. It was that division that would be their downfall.

All further thoughts and distractions were set aside as the pillar grew bright with heat and moulded itself into the molten visage of the High Priest and Chief Torturer.

"Have you finished the conquest?" rasped the figure.

"Not yet, DeSaad."

"Then why do you summon me?"

"I bring news. Before mighty Darkseid came to the throne, he searched the universe for the ultimate weapon. The Anti-Life Equation. The key to controlling all life and all will throughout the multiverse. He found it hidden on a primitive planet, but before—"

"The story of the Defiance is well-known," interrupted DeSaad.

The pointed pommel of his axe was speared into the ground and left there so he could advance forward without offence, jabbing a clawed finger at the High Priest. "I have found the primitive planet! The world that fought back! It is Earth! The Anti-Life Equation is carved into the surface of this very world!"

Now DeSaad's composure was broken as he snarled in shock. He paused to evaluate the failed general before him, and then said, "Are you certain?"

"I have seen it." The sole Mother Box had shown Steppenwolf the vision, as weak as it had been, and he had gone in person to verify it. "I have looked with my own eyes."

At that both of them gave a prayer in their holiest tongue to Anti-Life and what it would mean for all. Liquid-hot metal dripped from DeSaad's fingers as he chanted, and then with a growl his figure retreated back into the obelisk, leaving it blank once more.

Despite his fear of being disappointed, Steppenwolf could not help the hope which bloomed within him. Looking for reassurance, he turned to his Parademons to see them landing and folding their wings as they each dropped to a knee and bowed without any orders from him. Knowing what that meant, wonder rose within him as the stone burned and shifted once more to display He who was now contacting him.

For what felt like an eternity he had waged war across thousands upon thousands of worlds for the merest opportunity to plead that he may come home. Now though . . . now he had so much more to offer Him.

Only to discover he was not ready as he stumbled back as his nephew —who Steppenwolf had failed and disgraced in his pride and hubris and weakness, to which even slaying his former collaborators had not been enough to answer for his crimes!— appeared before him.

The morphed stone fitted Him given how much it resembled his actual flesh, as did the molten metal in His eyes. A harbinger of how He would burn worlds without mercy to drag their inhabitants to glory.

To unite them under His Perfection.

As unprepared as he was, Steppenwolf still managed to mentally command his helmet to disassemble itself so he was bareheaded and barefaced as he dropped to both knees, hands spread to the side. "My lord." He bowed forward as he retracted more of his armour all the way to his wrists and waist.

"Oh, Steppenwolf," said Darkseid, and down to his soul he could not tell if that tone was fondness or derision. Surprise or approval.

"My lord, I am but your humble servant."

"Can it be true that you have found it?"

"I have, Great one. The lost world is Earth." In desperation he raised his head so the truth could be read in his eyes. "Anti-Life is here."

Contemplatively Darkseid regarded him, and came to a decision. "If it is redemption you seek, find the other two Boxes, synchronize The Unity," he raised a molten fist, "and when this world is scorched, I will come for my great prize."

Filled with reverence, Steppenwolf spoke for clarity and certainty. "You will come to Earth?"

"I have turned one hundred thousand worlds to dust looking for Anti-Life. Looking for those who denied me of my glory. I will stride across their bones and bask in the glow of Anti-Life. And all of existence shall be mine."

A soft growl escaped Steppenwolf as renewed purpose flowed through him, and he bowed his head once more. "It shall be so, my master."

-X/\X/\X-

Gotham City

As soon as everyone was changed into their regular gear, they piled into Bruce's black van to make their way to . . . wherever they were going. In Barry's experience, the dude was not big on explaining himself.

No surprise, 'mom' called shotgun as Diana got up front with 'dad' as Bruce took the wheel. Victor took the next row's first seat, plopping the third and last Mother Box down in the middle beside him. Okay, the new guy did not want anyone beside him. Fair enough. It was obvious he was unused to this whole thing. Plus it meant Barry could—

"Hey, Mera," said Percy as he gestured for her to join him. He was in the middle seat, while Annabeth had slid in before him, leaving the final seat free for her, albeit with the walkway serving as a gap between them.

At him saying her name, she choked upon the bottle of water she was guzzling to rehydrate herself. A flash of blue light showed her using her magic to adjust.

The world slowed down before Barry as he glanced at the trench-coat clad Atlantean, and sure enough she tensed in trepidation, many possible and negative interpretations flashing through her eyes before her expression began to shift as she masked herself into a, dare he say it, queenly state. Or, well, princessy. That had been a surprise. As was discovering just how bad things had been between Percy and the Atlanteans at large. Although you would think having those misconceptions cleared up would have helped, along with having fought alongside one another. Plus, Mera did know the rest of them would never let the couple hurt her, right?

Right?

Obviously they would have to help reassure her at some point.

Of course . . .

Now Barry glanced at Diana, watching this play out through the side-view mirror, and he had a hunch just from how she was sitting there that she knew something else. However she also seemed calm, which made him relax in turn.

"Alright," said Mera as the world resumed its normal pace for Barry. He knew her hesitation had been visible to everyone else though.

Left to himself, Barry buckled in behind Mera so he could still have the best view of everyone.

It was quiet as Bruce started to drive them out of the automatic door, and that was appreciated, as frankly Barry was emotionally drained from all the fighting, rescuing, and revelations as it was. Once they were on the road though, Percy spoke up. "So, Mera."

"Yes?" she said with a calmness which sounded fake.

"For round three with Steppy, we'll need to try something different. How are you at making ice? Or using it?" The demigod held up a water bottle, and water flowed out of it to hover over Percy's hand, moving and shifting about. "I've tried, but I haven't quite gotten it yet."

"I . . . can't," said Mera.

"Alright, maybe we can try something like undermining the ground beneath him."

"Pardon?"

"Context, Seaweed Brain," said Annabeth. "Atlanteans wouldn't stand on mud when they can float on top of it. We can demonstrate later, if you want, Mera, but basically it would unsettle his footing."

