Summary: An old foe of Jason's and Nico's sneaks into Camp. Sam comes out...but things don't go smoothly.
Notes: I use some lines from Escanor from the Seven Deadly Sins and Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII for the ultimate delivery of badass.
I also use the song Unravel from Tokyo Ghoul (with my own lyrics).
Chapter 9: Unraveled
Percy
The son of Poseidon and the Prince of the Kingdom of Lucis headed towards the Big House in order to ask Chiron about getting a new table. Percy looked at Sam, who seemed more relaxed, making Percy smile.
Will's right, he's starting to relax around me.
As they drew closer, they noticed Chiron and Sherman exiting the Big House, Chiron's hand on the son of Ares' shoulder, and Sherman looking quite distraught.
Is something wrong?
"What's wrong?" Percy asked.
Sherman's eyes narrowed when he saw Sam.
Not again.
Sherman then averted his gaze and sighed, Chiron patting his shoulder.
"Another camper has gone missing," the Centaur stated, surprising Percy.
Another one?
"Who is it this time?" Percy asked.
"...My girlfriend," Sherman answered in a depressed voice.
Miranda has gone missing?
"Did anyone see her before her disappearance?" Sam asked, making Sherman scowl at the young prince.
Why does he always think that Sam's the culprit?
"Drew told me that you saw her," Sherman stated, slightly shocking Percy.
...Drew?
Sam sighed.
"And you actually believed her? Please, tell me you're not that stupid."
Damn, that's pretty harsh.
"What did you say?!" Sherman snarled.
"Look, you're understandably upset, but I didn't actually accuse you of being stupid," Sam replied in a calm, majestic voice. "I actually asked for you to prove me wrong. You should know better than to trust Drew. She's probably trying to get back at me for rejecting her advances. She saw that you were vulnerable and took advantage of that fact."
Percy mentally nodded, agreeing with Sam.
That's probably the case.
She's probably already looking for a way to get back at Sam for humiliating her.
"She probably used her charmspeak on you," Percy added. "Keep in mind that Drew is the only one who badmouths Silena. We both know that Silena was no traitor. She was a true Hero, and Clarisse, while she and I have our differences, is a good judge of character. Believing Drew is disrespectful to both Silena and your older sister."
Sherman's eyes widened in surprise; he then sighed.
"You...You're right. I let myself be duped. I'm sorry."
Sam gave Sherman a friendly smile.
"Apology accepted. And if you need to take your frustrations out on someone, I'm up for some sparring."
Sam's demeanor and words impressed Percy.
I never would have expected that.
Plus...his royal side is really sexy.
Sherman looked surprised as well.
"Oh...Erm...thanks, man."
He then laughed nervously.
"No thanks on the sparring. I'd need a better weapon to face you."
"A better weapon, huh?" Sam asked, looking thoughtful.
What's going through his head?
Sam pulled out the device Percy had seen him use before, and it expanded.
What did he call it again?
Oh, that's right, he called it a Scroll.
Sam started tapping away at the screen with his thumb.
"What are you doing?" Percy asked.
"I...remembered something," Sam answered, making Percy's widen in surprise.
"Really?"
Sam nodded.
What did he remember?
"That should do it," Sam said before pocketing his Scroll.
"What should do it?" Percy asked.
Sam smiled.
"You'll see."
"Did you two need something?" Chiron asked, drawing Percy's attention.
Oh, that's right.
"We...uh...need a new table," Percy answered, feeling somewhat embarrassed.
Chiron raised an eyebrow.
"Why do you need a new table?"
Percy chuckled.
"Sam and I...kinda broke it."
Chiron frowned.
"You two broke it? What in the name of all the gods were you two doing?"
Sam shrugged.
"Arm wrestling."
The Centaur sighed.
"I see. Very well, I shall take care of it. However, I just had to make another exception to seating arrangements for Annabeth and Piper. Please, don't do that in the dining pavilion again."
He's got a point.
Percy smiled and nodded.
"Thanks, and we won't."
"But in the future, please try to refrain from using those tables for such...activities," Chiron added.
Yeah, that's probably a good idea.
"We'll try," Sam answered.
"Thank you," Chiron replied. "In the meantime, as you know, you have permission to use the Hades, Zeus, or Apollo tables."
Nico is usually at the Apollo table, so I guess we should use the Zeus table.
Far less crowded.
"Was there anything else you two needed?" Chiron asked.
Percy shook his head.
"No, that's all we needed."
"Actually, I could use your help with something," Sherman suddenly spoke up.
Oh?
What does he want from us?
"Sure, man. What is it?" Percy asked.
Sherman looked towards Sam.
"Would you mind helping out Isaac with training? He...really looks up to you."
The request surprised Percy; he looked at Sam, who seemed quite surprised himself.
"Uh...sure thing, man. I'll help him out," Sam replied.
Well, I guess I know what we're doing.
Nico
Using his Stygian Iron falcata, the son of Hades once again demonstrated a disarm to the campers with Jason as his training partner. Jason's Imperial Gold gladius clattered to the ground, and he smirked.
"Nice one, Neeks."
Nico felt quite flattered with the compliment, though he did feel somewhat flustered.
I really like Jason.
He's been my best friend since I decided to stay.
Nico smiled.
"Thanks, man."
He then looked at the group.
"Partner up and try to disarm your opponent."
The campers followed the order, pairing up, and soon, the sound of clanking metal filled the arena.
"All hail the Ghost King, huh?" Jason teased, making Nico roll his eyes.
What a dork.
"I heard that Percy and Sam broke their table," Nico said. "What happened?"
Jason chuckled.
"Arm wrestling. Percy used seawater to enhance his strength while Sam didn't really on his Aura."
Nico was slightly surprised and slightly curious.
Sam and Percy were arm wrestling?
"Who won?" Nico asked.
"It was a draw," Jason answered, impressing Nico.
Damn, I'm surprised that Sam could match a Percy doused with seawater.
While I'm certain Percy could have won while standing in the sea if Sam wasn't using his Aura, I wonder who'd win if Sam did use his Aura.
Still, it's no wonder that the table broke.
"Oh, speaking of Percy and Sam, look who it is," Jason said, looking towards the entrance of the sword fighting area.
Nico followed his gaze to find that Percy and Sam were indeed approaching.
I thought that I told Percy to let me handle lessons for today.
"Hey, Percy. Hey, Sam," Nico greeted them.
He then noticed Sam's earring. Like his pendant, it was disk shaped with wolf's head and a ring in its jaws.
He didn't have that before.
It looks...good.
"Nice earring," Nico commented. "It suits you."
Sam smiled, though his cheeks flushed slightly.
"Thanks. Just got my ear pierced today."
I had a feeling that was the case.
"What are you doing here?" Nico asked, curious as to why Sam and Percy were there.
"Sherman asked me to help his little brother out," Sam answered, surprising the son of Hades.
He looked at Isaac, who was currently punching a training dummy.
Yeah, he really looks up to Sam.
Nico shrugged.
"Have at it."
Sam nodded and walked over to the young son of Ares. He called out to Isaac, he seemed estatic upon seeing Sam.
Nico smiled at the sight, watching as Sam showed Isaac how to make a proper fist, demonstrating a few punches and Isaac nodding enthusiastically.
Sam would probably make a good teacher.
"Maybe we should let Sam teach hand-to-hand combat," Percy suggested, and Nico agreed with the suggestion.
"That's not a bad suggestion," Jason noted as Isaac jabbed at the dummy. "He probably needs something to keep him busy while he's here."
"We'll run it by Chiron," Percy said.
Nico then noticed Jason frowning, seemingly lost in thought.
"Something wrong?" Nico asked, snapping Jason from his daze.
"I...Erm...I had a rather interesting dream," the son of Jupiter replied, drawing Nico's curiosity (and Percy's from the looks of it).
"About what?" Percy asked.
"The Cloudy Wolf. The Cloudy Wolf is a person," Jason answered, and the answer shocked Nico.
The Cloudy Wolf...is an actual person?
"Did you talk with him?" Percy asked.
"Well...technically?" Jason replied, sounding unsure of himself. "I suppose that I did talk to him, but it was in the past."
The past?
Nico frowned.
"You don't mean..."
Jason nodded.
"Yeah...I...I think that it was a lost memory."
This...is really confusing.
So, Jason and Sam have a connection through the Cloudy Wolf?
"What else can you remember? What's he like? What happened?" Percy pressed, clearly wanting answers.
I want answers, too, for Sam's sake.
Jason sighed.
"I don't know. He didn't answer me, and I couldn't see his face. All I know is that he'd probably be close to our ages by now."
Percy let out a matching sigh.
"Just more and more questions."
Nico mentally nodded, agreeing with that statement.
More questions indeed.
"Do...Do you think that we should tell him?" Nico asked rather hesitantly. "He might remember something."
Percy shook his head.
"I don't know if that's a good idea. There's a chance that he might remember something, but there's also a chance that it'll trigger another headache. His last one was particularly bad."
Poor Sam.
"I'd wait until either Jason or Sam remembers something more," Percy suggested, and Jason nodded.
"Yeah...That's probably a good idea."
Agreed.
Suddenly, a large something unexpectedly crashed by the edge of the arena, startling everyone (save Sam), creating an explosion of dirt and dust.
Holy shit!
Nico raised his Stygian Iron sword, and not a moment later, Percy and Jason drew their weapons. The Ghost King peered at the dusty cloud.
Is it a monster?
It shouldn't have managed to slip through the barrier.
Unless...maybe there's a weak point?
As the dust settled, Nico was met a completely unexpected sight; he raised an eyebrow.
Is that...a locker?
Nico shared a confused look with Percy and Jason.
"Any idea on what's going on?" he asked.
Jason shook his head.
"I haven't got a clue."
Percy capped Riptide and pocketed it.
