The One-Seven

Chapter 23: Rumble

"Please stop biting my ear, that-Ouch!" Yanking the three-year old away from his ear, Percy glared at the offending toddler, before positioning her in a way that she wouldn't be offending his person any more. Kicking open the door the gymnasium, he walked over to the collection of children around Barbara Gordon and Bette Kane. Barbara saw him coming and stood up, taking the squirming toddler from his arms,

"That's all of them in the entire block," he sighed, as Barbara passed the child off to Bette. They were in the Gotham Academy Gymnasium, which had been converted into a makeshift shelter. For the last several hours, Percy had been running around the city, gathering as many kids as he could. For those old enough, he simply sent them on the way to shelter, but he was forced to manually move the other kids.

"Any idea what's going on yet?" Barbara asked softly,

Percy shook his head, "No clue," He said roughly. Which wasn't exactly true, he was fairly certain that whatever was happening was magical in nature. It explained why he hadn't been effected. Demigods, especially the more powerful of their kind, were immune to almost all forms of magic. The only exception being the magic of other divine beings. Percy's theory had only been made stronger when he had called Jason, who confirmed that he too was still around. Along with almost every demigod they'd come into contact with. But Percy wasn't about to explain that to the Commissioner's kid.

"And I still don't know why I'm still here," He said, feigning frustration. Not too hard considering he really was feeling frustrated.

Barbara just patted him reassuringly on the arm, "Well I'm thankful you're here." She glanced back at the group of kids Bette was playing with, "You've been a calming presence for them." She paused, and worried at her lip for a second, before asking in an undertone, "You haven't heard anything from the League, have you?"

Percy arched an eyebrow but shook his head, "I reached out to the offices there, but nobody answered. I'm guessing they likely got caught up in whatever this is," He said. A pair of beeps registered from both of their pockets. As one, both Percy and Barbara pulled their phones from their pockets. Out of the corner of his eye, Percy could see several other kids doing the same.

The screen of his phone lit up with the insignia of the Justice League for a moment, before it flickered away and three recognizable teenagers appeared. The Atlantean, Kaldur, was standing in front of the camera, with Robin and Kid Flash flanking his sides.

"Attention, children and teenagers of Earth." Kaldur began, "I am Aqualad. These are my friends, Robin and Kid Flash."

Robin took it from there, "We are using Justice League tech to cast and stream to every TV, radio, computer, and smartphone on the planet."

Kid Flash took over, "We know you must be scared and angry. We know, with your parents missing, there's a temptation to run wild. But, please, stay calm."

"We will find a way to bring the adults back, but for now, the oldest among you must step up." Kaldur said

"Take care of your younger siblings, take care of kids who have no one." Robin said,

"Protect them," Added Kid Flash,

"It is up to you," Kaldur finished, before the communication ended.

That had been...enlightening. So whatever was going on, must have targeted the adult superheroes as well. Not a surprise, given that Percy hadn't seen hide or hair of the bat all evening. Or even any of the capes for that matter. Something magical was going on, that much was clear. Percy had been around the stuff long enough to recognize its signature, and the air was practically crackling with how much magic was being used. But did that make it his problem?