AN: Hello all, here I am back agian with another chapter, only this time the update time wasn't too bad! I'm thankfully finding more time to do writing now, which is always a bonus. Hopefully it'll continue. Not much to say other than that though, just that I hope you enjoy the chapter, there is some interesting stuff in this chapter, so make sure to pay attention, it links in to things setup in early chapters.
That said, this chapter was a bit of a pain to write too. Say what you will about Batman, but he is not an easy character to write, or not for prolonged period. Once you peel away the usual gruff, humourless, ultra serious outer layers, you're left with quite a bit else to think over and deal with. I had to watch a few different animated and live action films and programs to get some proper inspiration for how to proceed. Batman aside though, John Constantine is great fun to write, I love that guy!
Either way here is the next chapter, I hope you enjoy and please do leave a review! Also fun little tidbit for the PJO nerds out there, today, the 18th August, is apparently canon Percy Jackson's Bday, so that's a thing!
Another thing while I am at it, is this. I am a part of a discord group, there's tonnes of others there, plenty of writers, admittedly mainly PJO, but other stuff too. Feel free to pop along and say hi, I'm always happy to chat about the stuff I am writing. So if you fancy it please do to join by sticking '8rp5uActfK' this into discord, or using the link on my bio.
Thanks for reading and please do leave a review, that or feel free to PM, I am usually much better at answering those!
Disclaimer: I do not own Percy Jackson or anything from the DC universe.
( - )
(Last Time)
"I had it under control!" John waved him away, a slight frown on his face now as he tried to work out how best to make this all disappear. He needed to make a story that even the most cynical of reporters and parents would believe.
Maybe a school shooter wanted to be original and dressed up as a demon and went on chainsaw killing spree?
No, he knew he could do better than that.
"I need your help Constantine." Batman said to his back.
"Doesn't everyone?" John groaned, before turning to look at Batman. "Alright then fine, what do you want? And it better not be for me to tell you your fortune, or to whip you up a love potion!"
Ignoring Constantine's mockery, Batman shook his head. "Tell me, what do you know about demigods?"
( - )
Chapter 22
( - )
(With Batman)
"I know that they're trouble." John Constantine replied bluntly, his blue eyes fixing on Batman's for a moment, even as he ran his hands through his messy blonde hair. "Now why the fuck do you want to know about demigods?"
"I believe I've met one." Batman said, his expression not changing at Constantine's foul language and manner. The man was rude and annoying, but also useful.
"Well, if you had, then you'd be shit out of luck. Fortunately, you've probably not." Constantine waved him away. "Proper demigods, and by that I mean the ones born using divine baby batter, or that dropped from a goddess' crotch, are rare. They're the real deal, and well, if you had come across one we would really be up shit creek. Nah, you've probably just found a blessed child or a legacy."
"And what are those?" Batman asked, his eyes narrowing.
"Oh, well they're people like me and you, only they're technically living because of a god. Either because they were born through a god's blessing, or very distantly related to a god. That, or they could be like your Wonder Woman, who according to the grapevine was apparently crafted from clay and given life by a god. Honestly, there are several ways that pseudo, but not quite, demigods can come into being. The one you've found is probably one of their ilk, and so nothing to worry about. Unless they're a dick, in which case they'll be a pain to put down, but not impossible." Constantine replied, his hands on his hips as he now looked away from Batman and around at the football field. It was quiet now the demons were dead, and the remaining students had fled. "Now, I think it's about time I hit the old dusty trail and leave the cleanup duty to the bobbies, you don't mind giving them the story ey, do you Bats?"
"How can you be so sure that the one I am dealing with isn't a proper demigod?" Batman asked, ignoring Constantine's last question as his mind instead strayed to Perseus Jackson and all he knew about him.
"Well, that would probably have something to do with the fact that there aren't any gods in this world any more. The fuckers, well, fucked off, centuries ago. I mean, sure they occasionally turn up and cause trouble, Ares is the most annoying one for pulling that kind of shit. That or they let their presence be known by giving out blessings to those who still follow or believe in them, but for the most part they are done with this world, and good riddance too." Constantine replied, pulling his beige coat tighter around him as he began to march off the field, absently stepping over the remains of a deceased teenager. In the distance, the sirens became more audible as they drew nearer.
"So, by your own words, it could be possible that he is a true demigod?" Batman pressed, seizing onto Constantine's dismissive suggestion that the gods do on occasion return to cause trouble.
"Sure, it's possible, but also doubtful. Look Bats, you don't seem to get it. Gods, they aren't just powerful sorcerers or low level demons, they are the real deal. When one of them enters the world, every fucktard with even an inkling of magical sense can feel it. It's like the world itself screams when one of them steps foot on it, and considering only the dickish ones like Ares and his brats toddle down to earth to say hello, that scream calls out to all 'get the fuck out of dodge unless you want to be turned inside out'." Constantine let out a sigh at this point and knuckled his forehead. "It also means that I would know if a god properly descends, and I'll tell you now, one hasn't descended in a long time. This kid you're talking about, they aren't a demigod, and be glad of that."
"You say that, but the evidence points otherwise." Batman scowled.
"Oh, and what evidence is that, Batman?" Constantine sighed, not slowing down as the pair of them left the stadium and entered a nearby park, even as the emergency services finally made it to the school.
"He can control water, earth and storms. He has chosen a trident as his symbol. Wonder Woman herself said he was her cousin. It all adds up." Batman rattled off quickly, his hands clenched into fists at his side, as he kept his temper under tight control.
"Hmm, controlling water, earth and storms, that's odd, who can do that? Oh, I know, me, a magician. Picking a trident as a symbol. Maybe he's just being a dweeby little shit and trying to act cool, or who knows, maybe he has a relation to Atlantis, being an Atlantean Sorcerer could certainly explain two of those little nuggets of evidence." Constantine shot back.
"I have thought of those possibilities, but it doesn't explain his relation to Wonder Woman, he is her cousin." Batman replied brusquely.
"Now you see Batsy, I am no biologist, but even I know it takes two to tango. Wonder Woman has more than one familia line, it wouldn't surprise me if old Hippolyta had some sisters, who like her got jiggy and popped out some brats. In fact, off the top of my head I can already remember one sister, Antiope." Constantine sighed again, a distinctly disgruntled look on his face.
Batman opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, Constantine cut him off with a raised hand.