"I think that I might."
Before Nico could ask, Percy was walking towards the locker and Sam, who was already standing by it. Nico then looked at Jason.
"Do you think it's safe?"
Jason sheathed his gladius.
"Probably."
Nico nodded, sheathing his falcata, and together, they walked over to join Sam and Percy. Nico watched as Sam placed his hand against a panel on the locker, and it lit up briefly. As the light faded, a whirring noise followed, then a distinct click.
This is one high-tech locker.
Sam opened the locker and reached inside; he then pulled out a strange sword — it was single-edge with a thick blade and what Nico could only describe as an engine near the hilt.
That's an...interesting sword.
Sam smirked.
"Ingenium (Talent). I remember...This was a gift. I was wondering where it went."
Nico gave Sam a surprised look.
It was a gift?
From whom?
Sam released the sword, and it glowed blue before vanishing. He reached inside the locker again to pull out a Greek Xiphos, but it held a distinct shape. It was purple with black edge but clearly not of Stygian Iron.
"Dicere (Speak)," Sam said, and Nico realized that he had named the blade. "I've always wanted a gun-blade. Turns out, I already had one."
Nico raised an eyebrow.
"Did you say, 'gun-blade'?"
Sam nodded, and the handle of the extended while part of the blade collapsed inward, turning into a javelin. Next, the blade fully retracted, and Dicere changed from a javelin into a rifle that resembled WWII-era M1 Garand.
Nico couldn't help but stare at the weapon in awe.
That's...That's so cool!
Gun-blade indeed!
"That's so cool!" Isaac exclaimed excitedly, echoing Nico's thoughts.
"I was inspired by a similar weapon that could change between a Xiphos and a javelin," Sam said before releasing the weapon, and as with the previous one, it vanished.
He's stacking up his arsenal.
"I had a weapon like that," Jason commented.
Sam smirked.
"What a coincidence. What happened to it?"
"It broke," Jason answered, and Sam rolled his eyes and shook his head.
"I always knew that Imperial Gold sucked."
Wow.
Harsh.
Sam reached into the locker again to pull out a black, disc-shaped shield with four blue, wavelike shapes. It wasn't completely circular, as two parts of the shield dipped inward.
"Audite (Listen)," Sam said, naming the shield before it too vanished.
Jason chuckled.
"Something funny?" Percy asked.
Jason nodded.
"I just thought that the names are fitting for a prince."
Oh?
Nico raised an eyebrow.
"How so? What do they mean?"
"The...erm...gun-blade's name means Speak, and the shield's name means Listen," Jason answered.
Nico mentally nodded.
Quite fitting.
Sam reached into the locker once more to pull out a duffel bag, and Nico immediately noted that the straps were thick and attached via a short chain.
Must be for carrying heavy materials.
Sam set the bag on the ground and kneeled next to it; he then unzipped and opened it, and Nico found silver metal ingots inside the bag. Sam pulled one of them from the bag.
"What is it?" Nico asked.
"This, my good sirs, is Ferro Caelum, lighter and stronger than titanium, and hell of a lot better than Imperial Gold and Celestial Bronze," Sam answered.
"Sounds like mythril from Lord of the Rings," Percy commented, and Nico mentally nodded in agreement.
He's right.
Sam smirked.
"Where do you think Tolkien got the idea? Why do you think it's also called 'silvered steel'? This is what my gauntlets, Coelica (Heavenly), the weapons on my legs, Impetus (Gust), and all my other weapons are made from, save for my Royal Arms."
Nico frowned.
"Why aren't they silver in color?"
"Ferro Caelum is a very...interesting metal," Sam explained. "As it's given shape, it'll respond to intent, taking the color one desires, though this is something I discovered on my own."
That's cool.
"It's also pretty dangerous, as it will hurt both mortals and non-mortals, like Stygian Iron," Sam continued. "Since it's also called 'silvered steel', it's actually harmful to lycanthropes."
Nico's eyes widened in surprise.
"Really?"
Sam nodded.
"That's right."
That would have been useful against Lycaon.
"So, does that mean you can..." Isaac started to say, looking very excited.
Sam smiled.
"Yep. I can make you gauntlets like mine."
Isaac let out a whoop of excitement, and Nico smiled.
Hehe, what a cute kid.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Isaac exclaimed cheerfully.
Sam stood, picking up and slinging the bag over his shoulder.
"I'll get started as soon as I can. It'll take a few days, but it should be ready before the weekend is over."
Isaac ran up to Sam and hugged him.
"Thank you so much!"
Aw, that's cute.
Sam smiled and ruffled Isaac's hair.
"No problem."
Sam then looked at Percy.
"You guys have a forge?"
"Yes, we do," Percy answered. "We can go to Bunker Nine. It should have everything you need."
"Then that's where we'll go," Sam replied. "You guys coming with?"
Nico nodded.
"Sure. Lessons are finished for today."
Well, I guess I know what I'm doing.
Jason
Jason watched as Sam, who was standing in front of a workbench, seemingly grew more and more irritated. The reason — Buford, whom Leo managed to rebuild, kept bumping against the young prince, trying to bring him a hammer.
"Leo, what the hell is this thing, and why does it keep bothering me?!" Sam shouted, seemingly no longer able to contain his irritation.
"Oh, him? That's Buford," Leo answered, smiling affectionately at the walking table.
"Okay. What is...he?" Sam asked, looking like he was considering smashing the table into pieces.
Leo, you'd better save Buford.
"An automaton," Leo replied.
Sam scoffed and pushed the table away.
"I see. So, he's a piece of sentient garbage."
Damn, that's harsh.
The walking table made an almost sad, creaking sound, as if it's feelings were hurt.
I wouldn't be surprised if Sam actually did hurt Buford's feelings.
The table slowly approached Leo.
"Aw, it's okay, buddy," Leo soothed. "He didn't mean it."
Sam rolled his eyes.
No, he totally meant it.
"So, what are you guys doing here?" Leo asked.
Sam rolled up the sleeves of his hoodie and removed his bracelets, setting them on the workbench.
"I need to make a second set of these for Isaac over there," Sam said as he pointed to the very excited son of Ares.
Leo walked up to the workbench and frowned.
"Bracelets? Why does Isaac want a pair of bracelets?"
Oh?
Leo hasn't seen these things in action.
Sam touched one of the bracelets, and it transformed into a gauntlet; Leo whistled.
"Well, that's impressive," he said, sounding sincere and leaning closer. "Are...Are those shotgun shells?"
Sam smirked.
"Yep. Rounds of Aer Pulvis (Air Dust)."
The words surprised Jason.
Air Dust?
Leo frowned.
"Was that English?"
"It was Latin. Aer Pulvis means 'Air Dust'," Jason translated.
Leo nodded.
"Oooh, okay. What's Air Dust?"
I actually had the same question.
Sam frowned.
"Y'know? Dust."
"Dust?" Percy asked, and Sam nodded.
"Yes, Dust. Fire, water, lightning, energy."
Jason shook his head.
"Sorry, but this is the first time I've heard of Dust."
"Same here," Percy added.
Nico nodded.
"Me, too."
"Ditto," Leo chimed in.
Sam looked completely lost.
"Then...how do you add elements to your weapons, like Sherman's spear?"
"They're enchanted with magic," Jason answered. "Don't you do the same?"
Sam smirked, as if amused.
"Geez, no wonder your weapon broke. Not only was it a mediocre metal, you guys rely on something as fickle as enchanting."
Hey, I liked my old weapon.
It's a shame that it broke.
"Anyways, no I don't rely on enchantment for my weapons," Sam continued. "I really on either Pulvis, or Dust, or Materia, or Matter."
"What's Materia?" Jason asked, understanding that Sam wasn't talking about literal matter.
"Crytallized life energy," Sam answered.
I am learning so much today.
"What can you do with Materia?" Percy asked.
Sam shrugged and grabbed his engine blade, Ingenium, from the air with his left hand. The center of the engine glowed red, and as Sam slowly passed his right hand over the blade, red flowing energy enveloped it. Once Sam's hand reached the end of the sword, the red energy flared, fully covering the length of the blade before becoming stable.
"It can do this," Sam said.
Well, I'm more than impressed.
"Does it do anything besides glow?" Leo asked, and Sam shot him a look that said, 'Are you freaking kidding me?'.
Sam rested the blade at the end of the workbench, and it promptly sliced the edge off.
Damn.
"That," Sam said with emphasis. "It does that."
Leo let out a nervous laugh.
"Well...that is certainly impressive."
Jason mentally nodded.
Yes, it certainly is.
Sam released his sword, and it vanished.
"Any chance that you have more Materia?" Isaac asked, sounding hopeful.
Sam sighed and shook his head.
"Sorry, but I don't have any extra Materia on hand. Dust I have a good amount of, but not Materia."
"It's okay," Isaac replied, not sounding upset. "When can you get started?"
Jason smirked.
Sam's his Hero, huh?
Sam chuckled.
"I can get started right now."
Isaac let out an excited whoop.
Sam then picked up one of the gauntlets and held it out to Leo.
"Do you have everything needed to make one of these?"
Leo took the gauntlet and his eyes widened in surprise.
"Did...Did you seriously make this? This is a technological marvel!"
Sam nodded.
"Yes, I made it. Do you have what I need or don't you?"
"Oh, no, we can definitely make another set," Leo answered.
The young prince smiled.
"Excellent."
Leo held up a hand, and a ball of fire appeared in it.
"Need any help with the forge?"
As Leo tossed the ball of flame into the air, Sam shook his head before reaching out towards the flame, and it traveled into his hand.
"Hmm...not bad."
"Okay, just how are you doing that?" Leo asked.
Sam gave the son of Hephaestus a smug smirk.
"Elemancy, my dear Watson."
Clever.
Nico giggled.
"I see what you did there."
