Hey guys, so this is that sequel I was talking about. Just to let everyone know, I am not abandoning the stories I haven't finished. I just wanted to post this and see what people think about it. I will finish Percy Jackson: A New Life and Percy Jackson and the Peacekeeper. I hope you enjoy the first chapter, let me know what you think about it.
Disclaimer: I do not own Percy Jackson and the Olympians or Heroes of Olympus. All rights belong to Rick Riordan, I only own the oc's
Third POV
Deep in the forests of Turuk, two figures leaned against trees. Judging from the muscular forms, they were males. Both could not be classified as mortals. Anyone who looked at them would realize that. They were something more, deadlier than anything else in the universe. Both wore black cloaks that obscured their faces from view and drifting to the floor while they leaned on two massive bows, quivers on their backs.
They wore beautiful gleaming silver and black armor that was hidden beneath the cloaks they wear, but has saved their lives more than anyone could count. But what caught everyone's attention and made them realize who these figures are were the glowing eyes that identified them as Rangers. The most deadliest fighting group in the universe.
Everyone in the universe knows about the legendary Rangers. Their feats, their skills, and of course, never to mess with them.
"Another mission finished." The Ranger on the right said, his deep ocean blue eyes burning with unknown power and knowledge. "You know," he rolled his neck around. "That was much more easier than I thought it would be." The opposite Ranger looked at him, shaking his head slightly before speaking.
"It wasn't even harmful," he said. "Don't know why we rushed halfway across the universe just to look around a destroyed city."
The ocean blue eyed Ranger, Anthony, snorted. "They're always mad at us Jason," he said. "Despite what we do." A girl suddenly materialized out of thin air beside him. "Hunter," Anthony turned to the female, unfazed by her sudden appearance. She wore the exact same thing they did, identifying her as a Ranger.
The female Ranger, Hunter, spoke. "You want to know why your wives are always mad at you?" Jason and Anthony exchanged glances, but didn't say a single thing. They knew exactly why their wives are always mad at them. Hunter realized this, but decided to rub it in. "You're always doing stupid things." Anthony and the other boy, known as Jason, scowled.
"Thanks for reminding us Hunter," Anthony says sarcastically.
Hunter rolled her eyes. Boys are such morons. She thought before speaking. "You aren't a kid anymore Anthony," she looked at Jason. "Neither are you Grace." Lightning flashed dangerously in Jason's eyes.
"Easy for you to say Hunter," Anthony said, sensing the growing tension between Jason and Hunter. "You don't have to deal with pregnant women." It's true. Hunter is the only Ranger with no husband or boyfriend, meaning she has no kids. In fact, she's the only female in the Primordial Army with no husband or boyfriend.
"Hunter is right Anthony," a voice said. The voice resonated throughout the woods. "You can't be going wild and giving your wife a heart attack, especially when she's pregnant with twins and due in less than three months." The voice was full of power. It demanded respect and had authority.
"Percy," Anthony said. "So glad you could join us." Six figures walked out of the shadows around them. All Rangers.
"Glad I could make it." Anthony scowled as Jason spoke.
"Percy, you aren't one to speak about that. The first time Vivian was pregnant, you died and took all of us with you. That isn't the best thing to do when you have a pregnant wife."
And of course, everyone knows about Percy Jackson. The universe's greatest hero to ever be born. The hero who defeated the Titans and the Titan King himself. The hero who brought Mother Earth to her knees along with eight of her Giant children. The same hero who was chosen as the Successor of Chaos. The same hero who created the most effective fighting force in the universe, (although not many know that) the hero who obtained the three most powerful swords in the universe.
The hero who defeated Order.
It's kind of impossible not to know about Percy Jackson.
Percy Jackson held a bundle in his hands while his loyal followers looked at him before looking at the bundle curiously. "Why did you bring the baby?" Jason Grace, son of Ouranos, Heir of the Skies asked. Percy looked at Jason before looking back at the bundle and carefully moving aside a few blankets to reveal a newborn baby sleeping.
"I couldn't leave him Jason," Percy said. "Even if he was safe from harm." He looked at the baby with a look the Rangers know very well.
"But still," Jason said. "You could've dropped him off at the foster care. They would've taken care of him." Percy looked at him before sighing. He knew Jason was right, but the baby was special. And he was bred for greatness. He knew it.
"I know Jason," Percy said, "but he deserves more than that. His father saved me once," he looked at the newborn. "I just wish I could do the same. People in the universe call me 'The Savior of the Universe'. I'm not often saved Jason." He looked at his brothers and sisters who have been through everything together, good and bad. "None of us are."
"I understand Percy. You feel like you owe him. Rangers aren't known for being saved." Percy looked at a Ranger with warm orange eyes, like a calm fire. Percy looked at him.
"It's not just that Kyle, his father was a brave man and his mother was a sweet woman. I feel like he's going to play an important part soon." Everyone raised an eyebrow.
"Such as..." Hunter trailed off, hoping he'll give them a straight answer. "I don't know Hunter, I just know it'll happen soon." A cooing sound brought everyone's attention back to the newborn, whose brown eyes were open and looking at Percy and the other Rangers in curiosity.
"He is kinda cute," Jason said. "But what are we going to do with him?" Everyone looked at each other before turning to Percy. It was his idea to bring the baby along. "So," Jason said. "What are you planning to do with him?" Percy hadn't thought of that. Jason knew Percy like the back of his hand, plus he knew Percy longer than any of the Rangers. They're like brothers.
"Well," Percy shifted uncomfortably. "I was hoping one of you could take care of him." The Rangers stared at him. This was the brilliant plan the most powerful being in the universe can come up with?
"That's what you were planning," Anthony said. "You wanted one of us to take care of him? Has it ever occurred we have bigger problems than taking care of a newborn baby who you should've left at the first foster care we came across." Percy closed his eyes, taking deep breaths. His mother wouldn't be pleased if she found out he destroyed another star.
"I can't take him Perce," Jason shook his head. His wife wouldn't be happy if he brought home a baby that wasn't his. She'd probably think the wrong thing and try to kill him. There's a chance she'll listen, but Jason doesn't want to risk it. Why play with Death?
"Anthony?" Anthony White. One of the most skilled among the Ranger Corps, but also the easiest to get hot-headed. Percy looked at his other fellow Rangers.
"Raven?" Raven, son of Tartarus, Prince of the Pit. No one knows Raven's true name, save for his wife and Percy. But everyone knows not to fight him in hand-to-hand combat, even Percy is wary of him.
"Kyle?" Kyle Sanchaz. Like Jason Grace, Kyle is new to the Rangers. Despite his alliance with Order in the war fifteen thousand years ago, the Rangers greeted him warmly, very different than the cold hearted, silent killers they are known to be.
"Shane?" Shane Stuckey. The best in the Ranger Corps when it comes to throwing knifes. Percy stared at his fellow Rangers in disbelief. They all have a pregnant wife at the same time.
Percy turned to the only Ranger he could actually rely on. "Chase?" Chase Robinson, the Rangers best crafter, possibly the best in the entire universe. Chase's parent is unknown, his skills relate him to either Hephaestus or Thesis, due to his nonstop work in a forge or workshop, but his eyes tell a different story.
His eyes are a icy royal blue. A very rare color, but also a very beautiful one. Chase is a demigod, but with no mortal parent and no known immortal parent. "I would Percy," Chase said. "I really would. But he's too young to stay with me. If I'm not with the Rangers, I'm in my workshop. If I get too caught up in my work, he'll possibly crawl off," Percy groaned as he continued.
