Afterparty
Blake POV
Previously:
"Looks like we did it huh?" Karma asked. Blake grinned as well.
"Seems so," he replied.
"Ok then, ima go take a nap". As soon as Karma finished his sentence, he blacked out.
Present:
Blake sat on a chair beside his unconscious friend, head in the clouds, thinking about what had happened during that third trial. He had been unable to attack that spider monster, just because it shared a resemblance to his sister. Was he really that weak to her?
The image of Irene's dead lifeless body was ingrained into his mind. It hadn't been the first time he had seen it. His premonitions predicted the death of Irene before, and the look of her corpse made him sick. He held out his hand. Because of his ability, he was able to prevent her inevitable death, but what if next time he wouldn't be able to. He could only use his powers to a specific extent, what if there was one time he wouldn't be able to save her.
He shook his head, he shouldn't be thinking about that right now. He looked back at Karma's peaceful face. If he hadn't been there, Blake would have been impaled. 'Thank you' Blake thought to himself. He smiled. It wasn't like Blake didn't save Karma's life a couple of times as well. It was amazing how fast you could bond with somebody in a life or death situation.
Blake started to hum his and his sister's tune while tapping his finger to the beat. 'I wish Karma would wake up already' Blake thought to himself. As if by magic, Karma started to stir at this thought. He started to open his eyes, and take in his surroundings.
"Hey buddy," Blake said. Karma looked over at his friend.
"Hey," he replied. Karma started to collect his thoughts and smiled.
"We won," Karma declared.
"We won," Blake repeated. Silence filled the room until the two busted out laughing.
"How about we get out of this room," Blake suggested. Karma nods. The pair walked out of the hospital wing and joked with each other as they walked down the corridors.
"I am glad that those trials are over, I swear I am going to be having nightmares for a week," Blake confessed. Karma chuckled.
"They did have some terrifying things in there. I would take the giant monster fish with tentacles over the last trial any day," Karma agreed. The duo started to laugh again, as they entered the dining hall. Karma saw the three princesses, all chatting quietly, and while eating a meal. As soon as Karma came into sight, all three princesses stopped what they were saying and looked at him. Karma blushed and rubbed the back of his neck, looking away. Blake put an arm around Karma's shoulder.
"Looks like someone's popular," he exclaimed, making Karma blush even more.
Karma and Blake sat down and started to eat breakfast.
"There is a banquet we have to attend as a celebration of the success of the trials," Blake told Karma with a mouth full of food. Karma nodded his head until a realization struck him.
"We don't have to wear anything fancy, right?" Karma asked worriedly. Blake grinned.
"Of course you do buddy, got to look presentable for the ladies," Blake said, with a grin that could only be described as shit-eating. Karma sighed. It was going to be a long day.
Karma POV:
Karma and Blake walked into the ballroom and were completely amazed at the setup. Beautiful luminescent crystals lined the room, brightening the room just enough for things to be visible, but also to make the room darker. Delicious foods lined the tables, and guests cheerfully chatted with each other around the dance floor.
"We are late," Karma noted. Blake shook his head.
"We are fashionably late," Blake declared. Karma shook his head.
"I'm heading to the food table, are you coming?" Karma asked, drooling as he eyed the meals. Blake shook his head.
"I am going to be a good guest and greet the hosts," said Blake, as he walked off into the distance. Karma got to the food table and started to pile up his plate. As he was about to grab food that looked similar to a chicken leg, a lady walked up to him and tapped his shoulder.
"Hello, you must be Karma," the lady said, smiling unnaturally wide while batting her eyes very fast. Karma hesitated. She didn't seem like she wanted to hurt him, but there was a predatory look on her face. And what was with her eyes?
Karma set down his plate.
"Um yes, and you are?" Karma asked. The lady smiled.
"My name is Adalia Kidal, a noble in this kingdom, I would like to thank you for going to save our kingdom," the lady said. Karma nodded.
"Yeah, cool," Karma muttered awkwardly. The lady continued to speak.
"Actually, my daughter is at this party, and seeing as you are both to be a suitable age, I wouldn't object if you would ask for her hand in marriage," the lady said winking. Karma doubled back, almost spitting out the drink in his mouth. He was about to speak, before another lady came over hurriedly, dragging a young woman along with her.
"I'm sure you wouldn't want to marry into the Kidal family, my daughter is much more suitable anyway," the other lady said, presenting the young woman she brought with her, presumably her daughter. As moths to the flames, more and more older women brought their daughters to present to Karma. Karma started to become overwhelmed, but could not find an escape. After it seemed that he would be stuck there forever, a blue-ish purple hand reached from the crowd and pulled him out. Karma followed the figure, until they were out of the ballroom, and into the garden outside.
"Thank you," Karma said, breathing a sigh of relief. Karma looked up to see his savior, and found Indigo, shyly looking away.
"N-n-no problem," Indigo stuttered. Karma smiled, and looked out into the sky, looking past the bubble to see beautiful sea creatures gracefully dancing in the sea. He sat down on a bench and milked in the sights. Indigo sat down next to him and followed his gaze.