"Okay, so am I alone, or did that not explain anything?" Leo asked, looking completely lost.
"It explains everything," Percy teased, further confusing Leo from the looks of it.
The flame in Sam's hand was overtaken by black ones.
Okay, even I'm curious about those.
"I'm more than familiar with Hellfire, but I don't recognize those flames," Nico commented. "Just what are they?"
Thank you, Nico.
"Noctem Flammis, the Flames of Night," Sam answered. "These flames can burn nearly anything, even if the target happens to fire itself. As you can imagine, such a power is quite costly on my Aura reserves. I have to maintain control over them, otherwise they'll burn out of control."
So, it's not something he can just spam.
"I see," Jason said.
Leo sighed.
"You might, but I feel like I'm missing a crucial piece of information here."
Sam walked over to the forge and tossed the black flames inside, and the Flames of Night began to overtake the normal ones.
"Very well. Are you familiar with life energy?" Sam asked.
So, this is Camp Half-Blood?
The creature sniffed the air.
Yes, those two are here.
The monster grinned, his mouth full of sharp teeth.
Did they really think they could escape me?
I can track them down from the ends of the earth.
And they have nothing that can stop me.
The creature ran his claws along the defensive border.
A weak point.
Perfect!
The monster slipped through, only experiencing minor pain.
I can't wait to sink my teeth into some tasty demigods.
Nico
Walking with Jason, Nico watched as Percy supported an exhausted (and hungry) Sam. He had taken off his hoodie at this point, claiming to be hot, and Percy had wrapped it around his waist.
"Percy, I'm starving~," Sam whined, making Nico giggle.
Who knew that my bro would have an even bigger appetite than Percy.
"Don't worry, we'll get you something to eat," Percy replied, smiling softly at Sam.
Nico mentally shook me head.
He's so in love with Sam.
I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't somewhat jealous...but Percy is my friend, and Sam's my bro.
They deserve to be happy.
"Stop," Sam said suddenly, his voice quiet but urgent, and Nico's alarm bells went off.
There's danger nearby.
Nico, Jason, and Percy drew their weapons, while Sam hunched over, seemingly still tired.
Damn it!
This is the worst possible time for an attack!
"Look out!" Sam shouted as he shoved Nico aside.
What the...!
"Sam!" Percy cried out as Nico quickly rolled and stood.
The sight filled the Ghost King with dread.
No...
Before Nico's very eyes, he saw Lycaon had sunk his teeth into Sam's shoulder. A blue aura rippled over Sam's body with a sound akin to electricity.
No!
The werewolf king tossed Sam back, and Percy dropped his sword to catch him. Lycaon grinned a bloody grin, his eyes pure red.
"And now, I have a new servant. Submit to my curse, my new kin."
"No..." Percy said, clearly in shock.
The werewolf king focused on Nico.
"Did you forget about me? You should have aimed for my heart, boy."
Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit!
Merda (shit)!
Merda, merda, merda!
"And this time, no Hunters will save you," Lycaon said, taking a step forward. "Nothing will save you. I can smell your weakness. You don't have the strength to defeat me."
Nico's mind raced, his heart beat rapidly.
What do I do?!
What CAN I do?!
"...Servant?" Sam asked, drawing everyone's attention.
Nico watched as Sam stood, eyes closed, steam rising from his wound, his brand glowing a soft white.
Is...Is Sam okay?
"Who decided that?" Sam questioned before grabbing Dicere from the air with his left hand, the gun-blade in its javelin form.
Lycaon let out a laugh.
"That weapon cannot hurt me!"
"My blade cannot hurt you?" Sam asked, sounding amused. "Who decided that?"
The young prince opened his eyes, and his irises glowed red, though a completely different red from Lycaon's. Sam threw his javelin, and as he threw it, a shot fired from the end of it, propelling it rapidly towards the werewolf king; the head stabbed him in the shoulder, and Lycaon cried out in pain.
"What is this?!" Lycaon howled; he grabbed the javelin and pulled it out, his hand and wound hissing and steaming.
Sam was right, Ferro Caelum can harm werewolves.
"On your knees," Sam ordered. "I want you to beg for forgiveness."
"How dare you?!" Lycaon snarled. "I am your master! I am your king! You should bow before me!"
Sam looked at the werewolf king with an almost pitying look.
"How dare I? I shouldn't dare to do as I please? Who decided that?"
Sam took a step forward.
"You call yourself my master? A lowly cur such as yourself has dominion over me? Who decided that?"
Pressure eminated from Sam, and Nico could detect a very clear killing intent behind it that made even the Ghost King shiver.
Just what is Sam?
Sam took another step forward.
"I must bow to one so far beneath me? Who decided that?"
Dicere reappeared in Sam's left hand.
"A mere mongrel says I have to submit to his puny curse. Who decided that?"
Sam took a step towards Lycaon, and the werewolf king took a step back.
"A mutt says that I'm his kin? Who decided that?"
Sam took another step forward, and Lycaon took another step back.
"What right does a mere dog have to claim that he's my king? Who decided that?"
Sam's javelin transformed into a Xiphos.
"The only one who gets to decide such things...is me."
"Enough!" Lycaon roared as he charged at Sam.
The young prince moved with godlike speed, grabbing the werewolf king by his face before slamming his head into the ground.
Damn, that's gotta hurt!
"A cur should know better than to attack one above him. He should recognize his master and wait patiently at his feet, like a good dog."
Sam stabbed Lycaon in the shoulder, pinning him to the ground; the werewolf king howled in pain.
"Yes, just like that. Who's a good boy?"
Nico almost laughed, despite Sam's ruthless behavior.
And people think that I'm dangerous.
"Even if not now, you WILL submit to me," Lycaon growled.
Sam grabbed Ingenium from the air and stabbed Lycaon in the opposite shoulder, making him howl once more; both of wounds hissed steam.
"Who decided that? The only one who gets decides such things is me," Sam repeated. "I am Samuel Lucis Caelum, the Prince of the Kingdom of Lucis. Your curse cannot reach me. It evaporated into nothing upon touching me. Like a wolf howling longingly at the moon, your power cannot hope to reach me, but like the light of the moon, I can reach you."
That's...an apt metaphor.
Sam then grabbed Noctis from the air and stabbed Lycaon's hand, making the werewolf king yelp like a pathetic dog.
"But even if not Ferro Caelum, my Royal Arms, my power can reach you."
Sam grabbed Aurora from the air next, and stabbed Lycaon's opposite hand, making him yelp again.
"There is nothing that I cannot reach. Tell me, how does fear taste? I imagine that it's a new experience for you. Don't worry. Your fear will be gone in a flash."
"It's...It's you..." Lycaon said, clearly in pain. "I...remember your scent...You...slaughtered many of my kin."
Have they met?
"Did I do that?" Sam questioned the werewolf king. "Sorry, but I don't recall doing such a thing. They must not have been important enough to remember. A pity that you won't be joining them. I have a different fate in mind for you."
Despite the cruelty that Sam was displaying, Nico didn't feel an ounce of sympathy for the werewolf king.
He deserves every bit of this.
Next, Sam grabbed a weapon Nico hadn't seen before, a strange looking saber; the weapon folded into a gun, and Sam shoved the barrel into Lycaon's open mouth.
"You want to know what death tastes like?"
The werewolf king's muffled screams sounded around the gun...and Nico heard the sound of a trigger being pulled. An explosion consumed Lycaon's head, completely obliterating it into nothing.
He's...He's dead.
Nico watched as Lycaon's body dissolved before its essence was pulled into a warp in the air.
Where did he go?
"To become a petty ghost in the Rift," Sam said as his weapons glowed blue before fading, the pressure vanishing. "A fitting fate."
What is the Rift?
Sam sighed as his brand's glow faded.
"Sam?" Percy asked, drawing Sam's attention. "Are you okay?"
Sam smiled shook his head.
"Nope. I used up the remainder of my strength to do that."
He then chuckled.
"Well, I know this feeling. Catch me before I fall, Percy."
Percy obeyed, quickly rushing to catch Sam, as the young prince's eyes fluttered shut and his legs have out.
Nico and Jason rushed over towards the two.
"Is he okay?" Jason asked, the concern his voice palpable.
"Hungry," Sam mumbled.
Percy giggled and nodded.
"Yes, Your Highness. Infirmary first, then food."
Percy lifted Sam from the ground, princess style.
Well, I guess I know where we're going.
Suddenly, a group of campers led by Chiron ran towards them, armed to the teeth.
Calvary is a bit late, not that they would have been of any help.
"What happened?" Chiron asked. "We heard howling."
"We were attacked by Lycaon, king of the werewolves," Jason answered, and several campers gasped; even Chiron looked shocked.
"And where is he now? Did you manage to drive him away?"
"He's dead, and I don't think he's coming back," Nico replied, and Chiron seemed even more incredulous. "Sam killed him. His weapons were effective against him."
Chiron looked at the young prince.
"And is Sam okay?"
Percy gave Chiron a concerned look.
"He was bitten."
Some campers hissed, making a sign of three fingers over their hearts before pushing outwards to ward off evil.
"Is he going to become a...you know?" Percy asked, looking like he might cry.
Percy...
"His curse...cannot reach me..." Sam muttered.
Chiron gave Percy a reassuring smile.
"He'll be fine, Percy."
"How can you be so sure?" Percy asked.
"The ancestor of Sam's that I met, Ignis Lucis Caelum once stared Medusa in the face without turning to stone," Chiron replied, and to say that Nico was shocked by the answer would be an understatement.
Wait, wait, wait!
What?!
"Are you serious?" Nico asked.
Chiron nodded, chuckling softly.
"Yes. It was the first staring contest Medusa lost. She was quite upset."
Nico tried picturing the image in his mind.
I'd pay to see that.