"And if that doesn't happen, the pure heat will kill him." Percy, disappointed, nodded and turned back to the other Rangers. "So, you all have a pregnant wife?"
They all slowly nodded. "Funny how you all have a pregnant wife all within the year," Percy eyed all of them suspiciously, thinking their just saying that to get out of taking care of a newborn.
He shook his head. Rangers never lie to each other. That's the least they can do for each other. "Not everyone," Kyle look at the only female in the group, as did everyone else.
"Hunter," Percy had to try. Hunter was the only one who was single and had no kids. Hunter looked up, one of her hands twirling around a hunting knife. "What?" Hunter. Like Raven, no one knows her name, not even Percy. The main interrogater for the Rangers. Very deadly. Whenever she wants something, she always gets it.
"Hunter," she looked at Percy. "Will you-"
"No, I will not." Everyone sighed tiredly. How have they dealt with Hunter for fifteen thousand years?
"Hunter, just do it," Percy said, his voice filled with annoyance. "You're the only one who isn't in a relationship, I don't trust Daniel and Theseus if they take care of him." Hunter shook her head.
"No Percy. Let the girls take care of him, they'll love to do it." This time, it was his turn to shake his head.
"Katrina and Lacey would love to but they have their medical classes with Amelia. And Arina isn't the best with kids, it's not that she hates them, she just has little experience taking care of kids, especially newborns." Hunter didn't budge.
"Take him to the ward on Planet Chaos," Jason suggested, sensing a argument coming up between Percy and Hunter. The last time they had a argument... Jason shruddered. It wasn't pretty. You'd think that after fifteen hundred centuries, the elder Rangers would actually get along. Percy nodded as did everyone else.
"Everyone head there," Percy said. "I'll be there soon." Hunter was the first to leave. No one knows how she does it. She just appears and disappears. One by one, everyone disappeared in different ways. Some by fire, lightning, light, water, or having the ground swallow them up.
Percy looked back at the newborn, who was staring back at him. "If only I could take you with me," Percy murmured. "But the Fates said you must suffer before you can begin your journey. Like all great heroes." Percy kissed the newborn on the forehead before summoning a portal and walking through it.
Percy POV
"Come on Percy, hurry up," Anthony tapped his foot impatiently. "It's 4:30, the girls are about to wake up. If they see we're gone, we won't live to see the light of the day." I nodded, making sure Justin was wrapped in his bundle before gently laying him down in front of the doorstep of the ward created on Planet Chaos not even a week ago.
Justin looked at me, his brown eyes filled with a knowing look, as if he knew I was about to leave him. "Are you sure none of you can't take care of him?" I had to try one last time. I really want to take him with me, but his life will be more complicated with me, according to what the Fates said. If one of the Rangers took care of him, at least I'll know he'll be safe.
"How about I watch him along with the Rangers," everyone stared at him shocked, but Chase ignored them and continued. "And we'll report to you how he's doing every month. I quickly nodded. Jason shook his head slightly before handing me the note.
"I wrote it exactly how you wanted it," he said. "His father died a hero, his mother died at childbirth, his name is Justin." I nodded, setting the note beside him as I stood up.
"You said he's a legacy," Raven said. "But the legacy of who?" Everyone looked at me.
"Aether," I say. "He's the legacy of Aether." Their eyes widened in surprise. "His heritage is a bit complicated. His father is a legacy of Aether, but was in the House of Ouranos and his mother was a legacy of Erebus, but she was in the House of Chronos. Then of course, his parents originate from Nibearu."
Raven scowled. I forgot all about his past encounters with the Nibearians, all which have not been good encounters. "You're right," Anthony said. "He does have a complicated heritage." I nodded as Kyle spoke.
"If he's a legacy of Aether," Kyle looked at Justin, who squeezed his finger, giggling in delight as he did so. I smiled softly. "How come he doesn't look like him? I see no resemblance to Aether in him." I knocked on the door three times. "And another thing," Kyle y. "Why is there no trace of godly blood in him?" I opened my mouth, but the sounds of footsteps approaching stopped me.
"Let's go," I dissolved into shadows and reappeared at the edge of the forests. A few seconds later, they appeared beside me. No one said anything as the door opened, revealing a maid who looked around in confusion till Justin started to cry.
She looked down, exclaiming in surprise as she picked him up. "What are you doing out here alone?" She picked the note up and read it, reading it aloud as she did so. When she finished, she looked back at Justin. "Well Justin," she put the note in her pocket. "Let's go introduce you to the craftmasters." Slowly, she closed the door.
"Back to my question," Kyle said looking back at me. "If he's a legacy of Aether, how come there is no trace of godly blood in him?" I opened my hand, where a small ball swirled in my hand, the colors black, white, blue, and gold swirling around in it.
"His mother and father wanted to be careful," I say. "After the incident with the Justin's home wasn't attacked for a reason. Who attacks a village full of innocent people just to do it?" They just stared at me. "Let me rephrase that, who would attack a village with two former fighters from the Primordial Army?"
"Someone who wants something," Shane said. "Or someone who wanted Justin." I nodded.
"Keep an eye on him," I say. "Like I said before, I feel like he's going to play a important part in the future. I want to see what type of person he grows up into."
Eight years later
Justin POV
"But what do we know of him?" I heard Marissa say as I quietly snuck up to the door.
"We don't know anything, Marissa," Aaron said before continuing. "All we know is there was a note, saying his mother died at childbirth and his father died a hero. Nothing more, nothing less." I pressed myself up against the door, desperately trying to figure something out about my parents.
Where are my manners? I'm Justin. I live at the ward on Planet Chaos. I'm eight years old, but with how small I am, people often mistake me for being younger. And last, but not least, I have no last name, and no parents. Yes, everyone here at the ward has no parents, but at least they know their parents. I don't even know mine.
"Did the servant see anyone?" Aaron suggested. I waited, maybe the servent saw someone that might give me a clue on who my parents are. That thought vanished in an instant.
"She didn't see anyone but she felt like someone was watching her, or better yet, watching Justin. Afterwards, nothing." Megan said sighing. My heart dropped, if Dallas hears this, I'll never hear the end of it.
Oh, and let's not forget Dallas, who's been picking on me for almost two years now.
"But the question remains though," Marissa said. "Who brought him here? If his mother died at childbirth and his father died a hero, then who took care of him? Someone must've already known of the ward and brought him here before anyone else." I've been wondering about that myself.
"It wasn't anyone in the city," Megan said. Megan is one of the most sweetest people you'll ever meet. Not to mention she's one of the prettiest woman here at the ward. All the other male craftmasters chase after her, but have no luck. Plus she's one of the few people who actually care about me and treat me like a regular human being.
"But the only people who know of the ward before it was created are..." Aaron trailed off. I could literally sense the dread and suspicion in his words.
"Who Aaron?" Megan asked.
"The King and the Council." My eyes widened. I'm pretty sure everyone else's did too.
"Is he a child of one of the gods," Megan suggested. I could barely suppress the snort. Me? A child of a god? If I am, somehow, the child of a god, I wouldn't be too mad at them. I'm a embarrassment, so if they abandoned me, I would understand completely.
"He couldn't be," Aaron said. "If he was, he would've already been claimed by one of them."
"So the kid has no parents," Michael said. "He has my deepest condolences." Michael is the sword instructor for the wardmates. He's supposed to train them in every weapon, but he only trains them with the sword, which the wardmates don't mind. I actually have a interest in the bow, but that's the weapon he hates the most. It seems everyone hates the stuff I like.
