Hero's Journey (A Percy Jackson X Young Justice Crossover)

Chapter 4

Atlantis

August 25th, 13:34

Percy was slowly swimming through the corridors of Royal Palace in Poseidonis. He was being escorted by three guards, but he suspected they were more of honorary guard than to actually keep him in check. If he really wanted to do something, they wouldn't really be able to stop him. He was now wearing his superhero outfit minus the domino mask. He was doing it out of respect, rather than to hide his identity or be ready for battle. What gave guard some reassurance was the fact that he wasn't carrying any weapons. Guess they did not know the power that Trident held.

While swimming, they passed near construction works. The wing that got unfortunately destroyed by Ocean Master trying to cover his tracks. Irony was in the fact that is he didn't use explosives on the base of palace but on the wing or even the room itself, every evidence and possibly witnesses would be eviscerated. By being too careful Orm failed in covering his tracks. Over the course of investigation it became clear that Percy was not responsible for the structural damage of the underwater cliff and fall was caused by high-tech sonic charges. Aquaman was devastated by the betrayal, but finally he got over it and now devoted all free resources as well as time on tracking the traitor. Percy volunteered to help, but Orin was still bitter over the boy and his actions. That is exactly why Wonder Woman perceived the invitation as such important. A chance to finally bury the hatchet and start anew.

Finally, they entered a large throne room, similar to the one Poseidon had back in his palace before it was destroyed by Oceanus' army. The place was really whelming. Aquaman was sitting on his throne towering over the whole place. Next to him, on slightly lower chair sat a woman that Percy guessed was Queen Mera, Orin's wife.

"Welcome to Atlantis Percy. I hope you like it here." Orin stood up from his throne and swam toward Percy. The queen followed her husband's example. Once they met face to face, Aquaman extended his hand, offering a greeting. Demigod gladly accepted the gesture and they shook hands. Seeing that they king is in no danger, the guards swam away very hastily. "Swim with me please. I wanted to show you something."

Percy shrugged and followed the king. They followed through the palace, earning various reactions from it's denizens. Some, probably the guards present at the whole 'Percy incident' either gave him a thankful glare or swam at increased speed. Others, who probably knew him only from tales and gossips gave him curious looks. No one dared to stop them out of respect for their king or fear of Percy. Probably mixture of both in most cases.

"Tell me Percy. Why did you come to the bar we first met?" Orin asked once they swam out of the Palace

"I just landed in this world. It was after really tiring day and I was seriously hungry. I hoped to get something to eat there. Back then I had no idea about this world and you guys. " Percy answered honestly. There was no real point in hiding anything anyway. They were allies and future teammates.

"But why Amnesty Bay. From what you told us Olympus was in new York and you've never been in this town before."

"If I had to guess, Fates decided to play me one last time. I think gods cheated again and sent me to this world to punish me. I wished for life without gods, but they got replaced by you guys and whole lot of evil guys."

Queen Mera tensed at each mention of Gods. She wasn't overly religious, but hearing someone talk about them so... casually was new experience. "Why would they want to punish you in such cruel way. Giving false promise of peace is... cruel punishment."

"Yeah. I don't know if you heard, but they are really good at that. Tantalus, Lycaon, Sisyphus... They got the short stick. At least I can still do something. Make some real change. Zeus is a prick. Only thing he cares is his throne and maybe his children as long as it benefits him." Percy was really bitter at the gods.