"I can't believe you; this is all your fault!" Nancy screamed as she ran down a corridor, "How do you always manage to piss off the wrong people at the wrong time!"
"Can we not play the blame game right now?" Percy shouted back as he trailed behind Nancy. As the two rounded a corner, an arrow whizzed by Nancy's head, barely missing her by an inch.
"Well, it's true! We wouldn't be in this mess if you didn't piss off the one person helping you control your powers!" Nancy yelped as another arrow embedded itself centimeters from her foot. "Will you do something about those skeletons! I don't want to become a human pin-cushion!"
"I'm on it!" Percy blared back. Hoping for a miracle, Percy concentrated on forming a bond with the ground beneath his feet. Taking a deep breath, Percy stopped running as he turned to face the skeletons charging after them. With all of the strength he could muster, Percy stomped the ground.
[Eternal Chasm]
The second his foot made contact, the floor beneath had split open as a fissure grew towards the hapless skeletons, swallowing them whole. "See," Percy gasped out, slightly out of breath, "we didn't need Seraphine." Giving a thumbs up to Nancy, Percy could hear a 'huff' emanating from inside his head. "That was too close of a call; just apologize to her. I don't want to die because of your dumbass decisions to piss off a near-omnipotent goddess that decided to live in your head!"
"You should listen to her; she definitely has more brains than you."
"I'm not sure she's actually omnipotent," deciding to ignore the petty entity residing in his head, Percy sighed as he turned towards Nancy, "You, okay?" Percy asked as he gave Nancy a quick look. "Better now since the skeletons are finally taken care of," Nancy answered.
[Investigation: 16]
"You don't seem hurt." Percy acknowledged as he gave her a look over, "anyways, we should keep going. I'm getting a little tired of this labyrinth." Percy grabbed Nancy's arm, leading them deeper into the dungeon. Percy coated Nancy in [Ice Armor] to ensure her safety as the two continued their trek.
Wandering around aimlessly throughout the dungeon, the pair eventually found themselves at a large set of closed double doors with a strange symbol. As the couple studied the emblem, they noticed it depicted a rose protruding from a skull's eye socket.
"This… this has to be the boss' room…." Percy muttered; taking a step forward, he pushed on the set of doors. Creaking and groaning, the doors slowly opened, unveiling a large open room behind them. Nancy and Percy cautiously made their way into the room; whilst scanning through the area, they noticed a set of dark-steel armor sitting atop a throne made of stone. Next to the dark-steel armor resides a rusted greatsword; behind the throne hangs a giant banner depicting a broken crown with a sword running through it.
"Percy, I have a bad feeling about this. We should—" Nancy was abruptly interrupted as the doors behind them slammed shut, blocking their exit. "… leave…" Nancy sighed, "Guess it's too late to turn back now…."
On edge, Percy rummaged through his backpack before pulling out the last two water bottles. Pouring the contents over himself, Percy felt a surge of energy rush over him. Reforming his [Aqua Blade] as quickly as possible, Percy took a defensive stance, ready to defend himself and Nancy.
"What do we have here?" A deep monotone voice rang throughout the room. "Two new souls who dared enter my home without proper tribute? Well, we can't have that now, can we?" The room began to tremble as the suit of dark-steel armor slowly lifted itself off of the throne. Towering over the duo, the suit of dark-steel armor grabbed the rusted greatsword.
"You two will never leave this room alive." Despite its large size, the suit of armor managed to rush over to Percy at breakneck speed. In a thunderous boom, the suit of armor slammed its greatsword in a downward arc.
[Earthen Grasp]
Thinking quick on his feet, Percy immediately summoned an earthen arm from the nearest wall to intercept the greatsword directed towards his head as he immediately threw his body towards the side of the suit of armor, [Earthen Javelin], Percy threw his off-hand towards the armor as six different javelins jutted from the ground before launching themselves onto the directed point. "I win!" Percy smirked as he watched the javelins pierce true.
"You haven't won yet," Seraphine warned, "Earthen Javelins isn't capable of penetrating that thick armor."
The armor turned towards Percy as it ripped out the javelins from its side, "You dare think a few measly javelins could harm me?" Before Percy could think of a retort, he felt a sharp jagged pain erupt from his back as he found himself buried in stone rubble. "Percy!" Nancy screeched as she immediately ran towards where Percy was lying, "Percy! Percy!" Nancy yelled as she started to shake Percy's limp body, "You have to get up; you have to get up, or we're both dead!"