"Michael," Aaron said. "Go wake Justin up." My eyes widened. I quickly turned to leave but the door already opened, making me fall down in front of Michael and everyone else, who stared at me in shock.
After a few minutes of shocked silence, it was broken by Megan. "Justin," Michael pulled me up, none too gently either.
"Yes?" I looked down at the ground, already thinking of what cruel punishment their going to give me for eavesdropping. "You are the first child to appear in the ward, but you aren't the oldest. You are the only one with nothing of your past, do you remember anything?" She glared at everyone else, sending them a silent message to not say anything.
"No ma'am," I muttered. "I don't know who my parents are and I don't know who brought me here."
"Justin," she spoke in a softer tone. "Look at me." I continued to glare at the ground, trying to drill a hole into the floor. "Justin." This time, she said it in a more sterner tone. "Look at me. Reluctantly, I slowly looked up at her. "Do you remember anything?" I shook my head. "From your whole life?" I looked at her confused. What is she talking about? "Have you felt like someone's been watching you?" She asked.
I quickly nodded. "All the time." I earned looks of surprise and confusion.
"All the time?" Aaron asked. I nodded.
"My whole life, I felt like I was being watched. There was one time I snuck off into the forests-" I quickly covered my mouth, since we're forbidden to venture into the forest alone. I can only hope he didn't hear that.
"You what?" Aaron hissed. I guess he did. Now I can only pray he'll let me go unpunished.
"Aaron," Marissa put her hand on his shoulder. "It was probably one time. You can let it go just this once." Aaron, thankfully, nodded. I silently thanked her and continued.
"When I ran into the forests, I ran into a animal. It looked like a wolf, but this wolf was much larger and looked like it could rip a man in half with ease. It had silvery white fur, but it's eyes were what had my attention. They were black, with little black specks moving around in them." Everyone frowned and looked worried except for Michael, who scoffed, obviously not believing what I'm saying.
"Aaron," Marissa said. "Is something wrong? You seem deep in thought." Aaron looked at me. His eyes showing many emotions at once, but before I could see what emotions they were, they vanished.
"Just the wolf Justin described," he says, his eyes still glued on me. "It just sounds very familiar."
"Oh come on Aaron," Michael said, his voice tinged with annoyance. "He's obviously lying, he's just saying that to get himself out of trouble." Aaron put his hand up, silencing everyone. Aaron has that effect on people. There's a rumor Aaron was in the Primordial Army for thousands of years, serving right beside the King himself, but he retired to get some peace and quiet.
"Everyone knows of the King becoming a primordial, correct?" Everyone nodded except for me.
"What are you all talking about?" Aaron looked at me.
"After the war with Order." I opened my mouth to speak but he spoke again. "You will learn more about this when you get older." I nodded as he continued. "About five thousand years after the King became a primordial, the Council gave him a gift."
"What kind of gift?" I asked curiously. Everyone glared at me save for Aaron, who merely smiled.
"A wolf." Everyone's eyes widened. "The King loves hunting, but he likes going without his powers, only using his senses. The Queen, worried about her husband's safety, tried telling him but he never listened. You should've seen their arguments." Aaron smiled, as if the thought amused him. "The Council created a animal to accompany him on his adventures. He accepted, easing his wife's worries. As time passed, the King and his pet did everything together. After some more arguing, the Queen finally let his pet sleep in their bed. The next day, something weird happened."
"What?" Megan asked curiously. She was wanting to hear more, as did I. No one knows much about the King's personal life, but Aaron speaks as if he was there personally to experience it.
"The wolf changed. It grew bigger for one. Not massive, but bigger than any other wolf. It's fur changed from pure white to a silvery white color. Its eyes were a silver color with little black specks in them, instead of being a light blue." He looked at me. "Exactly how Justin described the wolf he encountered." Everyone stared at me shocked. "The wolf and the King developed a bond so strong the wolf became his sacred animal. Something that has never happened before. A few thousand years back, a prophecy was said. Going around the universe. Many believed it was nonsense, but there were those who believed its words."
"What kind of prophecy?" Marissa asked. Aaron shrugged.
"Just some nonsense some crazy lady was sprouting Marissa," he says before frowning slightly. "I'll tell you if I can recall it." He paced back and forth, muttering words till he snapped his fingers. "I remember parts of it, but not all of it."
"Well, let's hear it Aaron." Michael said annoyed. Aaron shrugged.
"Something about a alpha choosing. Choosing someone destined for greatness. Chosen to end all evil in the universe." Michael threw his hands in the air, a look of annoyance on his face.
"That doesn't explain anything!" Aaron calmly looked at Michael.
"It explains everything Michael." Everyone looked at him confused, me included. "The King's wolf is an alpha. Alpha of all wolves." Everyone's eyes widened before turning to me, but I was still confused.
"You think this prophecy resolves around Justin?" Marissa asked. My eyes widened.
Michael laughed. "I'm sorry, but Justin," he pointed at me. "Is supposed to end all evil in the universe?" Usually, I would feel insulted by this, but he's right. I can't even defend myself from Dallas and his friends, what makes you think I can end all evil in the universe?
"Do not judge him by how he looks now," Aaron looked at me. "He is only eight. He still has seven years, much can happen between now and then. Besides," he reached into his drawer and pulled out a necklace with two swords on it in a X formation, one silver and one black. "This is coming from rumors around the universe. No one knows if it's true or not."
"Leave." He turned towards the window, eyes closed, rubbing the necklace. His lips were moving, but no words were coming out. It looked as though he was praying. "I need to think about some things." One by one, everyone left, I was the last.
I stepped out into the hallway, getting ready to close his door till a cool breeze swept through the hallway, making me shiver. The shadows reached out from everywhere; the walls, even my own shadow, all forming shapes. I was frozen in fear, unable to move or do anything. A flash of light caught my attention. Snapping me out of my terrified state. I stood stone still as the shadows moved past me towards Aaron's office.
Pushing down my fear, I slowly peeked through his door and barely restrained the scream that nearly escaped my lips. A intimidating figure towered over Aaron's 6'3 height. The figure's back was towards me, so I was unable to see his face. He wore a black cloak that had little dots moving around it while it drifted to the floor.
"Aaron." His voice resonated through Aaron's office, full of power and authority. Even though I wasn't close, he had a aura that surrounded him. A very powerful aura. It made me weak in the knees and made my skin itch. My mind was screaming at me. Danger! Danger! This guy is seriously powerful! A crown rested on his head, having the same effect like his cloak. The colors silver, black, and white swirled around the crown in perfect harmony, entrancing all who look in it.
Aaron turned toward him.
"Perseus."
Three years later
Justin POV
"Justin!" I heard Aaron shout my name. "Ashley, get back here!" Me and Ashley ran into the forests, giggling like mad men with Aaron hot on our tail. I pulled Ashley, my best friend along.
"Come on," I say. "I know a spot where he'll never find us, but you have to be good at climbing." She nodded as I pulled her deeper into the forests. Aaron forbids any ward mate to venture into the forests alone without a supervisor.
But I'm not alone. I have a supervisor, he's just very angry. "Come on," Ashley said looking back. "Aaron's starting to catch up." I looked around, my head shooting back and forth. Where is it? I thought looking around before I finally spotted it. I quickly pulled Ashley along till we stood in front of a pretty big tree.
