Percy Jackson was once a hero-a legend who defied the gods and saved the world. But heroism came at a cost. After the war with Gaia, he was stolen away, dragged into the abyss of Tartarus, where he suffered unimaginable torment for 200 years. When he finally escaped, the world had moved on without him. His friends-the Seven-were dead, their names lost to time. Olympus was silent. He had nothing left.
Now, he wanders the streets of Gotham, a city as broken as he is. Haunted by memories of war, suffering from PTSD, survivor's guilt, and nightmares, Percy is only a shadow of the warrior he once was. When Batman finds him, a background check reveals a shocking truth-Percy Jackson was reported missing over 200 years ago. Beyond that, he doesn't exist.
Taken in by the Justice League, Percy undergoes a medical examination that leaves even the most hardened heroes stunned. His body is covered in scars-evidence of centuries of suffering-and his mind is fractured, drowning in grief and trauma. The entire League, from Superman to Green Lantern, stands in silent disbelief. The Young Justice team struggles to understand the shattered figure before them, the man who was once a hero of myths and legends. Only Wonder Woman and Aquaman recognize his name, remembering the demigod who once carried the weight of the world on his shoulders.
But Percy is no longer a hero. He is a ghost, a relic of a forgotten past. He has no purpose, no reason to fight. And yet, something in Gotham calls to him. The storm still rages within, the power of the sea still thrums beneath his skin.
Perhaps, in this city of shadows, he can find a reason to keep going.
Perhaps, if he stays long enough, he will remember what it means to be alive.
Book Two
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'In the centre of the city, the depths call forth
The blessed princess must heed its call
to uncover the truth of the bargain made
Or with the thief she shall stay to the end of days'
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"Nothing will go wrong, we'll just sail into the Roman Camp, tell them what's up and begin the quest. Simple."
"Being a demigod is never that simple, Valdez."
"When you're with me, everything is simple."
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"Everything okay, Princesa?" Leo whispered. She shook her head to clear the fog that had settled and turned to him. Leo saw pure panic in her eyes, and his brows furrowed in concern.
"Everything's fine." She convinced.
Leo didn't buy it. Nor did she.
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"You said whenever I need you."
"Whenever you need me, Amor."
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"Everything is how it should be. She told me, she told me everything. This is what must happen. And you're going to be hers. You are the downfall of the world. You need to be the downfall she wants. You will be the extra."
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"So, you found out your truth." The voice spoke "For years you wondered why. Why your supposed loving mother did this to you. To your little family." the voice continued. It seemed to echo all around her. "And now you know."
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"Her ring, there's a button, it'll tell Leo she needs help-"
A sharp wail echoed around the small stone room around them.
"No, he's gone!" She sobbed. "He- he won't answer. I tried, I tried everything. I can't-"
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"Persephone it's hurting you, stop using them."
"No, they make me stronger." She turned her back to him, the burn in her eyes intensifying as she clawed more of that new feeling, the new power, into her. It seemed to run like lightning through her veins, and Percy watched as the scratches deepened. Her eyes were dark and empty, and Percy felt nothing but fear.
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(Takes place during The Mark of Athena, book three of the Heroes of Olympus series)
(As always, all characters belong to Rick Riordan, Persephone and her own plotline are purely my creation)