Black Manta stood in the darkened command center of the Manta Sub, the pale blue glow of the monitor screens casting eerie shadows across his helmet. He reported the mission's success with a sense of satisfaction, his voice echoing through the dark, silent, room.
"…the subject was collected with no trooper losses. This mission was an overall success," he stated, his tone professional and steady. "The Manta Sub is set to arrive at the wharf in around half an hour."
One of the screens flickered, displaying the light blue silhouette of a boy's head, its hair protruding like horns and its tone child-like. "Aww," the voice whined, its tone playful and disappointed. "That takes away the fun part."
Another screen showed a different figure, a woman who's voice dripped with elegance and cunning. "I have to say," she began, ignoring the childish complaint, "I wasn't expecting much from Luthor's newest lackey, but perhaps he'll prove worthwhile."
Before Black Manta could respond, another masculine voice, calm and authoritative, interrupted. "Satisfactory," the voice commented. "Take your troops to Infinity Island instead of the wharf. Rendezvous with Luthor and I."
Black Manta nodded, accepting the new directive without question. "Understood," he replied, swiftly relaying the new coordinates to the crew.
A deep, resonant voice cut through the chatter, its tone grave and powerful. "The success of this mission is unexpected but welcome," the voice rumbled. "Luthor's newest project might be the key to spreading the Light."
With that said, the voices went out. The screens flickered off one by one, returning to their dormant state on the walls.
"Why does he talk like that?" Black Manta muttered, shaking his head.
He turned and exited the darkened command center, stepping into the submarine's main room. The hum of the engines and the soft whir of various controls filled the air. Black Manta's eyes landed on Percy, who was standing near one of the large observation windows, staring out into the vast expanse of the ocean.
"You did well, Jackson," Black Manta said, his voice carrying a rare note of approval.
Percy turned to face him, his expression a mix of curiosity and determination. "What's next?" he asked.
"We rendezvous with Luthor," Black Manta replied simply. "He has plans for this ice chunk, and for you. Be ready for anything."
Percy nodded and looked back towards the window, watching the waters churn around them. Black Manta moved to the control panel, taking the helm of the ship. With practiced ease, he adjusted their course, steering them towards Infinity Island.
The submarine broke through the surface of the ocean, water cascading off its sleek hull. As they continued through the waves, Black Manta glanced up at the sky. The setting sun was a deep orange, casting long shadows across the water. He noticed something peculiar—the darkness that had been blotting out the sun was receding, giving way to its golden light.
"The League will have completed their mission soon," Black Manta observed, his voice thoughtful.
Percy remained silent, his eyes fixed on the horizon. The submarine sped towards Infinity Island, cutting through the water with precision and power. The sun continued its descent, casting an ethereal glow across the ocean's surface.
As the submarine glided through the water, the horizon ahead began to reveal the rugged outline of Infinity Island. The island's rocky cliffs and dense jungle seemed to rise out of the ocean, bathed in the last light of the setting sun.
Black Manta guided the vessel into a hidden cove, expertly maneuvering it to a concealed dock. The crew worked swiftly and silently, securing the submarine.
The hatch of the submarine opened with a hiss, and they stepped onto the dock. The air was thick with humidity and the scent of saltwater mingled with the earthy aroma of the jungle. Black Manta led the way up a rocky path, flanked by dense foliage and the distant sound of crashing waves.
As they reached the top of the path, they were met by a contingent of guards. At their head stood Lex Luthor, his presence commanding and his gaze piercing.
"Luthor," Black Manta greeted with a nod.
"Black Manta," Luthor replied, his eyes briefly assessing Percy. "I see the mission was successful."
"It was," Black Manta confirmed.
Lex Luthor's eyes glinted with satisfaction as he turned his attention back to the submarine. "Excellent. Now, let's see what we have. Black Manta, get the specimen out of the submarine for examination."
Black Manta nodded, turning to Percy and the other troopers. "You heard him. Get the ice chunk out and bring it to the lab."
Percy, accompanied by two troopers, moved back down the rocky path toward the submarine. As they descended, the sounds of the jungle faded, replaced by the mechanical hum of the Manta Sub. The troopers worked swiftly, detaching the ice chunk from its harness and carefully maneuvering it onto a floating platform designed for easy transport.
