Summary: Sam can't seem to stop finding himself in troublesome situations, but ends up learning something surprising.
Notes: Lots of awkward moments ensue.
Also, I use the song Am I Wrong by Nico & Vinz
Chapter 7: All Hail the Prince
Sam
Sam opened his eyes and took in his surroundings, and he found himself in a familiar environment.
That's right, I'm in the Poseidon Cabin.
Is this a dream, or am I actually awake?
Sam looked at Percy's sleeping form.
Kinda hard to tell.
Perhaps I am awake.
Sam smiled, admiring the young man.
Percy is a really good looking guy.
He's also a good friend.
"Good to see you, Sam," a deep voice called, and Sam's attention immediately snapped towards the source.
He saw a figure wearing a cloak identical to the one he had previously worn when he had met Percy. The figure's face was obscured by a shadow.
When did he get in here?
How did he manage get in here without me noticing?!
"I see that you managed to survive. Good. It would have been such a shame if his sacrifice went to waste," the figure commented.
What is he talking about?
Who's sacrifice?
I don't understand.
"Who are you?" Sam asked, ready to defend himself and Percy if need be.
The figure frowned.
"Wait...You don't remember who I am?"
"Oh, no, I remember exactly who you are. That's why I asked," Sam deadpanned.
The figure laughed.
"Oh, how I've missed your sarcasm, though I am saddened that you don't remember me, Sammy."
Sam scowled.
I hate it when people call me that.
"Well, fuck you, too," Sam growled.
The figure clutched his chest, as if in pain.
"I have to admit that hurt."
This guy is weird.
"Well, my feelings, at least. I'll try to find it in my heart to forgive you," the figure continued in an almost bittersweet sounding tone.
Really weird.
"Like I want your forgiveness. I haven't wronged you in any way," Sam replied.
"Ah, but that's where you're wrong, Sam. You've taken what should be mine," the figure commented, confusing Sam.
"Are you accusing me of being a thief?" Sam asked, unsure if that was really the case.
The figure nodded.
"Yes, I am."
Sam mentally rolled his eyes.
"And pray tell, what have I stolen?"
The figure pointed towards Sam's left side.
"That."
Sam's eyes drifted to his left side to his arm glowing. He raised his left arm to get a better view and found it was his brand glowing a soft white.
How in the world could I have stolen something like this?
What does it mean?
"The Brand of a l'Cie. We've been waiting for it to finally choose one. It was supposed to be me," the figure commented, sounding extremely bitter.
A l'Cie?
What's that?
Sam lowered his arm.
"I don't understand."
The figure shook his head.
"You really don't remember anything."
"Thanks for pointing out the obvious," Sam replied sarcastically.
The figure then turned towards Percy.
"Oh? Who's this?"
Sam's alarm bells immediately went off.
I don't like his tone.
"Don't you dare touch him!" Sam growled, ready to kill the figure if need be.
The figure let out an amused chuckle, turning back towards Sam.
"Ah, I see. You have feelings for this young man."
"So what if I do?" Sam asked, not denying it.
The figure stepped closer towards Sam, and Sam found himself frozen, trembling slightly, and not because the figure was even taller than Jason.
What's wrong with me?
Why can't I move?
Is this...fear?
Why am I afraid?
The figure reached out and grabbed Sam's pendant.
"So, you've found a replacement for the one who gave you this. I suppose it's fitting since he replaced you. He moved on, so why shouldn't you do the same?"
What is he talking about?
Who is he talking about?
Sam growled.
"Let. Go," he said pointedly, sounding much more intimidating than he felt.
The figure smirked and released Sam's pendant.
"I see that you still have a great deal of attachment to it. You should just get rid of it."
Never!
"Anyways, perhaps this is for the best. Memories or no, I'd even go as far as to say that I'm proud of you," the figure continued.
As if I want his approval.
"You don't know anything about me," Sam retorted.
The figure laughed at the comment.
"Oh, please. Without your memories, I know you better than you know yourself."
"Just because I don't remember my past doesn't mean that I don't know who I am! I am me! Nobody else!" Sam snapped.
Sam's head suddenly started to start throbbing; he grimaced and grabbed his head.
No...
Not now!
"Oh? How curious," the figure commented, smiling.
"What's...so fascinating about...this?" Sam asked as his headache grew worse.
Maybe he enjoys watching people suffer.
"People don't normally experience these side-effects. Maybe because your memories aren't meant to be sealed? It's never been attempted on someone of the Line of Lucis," the figure explained.
The Line of Lucis?
Sam let out a shaky breath.
"I...I don't...understand..."
The figure laughed at Sam's pain.
"Exactly. You understand nothing."
How can Percy sleep through this?!
Sam's head seared with white-hot pain.
Make it stop...
Someone, please...
Please, make it stop!
Percy...
Percy, please!
Help me!
"Percy...Percy, please...Make it stop..." Sam pleaded desperately.
"So, his name is Percy," the figure noted.
Sam watched as he walked over to Percy's sleeping figure.
"Ah, now I remember. Perseus Jackson, the son of Poseidon. I remember hearing about him. How...underwhelming."
The figure grabbed an absurdly long katana from the air.
The blade hummed.
Sam's eyes widened upon seeing it.
That's the same one from my dreams.
Wait...
That sword...
I remember that sword...
The figure turned towards Sam.
"Looks like you remember my blade at the very least. Perhaps you're memories will return with enough time."
The figure turned his attention back towards Percy.
"I've thought of a wonderful present for you."
He raised his blade.
"Shall I give you despair?" the figure asked.
"W-What?" Sam stuttered.
"Perhaps I wasn't clear enough. Would you like to see him die?" the figure clarified, filling Sam with, well, despair.
No!
"Stop! Please, don't do it!" Sam begged.
"Well then, why don't you try and stop me?" the figure taunted.
Sam felt his eyes tearing up.
Percy!
He's all I have!
"Don't!" Sam pleaded.
"Sam!" a voice called from far away, but Sam barely registered it.
"It's time," the figure said.
No!
Percy!
"Wake up!" the voice called from the distance.
Why isn't Percy waking up?!
The figure swung his sword at the sleeping son of Poseidon.
"NOOOOO!" Sam screamed, and suddenly, his eyes opened and bolted upright, finding himself face to face very much alive (and very much concerned looking) Percy Jackson.
It...It was a dream?
"Sam, are you okay?" Percy asked, sounding very worried.
"P-Percy?" Sam stammered.
"You were calling out for me, and then, you were screaming," Percy explained. "Were you having a nightmare?"
A nightmare?
"Percy...You're...You're okay..." Sam said, more to himself than to Percy.
"Of course I'm okay," Percy replied, and realization (and relief) washed over Sam.
Yes...a nightmare.
That's all it was.
"Are you okay?" Percy asked.
He's okay...
Sam's eyes started tearing up once more.
Percy's okay...
Sam started crying quietly to himself.
He's okay...
It was just a dream...
He's okay...
It was just a dream...
Percy pulled Sam into a hug, and Sam found his face planted against Percy's bare chest. He didn't object to the action and allowed himself to sob softly into Percy.
"It's okay, Sam," Percy soothed. "It's okay. I'm here."
Sam inhaled Percy's scent, and it calmed him down.
It's okay...
Percy's here...
He's alive...
It's okay...
"I'm here for you. I'll always be here for you," Percy said gently.
"P-Promise?" Sam asked, needing a confirmation.
Percys hold tightened around Sam.
"Promise."
Sam sighed and allowed himself to relax. For several minutes, Percy simply held Sam.
This is nice.
Really nice.
"Feeling better?" Percy asked.
Sam nodded against Percy's chest.
"Yeah, I'm feeling better. Much better."
Percy pulled back slightly, and the two teens looked into each other's eyes.
His eyes are beautiful.
"Thank you, Percy."
Percy smiled, and Sam's heart fluttered.
"You're welcome, Sam," Percy replied.
I want to kiss him so badly.
Sam felt his cheeks warming at the thought, and Percy started to blush as well.
Percy released Sam, and the two turned slightly away from each other.
Way to ruin it, Sam.
"Sorry," Percy muttered.
Why is he sorry?
"Don't be...I'm...just not used to being close to people," Sam replied truthfully.
"But you really did help me there," Sam quickly added, not wanting Percy to think that he did anything wrong.
The two looked at each other, and Percy smiled.
"No problem. I'm happy to help."
Sam smiled back.
I love it when he smiles.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, and Sam and Percy both stood.
"I'll get it," they said simultaneously.
Percy shook his head.
"Please, let me."
Sam chuckled.
"Percy, you're only wearing your boxers. I'm fully dressed, so let me answer."
Percy looked down at himself.
"Oh...Yeah, you're right."
Sam mentally shook his head.
What a dork.
"Go grab a shower and get dressed. I'll take care of the rest," Sam directed.
Percy nodded.
"Okay. Be right back."
Percy turned around and walked over to the bathroom, and as he did so, Sam gave an appreciative glance to Percy's (very nice) backside.
He's got a nice ass.
Percy closed the door, and Sam sighed.
There was another series of knocks on the door.
Geez, how impatient can someone be?
"Coming!" Sam called as he walked over to the Cabin door.
Upon opening it, Sam was already disappointed, seeing Chiron.
Well, this is a pleasant start to my morning.
"What do you want?" Sam asked in an exasperated tone.
"Good morning, Sam," Chiron greeted with an amiable tone.
Sam sighed.
"Please, spare me the pleasantries. We're not friends. I'm assuming you came here because of our agreement."
Chiron nodded.
"Yes. I figured that we'd...get it out of the way, so to speak."
Makes sense.
"Can it wait until I've finished my shower?" Sam asked.
"Yes, it can wait," Chiron replied.
"And can Percy come with me?" Sam added.
"Yes. I would actually prefer it if Percy accompanies you," the Centaur answered.
I'm glad we're in on the same page.
Sam nodded.
"Then I'll meet you at the Big House."
"Very well. I shall see you ther-..." Chiron started to say before Sam closed the door in his face.
Well, I know how my mornings will be starting.
Sam walked back over to the bed he had slept in and plopped down in it.
Now all I have to do is wait for Percy.
Percy
Once again in the Big House, Percy sat next to Sam. As before, the atmosphere was uncomfortable.
Gods, this is unpleasant.
Will this always be unpleasant?
Percy looked at Sam, and Sam turned his gaze towards the son of Poseidon and smiled. Percy smiled back.
Well, I suppose it isn't all bad.
"So, I'm assuming that you've selected your next question," Sam said as he turned his attention back to Chiron.
"Yes, I have," Chiron replied.
I wonder what it'll be today.
"I've considered the last two truths you have told me, and I have drawn a conclusion: You have amnesia, Sam," Chiron stated.
Sam sighed with a shake of his head, and Chiron frowned.
"Is that incorrect? Did I draw the wrong conclusion?"