"Percy...hungry..." Sam whined quietly.
"Take him to the infirmary and give him some Nectar," Chiron said.
Nico frowned.
"Are you sure that's a good idea?"
I don't want him burning into ash.
Chiron nodded.
"He's not a mere mortal. He'll be fine."
"If you say so," Percy replied.
Will
The son of Apollo finished the last of his paperwork in the room he used as his office.
Well, that's everything for today.
He smiled, feeling rather giddy.
Now it's time to fetch my boyfriend and have dinner.
Gods, I'll never get used to it.
I'm the happiest guy alive.
Will's smile then became more sly.
And afterwards, time to enact my plan.
As Will headed towards the door, it opened, and Percy stepped inside, carrying Sam. Will mentally sighed.
What happened to him this time?
Not that I mind helping, it's just...two visits in one day?
"Another headache?" Will asked as Jason and Nico joined Percy.
Percy shook his head.
"Actually, he overexerted himself."
The answer drew Will's curiosity.
Oh?
"Doing what?" Willl questioned.
"Well first, he was making some weapons for Isaac, and he was really hungry after finishing some of the work," Percy explained. "Afterwards, we were going to grab dinner when we were attacked by Lycaon, and Sam was bitten. Afterwards, Sam killed him."
Will nodded.
"Oh, okay."
Percy's words then registered.
Wait, what?!
"He was bitten?! Guys, he's going to become a werewolf!" Will shouted.
"Chiron said that he'd be fine," Nico objected, looking not the least bit worried.
"Are...Are you sure?" Will asked, feeling uncertain.
Jason nodded.
"He'll be fine. Just get him some Nectar, and before you ask, Chiron said that he'll be fine."
Well...if Chiron says so.
Will reached into his medic pouch and pulled out a small thermos and unscrewed the lid. He walked over to Sam and pressed it to his lips.
"Just a sip."
Sam parted his lips, and Will poured some of the Nectar into his mouth.
That should be good.
As Will pulled back the thermos, Sam's hand suddenly snapped up and snatched it from Will's hand, and before Will could say anything, Sam downed the rest of the Nectar.
Damn it, Sam!
That's enough Nectar to burn a demigod to a crisp!
Sam opened his eyes.
"That was nice."
"You're...You're okay?" Will asked.
Sam held out the thermos to Will, who took it.
"Yeah, I'm fine. My shirt is ruined, but no worries, it's not my favorite shirt."
Will's jaw nearly dropped.
His first concern is his shirt?
He then looked at Percy.
"You can put me down."
Percy did so, and Sam quickly discarded his ruined shirt.
Damn, Sam's got a nice body.
Will noticed Percy starting at Sam with a hungry look.
Geez, it's a good thing Sam's facing the other way.
Don't start drooling, Percy.
A blue flame burned along Sam's shoulder.
"Disgusting dog, putting his filfthy mouth on me."
He takes cleaning to a whole new level.
The blue flames went out, and Sam reached behind him.
"Hoodie."
Percy snapped out of his daze and unwrapped the hoodie from his waist before handing it to the young prince. Sam slipped the hoodie on and zipped it up.
"You know that I could have given you an extra shirt, don't you?" Will asked.
Sam turned to face all of them and scoffed.
"I'll wear one of those gaudy orange T-shirts when Nico does."
Nico snorted.
"As if."
The two then smirked at each other and bumped fists, and Will mentally shook his head.
Like I said, more similar than they know.
Or perhaps they do.
"And you're sure that you're feeling alright?" Will asked, wanting to make sure. "You're not feeling hot or anything?"
Sam shook his head.
"I'm fine. Hungry, but otherwise, completely fine."
Will breathed a mental sigh of relief.
Thank the gods I didn't accidentally kill him.
"Well, you heard the prince," Percy chirped. "Let's eat!"
Sam
Well, today has been a rather eventful day.
I nearly fainted twice; I walked on the beach with Percy; I got my ear pierced; I arm wrestled a bunch of demigods; I told off that bitch; I was bitten by a werewolf; I killed said werewolf; and I drank some Nectar.
Overall, not a terrible day.
Percy opened the door to the Poseidon Cabin and Sam stepped inside; however, something unexpected happened, Will, Nico, and Jason followed.
"Uhh...what do you guys think you're doing?" Percy asked, sounding as confused as Sam felt.
"We're here to have a slumber party!" Will chirped cheerfully.
Wait...what?
Sam and Percy shared a confused look before looking at the three demigods who had invited themselves inside.
"Why?" Sam and Percy asked simultaneously.
Sam grew nervous.
Seriously, I already woke Percy from my wet dream, I don't need more people.
"The better question is 'Why not?'," Will replied.
No, I'm pretty sure it's just 'Why?'.
Percy then shrugged.
"Suit yourselves."
Will whooped.
"Yes!"
Sam mentally sighed.
Good grief.
Oh, well, nothing for it.
Sam walked over to the fireplace in the Cabin and held up his left thumb; a small flame appeared on it, and Sam flicked the flame into the fireplace, causing the wood to ignite.
There, nice and cozy.
Sam walked over to the bunk he used while taking off his hoodie. Will let out an appreciative whistle.
"Looking good, Sam."
Sam flushed with embarrassment and grabbed his backpack, unzipped it, and pulled out a shirt. He promptly put it on, feeling uncomfortable without clothes.
It's not that I dislike my body.
I just...don't like being caught off guard.
Sam regained his composure and faced his guests.
"Well, what exactly are we going to do? It's a bit early to call it a night, don't you think?"
"How about we play a game?" Will suggested, making Sam curious.
He raised an eyebrow.
"I'm listening."
"Truth or Dare," Will said, and Sam's warning bells, nay, his sirens sounded.
No way!
That's a terrible idea!
Sam then noticed Percy's attention had perked.
"Hmm...Sure, I'm game."
Great...
"I've never played before," Jason added.
Fantastic...
So much for putting it to a vote.
Even if Nico sided with me, we'd be outvoted.
Sam sighed in defeat.
"Fine. What are the rules?"
I actually never played.
"Simple!" Will chirped. "Nothing can be chosen more than twice in a row. As for some ground rules: Nothing that can get us into major trouble, and it goes without saying, but nothing illegal."
I see, so I can't use Truth more than twice in a row.
Sam nodded.
"Alright, let's play."
The five teens moved and sat in a circle in front of the fireplace. Will was to Sam's left, Nico to his right, and Percy and Jason were in front, Percy towards the left and Jason towards the right.
Percy shot Sam a smile, and Sam relaxed.
Maybe it won't be so bad...
"How do we decide who goes first?" Jason asked.
"Good question," Will noted. "We can do it based on age."
Percy chuckled.
"That means that I'd go first."
"Sorry to burst your bubble, Percy, but Nico is technically the oldest. He's over eighty years old," Will countered, and Sam was quite surprised, looking at Nico.
"Long story," Nico said. "No pun intended."
I bet.
"How about the strongest goes first?" Sam suggested instead, knowing exactly what he just said. "I can bench five of me."
Nico snorted a laugh.
"You're not a standard measure of weight."
Sam shrugged.
"So? I can bench all four of you no problem."
Will chuckled.
"Alright. Sam goes first."
Well, might as well make the best of this.
Who should I ask first?
Sam looked at Nico.
"Truth or Dare?
"Truth," Nico replied, and pondered on what to ask.
What should I ask?
Probably something nice, so Nico doesn't do anything mean later on.
"Uh...how do you take your coffee?"
Sam mentally smacked his forehead.
That was terrible!
"Cream and sugar," Nico replied, surprising Sam.
Percy and Jason also looked surprised.
"Really?" Percy asked.
"I thought you'd take your coffee black," Jason added.
Will nudged Sam.
"Nice one."
Sam smiled.
Okay, maybe it wasn't terrible.
Nico looked at Jason.
"Truth or Dare?"
"Truth," Jason replied.
"Hot or cold showers?"
"Hot showers."
Seems innocent enough.
Jason then looked at Percy.
"Truth or Dare?"
"Truth."
Jason smirked.
"What's your favorite Pixar movie?"
Nico snorted.
"Isn't that obvious?"
Is it?
Percy smirked back.
"Up."
Jason's jaw dropped, looking at Percy as if was crazy.
"Up?! But you hate flying!"
Percy shrugged.
"So? What, you expected me to say Finding Nemo?"
"Yes!" Jason, Nico, and Will exclaimed.
"Well, I hate to disappoint you, but I find Up more touching and heartfelt. Besides, the music is amazing," Percy replied. "And I thought you knew me better, bro."
Jason crossed his arms and huffed.
Percy then looked at Will.
"Truth or Dare?"
"Truth."
"Top or bottom?"
Wait, what?!
"Percy!" Nico shouted.
"I don't bottom. Sorry, my love," Will answered.
"Will!" Nico yelled, looking embarrassed, and Sam felt rather flustered himself.
Great, that means that people can ask me dangerous questions.
Thanks, Percy.
Will turned his gaze towards Sam.
"Truth or Dare?"
"Truth."
What will he ask?
"Sunrise or sunset?"
Sam was surprised by the innocence of the question.
Wait...really?
"Sunrise," Sam answered.
"Me, too," Percy added, and Sam smiled slightly.
Who should I ask next?
Sam looked at Jason.
"Truth or Dare?"
"Truth."
What should I ask?
Probably something innocent.
"How bad is your vision?"
Jason pushed his glasses up.
"It's not terrible, but I like my world to be crystal clear."
Crystal clear, huh?
For some reason, Sam shivered, involuntarily covering his eyes as if protecting them.
"Are you okay?" Percy asked, sounding concerned.
Sam brought his hand back down and nodded.
"Yeah. I'm fine."
What was that?
"So, Neeks, Truth or Dare?" Jason asked.
"Truth."
"Who's the hottest guy here?"