The chunk of ice was enormous and jagged, with the distorted, star-shaped silhouette still visible within. Percy couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as he looked at it, the strange energy emanating from within making his skin prickle.
Percy and the troopers methodically guided the floating platform up the rocky path, their movements careful and precise. The ice chunk remained stable, its eerie light casting faint glows through the thick ice. As they reached the top of the path, Lex Luthor and Black Manta stood waiting.
Without a word, Luthor turned and led the way towards a large, imposing building nestled within the dense foliage. The structure was partially concealed by the jungle, its dark exterior blending seamlessly with the surroundings. As they approached, massive doors slid open with a mechanical hiss, revealing a brightly lit interior filled with advanced equipment and numerous personnel bustling about.
The large doors slid open, revealing the full expanse of the high-tech facility hidden within Infinity Island. The interior was sleek and clinical, a stark contrast to the wild jungle that surrounded it. Inside, various scientists and technicians moved with purpose, monitoring large screens and attending to complex machinery. Their white lab coats and armored uniforms hinted at the importance of whatever research was conducted here.
Luthor strode ahead confidently, his presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room. Black Manta followed, his dark armor reflecting the sterile light of the facility. Percy and the two troopers guided the floating platform with the ice chunk in tow, the strange glow within it catching the eyes of a few scientists as they passed.
Apparently, a truck sized chunk of ice was bound to draw attention.
The sense of unease Percy felt earlier had only grown stronger, but he kept his emotions in check. Now wasn't the time for hesitation.
Luthor led them down a long corridor, the walls lined with advanced technology that Percy couldn't even begin to comprehend.
Finally, they arrived at a reinforced lab, its entrance guarded by heavily armed personnel.
The lab's massive doors opened with a soft hiss, revealing a chamber filled with even more sophisticated equipment. In the center of the room was a containment unit large enough to house the ice chunk, surrounded by various scanners and devices clearly designed for study and extraction.
"Place it in the containment field," Luthor ordered, stepping aside to allow the troopers to position the ice chunk.
With careful movements, Percy and the troopers lifted the ice chunk onto a platform that rose slightly to meet the containment unit's scanners. As the glowing chunk settled into place, the lab came alive with activity. Scientists and technicians swarmed around the equipment, inputting data, adjusting dials, and preparing to study the mysterious object.
The hum of machinery filled the air, but amidst the flurry of activity, Percy felt a strange, unsettling sensation wash over him. A chill crept down his spine, as if the very atmosphere had shifted. Without warning, an inexplicable presence seemed to manifest behind him.
"You've done good work, gentlemen." A calm, masculine voice acknowledged behind them.
Percy's hackles raised as the voice behind him filled the room, his very presence seeming to flood the area with fumes of malevolence. Every muscle in his body tensed, his instincts kicking in like a surge of electricity. He cursed inwardly for letting his guard down. The presence was calm, almost too calm, and that put him even more on edge. He felt the weight of his Manta trooper gear—heavy, restrictive—and for the first time, he wanted to tear it off, to shed the armor that suddenly felt like a cage.
He swallowed the discomfort, forcing himself to remain outwardly composed. Slowly, without making it obvious, he reached out with his powers, sensing for the water around him.
There was plenty—a few pipes running through the walls, moisture in the air, the surrounding ocean close and within reach. The water called to him, a familiar force he could manipulate with ease, but he kept that knowledge close, not revealing anything.
The room had fallen into a strange silence, the hum of the machines now just background noise to the tension that hung in the air.
"Ra's al Ghul." Luthor acknowledged with a smile far too perfect to not be practiced.
Percy felt the tension in the room rise as the name Ra's al Ghul was spoken, but it didn't strike the same chord with him as it did with the others. He heard the name spoken a few times during his training, but never paid it much attention. The name meant nothing to him. He glanced at Lex Luthor, who was standing with that perfectly controlled expression, then to Black Manta, who remained still and watchful. There was something different about this man—Ra's—but Percy couldn't place it. The air felt colder, tighter, like the room itself was bowing to his presence.