"No, you're right. You've come to the correct conclusion. I do have amnesia," Sam answered. "I'm just regretting the truth I started with."
Chiron smiled.
"There's no need to be worried, Sam."
"I wasn't worried," Sam replied.
"What's the last thing you remember?" Chiron asked.
Sam said that he would only give one truth a day.
Will he keep talking?
Percy turned his attention back towards Sam...only to find him looking very sheepish and blushing.
Why is he blushing?
What does he remember?
"Percy...I remember having a dream about Percy."
Percy's eyes widened in surprise.
Really?
Chiron nodded.
"I see. That's not too unusual. Perhaps fate has brought the two of you together."
A small smile played on the son of Poseidon's lips.
Hehe.
That sounds kinda romantic.
Something then nagged at the back of Percy's mind.
What was it?
Oh, that's right!
That's why he said 'It's you'.
Sam recognized me.
Percy mentally nodded to himself.
Yeah, I suppose that it would be embarrassing if the only thing you can remember is some guy.
At least he isn't having the same kind of dreams I'm having.
Percy then mentally frowned.
Well, I didn't have a dream about Sam last night.
I'm pretty disappointed...
Percy felt his cheeks warming.
Then again, it could be pretty embarrassing for me if I did.
I don't want to be moaning Sam's name while he happens to be awake.
That would totally freak him out!
"Is something wrong Percy?" Chiron asked.
Percy quickly shook his head.
"No. nothing's wrong."
Chiron nodded.
"I see. Is there anything else you can remember, Sam?"
Sam held up his pendant.
"Does this have any sort of meaning?"
Chiron came closer to look at the pendant.
"I don't recognize it. What's it called?"
"The Cloudy Wolf," Sam answered.
Chiron shook his head.
"Sorry, I haven't heard of it."
Sam sighed.
"I see..."
"You've have revealed more than one truth," Chiron noted.
He's right.
Sam chuckled.
"So I have. I'm guessing that you figured I would be more comfortable if Percy was here. That's somewhat underhanded, but I don't believe it was your intention to be so."
"Yes, I did believe that you would be more comfortable with Percy present, and no, it wasn't my intention to be underhanded," Chiron replied.
The Centaur then turned his attention towards Percy.
"See if Clovis can help Sam with his memories."
Percy mentally sighed.
But dealing with Clovis is such a pain.
"Do you consent to this, Sam?" Chiron asked.
Sam shrugged.
"It's not like I have some pressing matters to attend to."
He then let out an adorable giggle.
"Well, even if I do, it's not like I can remember them."
That's true.
"I'm assuming that you won't tell anyone else about this," Sam said.
Chiron nodded.
"Aside from Clovis and Percy, no one else shall know."
"Let's go, shall we?" Sam asked as he stood.
Percy nodded and stood.
"Yeah, let's."
Sam suddenly smirked.
"Looks like someone is waiting for us."
Really?
Who?
"I think I'll play a little trick," Sam said.
Percy raised an eyebrow.
"What kind of trick?"
Sam's form began to shimmer.
"You'll see."
Nico
Hiding in the shadows, son of Hades waited for Percy and Sam to exit the Big House.
I feel like I shouldn't be doing this.
It kinda makes what Sam said true...but I'm not here for Percy.
I'm here for Sam, and I'm not sure how he'd feel if I just walked up to him and said, 'Hey, wanna hang out?'.
Percy stepped outside, and Nico quickly noticed that he was alone.
He frowned.
Where's Sam?
I know that he's here.
"Hiding in the shadows, are we?" Sam asked right by his ear, making Nico yelp in surprise, quickly stepping out of the shadows hiding him.
He looked around, but he didn't see Sam.
"Oh, hey, Nico," Percy said.
"Where's Sam?" Nico asked.
"I'm right here," Sam answered, seemingly stepping through a curtain of air.
How did he do that?
"You hide yourself in the shadows. It's a pretty neat trick. I can manipulate light and darkness, so I can do something pretty similar, though not exactly the same," Sam explained.
This guy is pretty...interesting.
"We're on our way to see Clovis. Wanna come with us?" Percy asked.
Well, I did come here for Sam.
Nico shrugged.
"Sure."
The three started to head towards the Cabins.
"Are you feeling better?" Sam asked, surprising Nico.
I didn't think he'd remember.
Nico nodded.
"Yes, I am. Thanks for asking."
"No problem, bro," Sam replied.
That's the second time he's called me 'bro'.
"He's was pretty worried about you," Percy commented, surprising Nico once more.
"Percy~," Sam whined, and the Ghost King looked at Sam to find him blushing slightly.
I can see why Percy has a crush on Sam.
He's...actually pretty cute.
"What? There's nothing wrong with worrying about your bro," Percy said cheerfully.
And of course, I lied to Percy.
He's everyone's type.
Anyways, I'm here to get to know Sam.
"How did you do that invisibility thing? Also, during our duel, you demonstrated several abilities that makes placing your godly parentage difficult. The only thing I can come up with is that you're either a magician or a legacy of several gods with a powerful godly parent," Nico gave his hypothesis. "Am I correct?"
Sam shrugged.
"Who knows? That's what we're going to Clovis for."
Nico frowned slightly.
"What do you mean?"
"I feel like I can trust you, so I'll tell you," Sam replied. "I'm uncertain whether or not I'm a demigod. I don't think that I am. Then again, I don't have many memories, so I really can't say."
So, Will was right...
He does have amnesia.
"As for my abilities, I don't rely on any sort of magic or divine abilities," Sam continued. "My ability to manipulate elements is due to my Semblance, Elemancy."
A what?
Did he say 'Semblance'?
"What's a Semblance?" Nico asked.
"A Semblance is the manifestation of one's Aura, or life force, in a more tangible form," Sam explained. "I'm beginning to see that you're not taught about Aura or Semblances."
Nico shook his head.
"No. I can sense one's life-aura, able to sense death and its possibilitiy, but this is my first time hearing about this."
"I see. Then again, Aura Manipulation isn't common knowledge," Sam noted.
"So, that trick that you pulled off with the cop wasn't due to controlling the Mist?" Percy asked.
"No. That was due to my Semblance with additional support from my weapon Aurora, Latin for 'Dawn'," Sam replied. "My weapons, Noctis and Aurora, increase my control over darkness and light respectively. With them, I can fine-tune my Semblance to pull off more complex things. Disappearing is simple enough. Creating convincing illusions by manipulating light is a lot more difficult."
How fitting.
Dawn follows night.
Still, I wonder...
"Can you travel through the Mist or shadows?" Nico asked.
"No, I can't," Sam answered, confusing Nico and making him frown slightly.
"Then...what was that thing you did during our duel?" Nico pressed.
"Warping."
Nico raised an eyebrow.
"Warping?"
Sam flashed blue and vanished before appearing slightly ahead of them. He then disappeared once more, and Nico felt someone tapping his shoulder. When he turned his head, no one was there.
This guy...
Nico looked to his other side, expecting to find Sam beside or in front of him, but he still wasn't there.
What?
Someone tapped him atop his head, and Nico looked to see Sam hovering above him.
"Warping. And before you ask, warping is a separate ability from my Semblance."
"You can fly, too?" Percy asked.
Sam floated in front of them, still hovering over the ground. He shook his head.
"No, I can't fly, though I can glide pretty well."
Sam seems like an interesting guy.
Sam landed on the ground and fell into stride next to Nico and Percy.
"And this is also due to your Semblance, correct?" Nico asked.
Sam nodded.
"That's right."
Percy sighed.
"Being able to use Aura and Semblances sounds like it would be a useful ability."
Percy's right, it does sound useful.
"What would my Semblance be?" Percy asked.
Sam shrugged.
"I have no idea. Your Semblance could be completely unrelated to your abilities as a demigod."
Nico's eyes widened in surprise.
"Really?"
Sam nodded.
"That's right. Semblances can be unique to an individual, but it can also be hereditary, like mine."
I see.
"So, your Semblance is common," Nico concluded.
"That's also incorrect," Sam replied, and Nico frowned.
"What do you mean? I thought that you said that it's hereditary."
"While that is the case, my Semblance still rarely appears. It's...complicated, and I don't have enough memories to go into more detail," Sam answered.
He really does have it rough.
"Any chance you can teach us how to manipulate our Auras?" Percy asked, looking hopeful.
Sam sighed and shook his head.
"Unfortunately, I can't remember how to do that. To me, it's as natural as breathing. I know that there's something that's required to learn Aura Manipulation, I just don't know what it is."
That's a let down.
I was also hoping that Sam and I could bond over something.
Nico then noticed some Ares kids glaring at Sam.
I'm guessing that they're still bitter about the thrashing Sam gave them.
Geez, and I thought my grudges were bad.
Nico returned a glare of his own, and the kids quickly looked away.
Yeah, that's what I thought.
"Well, this is it," Percy said as they walked up to the Hypnos Cabin.
"Shoud we knock?" Sam asked.
"Nah, they always leave it unlocked," Percy answered before opening the door.
The three teens stepped inside, and Sam looked around the Cabin's interior.
Nico immediately began to feel drowsy, but he shook it off.
"This place always makes me feel like taking a long nap," Percy commented with a yawn.
Sam simply shrugged, looking more bored than tired.
"It's cozy enough, I suppose."
Nico gave Sam an incredulous look.
Is he serious?
Percy walked up to Clovis' sleeping form.
"Hey, Clovis! Wake up!"
The son of Hypnos merely mumbled something incoherent before starting to snore.
These guy could sleep through a tornado.
Percy shook Clovis.
"Clovis!"
The son of Hypnos opened his eyes.
"Oh...Hey, Percy. What are you..." he started to say before closing his eyes and snoring again.
Sam grabbed Percy by the shoulder and smirked rather mischievously.
"Let me have a go."
Percy stifled a yawn, nodded, and moved aside.
Sam continued to smirk as he held up his right hand. Tiny snowflakes began to gather together, forming a snowball.
Wait...
Is he going to...?
"Wake up!" Sam shouted before smacking Clovis in the face with the snowball.
"COLD!" Clovis yelped, sitting up.
That's a good way to wake someone.
"Good thinking," Percy commented. "We need your help, Clovis."
"I was sleeping," Clovis mumbled sleepily.
"You're always sleeping," Nico and Percy replied.
Clovis yawned, making Percy and Nico yawn.
"Dude, quit it!" Percy yelled.
"Good night," Clovis replied, looking like he was about to pass out.
Sam made another snowball and threw it in Clovis face.
"COLD!"
"I'll keep you awake for all eternity if you fall asleep before helping me," Sam threatened before turning his attention towards the mantel and the Waters of Lethe dripping from the tree branch.
Sam walked over towards it.
"Is this milk?" he said before reaching out, snapping Nico wide awake.
Uh-oh!