"Now," I said releasing her hand and grabbed a sturdy tree branch. "We climb." I started to scale the tree with relative ease, climbing always has been easy for me. Plus I'm more at peace in high places, I don't know why.
Once I was high enough in the tree where the branches and shadows obscured me from vision, I turn to Ashley. "Come on," I extended my hand out to her. She looked at the tree, her expression unsure.
"No thanks Justin," she said. "I'll stay here. On solid ground. Where I'm safe." I rolled my eyes.
"Aaron isn't going to be happy if he catches you," I reminded her.
She glared at me. "Aaron isn't going to be happy at all, Justin." Aaron's voice grew louder. He would find us any minute if Ashley didn't make up her mind.
"Why won't you climb anyway?" I ask. "You're staring at the tree like it's your worst nightmare." She glared at me some more.
"I have a fear of heights." Oh yeah, I forgot about that. Ashley has a huge fear of heights, arcophobia, I think that's what everyone calls it.
"I'll help you," I extended my hand out further to her. "I won't let you fall. I promise." Slowly, she hesitantly grabbed a branch. "Use your feet," I say. "Don't put your full weight on your arms. You'll snap the branch."
"I know Justin." Ashley also has a problem with pride. Much like that jerk Dallas. I thought bitterly.
Dallas Caraway. Michael's star student. Michael isn't supposed to let trainees under twelve wield a sword, but Dallas is. Ashley and a few of my friends were friends with him, till they became my friends. I may be slow and clueless, but I'm not dumb. Most of my time here, I never really had any friends. Megan and Aaron, a couple of craftmasters, don't really count as friends.
When they first talked to me, I thought they were messing around with me. Toying with me because Dallas thinks it'll be fun. I talked to them, but was suspicious of them for a while. But, as time passed, that suspicion has died out long ago, although I still have that doubt, as if they aren't really my friends.
Ashley cried out, snapping me out of my thoughts. "Justin, help." She said frantically, her feet dangling in midair. I quickly reached down, grabbing her hand and pulling her up with relative ease. I'm not that strong. I thought surprised. Ashley wrapped her arms around me, her body slightly trembling. She was clutching onto me like I was her lifeline. My cheeks felt like they were on fire.
I forgot to mention I have a crush on Ashley, a huge one. Even though she was eleven, like me, everyone could tell she would grow up into a beautiful woman. A beautiful woman I would love to spend the rest of my life with. "Thank you." My voice apparently gave up on me, so all I could do was nod my head.
"Best we hide," I finally managed to say. "Don't want Aaron to catch us." She nodded and slowly released me, her cheeks slightly red.
I started to look around, trying to find a spot for Ashley to hide. The sound of bushes rustling made me look faster. "Justin, hurry!" She whispered frantically. "Aaron's nearly here." I continued to look around. There were more hiding spots, but they were higher up in the tree, and I knew Ashley wasn't going to climb any higher than she already is, plus there wasn't enough time.
"I can't find one," I said. "There are more, but they're higher up in the tree. You're already scared being this high, I don't want to scare you any more."
"Is there anywhere else near us I could hide in?" I opened my mouth but she spoke again. "Without me having to climb any higher than I already am?" I looked at my spot. It was completely shrouded in darkness, the branches twisting and turning, making it hard for someone to find another person.
She followed my line of sight and saw my spot. "Oh, Justin that's perfect." She carefully moved toward me.
"Ashley," I say. She stopped and looked at me. "This is where I was going to hide. But you can hide here, I can quickly scale the tree and find another spot-"
"No," she shook her head. She was blushing to the roots of her hair before turning away from me. "It's fine," she said, "I mean, it's not like you're going to do anything. Besides, I trust you." Having no choice, I got in my spot and she sat in my lap.
My cheeks were so hot I was afraid they were going to catch fire. "Just don't make a sound and we should be good," I whispered into her ear as Aaron emerged from the bushes with twigs and grass in his hair, grumbling and cursing.
"Where are those two?" He muttered looking around. "Their footprints lead here." He continued to look around the clearing, searching the bushes till he finally stopped in front of the tree we're in. He slowly looked around, scanning over everything before looking up, right at us. His piercing blue eyes looking right up at us. Ashley, no doubt felt uncomfortable under Aaron's piercing gaze and tried to shift but I stopped her.
"Justin, Ashley," he called out. "I know you're up there. Come on down." Ashley sighed and got ready to move, but I tightened my grip on her, stopping her.
"Don't," I say quietly, observing Aaron very closely. "I don't think he knows we're here."
"What are you talking about?" She whispered back. "He's already found us."
"I don't think he did," I said. "I think he's suspicious, because our tracks lead to the tree, but we're pretty high in the tree. Plus he knows about your fear of heights. Due to that and your stubbornness, you wouldn't go up very high, especially in a tree this high." Ashley turned her head enough so I could see her eyes... Her beautiful emerald eyes... I shook my head.
"I don't know if I want to slap you or if I should compliment you."
"I'd appreciate it if you didn't slap me," I focused back on Aaron, who hasn't moved from his spot. "Let's stay here. Don't move or make any noise." She nodded slightly.
I don't know how I came up with that theory, but I feel like that's what he's doing. Aaron continued to stare at us, it felt like his blue eyes were piercing through my soul.
After a few tense minutes, he sighed. "I thought that would work," he muttered turning around. "I'm actually starting to regret leaving." I frowned. Leave what? Once we were sure Aaron walked through the bushes and his voice subsided, I released a breath I didn't know I was holding.
"That was too close," Ashley said, shifting her position in my lap.
"What are you two doing out here?" The voice was sudden, and it certainly wasn't mine or Ashley's. Ashley jumped, startled, losing her grip on the branch she was using to support herself. I quickly grabbed her hand, but the strength I had from before was gone. "Easy there." A hand suddenly grabbed my collor and pulled me back onto the sturdy branch, Ashley landing right next to me.
"Are you okay?" I decided to ignore the mysterious voice for now and focus on my best friend, who's skin isn't supposed to be paler than a sheet. "Ashley," I gently shook her shoulder. She looked at me. "You okay?"
"Yeah," she nodded her head. "I'm fine, thank you for saving me again."
"It wasn't me who pulled you up," I looked around.
"Justin," she said confused. "What are you talking about?"
I looked at her. "I would've went with you when you fell," I said. "I didn't pull us up. Someone else did." Ashley stared at me like I was crazy, but I wasn't, I'd know if I was. I continued to look around. There's no way someone could be up here without us or Aaron finding them. Plus, there aren't enough hiding spots in this tree.
"So," I heard someone say. I jumped. The voice was male, but it sounded like they were right beside me. That's impossible though, like shined in all around us, and there's no way someone could've been here before us, it's only nine in the morning... Everyone should be eating breakfast still. "Let's try this again. If possible, I would like to talk without anyone jumping or falling out of trees." Ashley's eyes widened. I continued to look around, the voice was so close. There was no logical way someone could be this close without me or Ashley knowing, unless...
I reached my arms out, swinging them in wide arcs. "Justin," Ashley said slowly. "What exactly are you doing?" I ignored her and continued to swing my arms around in wide arcs. I continued to do that, but didn't find or hit anything. I was confused. So where's the voice coming from then? "Where are you?" I looked at Ashley, whose emerald eyes were scanning over every little detail.
The voice didn't reply. "Let's go Ashley," I say. "It's probably Dallas playing a prank on us. He probably stole one of Aaron's voice recorders and placed it in the tree."