Still, Percy kept his eyes forward, not letting the unease show. Whoever this Ra's was, the others clearly knew him well, and if someone could make both Luthor and Black Manta acknowledge them with respect, then they were someone worth noting.
Ra's al Ghul's eyes swept over Percy, as if weighing something unseen. "Interesting," he said, his tone measured and deliberate. "You don't know who I am, do you?"
Percy stiffened slightly but gave no response, refusing to show any sign of ignorance or vulnerability.
A faint smile tugged at the corners of Ra's mouth. "That will change in time." He turned back to the ice chunk in the containment unit, dismissing Percy without another word.
The air felt thick with unspoken power as Ra's moved closer to the containment unit. Percy's muscles were still tense, but he focused on the water within the building again, keeping his connection to it strong, ready. If this man was dangerous, Percy knew better than to be caught off guard.
"I believe you are well informed of the mission's success." Luthor stated simply, regarding Ra's al Ghul with familiarity.
Ra's al Ghul regarded the ice chunk with quiet intensity, his sharp eyes reflecting the faint glow emanating from within the jagged surface. He stepped closer to the containment unit, folding his hands behind his back as he studied the gargantuan frozen artifact.
"Yes, I have been well informed," Ra's al Ghul said, his voice smooth and calculated. "The mission has succeeded beyond anyone's expectations."
"Much to the witch-boy's displeasure." Luthor added with amusement.
Black Manta, standing silently behind them, said nothing, his visor glowing dimly as he kept his eyes on Ra's al Ghul. Percy, still close behind alongside two other manta troopers, remained on high alert, feeling the tension in the room escalate even though the men before him appeared calm. The air felt oppressive, thick with hidden agendas and veiled power.
"Well, what's done is done." Ra's clapped his hands together, before turning towards Percy with a glint in his eyes. "However, there's still how it was done."
The room seemed to hold its breath as Ra's al Ghul's gaze fell upon Percy. His eyes were calculating, piercing through Percy as if he could see straight into the core of him. There was an unsettling stillness in his presence, like the calm before a storm, his very aura sang of death, and Percy felt an unspoken challenge in the air.
"You…" Ra's mused, his voice almost like a hiss, his lips curling into something approaching a smile. "You played a part in retrieving this... artifact. But I sense something about you. You've been touched by powers beyond your understanding, haven't you?"
Percy stiffened, but didn't flinch. The way Ra's spoke—calm, almost predatory—put him on edge. His mind raced, but his face remained composed. Ra's was dangerous, that much was clear. But Percy didn't know how dangerous. And he definitely didn't know what kind of game he was playing.
"I'm a Manta trooper," Percy said, trying to sound indifferent. "I did my job."
Ra's al Ghul's smile widened, though there was no warmth in it. "A trooper, yes. But it's not the job I'm concerned with, young one. It's what lies beneath. What you can become."
Percy's instincts screamed at him to back away, but he stood firm. Don't show weakness , he told himself.
"I don't know what you're talking about." He said honestly.
Ra's chuckled softly, his voice like the soft rustle of dry leaves. "You will, in time." He glanced back at Luthor. "You truly do have a knack at finding the best underlings."
Luthor smirked, an amused glint in his eyes.
"I do try," he stated smugly, before meeting al Ghul's eyes. "Though, are you going to continue circling my subordinates, or are we going to call it a day?"
Ra's al Ghul's eyes lingered on Percy for a moment longer, his expression unreadable. Then, with a slow chuckle, he straightened, the tension in the room seeming to dissipate slightly. "You amuse me, young man," he said, his voice calm, but there was a cruel edge to the words. "But I'll let you off this time. Don't get too comfortable, though."
Percy stood still, his muscles coiled like a spring, but he didn't let his discomfort show. Ra's's humor felt like a weight pressing down on him, and he was no fool to think it was just amusement.
Ra's turned away with a dismissive wave, his cloak flowing behind him like a shadow. "Luthor," he said, addressing the man beside him, "Let us retire to more private quarters. I have much to discuss with you, and time is precious."
Luthor nodded, giving Percy one last glance—partly curious, partly calculating. "Of course," he said, his voice a silk-wrapped command. "Percy, Black Manta, you're dismissed."