[Concentration: 21
"Told you so," Seraphine chided, "You know, if you just apologized, I can make this fight easier for you." Seraphine gibed, "C'mon, all you have to do is just say, 'I'm Percy, and I'm stupid for doubting you, Seraphine. You're the greatest, Seraphine!' and I'll take over the fight for you."
Groaning, Percy turned towards Nancy, "Please tell me that did something to that thing," Percy pleaded to Nancy, hoping that Seraphine was wrong. "The thing wasn't even hurt. Percy, tell me the truth, are we going to die here?" As tears welled in her eyes, Nancy questioned, "Not when I'm still breathing." Percy reassured her.
Shakily getting towards his feet, Percy grabbed his [Aqua Blade] and readied himself for the next attack. "Hmm, you're tougher than I thought. But that matters not…." The dark-steel armor started to glow bright red as steam began to exude from the crevices of the armor. Percy and Nancy felt feverish as the smoke filled the room. "Do something!" Nancy begged as her entire body became drenched in sweat.
"Okay, fine!" Percy snapped, "I'm sorry, Seraphine; I'm sorry for calling you a second-rate goddess! But you're just proving my point! You're willing to let us die here because you're such a petty asshole!"
"It's not about you calling me a 'second-rate goddess,'" Seraphine snapped back, "I wanted to help guide you and teach you how to handle things yourself. But yet, you couldn't even show me a bit of respect." Seraphine sighed, snapping her fingers, and her eyes started to glow bright purple. Percy watched as his arms, without his instructions, waved over towards Nancy. The steam began to surge around her as it formed a thick dome. Nancy noticed the immense heat started to subside around her; giving her thanks to Percy, she began rummaging through her backpack, hoping to find something to aid Percy in his fight.
[Mist Ward]
"I'm not petty enough to leave you two for dead," Seraphine stated, "but until I get a proper apology from you, you'll be handling things yourself."
Whilst Seraphine and Percy had their internal argument, the armor took this opportunity to rush Percy again. Coming to his senses, Percy managed to barely roll away from the oncoming danger. As he was about to taunt the armor, Percy noticed that the armor hadn't been targeting him but instead aimed directly toward Nancy. Witnessing his error, Percy could only watch helplessly as the armor swung its massive sword at Nancy, breaking through the [Mist Ward] and sending her crashing through the throne with a sickening thud.
"Nancy!" Percy cried out in concern for her well-being, "Alright! Alright, I'm sorry, Seraphine. Please, I don't want Nancy to die because of my dumbass decisions." Percy pleaded. "Good enough," Seraphine sighed, hoping that her young host had learned his lesson.
"I'll make you pay for what you did to Nancy," Percy growled, causing the room to tremble. "You think you're capable of taking me on yourself?" "Fine, I will award you a painful death for your insolence, the armor scoffed." Like before, the armor surged forward whilst dragging the greatsword behind it; however, unlike before, this time Percy with the help of his companion, was able to keep up with the armor's movements.
As the armor went to swing its greatsword in an attempt to bisect the young boy, Percy managed to create a [Water Shield] between himself and the greatsword. "And this is how we win," Seraphine lectured. Percy watched in amazement as sparks of electricity crackled into existence as the steam condensed itself around him into the shapes of lances. The ground beneath the armor began to shift upwards as it grasped at the armor, restraining it in place.
[Wrath of Sythaeryn]
"Now!" Seraphine screamed, launching a barrage of lances towards the armor. Percy watched as the lightning flashed every time a lance made contact with the armor. "Heh…" The armor gasped, out of breath, "I've underestimated you too much." The armor sluggishly took a step forward, breaking through the earthen restraint with a loud stomp. "I'm not through with you yet!" Percy screamed as he now finally took the offensive once again. Dashing towards the armor, Percy launched himself towards the armor's head. Percy decapitated the armor in one quick, fluid motion with his [Aqua Blade].
Landing roughly on his feet, Percy turned to face the dark-steel suit of armor; Percy watched as the armor collapsed onto its knees before buckling over. Confirming the threat neutralized, Percy sprinted towards Nancy's unconscious body. "Is Nancy going to be okay?" Percy asked Seraphine, bracing himself for the worst. "Nancy took a bad hit, but [Mist Ward] took the brunt of the attack. She just needs a bit of rest." Seraphine reassured.