"Can I show you something?" she asked. Karma looked at her quizzically but nodded. Indigo got up from the bench and started to head to a new spot. Karma got up and followed her. They continued to walk in silence, until they came upon a small spot, hidden in bushes and other plants. Indigo moved the shrubs aside, to reveal a small cozy little space.
Indigo led Karma in, and the two sat opposite to each other, watching the dancing flames that sat in between them. Karma looked back up to Indigo and smiled.
"This place is lovely, did you make it?" he asked. Indigo looked away.
"Y-yes," she whispered. Karma looked back into the fire, as they sat in comfortable silence. Indigo looked back up at Karma.
"Thank you," she whispered, looking at Karma.
"What for?" he asks, confused. Indigo looks up at the sky.
"For risking your life for this kingdom. I mean I know your main reason is to get the sword, but if that was your only goal, then you wouldn't have saved me back then in the invasion. So thank you," Indigo clarified. Karma smiled. "Oh, and I'm sorry if my family has caused you any trouble," Indigo said suddenly.
"No problem, they didn't cause me any problems," he said with a lop-sided grin.
Indigo sat up and started to walk to the exit.
"Are you coming?" she asked. Karma shook his head.
"I'm going to stay here a little while longer. Take a break from all those nobles trying to make me marry their daughters," Karma said with a sigh. Indigo smiled, and left the area, leaving Karma to himself.
Karma looked back at the flame. 'Family' Karma thought. When was the last time he contacted his family? His adoptive mother, and his uncle. He hadn't talked to them in over four years. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a special looking drachma. 'It's now or never' thought Karma, as he threw the drachma into the flames.
The fire moved around a bit, before rising up, forming an image. As the image cleared up, Hestia was shown, silently sitting on a log, watching the night sky.
"Hey mom," Karma said warily. At the sound of his voice, Hestia quickly turned her head, surprise evident in her eyes.
"Percy?" she asked. Karma smiled.
"It's Karma now," he told her. Hestia nodded numbly and collected her thoughts.
"I'm… I'm sorry I have contacted you in four years. I've just been doing a lot, and I only have a specific amount of these coins, and-" Karma was cut off.
"It's fine Per-Karma. I'm just happy to hear your voice again," Hestia said happily.
"I should contact Hades," she said aloud. Hestia flashed away, and a minute later, flashed back with Hades behind her.
"Hello uncle," Karma said grinning. Hades smiled.
"My favorite nephew, what a surprise," Hades said with a smile. Karma smiled.
"What have you been up to Percy?" Hades asked.
"It's Karma now," Karma told Percy. Hades looked confused. "I wanted a clean slate," he told him. Hades nodded understandingly.
"Where are you now?" the god of the underworld asked. Karma smiled.
"Do I have a hell of a story to tell you," Karma said?
Karma launched into his story of what happened when he first left earth and met Aubree. He talked about living there for a while, before slaying the evil king and having his friend become queen. He told them how he left in search of the legendary life swords, and how he completed some trials in order to be allowed to go retrieve the swords. He told them that he was at a party right now, celebrating him and his vampire friend's success, and would soon have to go fight their way to retrieve the sword.
Hades smirked.
"Seems you can't stay out of trouble huh? Saving people even when you're not on earth," he said. Hestia smiled.
"I'm proud of you son," Hestia said smiling. Karma grinned back.
"What's life like back at your end?" Karma questioned, dreading the answer, but feeling it was important. Hestia shook her head.
"The gods are as prideful as ever, and the demigods are living their lives, but nothing special," Hestia informed Karma. He was glad she didn't elaborate, as he didn't want to know what great lives his ex-friends were living without him. He may have conquered his inner demon, but that wasn't to say he was over it. He could live his life.
"Well, I should probably get back to this party, Blake is probably wondering where I am at," Karma said. The gods nodded their heads. "I don't know when the next time I will be able to message is, but rest assured I will call again. After all, I have a habit of not dying," Karma said with a grin. Hestia and Hades smiled at Karma, before he cut the connection, leaning back on his log.
"Guess it's good I talked to them again, I haven't heard from them in a while," Karma said to himself. Karma got up and brushed his pants off.
"Welp, I better get back to this party," he said to himself.
King Blosphomes POV:
The king watched the room as the guests interacted. The Archexile known as Blake had greeted him earlier, letting him know that he and Karma had arrived. Blosphomes looked at the time. 'Looks like it is time for the announcements' he thought.
"Greetings guests!" the king's mighty voice boomed. "Today we are here to congratulate the mighty heroes that have conquered the trials laid out for them, and to wish them luck for their impending struggles, as they shall rid our kingdom of attacks from the pure!" the king told them, and the guests started to clap.
"As you know, no one has ever wielded both the pure, and impure swords, but our hero, Karma, is attempting to gather both swords". The crowd erupted in cheers. "And with him is Blake, an extraordinary treasure hunter who will work together with Karma to retrieve the treasures hidden with the swords," and with that, he ended his speech. The king motioned for the duo to come to him, and so they did.