"And before you ask, no, from what I've heard the Amazon's aren't all celibate, nor are they all carpet munchers. If they were, then considering how much fighting they get involved in and how many die fulfilling their sacred duties, they would have died out years ago. But instead their population is fine, and that my friend is because they either pray to the gods for a child, or go out and have S-E-X, and yes that spells sex, with big, smelly men folk, Atlanteans, humans, I honestly don't think it matters. Either way, they scratch their itch and return to the island, and sometimes they bring with them a shit spewing souvenir, and yes, before you ask, I do in fact mean babies." Constantine said, his tone picking up slightly and a grin spreading across his tired face as he looked at Batman. "So you're evidence, is pretty circumstantial I'm afraid old boy."
"I got a blood sample, and ran a DNA test." Batman called out to his retreating back.
"Oh," Constantine paused, "And what did your science tell you?"
"That he shouldn't exist, he's partially human, partially… well something else the system could not identify, or even quantify." Batman answered.
"Interesting," Constantine muttered, turning around now to look at Batman. "And you're sure he is not an alien?"
"Positive," Batman said. "Combine the result with what else I know…?"
"It could make sense, but it's not concrete proof. Magic is weird, and not all that compatible with technology." Constantine said, walking back over to him now. "Now level with me, mate, why are you so antsy about this guy?"
Instead of answering immediately, Batman pulled out an electronic screen and pulled up a picture of Percy Jackson. "His name is Perseus Jackson, age unknown, but from what I have inferred, far older than he looks. He has high level elemental abilities, and heightened physical abilities and durability, his reflexes are immense, and he has been highly trained. He has the potential to be a big hitter, among the likes of Wonder Woman, Martian Manhunter, Captain Atom and Captain Marvel, but unlike them, he came out of nowhere, age unknown, nationality unknown, parentage unknown, origins unknown. The best we've come up with is that his accent is similar to Wonder Womans', and that he is at least over fifty."
"See, it's details like that that you need to tell me!" Constantine sighed, his gaze roaming the picture for a moment before returning to Batman. "If he is long-lived, then it's possible he is a true demigod, just one that was born a long time ago, I mean the fucker is older than me so of course I wouldn't have noticed him being born. I thought you were talking about some fresh behind the ears kid, not some old man in a young man's body. Still, if he's on the side of the angels, why do you care about what he is?"
"He's a killer," Batman stated bluntly. "More than once he has resorted to lethal measures to defeat an enemy he could have taken alive. He's reckless and mentally unstable, and could become a threat. If he does, then I need to know how to put him down before he causes too much damage. I need a countermeasure in place in case he turns, of his own volition, or is turned by someone else, against the League and against the people he is supposed to protect."
"Well, if he is a demigod, I wouldn't recommend magic. From what I've heard those fuckers tend to have a resistance to the most low level magic stuff, you'd need to pull out either the big guns, or be very clever to take him down easily that way. Your best bet would be to get him into an unfavourable environment, going off the powers you listed, I'm going to take a stab in the dark and say you think he is a son of Poseidon. Well in that case fight him in a hot, dry environment, one that is far inland, and use the air to your advantage. Wear him down, force him in a battle of attrition, and you should come up trumps. That, or just hit him with a big missile and blow him to pieces, that always works too, a demigod might be tough, but they're not gods, nor are they invulnerable or immortal." Constantine shrugged. "But that's just a guess, I've never fought one of the fuckers, and so am just going off personal opinion."
Batman scowled at that. He had been hoping Constantine would be more useful.
"Hey, don't scowl, I didn't say I couldn't find out. I've amassed a big library, and have a lot of contacts. I can ask around. Before I bother, though, there are a few things we need to discuss. For one, you need to confirm he is what you think he is, otherwise this is all a waste of time, and the next, well my services don't come free." The smirk on Constantine's face was obnoxious enough that Batman very much wanted to punch him.
"You'll be suitably compensated, and I will get some proof. There will be a League meeting in a few days, and I'll corner Wonder Woman about her cousin then." Batman snapped.
"Good, oh and one more thing. If it does turn out that this Percy is a demigod, well, I'd hope he isn't." Constantine said ominously. "God spawns are agents of fate, they are heralds of dark times. When one is born into the world, it is always for a reason, and that reason is often horrific. If it turns out he is a demigod, well, I'd suggest battening down the hatches and preparing for the fucking apocalypse, because ten years from now, one year from now, or one hour from now, shit is going to hit the fan and the world will be in a whole heap of trouble."
"The Justice League has saved the earth before, and we'll do it again." Batman said dismissively. "I do not believe in fate."
"Ironic I suppose, considering your Doctor Fate is dead, and his helmet lies gathering dust in the Tower of Fate back in Salem." Constantine said sly, a shit eating grin on his face. "I guess that means you're an expert in the Occult down, or at least until old Nabu can con some poor moron into putting on his helmet. I mean, Zatara is good, but his knowledge is not as widespread as mind, certainly not when it comes to Demonology and the darker elements of magic. Luckily for you, however, I know a brilliant expert in the occult, and I know for a fact that he is willing to consult with your little League, for a suitable fee."
Batman's expression tightened, even as he let out a sigh. "Let's negotiate."
Constantine grinned.
Before anymore could be said between the two, however, Batman's communicator began to ring, even as the screen still in his hand flicked from showing Percy Jackson, to the caller, Red Tornado.
"Batman," Red Tornado's voice said. "The team has just returned from Bialya, there's been some trouble, you're needed at Mount Justice."
"To be continued." Batman scowled, his gaze meeting Constantine's for a moment, before he turned to go.
"I look forward to it!" Constantine shouted to his retreating back.
The smug shit had to get the last word in.
( - )
(A few days later)
Looking around the table, Batman felt a surge of… well not happiness, but instead maybe, contentment or possibly satisfaction, rising up within him. The meeting so far had been quite a positive one, the League's activities had these last few years since its inception, been producing some real results.
Street level crime in the town, cities and areas in which League operated were down, as too were violent and unexplained deaths. Organised crime too, such as the Cartels, Mafia, Yakuza and Triads were also on the decline as the League's information sharing network started to pay off. Police forces and security agencies were becoming more effective, and also more receptive to working with League associated heroes. Data and Intel sharing had become smoother, and operations more cohesive.
Progress was finally being made.
Human trafficking rings were being broken up; whilst modern day slavery, drug rackets were being sniffed out and rumbled. Warlords were being cornered, and their power bases broken up, and their victims freed and rehabilitated.
Additionally, cooperation between heroes, including team ups and the rapid transfer of reinforcements and resources to multiple locations around the world, thanks to the zeta tubes, were giving heroes the advantage and impetus needed to crack down on crime. All of which was coordinated from Watchtower, the Justice League's eye in the sky.