Percy let out a relieved sigh, unaware that he was unconsciously holding his breath, "Thank you, Seraphine. We wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for you." Percy gently set Nancy's head on his lap, "You two make a cute couple." Seraphine teased, "Oh, shut up, you." Percy blushed at his companion's comment. Lightly stroking Nancy's hair, Percy found himself slowly drifting asleep.
A few hours passed as Nancy began to stir awake, eyes fluttering open she found herself resting on Percy's lap. Barely able to contain her blush, she immediately jolted upright. Scanning the area, her eyes landed on the set of armor as Nancy felt something drawing her towards it. Shakily taking a few steps forward, she noticed a slight glint that caught her attention.
Upon investigating it, she observed it to be a small stone with a strange symbol etched onto the surface, resembling that of a dagger through a hand. Not sure why she was strangely drawn to it, Nancy bent over to grab the stone, wishing to investigate it further. But the second her hand came in contact with it, the stone immediately crumbled into dust.
"I… Why…?" Nancy, unsure of what she did, began to back away from the armor. Holding her breath, she silently prayed that the thing remained dead. After a minute of nothing happening, Nancy exhaled a breath of relief, "I guess that was nothing," Nancy sighed, turning back Percy's sleeping form. "Thank you, Percy," Nancy whispered, not being able to contain the small smile gracing her face. "You kept your promise."
Seeing that the room was still left uninvestigated, Nancy began to walk around, finding whatever she could to assist in leaving the labyrinth.
[Investigation: 20]
Making her way toward the double doors, she noticed the symbol differed from the previous one. The inscription on the door now resembles a dragon curled in a fetal position with a crown adorning its head. Tracing her hand on the symbol, Nancy felt a shock course through her hand as it traveled up her arm. "Ah fuck!" Nancy cursed as she instinctively retracted her hand from the door. Clutching her arm, Nancy took a couple steps back as she saw the doors begin to illuminate in bright blue lights.
[Awakened Status: Complete]
[Name: Nancy Bobofit]
[Class: Thief]
"What… what is this?" A shock, Nancy asked aloud as the room began to tremble. Percy shook awake from the commotion. Quickly getting to his feet, Percy noticed that the doors were glowing a bright blue. "Nancy, what happened?"
"I don't know. I was just studying the door when it suddenly shocked me, and then the room began to tremble." Nancy confessed, unsure of what to say. Not before long, the doors creaked and groaned again as the sound of stone scraping against stone blared into the room.
[Aqua Blade]
Fearing for their safety, Percy drew the surrounding moisture to form his blade. He imposed himself between Nancy and the doors. The two watched as a blinding light pierced through the room, momentarily blinding them. As the light calmed, they found themselves in the hallway of Yancy Academy.
[Quest Complete: Keep Nancy Alive]
[Reward: 1,300 XP, 289 GP]
[Item Obtained: Larsa's Dagger]
"Wha—how did we get back here?" A startled Nancy pondered, "Probably because we killed the boss, the dungeon decided to shunt us out?" Percy suggested half-heartedly as he was too preoccupied examining his new weapon. Running his finger over the blade, Percy noticed it was made of an iridescent quartz crystal that was seemingly hardened and sharpened. Gripping the handle, Percy slashed at the air quickly, seeing that the dagger felt perfectly balanced in his hand.
Having noticed the dagger, Nancy gave a quizzical look, "Where'd you get the dagger?" Percy could only shrug at her question, "It was a reward for clearing the dungeon, I think…." Having said this, hundreds of gold coins began to pop into existence around Percy.
[Deception: 18]
[Special Deception Bonus: +5 From Half Truth]
[Deception Total: 23]
"Wait, killing that boss and clearing the dungeon gave you all that? Oh, we have to go back in there again." Nancy had a shit-eating grin as she watched Percy pocketing the gold. "Really?" Percy paused what he was doing, "You almost died today, and you're still willing to go back?" Percy was slightly befuddled. Having picked up the last coins, he turned to face Nancy, "How are you not scared pantsless?"
Nancy's grin grew even further, "It's because I know my knight in shining armor will be there to protect me," she simpered, exaggeratedly placing her hand onto her forehead as she leaned back into Percy. "Knock it off you," Percy jokingly slapped Nancy on her shoulder as the two erupted into laughter.
"I don't think it'll be a good idea," still smiling at their antics, "we were down there for a while. If we keep disappearing for a long period, people might grow suspicious. Speaking of which, we should probably get back to the dorms before a teacher catches us." Nodding in agreement, the two hurried back to their dorm whilst cracking up from their previous jokes.