"Don't!" Nico shouted too late, as Sam had already touched the Waters of Lethe.
Damn it, now he won't remember anything, even his name.
Sam pulled his hand back, looking at Nico, and the drop of the River Lethe levitated off his finger.
"Is there a problem, Nico?" Sam asked, completely shocking the Ghost King.
He...He remembers my name?
Percy gawked at Sam.
"You...remember me?"
Sam giggled.
"Of course I remember you, Percy."
"And you remember your name?" Nico pressed, wanting to make sure Sam was alright.
Sam flicked his wrist, and the drop of the River Lethe flew into one of the tin bowls below the branch.
"Yes, I remember my name. I'm going to assume that something is out of the ordinary."
Nico mentally nodded.
Yeah, you!
"Those drops are from the River Lethe. It's supposed to wipe away your memories," Nico explained.
"And yet...you're unaffected," Clovis added, and Nico looked to see the son of Hypnos looking awake for the first time.
Sam walked back towards them.
"I was told that you could help me."
"What's the problem?" Clovis asked.
"Well, ironically, memory loss," Sam answered.
"I see..." Clovis said with a nod. "Well, if anyone can help you, Hypnos can."
He then began to nod more and more.
He's literally going to nod off.
"If you fall asleep again, I'm turning your Cabin into a freezer!" Sam yelled, his irises beginning to glow red.
"Alright, alright," Clovis replied.
"So...what am I supposed to do?" Sam asked.
"Close your eyes," Clovis answered, and Sam followed his directions.
Clovis nodded.
"Alright. Let's see what we're dealing with."
The son of Hypnos stood and moved closer to Sam. He then frowned.
"Odd."
Percy stifled another yawn.
"What?"
"Hmm...Give me a second," Clovis muttered sleepily before leaning closer, looking at the pendant Sam was wearing. "What's this?"
I think he's getting off track.
Clovis hand reached towards it before Sam suddenly grabbed the son of Hypnos by the wrist.
"I don't recall giving you permission to touch that," Sam said pointedly.
"You're still awake?" Percy asked, sounding somewhat (understandably) dumbfounded.
Sam opened his eyes and released Clovis' wrist.
"I'm guessing that I'm supposed to be asleep. Since I'm not, that means that Hypnos can't affect me. That also means that he can't help me and that this is a waste of time."
"You're not sleepy? Like, at all?" Nico asked, fighting the affects of the Cabin.
"I'm plenty of things: Disappointed, bored, a little irritated, but not sleepy," Sam replied.
Percy sighed a disappointed sigh.
"So much for that. You can go back to sleep, Clovis."
The son of Hypnos walked back to his bed, plopped down into it, and promptly began snoring.
I'm almost envious of how quickly he can fall asleep.
Sam grabbed Nico and Percy and started pulling them towards the door.
"Come on, let's go before you fall asleep, too."
That's...probably a good idea.
Percy
Well...that was a letdown.
We didn't learn a single thing.
If anything, I'm more confused than ever.
Sam let out a sigh.
"Well, so much for that."
Percy turned his attention towards Sam, finding him looking rather crestfallen.
Gods, he's so disappointed.
Come on, Percy.
You need to cheer up Sam.
Percy put on a smile.
"I'm sure that we'll figure something out."
Sam smiled back.
"Yeah...I'm sure we will."
"Well, we can rule out the River Lethe as being the reason behind your memory loss," Nico noted, and Percy found himself nodding in agreement.
He's right.
Sam was...completely unaffected by it.
He was also unaffected by the Hypnos Cabin.
That shouldn't even be possible, but somehow, it is.
And I doubt that Sam knows the reason why.
"So, what should we do now?" Sam asked.
"I'm not sure," Percy answered truthfully.
What should we do?
I really don't have a clue.
"Well, how about you do what you're supposed to do and help out with sword training, Percy," Nico suggested (a suggestion that Percy didn't want to hear).
Do I have to?
Percy mentally shook his head.
No, he's right.
I have to train the kids.
"Okay, fine. I'll help out with sword training," Percy replied really reluctantly.
I wish that I could keep hanging out with Sam.
Wait...
Nothing says that I can't still have Sam there.
"Wanna come with, Sam?" Percy asked.
"I don't mind," Sam replied, and Percy mentally whooped.
Yes!
"Actually, I was hoping to spend some time with Sam," Nico said, and Percy's hope started to crumble.
Don't give up, Percy.
Wait a second...
I have an idea.
"How about you and Sam just watch? You can still get to know each other," Percy suggested.
"Percy, I-..." Nico started, and Percy immediately put on a look he had mastered long ago, the look of a sad baby seal.
"Please," Percy pleaded, pouting pathetically.
(Yeah, that's right! Alliteration, baby!)
"Oh, come on. That's just not fair," Nico complained.
Yes, that's it.
Give in.
Resistance is futile!
No one can resist the baby seal face!
Mwahahaha!
Nico sighed.
"Fine, we'll come watch you."
Yes!
"Great!" Percy exclaimed cheerfully.
Sam
Sitting in the seats around the arena, Sam and Nico watched as Percy taught some demigod children how to wield a sword. The son of Poseidon smiled cheerfully, making Sam smile.
Percy seems to be having fun.
He also seems to be a good teacher.
"He's pretty good, don't you think?" Nico asked.
Sam nodded.
"Yeah, he is pretty good."
But I'm used to fighting people of a much higher caliber (no offense to Percy).
I don't remember who, but I know that these demigods wouldn't stand a chance at their current level.
From what I can tell, Nico and Percy might stand a chance (a slim chance) working together.
"Have you ever dueled with Percy?" Sam asked, turning his eyes towards the son of Hades.
Nico shook his head.
"No. I did most of my training in the Underworld. Percy's style is a lot more...free-form than my own. I may have a more proper technique when it comes to sword-play, but Percy's got me beat in terms of speed. You, on the other hand, are a completely different matter. You're style of fighting isn't like anything I've ever seen."
Well, from what I can tell, Percy's style of fighting is somewhat similar to my own.
"How would you describe it?" Sam asked, wanting to know Nico's thoughts on the matter.
"It's very...fluid. It's very difficult to predict what you'll do," Nico answered.
Well, I have developed my own style.
"That's what I'm going for when I fight," Sam explained. "I haven't been trained in any specific discipline because all disciplines lack something. Wrestling lacks strikes, boxing lacks ground work and kicks, kickboxing often lacks the same foot work of its all-hands counterpart. As such, I've trained in a style that encompasses everything and stylized into something uniquely my own."
"So, you're a sort of jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none? It didn't feel like that. For instance, Percy and Jason are nearly on even footing when it comes to sword-play, but I'd give Percy the overall advantage. On the other hand, while Percy is no slouch in hand-to-hand, Jason is better than Percy. Neither of them are quite as good when it comes to grappling and wrestling. The Ares kids are usually the best," Nico replied.
He's pretty perceptive.
"You have a pretty keen sense of perception to notice that. Yes, normally training without specialization would lead to a very balanced fighter, but they would lack something. I have something that lets me get around this problem," Sam said.
Nico gave him a curious look.
"And, what's this 'something' that lets you get around this problem?"
Sam smirked.
"Mimicry."
Nico's expression shifted from curiosity to confusion.
"Mimicy?"
Sam nodded.
"Yes, mimicry. I only need to see something once in order to do it, so long as it's humanly possible or require an unnatural amount of flexibility. I can perfectly recreate every single action you performed in our duel, minus your demigod abilities."
The son of Hade's eyes widened in surprise.
"Only once?"
"Yep, only once. It's...almost like cheating," Sam replied, before laughing slightly at the implication.
"I think it's pretty cool," Nico commented, surprising Sam.
Sam felt his cheeks warming slightly at the compliment, turned his gaze back towards Percy, and reflexively pulled his hood up, using his Semblance to hide most of his face.
"Are you...blushing?" Nico asked.
"I'm...not used to compliments," Sam answered truthfully.
Specifically compliments from cute guys.
"Looks like we have something in common," Nico noted.
"I'm guessing that you don't have much interaction with people," Sam commented.
Nico let out a chuckle.
"Well, not living people."
I'm also guessing that's from spending most of his time in the Underworld.
But...what about me?
Do I lack experience in dealing with people, or is it simply because I don't remember?
"Does amnesia change a person's personality?" Sam asked, more to himself than Nico.
"Well...not entirely," Nico replied, and Sam definitely wanted an explanation.
He turned his attention back towards Nico.
"What do you mean?"
"Well...there was this guy...erm...Titan named Iapetus. His memories were wiped away with the River Lethe, and we renamed him Bob," Nico replied.
"Bob? Really?" Sam asked.
Nico held up his hands.
"Hey, don't blame me. I didn't pick the name. Percy did."
Sam shook his head and smiled.
Yeah, it seems like something Percy would do.
"I'm not surprised. Please, continue," Sam said.
Nico nodded.
"Alright then. As I was saying, without his memories, I convinced Bob that he was friends with Percy. Bob ended up saving Percy from Tartarus, likely at the cost of his own life. Iapetus would have never done that."
Nico did all that for Percy?
Damn, and I said something pretty awful to him.
Still...
Sam frowned.
"But you said that it doesn't change someone entirely."
"Because it didn't change him entirely. Percy told me that Bob said that both he as Bob and he as Iapetus didn't like breaking their promises. He told me that Bob seemed disgusted with his past as Iapetus. I think that to some extent, Iapetus really was disgusted with himself," Nico explained.
Sam nodded.
"I see...What if I did something terrible, too?"
Nico gave Sam a rather friendly smile.
"You don't strike me as the type of guy who would do something terrible."
Yeah, right.
Sam scoffed derisively.
"I said something pretty terrible to you. What if that's who I really am?"
Nico continued to smile.
"We were both angry and said something that we didn't mean. I can tell that even before you apologized that you regretted what you said for a moment, and after our...little scuffle..."
Little?
"...you gave a genuine apology. I'm not angry with you. Trust me, I tend to hold grudges," Nico continued, and Sam could tell that the son of Hades was also being sincere.
Sam couldn't help but smile back.
"You have a kind soul, Nico."
Nico blushed slightly, and Sam let out a small laugh.
"You weren't kidding, you really aren't used to compliments."
"I told you, didn't I?" Nico replied.
Sam nodded.
"So you did."
"But..." Nico started, and Sam raised an eyebrow.
"But what?"
"You were kinda right about me and Percy," Nico answered, making Sam frown.
"In what regard?"
"I did...kinda stalk him, and you're right, Percy didn't want me. I could barely get him to notice me..." Nico explained, and Sam couldn't help but be saddened.
"I'm sorry..."
Nico smiled again.
"Don't be. I found Will. Besides, there is now someone that Percy does notice."
Really?
Who is it that Percy notices?
"Who?" Sam asked.