Furthermore, there was now more and more buy-in from the authorities and government agencies. Police in some areas now regularly worked alongside local heroes to clean up the streets. No longer were the two sides always competing or trying to one up one another. There was now more synergy between the League and the government, synergy that thankfully didn't require the independent organisation to be beholden to any country or government, despite the desires of some politicians.
Progress was finally being made, and the ideals behind which the Justice League was formed, and their main aims as an organisation were now coming to fruition.
It had taken time, but more and more independent heroes were buying in to the Justice League and what it represented. The public support was mounting, and members of the League had truly become the people's champions. Individuals that stood, not for any single country or government, but instead for what was right, and good and justice.
Once again, Batman felt a surge of satisfaction well up in his chest at the thought. When they, the original seven, had first formed the League, there had been many that had doubted its future, or written it off as some kind of sordid, narcissistic attention grab. There had been many naysayers, and many who had written the idea off as a joke.
Now however, those naysayers had been proven wrong, and those that had once rejected the concept of a Justice League, a revival of the old Justice Society of America, now applied to join, or became affiliated or associated with the League.
He was proud of all that had been accomplished these last few years.
It wasn't all good though, unfortunately.
Supervillain and meta-human attacks and crimes had been increasing over the years, as had the number of rogues with powers.
There were now large scale fights, skirmishes, plots or heists involving powered individuals on a now daily basis, and it wasn't just the usual names either.
Every other week there seemed to be a new powered individual crawling out of the woodwork, and more often than not this powered individual took the easy path and turned to crime, no doubt seeing it as a quick way to get rich, or gain power and reputation.
That was worrying, what was more worrying however was the increase in cohesion between criminal individuals, and individual groups. Just as more and more heroes were working together, sharing knowledge and providing backup and support. So too were the villains, the criminals and those that abused their power.
New organisations and gangs were popping up all across the world, these groups often filling the void left behind by captured or defeated gangs, cartels or villains.
Similarly, existing groups like the League of Shadows, the Elite and Intergang, were more active, and becoming bolder than usual. One only had to look at the last couple of months to know something was happening within the criminal underworld, Cadmus Labs, the Cult of Kobra, the League of Shadows and now Bialya.
The Justice League's increasing success and influence, in Batman's mind, seemed to be one of the main drivers of this increase in villain activity, and criminal unity.
The Justice League were gaining momentum, and had started to push the 'bad guys' into a corner, and just like cornered rats, this meant that they were more dangerous than ever.
The Junior Justice League Team's most recent mission to Biayla was just one example of this problem.
Batman's brow furrowed at that thought.
The mission had been a mess from the get go, not that he fully laid the blame on the team, nor at their leader's feet. He had assigned the mission and passed on the Intel, only for the situation to have been far more complex than he had first believed.
For one, he had not been aware that the 'suspected' super-villainess, and irritatingly enough, diplomatically protected, national leader, Queen Bee, had had a psychic under her employ, and certainly not one as powerful as this, Psimon, had turned out to be.
Additionally, the presence of the renowned killer and mercenary, Deathstroke, had been another unpleasant surprise.
If he had known the stakes he wouldn't have sent the team in at all.
Still, all things considered, they had mostly completed the mission assigned to them and done the best in a difficult situation. The team had adapted to the challenges and had returned without any fatalities. There were obviously still gaps in the information they had brought back, and questions that were left unanswered, but as far as he was concerned they had accomplished their mission to the best of their ability.
Coughing into his hand at that thought, Batman brought the attention of the rest of the League back to himself, his expression as flat as ever as he looked around at the assembled heroes.
"So to summarise, the mission in Bialya was overall a success." Batman said, a frown marring his face as he continued to look around at the other members of the Justice League.
Prior to the meeting he had passed around a heavily scrutinised and edited after-action report he had had Kid Flash, Robin and Aqualad work on together on the days after the mission.
Everyone present today, the entire inner circle, and those directly related to the team, or those who would soon be involved with the team; Black Canary, Captain Marvel, Green Arrow and Red tornado, should all be fully aware of exactly what went down in the Bialyan desert, as such there was no need to go into specific details, instead he could talk about the bigger picture and the aftermath of the mission.
"The investigation into the source of the energy revealed that they were in fact man-made, and alien in origin. The experiments that created these anomalies were orchestrated and run by Queen Bee. The surges seemed to come from the creation of portals to some as of yet unknown place. During their mission, the team managed to secure a piece of most likely alien tech, a sentient metal sphere. This sphere is currently residing in a containment unit at Mount Justice, but has been given an initial examination. A report on what has been found out about the sphere has been appended to the report." Batman continued, his gaze roving around the assembled heroes as he activated the 3D projector on the table and showed several pictures Robin had taken during the assault on the military camp, and of the sphere.
He had spent last night personally inspecting the sphere at Mount Justice, where it was safely contained, taking readings from it, scraping off metal samples for analysis and scanning for radiation or any other foreign energy the sphere might have been giving off. The initial results did not say much, but it at least confirmed it wasn't dangerous to be around.
"Initial findings don't tell us much, other than the fact that the sphere is made of extra-terrestrial metals that I've never come across before, and that it has a form of sentience. Further research will be required, though." Batman added on, a frown on his face as he flicked through a few more of his findings, displaying them to the watching Leaguers.
"Are we sure it's safe to leave the sphere at Mount Justice?" Green Arrow piped up suddenly.
"The sphere, whatever it is, seems to have bonded with Superboy, as such it was thought best to leave it where it is. I have set up a containment unit within the cave, however, where the sphere is being kept. The unit is secure and has been designed, by both myself, Flash and Red Tornado, to block all signals from leaving or entering the unit, as well as to filter the air and monitor the energy readings from the sphere. The sphere will remain locked in the containment unit until I am assured that it is truly harmless. For now, I am content with the arrangements." Batman replied, sharing a look with Red Tornado's blank, metallic face, before looking back over at Green Arrow.
"Well, if you're sure." Green Arrow muttered.
"I am." Batman replied bluntly, before changing the projection on the table to show the picture of a bearded and bespectacled scientist. "As well as the sphere, the team also managed to secure Doctor Henrik Werner, a German Astrophysicist that was reported missing six months ago. It seems that he was being controlled by either the psychic Psimon, or by Queen Bee herself. Just what he was working on these last six months, however, and what the portal exactly is and how it worked, is unknown. Robin managed to secure some data from the machines at the camp. This data is useful, but doesn't give us a full picture."
"Hasn't the scientist said anything?" Flash asked curiously.
"Yes, if it is a matter of him still suffering from mental control, surely J'onn could assist." Wonder Woman added on, giving Manhunter a smile as she did so, before looking expectantly back at Batman.