"That wasn't Dallas," she said. "The voice was way too deep to be Dallas's, and Dallas couldn't climb to save his life. There's no way he could and would climb this high." I didn't say anything, but Ashley did have a point. Dallas couldn't climb, and the voice was filled with power, unlike Dallas, whose voice was filled with arrogance.
"You're right," I nodded my head. "Let's go." I moved towards Ashley till something caught my eye. A glint. "What's that?" I moved back to my original spot, much to Ashley's annoyance.
"Justin, I'm leaving. See you on the bottom." I knew Ashley was just trying to get me to leave. She won't even look down without knowing I'm not watching. I looked back and saw her still sitting on the branch, glaring at me.
"Knew you wouldn't leave without me."
"Shut up." I smirked and turned back to the glint. It was still there, but it shifted, if that's possible. Instead of being out of arms reach, it was within arms reach. I reached out to the glint. I grabbed the glint and quickly pulled my hand back. I was bleeding. A straight line, like I dragged something sharp across my skin. I looked back at the glint and realized, with a sudden horror, it was a weapon.
I looked closer and saw clothing. So there is someone else here. I thought shocked. I reached out and grabbed the clothing. Suddenly, the most striking blue eyes I've ever seen seemingly appeared out of nowhere. I gasped, losing my grip on the branch I was sitting on.
I would've fell out of the tree, but a body appeared out of the shadows, their hand shooting out and grabbing my arm and pulling me onto the tree branch. Ashley screamed, but it was cut short when the same hand shot out and covered her mouth. Suddenly, I was lifted up into the air by a unknown force and landed beside Ashley on the branch.
"Shhh," he put his free hand towards his mouth. I couldn't see anything where his face was at, only darkness and the glowing eyes. I felt Ashley's hand reach out and grab mine. I squeezed back, telling her I'm here. The figure's eyes slowly trailed down to where mine and Ashley's hands where interlaced.
"Please," I managed to get out. "Don't hurt her." He looked back up, his gaze fixed on me. The glowing eyes died away slowly, leaving darkness where his hood covered his face.
When he spoke, his voice was like Ashley described, full of power and deep, but I also detected kindness. "I'm going to let you go, alright." I nodded shakily, as did Ashley. "I don't want you to jump out of the tree, screaming your head. If you do, I will not hurt you nor will I stop you, but you will look like fools running back to the ward." I'm fine with that. I'll even run back in my boxers than be in this position. "Deal?" Ashley looked at me.
I desperately wanted to tell Ashley to run, but I had the feeling this mysterious figure wasn't mortal, and something would happen if we tried to run. Plus, with the speed and grace this person showed, he'd catch us before we even hit the ground. "Deal." Ashley stared at me like I was crazy.
"Wise choice." He removed his hand from Ashley's mouth. She immediately scooted next to me, her hand still gripping mine.
"Who are you?" I knew sounding intimidating wouldn't work on whoever this was, so I decided to try the peaceful solution. He didn't answer, only move past us silently and sat on a branch in the sun where we could finally see him. When I finally got a good look at him, my fear only rose to greater heights instead of going down. I'm sure Ashley felt the same way.
He was easily 6'5, maybe 6'6, definitely taller than everyone in the ward. He wore a black cloak that dangled over the edges of the branch, but it looked like it shifted, merging itself with the background. Just staring at it made me dizzy. A massive black bow resided on his back along with a quiver. A pair of sheathes were strapped on his waist, most likely holding some other weapons that could kill me in seconds. He rolled around a coin that was in his hand. I looked at it and saw it was gold, one side had a lightning bolt till he tossed it in the air.
He caught it again and I saw the other side with four letters, SPQR. What's that supposed to mean? I thought. "We should run," Ashley whispered, snapping me out of my thoughts. "While he's still distracted." I shook my head.
"I don't think we'll be able to get away," I whispered looking at her. "And besides, if he actually wanted to hurt us, he would've already done it. I'm going to talk to him."
"Justin!" Before Ashley could could stop me, I moved away from her and moved towards him.
Call me crazy or whatever you want, but usually you can tell when someone wanted to hurt you. I sat a few feet away from him. His head tilted to the side slightly, and I caught a glimpse of those striking blue eyes. "Who are you?" He turned toward me, and I sensed a powerful aura around him, being this close to him made my skin itch.
"Do you want to know why I'm here, Justin?"
"How do you know my name?"
He chuckled and pointed at Ashley. "Your friend tends to say your name a lot."
"Oh," I blushed in embarrassment. I should've known better. "Right. But back to my original question, why are you here?"
"I'm just checking up on you Justin," I frowned. Checking up on me? What does he mean? I don't know why I said it, but judging from how he said that, it's clear he's been watching me for sometime.
"Do you know my parents?" I couldn't see his face, but I could see his eyes. I could see surprise in them before it quickly vanished.
"No," he said. "I don't know your parents," I was about to confront him till he said something that surprised me. "But someone else does. The same person who gives me and others the orders to watch over you. I know you're desperate to know about your parents but you must wait. Your parents origins are... deadly. And if any knowledge about your parents is leaked out into the universe, dangerous people will be after you Justin." My eyes widened.
Despite what he just told me, my desperation was replaced with curiousity. This could mean two things. I thought. My parents are either really good people who others in the universe want dead. Or, my parents are really bad people who angered other bad people, thus my heritage is unknown for a reason. He stood up.
"I must go Justin," he said. "Duty calls." Surprisingly, I was disappointed he had to go. "And Justin," I looked at him. "I thinks it's time you do something about Dallas Caraway." My eyes widened. "For four years, that boy has continuously picked on you, bullied you, and has overall made your life hard. It's time to take a stand. Prove to him there's much more to you then meets the eye." He jumped out of the tree.
I quickly looked over the edge but when I did, he was gone. He didn't just disappear into thin air, did he? "Justin," I turned back to Ashley, who was very slowly, making her way to me. "Let's go, please. I'd like to be on solid ground again."
Linebreak
The first person to speak when we entered the ward? Dallas. "Well, look who decided to show up for breakfast. Ashley and pipsqueak."
"Dallas, shut up," Ashley pulled me along. "Today's not the day." Dallas shrugged as Ashley walked past him, but he stood up in front of me, blocking my path.
Face to face, Dallas easily towered over me, like a giant. Sometimes, I think he's twelve or older. "Maybe you should find some friends," he whispered before stepping toward me. "Some real friends." He looked at Ashley and Mallorie.
I also looked at them, slowly starting to understand what he was meaning. He can't be referring to Ashley... Is he? No. I shook my head. Dallas is trying to get into my head, make me now question my friendship. He already has me questioning my very existence.
"Dallas," we both looked at Aaron. "Go back to your table. Justin," I was already heading to my table. I knew Aaron would be scolding me for running from him, and have me apologize to chef Chubb for eating some of his cake. But whenever Dallas is around, anything that I did and will get in trouble for is forgotten.
"Where have you been?" George whispered. "Lunch is almost over." I sat down at the table and looked at him. George is somewhat similar to me, but we have our differences. George's hair is also brown, but his is a lighter brown, while mine is darker. George loves to study; scrolls, history, anything, even newspapers. He isn't shy, he just prefers to study then associate with other humans.
"Hiding from Aaron," I whispered back. Mallorie looked up from a book that I just now noticed.
"Hey Justin," she smiled at me before raising the book for me to see. "Look at this Justin, this is a pamphlet that was sitting on everyone's desk. The Primordial Army isn't the only army out there."