"Oh wow," said Barry eagerly. "You guys are already getting ready for the next fight! Sweet! Ooh, what if instead of ice, you went for boiling steam?" Mentally he grimaced a bit at the idea, yet he did appreciate this was a matter of life or death for the whole planet.

"Not sure," admitted Percy, and even from this angle it was clear he was glaring at the spinning ball of water. "If I got it hot enough to actually hurt him, it might just evaporate away? Or could I contain it? I'd have to experiment a bit."

"Not it," joked Barry.

Carefully Mera raised a hand, pausing for a moment before it glowed blue, adding her own magic to . . . whatever Percy was using. Did that count as magic, or was it biological? Was there a difference?

The water churned and shook and suddenly turned to a ball of blue ice.

"Nice!" he grinned, while Mera gasped in pleased shock, and Percy smiled.

Still with that grin on his face, Percy waved his fingers a little and the ice returned to water while Mera dispelled her magic, and then with a touch deeper concentration by the younger man the water turned to ice again on his own.

"Okay," he said, and Barry could not deny the thrill of awe that went through him at the sight. A glance showed Mera too was impressed, and happy to have helped. "Now we're getting somewhere." Satisfied, the ice turned to water again and then floated towards Mera who held it glowing in her hands, and Percy settled back with a relieved sigh.

With that, the van settled down while the princess patiently practiced to also manage ice.

Belatedly Barry realized that the tautness to the air had vanished with that display. Or near vanished, as they still had an ongoing alien invasion, and one part of a doomsday weapon riding with them. Regardless though, everything within the vehicle had just eased up, and Barry would bet his viola that it had been all natural, nothing calculated at all about it.

That was . . . impressive.

Movement caught his attention, and he saw Annabeth looking over her shoulder at him. She glanced at her husband with pride and then gave a wink.

. . . Okay then.

Coughing into his fist, he quickly looked for something to ask about.

-X\/X\/X-

To Percy's mild surprise, it was the fast guy who brought up the next conversation.

"Soooo, pretty cool sword you've got," offered Barry. "Does it have a name?"

Pulling it out, Percy twirled his pen between his fingers. "Anaklusmos in Greek, but Riptide in English."

"Oh, that's a thing with currents, right? Cool name. Fitting too."

"Yep," smiled Percy. "We've been through a lot together. First sword which felt right even."

"Does it have a history? Like, was it a legendary sword before you found it on an epic quest or something? Or someone made it for you."

Wincing as his mood darkened, Percy held up a finger. "Please don't say 'quest.' That's . . . what we got sent on. And they weren't fun. Got this on my first one, from our mentor, Chiron."

"Waaaaait, you mean—"

"Not, like the Disney movie."

"Sorry, sorry!" rushed out Barry, clearly sensing he had struck a nerve. "I swear when this is over I'll look into proper Greek mythology."

Despite himself, a small chuckle escaped Percy. "Don't worry about it. Anyways, Chiron's a centaur. Think more like Narnia, but cooler. Anyways, it was . . . a big deal, him giving it to me, even if I didn't realise how much of one it was at the time. Only so was what we were doing, so I needed all the help I could get. As for its history, yeah, there's a lot actually. I only know about the original wielder though, not what happened afterwards until Chiron got it. It was . . ." he hesitated, trying to put it into words.

"The original guy, they were given it as a weapon by someone who offered him help even though they didn't have to. A brave and remarkable woman named Zoë Nightshade. She had fallen in love with the dashing hero, so she made Riptide for him, and gave him advice on how to survive a dangerous threat. Betraying her family, and abandoning her home for him. In turn he promised to take her with him. Instead he abandoned her, and claimed all the glory for himself. Thousands of years later I met Zoë, and she remained bitter for what he had done. What he had cost her."

Not entirely getting the message, Barry's next words were, "Oh, well, he was a jerk. Who was it?"

Craning his head back, Percy looked directly at Percy with a heavy gaze. "You've probably heard of him. Or his later name at least. Herakles, or later Hercules, and again, don't even get me started about the Disney film. Both the film and the reality were much worse than what they did there."

From up front, he heard a few sounds to indicate surprise on Victor and Lady Diana's parts. As for Barry, he opened his mouth to say something before visibly reconsidering his words and shaking his head. "Man, and hear I thought back in high school that learning about Greek mythology, or any mythology would be a waste of my time. Or should I call it Greek divine history? Anywho, I'm guessing then he wasn't in it to prove to his dad he was a true hero."

At that Percy snorted, and even Annabeth uncharacteristically scoffed. "Ah, no. It's . . . quests are a lot more complicated than that. As are the opinions of the gods. So, for him, he was given a set of seemingly impossible tasks to fulfil to make up for a crime he shouldn't have been blamed for, yet he still wasn't a pleasant individual. Killing monsters is great and all, but other stuff he did wouldn't be remotely acceptable by our current standards. Although that said, as much as I resent him on Zoë's behalf, and some other victims he left behind, with the benefit of age and hindsight, I admit that if the guy had told the truth about who'd helped him, making his victory not entirely his own, there would have been serious consequences for him. They would have heaped more tasks upon him. Except that doesn't excuse what he did to her, or what it cost her."

"Okay," said a wincing Barry.

"Sorry," sighed Percy as he looked away with a twist of shame. From the motion beside him, he knew Annabeth was annoyed at where that had gone, and he had to agree. He rubbed his face after putting the pen away. "Really. You were meaning small talk, and I ruined the mood. It's just that there isn't a lot of happy stuff in those old, so-called myths. Especially when you're talking to the people who lived through 'em."

"But there was good stuff still for you guys, right?"

"Yeah, yeah there was. Friends and family I love and miss more. What about you, any family?"

"Uhm, okay, after that, I might as well say . . . my dad's in prison 'cause he was falsely accused of killing my mom."

Straightening in his chair, Percy levelled him a serious look while others in the van also stiffened; only Bruce was unsurprised. "What?"

Defensiveness rose in Barry's eyes, and he held up his hands. "Look, I know, it's—"

"Do you think he's innocent?" cut in Percy.