"If that were the issue, then I would have already asked Manhunter for his help." Batman replied, giving J'onn a nod as he did so too. The Martian likewise inclining his head in acknowledgement. "Unfortunately, the point is moot. Due to jurisdictional issues, the team was forced to anonymously drop off Doctor Werner at a UN military base. To do otherwise would be to admit the Justice League had interfered in a sovereign country without permission. Regrettably, however, before Doctor Werner could be interrogated or moved from the base, he was assassinated. I suspect the League of Shadow's hand."
Politics, once again it had gotten in the way; only this time it had led to the death of an innocent man, a victim that had been kidnapped from his home and forced to do who knows what.
Additionally, it meant a dead-end as far as his investigation went. Robin's data had not provided much, as the servers only had a day's worth of information on it, and that wasn't enough. It seemed whoever was running the operation had been smart, and had transferred data daily and then wiped the servers.
"So, what are our next steps?" Superman broke in, calmly moving the conversation back on track.
"The investigation is still ongoing, but with the sphere, we may have a lead." Batman replied. "Whatever this was, it wasn't small-scale. No, at the moment I suspect this was a part of something bigger, and that the operation we interrupted involved some kind of intergalactic smuggling ring, and the movement of alien tech."
"If it will help, I can pass on a description of the sphere and what we know of it to other Lanterns, it's possible they might know something. I can also let them know of a possible large-scale intergalactic smuggling ring, and ask them to check their sectors for any signs of co-conspirators?" Green Lantern spoke up.
Batman frowned, but didn't immediately shoot Hal's idea down. "Once we know more, that will be useful. For now, at least until we're sure of what we are dealing with, I think it would be better to keep this in-house."
"Why, the Green Lantern Corps, could help?" Green Lantern shot back, a slight frown on his masked face.
"They could," Batman allowed, "But for now I still think we need to get a full gasp on what we are dealing with. We can discuss it later, after the meeting. For now, this is just an update on the mission and our initial findings.
Green Lantern scowled, obviously dissatisfied, but didn't say anything more on the subject. Or at least for now. Already, he suspected Green Lantern would be tracking him down later to press the issue. For now, however, he thankfully seemed willing to wait until the meeting was over to air his grievances.
"Focussing back on the results of the mission. The rogue, Psimon, has been taken into custody. Unfortunately, he has been diagnosed as being functionally braindead. Currently, he is being held in a secure hospital unit in Austria whilst his identity is being investigated, and his nationality identified, after which he will be extradited. Not that it will matter much, he will likely spend the rest of his days on life-support." Batman rattled off.
"That's horrible, do we know what happened?" Captain Marvel interrupted, his expression aghast.
"A psychic backlash." Martian Manhunter answered. "He attacked the minds of the team and M'gann fought him off. In a telepathic battle of minds, such things can happen."
"Is there a way you could piece his mind back together?" Black Canary asked.
"Possibly, but only if I am granted access to him. Currently, the Austrian government is not willing to allow me access, not until he has been identified, and I have permission from either his family, or in the case he has no next of kin, the state he belongs to." Martian Manhunter replied.
"I am working with the UN and the Austrian government on that front. But they are not making things easy." Batman added on. "At the moment Psimon is a dead-end, and will be until he either wakes up on his own, or until Martian Manhunter is allowed access to him."
"What of Deathstroke?" Superman pressed, once again moving the conversation on and keeping things on track.
"He engaged Riptide in a fight, and lost. According to the team, he was confirmed dead at the scene. After their return, I tried to confirm, but there was no sign of a body. The entire site had been wiped clean, there wasn't even any evidence of their having even been a research facility on the site to begin with. At the moment I suspect he is dead, but considering what we know of his abilities, including his unknown regenerative capabilities, I am leaving him on the database as MIA." Batman replied, his expression darkening. "And that is about it as far as we've found at the moment. The investigation is still ongoing, but the Team has done as much as they can, and so for the moment are being given a break for a while from missions, so they can recover, rest and reorganise."
"From reading the report, it does sound like they had a pretty harrowing time in the desert. Speaking of Riptide though, what is his current state?" Superman asked.
"He's alive, but was badly hurt." Wonder Woman answered, speaking up before he had a chance to. "I've taken him back to Themyscira for the moment. He's recovering well."
"You shouldn't have moved him. I've not had a chance to debrief him yet." Batman replied, his tone slightly sharper as Wonder Woman brought up a recent point of contention between the two of them.
"You mean you've not had a chance to interrogate him and reprimand him for daring to defend himself." Wonder Woman shot back, her tone just as sharp.
"He once again resorted to lethal action." Batman said.
"In exceptional circumstances and for the protection of his comrades." Wonder Woman said bluntly. "We've had this conversation before, and we'll no doubt have it again. He has my full support."
"He lacks control and discipline. We are not killers, it should never be the answer." Batman replied, stiffening slightly in his seat.
"Can we not get into this again?" Superman interrupted tiredly, his hands raised as he tried to calm the situation down.
Batman scowled at the interruption, but acquiesced all the same. Things had been slightly tense of late between the upper echelons of the League as the question of reasonable force was once again brought to the light by Perseus actions.
He definitely wanted to have words with the man, this was becoming a recurring issue with him. When pushed, he resorted too easily to violence and deadly counterattacks. It did not fit with the ethos of the League, nor with what they were trying to achieve.
Unfortunately, other members of the League didn't agree. Around the table alone, they were split. It was especially noticeable as Wonder Woman was Perseus biggest supporter, and often eloquently and passionately argued in his favour and often fought tooth and nail whenever he suggested he be reproached or sanctioned for his actions.
"Speaking of the team, how are they all doing now that the mission is over?" Superman pressed, blatantly changing the topic of the conversation.
Batman frowned at the man of steel's actions, but didn't redirect the conversation. Instead, he just grunted and thought back on what his two protégés, Barbara and Dick had been doing over the last few days since they returned from Bialya; battered and bruised, but also bolder than ever.
"Robin and Batgirl are doing well. Both of them returned from Bialya with fresh resolve." Batman grunted, his lips curling up into a faint in spite of himself as he thought of what his two protégés had been doing.
Robin had come to him straight after the mission and asked for a sword, and for lessons on how to use one. It had been surprising, to say the least. But still he had been earnest in his intentions and had explained just why he wanted to use one- he wanted to learn how to wield a more lethal weapon, one that could be used to disable opponents with high durability.
The fact he wanted to learn how to wield one non-lethally had at least assuaged some of his worries. Still, he had his concerns. Despite those concerns, however, he had still had a custom sword made for the boy, and had begun teaching him how to use it. In the end it had been Dick's choice, and he had to respect that.