"But they're the best," George pointed out. I nodded my agreement. Mallorie rolled her eyes before speaking.
"King Tarken, a close friend to the King, accepts all type of soldiers, large and small." Ashley reached over and grabbed my hand. I blushed furiously, thankfully, no one noticed.
"See Justin," she tossed her head to the pamphlet. "Your parents could've been in any one of these armies, don't be so down all the time."
"I'm not down all the time," I say annoyed. "It's just," I shook my head frustrated. "If they really were in a army, and if they... if they did die in combat, surely they'd leave me letters and belongings," I looked at Ashley and everyone else. "Right?"
"Justin-"
"Don't tell me the same thing you always tell me Ashley," I say. "Tell me, wouldn't parents who love their child leave them some kind of sign? If it were the last time they'd see their child?"
None of them said anything. It's kind of hard to when you say something like that. I appreciate it they try and reassure me my parents haven't forgot about me, I really do, but it's been eleven years and I haven't received anything that's from my parents. I don't even know what date my birthday is. I've accepted the harsh truth. My parents are dead or they abandoned me.
"I have a guess on where your parents went," I heard someone say.
"Dallas, go away." Mallorie spat, glaring at Dallas, who walked around and sat down across from me.
"Why you so mean Mal?" Mallorie scowled.
"Is there something you need Dallas?" George asked. George, out of everyone at the table, was the only one who could speak to Dallas peacefully, despite how much we hate him.
"Yeah," Dallas leaned forward. "Why haven't you told him yet?" A look appeared on their face. Guilt? "I miss hanging out with you guys."
"We never hung out in the first place," Ashley said, glaring at Dallas. He looked at her.
"Of course," he said. "How did you put it," he tapped his chin. "Oh yes, I remember now. You said and I quote, 'I feel bad for him. No one talks to him, or even glances at him. I'm going to be his friend, but just till he finds friends. We're still friends Dallas.'" My eyes widened, as did Ashley's before they started to glisten with tears.
"And then you turn around and tell Justin that you two were going to be best friends." Ashley squeezed her eyes shut, but couldn't prevent the tears from spilling. "Your betrayal stings the most."
He looked at Mallorie and George. "You said the same thing, remember?" Mallorie's bottom lip trembled. George looked down, guilt clear as day on his face. Dallas looked at me, a smirk on his face. "You should thank me Justin, I did you a favor."
"You didn't do him a favor," Garrett stood up, glaring at Dallas. "You're just being a jerk, as always." Dallas raised an eyebrow.
"How am I being a jerk, Garrett? I did him a favor. I knew they wouldn't tell him. I did what they couldn't." Garrett clenched his fists.
During their exchange, I stood up from my seat and quickly made my way to the door, wiping away the tears that were spilling from my eyes. I should've known... I should've known better they were never my friends. "Justin!" I quickened my pace. "Justin," Ashley grabbed my arm and spun me around.
"What do you want?" I spat. She recoiled, a hurt expression on her face.
"Justin, I am so sorry," she pleaded. "Please, if you'll let me explain-"
"You shouldn't have done it in the first place," I say quietly. "If you were, you should've just left me alone. It would've been the nicest thing to do." I headed for the door but she stopped me again. This time, I threw her arm off. "I've heard enough," I hiss, shoving her away from me.
"And you want to join the Primordial Army!" Dallas shouted. "You can't even defend yourself here. What makes you think you can defend yourself against those trying to kill you?" I froze in front of the door. Jason's words rung in my ears.
"For four year, that boy has continuously picked on you, bullied you, and overall made your life hard. It's time to take a stand. Prove to him there's more to you than meets the eye." Is this what Jason was talking about? Did he somehow know this would happen?
"You know what Dallas?" I turned away from the door and walked towards him. "You're right. I should thank you, because you helped me realize a true friendship from a fake one." Ashley flinched when I said this. "And while I may not know who my parents are, I do know this." I looked up at him. "You're a bully. "That's all that you are. A bully who preys on the weak."
"Really?" He towered over me. "And just what are you going to do about it?" He shoved me back into a table. "Hmm? What are you going to do about it pipsqueak?" I stood back up, glaring at him.
I clenched my fists.
"This." I drove my fist straight into his nose.
Anthony POV
"Kid pacts a pretty good left hook," Kane said impressed and slightly amused, watching the fight between Justin and Dallas. I glanced at him before turning back to the fight, which only escalated.
"Indeed," Preston said quietly. I watched as the craftmaster Aaron pulled Justin back while Michael, whom I dislike, pulled Dallas back. Justin managed to get out of Aaron's grip and lunged at Dallas, who was still in Michael's grip. He delivered a devastating blow to Dallas's jaw before Aaron wrapped his arms around him and pulled him away.
Kid reminds me of myself when I was a kid. I thought amused till I shook my head. What am I talking about? I'm still like that. I was brought out of my thoughts when Percy spoke. "Let's go." Raven groaned.
"But Perce," he whined. "It was just getting good."
Percy rolled his eyes and spoke. "You can watch me and Anthony fight. That should be exciting enough for you."
"It gets boring knowing who's going to win every time," he said. "And besides, I think Preston is tired of losing his money. So is everyone else, I need something new to gamble." I rolled my eyes as Percy shadow traveled away, signaling he went back to the Void.
"Looks like that's our cue," I said before vapor traveling away. Instead of appearing in the Void like I thought I would've, I appeared outside the ward with Percy. I looked at him. "I take it this is a matter for me and you?" He nodded. "What's up?" He moved his hand around, forming random shapes such as dogs and other things with the ground.
For a while, neither of us said anything. Percy continued to form random shapes till I finally spoke. "Can you tell me why you summoned me here?"
"The craftsmasters aren't doing their jobs correctly." I was surprised at the sudden question. "They have favorites, something they shouldn't even think of. Many kids with potential commit suicide because of that. I've even seen it in famlies, I want you to put an end to it." A wolf walked out of the forest, Percy's sacred animal. It walked toward him and started to circle him, sniffing me before laying down at his feet and closing its eyes.
"I hate that wolf," I said. The wolf opened its eyes, revealing those black and silver eyes. The wolf looked up at Percy, who looked down at it. Shadow, I think that's what he named it.
"Shadow said he hates you too," Percy said looking back at me. "He doesn't like it when you attack me."
"Well tell him I don't like it when he attacks me," I replied back, glaring at Shadow, who glared back at me, no doubt trying to scare me. Suddenly, I realized what Percy wanted me to do. "That's what you want me to do?" Percy looked at me confused. "Isn't it?"
"I'm sorry?"
You want me to scare them?" I asked. He smirked.
"I don't care what you do," he said. "Just don't hurt them."
I nodded. "And what about Michael?" He scowled, his face morphing into that of disgust. I know Percy dislikes Michael because of how he treats the boy, Justin. But then again, Michael is the type of person that Percy would enjoy hurting.
"If he tries to argue or do anything, you know what to do." I nodded as he continued. "The other craftmasters, unlike Michael, have a brain. And don't hurt Aaron, he's one of my dearest friends." I nodded again as he put his hand on my shoulder. "I don't want you doing that either." He spoke in a serious tone, which meant something was not meant to take lightly, but I don't know what he's talking about.
"What are you talking about?"
"Camille noticed you were favoring Helen more than Evelynn. She wanted me to speak to you about it, if you or any of the other Rangers who have inexperience with kids, don't be afraid to ask me. I have five and Jason has three. We're happy to help." I nodded, but then smirked. "You and Vivian are getting pretty busy, huh?"