Well, damn.
"I'm his boyfriend, so it's obviously me," Will said.
Percy scoffed.
"Oh, please."
Will scowled.
"What? You're hotter than me?"
Percy smirked.
"Hey, you said it, not me."
"Excuse you?!"
"Sam's the hottest," Nico answered.
"What?!" Jason, Percy, and Will exclaimed while Sam just smirked.
I think I know where he's going with this.
"You said 'hottest'," Nico replied. "I was originally going to say Leo, but Sam's so hot that he can burn other flames. Ergo, he's the hottest."
That's my bro.
Sam reached out his fist, and Nico bumped it.
Will huffed.
"Fine. I suppose it's valid."
"I still love you," Nico said, and a smile played on Will's lips.
Aww.
"Percy, Truth or Dare?"
"Truth."
Sam watched as Nico averted his eyes.
"Are you still angry about that thing with my dad?"
I'm guessing that they have a rocky history.
Percy shook his head with a small smile.
"Not at all."
Nico breathed a sigh of oblivious relief.
Percy looked at Will.
"Truth or Dare?"
"Dare," Will grumbled.
Percy smiled.
"Give your boyfriend a kiss, but no more than ten seconds."
That's...surprisingly generous of him.
Will looked surprised.
"Oh...Wow...Thanks, Percy."
Will turned towards Nico, and before he could say anything, Nico silenced him with a kiss. Will's eyes fluttered shut, and he moaned softly.
Damn, that's pretty hot.
Their lips parted slightly, and Sam knew that they were using tongue.
"Time's up," Percy said, and Nico pulled back while Will groaned in disappointment.
"I don't know if I should consider that generous or cruel."
Percy shrugged.
"Take it as you will."
"Truth or Dare, Sam?" Will asked without even looking.
I can use Truth one more time.
"Truth."
"What's the eye color of the person you like?"
Sam's heart rate increased.
Shit!
Will, how could you?!
An idea then came to Sam, and he smirked.
"Umi no midori (Sea green)."
Will turned his head and gave Sam a confused look.
"What?"
"You asked me for the color, but you didn't specify the language," Sam answered, feeling somewhat smug.
Which means that they can either dare me to do something interesting or to only answer in English.
I think it's a win-win on my part.
"I think it's legit," Percy commented.
"Agreed," Jason added.
Will huffed.
"Fine."
Who should I ask next?
Everyone, save for Will, has to pick Dare.
Sam looked at Percy.
"Truth or Dare?"
He only has one choice.
"Dare."
What should I ask?
Something simple.
"Can I see you with Jason's glasses?"
Percy looked surprised and turned towards Jason.
"Uh.."
Jason took off his glasses and handed them to Percy, who studied them for a couple seconds before putting them on.
Hmm...not bad.
"How do I look?" Percy asked.
Will laughed.
"Like a dork."
"I think that you look good. Not that you don't already look good," Sam answered, then immediately cursed himself for speaking without thinking.
Me and my mouth...
Will sniggered, and Sam blushed.
"Erm...You can take them off."
Percy took off Jason's glasses and handed them back to him.
Why does Jason look familiar without his glasses?
Sam immediately discarded the thought as Jason put his glasses back on.
Don't want another headache.
"So, Jason, Truth or Dare?" Percy asked.
"Dare."
Like he had any other option.
"Make Sam laugh."
What?!
Jason frowned.
"How am I supposed to do that?"
Percy shrugged.
"Not my problem."
Jason's frown turned into a grin.
Uh-oh.
Jason crawled over to Sam, and reflexively scooted back.
"W-What do you think you're doing?" Sam stuttered.
"You're supposed to make him laugh, not scare him," Percy said.
Jason just continued to grin.
"Oh, I know."
What is he planning?!
Jason suddenly pounced on Sam...and started tickling him; Sam was unable to keep himself from giggling uncontrollably.
Damn it!
How did he know that I'm ticklish?!
Sam tried to tell Jason to stop, but he was having trouble forming words.
Curse you, Percy!
"S-S-Stop!" Sam finally managed, and Jason relented.
Jason smirked, his body hanging over Sam's, and Sam smiled back, mainly due to being tickled.
Jason is actually really handsome.
Sam's felt his cheeks warming at the thought, and to make matters worse, Jason started blushing, too.
He's making it worse!
Jason quickly pulled back and returned to his spot.
"Does that count?"
Sam sat up and saw Percy nodding.
"It counts."
"So, Will, Truth or Dare?" Jason asked, still looking somewhat flustered.
"Truth."
"Do you mind your dad being here?"
That's kinda personal.
Will frowned, then sighed.
"The truth is that now that he's a regular mortal...I pity him somewhat. I'm still mad at him for never being around, but...I can't exactly hate him."
And that's very mature.
Jason nodded.
"Fair enough."
"Sam, Truth or Dare?" Will asked.
Like I have a choice.
"Dare."
Will smirked.
What's is he going to ask this time?
"Take off your shirt and keep it off."
That's it?
Well, I have a contingency plan.
Sam shrugged, took off his shirt and tossed it on his bed.
"Satisfied?"
"Quite," Will replied.
Good.
Sam's backpack vanished from his bed before reappearing in his hands.
"What are you doing?" Will asked, frowning.
Sam unzipped his backpack, reached inside, and pulled out his favorite hoodie (his midnight blue one with skull shaped buttons). He then set his backpack aside and slipped it on before zipping it up; he even pulled his hood up just to make a point.
"It's not a shirt."
Percy chuckled.
"Clever."
Will huffed.
"You're no fun."
Hey, I think I'm fun.
But what I did now means that the next time I have to pick Dare, he'll pick something more extreme.
Anyways, my turn.
I haven't asked Nico anything, but Nico would have to pick Dare.
Sam looked at Nico.
"Nico, Truth or Dare?"
Nico sighed.
"Dare."
What should I ask him to do?
Oh, I know.
"Take me to the the other side of the Cabin with shadow-traveling."
Nico shrugged.
"That shouldn't be too much. Stand up for a second."
Sam and Nico stood, and Nico grabbed Sam's hand before pulling him into Will's shadow and into a tunnel of darkness; Sam felt like he was walking through an ice cold stream at high speed.
This is actually pretty cool.
A few steps later, they reappeared at the other end of the Cabin, and Nico took in a deep breath.
"So? What did you think? It freaks most people out."
Sam couldn't help but laugh a little.
"It was fun. I liked it."
"What?!" Jason and Percy shouted, clearly surprised.
"Oh, by the way, that counts as a Truth," Will commented, and this time, Sam was the one caught off guard.
Damn it!
He's starting to be more strategic.
Sam warped back to his spot, which felt completely different from shadow-traveling, and more like just occupying a new space. He grumbled as he sat down, and Nico joined him a few moments later.
I have to be more careful and not ask or answer random questions if it happens to be the other person's turn.
"Percy, Truth or Dare?" Sam asked.
"Truth."
"What's your favorite song?"
"Easy. That second song you sang at the campfire," Percy answered with a smile, surprising Sam.
I didn't expect that.
"Oh...thank you," Sam replied.
Percy just smiled.
"No problem. Truth or Dare, Nico?"
"Truth."
"Do you still hold me responsible for Bianca?"
Who's Bianca?
Nico shook his head.
"I stopped blaming you a long time ago."
Percy smiled.
"Thanks."
Nico smiled back and shrugged.
"No problem. Truth or Dare, Will."
Nico, no!
Will is going to pick me next!
"Dare," Will replied.
"Make Percy blush."
...Huh?
Will grinned and leaned in to whisper something into Percy's ear; the son of Poseidon's reaction was clearly visible as he blushed so hard that even his ears turned red.
What could Will have told him to make him blush so hard?
"What did you tell him?" Sam asked, rather curious.
Will just shrugged.
"Not telling. So, Your Highness, Truth or Dare?"
Well, if I pick Truth now, I'll have to pick Dare next round.
Sam then mentally shrugged.
Might as well see what he has in store.
"Dare."
"Bench-press all four of us for ten reps without using your Aura."
Sam shot Will an incredulous look.
"And how am I supposed to do that? I can do it, but how am I supposed to actually go about it."
"We can stack up, tallest to shortest," Will suggested.
Sam shrugged.
"If you say so. This seems more embarrassing for you than it does for me."
The blushing faces of Nico, Percy, and Jason said that they agreed with Sam's statement. Sam got onto his back and placed his hands into position.
"You can either do it yourselves, or I can do it for you."
"I'll take care of it," Jason answered as lifted off the ground before hovering over Sam.
He then floated onto Sam's hands, and Sam felt his full weight.
Easy.
"Percy, do you want me to-..." Jason started to say.
"No way, I'll do it myself," Percy interrupted, and a few moments later, Sam felt Percy's weight added to Jason's.
Still easy.
"Comfy?" Sam asked, and Jason simply snorted in reply.
"My turn," Will chirped, before he climbed atop Percy, adding more weight.
Yeah, still easy.
"Don't start humping me, Will," Percy said.
That would make it more awkward for me.
Will snorted.
"As if. You may be a gorgeous guy, but that doesn't mean that I'm gonna suddenly start humping you. I have a boyfriend."
He then chuckled.
"Though I must say, you have a nice ass."
Sam blushed slightly.
Yeah...he does.
"Just waiting for you, Neeks," Will said, and seconds later, Sam felt Nico's weight as well.
And there they were, four demigods awkwardly stacked atop each other with Nico choosing to sit on Will rather than lie on him.
I can do this.
"Hold still and shut up," Sam ordered, wanting to just get it over with.
Sam lowered his arms before pushing the demigod stack back up.
One.
He repeated the process.
Two.
As Sam benched the demigods, Nico started giggling.
"This is fun."
Someone's enjoying himself.
"Maybe for you," Jason and Percy replied.
