Hello, people! I apologize for the exceptionally long wait, but I was caught up in a really big writers block and school got in the way, so I had to stop for a while. But I am back now and am ready to continue. By the way, I'm going to stop putting "Percy POV" at the beginning of the chapters, I highly doubt I will be using any other POV in the near future. Oh, and just a quick warning, this chapter does get a bit... graphic.
And I am deeply sorry for not responding to reviews in the last chapter, I had not been feeling well and never got around to do it. So review responses from both Chapter 10 and Chapter 11 will be included with this one. The responses will be put at the end of the story, I have a lot of writing to do.
[Edited 12/22/18 going onto 12/23/18]
"How the hell did you manage to do this while only breaking five test tablets?!"
"Oh, it's quite simple, sister, I just controlled my temper," I answered, relaxing back into the plush armchair with my feet propped up on the left armrest.
"You know, Perseus, this is why people like me more than you," Aurora said, sending me a glare. I laughed and stood up, walking over to her red, four poster bed and sitting down at the foot of it.
"This is what you get for choosing to take the Physical & Mental test before the Intelligence test, unlike me," I commented with a crooked grin.
Aurora just growled lightly, staring at the remaining pieces of what used to be a tablet. "Well, excuse me for loathing the idea of taking this stupid test right off the bat," she said.
"How many have you broken now?"
"Eleven."
There was a slight pause, I started laughing, holding my stomach and falling off the bed.
"It's not that funny!" Aurora yelled.
"Yes, it is!" I responded, standing up, still chuckling and walked to the door. "I'll be right back. I'm getting you a new tablet." I said, walking out. I heard a faint, "Thank you." before I closed the door.
I walked down the hall and turned left, walking into the room where most of the electronics are kept. I saw a stand with multiple tablets propped on it and walked over, grabbing one and exiting the room. I stopped at my room before going straight to Aurora's. I looked around before entering, setting the new tablet down on my dark blue bed.
"Now where is that trial-core?" I asked myself, looking around. A trial-core is what's used to further protect something that is usually put under great amounts of stress. I had used one on my tablet so that whenever one "accidentally" flew out the window, it wouldn't break. That was how I only managed to break five. I went over to a dark brown armoire and opened it, there was mainly just clothes hanging in it and a few stacks resting at the bottom, but I knew better. I lifted one of the stacks of clothes and pulled out a small black box from underneath it. "There is it," I said to myself, putting the box in my pocket and putting the clothes back where they were, closing the armoire. I picked up the tablet from my bed and left, going to Aurora's room which was just a few doors down.
I walked into her room and closed the door behind me, tossing Aurora the tablet and plopping down into the red armchair which was in the corner of the room once again.
"What took you so long?" she asked, starting up the tablet and signing back into the test.
"I stopped by my room to get you something." I answered.
"Oh? And what was that?" she asked, looking at me with a raised eyebrow, her red eyes slightly narrowed.
"Something that kept me from breaking about fifty tablets," I said, pulling out the box and opening it. I took out a small chip and tossed it to her, she caught it in one hand with ease and gave me a questioning look. "It's a trial-core," I told her. "That's how I managed to only break five."
"Ooh, I knew you were a cheater at heart!" she said, using the trial-core on the tablet and having the tablet immediately produce an electric orange aura.
"Yeah, yeah, that should keep it from breaking," I said, waving my hand in a dismissive manner and closing my eyes. "Now, how hard is the Physical & Mental test?" I asked, dreading the response.
"Absolute hell." I heard her say. "That's why I was bed-ridden for a whole week."
"Damn," I said, sighing. "I can't tell which is worse."
"It's the Physical & Mental test, definitely the Physical & Mental test," Aurora said. "This is absolutely tedious and infuriating, but the physical test is just horrendous. I can't even describe it using words, you're just gonna have to endure it." I groaned out after hearing that.
"If you were bedridden for a week, I'll be out for a whole month! I don't wanna do it."
"I didn't either, but I still got my ass to that training room!" Aurora snapped, laying aside the tablet. "Come on, you're supposed to begin the test in a few," Aurora said, standing up and walking over to me, offering me a hand. I took it and she pulled me up, we both then walked out of the red themed room.
"I hate this."
"Who doesn't?"
"We're the only ones to have this done, I'm pretty sure we're the only ones that hate it - other than the guy that has to make all those tablets," I say.
"Yeah, he must fucking hate us," Aurora commented.
"I wouldn't doubt it." I agreed.
We arrived at the training room where my final test would take place, the physical test. I took a deep breath, walking into the room with Aurora in tow.
"Aurora and Perseus, it is a pleasure," Ouranos said, tipping his head slightly. He was dressed in the usual armor, silver gauntlets and vambraces, and was holding a silver and blue gripped claymore which was freshly sharpened by the looks of it. "I hope that you have had enough time to prepare, brother," Ouranos commented.