He snorted. "Hardly. I actually have three birth children, two adopted." He said before smirking."At least I can control myself. You finally proposed after fifteen thousand years and not even a hundred years into your marriage, you already have two children. At least my three birth children all have a five thousand year old difference unlike yours, who only have a five second difference." I glared at him, making his smirk turn into a grin.
"Whatever," I said rolling my eyes. "You know why most people are scared to ask you for help right?" He nodded. "You're a walking bomb."
"I returned that blessing from Void and all the other immortals, so I can get mad and not blow up the universe. Plus I don't even use the sword of Void, Chaos, or Order anymore." He said shrugging his shoulders, as if that solves the problem.
"True," I said, "but you still have the power that rival Void's power because of the domains you received when you became a primordial." He nodded again till his expression suddenly became sad and guilty. "You know why we're so powerful," I glanced at him. "Is their tomb safe?" I nodded.
"Been safe for the last fifteen thousand years Perce. Those who heeded our warning left, those who didn't..." He nodded.
"I do not like killing explores merely searching for gold and riches and other things. What we discovered was pure evil. Something we nearly released on to the universe." I knew he was trying to get away from the topic, but I wasn't going to let him. We need to talk about this now. We've been putting it off for fifteen thousand years.
"Henry and the others who retired after the incident made shrines for them and the other fallen Rangers," I said. "They're beautiful, you should go see it whenever you can, it'll take your breath away." He nodded as I spoke again. "Has Henry found a cure?" He shook his head.
"Nothing." I pursed my lips, that wasn't the answer I wanted to hear.
"He needs to hurry," he murmured. 'We only have about five years left. Maybe six at the most." I stared at him shocked.
"No," I shook my head. "Henry estimated we had around a thousand years left." He shook his head and pulled out a hunting knife.
"He estimated wrong." He dragged it across his hand. I watched as silver ichor, blood of the primordials flow out till red veins appeared on his hand. I've seen that more than I'd like to. I thought bitterly as the wound slowly closed up.
I thought he was fine but when I looked at his face, I saw the same thing on his neck and ever so slowly was making its way up. "We don't have a thouand years." The red veins disappeared. If it's nearly corrupted Percy, me and the others aren't far behind him. A day, two at the most. I thought shocked.
"But when we died, it should've also died, right?" He shook his head.
"We weren't dead long enough. Yes, Hades granted us immediate entry to Elysium but we were on the border between life and death when Void snatched us up. So we weren't technically dead." We fell into silence, both of us mulling over this new discovery.
"Are the others safe from it? Like Tyler and ?" I questioned while he nodded.
"It's just the eldest, plus Henry and the other retired Rangers."
"Surely we could fight it," he snorted.
"Look how well that went the first time."
"We were at the heart," I said. "We didn't know what we were fighting against."
"You were there when it corrupted Danielle and the others Anthony." I grimaced, but nodded. "Do you really want that to happen again?"
"Percy," I said. "Back then, we didn't have anything. But now, we have everything. We could easily use one of the three swords to destroy it, permanently." He looked at me.
"And what if they are still alive?" I knew what he was talking about, but I didn't want to talk about it.
"Their bodies may be intact, but their souls?" I shook my head. "They're gone. Emotionally and mentally." His eyes narrowed.
"You would abandoned your family?" I stormed towards him.
"Do not talk to me about abandonment!" I shoved him back roughly. Shadow jumped up, snapping and baring his teeth at me. Percy's eyes flashed dangerously. "You seen what it did personally! I want to hope they're still in there, I really do. But I don't want to bring them to our home and have them bring destruction and death to everyone and everything, all because they aren't themselves. Then that'll force us to kill them." His shoulders slumped. He knew I was right. "I can't live with more guilt Percy. I know you can't either, besides, that explosion was so powerful it shook the planet right down to the core. Their bodies may have disintegrated."
He nodded. "You're right. I'm sorry, it's just-" He struggled to find the right words but I understood what he meant. It's a sore topic for all the Rangers, even Hunter.
"I still have a small sliver of hope they're still in there. But you and I both know we have to go back before this corrupts us for good. Vivian is already suspicious about the Rangers. It won't be long before she tells everyone else." He nodded.
"I know Anthony." Without knowing, he reached into his pocket and pulled out Riptide, a sword I haven't seen in thousands of years. He started to twirl the pen around. "Let's put this behind us for now," he said, staring off into the distance. "I'll head to the City, contact Henry and tell him to speed things up. In the meantime, go teach the craftsmasters a lesson. Afterwards, meet me at Henry's place along with the others." I nodded as the light grew brighter till it suddenly died down. "If I use the Sword of Order, what would happen?" I thought about that.
"Well, since Order is the opposite of Chaos, despite their names. The Sword of Order will most likely erase whatever you direct its energy towards." He nodded. "Why?" I questioned.
"Because we might have to go along with your plan. Is it possible I can direct its energy into something smaller? Like a dagger?" I nodded.
"Since you are Order, you can direct its energy into anything or anyone. And if you need more, you can always transfer the energy from your domain, to the sword or whatever it is you'll be using. You'll basically have a infinite amount." He nodded and started to dissolve into water.
"Thanks Anthony, I'll see you soon." I nodded.
"Alright craftsmasters," I closed my eyes. "Where are you?" I used the water around me to find Aaron and the craftmasters. Thankfully, they were all in Aaron's office. "Perfect," I opened my eyes. "All in one spot. Saves me time." With that settled, I vapor traveled to Aaron's office.
Aaron POV
"What's gotten into the lad?" I sat down in my chair, rubbing my head. "Out of all his time here, Justin has never acted so rash, much less start a fight."
"Aaron," I looked at Megan. "If I may?" I nodded.
"Go ahead, Megan."
"Despite Justin's calm attitude, Dallas has been giving Justin a very hard time for almost nine years." She said Dallas's name in hate. Megan cares for Justin like he's her own son, so it's not surprising she holds large amounts of disliking towards Dallas and his friends. "And after experiencing a devastating betrayal from his "supposed friends", Justin most likely snapped." Michael snorted.
Megan looked at him with a icy look. "Do you find something funny, Michael?"
"Yes actually," he said. "I find the story you're telling everyone quite funny." Megan narrowed her eyes.
"And how so? Does the truth amuse you?"
"Okay, the boy's friends aren't really his friends," he shrugged. "Boo-hoo, he has my deepest condolences. If the boy would actually try and make friends, this wouldn't have happened. The girl pitied him. If he wasn't so pitiful, the girl wouldn't have lied to him." Megan glared at him.
"It's kind of hard to try and make friends when the same people continuously pick on you for nine years," Megan spat. "When something like that happens, it tends to smash your hopes and your confidence." Michael rolled his eyes.
"Then maybe he should go and work out, get muscle, start defending himself."
"Like I said," Megan's voice was tinged with annoyance. "It's kind of hard to do anything when you're constantly picked on for nine years."
"Then maybe he should've told one of the craftmasters."
"He has!" Everyone stared at Megan surprised, who glared at Michael murderously. "He's told every craftmaster in this entire ward about Dallas," she pointed a finger at Michael. "Your student, who bullies him because he knows Justin won't do anything. It's not in Justin's blood to hurt someone, and Dallas knows it. That's why he picks on Justin. The only people that do something about Dallas is everyone else in this room minus you." She stood up from the chair she was sitting in and stormed towards the door.
