Chapter One
Persephone “Percy” Jackson, Hero of Olympus, daughter of Poseidon, found herself riding shotgun in a sleek black car with her newly-found uncle driving. They arrived at a dark, palace-like mansion, unlike any she’d known – it didn't belong to a god or monster, but to Bruce Wayne. She sat awestruck as Bruce chuckled softly, observing her admiration for his home.
After the final war, Percy had returned to her apartment, hoping to find her mother. Instead, she found a new tenant and directions to her mother’s grave. After navigating bureaucratic hurdles with a weary police officer and wading through mountains of paperwork, she found herself under the custody of her long-lost uncle. She’d heard of Bruce Wayne, of course – everyone had. She hadn’t kept up with the details, though. Last she’d heard, Wayne had just adopted his second son, and now, apparently, he had four children, five including herself.
“I’ll introduce you to the boys now, if you’ll just follow me inside…” Bruce told his niece with a kind smile. He knew loss intimately, and how difficult it was to cope. He wanted to make Percy’s grieving process as easy as possible.
“Sounds good,” Percy replied. “Do you think I could leave my bags somewhere before I meet them? Maybe freshen up too?”
“Oh, yes, of course,” Bruce said as he opened the door to the estate. A thin, older man appeared silently, unnoticed by either of them.
“Good afternoon, Master Bruce,” he greeted, then noticed Percy. He introduced himself, “Good afternoon, Miss. I am Alfred Pennyworth, at your service.”
“Percy, and it’s nice to meet you.” She spoke quietly.
“Alfred, do you think you could show Percy to the room I asked about earlier, please?”
“Right away, Master Bruce.” Alfred turned to Percy. “If you’d please follow me, Miss Percy.”
Percy followed the butler through the mansion, his steps silent and swift. He occasionally pointed out different rooms, the mansion's layout already etching itself into Percy's memory – a skill honed by years spent alongside her late girlfriend. By the time they reached a long hallway lined with doors, she heard a crash and yelling coming from a door decorated with a black and blue circus tent bearing the name ‘Dick.’ Percy suppressed a smile, cataloging the layout mentally.
Alfred stopped before a white door and opened it, revealing a large room with two doors on one wall, a bookshelf, and a bed. “Here is your room, Miss Percy. Later on, you can personalize both the room and door. I will be preparing dinner in case you need me.” After a thank you from Percy, he disappeared into the house.
Percy walked into her new room. It felt cold, sterile. She opened her suitcase, selecting a fresh set of clothes, and turned toward the door she assumed led to the bathroom. Instead, she walked directly into an empty closet. She turned around and opened the other door, which was, indeed, the bathroom, complete with a small set of unscented bath products. After a shower and a change of clothes, she tried to comb through her dark hair. As she finished, she heard a knock on the door.
“The boys are downstairs ready to meet you, whenever you’f ready.” Bruce’s voice came from beyond the door.
“Okay.” She told him, her face stoic. The only sign of her recent tears was a slight redness in her eyes, barely noticeable even to a trained observer. She had too much experience hiding her emotions.
The dark-haired pair made their way down the stairs into a family room where four black-haired boys sat. Two of the boys were on the verge of starting a fight when Bruce and Percy made their presence known.
“Boys, this is my long-lost niece who will be living with us.” Bruce said sternly, ending any argument before it could begin.
“Hi. I’m Percy.” She said with a forced smile.
Silence hung in the room for a moment before the oldest spoke, a friendly grin on his face. “Hi, Percy, I’m Dick Grayson.” He nudged a boy with white bangs.
“Jason Todd.” He said, glaring at the youngest.
“I’m Tim, it’s nice to meet you.” Tim said, then returned to his tablet.
After a beat of silence, Dick spoke for the youngest. “That’s Damian. Sorry about him, he’s mad at Jason right now.”
“Well, uh, nice to meet you all. I’ve had a long day, do you mind if I turn in for the night?” Percy asked, hoping to escape the awkward situation.
“Uh, yeah, sure,” Dick replied, playing peacemaker.
As Percy left, the brothers exchanged a look – grateful for the chance to continue hiding their family secrets from the newest member.
I don't own Percy Jackson or any Batman content.