"Robin has requested additional training, including in how to wield a sword. Apparently he thought his skill set needed expanding, and despite my reservations, I have started training him how to effectively wield a sword in a non-lethal manner." Batman continued.
"Robin is only thirteen, and you're training him to wield a sword?" Canary asked, her eyebrow raised.
"Yes, better he learned how to do so properly, and in a controlled environment, then attempt to teach himself and hurt either himself or someone else." Batman replied defensively. It was no worse than Green Arrow teaching his sidekicks to shoot arrows. Speaking of which. "Batgirl meanwhile also asked for additional training. She wished to expand her repertoire by learning how to use ranged weaponry. I agreed, and have built her a repeating crossbow, which I based off of an improved version of Huntress's crossbow. I have also taught her what I can, but I was hoping that you, Green Arrow, might be willing to give her some tips and lessons, and maybe take her on as a temporary sidekick for a short time until she becomes capable enough to use her new tool in a combat situation."
"Yeah that's fine." Green Arrow smiled. "I'm always happy to give out tips, and to be honest I don't need to teach Artemis much more at this point about archery, so I have the time to give her a few lessons!"
"Thank you." Batman nodded. It was grating to admit, but Green Arrow would be a better teacher when it came to this facet of Batgirl's education. "If there is anything I can do to return the favour?"
"I'll hold you to that," Green Arrow replied with a laugh and a wink. "But nah, like I said, I'm happy to help. We can sort it out properly after the meeting."
"How's Artemis doing after the mission?" Aquaman asked, following a slight lull in the conversation.
"Ah yeah," Green Arrow hummed. "She's kinda pissed. Not sure exactly what about. But it might be about her performance on the mission. I'm not sure though, whenever I ask she gets a bit prickly."
Black Canary sighed slightly at that comment.
"Hey, it's not all bad!" Green Arrow replied defensively. "Whatever has her so angry, is also a pretty good motivator. She's been demanding more responsibility later, and taking the initiative more, too. She's now planning out patrols, and has been trying to take on more of a leading role. It's pretty admirable to be fair, and now that I think about it, having Batgirl along will be a pretty good experience for Artemis too. It'll give her a chance to lead and teach a less experienced hero."
"Adding to that, Artemis has also approached me recently and has requested more training in close combat. Like Ollie said, she's been a lot more driven." Black Canary added on. "Also unlike Ollie, I have been able to get to the root of her issues."
Black Canary glanced over at Green Arrow at that point.
"And although I won't betray her confidence." Her expression turned slightly guilty, for a moment, and her gaze flickered over to Batman, "I will say that I understand her frustration, and it isn't a bad thing. She just wants to grow and improve. That, and she wants more experience as a leader and as a decision maker. Overall she's heading in a positive direction."
Green Arrow nodded his agreement at Canary's statement.
"Learning those skills will be useful going forward." Wonder Woman smiled. "It's always good to see a young heroine stepping up. What about Tula and Kaldur, Orin?"
"Tula had gone back to Atlantis for a few days. From what Mera has told me, she has asked to learn some protective spells, ones that she can practice and teach herself once she returns to the surface." Aquaman replied, the smile on his face giving way to a frown. "Mera has also told me that since she's been back at Atlantis she has been pulling away from people, including her partner, which I'll admit does concern me some. A part of me hopes that this is just because she wants to focus more on being a hero. But I am also worried that she might be cutting ties for a different reason. I fear the mission might have affected her more than she is letting on…"
"I'll speak to her, and see whether anything's troubling her." Black Canary spoke up, a soft smile on her face.
"That would be greatly appreciated." Orin said with a bow of his head, his blue eyes crinkling up slightly as he gave the other blonde a smile.
"What about Aquaboy?" Batman asked.
"Kaldur, well, I'm not sure about Kaldur. He is as dedicated as ever, but he hasn't come to request any additional training. Instead, he has been quieter, more introspective. I feel as if there is something weighing him down. He has also been spending more time in communication with Red Arrow these last couple of days." Aquaman frowned, his expression once again becoming worried. "I would also be grateful if you would speak to him too, Dinah."
"Of course," Canary nodded.
"What about Superboy?" Superman asked next.
"You mean Caleb, Clark. That is the name he chose. Caleb Kent." Wonder Woman cut in.
Superman shifted slightly at the interruption, his shoulders tensing for a moment, before with a sigh he nodded. "Yes, you're right, Caleb. How is Caleb doing following the mission? From the report, I understand he lost his memories and went a little… wild."
"Well, if you were curious, you could always go and ask him yourself." Wonder Woman said, her blue eyes locking with Superman's.
A short silence followed as the two of them locked eyes, before with another sigh, Clark looked away, a trace of guilt, perhaps, on his face as he did so.
"Well," Captain Marvel awkwardly broke in, an uncomfortable smile on his face. "Caleb seems alright."
Superman gave the usually childish Captain Marvel a surprised look at that comment.
"Caleb came to me asking for some training in hand to hand combat. He wanted to practice against someone who was similar in strength to him and size, if not stronger. Unfortunately, I had other commitments, so I instead asked Captain Marvel to take him under his wing." Wonder Woman broke in, answering Superman's unasked question.
"Yeah, and it's been great fun. I've popped over to Mount Justice a few times, and it's been great. We've been really getting along!" Captain Marvel nodded along enthusiastically, a brilliant smile on his face as he gave Wonder Woman a thumbs up.
"That's good." Superman nodded, a slight smile playing across his face as well.
"M'gann has also been doing well." Manhunter said suddenly. His voice slow, formal and careful. "Like many of the others, she seems to have come out of the mission with a desire to improve herself. The mission seems to have been a learning experience for her. For the last few days, and probably for some time to come, I will be teaching her to better control her telepathy, and how to shield minds whilst still keeping an open link for communication. She has spotted a flaw in her abilities, and is dutifully seeking to improve herself. I am proud."
"Yes, I've spoken to her a little bit too whilst I was at the mountain." Canary added. "She seems to have come out of the mission with a greater resolve than before. Not to disclose personal details, but like J'onn said, she knows her weaknesses and is dedicated to improving on them and making sure she doesn't make similar mistakes in the future. I'm also very proud of how far she's come, she's not the same naïve, inexperienced girl she was when she first joined the team."
"It's the same with Wally." Flash said with a grin on his face. "The kid's been mithering me endlessly. He wants my help to recreate the experiment that gave me my powers, only he wants to do it properly this time. It's a bit crazy, but hey it might work. I'm still talking it over with him, and planning it out, because, well, I don't want him to get hurt or anything."