"I know he's innocent," said Barry firmly, fire flashing in his eyes. Reassuringly, Percy was confident the certainty he saw came from rational knowledge of the parties involved, and not the passion of someone who wanted to believe his family was not broken. "I have no proof but—"

Besides, Percy had done more for friends than this.

So he cuts through the speedster's defence. "We'll help."

"What?" said Barry, blankly staring at Percy.

"We can help you prove his innocence," said Annabeth, who also turned to the older man. "After this alien business is over, Batman can pull up the police records."

A grunt of acknowledgement came from the front.

"And I'd be happy to use my Lasso of Truth to help a friend," said Lady Diana warmly. "Although it won't be of much use in court."

"Oh yes, so we can question him and verify his innocence without a shadow of doubt," added Annabeth, and internally Percy winced at her lack of tact. "Oh, Victor, how hooked up are you? Any chance you can pull up the old police and court records? We might be able to find something they missed."

"Assuming everything was properly digitised and stored? Sure. But it's officially a closed case, so there is no telling what evidence and records have been destroyed or misplaced."

"I'm sure whatever you can find will be great."

Blinking, Barry's eyes just darted back and forth between them all for a full minute, and they looked suspiciously wet. In fact, Percy had to wonder how long that felt to the guy who moved like the world was in slow motion.

Eventually, ". . . Having friends is awesome."

Laughing, Percy leaned around the seat to awkwardly pat Barry on the shoulder. "Yes it is! And if all else fails, after Diana's confirmed his innocence with divine intervention and we can't find any evidence to clear his name, then we'll make sure you have an alibi for a prison break! One fake identity later, and you can join him whenever with super-speed."

"Seaweed Brain," warned Annabeth with sternness he knew was half-affectionate.

"Yes, oh beloved of my life?"

"Don't get into the habit of grandoise crimes." Which was a bit rich from her, since Percy knew how many laws they had technically already broken. Wait . . . did what they did tonight —last night?— count as federal crimes as well? Oh wait, she was not done. "Barry?"

"Uhhhm, yes?" he asked, brain apparently stalled again a little.

"Don't worry, as messed up as families get, we know the importance of not giving up on them when it matters."

"Including disposing of his body if he did kill your mother," promised Mera sweetly.

". . . Thanks, but that won't be necessary."

"Just offering. I know where sharks tend to gather."

-X/\X/\X-

Princess Diana could not help but grin at the interactions, and caught the humour dancing in Bruce's own eyes. Not contributing himself, but getting a sense of how they were all contributing before he got involved after this was over.

Yes, they were all coming together as a true fellowship of heroes.

"Glad to know we're going to be still meeting up after this," went on Barry.

"Of course," she said.

Pointedly Victor and Mera said nothing, yet that was not a surprise.

"Yep," said Percy easily.

"We'll have to get back to handle some things though," warned Annabeth. "This was an emergency, but we really disrupted our schedules with this. And we can't just use Bruce Wayne as an excuse for everything. Oh," she frowned, "and I forgot to cancel some appointments." She dug into the pockets of her tactical armour to pull out a phone, and started typing.

"Well, at least you gave everybody a few days off," said Percy. "Although they were giving us some strange looks when we were going out."

-X\/X\/X-

When one Lois Lane was woken up, she was surprised to find texts from her boss to check the morning news. As a reporter herself, he knew she regularly did so anyways, so clearly something big had happened.

Upon doing so, she was stunned to view video footage of what appeared to be some dramatic battle happening on Stryker's Island between Metropolis and Gotham. The large flashes of blue and gold had caught attention even from miles away on shore, and people had recorded what they could, even if the quality suffered at such a distance.

Too many for the military to cover up, she knew.

Pulling up special apps on her laptop, Lois did her own analysis of the imagery, not trusting whatever hacks on the internet put together. It was too blurry to tell for sure, but it was clear that a group of figures had done battle with an inhumanly tall figure in shiny armour before disappearing into some sort of tube. With the exception of the last detail, it all seemed far too painfully familiar.

Clark, she thought softly. Remembering how he had died.

Especially as of those who had been fighting, she was very certain that one of them was the mysterious, female warrior who had fought alongside Clark.

They're carrying on your legacy.

-X/\X/\X-

They had arrived at what appeared to be an abandoned building, except Victor Stone knew it was but one entrance to the whole underground complex the billionaire had secretly assembled.

Speaking of which, mentally Victor sent a file to the Batcomputer on a few extra things he had pulled up on Henry Allen, and the murder of Nora Allen. The police report was already there, but he included Mr. Allen's general prison, medical, and psychological reports; Nora's medical history and anything about her; any case files with similar details; all traffic and video cameras surrounding the area for a week before and after (or what was available after twenty years); various government satellite imagery of the area; bank account information; that sort of thing. What was available at least, as a lot was not digital. However, he did find mentions of the existence of paper copies for some things, and sent this list as well, figuring somebody like Batman could retrieve them. Later he could see if there was anything he could do to clear up the grainy quality of the old videos. Another copy went to Barry's whole secret computer network back home in Central City.

He was becoming increasingly familiar with doing this sort of manipulation of computer software, as much as it . . . felt weird following his dad's advice. Or, the man's 'advice from a scientist' as he had called it, knowing how Victor felt about him. Rightfully so, as he had crushed the recorder when the message had reached the point where he had the gall to say the next bit was talking as 'your father.' It had been a relief to know he was alive though.

The image of his dad's face as he looked at him when they had briefly spoken after getting him and the rest of the STAR Labs people to safety.

"You okay?" asked Victor, ignoring the looks of the other scientists or how the others were off fighting Steppenwolf.

He had nearly seen the man violated and murdered before they could have a chance to . . . Victor did not know what. This could even be the last time they saw one another.

A part of him hungered to reach out to touch the man, to cross the gulf between them, but he could not.

The older man's face was as blank as his name, except emotions he could not label danced in his eyes. "Wasn't sure you'd come."

"You're my father."

After this was all over . . . they would have to talk again.

Victor was just not sure how. Or where.

Later.