"Mark my words," she said stopping at the door. "Good things will happen to Justin, and he will grow up and become a great person. He's going to change this universe for the better, I know he will." She opened the door and stepped outside, slamming the door on the way out.
"Glad she's gone," Michael said rolling his eyes. "Kid wants to get into the Primordial Army, but you can't get in just by being soft. You got to be strong and fierce."
"True Michael," a voice said. A voice that certainly didn't belong to no one in the room. "But you got to also be wise, intelligent, and willing to go far, farther than anyone else. And that means sacrificing your life, even for someone you don't like."
"Whose there?" Michael demanded.
"Someone you don't want to ever meet," the voice said. "And someone you should never anger." Someone walked out of the shadows. Blood drained from my face. That's not good if they have to interfere. The figure was tall, around 6'3, maybe 6'4. They wore a black cloak, but beneath the cloak, I knew they were wearing the most beautiful, gleaming silver armor that anyone will ever lay eyes on. But that beautiful armor belongs to the most deadliest fighters in the universe.
A bow was slung over his back, a longbow, along with a quiver filled with pitch black arrows that can pierce even the strongest armor in the universe with ease. Two sheathes were on his hips, both carrying twin hunting knives that have split more blood than every mass murderer and warlord combined.
Darkness obscured their face from vision, along with the hood they wore. Out of all this, two deep blue eyes glowed in the darkness the hood provided. Two deep blue eyes I've seen more than I'd like to. And sadly, I know exactly who this is and why he's here.
"Hello Aaron," he looked at me with those glowing ocean blue eyes. Those ocean blue eyes that burned with power beyond imagining. "How's your new job treating you?" I didn't say anything. He turned to Michael, who stared at him shocked before it changed to anger.
"Just who do you think you ar-" He was cut off when Ranger Anthony's hand shot towards him and lifted him up by the throat. Marissa reached for a dagger that I had sitting on my desk. Thankfully, she caught my eye. I shook my head, hoping she'll get the message not to do something.
"Who am I?" Ranger Anthony's head tilted to the side. "It shouldn't be hard to realize who I am." He reached into his cloak and pulled out a necklace with a silver and black arrow crossing, forming an X. The symbol of the King between the two arrows. Michael's eyes widened.
"You know what this is, don't you?" Michael's face started to turn blue as Ranger Anthony continued. "This is a mark. A mark that only those the King deem worthy enough to wear. The Queen has one, as do several others in the Primordial Army. This is the sign of the Rangers." Marissa's eyes widened as Michael's eyes started to close.
I took a risk and spoke. "Ranger Anthony," he turned toward me. "Can you release Michael, please?" He stared at me.
"You would do well and remember your place Aaron," he said. "You are no longer under the King's services. But, since you asked nicely, I will." He released Michael, who fell to the floor gasping for breath. I nodded, relieved I didn't get skewered. Ranger Anthony has gotten a lot more patient than before when I knew him.
No one said anything as he picked up a green apple from the fruit basket I have on my desk. I shifted uncomfortably as plopped down in the seat beside me, propping his feet up on the table. A wicked looking throwing knife was visible in a sheath on his right boot. No doubt there was another on his left boot.
He took a bite out of the apple before speaking. "What is your job craftmasters?" The question was definitely not what I expected.
"Ranger Anthony, what do you mean?" He rolled his eyes.
"What is your job here at the ward Aaron? Why are you here?"
"To help out the orphans," Marissa spoke, but it sounded more like a question than it did a statement. He gestured for her to continue. Reluctantly, she did. "Our jobs as craftmasters are to teach the orphans about the universe, and what's in it. Good and bad. We teach them about the Primordial Army, and-"
He interrupted her. "So your job is to help the orphans, correct?" Marissa nodded. "If that's so, then why is there a certain orphan that has it harder then everyone else here?" I immediately knew he was talking about Justin. "Justin, I believe that's his name. Correct me if I'm wrong." No one said anything.
He looked at Michael, who must've finally gotten up after near death. "So you here to help the orphans, yet Justin is abused and bullied by your student. Mind explaining why, Michael?" Michael didn't say anything. When he didn't, Ranger Anthony's fist connected wit his jaw, sending him back to the floor. "When I ask you a question," he hissed. "You answer it. Understand?" Michael quickly nodded, massaging his jaw that was most likely broken.
"Good. Now, first question." He sat back down, this time, he held a throwing knife in his hand, twirling it around without a care in the world. "Why was Justin abused by your student, Dallas Caraway?" Before Michael could answer, he spoke again. "And why, whenever you saw Justin being physically abused, you didn't say or do anything?"
Again, Michael didn't say anything. Before I could save Michael's skin again, he suddenly screamed in pain. A knife was imbedded in his hand. Ranger Anthony was standing up, which obviously meant he was the one who imbedded the knife in his hand.
"You stabbed me!" Michael screamed, clutching his hand.
"I've done far worse to others," Ranger Anthony said. "Now tell me," he leaned towards Michael. "Why did you purposely ignore Justin when he was being abused by your students?"
"I don't know! I swear!" Ranger Anthony gripped the hilt and drove the knife deeper, tears sprang from Michael's eyes as he desperately tried to stop Ranger Anthony. I wanted to help Michael, I really did but I pushed my luck with Ranger Anthony before in the past. But before, Ranger Anthony would be punished for trying to hurt me, now, I'm not so sure if I still have that kind of protection from a Ranger, especially if its one of the oldest and most experienced Rangers.
Suddenly, Ranger Anthony stopped, his head tilting to the side. He scowled, but nodded and looked at Michael. "You're lucky," he spat. "I have orders not to hurt any of you, only deliver a message." He yanked the blade out, none to gently either. "Help him," he said. "Do you understand?" Me and Megan quickly nodded, not so eager to experience Ranger Anthony's wrath. "Tell the other craftmasters of this new allignment." Just as he went to leave, I spoke.
"Ranger Anthony." He turned towards me. "Is it true?" Megan looked at me confused, but Ranger Anthony merely sighed. "Is Justin really the one?"
"Possibly," he said. "If it is, he must be ready. He will have a long and painful journey. But, we still have four years left Aaron, much can happen between now and then. Good and bad." I nodded. "You do know you're job is still open." I stared at Ranger Anthony shocked. Twenty-two years later and my position is still open? "He will let you back in. He misses one of his closest friends in the Guard."
"I'll think about it," I said.
He nodded. "See you in four years Aaron." Like all other Rangers, he suddenly vanished. I turned towards everyone else. "You heard him," I said. "Let's get to work. Justin is to be moved to a different dorm. If you can't find him one, Megan will take him." Megan nodded as I spoke again. "And if you would, please escort Michael to the infirmary." She nodded.
"Everyone is dismissed," I said turning back to the piles of papers on my desk. "More paperwork," I muttered.
"Yay me."
Well, that is the first chapter for my sequel to Chaos: Successor. If you're wondering why I haven't updated Percy Jackson: A New Life, it's because I want to have Percy Jackson and the Peacekeeper all caught up. Meaning, I can end them both around the same time.
Percy Jackson: A New Life and Percy Jackson and Percy Jackson and the Peacekeeper will not be long stories like my past two I finished. Hopefully, I can finish both stories very soon.
I apologize for the super slow updates, I hope you enjoyed all the mystery and questions I left unanswered, but don't worry, all will be answered later on in the story.
Thanks for being the wonderful people you are, I hope you enjoyed and feel free to review!