Batman raised his eyebrow at the Flash's comment. It sounded dangerous and risky. At the same time though, for all his idiocy, Flash was a capable scientist and knew what he was doing.
"Are you sure that's wise?" Green Lantern asked.
"Not yet, but that's why I am testing and planning things out. The kid wants to improve, and hey, he's showing initiative. So long as he doesn't blow himself up, I'm happy to help him out." Flash replied, a smile on his face as he then turned and looked over at Batman. "Oh and by the way Bats, the kid also asked about maybe getting some electrified knuckleduster type things, nothing lethal you know, but more just something to give his hits a bit more 'umph'. Do you have anything like that around?"
"Give me a proper rundown of what you want after the meeting, and I'll see what I can do." Batman replied brusquely.
"Nice one!" Flash said, giving a thumbs up.
Batman nodded at that, but said nothing more. He had no doubt he would speak to Flash more on this later. Similarly, he would be speaking to all the other mentors later, as it appeared the mission had been a big wake-up call to the team and all of them wanted to improve. He could respect that, and as such he would support them in their endeavours however he could, be it with equipment, drawing up training regimes, or by putting them in contact with another League affiliated hero who might also be able to help.
"What of-" Batman began to say.
"Perseus, he's doing fine. As I said before, I took him back home, and he has been recuperating well. Mostly he's been catching up with the family, after all he hasn't been back home for over six months and was long due for a visit." Wonder Woman cut in, a fond smile on her face. "How long he sticks around I'm not sure, but I will definitely be impressing on him, the need to stay in contact with those that care for him. He has been remiss of late, and now I have the chance, I will hammer into his thick skull the need to stay in contact with his loved ones."
"Wow, Diana suddenly seems a little scary." Flash muttered. "I kind of feel sorry for the kid."
"Don't be, he's old enough to know better." Wonder Woman shot back.
"Ha, you kind of seem more like the kid's older sister, or mother, than just his teacher," Captain Marvel snorted.
"She does seem a bit overprotective." Aquaman acknowledged a slight smile on his face too.
Wonder Woman raised an eyebrow at the pair. "I am not his mother, nor am I his teacher. Were we to team up, we would be equals, not student and teacher. He's far too old and far too experienced to need a mentor. As for our relationship, it is merely that of good friends-"
"And cousins." Batman interrupted.
The rest of the table looked over at him at that comment, with Wonder Woman giving him a quizzical look.
"Yes, and cousins." Wonder Woman allowed, her tone slow and her brow furrowed.
"Which would explain his origins?" Batman pressed.
"Oh, and what would you know of his origins?" Wonder Woman replied, answering his question with a question, her expression still distinctly stony.
"Well, when you mentioned that he's related to you, it did raise some questions. Especially since he is a man, and men are not allowed to live on Themyscira." Batman said.
"An assumption on your part, Bruce. The birth-rate on Themyscira is low, but there are still children. Some of my sisters travel to the world of man to find a partner to conceive naturally, others pray to the gods and conceive in other ways, either way the population of the island is not stagnant, and unsurprisingly some of those that are born on the island are boys." Wonder Woman said, her expression still calm as she met Batman's gaze. "And unlike the Amazons of old, though, we don't cast children out and into the sea just because they were born male. Instead, we raise them on the island until they are of age and make the transition from boyhood to manhood, only then are they sent off the island and told to make their own way. Men are not allowed to stay on the island, but boys are, and over the centuries a dozen or so men, mortal all, have been born to Amazon's and have joined the world of man to walk their own path, and many of these men were allowed to return for short periods to visit their families."
"And you're suggesting that Perseus is one of those boys?" Batman returned.
Wonder Woman didn't answer at first. "He is family, yes."
"Just what are you getting at here, Bruce? As long as they're not doing any harm, the boy is entitled to his privacy and his secrets." Green Lantern spoke up.
"But he is doing harm though, and more than that, he is not a boy." Batman replied. "No, he is not an Amazon, nor was he born to an Amazon. He's your cousin in a different way, and related to you through a different family line."
"What are you playing at, Bruce?" Ollie spoke up next, a frown on his face.
Around the table the others didn't seem too happy with the direction the conversation was going either.
"Perseus isn't fully human." Batman replied.
"And why is that an issue?" J'onn asked, his tone harder than before.
"It's not, but I don't like it when people keep secrets, especially when those secrets might turn out to be dangerous." Batman replied.
"And just how, would his origins be dangerous?" Wonder Woman asked.
"With Doctor Fate absent, and the threat of Klarion hanging around, I have reached out to John Constantine, and asked him to consult with the League on Occult matters. Zatara, is knowledgeable about many things, but Constantine is an expert on demons, and other eldritch threats." Batman replied.
"He's also a massive asshole." Green Arrow muttered. Several other Leaguers mumbled their agreement, or noticeably didn't speak up in Constantine's defence.
"Enough, Bruce, you clearly have something you want to say, so just say it." Superman cut in, his voice resigned.
"Perseus is not an Amazon, nor an Atlantean. Instead, he is a demigod, or more particularly he is a son of Poseidon, the God of the Sea." Batman said, his gaze locking with Wonder Woman's. "The evidence points that way, and Robin has confirmed it, Perseus admitted as much himself in Bialya.
From around the table, the other heroes stirred.
"Wait, he's a demigod, that's pretty cool!" Captain Marvel gushed excitably.
"Impossible," Aquaman said at almost the exact same time. "Poseidon left this realm long ago, the sorcerers of Atlantis would know if he had returned."
"Bruce!" Black Canary snapped. "His origins are his own, you had no right to reveal them!"
"I do when he has proven himself unstable, willing to kill, and vulnerable to mental attacks." Batman shot back. "He could become a threat, and it is only right that the rest of the League know what he is in case we ever had to fight him."
"And what's that supposed to mean?" Wonder Woman asked, her voice frigid. "You're completely paranoid, you're jumping at shadows and alienating others."
"I'm doing what is right. I have spoken to Constantine and asked about demigods. He told me that they were only ever born into this world at times of great strife, and that they were heralds of dark times and agents of fate. His mere presence suggests that the world will soon be faced with a world ending threat, one that only he can face. We need to be prepared." Batman said resolutely. He had no regrets about investigating the boy. "More than that, he told me what a demigod was capable of, and we also need to have a countermeasure to him, in case he turns on us."
At first, it had been curiosity, he had wanted to know what he was and where his powers came from. After that it had turned into caution, the boy was powerful and seemed more than willing to resort to lethal methods, as such he wanted to know the boy's abilities and work out a counter in case he turned rogue.