"You," Nico answered, and Sam was glad that most of his face was hidden, as it felt very warm.
He turned his gaze back towards the son of Poseidon, and at that moment, Percy looked at Sam, smiled, and waved.
Sam waved back, and Percy returned to teaching.
"See what I mean?" Nico asked.
"Percy doesn't like me in that way," Sam replied, unable to keep himself from sounding rather disappointed.
"Do you like Percy in that way?" Nico asked. "You still haven't denied it."
He's right.
I should have that said I don't want Percy to notice me or something along those lines.
Instead, I basically confirmed it.
Sam sighed in defeat.
"Am I that obvious?"
"No, not really, but someone who knows what to look out for can tell," Nico answered, relieving Sam.
Good.
Percy would totally freak out if he knew.
"My point still stands," Sam noted.
"Are you sure?" Nico asked, making Sam mentally frown.
Don't give me some false hope.
"Can we please talk about something else?" Sam asked, desperately wanting to move the topic away from his ever-growing feelings for the son of Poseidon.
"Fine," Nico relented. "You know that you stand out more when you have your hood up with that shadow. If you wanna be noticed less, you should get rid of the shadow and wear one of those orange Camp Half-Blood shirts."
Sam let the shadow hiding most of his face lighten, making his visage visible once more.
He's right, but...
It's just...
"Do they come in any other color besides orange? Why does it have to be orange? Orange isn't exactly one of my favorite colors to begin with, and it would look terrible with my wardrobe," Sam complained, making Nico laugh.
"I had those exact same complaints! I'm guessing that you also prefer darker colors."
I'm beginning to like Nico.
Sam looked at Nico again and smirked.
"No. Whatever gave you that idea, bro?" Sam said in snarky, sarcastic tone.
"Oh, so we're bros now, are we?" Nico replied in an equally snarky and sarcastic tone.
Yeah, I definitely like Nico.
Sam held out his right fist, and Nico bumped it with his own. The son of Hades' eyes then drifted towards Sam's pendant, making Sam instinctively grabbed it.
"Sorry, I was just curious about it," Nico said, and Sam released his pendant.
"Any chance you recognize it? It's called the Cloudy Wolf."
Nico shook his head.
"Sorry, I've never seen or heard of anything resembling it. It seems important to you."
Sam smiled rather sadly.
"It is. Someone really precious to me gave it to me as a gift...I just wish I could remember who it was."
"I'm sure that you'll remember someday," Nico said.
"Yeah...hopefully," Sam replied.
He then noticed someone approaching them from the corner of his vision, and Sam turned his gaze to find a young boy with brown hair and grey eyes approaching them.
"Who's that?" Sam asked.
"Isaac. He's a son of Ares," Nico answered.
Uh-oh.
"Hey, you're the one who beat up Sherman and my other siblings, aren't you?" the kid asked as he drew closer.
"Yeah, he is. This is Sam," Nico answered for Sam.
Gee, thanks, bro.
Isaac's reaction, however, wasn't one Sam was expecting — the young son of Ares' eyes practically sparkled with wonder.
"I knew it. You're so cool."
Wait...what?!
Nico giggled and nudged Sam playfully.
"I think you have a fan, bro."
A fan?!
What?!
"Are you two brothers?" Isaac asked.
"No, we're not brothers," Sam answered.
"Oh, okay. Are you Nico's other boyfriend, Sam?" Isaac asked, making Sam's cheeks burn.
"Absolutely not!" Sam and Nico exclaimed simultaneously.
Kids...
"Oh, okay. Can I see those things you used to beat them up?" Isaac asked next.
This kid has a short attention span.
"Erm...I..." Sam said as he looked at Nico for advice, who gave him an encouraging smile.
Might as well.
Sam turned his attention back to the young son of Ares and shrugged.
"Sure."
Sam rolled up one of his sleeves to reveal his black bracelet. Using his Aura, he triggered his bracelet to transform into its gauntlet form.
Isaac's expression was one utter awe.
"That's so cool. Can you make a pair for me?"
Sam shrugged.
"That depends. Do you have any Ferro Caelum?"
Isaac frowned.
"The pharaoh's what?"
Sam smirked.
Again, kids.
"No, not pharaoh as in Egypt. Different spelling. Ferro means 'Iron' in Latin. Ferro Caelum is 'Sky Iron', a magical metal like Celestial Bronze," Sam explained for the young son of Ares.
"We have Celestial Bronze. Will that work?" Isaac asked, looking hopeful.
Geez, I hate to crush his hopes, but...
Sam sighed and shook his head.
"I'm sorry, but Celestial Bronze won't work."
Isaac pouted, and Sam felt upset.
"Why not?"
Because Celestial Bronze sucks.
"Celestial Bronze isn't light enough or durable enough to be able to construct weapons like mine," Sam explained. "I'm sorry."
Isaac sighed, looking so very disappointed.
"I understand."
The young son of Ares turned and started to walk away.
Sam mentally sighed.
I can't leave things like this.
"Hey, Isaac," Sam called, making Isaac pause and turn. "If I get some Ferro Caelum, I'll make you a pair."
Isaac's deamnor changed to a more optimistic one, and he smiled.
"Thanks, Sam!"
The young son of Ares headed back towards Percy with more of a bounce in his step, and Sam smiled.
That's better.
"Looks like you have a kind heart, too," Nico commented, making Sam blush.
"Oh...shush."
Nice comeback, Sam.
"Hey, I mean it. It just goes to show that you aren't a bad person and that you don't need to worry about having some terrible past," Nico added, and Sam couldn't help but take some comfort in those words.
"Thanks, Nico," Sam said, sincerely meaning it.
"No problem, bro," Nico replied.
Sam then felt his senses stirring because of his Aura.
Someone's approaching us from behind.
Does this person think that he or she can sneak up on us?
"Can we help you?" Sam asked.
"Aw, man," Jason said. "I was trying to sneak up on you guys."
"Why?" Sam asked next.
"He's probably hoping to get payback for all the times I snuck on him," Nico answered.
Jason chuckled.
"Guilty as charged."
Sam rolled his eyes.
"And you called me and Percy dorks."
Nico snorted.
"Really, Jason? You're pretty much as dorky as they come."
"Hey, I'm not a dork," the son of Jupiter complained, and both Sam and Nico turned to give him the same unimpressed look.
"Oh, please," Sam and Nico said simultaneously.
His glasses are slipping.
Sam reached out and pushed Jason's glasses back up with his index finger.
"You're kinda proving Nico's point."
Jason's cheeks flushed slightly, and so did Sam's.
Sam quickly pulled his hand back.
"Sorry."
Jason laughed.
"Uh...don't worry about it."
He's making it worse.
And why does he still seem familiar?
Sam's head throbbed painfully, and Sam grimaced, closing his eyes.
Shit, not again...
"Sam are you-..." Jason started, then stopped.
"Jason, what's wrong?" Nico asked. "You look like you've seen a ghost, and I would know."
Sam opened his eyes to look at Jason, but before he could see Jason's expression, his head throbbed again.
Make it stop...
"I...I just remembered something important I have to do," Jason said in an unconvincing tone.
Yeah, right.
And I don't have a headache.
Sam's head started to ache even more.
You're not helping!
"I need to go. Later, guys!" Jason said, and Sam felt a gust of wind.
That's right, Jason can fly.
He can fly...
Sam's head throbbed with searing pain, and he grabbed his head.
"Argh...shit..."
"Sam, are you okay?" Nico asked, sounding concerned.
"I'm fi-...ARGH!" Sam groaned loudly.
Shit...
Shit...
SHIT!
Why now?!
Sam started panting heavily.
Make it stop!
Please, make it stop!
"Sam!" Percy shouted, and Sam could hear footsteps coming closer.
Percy...help...
Sam tried to say something, but found himself unable to catch his breath. He opened his eyes to see Percy looking extremely concerned.
Shit...I think I'm gonna pass...
Sam's vision blurred before going black.
Jason
Jason was highly confused and distraught as he closed the door of the Zeus Cabin.
Where did Sam get that pendant?!
Why does he have it?!
I...I don't understand!
Jason walked over to the nightstand next to the bed he used the most and opened it. He reached inside and pulled out a small earring in the shape of a wolf's head with a ring it's jaws.
I thought that I'd eventually remember why I have this, but I don't.
My ears aren't pierced, so it obviously isn't for me, but...why does Sam have a pendant in the same shape?!
Maybe...maybe it's somehow connected to Sam.
Maybe Sam knows what it means.
Wait...
Jason mentally slapped himself.
Shit, I let myself freak out so much that I was more concerned with the pendant than with him!
What kind of asshole does that?!
I should check to see if he's okay.
Jason nodded to himself.
Yeah, that's what I need to do.
He looked like he was in a lot of pain.
It could even be worse than the last one.
I need to make sure that he's okay.
I need to...
Why am I so concerned?
Will
Today's a pretty relaxed day.
So far, there hasn't really been any serious injuries.
Just some minor cuts, bruises, and a few fingers chopped off, nothing I can't handle.
Will then heard the door to the infirmary opening.
"Will!" Percy called out loudly.
Oh, great...
What did Percy do this time?
Will exited the room that he used as his office and headed towards the entrance to find a concerned looking Nico and a distraught looking Percy, who happened to be carrying a seemingly unconscious Sam.
What's wrong this time?
Hopefully, this isn't as bad as last time.
"Was there some sort of accident?" Will asked.
His boyfriend shook his head.
"No, no accident. He was having some sort of headache one moment and then he just...passed out."
That's rather strange.
I know for a fact that Sam hasn't suffered any sort of head trauma, so this can't be related to brain damage.
Will looked at the nearest empty bed and pointed at it.
"You know the drill."
Percy walked over to the bed and gently placed Sam upon it.
Will walked over to Sam and placed a hand on his hand, and his eyes widened in surprise.
I...I don't get it.
There's nothing wrong with him.
Though he does seem to have an unusual metabolism.
"Is he okay?" Percy asked.
Will pulled his hand back.
"He's fine. Perfectly fine. In fact, he's ridiculously healthy, so he should be waking up pretty soon."
Percy breathed out a sigh of relief.
"Thank the gods."
Nico walked over to join them.
"What do you think could be the reason behind his headaches?"
Will shrugged.
"I don't know. It could be psychosomatic."
Percy frowned.
"Psycho-what?"
Yeah, Percy isn't stupid, but that's not exactly a common word.
"Psychosomatic," Will repeated. "In other words, it's basically in his head due to some sort of internal stress or conflict. He has amnesia, doesn't he?"
Percy's eyes widened in surprise.
"How did you know?"
"We didn't," Nico answered. "It was merely a hunch."
Will nodded.
"That's right. If Sam has experienced something traumatic, then the headaches could be a result of Sam repressing his memories. Of course, this is merely a hypothesis."