Karma and Blake bowed to the crowd. After everyone finished clapping, the dance commenced. Karma and Blake sat away from the crowd, trying to avoid the predatory mothers, with their daughters in tow. Karma was breathing out a sigh before a hand tapped his shoulder. He turned around to see Indigo. She looked like she was trying to say something, but didn't have the guts to say it.
Karma stood up and held out his hand.
"Can I have this dance?" he asked. Indigo took his hand, nodding. The two swayed across the dance floor, keeping up with the rhythm, and the crowd looked amazed.
"How did you learn how to dance?" questioned Indigo softly. Karma chuckled.
"Well when I was fourteen, me and a girl named Annabeth-" Kamra froze mid-sentence. He shook his head. He couldn't let his past define him.
"An old friend taught me how to,' Karma decided. Indigo nodded, realizing it was a touchy subject. The pair continued to dance, and the music continued to play. As the song stopped, Karma let go of Indigo.
"Ima go grab a drink," Karma said, pointing over to the food table. Indigo nodded, and the two parted.
Karma was in the back with Blake, having a friendly chat.
"I know," Blake said, "and then she-" Blake stopped talking, as Karma held out a finger.
"Shhhh," Karma whispered, and closed his eyes in concentration.
"Karma?" Blake asked curiously.
"Oh no," Karma said to himself, opening his mouth, worry evident in his eyes.
"What is wro-" "Get down!" Karma screamed, cutting Blake off. He grabbed his friend's head and shoved it down, and many people in the party followed his lead, quickly putting their heads into the ground. Just as soon as everyone had their heads to the ground, the windows were crashed through, by glowing light-green monsters/
"The Pure!" someone screamed, sending the room into a panic. Karma got up and reached for his non-existent sword.
"Dammit," Karma cursed and looked around for a weapon. He grabbed the two forks on the table. 'Guess I'll have to work with this' he thought to himself. Karma leaped from his spot, jumping on panels of water vapor to go into the air, and launched the forks into the creature's eyes.
The monster bellowed in pain, as the forks pierced its eyes, disabling its vision. As the creature climbed out of the window, more glowing monsters came through the entrance. Karma decided against using his steam bullet, not wanting to cause any collateral damage. He launched himself at the other monsters, using the moisture in the air to increase his strength, and going hand to hand with the creatures. Blake was assisting him, piercing the creatures, and shielding the guests from the monsters.
Karma and Blake were taking care of the last monsters, and helping the final guests evacuate.
"Is that all of them?" Blake asked panting, stabbing a pure with a string sword.
"I think so-" Karma started to say, before hearing a scream. The dup looked up quickly, to see princess Indigo being grabbed by a pure with wings, and it lifted itself off the ground.
"Stop it!" Karma screamed, and he propelled himself to the monster. Other creatures jumped at him, halting his chase. The dup was helpless as the monster started to fly away, trying to get past the open barrier. Karma jumped up and aimed a steam bullet at it. The droplet formed at his fingertip, before filling with steam. Karma shot it. The bullet went toward the wing, before the creature flew out of the way, narrowly avoiding the attack.
The monster flew through the hole, successfully taking the princess with him. The king was mortified, his youngest daughter had been taken. Karma and Blake finished off the last beast and walked back to the king.
"Where are they taking her?" the king as worriedly.
"Most likely to the sword," Karma said, willing the pure's blood off of his clothes.
"We will save her king Blosphomes, as we go to retrieve the sword," Blake said. The king nodded numbly, before waving off everyone in attendance.
"Looks like we got our work cut out for us," Blake said, sighing. Karma nodded.
"All in a day's work," Karma said.
Karma POV:
Karma looked at his sword one more time, before putting his sword in the sheath on the back of his hip. He put on his armor and walked outside. He was greeted by Blake, in his own armor.
The two stepped outside of the castle, to be greeted by the royal family, minus Indigo. The family looked stressed, recently missing their youngest daily member.
"Please get my sister back," Analele pleaded. Karma nodded.
"It's our priority," Karma told her, steeling his resolve. The king led the two heroes to an opening in the barrier and opened it.
"I trust you to make a safe return," the king said. Karma smiled at him.
"I usually do," he replied, as he and Blake walked out of the barrier, ready to go retrieve the pure sword and save Indigo.
(Hello readers. I'm back with another chapter, and I should be releasing more over the weekend, given the amount of free time I have because of it. The story is becoming more finalized, and more prepared, and I'm sharing ideas with my friend, who has been given the official role of storyideacreatorhelperdude, which isn't a weird title at all. In the 7th chapter, a small change has been made, but you don't have to go back, seeing as I have clarified what you need to know in this chapter. Not a lot happened in this chapter, but the upcoming ones will include a good amount of action. Thank you again for reading this chapter, and I hope you stay tuned to read chapter 13, Conquest of the Impure.)