After speaking with Constantine, he was more determined than ever not only to come up with a counter for him, but to also make sure the others knew what might be coming.
As a younger man, he had scoffed at the thought of magic and gods. But as a more experienced hero, one who had worked alongside Fate, Zatara, Wonder Woman and Constantine, and had defeated demons and mythical monstrosities, he was not one to just ignore ominous tidings.
"Ermm Batman, where've you been, we face world ending threats on a near monthly basis for a couple of years now?" Flash laughed nervously.
"This may be different though, we just don't know. He is an unknown, and the threat we might face could be on the mystical side too, the more we know the better things will be in the future. I just think the rest of the League should be aware of just what Perseus is. The Team already knows, he admitted as much on the mission, it is now known, I see no harm in spreading it further to trusted people within the League." Batman replied.
"That was not your choice to make." Wonder Woman snapped back. "He can tell who he wants as it is his identity, you don't see me going around telling everyone exactly who you are, Bruce."
"Almost everyone here already knows, as a sign of trust I revealed my identity, just as most of you have done the same." Batman said calmly. "Furthermore, I already knew what Perseus was before Robin told me, Robin just confirmed it."
"I still don't see how it is possible. Poseidon is my distant ancestor, my family has traced their roots and kept track of the different branches of the family. He can't be a son of Poseidon, he left this realm long long ago." Aquaman muttered, his brow furrowed in consternation. "Is this what made Kaldur so quiet? Is this why Tula is so insistent on returning to the surface as soon as she can?"
"Since Batman has already let slip what he knows, I will say this much. Percy is born of Poseidon, but not the one you know. He is from an alternate earth, any doomsday he is supposed to herald, I very much doubt will occur here. There is no apocalypse for us to fear!" Wonder Woman said, her expression still cold.
"Damn, so does this mean you have to give up your crown and trident?" Flash added, his eyes on the still befuddled and confused looking Aquaman.
"What? No, the line of succession is clear." Aquaman said dismissively. "Though I suspect some of the more conservative and religiously extreme of my kind might argue that he has the right to challenge my rule. The majority, though, the majority of Atlanteans won't accept it, not just because he is a son of Poseidon. He could still cause instability though."
"Perseus has no interest in taking your throne or causing you trouble. I believe he would love to visit Atlantis, but he would reject any attempt to place a crown on his head. He is a wanderer, and as far as I am aware, would hate to be unfettered by such responsibilities." Wonder Woman said, the ice in her eyes thawing as she looked at Orin.
"And he would be welcome, of course. But, I need to think more on this. I need to talk to Kaldur and Tula, and with Mera too." Aquaman replied, his brow still furrowed, and his trident now in his hands as he absently toyed with it.
"Well, I think that now would be a good time to end the meeting." Superman spoke into the silence that followed. "I have no doubt that some of you will want to stay and discuss things, but for now I think we should adjourn."
"Yes, I would like a word with Batman after the meeting!" Black Canary said, her eyes fixed on Batman, before with a slight twitch she looked at Wonder Woman too. "And with you too, Diana, there is something I must tell you."
Wonder Woman looked confused but nodded.
Batman however just stared resolutely ahead, he was not sorry for what he had said and done.
( - )
(With Percy)
Lying back on the beach at Themyscira, Percy watched as the waves crashed along the shore, much to the jubilation of some younger Amazons who laughed and screamed as the water knocked them back and onto the beach. It was very peaceful here on the island.
Bringing a cup of freshly squeezed juice to his lips, Percy took a sip, a smile still playing across his face as he saw Amazon's old and young enjoy the weather and the sea. It had been a while since he had been back here, and looking at it now, he really wasn't sure why he had waited so long.
Sure, back then he had been antsy and twitchy from his time in Tartarus, but the Amazons had still been kind to him and generous, and had welcomed him to their home, even if only temporarily. Men were not allowed to live on Themyscira, but there were exceptions, a select few could visit for prolonged periods. It was skirting the rules of the island, but still within them. It was a very Greek way of approaching things, technicalities and following the letter of the law if not the spirit.
Still, it was nice to be back, even if he had been brought back here to recuperate from his injuries, and he had had quite a few. Broken bones, damaged organs, stab wounds, bullet wounds, he had been a complete mess. Enough so, that he had had to soak for several hours in the sea to finish his recovery.
Deathstroke, for all he had been a mortal, had been a brutally efficient fighter, and a worthy challenger. In fact, in some ways, Percy had gotten lucky. Towards the end the fight could have gone either way, and it could be Deathstroke right now, lying on a beach sipping juice and enjoying the sun, whilst he rotted in the ground.
The only shame about being here was that the team wasn't here either. M'gann, Tula, Wally, Kaldur, Barbara, Robin, Caleb, Artemis they had all been rushed to the medial bay after the mission, even as he was quickly patched up and then, at Diana's request, Zeta Tubed to Themyscira to heal.
From what Diana had told him, everyone else had returned to their homes for the last few days to recuperate and pull themselves back together after that harrowing mission. Not that they would be gone long. No, he suspected that they, like him, would be back and raring to go soon enough. It was just who they were, they were all passionate and dedicated like that.
Letting out another sigh of satisfaction, Percy finished his drink.
"You look like you're having fun." An amused voice spoke up behind him.
"Of course," Percy smiled, glancing back and taking in the dark red hair tied back in a ponytail, and the powerful, tanned statuesque form of Pyrrha standing behind him. A smile was splashed across her attractive features, even as her bright green eyes sparkled in the mid-afternoon sun. "Didn't you here, I was wounded in battle."
"Wounded in battle," Pyrrha scoffed, flopping down on the beach beside him. "I think I gave you worse wounds than that the last time we fought!"
"That's because you're a biter." Percy replied glibly.
"That was fucking, not a fight, and besides, you shouldn't have been so soft." Pyrrha retorted, picking up a jug of juice from the low table beside him and pouring both himself, and her a fresh drink. "And what's this?"
"A Long Island Iced Tea." Percy smiled, drinking the fresh juice. "Essentially freshly squeezed juice, and a lot of alcohol."
"Hmm, nice." Pyrrha smiled, taking another sip. "So I'm curious, why are you still here? You're all healed up now, so shouldn't you be off playing dress up in the world of man?"
"Shouldn't you be guarding the gates of Tartarus?" Percy shot back.
"I'm having a day off, what's your excuse?" Pyrrha smirked.
"Diana insisted that I come back for a visit and have a break, and, well, you know how she is. That, and a persistent little brat has been demanding my attention." Percy sighed, taking another gulp of his drink and staring out at the sea.
"Ah, I see, and is this what they call in the world of man, 'being whipped'?" Pyrrha laughed.