"He did say that his memories felt like they were locked up," Percy noted, which somewhat played into Will's hypothetical cause.
"I suppose that it somewhat fits," Will replied.
"Well, we know that we can rule out the River Lethe as the culprit," Nico added.
"Why's that?" Will asked.
"He touched a drop of it and was completely fine," his boyfriend answered, completely shocking Will.
He touched the Waters of the River Lethe...and he didn't lose any memories (aside from those he's already lost)?
"He...He wasn't affected?" Will asked.
Percy shook his head.
"No, he wasn't. He wasn't affected by the Hypnos Cabin either."
But that place affects everyone.
Wait...
"Perhaps he has some sort of immunity to certain types of magic," Will hypothesized. "The question is 'Why?'."
"Percy?" Sam asked, and Will looked down to find Sam awake.
He began to sit up and, Will reflexively helped him.
"Are you feeling better?"
Sam nodded.
"Yeah, I'm feeling better. Sorry for causing you trouble."
Will shook his head.
"It's no trouble at all."
Percy hugged the young man.
"Thank the gods, you're okay."
Sam's cheeks turned red, looking completely caught off guard.
Come on, hug the guy back.
Sam returned the hug.
There we go.
After several seconds, the two pulled apart, and Percy looked at Sam.
"And you're sure that you're okay?"
Sam smiled.
"Positive."
Sam and Percy would make a cute couple.
But I can't give them a nudge while they're both here.
"Why don't you two grab something to eat?" Will suggested. "Percy's probably hungry."
Percy is almost always hungry.
But he's busy enough and has a healthy metabolism, so he should be fine.
"You're right, I am hungry. Let's eat!" Percy chirped cheerfully, grabbing Sam's hand and already pulling him out of his bed and towards the door.
Oh, gods, what a dork.
Sam started blushing again.
He definitely has a crush on Percy.
Percy opened the door.
"Later, guys!"
The son of Poseidon pulled Sam through.
Nico laughed quietly.
"Do you think that Percy was even aware that he was holding Sam's hand?"
Will turned his attention towards his boyfriend and smiled.
"Probably not. You know how oblivious he can sometimes be."
Nico sighed.
"Yeah, I do. Poor Sam. He's got it bad for Percy."
"He told you?" Will asked.
Nico shrugged.
"Pretty much. But you were right, and think that Sam and I can be good friends. We get each other."
The son of Apollo mentally whooped.
That's great!
Now, the only thing is to get Sam and Percy to admit their feelings for each other.
What should we do?
Percy
"Geez, slow down, Percy. You're food isn't going to run away," Sam said before sipping on some iced coffee, as the son of Poseidon wolfed down his burger.
Percy swallowed his food.
"Didn't you finish your food before I did? And didn't you have more food?"
He had more than twice the food I do, and he's already finished.
Sam started blushing.
"Oh, shush...I have a fast metabolism."
Aw, he's so cute.
Percy pushed his plate of blue chocolate chip cookies towards Sam.
"Go ahead. Have some."
Sam shook his head.
"No, I couldn't. They're yours."
"Please, I insist," Percy replied.
Sam gingerly took one of the cookies and took a bite, and his eyes widened.
"Good, aren't they?" Percy asked.
Sam nodded, and quickly devoured the cookie...then another...and another.
Percy laughed.
"Geez, slow down, Sam. You're food isn't going anywhere."
Sam washed his food down with his iced coffee.
"Sorry..."
Percy shook his head.
"Don't be sorry. I'm happy that you like them. You should try my mom's. They're even better."
"Seriously?" Sam asked.
"Seriously," Percy answered. "I'm sure that she'd love to meet you."
Sam started blushing.
"Isn't that something couples do?"
He's got a point, but I'm hoping that we will be a couple by that point.
"Well, friends meet their friend's parents, too," Percy replied, not wanting Sam to feel embarrassed.
Sam nodded.
"Oh...Yeah, that makes sense."
Percy gestured towards the cookies.
"Please, help yourself."
Sam smiled and grabbed another cookie, quickly devouring it.
Percy smiled and mentally shook his head.
It's kinda hard to believe that he's ridiculously healthy.
"Well, hey there, cutie," Drew said before sitting herself next to Sam, as if she was completely welcomed.
Percy mentally growled.
Back off, bitch, he's mine.
Sam frowned.
"I thought I told you to call me Sam."
Drew giggled, and Percy mentally gagged.
"So you did, but you are cute," the daughter of Aphrodite commented.
On that, we agree.
Sam just casually shrugged.
"If you say so."
Sam then started sipping on his iced coffee once more.
He's...He's not blushing.
Percy's heartbeat sped up slightly.
Well, Drew might simply not be his type.
I shouldn't get too excited.
"You do realize that this is the Poseidon table, don't you?" Percy asked, hoping that she would leave.
"Yes, I do," Drew replied. "Are you two brothers, Percy?"
Percy shook his head.
"No, Sam and I aren't brothers."
"Well, if Sam can sit here, why can't I?" Drew asked, giving Percy a challenging smirk.
Percy surpressed a growl.
Because I don't want you here!
Drew looked at the plate of blue cookies with distaste.
"Seriously, Percy? Blue cookies? That's just gross."
Percy struggled not to snarl at her.
How dare she?!
"They're not Percy's, their mine," Sam said, surprising Percy (and Drew, from the looks of it). "If you have a problem with it, then you have a problem with me."
"I was only kidding," Drew insisted, and Sam literally rolled his eyes, and Percy mentally cheered.
Ha!
Take that, bitch!
"I like your necklace," Drew commented.
Sam grabbed another cookie.
"Thanks, I guess."
Sam then took a bite of the cookie.
Even I can tell that Sam is telling her to get lost.
Why doesn't she just give up?
Drew reached out towards the pendant.
"Don't touch it," Sam said pointedly.
Drew smiled.
"Let me see it."
Uh-oh.
She's using charmspeak.
She continued to reach closer when Sam's hand suddenly snapped up and grabbed her by the wrist.
"Don't. Touch. It."
He...He wasn't affected by her charmspeak?
Sam released her wrist, and Drew rubbed her wrist. She then pouted.
"I'm sorry. It must be pretty important to you."
Percy felt like banging his head on the table.
She just doesn't give up!
"It is," Sam answered.
Drew smiled again.
What is she up to now?!
"I heard that you gave the Ares Cabin quite the thrashing," Drew said.
Percy smiled.
"He sure did. Sam was awesome."
Percy noticed a small smile playing on Sam's lips.
Ha!
Sam prefers compliments from me over Drew.
Just give up, bitch!
Drew continued to smile.
"I'm sure that he was. I like a strong man."
Percy resisted the urge to jump across the table and strangle the daughter of Aphrodite, just to shut her up.
For the love of the gods, why doesn't she give up?!
"Hey, Percy. Hey, Sam," Jason said as he walked up to the Poseidon table. "Mind if I join you?"
Actually, no.
Maybe Jason can help me with making Drew get lost.
"Not at all," Percy replied, and Jason took a seat next to him.
Drew didn't even acknowledge Jason as all of her attention was on Sam.
I guess that she finally gave up on Jason, which is definitely a good thing.
The bad thing is that I know that Sam is the reason why.
Percy looked at Jason to find Jason looking back at him.
We need to make her leave.
Jason nodded his head slightly, indicating that he knew what Percy was thinking.
"Is there a reason that you're here, Drew?" Jason asked, turning his attention towards the daughter of Aphrodite.
"Well, if you're allowed to sit here, why can't I?" Drew replied.
"Because I have permission," Jason pointed out.
Jason doesn't need permission, but he has a point.
Drew didn't acknowledge Jason's comment at all.
"So, Sam, are you busy later on?"
"No, not really," Sam replied.
"Do you wanna hang out?" Drew asked.
"Actually, we had that thing later on, remember?" Percy said, hoping that Jason would help him specify what.
Drew finally turned her attention away from Sam to frown at Percy.
"What thing?"
"Training," Jason answered, and Percy nodded, playing along.
"So? Why can't I watch?" Drew asked.
Why is she so persistent?!
"I remember. It's private," Sam answered. "Chiron wants Jason and Percy to personally assess my abilities without any prying eyes. It'll probably take awhile."
"That's exactly right," Jason added.
Drew nodded.
"I see. Maybe next time."
Is she finally going to leave?
Drew stood.
"I'll see you later, Sam."
Drew finally left, and Percy breathed out a mental sigh of relief.
Finally!
Sam seemed rather relieved himself.
I wonder...
"So, Sam, what do you think of Drew?" Percy asked.
Sam shrugged.
"Jason already warned me about her. Other than that, the only thing I can say is that she isn't my type."
"What is your type?" Percy asked, hoping to get a clearer picture.
Sam started to blush.
"That's...Erm..."
He is sooo cute.
"Never mind. You don't have to tell me," Percy said, not wanting Sam to be uncomfortable.
Sam nodded and grabbed another cookie, quickly eating it.
Jason chuckled.
"I see that he likes them."
Percy smiled.
"Yeah, he does."
Oh, that's right.
"Jason also makes some really awesome brownies."
"That's not a very subtle way of asking me to bake brownies," Jason noted.
Percy shrugged.
"I'm not very good at subtle. Anyways, what's up?"
"I just wanted to make sure that Sam was okay," Jason answered, surprising Percy. "You seemed like you were in a lot of pain."
"Well, I'm fine now. Thanks for asking," Sam replied. "Nico said that you looked like you saw a ghost. What was that about?"
"Your pendant," Jason said, and Percy's attention turned towards the son of Jupiter.
"Do you recognize it?"
Jason nodded.
"I've seen it before."
"What does it mean?" Sam asked.
Jason reached into his pocket; he pulled his hand out and reached across the table towards Sam.
"Actually, I was hoping that you could tell me."
Jason opened his hand and revealed an earring with the same design as Sam's pendant.
What in the world?!
Why does Jason have an earring with the same design as Sam's pendant.
Percy looked at Sam, who looked just as shocked as Percy felt.
"Is it yours? Are your ears pierced?" Percy asked.
Sam shook his head.
"I don't think so, and no, they're not."
Sam then took the earring.
"Where did you get this?"
"I don't remember, honestly," Jason answered. "I thought that I'd eventually remember where it came from, but I don't."
"Perhaps Hera gave it to you," Percy suggested, not putting it past her to pull such a stunt.
"Perhaps," Jason replied. "Do you know what it is?"
Sam nodded.
"I do. It's called the Cloudy Wolf."
"What does it mean?" Jason asked.
Sam sighed.
"Unfortunately, that's all I know about it. I can't remember the meaning behind it."
Jason let out a sigh of his own.
"I see."
Damn it.
We're no closer to knowing about Sam's past.
Just more and more questions.
Sam was about to hand the earring back, but Jason pulled his hand back.