He pulled his attention out of memories and software into the here and now. Clad in a spare Gotham City athletics department hoodie and pants Bruce had 'just happened' to have back where they had left the 'Crawler, he stepped out of the van with the rest of them. To his pleasant surprise, his attention was arrested by the massive, three-story aircraft elevated above the ground in the 'warehouse.' Back when he had traced back the electronic search for him to one Bruce Wayne, he had been very thorough in learning what he could, yet had been too busy to interface with it. Now he almost wished he had.

"It wants to fly," he breathed out in awe.

"Machines talk to you?" The tone was curious and without scepticism, making the cyborg turn to Percy beside him. The couple was strange, and he felt a little irritation at how they, particularly this man, were using their stories to mess with people who had no idea how factually true their statements were. Of course, in their own way they were as weird as Victor was, so no wonder they were a bit strange.

Regardless, he refused to let them get a rise out of him.

"I speak to intelligence," he answered. Okay, so maybe he would take a free shot if it presented itself.

He looked back at the aircraft, already extending his mind into its systems. "This one's saying she can't fly because of a software issue, but I could fix it with a little time.

"Cool," said Percy brightly. "Let us know how that goes." With that, he ambled off after the others, leaving Victor to get a little more progress done before he followed.

Seeing how everyone else had settled around a table, he spent no more time putting it off. He plopped down the case with the Mother Box before them, and began to fill them in. "There's a dark spot in my data stream. I could feel the Boxes. I know it's awake, but I can't see where the Amazonian one is."

"Not a problem," said Percy. "One way or another, Steppy's going to come to us."

"And then what?" said Diana with a warning tone. "We cannot become overconfident. I've never seen a being as strong as Steppenwolf." She paused, and then admitted, "Maybe one."

"Hmm, Superman," said Barry as he caught on.

"As long as our two Boxes are asleep, they can't see them," said Victor, "only sense them. We need to keep moving so they can't catch up."

"With two, we have more options," contested Annabeth. "Secure one, and use the other as a lure he can't ignore."

"Neither of which has really worked so far," said Bruce back.

"Honestly, they weren't even really guarding the Atlantean one," said Percy with an apologetic look to Mera. She grimaced, yet did not contest this. "That was still more on Orm though."

There was no 'Orm,' in Victor's databanks, but he could read the context, and it was irrelevant for this discussion.

"The Amazons had an army surrounding theirs, and the entire place was designed to be collapsed into the ocean," said Diana.

"And mankind's?" asked Barry.

"They buried it in a hole," sighed Annabeth.

"Wait, wait," said Percy sharply. "So you're saying, the Humans just threw theirs into a hole . . . and it worked? 'Cause that's the one which has stayed hidden longest."

Now Diana and Mera both gave him sour looks, while Barry tried not to snicker.

"Right, so, if we can't destroy 'em—"

"Yeah, let's try that first," butted in Barry.

"—I vote we toss them into Mt. Doom. Gotta be a convenient volcano we can use."

"Or," huffed Annabeth, "we can bury it even deeper, coat it in cement, and Bruce can build a very fortified building atop of it, and put stuff in there to excuse all the security."

"Sounds expensive, and he's already hiding a lot from the IRS. Here we just need a plane, and a bribe for passing into restricted airspace."

"I appreciate you thinking of my wallet," said Bruce dryly, "but let's first look into destroying it after handling Steppenwolf. Technology has come a long way for one." He paused. "Also, given how aliens have been proven real, Wayne Enterprises is getting into the space race, and I could put it on a probe and launch it into the sun."

"I don't recommend it," warned Victor. "They're an unknown form of matter. Oh, they love heat. They absorb it, hold it in their cores."

"We're getting off track," said Annabeth. "Victor, do you think having two Mother Boxes in the same place, the same city, will be big enough for them to sense more precisely?"

As much as Victor appreciated the sign of trust, and no accusations at how he knew all this, he had to pause to think. Steppenwolf had not seemed to react to it earlier, and he himself had not connected that with how the group had already retrieved one. However, was that something he was willing to gamble the fate of the planet over?

"I don't know enough to say if they can," he confessed. "But I wouldn't risk it."

"The Atlantean one was active before," warned Percy.

"But then fell back asleep," said Victor. "Still, that should be the one we move."

"Mera?" asked Diana, and the princess nodded in agreement.

"One moment," said Bruce. He pulled out his phone and placed a call. "Alfred? Yes, we're alright. . . . Okay, we'll see the news later. Did you get a route for Barry to take? . . . Good. We'll move the Atlantean one. Yes. . . .Okay, that's good. Soon. Right, bye."

He turned to the speedster, who was already getting his armour back on. "It's a Wayne Enterprise vacation retreat. Currently no staff on the premises, fully automated, and with a few extra surprises I packed in recently. Alfred will give you what you need to get in, and find the hidden safe room. We'll move it again later."

"We'll continue this talk when you get back," added Victor firmly, not in the mood to have to repeat himself.

In a blur even for Victor's cybernetic vision, the Flash was gone.

Thankfully, everyone seemed to accept his decision to withhold information a little longer.

"Bruce," said Annabeth, "let's look over our search programs for Steppenwolf. Also what the military are saying. Victor, if you get a chance, your help would be appreciated." He nodded.

"Mera," said Diana, "would you like some different clothes to wear?" Given how Victor had caught them talking earlier, he bet they were hoping for another private moment.

"Yes please," admitted Mera, and she gave a little tug on her green suit with its unknown material. "Even these aren't the best to be in for days, and they aren't really suited for dry land."

Which left Victor with Percy, rocking back on his heels, and fiddling with his necklace.

"Can I help you?" said Victor flatly.

"After this is all over, you want to exchange phone numbers? Or, well, you shooting whatever number you want into my phone."

"Why?"

Unfazed by the animosity, Percy said, "Because while Annabeth and I are going back into retirement after this, there's no reason we can't hang out afterwards."

Despite himself, Victor snorted, remembering his father's early attempts to act like everything was still normal. That he could live a regular life. "'Hang out'?" he scoffed. "Really?"

"Really?" said Percy. He cocked his head to the side. "Honestly dude, you're really reminding me of my cousin Nico here."

"Isn't your wife your cousin?"