Black Manta, ever silent, gave a small nod. "Troopers, let's go," he ordered, and the Manta troopers moved quickly to follow him. As they left, Percy hesitated for a brief moment, the feeling of being trapped in a silent web of power swirling around him. He didn't like how easily Ra's had dismissed him, nor how Luthor had kept his amusement at bay.
Ra's al Ghul's voice, now low and commanding, broke his thoughts. "You, boy. Come here."
Percy turned to face him, still not allowing any sign of hesitation. Ra's al Ghul's eyes were sharp, glinting like knives, assessing, judging. "You're not going anywhere without guidance tonight. Someone will show you where you'll be staying. You'll have your place... for now."
Ra's snapped his fingers. A man in dark tactical garb stepped forward, a silent figure who appeared from the shadows as if he had been waiting just out of sight. Ra's al Ghul didn't spare him a second glance, but the man immediately addressed Percy, his voice low and respectful. "Follow me," he said, his tone clipped.
Percy gave one last look at the room, where Luthor and Ra's were already walking off towards a more private area, their conversation drifting into the background. He didn't feel any particular desire to stay and eavesdrop, though his curiosity gnawed at him.
With a small sigh, Percy followed the man down a long corridor. The walls were made of dark metal, cool and silent. The low hum of the facility seemed to surround him, creating a kind of suffocating quiet that only heightened the strange sense of unease he felt. Despite the stillness, something about the air felt charged, as though the weight of the building itself was pulling at his senses.
The man led him through several hallways, the flicker of overhead lights casting long shadows against the walls. The silence was oppressive, and Percy couldn't help but notice the lack of windows, the cold metal everywhere. It felt like they were descending deeper into the heart of something far darker than just this island. Eventually, they stopped in front of a door that was slightly ajar, a small sign above it reading Temporary Quarters.
The man turned to Percy, his face unreadable. "This will be your room for the night. Get some rest. Tomorrow, you'll learn more." He nodded once before turning and walking away, disappearing down the corridor without a word.
Percy stood in the doorway for a moment, watching the man disappear, before stepping inside, closing the door behind him. The room was large, but sparse, utilitarian. A single bed against one wall, a desk and a chair beneath a dim light. The walls were unadorned, save for a window and a small screen embedded into the wall that blinked to life as he entered. The screen displayed a series of security protocols and instructions—clearly designed for people who weren't meant to stay long.
Percy sighed, before shedding off his armor. His manta trooper gear falling to the ground with a clang.
He rolled his shoulders, feeling his muscles untense, before walking to the small window, staring out into the jungle beyond. The night had fully descended now, the only light coming from the faint glow of the facility behind him and the pale reflection of the moon on the water. Percy could feel the coolness of the glass under his fingers, but it wasn't the coldness of the room that sent a shiver down his spine—it was the sense that he was being watched.
Percy shook his head, clearing his mind, before sitting down on his bed. Percy clenched his jaw, trying to dismiss the feeling of vulnerability that had taken root. He had done his job. He had followed orders. But something about the way Ra's had looked at him unsettled him—like he could see something that Percy himself couldn't. Something buried beneath the surface.
With a final glance at the window, Percy turned away from the view, pulling the curtains shut. He knew he wouldn't sleep easily tonight. He sat, lost in thought, almost to the point he missed the figure lunging at him from the shadows.
Almost
Percy felt a slight displacement in the air around him as somebody lunged at him in a blur, the distinct shine of metal nearing his throat. Any other person would've lost their head before they could even process what was going on.
But Percy wasn't just any person.
Time seemed to slow, and the teen's instincts flared as he lunged to the side, the soft sound of air displacement being the only indicator of the sword as it blurred past.
Percy's heart raced, but his reflexes took over as he twisted his body mid-air, narrowly avoiding the deadly arc of the sword aimed at his throat. He landed on his feet with a low crouch, eyes scanning the room for the assailant. His muscles were taut, coiled like springs, every nerve on high alert.
Who the hell is this?!