"Keep it. It's not mine, and it's not like I plan on getting my ears pierced."
Sam shrugged, pocketing the earring in his hoodie while Percy imagined Sam with the earring.
I think that it'd look good.
I wonder if I can convince him to get his ear pierced.
"So, what should we do?" Sam asked, shaking Percy from his imagination.
That's a good question.
"Well, we could train like we said we would," Jason suggested.
"But is there anywhere that we can go where we won't be watched?" Sam asked next.
Another good question.
"There's the forests," Percy suggested.
"Then that's where we'll go," Jason replied.
Are we actually going to train?
Jason
Along the creek that divided the two halves of the forest, Jason, Percy, and Sam stood...not really doing anything.
Man, I'm so confused.
I don't understand anything.
I was hoping that Sam could explain something about the pendant and earring, but as he and Percy just finished telling me, Sam doesn't have many memories.
"So...are we actually going to train or something?" Percy asked.
I'm really not sure if we should.
Sam shrugged, pocketed his pendant, and walked over to a tree and literally started walking up the trunk.
Okay, how is he doing that?
Sam then started walking along a thick branch, hanging upside down all the while.
"Can you please explain how you do that?" Jason asked.
"Aura Manipulation," Sam answered, and something tugged at the back of Jason's mind.
What was it again?
Oh, that's right.
"Aura is a life force that runs through every living creature, correct?" Jason replied, and Sam's expression changed from boredom to surprise.
"You've heard about Aura?" Percy asked.
"I'm surprised. Not many people know about it. Well, not what Aura as it actually is" Sam noted. "Where did you hear of it?"
I'm...actually not sure.
Shouldn't I have all my memories by now?
"I don't remember," Jason replied.
"That's weird," Percy commented, and Jason agreed.
He's right, it's definitely weird.
Hera should have returned all my memories by now.
Maybe I should ask my dad if that's the case, but...I don't know if I actually should.
Sometimes, even dear old Dad looks like he might vaporize me when he's upset.
Seriously, Nico and Percy are lucky.
"Are you also familiar with Semblances?" Sam asked.
Semblances?
Yes...I remember hearing about Semblances.
I just don't remember who told me about it.
Jason nodded.
"A Semblance is the projection of Aura in a more tangible form, correct?"
Sam nodded.
"Yes, that is correct. Can you use Aura, Jason?"
Jason shook his head.
"No, I can't. I'd be teaching everyone if I could."
I really wish that I could.
Given what I remember, Aura Manipulation puts people on par with demigods, sometimes even surpassing them.
From what I can tell, Sam is a clear example.
Jason watched as Sam folded his arms behind his head, still hanging upside down.
"Can't you teach us?"
Sam shook his head.
"Unfortunately, I don't remember how. You'd have better luck teaching Percy how to fly."
Jason chuckled.
Yeah, that'd be something.
Flying is awesome.
In fact...
Jason controlled the winds to fly closer to Sam, though still slightly below him.
"Like this?"
Percy scoffed.
"Show off."
Sam rolled his eyes.
"Are you trying to impress me because you're not."
Hey.
Mean.
For some reason...I feel kinda disappointed.
"No, I'm not trying to impress you. I'm just showing off to Percy," Jason replied with a shrug. "What's your Semblance?"
Sam's feet came off of the tree branch and, still hanging upside down, he floated closer to Jason so that they were nearly face to face.
He can fly, too?
"My Semblance is Elemancy," Sam answered with a smirk.
Jason had trouble keeping his jaw from dropping.
"You...You can fly?"
Sam shook his head.
"No, but I can glide."
"So, you're unable to gain altitude, right?" Jason asked.
"Bingo," Sam answered.
Our faces are pretty close...
In fact, all I would have to do is lean closer, and-...
"Bet he could beat you in a race, Jason," Percy taunted, snapping Jason from his thoughts.
The son of Jupiter turned his attention towards the son of Poseidon, finding him smirking cockily.
"You're just jealous, Percy," Jason retorted.
Percy rolled his eyes.
"As if. If anyone is jealous, it's you. Remind me, how many rounds have you won?"
"Thirty six," Jason answered.
Percy grinned.
"And how many have I won?"
Now who's the show off?"
"Forty," Jason begrudgingly answered.
"Exactly. I'm top dog here," Percy bragged, wounding Jason's pride.
"Yeah, well I'm taller. I'm probably bigger, too," Jason retorted.
Percy frowned.
"Wanna bet?"
Jason shrugged.
"Sure. I'm not shy."
"Don't you dare!" Sam exclaimed loudly, reminding Jason that they had company. "Seriously, what's wrong with you two?"
He turned his attention back to Sam to find him blushing profusely.
Oh...
Oops.
I guess I kinda got carried away.
Both of us.
"Sorry," Jason apologized.
Sam sighed.
"Let's just do what we said we'd do."
Sam turned upright and floated back to the ground.
"You mean..." Percy started.
Sam nodded.
"Yeah. I want both of you to fight me."
Is he serious?
Jason floated down to the ground as well.
"You want both of us to fight you?"
"Yes, I do. I wish to assess how I stack up against a son of Poseidon and a son of Jupiter based purely on terms of ability," Sam replied.
"What do you mean?" Percy asked, and Jason mentally nodded.
I was wondering the same thing.
"No demigod powers from either of you. I won't be using my Aura or my Semblance or my other abilities. This will be a contest purely based on skill," Sam explained, surprising Jason.
Isn't he just a regular human without using his Aura or Semblance?
Also, what other abilities?
Sam grabbed his sword, Noctis, from the air, and the blade hummed.
"I want both of you to come at me at the same time."
Wait...what?!
"Are you serious?" Percy asked, sounding completely incredulous, and Jason couldn't hardly blame him.
Sam smirked a cocky smirk.
"What? Are you afraid of losing?"
Jason shook his head and drew his gladius while Percy uncapped Riptide.
"Not at all," the two demigods answered.
Sam placed his sword before him and closed his eyes.
"Embrace your dreams. And, no matter what happens, protect your honor."
I...I've heard those words before.
Sam opened his eyes and took his stance, and Jason and Percy took their own.
"Let's begin," Sam said.
Percy and Jason began to circle around Sam, who continued to smirk.
He seems confident.
Jason briefly locked eyes with Percy, and the son of Poseidon nodded. Together, they charged at Sam and swung their swords at Sam's front and back, making sure to use the flat of their blades.
Sam moved quickly towards Percy while placing his sword behind him, blocking Jason's strike while grabbing and yanking Percy's arm, causing the son of Poseidon to stumble.
He's good!
Sam spun around and kicked Jason in the gut, knocking him back (and knocking his breath out of him).
Really good.
Sam took a few steps back while Jason and Percy recovered.
This isn't going to be easy.
I should do what I do best and get a sense for his fighting style.
From there, Percy and I can come up with a way to win.
"Let me have a go first, Percy. Afterwards, we'll coordinate an attack, if it's necessary," Jason said.
"Go right ahead," Percy replied.
Sam took a relaxed stance.
"What he said."
Jason charged at Sam, and as he swung his gladius, Sam easily blocked.
His reflexes are certainly good.
Sam then pushed Jason's gladius aside and swung, and Jason quickly ducked. He countered, swinging his blade upwards, but Sam swayed out of the way and swung his blade again.
Jason quickly blocked and grimaced, surprised by the force behind the swing.
He's strong, too.
Sam started to slash away at the son of Jupiter, and Jason quickly found himself on the defensive. He narrowly blocked a slash to his shoulder.
He's...He's stronger than I am!
Jason redirected Sam's sword upwards and slashed at Sam's shoulder, but Sam allowed himself to fall backwards to avoid it before doing a kip-up to stand again.
I can't get a sense for his fighting style.
Jason swung at Sam's legs, but Sam saw it coming and kicked the flat of the blade with such force that it knocked the sword from Jason's hand.
Shit!
Sam didn't attack; instead, Sam pointed at Jason's gladius with Noctis.
"Pick it up."
Jason nearly gawked at Sam.
He still wants to fight me?
"I want this to be fair. Please, pick up your sword," Sam said.
Might as well.
Jason walked over to his gladius and picked it back up.
Percy walked over to him.
"Any ideas?"
Jason shook his head.
"No. I can't get a sense for him. He's a better swordsman than I am, and he's stronger, too."
"Are you joking?" Percy asked, sounding shocked.
"No, I'm not. Sam has the edge over me in terms of both speed and strength."
Percy looked at Sam.
"Are you really not using your Aura?"
Sam frowned, looking quite displeased.
"I'm pretty insulted that you would even imply that I'm cheating."
"Sorry..." Percy apologized.
Sam sighed.
"It's fine, Percy. Now, are we still going or aren't we?"
Percy and Jason took their stances again.
"Any plans?" Percy asked.
"Yeah, work together or get our asses handed to us," Jason answered.
Percy nodded.
"Fair enough."
"Come," Sam said.
The two demigods charged at Sam.
Percy reached Sam first and thrust Riptide at Sam, who easily parried and pushed Percy aside before blocking a swing from Jason. The two exchanged several blows before Percy came back, and Jason jumped back in order to avoid another kick from Sam, while Sam blocked another swing from Percy.
The three teens danced, but even working together, the son of Poseidon and son of Jupiter couldn't gain the advantage against Sam.
His skill is unnatural.
Is he really human?
Both Percy and Jason swung their swords at Sam's front, and Sam blocked both blades with his own.
The blades sparked against each other.
Sam put more force behind his sword, pushing the two demigods away from himself and causing them to stumble back.
"You're right. He is strong. Plus, he's an even better swordsman than Luke," Percy commented. "He doesn't seem very fatigued either. Is there any way to win?"
"I don't know," Jason answered. "Let's keep attacking and find out."
I don't want to call this off just yet.
"Works for me," Percy replied.
Together, they charged and swung their swords towards Sam's head and legs. Sam brought his feet up and twisted his body midair between the blades.
What the-...
Sam landed on one knee and quickly grabbed Jason by the leg. As he stood, he pulled Jason's leg up while kicking out his other leg, causing the son of Jupiter to fall on his back.
Shit!
Before Jason could get back up, Sam planted his foot against Jason's chest while grabbing Percy by the arm, yanking him closer, and placing his sword near his neck.
Did...Did we both just lose?
Percy dropped Riptide, indicating that he had no intention of trying to fight back at this point.
"Well, I know when I'm beat. You win, Sam."
Sam's sword vanished, and he took his foot off of Jason's chest. He then reached out and offered his hand to Jason.
He's quite the sportsman.
Jason smiled and took Sam's hand, letting Sam help him up.
I can't believe that Sam beat us both without using any of his abilities.
He's...simply awesome.
Sam reached into his pocket to take his necklace back out and slipped it over his head.
"So, how'd I do?"
"You were awesome!" Percy exclaimed, and Jason found himself nodding in agreement.