The demigod's eyelid twitched, but he let it pass. "Angry at the world and wanting to be left alone, when that was the worst thing for him. Thinking everyone hated or feared him."

"Diana tried something similar," said Victor testily. Another reaction, except the emotions behind it were more complicated. "Trying to tell me I'm not a monster."

"My best friend has goat legs and eats pop cans for treats, my dog is bigger than a car and would eat one if I don't stop her, and the brother I actually acknowledge is a Cyclops who's in a relationship with a lovely Harpy."

It was said so calmly and readily it made Victor flinch, and Percy took another step forward. "Closest companions include a man who machines also talked to, and would set himself on fire. A man who sleeps as a bulldog, and a girl who was once dead." The young hero shrugged. "Honestly, the lack of fire, stealing from me, or previously perfectly genuine death threats is appreciated. So yeah, when this is all over, it'd be nice to have you over."

Victor's fingers flexed, and through what was left of his flesh his remaining blood pulsed. Desire warring with a burning anger at how what he had lost was being almost trivialised, intentionally or not. His body, his life. Except he hesitated to compare trauma's with a man who had literally lost his entire world. Even though he had his wife with him throughout that. "I'm not you," he said instead.

A harsh, bitter, mockery of a chuckle escaped Percy's lips. "Lucky you." Something dangerous glittered in his eyes for a moment, making Victor stiffen before it vanished. You did not grow up in Gotham without recognizing those who came from particularly bad backgrounds. The ones who were a bit too on the edge to not tread lightly around. In that pause though, he clarified himself.

"What I mean is, for them, that was what was normal for them. For you. What you knew and grew up with, and I'll bet you had magic so they could go around in public if you wanted to." A part of him felt satisfaction at the surprise which lit up the demigod. Yeah, Victor was used to seeing that on people who thought he was just a dumb jock. "Everyone I once knew thinks I'm dead, and I'm not going to find out how they'd treat me if they saw me like this. The only person I've got left is the man who did this to me, and now maybe you lot, and I can't say how interested I am in that. Especially once this is all over."

Although he would admit they were not the worst. Diana had at least tried to be kind about it, and Annabeth was better than her husband.

"Ah. Fair," conceded Percy ruefully, scratching his head. "My point still stands though."

"Really."

"How about this then? I'm no brain, but from what you've been letting slip, you basically control all computers."

"That's right," allowed Victor.

"And yet you're here instead of ruling the world cybernetically. Fighting for the planet. Locking yourself away instead of lashing out at everyone." A look of exhaustion fell over Percy's face. "I've seen people do that before, so the fact you're not makes you somebody I really do want to know."

Despite himself, Victor had to ask. "Somebody close?"

"Yes. Somebody I trusted. A mentor, a friend, first authority figure 'sides my mom who I thought was really there for me. Annabeth loved him. It didn't end well."

They shared a long look before Victor turned away to look back at the plane. "I need to focus on this."

"Alright," said Percy in acceptance, and turned to walk after Mera and Diana.

Half an hour later, Barry was back, and they resumed their earlier talk.

-X\/X\/X-

Once more they were assembled around the table with the Box on it. Diana had dug up for Mera a blouse which fit her well, even if she kept absently stroking the cloth as if getting used to the feel of it.

"So," began Annabeth, "Victor, is this Mother Box related to how you became a cyborg?"

After having had some time to himself, Bruce was also now wondering that. At first he had been suspicious that the former football player had had it, and of how he knew so much, but with the breather between story-telling he had realised it made no sense given the help Victor had already provided. Plus the mysterious origins of the fantastically advanced technology which made him up.

"Yes," confirmed Victor. "Although it's a long story."

"But if connected," said Mera, and Bruce noted a touch of wariness to her posture, "then it's likely related."

Victor stared at her for a few seconds, and the only 'normal' member of their group could not help but wonder how long that was for someone who was half machine. Coming to a decision though, the blue light in Victor's forehead shifted red to project a hologram of the same colour before them.

He explained how the Allies had recovered it at the end of the Second World War, and brought it back to the United States for study. An unknown object which had collected dust in the Pentagon archives for seventy years until the Department of Defense began to study Superman's ship. Dr. Silas Stone, however, had made the connection between the two as both being alien technologies; from different civilizations and yet with similar properties. When his son had an accident which should have killed him, Dr. Stone had, "in an act of desperation" in Victor's own words, briefly awoken the Mother Box, technology he did not fully understand, to keep his son alive.

"Alive . . ." finished Victor, anger and resentment clear in his face, "but turned into this."

No one said anything about that, well aware to leave it alone. However Bruce did catch Victor's brief glare at Percy, who merely raised an unimpressed eyebrow.

"Wait," said Barry, breaking the awkward silence, "your father saved your life with one of these things? Aren't they psycho murder machines?

"They're change machines," corrected Victor. "The boxes don't think in terms of healing or killing, alive or dead. They rearrange matter at the will of their masters, regenerate, reinstate."

"Reinstate?" repeated Diana, and there was something in her eyes there . . .

"A box has the power to reinstate anterior particle relationships," explained the cyborg, and it was clear he was leading this somewhere. A plan he had come up with, be it right in the moment, or something he had been considering in the months since his transformation.

"So, you mean in the way that particles of matter can't be created or destroyed," said Barry as he caught on, "their relations just transform."

Bruce's chest tightened as he ran through the possibilities.

"Burn down a house, the particles still exist. Particles of house become particles of smoke."

"The precision of instantaneous manipulation of those molecular structures, the energy requirements," breathed out Mera in awe. "Not even Atlantis' greatest machines could calculate or power that."

"I'm surrounded by science nerds," deadpanned Percy.

"You find it sexy," teased Annabeth, which made Barry and Mera sputter, while Victor scowled.

"So anyway," said Percy brightly, clasping his hands together, "you all seem to be having some bright idea. What am I missing?"

No one said anything, so Bruce forced himself to speak up. It needed to be said . . . and he could not let guilt actually hinder him from this. "Anyone can burn down a house into smoke, but a Mother Box can turn that smoke back into a house."

Victor's hologram lit up one more time to dramatically display Superman in all his glory. Flying and being an inspiration.