Nearing their respective rooms, the duo noticed a familiar voice coming from nearby, "Sir, I'm worried about Percy." Recognizing the voice belonged to Grover, Percy stopped dead in his tracks. Deciding it would be best for him to learn more about Grover and Chiron's plans, Percy made a beeline towards the room in hopes of eavesdropping in. "Percy!" Nancy whispered-shouted, "What are you—" But she never finished her sentence as Percy had left her side and began crouching his way towards the door. "He was acting strange today, talking about floating blue boxes."
"And this is why I warned you not to say anything else to him." Seraphine chimed in, "You would've sent your friend into a further spiral, not to mention raising suspicions with Chiron."
"You needn't worry, Grover; Perseus is probably just stressed due to the upcoming exams. You should know how stress plays tricks on your mind." Chiron attempted to reassure Grover, but Percy knew Chiron was also anxious listening to Chiron's tone.
"God damnit, Percy. We shouldn't be here." Nancy hissed as she snuck next to him. Percy whipped over to Nancy and immediately placed a hand over her mouth, getting a scowl from Nancy. "But sir, Percy has been missing for two hours now. I couldn't find him anywhere." Grover exclaimed.
"Two hours? We were only in there for two hours?" Nancy whispered, pulling Percy's hand off her mouth, "It felt like we were in there for much longer." "We were definitely in there much longer than that," Percy confirmed.
"Perseus has probably found a new hobby, Grover. I'm sure he's back in the dorms as we speak." Again, Chiron reassured Grover. But Grover did not relent his anxieties, "If you say so, sir. But may I ask how we plan on getting him to Camp?"
"Mr. Underwood, you worry too much. Everything is covered; I will inform Sally and send for Luke to guide young Perseus there."
Having heard enough, Percy took Nancy's hand as the duo stealthily left. "Why did they keep talking about some Camp?" Nancy questioned, "It's probably where demigods go for safety." "Because they're constantly hunted by monsters, right?" Nancy wanted to confirm her understanding of demigods and the whole Greek Gods thing. "Yeah." Percy nodded absentmindedly, unaware that he had intertwined his fingers with Nancy's.
Wanting to verify his suspicions, Percy promptly unloaded a few questions onto the entity residing in his head, "Seraphine, how long were we actually in the dungeon? Because there is no way, we were in there for two hours."
Percy oddly heard a book snap shut, echoing in his head, "You were in there for about nine hours. Before you say anything, yes, I had forgotten to tell you sooner that time flowed differently in the dungeons."
"So that would mean it's four and a half hours in the dungeons for every hour out here?" Seraphine nodded in confirmation, "Yep!"
"Huh." Percy audibly groaned, "We were definitely in there much longer than two hours," still obliviously latching onto Nancy's hand, "I guess if you want, we can go back in there again tomorrow since time flows moves much slower in there."
"Really?" Nancy perked up, smiling like a child. Percy couldn't help but notice Nancy's reaction mimicked Seraphine's. "You promise? You better not be teasing me, Jackson!" Nancy growled. "I promise, I promise." Percy laughed, "It was honestly nice to have someone to explore creepy labyrinths with, and you know my secret now."
Nancy couldn't help but contain her giddiness, "Yay! We can go after the field trip!" Percy was caught off guard by the mention of a field trip. "Wait, what field trip?"
"The field trip to the museum tomorrow." Nancy replied deadpanned, "You can't seriously have forgotten about it. It's been hyped up by all of the teachers." Percy could only shrug, "I guess I forgot, but can you blame me? I've been going through a lot lately."
Nancy could only sigh at her friend's remark, "That's fair. Finding out you're a child of some God and that monsters have constantly been hunting you is a pretty decent excuse." Nancy laughed as she attempted to lighten the mood. Percy finally realized that his fingers were intertwined with Nancy's getting to the dorm's entrance. Blushing profusely, Percy yanked his hand back, "We—well, I'll see you tomorrow for the big trip then?" Percy stammered out, causing Seraphine to explode into laughter.
"Yeah—yeah." Nancy blushed, "I'll—I'll see you tomorrow." Giving Percy a soft shoulder nudge, Nancy hastily left her room, leaving Percy alone with his thoughts. "I knew you two would make a cute couple. All it took was a dungeon to get things going." Percy felt Seraphine wiggling her eyebrows and winking at him, "Oh, shut up." Percy groaned as he trudged towards his dorm.
Entering his room, Percy immediately jumped onto his bed before passing out.