"He's right. You beat us both fair and square."
Sam smiled.
"Thanks. You guys were great, too."
Jason couldn't help but smile at the compliment, when he felt something unusual.
Did...Did my heart just skip a beat?
What's wrong with me?
"Well, we did what we came here to do," Percy noted. "What now?"
"We can see what Nico is up to," Jason suggested.
Sam shrugged.
"That's fine by me."
Percy
As the three teens approached the Cabins, Percy couldn't help but feel happy with how the day had gone overall.
That was actually pretty fun.
We lost, but it was still fun.
Sam was awesome.
Perhaps he should be the one teaching sword training lessons.
Percy then noticed many of the Ares Cabin approaching them, all armed and looking very unhappy.
Oh, great.
What do they want now?
"And where have you been?" Sherman asked.
"I don't think that's any of your business," Sam replied, and Percy mentally nodded in agreement.
"Well, that's a problem," Sherman noted, and Percy frowned.
"Why is there a problem?"
"Because Ellis has gone missing," Sherman replied, surprising Percy.
Wait...what?
She's missing.
"Have you told Chiron?" Jason asked.
Sherman nodded.
"We have."
Sam shrugged.
"Then I don't see the problem. Ellis isn't my sister, so I don't see what this has to do with me. It's hardly my fault that you don't keep a closer eye on your siblings."
Sherman sneered at Sam.
"Well, I disagree. A suspicious guy that no one knows anything about shows up, and a camper disappears. Does that seem like a coincidence?"
Is he accusing Sam of being the culprit?!
Sam scoffed.
"It's a total coincidence. What do I have to gain by kidnapping her? Out of revenge? Out of spite? I've already kicked all of your asses, so it can't be because of that."
He's got a point, but damn, that's harsh.
Sherman and his siblings scowled.
"What did you say?" Sherman asked.
"The truth," Sam answered. "I don't like being accused of a crime that I didn't commit. Furthermore, you don't have any proof. All you have are baseless accusations."
"Then you won't mind coming with us for questioning," Sherman stated.
"I am under no obligations to go with you for questioning, nor am I obligated to answer your questions," Sam replied. "Why don't we just go our separate ways?"
Sherman's eyes narrowed.
"Why not? Why won't you answer our questions? Are you hiding something?"
Uh-oh.
It isn't exactly common knowledge that Sam has amnesia.
This could get ugly.
"I already told you that I'm not obligated to answer your questions. Why should I? I don't bother any of you. You're the ones who can't seem to leave me alone," Sam pointed out.
Sam's right.
"You're coming with us," Sherman stated firmly.
"You won't take me without a fight, and we already know how that'll go," Sam retorted.
"Get him," Sherman ordered his siblings, and both Percy and Jason drew their weapons.
"No," Percy and Jason replied.
"Stay out of this, guys," Mark said. "This is between us and Sam."
Like hell, it is.
"He's right," Sam said as he pulled back his sleeves. "There's no need for you guys to get into any trouble."
Sam's bracelets changed into his iconic gauntlets.
"But Sam!" Percy exclaimed, clearly against Sam taking all of the blame for the inevitable fight.
Sam stepped closer to the group.
"I'll handle this myself."
One of the children of Ares charged at Sam and came in for an overhead strike.
Sam moved in closer and blocked while firing his gauntlet at the teen's legs, knocking his feet out from under him; Sam followed this with a blow atop the unfortunate guy's head, knocking him into the ground hard.
Sherman dashed forward and thrust his spear at Sam, and Sam took the blow; instead of going through him, Sam was knocked back several feet.
So, this is what Aura can do.
Sam's right hand crackled with electricity.
"Tch. That's a troublesome spear."
Sherman smirked.
"I'm surprised that you can still move after getting a shock like that."
Sam made a fist with his right hand.
"A tiny shock like that isn't enough to stop me. Do you control electricity?"
"Nope," Sherman replied before thrusting his spear at Sam again.
Sam didn't avoid the stab; instead, he grabbed the spearhead with his right hand.
"Well then, that makes it easier."
Sherman's eyes widened in shock.
"How are you..."
"You came at me completely unaware of my abilities," Sam answered. "You probably don't know what I'm talking about, but I'm an Aura User, and my Semblance is Elemancy. This electricity is now under my dominion."
Sam yanked Sherman closer and reached out with his left hand.
"How about I give you a small taste of your own medicine?"
"What's going on?!" Chiron demanded to know as he approached them.
Uh-oh.
Sam released Sherman's spear.
"He...He attacked us!" Sherman answered.
"You wanna run that by me again?" Sam asked. "You attacked first."
"You lie!" Sherman shot back.
"Sam's telling the truth!" Percy objected.
Chiron looked at Percy.
"Percy, Sherman, Sam, Jason, come with me. We need to have a discussion."
Percy capped Riptide.
Just great...
Sam
Well, this has been an eventful day.
Sam sat between Percy and Jason while Sherman sat across the table from them.
"Sherman, tell me what happened from your perspective," Chiron ordered.
"Like I said, Sam came across us and attacked us unprovoked," Sherman answered, and Sam scoffed.
"If you're going to lie, at least make it sound convincing. Tell me, Chiron, how did it look from your perspective?"
"It looked like they were ganging up on you, Percy, and Jason," Chiron answered.
"That's exactly what happened," Percy stated firmly, and Jason nodded his head in agreement.
"Sherman and the rest of the Ares Cabin came looking for Sam fully armed."
Sherman averted his eyes, and Sam immediately could tell that the son of Ares knew that he couldn't keep up with the lie.
"Is this true, Sherman?" Chiron asked, and Sam mentally rolled his eyes.
Does he really need to ask?
It's completely obvious.
"Yes," Sherman answered.
"Then tell me, why have you done this?" Chiron continued.
"Because I want to know what happened to my sister, Ellis," Sherman replied.
"I already told you that I don't know what happened to her," Sam commented. "I have nothing to gain from going out of my way to harm her. This is a simple game of 'Blame the New Guy'."
Sherman scowled at Sam.
"We don't know anything about you! You just showed up here and then my sister went missing!"
Sam scowled back.
"Again, how is this my fault? And again, I'm not obligated to answer your questions."
"You've done nothing but cause trouble since you came here!" Sherman shouted.
"It's hardly my fault that trouble keeps finding me!" Sam shouted back.
Chiron sighed.
"He's right, Sam. You've caused damage to two Cabins and have been in several unsanctioned fights. I need to make sure that these campers are safe, and your presence is a troubling one. I believe that it would be in our best interest if you simply go your own way."
"Wait, what?!" Percy exclaimed. "You can't do that! Sam isn't the bad guy here!"
"Be that as it may, I don't see any benefit in letting Sam stay," Chiron replied.
Sam stood and sighed.
"It's okay, Percy."
"But-..." Percy started.
"I have no reason to stay here," Sam interrupted. "Furthermore, I'm tired of getting into fights. I'll just leave. It's what's best for everyone."
That's a lie.
I do have a reason to stay, and that reason is you, Percy.
There's another reason, but I can't remember.
"But...Sam," Percy said in a sad voice.
"I'm glad that we could resolve this peacefully," Chiron noted.
"Sam, you can't just leave," Percy objected.
"It's fine," Sam replied. "No one would miss me."
"That's not true!" Percy exclaimed, and Sam's head snapped towards the son of Poseidon.
...What?
Percy looked so sad that Sam's heart ached.
Oh, Percy...
"I would," Percy nearly whispered.
I'll miss you too, Percy.
Sam put on a sad smile.
"Remember my name, Percy. It's Samuel Lucis Caelum. Got it memorized."
Percy nodded.
I'll see you in my dreams.
"What did you say?" Chiron suddenly asked, drawing Sam's attention. "Did you say Lucis Caelum?
Sam shrugged.
"I suppose that I never did formally introduce myself to you. That's right."
Chiron nodded.
"I see...In that case, you can stay, Sam."
Wait...what?
"What?!" Sherman yelled.
"Sherman, you and your siblings are to not cause any trouble with Sam. You can leave," Chiron replied.
"You're just suddenly letting him off the hook?!" Sherman asked.
"Yes, I am. You're lucky that I'm not punishing you for your actions," Chiron answered. "Sam isn't responsible for the disappearance of your sister, and it's wrong for you to place the blame on him. Please, leave."
The son of Ares stood and walked over to the door, muttering a string of curses all the while. He opened the door and slammed it shut.
"What changed your mind?" Sam asked Chiron, not understanding the situation.
"I'll explain, but first, I wish to ask you some questions," Chiron replied. "I know that this goes against our agreement, but I assure you that it will be helpful."
Well, that has my curiosity.
Sam nodded.
"Alright. I'll answer what I can."
"Good," the Centaur replied. "First, do you have dyslexia?"
Sam shook his head.
"No, I don't."
"Second question, do you have ADHD?" Chiron asked next.
"Again, no," Sam answered. "How is this important?"
"Because you're not a demigod," Chiron replied.
He's right, this is helpful.
"Third question, was Clovis able to help you in any way?" Chiron asked.
Sam shook his head again.
"No he wasn't."
"He was also unaffected by the Cabin," Percy added. "And he touched the Waters of the River Lethe and didn't lose any memories."
"Wait...what?" Jason asked, sounding completely incredulous.
Chiron nodded.
"Yes...that would make sense. It also makes sense why you haven't been claimed."
"Could you give an explanation on why Sam can stay?" Percy asked.
"Well, the truth is that I couldn't banish Sam even if I wanted to," Chiron answered. "He's immune to most types of magic because he's of the Line of Lucis."
The Line of Lucis?
Chiron then bowed his head.
"Forgive my ignorance, Your Highness."
Sam was both shocked and surprised by the words.
"Y-Your Highness?"
"What do you mean?" Jason asked, sounding as lost as Sam felt.
"Erm...please, raise your head, Chiron," Sam ordered, feeling rather awkward at the display.
The Centaur raised his head.
"Percy, Jason, would you mind moving the table and carpet out of the way?"
"Uh..." Percy replied awkwardly.
"...Sure," Jason added in an equally awkward voice.
The two demigods stood and moved the table. When they removed the carpet, Sam saw a large trapdoor.
"This place has a basement?" Percy asked.
"Please, open it," Chiron directed.
Percy opened the trapdoor, revealing a staircase leading downwards.
Chiron started to descend.
"If you would, follow me."
Percy and Jason followed, but Sam hesitated.
What's down there?
Percy paused and turned.
"It's okay, Sam."
To Sam's surprise, Percy reached out and grabbed Sam's hand before turning and descending the stairs, pulling Sam along. Sam's cheeks burned.
He's...He's...
Percy is holding my hand.
Sam's mind pretty much short-circuited.
He's holding my hand...
He's holding my hand...
He's holding my hand...