". . . You want to revive a dead hero to give us the direct muscle to fight Steppenwolf."

"That they do," said Annabeth neutrally.

"You don't?" protested Diana in shock, and Bruce worried that the couple were going to be a problem.

"It doesn't tend to go well in mythology," pointed out Percy. "Or history. Whatever."

"Or fiction," admitted Barry reluctantly. "Anyone else here seen Pet Sematary?"

Percy jabbed a thumb in the speedster's direction. "Exactly!"

"And yet you said one of your closest friends was a girl who was dead," said Victor.

"True. True," acknowledged Percy, scratching his head. "Although even then there were consequences Hazel had to work through."

"Hazel?" repeated Barry.

"A good friend. Tell you later. And back to this, all of us together did pretty well against Steppy. I appreciate wanting to bring Superman back, but do we really need him?"

"From when they activated, we know the Mother Boxes feared Superman," added Bruce firmly. What had begun all of this, though, was allowing himself to be manipulated by Luthor.

Percy blinked in confusion before he remembered what they had learnt from Vulko back at his wife's office. "Huh," he managed, while Annabeth slowly nodded.

"If we did this," protested Mera, "we'd be awakening one of the Mother Boxes for Steppenwolf to see!"

"If we use yours, the Human can stay asleep" offered Barry.

"And Superman will be able to help us when Steppenwolf shows up," said Bruce resolutely.

Mera looked back and forth between them. "Is this Superman truly that powerful?"

"Yes," said Diana absolutely. "The greatest champion this world has ever known."

Whatever Mera saw in the goddess' eyes reassured her as she swallowed and nodded.

Releasing a sigh, Percy nodded. "Alright. Annabeth?"

She frowned in thought, but ultimately nodded. "It's risky, but with a major payoff, and we still have one more in reserve."

"Can we . . . would this work to bring back other people?" asked Percy awkwardly, which made everyone else in the room stiffen.

Except for Victor, who firmly said, "No. To do this, the risk of Steppenwolf aside, we'd need to use Superman's ship to make it work. And we can't risk condemning anyone else to a life like mine."

Awkwardly everyone either nodded in acknowledgement or kept silent.

"The ship?" asked Annabeth for clarification.

"It's basically an organic computer," elaborated Bruce. "It can talk directly to the Mother Box."

Now Victor looked a little uncomfortable himself as he noted, "We'll also need Superman's body."

Pointedly neither Bruce nor Diana looked at one another. They had both noticed how Clark's body had not been reacting like a Human one would, and had helped Father Leone forge the paperwork to claim the regular preparations had been done at a Metropolis funeral home. More importantly, they were both aware of how Luthor had placed Zod's decidedly dead corpse —which had also been in far better condition than one would expect— into the ship's medical chamber to turn it into an abomination. A living abomination.

"We know where it is buried," said Diana. "We'll just have to get it."

"I'll go!" volunteered Barry, and despite the emphasis on his words his expression was solemn.

"Same," nodded Victor.

Bruce grunted in a way they interpreted as agreement, while Diana gave a nod herself.

Percy and Annabeth exchanged a glance, and she said, "We'll go ahead of you guys to help prep things."

"Really?" said Barry in surprise.

"Don't get us wrong," shrugged Percy. "We respected the guy. Respect. Whatever. Using all that power to do good and help people is inspiring, and I'm betting he was a role model for you all in that. But we didn't really know him either, and don't have the same . . ." he trailed off.

"Reverence," supplied Annabeth. "The same reverence for him."

"Fair," acknowledged Victor.

They all turned their attention upon Mera, who had been considering her options, and she said, "I'll go with Percy and Annabeth."

"Perfect," smiled Annabeth with a wicked glint to her eyes. "I've got just the job for you."

Warily Mera nodded.

-X/\X/\X-

Of course, despite how much they wanted to leap right into that, there were other realities to consider. Food and rest still after a harrowing night. Cleaningher guns. Getting their intended transport ready to fly, although Percy mentioned how Victor said he would help. Also, they needed to get their disguises for infiltration handled, and Annabeth insisted upon being meticulous.

"I've got other things to work on," said Bruce, indicating some very dangerous looking hardware attached to what was technically a car in the same regard that Mrs. O'Leary was a poodle.

"It's going to be the most secure military research centre on the planet," shot back Annabeth. "And they'll be on high alert after the last few days. The Mist can't cover everything and everyone, and if cameras start glitching and people are passed through without proper checks, then they'll lock it down and send a whole company at us. Every one of us needs something."

Briefly the urban legend gave her a slightly frustrated look before he conceded. "Alright, I'll get Alfred to help you. Victor, can you lend a hand while we're getting the van and supplies ready?"

"Sure."

With that, the group split up again. Barry and Diana, for instance, went to get shovels to dig up Superman. Only before Percy went off with Mera to practise on that ice some more, he stopped to whisper in Annabeth's ear. Given what he said, she allowed her grimace to show, and gave it some thought.

Except upon reflection, she knew her husband was unfortunately right. Which he tended to be about people. Even better, he had also given her enough of a suggestion for her to figure out the solution.

First she went to grab the Parademon rifles she had brought back with them, Victor having confirmed earlier they could not be tracked.

Second, she found Alfred and told him she would be with him after she helped Bruce with something else first.

Finally she went back to the man in question.

"Hey."

"Hello," Bruce said with a raised eyebrow.

She hefted the rifle. "Want to see how well this works on your gauntlets?"

"Sure," he nodded, but did not move.

Cutting off a groan, Annabeth said, "I'm used to being the one in charge of these things. Giving the ideas and orders. Or most of the time. So sorry if we're butting heads about things." Even if it was over fairly minor things only, it was best to address the matter while they remained minor. Of course, she did not actually apologise for throwing in her own ideas when she knew the man was wrong. Being a team player was new to him too, even if working with others wasn't—athough by all accounts that had not been for a long time. However, if he had let that much frustration show earlier, then Percy was probably right that it was worse than Bruce was pretending it was.

Plus . . .

Well . . .