Yeah, this can't be comfortable for them.
Sam finished the Dare quickly.
"I'm done. Now, get the hell off me."
One by one, they got off of each other, taking their respective places, until Sam was free of the burden, and he sat up.
"You okay?" Percy asked.
Sam nodded.
"I'm fine. Jason, Truth or Dare?"
"Dare."
"Smack Will across the head for me."
"Wait, what?!" Will shouted, and Jason complied, leaning towards Will to smack him across the back of his head. "Ouch! Mean!"
I just started a war, but I might as well strike first.
Jason looked quite guilty.
"Truth or Dare, Will?"
Fantastic...
"Truth," Will replied.
"Are you okay?"
Wow, such a gentleman.
Will glared at Sam...then grinned.
Uh-oh.
"I'm fine, Jason," Will answered.
Sam grew nervous.
What's he going to ask next?
Will turned towards Percy.
"Truth or Dare?"
"Dare."
"Give Sam a hickey."
...
...
...
...What?!
Percy's cheeks reddened slightly.
Is...Is he going to actually do it?
Percy crawled towards Sam, who was frozen in place, his heart racing.
He's actually going to do it!
I'm not ready!
Sam involuntarily activated his Semblance, covering most of his face with shadow.
Percy reached up and pulled Sam's hood back.
Sea green eyes looked into nearly glowing blue ones.
...
Percy looked down at Sam's neck.
Crap, crap, crap, crap!
Percy leaned in, and Sam made no move to stop him.
He simply couldn't.
Percy's lips ghosted over Sam's neck, and Sam held his breath, going stiff as a board. Percy then gently kissed Sam's neck, and Sam surpressed a gasp. He then felt Percy's tongue give him a tentative lick, and Sam involuntarily shivered.
Holy-...!
Percy nippped gently, and this time, Sam gasped.
Nibble.
Lick.
Kiss.
Suck.
Sam moaned softly against his will, feeling himself growing hard.
Fuck!
Sam grabbed Percy's by the shoulders, unsure if he should push him away or pull him closer, while the son of Poseidon became slightly more aggressive, nipping, licking, and sucking harder. Sam tried but failed to surpress a whine.
Shit!
Sam's face burned, whether from embarrassment or arousal, he couldn't tell (probably both). Sam's whine made Percy more daring, biting and sucking even harder, and Sam started panting.
I...I need to stop this...
Sam squeezed Percy's shoulders, pushing against them slightly, hoping Percy would get the message. Percy, indeed, got the message, pulling away and seeming quite winded himself. Their eyes met briefly, but Sam quickly averted his gaze.
Damn it...
"Damn, that was hot," Will commented. "That's quite the hickey. Nice job leaving your mark, Percy."
Except that I'm not his...
That was just cruel.
"Hey, are you okay?" Will asked, sounding concerned. "You're shaking."
Am I?!
I wonder why!
Sam pulled his hood up, silently cursing the fact that his hands were shaking, and a shadow darkened to hide the upper half of his face.
"Sam?" Percy asked, sounding hesitant, reaching out a hand.
I can't let him touch me!
Not now!
Sam immediately stood and wordlessly walked towards the bathroom; he entered and slammed the door behind him. He looked into the mirror, seeing the dark red mark on his neck.
I'm not his...
Sam then took a deep breath and activated his Aura to heal the mark, and it faded away.
Percy is straight.
That was a step too far.
Sam backed up to the wall and slid to the floor, and a small tear slipped down his cheek.
Fuck this game.
Fuck Will.
Fuck everything.
A sob racked Sam's body.
Fuck everything.
Fuck my life.
Seriously, fuck my life.
Sam silently cried to himself.
Percy
Percy was stunned as Sam slammed the door behind him.
Well...shit.
The four demigods stood.
Yeah, this game is definitely over.
Percy then glared at Will.
"What the fuck were you thinking?" he hissed.
Will looked shocked.
"I...I was just playing around. I didn't think he'd react like that. I thought that he might enjoy it. It sounded like he did."
The taste of Sam lingered in Percy's mouth; the sound of his moans and whines in his ears.
That was certainly much more intense than the dreams.
He tastes so much better in real life.
Percy mentally slapped himself for being selfish.
But Sam has boundaries!
Will knows that, and he pushed me past them!
Percy felt angry with both himself and the son of Apollo.
I should have said no!
I let my desires get the best of me!
I forced myself on him!
Furthermore, why would Sam enjoy that?!
It might feel good, but that doesn't mean he enjoyed it!
"You know how guarded he is," Percy said pointedly, trying not to shout. "Why would you even suggest a dare like that? He just started finally relaxing around me, and now I'm back to square one."
I'll be lucky if he even talks to me...
Percy sighed, feeling depressed and crestfallen.
"I think it's best if you guys left."
"But-..." Will started to say, but Nico a hand on his shoulder and shook his head. "Yeah, you're probably right."
Damn straight!
By this time, Jason had already opened the door to the Poseidon Cabin, holding it open for Nico and Will.
Always the gentleman.
Will and Nico stepped through the door.
"Later, Percy," Nico called.
"Later, guys," Percy replied before the door closed.
Alone, Percy sighed once more.
Great...
What am I supposed to do now?
Percy looked at the door to the bathroom.
Should I...Should I knock?
Percy mentally shook his head.
Probably not.
I'll just have to wait for him.
Percy walked over to his bed and plopped down into it, reminiscing about the first time he met Sam in his dreams.
He sings like he's experienced heartbreak.
Like he knows what it truly means to hurt.
Percy then recalled something.
Come to think of it, dream Sam seemed so sad when we first met.
In fact...he had that same broken look in his eyes that Nico had after being rescued from that jar.
I felt so bad for the guy that one day, I ended up hugging him.
At first, he didn't like it...but he wouldn't push me away.
To be honest...it kinda hurt hugging him, like I could feel a portion of his inner pain.
Percy smiled softly.
After a few weeks, he finally started to relax, and it started feeling good.
Then one day...well, curiosity got the best of me and we kissed.
Percy then sighed again.
And if dream Sam is anything like real Sam, I just pushed right past his boundaries.
No, I plowed right through them!
Besides, friends don't give hickeys!
Gods, what should I do?
Several minutes passed with Percy lamenting his situation, when suddenly Percy heard the door opening. Percy immediately sat up to see Sam, still with his hood up, but seemingly drained.
Sam...
"Where...did everyone go?" Sam asked. "I thought that they were spending the night."
Percy noticed that Sam's hickey was gone.
Oh, Sam...
I'm so sorry...
"They decided to leave," Percy answered.
Sam nodded his head.
"Oh...okay then."
What should I do?
Well, I guess I should start with an apology.
"I'm sorry," Percy muttered, expecting Sam to yell at him or something.
He's angry, isn't he?
That's why he's hiding his face.
He was so angry that he was shaking.
He's going to tell me that he's straight and that he hates what I did.
"Why?" Sam asked instead.
Wait...what?
"Huh?" Percy replied, then immediately felt stupid.
Nice reply, me.
"What are you apologizing for, Percy?" Sam questioned. "It was a Dare, and I simply wasn't used to something that...intimate. I was overwhelmed. That's all. If we play again, tell Will to keep it to a minimum."
He's...not angry?
He doesn't hate me?
"You'd...actually play again?" Percy asked, very much surprised.
Sam walked over to his bed and jumped back into it.
"It...was an interesting experience. I wouldn't mind playing again."
Well...that's good to know.
"And you're sure that you're okay?" Percy asked.
"I'm okay, Percy. I'm tired, but okay," Sam answered. "Goodnight, Percy."
Yeah, he must be exhausted.
"Goodnight, Sam."
Will dream Sam be okay, too?
Nico
The son of Hades sat in his new bed with Will. The Hades Cabin had been completely redesigned after the fight between Sam and Nico. It now had normal lights instead of torches of Greek Fire. In addition, they're was now a single large bed instead of coffin shaped bunks, as well as windows where Sam had damaged the walls.
It's actually a rather welcomed change.
Who knew that something good would come out of that fight?
"I screwed up, didn't I?" Will asked, looking rather down, not at all his brilliant and cheerful self.
Will shouldn't be like this.
It's my job to be the dark and gloomy one.
"Well...I think that Sam has certain boundary issues like I used to have," Nico answered. "He was just starting to relax around Percy, but that's actually not the reason why I suggested that we leave."
Will raised an eyebrow.
"What do you mean?"
"It's...hard to explain," Nico replied. "It was...I could feel a darkness coming from Sam. It was completely different from my own, the Underworld's or even Tartarus, but it was definitely there. I know that Sam wouldn't have hurt anyone on purpose, but he might have by accident."
Perhaps Sam's Semblance sometimes responds to his emotions.
Maybe I can help him get his emotions under control.
Will nodded.
"Yeah...I was picking up on something myself. He's definitely dark...but also light. He's like...like..."
"The night sky?" Nico suggested.
Will smiled and nodded.
"That's a nice way of putting it. He's like the Night to my Day."
Nico frowned.
That sounded way too intimate.
"I didn't mean it like that, my angel," Will said, poking Nico in the ribs, making him giggle. "Though even you have to admit that Sam is a good looking guy."
Nico sighed.
"Yeah...he is cute."
He's has really nice eyes.
Nico looked into Will's eyes and smiled.
But so does Will.
"Let's stop talking about Sam," Nico said. "Kiss me."
Will chuckled.
"As you wish, Ghost King."
Jason
Will we be able to get there before him this time?
I won't get any more experience if he keeps taking the kills for himself!
Jason ran, javelin in hand. He then spotted their prey, a Cyclops.
Dangerous prey, but nothing I can't handle.
Jason then noticed the pack coming to a halt.
Why are we stopping?
"What's wrong?" Jason asked Lupa.
"We've come across a hunt in progress," Lupa answered.
