The Sea's Protector (Fem. Percy x Young Justice)

37

I groaned and stared at the plate sat in front of me.

"Eat it Kaldur. You need to." My king stared across at me.

I picked up the fork and took a small bite, before looking at King Orin.

He sighed. "My son...we need to talk."

I raised an eyebrow, taking another bite of food.

"I know you are concerned about Percy, but that is no reason to not take care of yourself. When she recovers-"

"If." I said. I have no disillusions regarding her condition.

"If she recovers, she will need you more than ever."

"She will need someone who is capable of defending her." I didn't meet his eyes.

"Kaldur, you know that someone is you."

"I failed her my king. I am not sure how that leads you to the conclusion that I should still be protecting her."

He walked around the island so he could put a hand on my shoulder. "It is the fact that you are destroying yourself over this that cements it in my mind. Now come on, you could probably use some...are you okay?"

"What?"

"You are shaking...Percy!" King Orin's eyes widened and he rushed towards the med bay; I was close on his heels.

As we entered, the sight we were greeted with...

"Why's she freaking out?!" Connor yelled, holding Percy to the bed as she struggled.

"I don't know! Where are some of those sedation thingies!" Wally dug through a drawer.

"Aquaman, can you try to calm her down? She's going to tear her stitches." Robin tried to keep her head held down.

My king nodded and walked over. My two friends released Percy, quickly moving away from her flailing form.

He grabbed her wrists and brought them together so she couldn't hit him. This only seemed to make things worse.

Percy's mouth opened in a scream, but only choked noises came out.

King Orin's eyes widened and he used one of his hands to force her mouth shut.

"Kid Flash did you find them?!"

"Still looking!"

Percy's eyes were wide in pure terror, darting around, never locking onto anything or anyone.

"Hurry up! She's going to kill herself at this rate!"

I set my lips in a thin line. "My king, may I try to calm her down?"

He looked at me, worry etched onto his face. "I don't know Kal-" He cut off as Percy got an arm free and punched him.

He moved away, leaving the princess thrashing against an invisible enemy, mouth still releasing garbled pieces of a scream.

I approached the cot slowly. When I touched her, I made sure to do it gently and just to get her attention on me.

"It's okay. Sh. You're okay, you're safe." I whispered, my voice almost inaudible to my own ears. "I'm going to grab your hand okay?"

I took Percy's small hand in my own; when the garbled noises became louder and she flinched, my shoulders dropped.

"See? I'm not going to hurt you, you are safe here," I said. "I will protect you."

She only struggled more.

"Do you want this dude? She might try to punch you."

I ignored Wally, instead looking at Percy.

"Kaldur, it may be best if-"

"I know I failed you. It's my fault you're like this right now. But I will not let this happen to you again. I'm your guard, Percy. You are safe with me." I placed a gentle hand on the side of her face.

"Kaldur, that's not going to work..." Artemis trailed off as Percy calmed down.

"There you go, that's it. Take it easy." I mumbled, wiping away the tears falling down her cheeks. "You're going to be okay."

She opened her mouth, but it was still only choked noises. Then she lifted a hand and trailed her fingers along my arm.

I can't talk.

I bit my lip and looked at my king. "What exactly are her injuries?"

"Big ones are damaged vocal cords and...her spine was injured as well."

That is...worse than I had hoped for. If water is not healing her and if she cannot walk...

Can you get me out of bed? I'm starving. The words Percy wrote out, interrupted my thoughts.

"I will bring you some food. You need to rest." I smiled down at her.

She managed a weak smile. Thank you. But can you ask Orin to get it? I need to talk to you, alone.

I nodded. "My king, Percy wishes to discuss something with me, so-"

"Say no more. I will teach them how to cook some fish free Atlantean meals."

As the Team left, Percy forced herself up into a sitting position.

"Can you move your legs?" I asked.

She shook her head. So much for hoping I suppose.

It's not that bad. I could borrow Chiron's wheelchair.

"I'm pretty sure he would not like that Percy."

What would happen if I did sit in it though? Would my legs just disappear like his do?

"Valid question, but no. You would do something stupid." I sat on the cot. "What...what did they do to you?"

She shook her head, her features taking on a haunted look, eyes staring past me.

"Please, Percy. Tell me what they did to you. I just want to help you, you know that." I brushed a piece of hair out of her face.

You sound like Canary.

*throws chapter*

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