Percy was getting increasingly angry at the Joker.

The crown prince of crime had started running his drug runs through their turf. The night before he started his new job at Wayne Manor, he'd been watching them from his lookout position. Sure enough, drugs and money had been exchanged in the alleys near their hideout, and the Joker's gang had slipped away in to the darkness.

This could not be tolerated.

Creeping back inside, he quietly woke Dick and Will, motioning for them to follow him outside and on to the fire escape.

" What is it Perce?" Will asked sleepily.

" Joker's gang is operating on our turf again," Percy hissed quietly.

Will and Dick were instantly alert, anger in their stiff bodies.

" Obviously he didn't get the message last time he tried this," Dick growled in annoyance.

" Clearly. And that's why we will retaliate tomorrow night," Percy informed deviously.

The other boys grinned deviously.

" Tomorrow while I'm at work, you two need to prepare the younger kids for a fight, and get our weapons ready," Percy added as an afterthought.

With a terse nod, they disbanded and went back to their beds.

Percy settled back in to his night watch position, and when dawn came he set off on his long trek to Wayne Manor.

Bruce Wayne was surprised to find that at exactly nine in the morning, Percy turned up. Of course that was the time they'd agreed upon, but he hands expected him to be so punctual.

" Good morning Percy, you can put your satchel anywhere you want to," Bruce greeted warmly.

The young boy nodded and placed his satchel hanging from the hat stand by the door. He looked terrible, with pale skin and dark bags under his bright sea green eyes. Obviously he hands slept well, if at all.

" Thanks Mr Wayne, so what section of the gardens would you like me to begin with?" Percy asked eagerly.

" The rose gardens, the roses are in dire need of some care," Bruce answered immediately, knowing the white and crimson roses needed desperate help.

" And I shall be showing you to the rose garden, and where to collect your tools," Alfred stated, from the top of the staircase.

Percy jumped slightly at the sudden appearance of the butler, making Bruce chuckle quietly. He himself had been startled by the sudden appearance.

" Thanks! I guess I'll get started then!" Percy enthused, cracking his knuckles easily.

The work took longer than Percy had anticipated. By lunch time, he was sweating profusely from overuse of his powers. He'd made sure no one could see him when he used his powers to seep water in to the leaves and petals of the dying roses. They were standing straighter by the time he'd finished, and looking much more vibrant. Now he was doing the tough work, the weeding.

He found it was easier to yank the weeds out when he channelled his anger towards the Joker in to his work. His anger helped him focus better. However, when noon came and the sun beat harshly down on him he had to take off his faded blue hoodie. 

Just in his blue shirt, the pink scars on his arms were revealed. The peppered scars, the jagged ones, the old ones, the new ones, all on show. At least hey couldn't see his back, which was worse. 

The scars were a curtesy of Gabe, and a life on the streets, fending off gangs and others trying to steal their turf.

" Perseus, those weeds are well and truly battered. Would you like to stop for lunch?" Asked a British accented voice, as a hand was laid on his shoulder.

Percy leapt away from the man in fright when his shoulder was touched. He could not stand any adult touching him. Kids he trusted, but adults he did not.

He looked to see Alfred standing there, hand still hovering where his shoulder had been and an apologetic look on his face.

" My apologies Perseus, I didn't mean to frighten you," Alfred apologized quickly.

Percy caught his breath, and smiled sheepishly at the old butler.

" It's alright, I was spacing out and didn't notice you, that's all, and lunch would be great," Percy answered hurriedly, battling the nervousness out of him as Alfred stepped closer with his silver tray.

On it, was a sandwich, some water, an apple, and some absolutely delicious looking cookies with chocolate chips. Percy's mouth watered at the sight, he hadn't eaten in almost a day.

" Here, sit down on the brick wall here while you eat," Alfred offered, motioning to the low brick wall he'd set the tray on.

Percy nimbly hopped up on to the wall, and started to chow down on his sandwich famishly. Alfred sat beside him, easing his old bones for a moment to take a much needed break. He noticed how eagerly Percy had attacked the food, and noted that he probably hadn't eaten in some time.

" So, Perseus, you have family?" Alfred conversed, hoping to find out more about the young gardener.

Percy froze, hands tightening around the apple be held before replying quietly.

" I live with my five younger brothers and my stepdad. My real parents died," Percy replied shortly, lying easily.

" Five brothers! My, my, you must have to fight for your stepfather's attention. I'm sorry about your parents though, it just be difficult for you," Alfred said gently, noticing how Percy twitched when the word fight, and stepfather were applied in the same sentence.

" I never knew my dad, he was lost at sea before I was born. My mum was murdered. My brothers are absolute angels though," Percy said a little wistfully, as he remembered his mother.

Alfred suddenly caught sight of the scars. So many scars of all sizes and colors all down his arms.  What in the world had happened? Though he had a suspicion he wouldn't quite discus it, no sense frightening the boy off. This had been enough conversation for a while. He noted that Percy had barely touched anything other than his sandwich and a bite of his apple, and did not look as though he would touch any more of his food.

" I'll wrap the rest of your lunch up for you. Maybe you could take it home with you? I'm sure your brothers would enjoy the rest," Alfred suggested.

Percy nodded with clear relief on his face, and Alfred's suspicion was practically confirmed. 

" Hey Guys! I'm home with dinner. Who's ready to beat up the Joker's goons afterwards?" Percy quipped as he climbed over the railing as usual.

And as was customary, he was crash tackled by the three youngest.

" It was so cool! We found broken glass shards, and Hal made a weird catapult thing to throw them from one of the surrounding rooftops. And will some more broken glass and stick arrows for his bow. Dick even got two sticks to hit people with, and Jason learnt how to fire and aim and the catapult!" Nico rambled excitedly as he hugged Percy tight.

" Woah, slow down your speaking Nico. That sounds like you boys did well today though. And I brought you home some cookies for you to eat as a reward after the fight," Percy chuckled.

Instantly the three youngest squeaked their excitement, wile Dick and Will rolled their eyes in amusement.

Bending down, he looked in to the face of the youngest, Hal, who grinned at him a toothy grin.

" What's this contraption you've made now, little inventor? You and Jason going to use it t help us fight?" Percy inquired with a bright smile.

Hal nodded enthusiastically, and went to make final checks on his contraption. Percy smirked lightly, the Joker was going to get a great message tonight!