At the bottom of the stairs was a passage illuminated by luminescent crytals.
"What is this place?" Percy asked, but Sam barely registered it.
He's holding my hand...
He's holding my hand...
He's holding my hand...
"It's a tomb for one of the Kings of Lucis," Chiron answered, and that did grab Sam's attention.
The Kings of Lucis?
"And Sam is one of the Kings of Lucis?" Jason asked.
Chiron shook his head.
"I believe that Sam is a Prince of the Kingdom Lucis. The line of Lucis Caelum is an ancient one: a long line of kings and queens wielding great power not of any god."
I'm..I'm a prince?
"Who...Who does this tomb belong to?" Sam asked, finally finding his voice.
"His name was Ignis Lucis Caelum," Chiron replied. "He didn't want his resting place to be found. I respected his wishes. When the gods moved, I moved his tomb here. Eventually, Camp Half-Blood was founded not only to offer a safe haven for demigods but to also conceal its location."
The Centaur and the three teens stopped in front of a large pair of doors. Chiron reached into his pocket and pulled out a key. He inserted it into the keyhole, then turned it.
The doors began to open by to open by themselves.
"I believe that what's inside is the reason you came here, Your Highness," Chiron said, stepping aside.
"What's inside?" Sam asked.
"Your birthright," Chiron answered.
Sam nodded and was about to step into the room, but Percy was still holding his hand.
"Erm...Percy?"
"Yes?" Percy replied, and Sam's cheeks warmed.
"You're...You're holding my hand."
Percy looked down to see that he was indeed holding Sam's hand, and he let out an embarrassed laugh.
"Oh...sorry."
Percy released Sam's hand, and Sam immediately missed the touch.
Move it, Sam.
Sam stepped into the room, and Percy and Jason followed.
Inside, they found a dome shaped room with a tomb in the center. Atop it was a stone carved man, wearing a crown, his hands folded over a weapon. It was a strange looking saber. The blade had an unusual shaped.
It's a transforming weapon.
Sam stepped closer and immediately recognized what the weapon was.
It's...a gun-blade.
Sweet, I've always wanted a gun-blade!
"What is it?" Jason asked. "I've never seen a weapon like it."
"One of the Royal Arms," Chiron answered. "Each Caelum possesses one, and each generation claims the Royal Arms of his or her ancestors. There are those who seek them as...suveneirs. However, they cannot use them. Only those of the line of Lucis who wield the Power of Kings and those who share in that power can wield them. Even gods aren't exempt from this, though they may carry them. Anyone can. Now, it is your turn, Sam. You must claim what is yours."
He's right.
I can hear it calling out to me.
Sam reached out his hand.
The saber flashed and turned into crystal. It floated through the hands of the statue andinto the air. It pointed at Sam and flew into him into him, stabbing him.
"Sam!" Percy yelled, sounding panicked.
It vanished and reappeared around Sam along with his two other weapons, all appearing in crystalline form. Crystals floated around Sam as the the weapons spun around him. The weapons continued to circle Sam before bursting into light and vanishing.
I can feel his soul, the soul of my ancestor.
So, the blade is also called Ignis.
I feel...stronger.
Sam turned around to face Percy.
"It's okay. I'm not hurt."
"I see that you already possess two of the Royal Arms," Chiron stated, and Sam shook his head.
"That's actually incorrect. Noctis and Aurora are twin blades."
Chiron nodded.
"I see. Still, you must find the others."
"How many are there?" Sam asked.
"I do not know," Chiron answered. "Many have been lost to time or stolen. But there should be more here in America. Your ancestors have lived here for quite some time. Hades, he may be able to tell you where they are."
"I...I'm not quite ready to leave at the moment. I'd like to stay here for awhile," Sam said, uncomfortable with leaving after only staying a short while.
Who knows when I'll be back?
Who knows if Percy will be able to come with me?
"I do not see a problem with this," Chiron replied. "Though, if you're comfortable with it, I'd like to make your status known to the Camp. Of course, you're amnesia will not be told."
I'm not sure if that's a good idea...
"It would probably make the Ares kids leave you alone," Jason added, and Chiron nodded.
"That's exactly right."
Sam sighed.
"Very well. You can tell them."
Will
Every camper present sat in the amphitheater. In the center, Sam stood next to Chiron.
"What's this about?" Nico asked.
Will shrugged.
"I don't know. All I was told was to come here."
Why is Sam standing with Chiron?
Are we here because of Sam?
The voices of all the campers filled the air.
It sure is noisy.
Chiron stomped his hoof.
"Queit down!"
The order went ignored, as everyone continued to talk.
"Please, quiet down!" Chiron repeated, but he still went ignored.
He usually doesn't have this much trouble.
"SILENCE!" Sam ordered in a clear and cutting voice.
As per his order, everyone went completely silent, and Will gawked at Sam, who radiated a commanding and majestic presence.
Is this the same guy who's always so shy and flustered around Percy?
It's like he's a completely different person!
"Thank you," Chiron said, his voice now reaching all ears. "Some of you are probably wondering why I have called you here. Some of you have also met the young man next to me, Samuel Lucis Caelum. He is the reason for this gathering."
So, I was right.
"Many have found it unusual that Sam has yet to be claimed, despite the efforts of Jason Grace," Chiron continued. "And with the recent disappearances, Sam has come under suspicion. I am here to put an end to that. Sam is innocent. He is not the reason behind the disappearances. Furthermore, the reason Sam has not been claimed is because he is not a demigod."
Will was quite surprised by the words.
He isn't a demigod?
Then what is he?
"As such, I would like for Sam to no longer be questioned unnecessarily or accused of any crimes," Chiron stated.
"Why should we?!" Sherman shouted. "What makes him so special?!"
"Because Samuel Lucis Caelum is a Prince of the Kingdom of Lucis," Chiron answered, and several dozen campers gasped in surprise.
He's a prince?!
What?!
Percy stood and bowed his head. He raised it.
"All hail Prince Samuel!"
Jason also stood and bowed his head before raising it.
"All hail Prince Samuel!"
Annabeth and Piper followed suit.
"All hail Prince Samuel!"
Isaac did the same.
"All hail Prince Samuel!"
Nico, to Will's surprise, did the same.
"All hail Prince Samuel!"
Will mentally shrugged.
Might as well.
He stood, bowed his head, and raised it.
"All hail Prince Samuel! All hail Sam!"
More and more campers started doing the same, their voices filling the amphitheater.
"All hail Sam! All hail Sam! All hail Sam! All hail Sam!"
Will then noticed Sam looking somewhat embarrassed at the display.
Ah, there he is.
"ENOUGH!" Sam shouted, silencing everyone. "Look, just because I'm a prince doesn't mean that I want to be treated any differently. I'm just a teenager like many of you. So please, don't start calling me Prince Samuel or start bowing to me or something. Treat me like a person, and just call me Sam."
Sam then tapped his head with his finger and smiled.
"Got it memorized?"
He's right, we shouldn't start treating him differently.
Campers started clapping and cheering.
"You got it, Sam!" someone shouted.
"He's got a real sense of humility," Nico said into Will's ear.
"That, and I don't think he wants everyone to start groveling before him," Will replied.
"That's my bro!" Nico shouted, surprising Will.
Hehe, I guess that Percy and Jason aren't the only ones.
I'm happy for them.
Sam smiled at Nico.
"Thanks, bro!"
Both of them.
Percy
Once again, Sam joined Percy by the Camp Fire. The campers, per Sam's wishes, didn't suddenly start treating him any differently, and Sam smiled, looking rather content, and Percy couldn't help but smile himself.
I love it when he smiles.
"Hey, Sam," Will said. "Would you be willing to sing another song?"
Sam shrugged.
"Sure. Why not?"
Kayla walked over to Sam and handed him her guitar while campers started cheering.
"Can you pick something less depressing this time?" Percy asked, not wanting to cry again.
Sam chuckled.
"Actually, I have a song in mind for the occasion."
Percy raised an eyebrow.
"Oh? Well, let's hear it."
Sam nodded and started to play a another song, but Percy recognized it. The prince began to sing.
"Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo
Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo"
Gods, his voice is so beautiful.
"Am I wrong for thinkin' out the box from where I stay?
Am I wrong for sayin' that I'll choose another way?
I ain't tryin' to do what everybody else doin'
Just cause everybody doin' what they all do
If one thing I know, I'll fall, but I'll grow
I'm walkin' down this road of mine, this road that I call home
So am I wrong for thinking that we could be something for real?"
Percy felt his heart flutter at those words.
"Now am I wrong for trying to reach the things that I can't see?"
The Apollo kids decided to help out.
"But that's just how I feel (oo-oo-oo-oo-oo), that's just how I feel (oo-oo-oo-oo-oo)
That's just how I feel, trying to reach the things that I can't see (oo-oo-oo-oo-oo)
Am I trippin' for having a vision?
My prediction, I'mma be on the top of the world
Walk your walk and don't look back, always do what you decide
Don't let them control your life, that's just how I feel
Fight for yours and don't let go, don't let them compare you, no
Don't worry, you're not alone, that's just how we feel"
Will decided to harmonize with Sam.
"Am I wrong (Am I wrong) for thinking that we could be something for real? (Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah...oh)
Now am I wrong (Am I wrong) for trying to reach the things that I can't see? (Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah...yeah)
But that's just how I feel (oo-oo-oo-oo-oo), that's just how I feel (oo-oo-oo-oo-oo)
That's just how I feel trying to reach the things that I can't see (oo-oo-oo-oo-oo)
If you tell me I'm wrong, wrong
I don't wanna be right, right
If you tell me I'm wrong, wrong
I don't wanna be right
If you tell me I'm wrong, wrong
I don't wanna be right, right
If you tell me I'm wrong, wrong
I don't wanna be right
Am I wrong for thinking that we could be something for real?"
Can we?
"Now am I wrong for trying to reach the things that I can't see?"
I can see it.
"But that's just how I feel (oo-oo-oo-oo-oo), that's just how I feel (oo-oo-oo-oo-oo)"
That's how I feel.
"That's just how I feel, trying to reach the things that I can't see (oo-oo-oo-oo-oo)
So am I wrong (Am I wrong) for thinking that we could be something for real? (Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah...oh)
Now am I wrong (Am I wrong) for trying to reach the things that I can't see? (Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah...yeah)
But that's just how I feel (oo-oo-oo-oo-oo), that's just how I feel (oo-oo-oo-oo-oo)
That's just how I feel, trying to reach the things that I can't see (oo-oo-oo-oo-oo)"
The song came to an end, and everyone started cheering.
That was amazing!
Unlike before, Sam had a happy smile.
Was Sam telling me something with that song?
(Yes, he was, Percy. Yes, he was.)
Notes: And the plot thickens.
The Royal Arm Sam gained is the Blazefire Saber (renamed as Ignis) from FFXIII.