As Percy entered the realm of unconsciousness, he found himself floating in space whilst staring down at the earth. "Gorgeous, right?" A voice appeared beside him asked; whipping his head towards the speaker, Percy noticed a strange being standing next to him. Percy observed that the entity was made of pure darkness while bending light around it oddly. "Yeah…" Percy managed to trail out as he turned back to the earth floating beneath him, "it really is."
"I'm glad I have found someone who appreciates the beauty of this reality as much as I have." The entity bellowed in delight. Grimacing in pain from the noise, Percy directed his full attention towards the figure, "I'm sorry to ask, but who are you?"
The figure's body language immediately shifted, changing from delight to melancholic. A sorrowful smile appeared on the entity's face, seemingly made up of twinkling stars, "I am what was and should have been." The figure answered, raising a questioning eyebrow; Percy just nodded along. "And what is that supposed to mean?"
Still maintaining its sorrowful smile, the figure sighed, "I am; I was once the universe." The figure corrected itself, "I was once the universe itself, but now I reside as a paradox." Percy watched as a tear of stardust streaked down the figure's face. "But that is neither here nor there; you, young demigod child of Poseidon and host to the Fortunate Queen of Knowledge, won't you keep a dying man some company?"
"Seraphine, can I trust this person?" Percy asked his resident in hopes of some clear guidance but instead had received silence. Percy was unsure of what to do or what to say. He knew that the entity standing next to him was a powerful being that could end his existence in an eye. But he felt oddly at ease next to it. "You said that you were once the universe. If you're not anymore, then who… or what is the universe now?"
"That is for you to discover," the entity responded, "you, young demigod, will uncover the answers to your questions."
"You're really going to be the mysterious old man that's gonna give me a ton of riddles, huh?" Percy sighed. The entity chuckled at Percy's question, "Yes, my child. I am the mysterious old man who'll give you many riddles." Couldn't help but roll his eyes at the entity's response, Percy turned back to face the earth, "Why me? There are other demigods out there, so why choose me?"
"Again, my dear child, you will soon uncover the answers to your questions." The entity reassured Percy. Percy already knew that his questions weren't going to be answered. Still hoping for one something, Percy asked his final question, "Is any of this real?"
"More real than any of us would like, my dear boy." Came Percy's only direct answer. "Now hush, and watch." The entity directed. Percy scrunching his eyebrows together, Percy did as he was told and focused on the scene in front of him.
Percy watched as the earth began to dim, as eyes emerged from the depths of the void. Slowly an abomination of flesh, teeth, and eyes floated into view as it loomed above the earth. Opening its maw, the space in front of it started to distort; the world gradually became fragmented as chunks of rock and dirt flew into the creature's mouth. "Is this the future of the earth?" Percy asked, horrified.
"It was a future." The entity confirmed; Percy nervously looked over to the entity, "Just who are you?" Now Percy could make out more facial details. The entity resembled a man in his mid-thirties with a flowing white beard. The man was pale in complexion, but that was not the strangest part about him; his eyes were black as night, with a sprinkle of twinkling white dots.
"Watch." The entity commanded in a heavy tone. Feeling compelled for some reason, Percy continued to observe the earth's demise. As the planet was entirely consumed, a bright light flared from the massive abomination; its eyes growing wide, the creature began to bulge in size. Letting out a deafening roar, the creature bite and tear into something in front of it.
"What's happening to it?" Percy asked, unable to formulate any other question. "It has found me." The entity answered. Facing the entity once again, Percy noticed half of its head and its entire left side was missing. "Please, just tell me who you are and why I'm so special," Percy begged. Giving Percy a half-smile, the entity began to dissolve into dust. "Some have called me the universe, others the all-knowing entity; many know me is Yog-Sothoth. And as for you, my dear child, you are my champion, and you are my child." The entity reached an arm out, placing it on Percy's shoulder, "You mustn't be scared, for you are a child of mine; and inside you, my blessing."
Skills
Transcended Ability: Fortunate Queen of Knowledge, Seraphine
Uncommon Ability: World-Shaper, Sythaeryn
Uncommon Subskill: Wrath of Sythaeryn
Common Subskill: Aqua Blade
Common Subskill: Ice Armor
Common Subskill: Water Shield
Common Subskill: Earthen Grasp
Common Subskill: Earthen Javelin
Common Subskill: Eternal Chasm
Common Subskill: Mist Ward
Equipment:
Larsa's Dagger