"Pretty much," Percy sighed.
"So, will you be wanting company this evening?" Pyrrha asked into the comfortable silence that followed.
Percy glanced over to the redhead at that, his gaze soft. "Not tonight, no. I think. I think that I need to re-evaluate some things and spend some time just working out what I want from life at the moment."
"That sounds unnecessarily heavy, but suit yourself. I'm sure I can find myself another playmate for tonight." Pyrrha grinned, her green eyes once again twinkling. "After all, you know what they say, you work hard, you play even harder, and I've been working pretty damn hard training and protecting those gates. Especially after you broke through and trounced us, and Queen Hippolyta has been riding us hard, since then, and not in the fun way."
"I'd say I was sorry, but I'm not really. If I hadn't crushed you, then I would still be frying down in Tartarus, and you would still be strutting around thinking you're all that." Percy shot back.
Pyrrha laughed good-naturedly in response.
"Oh dear, here comes trouble." She then said, her gaze no longer on Percy, but instead on a small, compact bundle of hyperactive joy heading their way.
"Percy!" Donna shouted, sand billowing up behind her as she sprinted his way, her hair damp from the sea and wet sand still clinging to her skin.
Percy couldn't help but smile as he made to stand, even as the small Amazon rocketed into him and knocked him back down on his arse, his half full glass going flying, and splashing its contents onto the sand.
"Donna?" Percy groaned, ignoring Pyrrha's laughter as he looked up and met the excitable Amazon child's eyes.
"Come swimming with me!" Donna shouted back at him, a gleeful smile on her face. "You to Pyr!"
Pyrrha again just laughed, even as Percy put up a few moments of futile resistance, before allowing the miniature Amazoness to pull him to his feet and drag him to the sea, Pyrrha absently finishing her drink even as she followed along behind them.
It was good to be back on the island, even if it only was for a short time.
( - )
(The Light)
"Once again, the League's sidekick team has got in the way of our plans. They have cost us time, resources and manpower. This cannot be allowed to continue." The hidden figure of L-1 said, as he looked out from his screen, out at the other members of the Light.
"It is a setback, but in the end it achieved little. Our main goal is proceeding on schedule." L-4 replied, her voice taught with irritation, but still as confident as ever. "The Martian girl might have escaped with both the Sphere and the Superboy. But what matters is the successful test of our new partner's delivery system. More tech will come. Tech that will put the Sphere... and perhaps even the Superboy, to shame,"
"Yes, you are of course correct. But the loss of Psimon and Deathstroke is still a serious blow. They will need to be replaced." L-5 spoke up.
"I am already in the process of building us a satisfactory army. This should only be a minor and temporary nuisance." L-6 replied, his tinny, synthetic voice sounding strange than ever.
"Our numbers are still strong either way, the Cult of Kobra and my Shadows are still numerous and loyal to the cause. The Elite have also agreed to join us as enforcers. Additionally, our affiliates in the Injustice League are continuing their preparations. They may not by fully aware of all of the details or cognizant of all the facts, or even know that we are pulling their strings, but they are still moving forward with 'their' plan."
"Good." L-1 replied.
"Besides, Deathstroke was loyal only to himself and to money. With the remnants of Cadmus still in operation and the right samples, we could have a dozen more like him, only strong, faster, and loyal to the cause." L-3 quickly stepped in confidently, adding onto L-2's words as he sought recognition from L-1 as well. "I will put in the order before I leave for Rhelasia, tomorrow."
"See that it is done, we have work to do and plans in place. For now, however, I have had a new team assembled. One selected by me, personal. A team that I will be giving a very particular mission to." L-1 replied.
"Oh, and who is this team?" L-2 asked curiously, a hint of irritation in their voice. Clearly they did not like being kept out of the loop.
"Allow me to introduce them now." L-1 said, before with a tap of a button, the screen changed to reveal five faces. "They are Blackguard, Bloodsport, Copperhead, Scandal Savage and Knockout, all of them are loyal to the cause, and all of them will perform their mission well."
"And just what is their mission?" L-4 asked.
"According to my sources, a new Doctor Fate has been chosen, some incompetent fool who found himself in the right place at the right time. Their job will be to hunt him down before he has the chance to get too strong, gain access to the Tower of Fate, and then kill him and take the helmet, along with a few other select artefacts." L-1 began, his tone absolute.
"A wise move, a fully realised Doctor Fate would be too powerful, better to have him removed from the board now." L-6 said.
"Fate's not all that." L-7 petulantly snapped, momentarily interrupting the discussion only to be summarily ignored.
"Either way, they will be set to complete their task. Once this is done, they will then be reassigned, and work with our other agents to bring down the Justice League, and this new team of sidekicks they seem so fond of." L-1 continued.
"Just remember though. The god spawn is mine, I owe him a thrashing for what he's done!" L-7 finished.
"Your personal grudges are immaterial to me, all that matters is the Light!" L-1 replied, his voice holding a note of finality to it that silenced any more dissension from the other members of the Light.
( - )
AN: So what did you think? I'll admit there is a lot of talking in this chapter, and a lot going on. Yes I will admit it was not Percy centric, though I did throw in a fluffy scene at the end, instead it revolved around other peripheral characters that are important, but that haven't had a huge amount of time. It involved some pretty big reveals, and some important info. There was a lot I wanted to get out, which is why this ended up so long, despite me cutting out large swathes of superfluous text.
With regards to the focus, I know some might be confused why it was around Batman and the Justice League, and not Percy and the Team. The reason for this I'll admit, is because the team has momentarily separated as Percy recovers from his brutal fight with Deathstroke, and the others recover mentally from the mission. A lot of things happened, and it was an impactful mission. Every single one of them came away with the realisation that they had things to work on. So for the moment the team is split while they recover from the mission, so instead of doing multiple small POVs I decided to stick with one main one.
That said the next few chapters we'll be diving back in with the team, and the personal aftermath from this chapter and the mission. All of which will be happening as other things begin to pan out. After all, the bad guys aren't morons, nor are they the type to rest on their laurels. Things will be moving fast, and although I will be devoting time to develop and explore characters and character dynamics, the plot will still keep rolling too, especially now some canon events have been irrevocably changed.
Should be good fun.
Other than that, I've not got much else to say. Just that I hope you enjoyed the chapter, and that you leave a review. Feedback is useful, especially constructive feedback. Also feel free to PM if you have any questions or suggestions, I am usually good at answering those. If not, then feel free to join my discord, the link is on my bio, or in the AN at the top of the page.
Thanks for reading, and I'll catch you all later.
Greed720.