Before he could fully regain his footing, the attacker moved with blinding speed, tossing several shurikens in his direction. The metallic stars glinted under the dim light, their edges razor-sharp as they sliced through the air. Percy reacted instinctively, diving and rolling out of the way, just barely dodging the lethal projectiles. The shurikens embedded themselves on a desk behind him with a solid thunk, before detonating, but Percy had no time to catch his breath.
The figure didn't pause, charging again, this time with a blade drawn—an elongated katana that gleamed ominously. Percy could see only the assailant's silhouette in the dim room: masked, lithe, and moving with the fluid grace of someone trained to kill.
No more dodging. Time to fight back.
Percy reached into his pocket, drawing Riptide and parrying the sword's strike in a single move.
The sharp clang of metal on metal echoed through the room as Percy's sword, Riptide, met the attacker's blade. Sparks flew from the impact, casting brief flashes of light in the dim room.
Percy pushed forward with Riptide, but the assailant lunged back before he could strike.
The assailant was fast—faster than any ordinary human—but Percy had faced worse. Much worse. The attacker moved like a shadow, striking again with fluid, deadly precision. Percy deflected each blow with Riptide, before lunging in with an oberhaw strike.
The assailant raised their sword with the intention to parry Percy's strike.
But that's not what happened.
As the Celestial Bronze blade met mortal metal, it cut right through like a hot knife through butter. Riptide sliced right through the blade, and then through the attacker in a move that should've split their skull open like a watermelon.
However, the sword simply phased through their head like it wasn't there, doing nothing more than slicing off their mask.
Percy paused for a moment, bewildered. But the assailant—a dark-haired woman—didn't pause for a moment.
Percy's surprise at the attacker's face was fleeting. The young woman moved like lightning, delivering a sharp kick to his midsection that knocked him back into the wall. He slammed against the cold metal, gasping as the wind was momentarily knocked out of him.
"You're quick," she muttered, her voice low and dangerous. "But unrefined."
Percy regained his breath, his eyes narrowing as he gripped Riptide tighter. He was ready for round two. "Who the hell are you?"
The woman didn't answer, instead lunging again, this time with a smaller blade in hand. Percy parried with Riptide, deflecting the strikes as fast as they came. Her attacks were relentless, precise, and Percy could tell she was no amateur.
But Percy was getting sick of their game, and pushed forward with a tug in his gut.
With a grunt, Percy called on the water in the pipes around him, yanking it through the walls. A gush of water surged into the room, bursting from one of the rooms walls, before forming into tendrils that whipped toward the woman, forcing her back. She dodged with impressive agility, but the sudden torrent of water bought Percy the moment he needed. The tendrils twisted, slamming into her with enough force to throw her across the room.
"Impressive," she said, wiping a trickle of blood from her lip. "But that won't be enough."
Percy wasn't in the mood for banter. "Is this another test?" He snarled. "Who sent you? Was it Luthor?"
The woman just smirked. "I'm not here for him."
She launched herself at him again, but this time Percy was ready. He summoned more water, creating a swirling barrier around him that deflected her strikes, before pushing forward. The woman cried out as the water encased her limbs, before binding her against the unbroken wall.
The woman grunted as she tried to slice through the tendrils of water to no avail.
Percy's gaze focused on his now unmasked assailant. She was a well-built, lithe woman with dark, choppy hair cascading down her neck. Her sharp features were framed by the dim light of the room, her dark eyes gleaming with fierce determination. She stood shorter than Percy, but there was an undeniable air of danger about her. Her attire clung to her in a way that accentuated her figure, with a neckline that went too low to be PG.
Percy's grip tightened on Riptide as the woman struggled within the swirling mass of water. Her muscles tensed as she yanked against the liquid tendrils that held her in place, but they were unyielding. Her glare locked onto him, before her eyes softened.
"Well, you didn't disappoint." She smirked, seemingly relaxing in her liquid binds.
Percy's grip on Riptide tightened as the woman's smirk deepened. Something about the way she spoke, the casual demeanor despite her situation, set him on edge. He wasn't sure whether it was arrogance or genuine amusement, but he wasn't in the mood to find out.
"What's your game?" Percy growled, keeping his stance wide and ready to react. "Who sent you here?"