There could also be some lingering guilt and blame over how they had missed that one Parademon. No matter how successful they had been against the rest, the truth remained that their failure there had ensured Steppenwolf's survival long enough to escape.

"Alright," Bruce nodded back. "Thank you. Glad we can work together."

She snorted back at his own careful 'apology,' yet ensuring there was no bad air between them was what they were really after.

But then he smiled, and it made him seem decades younger. Younger and more at ease. "And thank you for being here. For doing all this. For helping us bring Superman back. For fighting the good fight."

". . . You're welcome."

In short order they set up the gauntlets with readouts attached to them, and each took practice shots with the guns at the gauntlets. Alfred was rightfully smug when he heard his design was able to properly dissipate the energy blasts.

"I thought you didn't use guns," noted Annabeth as Bruce's rate of fire steadily increased while maintaining his accuracy.

"I don't. Not against regular people. Alien invaders out to kill us all I can make an exception for."

Given the tension around his neck, she suspected he was again hiding the extent of his feelings on the matter. Nonetheless, he seemed able to handle the matter, so she dropped the subject.

"Too bad you don't have time to manufacture more of this armour," she said with an intrigued tone.

"We might have to," noted Bruce.

"Assume the worst," agreed Annabeth.

That settled, they put their gear away and got ready to get back to what they had been up to earlier. As she walked off to check with Alfred, Annabeth noticed a door she had missed before. Curious, instead of asking, she went to see where it led herself.

Inside was another room, with empty versions of Batsuits on display along the wall. Older, retired models kept for sentimental reasons she would guess.

In the middle though, was a black shroud over something.

This was a bad idea.

Except she always needed to know.

Underneath was a glass case displaying a set of armour, a male's she figured abstractly, late teens or early twenties. Painted over the dark colours in bright yellow was: "HAHAHA JOKE'S ON YOU BATMAN."

Oh.

Robin, she realised, Annabeth's eyes going wide as she remembered the theories about his disappearance.

"What do you think you're doing!?"

Harsh and bristling, a nightmare stormed into the room. For all that he wore the face of 'Bruce Wayne,' reclusive billionaire, every trace and shift of his body had shifted into that of the dangerous weapon he had turned himself into. An unsettling and wrong contradiction which amplified the malevolence he radiated. Here on full display was what reduced the worst of the worst of America's darkest city to trembling in fear.

Raising one palm up, Annabeth handed him back the shroud. Immediately, Bruce threw it back over the case, tucking and draping it into place with the utmost care before whirling upon her.

But before he could say anything, she blurted out, "Your son?"

This threw him off as he bit down on whatever he was about to say. "Yes," he managed to grit out.

"My condolences."

Visibly he reigned himself in. "No, I, I'm not ashamed of him."

But ashamed you covered him up, she knew, crossing her arms. Guilty that you didn't want this sort of conversation.

Guilty that you're bringing back to life another man, and not your own son. Even if you know you can't.

"I've read about Robin. What was he like as a person?"

Composed now, Bruce gave her a long look as he visibly chewed over what to say, before tersely answering with, "He was my son. He brought out the best in me and losing him brought out the worst. Now I'm just trying to be the man he would have wanted me to be."

Obviously there was more there than he was saying, yet Annabeth had pushed his boundaries far enough today.

"Dick was too young, no matter how brilliant he was," he went on. "I should've found some other way to keep him safe. From going out into the field." Keeping his eyes on the memorial, he added, "It makes it worse when I see what that sort of life has done to you and Percy."

Nails digging into her flesh, Annabeth's face became a mask as she realised what had happened. So eager for companionship, despite knowing how it had been used as a lure from the start by this man, her and Percy and spilled too much.

However when he looked back at her, for all that his expression was judgmental, she could tell the rage was not directed towards her. "I don't know what exactly happened to you, and I'll understand if you never tell. But I'm certain you know we can both appreciate that while there's no good age to lose those you love, them being young makes it even worse."

Images of her dead siblings flashed through Annabeth's head. Her fellow campers she had known since she was seven after mourning Thalia's 'death.'

Not trusting herself to speak, she only nodded.

They were hurt and damaged, but not broken! No matter how much others had tried to do so to them. In more ways than one.

Except there was still no pity she could see, just the sort of understanding from a man who understood her better than she was comfortable with.

Whatever he read in her face made him look back at Robin, Dick's armour, and start to fold up the shroud.

Other details began to click together for her, and belatedly she knew there was something else she had to address while there was time.

Her and Percy. So briskly she walked away to find him.

Nevertheless, she could not bring herself to cross the threshold without saying back over her shoulder, "Thank you."

She left without hearing if he said anything back.

-X\/X\/X-

"Lady Diana."

The goddess turned to see Percy and Annabeth approaching her. Laid out before her was her sword, being carefully examined for any flaws after clashing against Steppenwolf's otherworldly armour. She smiled and said, "After fighting alongside one another, I'd say you've earned the right to call me just Diana."

"I, right," Percy said,a touch uncomfortably. "Thanks."

In contrast, Annabeth was serenely composed. "Since we've been here with you guys, there've been some revelations all around. In light of that, I wish to clarify something you said when we first met. When you said all the gods were dead."

"Of course," nodded Diana, even if she could not fully master her own mixed feelings on the matter. Ultimately though, it saddened her to know how for her, there being other gods alive would have been a blessing, while for these two it had been all but a relief to learn they were gone. A sense of freedom.

All mixed with fear, a hair's breadth from violence, wide-eyed and clearly dependent upon each other. Especially when she had pressed for details and learnt what they had suffered. What they had endured.

"You're not like the gods we knew back home," said Percy, and he said it with a firm confidence which warmed her heart. "Some of the things you've said though, how—"

"How did you become a goddess?" burst in Annabeth impatiently.

"I," she took a deep breath. "I am a daughter of Zeus and Hippolyta, and I was born an Amazonian. For thousands of years I lived and grew upon Themyscira, immortal and with special gifts like any other Amazon, all the while unaware of my true heritage, believing my mother had sculpted me from clay. How I left there, is a long story for another time. In short, in 1918 I confronted Ares, and he revealed I was a demigod, born to kill him. As we battled, I summoned forth the full nature of my power, the power my father had intended for me, and in killing Ares . . ." she looked away. As much as it needed to happen, as bloodthirsty, petty, and unable to see the good in Humanity as he was, the God of War had still been her brother. The only other Olympian left besides herself.