Wait...does she mean-...
"The Cloudy Wolf is already at the task," Lupa continued.
He's here!
Jason then noticed that the Cyclops seemed very active, as if swinging at something.
"Hold still, you little morsel!" the Cyclops shouted.
I need to see this!
"I'm going to watch," Jason said, summoning the winds to awkwardly float higher.
"Just be careful, Jason," Lupa replied.
Jason floated closer to the seen to see the twelve foot Cyclops swinging away with a large golden mace at the Cloudy Wolf, who easily dodged the swings.
He's just dodging.
Is he really the one responsible for us losing our prey?
The Cyclops suddenly managed to grab the Cloudy Wolf.
"Gotcha!"
Uh-oh.
The Cyclops brought the Cloudy Wolf face-to-face with himself.
"Any last words?"
The Cloudy Wolf just smirked.
The Cyclops frowned.
"What? No screaming? No begging? No 'Please, don't eat me' or 'I have a family' or 'Let's make a deal'? Come on, beg for your life. Fear makes humans taste so much better. Please, indulge me. It whets my appetite."
He's human?
The Cloudy Wolf just continued to smirk.
The Cyclops laughed.
"Well, at least you're accepting of your fate. I wonder how I should eat yo-..." the Cyclops started before the Cloudy Wolf head butted the Cyclops in the nose.
The Cyclops cried out in pain, makin dropping the Cloudy Wolf to grab his nose instead. When he pulled his hand back, his nose was bloody and crooked.
Ooo, that's gotta hurt.
The Cyclops swung his mace at the Cloudy Wolf, who dodged by jumping high into the air...before landing atop Jason's shoulders.
What the...
"Dude, get off of me!" Jason shouted.
Instead of replying, the Cloudy Wolf responded by placing one of his feet atop Jason's head, irking the young son of Jupiter. Jason growled.
This guy is starting to get on my nerves...
"Get back down here!" the Cyclops yelled.
What he said.
The Cloudy Wolf hopped off of the son of Jupiter, easily landing on the ground.
Better.
Jason then noticed that the Cloudy Wolf was armed with a strange looking sword in his left hand.
When did he get that?
And...is that an engine?
The Cyclops charged at the Cloudy Wolf and swung his mace overhead, and the Cloudy Wolf blocked with his engine blade.
Jason's jaw dropped.
What?!
The Cyclops attempted to punch the Cloudy Wolf with his free hand, but the Cloudy Wolf met the Cyclops' fist with his own.
Jason heard a sickening 'crunch', followed by the Cyclops recoiling, dropping his mace to grab his broken hand. Jason cringed.
Ouch.
The Cloudy Wolf opened and closed his right hand several times.
"Tch."
I guess he wasn't completely unaffected.
Still, what ridiculous strength.
The Cyclops looked fearfully upon the Cloudy Wolf.
"W-W-What are you?"
The Cloudy Wolf didn't reply; instead, he slowly advanced towards the Cyclops.
"S-Stay back," the Cyclops stammered, walking backwards as the Cloudy Wolf walked forward.
The Cloudy Wolf didn't respond, and the Cyclops turned around and started to run.
"Stay away!"
Damn.
The Cloudy Wolf let out an amused chuckle before raising his engine blade into the air. A blue aura flowed over the sword; the Cloudy Wolf slashed at the air, and an arc of blue energy flew from the sword. It connected with the Cyclops, and he screamed as he was consumed in a blue explosion. When the explosion cleared, the Cyclops was gone.
Lupa was right, he is dangerous.
The Cloudy Wolf shook his head before bringing his right hand near his face, opening and closing it several times once more.
Is he hurt?
Jason floated closer to the Cloudy Wolf.
"Are you hurt? Is your hand okay?"
As the son of Jupiter touched the ground, he noted that the knuckles were bruised.
He is hurt.
He can't be a god.
He has to be a demigod.
Jason then noticed the bruise fading away.
What?
Soon, it was gone, surprising Jason.
It's...already healed?
The Cloudy Wolf opened and closed his right hand before putting it in the pocket of his hoodie.
"How did you do that?" Jason asked.
The Cloudy Wolf just smirked and shrugged, putting the back of his sword across his shoulders.
Why doesn't he say anything?
"What's your name?" Jason questioned. "Lupa calls you the Cloudy Wolf."
The Cloudy Wolf giggled in reply, as if amused.
"The 'Cloudy Wolf', huh?"
So, he can talk.
"That's funny, since you're the one who floats around like a cloud," the Cloudy Wolf continued, and irritation flashed through Jason.
He's making fun of me.
The Cloudy Wolf turned around.
"I'll be seeing you again. Or not. Later...Cloud."
'Cloud'?!
The Cloudy Wolf started to walk away.
"Wait!" Jason called, making the Cloudy Wolf pause. "What's your name?"
"Call me what you want to, Cloud," the Cloudy Wolf replied. "Though since you're Cloud, you can't call me the Cloudy Wolf. Too confusing."
I'm not a cloud!
The Cloudy Wolf then tossed his engine blade into the air, and Jason's eyes followed it.
What the...
When Jason looked back down, the Cloudy Wolf was gone.
What?
Where did he go?
Jason looked all around him, but neither the Cloudy Wolf nor his sword were anywhere to be seen.
Did he just vanish?
Jason sighed.
"Yeah...later."
At least he talked to me...
Jason then heard the pack coming closer, and he turned around.
"He actually talked to you," Lupa commented. "He really has taken an interest in you."
Jason huffed, feeling rather irritated.
"He keeps calling me 'Cloud', but he wouldn't give me his name. He said that since I'm Cloud, I can't call him the Cloudy Wolf."
Lupa let out an amused laugh.
"Already giving you a pet name? You must have left an impression on him. Well, if he came up with a pet name for you, you should do the same."
What should I call him?
"Did you see where he went?" Jason asked.
Lupa shook her head.
"No, pup. He comes and goes as he pleases, though he often comes around here at night."
Night, huh?
Should I call him 'Night'?
Jason mentally shook his head.
Nah, I'm not sure if it fits.
I'll decide the next time I see him.
Percy
The son of Poseidon found himself inside his Cabin, but not in his bed.
I know that I fell asleep, so this must be a dream.
Percy looked around and quickly spotted Sam sitting on his bed, his hood up and a shadow obscuring his face.
Is he okay?
Percy smiled.
"Hey, Sam."
Sam didn't reply. Instead, he curled into himself.
Definitely not okay.
"What's wrong?" Percy asked, feeling very much concerned.
Sam still didn't reply.
This feels like the first time I started dreaming about him.
Am I really back to square one?
Percy stepped towards Sam.
"Sam, please tell me, what's wrong?"
"This whole situation is just cruel," Sam finally answered.
Percy frowned.
"What do you mean?"
Is he saying that I'm somehow cruel?
"Because it's not real, Percy," Sam said, sounding bitter. "None of this is real. Every touch, every kiss...all just a dream."
Well...he's not wrong.
This is just a dream.
"Aren't you tired of this?" Sam then asked.
"Tired of what?" Percy replied.
Sam sighed.
"Why am I even bothering talking to you? This isn't real."
Percy felt hurt by the words.
He's right...
This isn't real.
Percy mentally shook his head.
Still...I can't leave him like this.
He's clearly hurting, and I need to do something about it.
Percy slowly reached his hand towards Sam.
Sam made no move to stop him.
Percy gently grabbed Sam's hood.
Sam made no move to stop him.
Percy carefully pulled Sam's hood down, revealing his face...and a tear slipped down Sam's cheek.
Percy's heart ached at the sight.
Oh, Sam...
I can't bear to see you like this again.
"Percy..." Sam whispered.
Percy put on a gentle smile.
"Dream or not, I promised that I'd always be there for you, didn't I?"
"Yeah...you did," Sam replied.
"So...can I be there for you?" Percy asked, not wanting to push himself onto Sam. "Even if it's only a dream?"
"...Please," Sam replied, making Percy breathe a mental sigh of relief.
Thank the gods.
Percy slowly got into bed and sat behind Sam; upon touching him, Sam stiffened.
Dream Sam clearly isn't in the mood for anything.
Then again, neither am I.
"Relax," Percy soothed. "No kissing or anything. Just me being there for you."
Sam breathed out a sigh of relief and relaxed, and Percy wrapped his arms around the smaller teen. Sam leaned back into Percy.
This is still nice.
"Do you remember when I first did this?" Percy asked.
Sam nodded.
"It's one of the few things I do remember."
I guess dream Sam has amnesia, too.
"I don't remember why, but I know that I was really sad. When you first hugged me...I didn't exactly like it," Sam continued.
Percy chuckled.
"Yeah, I remember. You were about as bad as Nico used to be in regards to physical contact."
They really are similar.
"I didn't exactly hate it, though," Sam added, surprising Percy.
"Really?" Percy asked.
Sam shook his head.
"No. It was...a welcomed intrusion. I'm glad you keep pushing at my boundaries."
A small smile played on Percy's lips.
"You're welcome."
Something then occurred to Percy.
"Is it strange that we never bothered asking for each other's names or really even talk?"
"Hmm...No, not really. What's the purpose of talking to a dream...though I suppose we are talking now," Sam replied; he then grabbed Percy's hand to move it over his heart. "Like you said, it's what in here that counts. Name's weren't really important."
Percy mentally nodded.
See?
I did make a good point.
Even if only dream, Sam agrees with me.
Well, maybe it's because he's dream Sam is the reason he agrees with me.
Sam entwined his fingers with Percy's.
This is nice.
Sam
"Seriously, how are you gonna finish that?" Percy asked as he stared at Sam's two plates stacked with blue pancakes and a third plate with bacon and eggs (compared to Percy's single and much smaller stack of pancakes). "Where do you put all that food?"
Sam giggled.