The woman's eyes flickered briefly toward the ceiling, almost as if pondering how much to reveal. Then, with a soft chuckle, she leaned back slightly, her arms still trapped in the water, her form suspended by the tendrils. She wasn't afraid, and it pissed Percy off more than anything.
"Oh, don't be that way." She stated with a hint of amusement, noting Percy's furious expression.
"You tried to kill me." Percy accused with a snarl.
"Yes, and I didn't succeed." The young woman stated simply, "If I did, that would've meant you aren't worthy."
Her tone was annoyingly calm, as if attempts on a person's life were nothing more than a casual thing for her. She tilted her head, studying Percy with a cool, almost disinterested gaze. "But clearly, you're not an easy target. That's... good. It means you're worth the effort."
Percy's brow furrowed in confusion, but his grip on Riptide didn't falter. "Worthy? Worth the effort? For what? Who are you working for?"
"I'm surprised you haven't figured it out, but I suppose I'll spell it out for you," The woman rolled her eyes, before meeting Percy's gaze. "My name is Lady Shiva, enforcer of The Light."
Percy's grip on Riptide tightened at the mention of The Light. Lady Shiva. The name itself meant nothing to him, but Luthor alluded to something called 'The Light' in nearly every debriefing. The name echoed in his mind, and his thoughts clicked into place. Luthor's odd acquaintance with several others, people like Ocean Master and Ra's who always seemed to know more than they let on.
Ra's al Ghul. The man with eyes that pierced your soul, the one who had dismissed him with that unsettling calm.
"You're an assassin, you work for Ra's al Ghul."
Lady Shiva smirked, clearly enjoying his stunned silence. "Surprised?" she asked, her voice laced with dark amusement. "Don't worry, I'm not here to kill you."
"You're one of Ra's assassins?" Percy stated more than asked, his voice steady but with a hint of disbelief. "And you're after me?"
"Not after you," Lady Shiva corrected him, her eyes glinting with a dangerous light. "I'm testing you. Seeing if you're worthy." She tilted her head slightly, her expression unreadable as she studied him. "We're always looking for new... recruits. And you, Percy Jackson, have potential."
Percy's mind raced as he processed the implications. This wasn't just some random attack—this was a test. A test from one of Ra's al Ghul's assassins, and likely, an invitation of sorts. It was a power play.
"Potential for what?" Percy's voice was sharp. "I already work for Luthor."
Lady Shiva's smirk deepened, her eyes narrowing as if she were savoring the moment. "Oh don't worry about that, I'm sure Luthor will have no qualms with us.. Assisting you in unlocking your full potential."
Percy's brow furrowed as he tried to make sense of her words. "What are you talking about?" he demanded.
"Let me put it simply for you." She shifted slightly in the water bindings, testing their strength with an easy grace. "Welcome to the League of Shadows."
Before Percy could respond, her arm twisted, and her form seemed to explode into a cloud of smoke, engulfing the room in thick, choking fog. Percy coughed, his concentration on the water breaking as he willed the smoke away with a gust of wind.
As the smoke dissipated, Percy found himself alone in the dimly lit room, the only sound being his labored breathing. His eyes darted around, looking for any sign of movement, any clue that Lady Shiva was still here. But there was nothing—no trace of her at all.
His heart was racing, and his mind was cycling through thoughts at a million miles an hour. The teen unconsciously looked around the ruined room. The entire place was soaked, furniture was busted into bits, the window was broken, his bed was on fire, and an entire wall was demolished.
"Yeah, whatever," Percy bit sarcastically, his lips twisting into a frown, "I wasn't planning on getting any sleep anyways."
A/N
Well, this chapter was a long time coming, it's also the shortest one yet.
Sorry for the several month hiatus, but hopefully I'll be able to start updating consistently.
As implied in the story, the events of the episode Misplaced will not occur, due to Percy's presence resulting in the Starro creature getting stolen without much difficulty.
Percy meets Ra's al Ghul and The League of Shadows, canon gets launched forwards, and things start to pick up.
What will our amnesiac son of Poseidon do next? Stay tuned.
I'm open to constructive criticism! Let me know what you like, dislike, and want to see in the reviews or on the Emerald Library Discord Server.
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