"You didn't even know you were a goddess," breathed out Annabeth. "That means . . ." she trailed off.

Realisation struck Diana as she began to now understand their perspective. Assuming she had been born thousands of years ago, yet never making a move against Ares until recently. Growing up seeing herself differently than others; looking down upon even her fellow Amazons as inferior, instead of being one of them. Not taught to expect devotion and praise as a goddess raised within Olympus would.

Queen Hippolyta had raised her daughter to glorify the Olympians, to give thanks for the gifts Zeus had given the Amazons even before Ares' betrayal, emphasising the good they had done for mankind and the world. The gifts they had provided. The responsibilities they had taken up . . .

Since reuniting to stop Steppenwolf, it had been obvious to Diana that the couple were as uncomfortable with her as she was discomforted by them; by what they represented of gods who let their whims rule them. To wonder, no matter how illogical it was, how history could have gone different if Ares had not killed the others. Made worse given how wary they stepped around her, as if waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Except now she had a new perspective of their first impression of her. With the assumptions they had been working under, it was no wonder things had been so awkward at times. Replaying their interactions, and how she had interacted with others around them, no wonder they had been so confused!

"Yes," said softly. "Since then, I've lived amongst mankind. I lost . . . someone special to me while fighting Ares. A man I loved. I shut myself off from everyone. But I had to learn to open back up again. The truth is, I'm still working on it."

"Alongside other people, as one of them," said Percy, eyes dancing as his whole understanding of her was being rewritten.

"Yes."

A beat of silence as demigod and goddess contemplated one another, and then Annabeth said, "You were worried about us. You and Bruce."

"Yes," Diana ruefully admitted, hoping she had not been too obvious. Fortunately, she had a good, safe manner with which she could address this. "One of the friends I made during World War I was a man named Charlie, who suffered horribly from what is now known as PTSD. The battles we fought in together only made it worse afterwards, and it took us many years to help him recover." Her lips twitched downwards. "Now imagine how you two must have looked from my perspective when I met you, alone and afraid, a universe away from home."

Annabeth's mouth was a flat line, while Percy looked away as he admitted, "We . . . probably seemed a little . . . wild."

Near-feral, would be more accurate, she thought. Aloud, "And I couldn't tell how much of that was the norm given the horrors you had suffered. Ones I would never want to face myself. Especially so young. And then after I swore to give you the space you deserved, that you needed, I couldn't check to see how you were. How much of that was just you dealing with a bad day, and how much was your norm."

Some might argue that she could have at least looked them up anonymously at an internet café. Those people had not been trying to avoid the ire of people who had participated in the death of the Crooked One, and the eternal sleep of the First Mother. No. Thank. You.

Much better for all concerned if she stuck to the letter of her promise until they were facing a threat such as the return of Darkseid.

They scowled at her words, before glancing at each other and reluctantly nodding in acceptance. "It's been rough at times," admitted Annabeth. "But having each other makes all the difference."

"We miss them every day," said Percy. "Except here we're safe to actually live. Be a family."

Unspoken was the promise of seeing their family grow, and Diana smiled wildly in approval. Even if a part of her mourned how she was unlikely to ever have that herself.

Annabeth cocked her head, and said, "If more gods had been like you, the world we came from would have been a greater place to live in."

"Thank you," said Diana, clenching her throat. In truth, she could not say for sure what she would do if she ever found herself in such a world.

No, she knew herself well enough that at least she would not take what she had learnt from this couple silently.

In her darker moments, whilst she slept, she feared she might take a page out of Ares' book . . .

Something flickered in Annabeth's eyes, and Diana wondered how much the far younger woman had seen within her.

"Yeah," said Percy. "They are too ruled by their whims, too proud to admit when they are wrong, and uncaring for even their own children. Blinded by self-importance." He grimaced, "Maybe not all of them, but sometimes it seemed the best we could hope for was recognizing their children, and fulfilling the bare minimum they had promised." Then he smiled, "You however, are much more . . . Human. Nice even."

"Thank you," repeated Diana, although now her smile was one she knew was more warm than just happy. "It's been a pleasure to get to know you two better as well."

Lightly her fingers trailed along her sword as she considered something else to raise, until she dismissed it again for later. It was not an immediate concern.

Coming to an inner decision, Annabeth said, "You vowed upon your Lasso that you would not seek contact with us again unless we initiated it. After this is over, I'd like to invite you to our place. We've a story of Apollo I think you'd be interested in, and afterwards you would, by the terms of our oath, then be free to contact us as you pleased."

That was a very loose interpretation of her earlier words. Nonetheless, Diana gleefully accepted the spirit of it, and grinned broadly. "I'd be honoured and delighted," she said.

"Also we've got to fill you in about what the Amazons of our world are up to!" added Percy.

A hunger lit up within Diana, and she felt no shame in showing it. "That would be deeply appreciated," she confessed. Even if from another world, word about her sisters meant everything to her. Especially as she still had no idea what had happened to Themyscira when Steppenwolf had stolen the Mother Box there.

"But for now," said Percy, clapping his hands together, "first we've got to pull off breaking into a military base, and committing necromancy."

"Indeed," Diana's lips quirked in amusement. As painful as this situation was, and not wanting to hope too much for what might fail, she knew Kal would appreciate them trying to ease the situation.

Annabeth snorted, "Ah, the glorious life of being a superhero. Not quite as advertised."

"It never is," said Percy, but with a smile of his own. "Honestly, as weird and as different as it is, it still feels strangely like back home." Then he glanced over Diana's shoulder, and said, "Oh, Bruce's Boss, can we get some food to go? And did Mera's fish stuff ever get done?"

-X/\X/\X-

Author Notes:

This is more of a transition chapter really, but I found including everything for reviving Superman made it too long.

-X-

Please Review, and I will get back to you!