"I have a busy day, and I'm going to need the energy."
Working a forge with the Flames of Night requires a lot of energy and focus.
I need to make it hot enough to melt Ferro Caelum without letting it incinerate everything.
"It's no wonder you matched me in arm wrestling if you eat that much," Percy commented.
Yeah, I'm pretty sure that my metabolism isn't normal.
Sam mentally shrugged.
Oh, well.
Percy then sighed.
"Something wrong?" Sam asked.
"We won't get to hang out today," Percy answered, pouting slightly. "I have to teach the kids and study."
So damn adorable.
Sam smiled.
"I made a promise to Isaac, but don't worry, we'll see each other later."
Come to think of it...
"Why don't you try talking to the girl you like?" Sam suggested.
Percy sighed again.
"I can't because that certain someone happens to be busy today, too."
Aww, poor guy.
(Facepalms.)
"Good gods!" Will exclaimed as he and Nico approached the table. "That's a big breakfast. Are you guys sharing?"
Percy giggled and shook his head.
"Well, the smaller stack of pancakes is mine, and the rest is Sam's."
Will's jaw literally dropped, and Nico nudged his boyfriend.
"Will, don't forget why we came here."
Will closed his jaw, regaining his composure. He then took a deep breath.
"I...I wanted to apologize. I clearly made you uncomfortable."
Sam mentally rolled his eyes.
Gee, you think?
He then mentally sighed.
But it was just a game.
I can't be too upset with him.
Will seems like a nice guy.
Sam smiled.
"Apology accepted. Just keep the Dares less...intimate."
Will breathed a sigh of relief.
"Thanks."
He then frowned.
Yeah, I guess he didn't expect my response.
"You'd...be willing to play again?" Will asked, sounding unsure.
Sam shrugged.
"It was an interesting game. I learned some interesting things."
For instance, the dreams pale in comparison to real life.
Still...I suppose that there should be some sort of retribution.
Sam smirked.
"But there is something I need to do."
Will raised an eyebrow.
"And what's that?"
"I'm going to move you to tears," Sam answered.
"How do you plan on accomplishing that?" Nico asked.
Sam just continued to smirk.
"You'll find out at the campfire."
Nico smirked back.
"Do you think that you can move me to tears, too?"
If Nico is anything like me, I know that he probably will.
Sam shrugged.
"Guess we'll find out."
Sam then focused on his breakfast.
Now, it's time to eat.
Percy
Feeling rather nervous, looked at Sam, who already had a guitar in his hands. Percy wasn't the only one looking; all eyes were on Sam. Even Apollo, who had heard of Sam's apparent talent, was present.
He said that he'd move Will to tears.
That probably means another sad song.
What will he sing this time?
Percy took a deep, quiet breath.
Prepare to cry, Percy.
"Oh, can you tell me, please, just tell me how it's supposed to be?" Sam sang.
He then began to play.
"Just tears inside of me
What is it that you see?
I'm broken, lying, helpless, crying amidst a twisted world
You're smiling and laughing...so blind to everything"
Sam began to pick up the song; it was hard and melancholic.
"Damaged and broken as I am, I find it hard to breath
Unraveled yet not unraveled by the truth I finally see...freeze
So breakable, unbreakable, so shakeable, unshakeable
Unraveling as I watch you
And now inside of this world, I feel like I am fading!
Am I someone who's not worth saving?!
Why don't you see me when you look my way?!
I'm nothing to you...
Was everything just simply my imagination?!
My whole life teeters on the verge of breakin'!
Remember me, please, before I fade away..."
Percy's heart clenched painfully in his chest.
Oh, Sam...
"Surrounded by such loneliness,
And all I feel is emptiness
It's killing me, it's breaking me,
Despair is spreading endlessly
I cannot move, I shut my eyes,
I cannot breathe and realize —
I'm paralyzed, I'm paralyzed
Un...RAVEL MY WORLD!"
Percy felt tears running down his face.
Sam...what happened to you?
"A shattered reflection, no ounce of affection
If I hold on, I won't survive, but foolish hope keeps me alive
So breakable, unbreakable, so shakeable, unshakeable
Unraveling, I have a heart, too!
And now inside of this world, I feel like I am fading!
Am I someone who's not worth saving?!
Why don't you see me when you look my way?!
I'm nothing to you...
Was everything just simply my imagination?!
My whole life teeters on the verge of breakin'!
Remember me, please, before I fade away...
You can't just forget me..."
Who forgot you?
"Don't forget me, don't forget me, don't forget me, DON'T FORGET ME!"
How could anyone just forget about you?
"Was everything just simply my imagination?!
My whole life teeters on the verge of breakin'!
Remember me, please, before I fade away...
Oh, can you tell me...
Oh, please, just tell me...
Just tears inside of me
What is it that you see?"
The song came to an end, and Sam set the guitar down upon the ground. Just about everyone was crying, and, as Sam had said, Will and Nico had been moved to tears.
I can hardly blame them, I'm crying myself.
Gods, Sam...how do you know so much about pain?
I should hug him.
Percy reached out.
"Don't touch me..." Sam whispered, as if in warning.
"That was a nice song. Very sad," Drew suddenly said, walking up to Sam and Percy.
Fan-fucking-tastic.
"What do you want this time?" Sam asked, clearly exasperated with the daughter of Aphrodite.
Drew smiled.
"Why don't you sing a song for me?"
She's using charmspeak again.
"Not interested," Sam replied bluntly.
Geez, take a hint.
Drew just continued to smile.
"Well then, how about a song for the girl you do like? If you don't like me, there must be some girl that you do like. I can sense that you do like someone."
Sam's certainly not going to tell her.
"There isn't any girl that I'm interested in," Sam said, surprising Percy.
Wait, what?
"I thought you said that you were interested in someone," Percy commented, not meaning any harm.
Sam became visibly tense.
What's wrong?
"I...I am, Percy," Sam nearly whispered.
"Oooh, I get it now," Drew said, her smile becoming sly. "You are interested in someone, but that someone isn't a girl."
The words surprised Percy.
...What?
"Let me guess," Drew continued, still looking amused. "These sad songs you sing are because some guy broke your heart. Am I right?"
Is she?
"I can't say..." Sam replied.
"Not important," Drew said with a wave of her hand, as if dismissing the words. "Tell me, do you even like girls?"
"No..." Sam answered quietly, and yet, his voice still carried over to everyone present.
"You're gay?!" Percy asked a tad bit too loudly, making Sam flinch and turn away.
Oops.
But that means that I actually have a-...
"Let me guess, you don't want a gay guy staying in your Cabin?" Sam suddenly asked, disrupting Percy's train of thought.
...What?
"No, I don't-..." Percy started to say.
"I knew it," Sam interrupted.
I was trying to say 'I don't want you to go'.
"Sam, please, just-..." Percy started once more.
"Move out," Sam cut Percy off.
I was trying to say 'just let me explain'.
Percy reached out towards Sam.
"Sam, I-..."
"Don't touch me," Sam repeated.
Percy ingnored Sam, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Just let me-..."
"DON'T TOUCH ME!"
What the...!
Black electricity jumped onto his arm, and Percy felt what he could only describe as pure pain and despair coursing from Sam to him. Percy's vision blurred and he collapsed to the ground, conscious, but finding it difficult to breath.
It...It hurts.
Percy groaned.
Sam...why are you in so much pain?
Sam
Horrified, Sam stared at the panting son of Poseidon.
Oh...shit...
Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit.
Percy...
I hurt Percy...
"What did you do?" someone asked.
"What is he?" another camper added.
"Some kind of freak," yet another commented.
Sam looked around at the campers surrounding him.
"I...It was an accident," he tried to explain.
The campers looked at Sam with fear.
Stop looking at me like that...
"I...I didn't mean to," Sam tried to defend himself.
"Freak."
"Dangerous."
"Bad."
"Trouble."
Stop it...
"Sam..." Percy said, sounding like he was in pain, drawing Sam's attention.
Percy...
Sam reached out to Percy.
I...I can fix this.
I can heal him.
I can-...
"Don't touch him, you monster!" a camper shouted.
Anger flashed through Sam.
"Shut up!"
Sam looked at the campers around him, who seemed even more afraid than before. Many of them hissed, placing three fingers over their hearts in a claw before pushing outwards.
"What's with his eyes?" someone asked, due to Sam's glowing red irises.
"Chiron was wrong, he really was cursed," another added.
Stop it...
"He was going to hurt Percy again."
No...
I would never hurt Percy...
Sam pulled up his hood before hugging himself.
Stop looking at me like that!
Stop it!
I'm not a monster!
"Sam..." Jason said, reaching out to Sam. "Are you okay?"
No, I'm not okay!
"Don't touch him, Jason! He'll hurt you, too!"
"Shut up!" Sam ordered. "All of you, just shut up!"
Silence followed.
Because they're afraid...
They're afraid of me...
"Sam..." Percy repeated.
Percy...I am so sorry.
I won't ever hurt you again.
Sam glowed blue before vanishing.
Notes: If you read my old story, you're familiar with why Sam carries such inner turmoil. If you haven't, it'll be revealed at a later point in time.
The Cloudy Wolf's pet name for Jason is a reference to the protagonist of Final Fantasy VII, Cloud Strife.
Also, kind of like how Yang Xiao Long's Semblance can involuntarily activate when she's angry, Sam's can also activate under emotional pressure. There's a reason Sam said, "Darkness, drink of anguish."
Sam's weapon and shield, Dicere and Audite are based off of Pyrrha Nikos' Miló and Akoúo̱ from RWBY, only with a different color scheme. Their names also mean "Speak" and "Listen", though it's Greek instead of Latin. His engine blade is based on Noctis Lucis Caelum's own Final Fantasy XV, called Ingenium here, as Ingenium is the root word for engine.