"Of course!" I say sarcastically, walking over to an armor stand. It held black armor which gave off an aura of intimidation, stygian iron vambraces and one stygian iron gauntlet with a fingerless black glove beside it. I put the armor on carefully, making sure I did everything a hundred percent correctly. After slipping the fingerless glove onto my right hand, I held it out and a dark gray blade with a blue grip and pointed crossguard appeared in my hand. I admired my weapon for a few seconds before turning around and walking over to Ouranos, passing by Aurora. I gave her a small thumbs up and she sighed, walking over to the far wall to watch while shaking her head.
When I arrived, Ouranos was laughing. "Even in these circumstances, you never cease to amuse me," he said, bringing up his sword to point at my own. "But I must say, I never thought you'd be one for using a scimitar. I have always fancied claymores, with their long, thin blades which slice right through almost all armor, not even mentioning their reach."
"Well, I always loved the look of scimitars, especially when dual wielded, sadly enough, I am not nearly gifted enough to dual wield them. But that doesn't stop me from fighting using only one." I said. Ouranos nodded in consideration.
"You have me at that, the design of a scimitar is something special," Ouranos said. I nodded to him.
"What exactly will I be entitled to do in this test?" I questioned.
"Now why would I tell you that? It takes away half the fun." Ouranos said, hefting the claymore onto his right shoulder.
"Aurora wouldn't give, it was worth a try," I responded, shrugging my shoulders. Ouranos just chuckled.
"Very well, then I presume you're ready to begin?"
"Indeed, Ouranos," I responded, getting low and into a defensive stance for sparring.
"What are you doing?"
"Huh?" I asked, dumbfounded, standing straight with my sword at my side.
"When did I say we were going to spar?" Ouranos questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"I-I thought it was implied, you know, with the whole - I'll just stop speaking," I said, casting my gaze towards the ground.
"Good. We'll start out with the first strength tests." Ouranos said, waving a hand behind him. A set of different types of objects appeared, from huge boulders to a seat with metal plates on the armrests. I hate electricity.
"One of the tests wouldn't happen to involve sending massive amounts of electric currents into me, would it?" I asked sheepishly.
Ouranos nodded, looking towards the electric chair. "Yes, there will be. That won't be a problem, will it? Aurora had a fine time taking that test."
"That's because one of Aurora's elements is lighting and electrical currents..." I mumbled, looking to the side and then back with a grimace. "Let's get this over with," I said out loud, stepping forward.
"Great! Follow me." Ouranos said, walking over to the objects which had appeared. I followed silently, already picturing Aurora watching me from afar and laughing. Ouranos stopped at a metal table, wasn't anything special, bar the small table with four amethyst colored crystals beside it.
"Take off your equipment, I'll inform you when it's needed." I nodded, taking it off and putting it on an armor stand and then going back to the table. "Lay down," I did so without question, now was not the time to play. I watched as Ouranos took one of the amethyst colored crystals and gently laid it above my head on the table and then repeated it, laying another two next to my head, one on each side.
With only a single crystal left, Ouranos let out a breath. "Take deep breaths, this will be a mental strength test along with what you would do going through your own personal Hell. Whatever you do, do not resist, or you will not be waking up." Ouranos said sternly and seriously with a powerful stare. I nodded, taking a deep breath. Don't resist. Ouranos nodded back at me, gently laying the last crystal in the middle of my forehead and mumbling a small chant. My vision went black and my breathing picked up.
"Don't resist, Perseus." I heard the distant voice of Ouranos say. I tried desperately to calm myself, but my breathing just kept getting quicker and quicker. I was overwhelmed by a sudden sense of panic which wasn't letting up. Come on! I'm not dying on the first test!
I cleared my mind, getting rid of the feeling of panic which had been putting myself at huge risk. That's it, just keep doing that and I'll make it. I let out one last deep breath before I was given back my sight, noticing I was not in the place I last was.
"Good luck," I heard Ouranos say before I gained complete sight of everything around me.
I looked around, about to move my arms when I felt them being restrained above my head. I was chained to a dark gray, brick wall, arms chained above me. My breathing quickened when dark memories began to resurface. I looked forwards and at myself. I was shirtless, my upper body littered with scars, deep and shallow. I was wearing rough, cloth pants which were ripped and stained with blood. I was in a room that looked more so like a dungeon made for torturing people, weapons and knives littered the floor - all of them were torture toys. My mind went blank for a few seconds, seeing images of bloody scythes, nails, and salt water. I felt like throwing up.
No, no, no, no, no. Anywhere but here!
There was a metal door with a barred window piece in the dungeon, bars rusted and bloody. There was blood coating a good portion of the floor, a small bit of bile here and there. And the smell, it reeked of the metallic smell of blood, old and fresh. I looked around for any way out of the room, pulling at the chains which kept me there desperately.
"Come on!" I shouted in panic, my mind starting to break down. My cries were silenced when the barred door opened and in stepped a figure wearing a dark brown hood which hid all their face, except their mouth. My heart stopped and I froze on the spot.
"Miss me?" The figure asked, the small portion of him visible lifting into a crooked smile. My mind was breaking, piece by piece. I felt like crying, I wasn't going to hide it.
A sudden thought resurfaced in my mind of what Ouranos had said to me before the test. "Take deep breaths, this will be a mental strength test along with what you would do going through your own personal Hell. Whatever you do, do not resist, or you will not be waking up."
My own personal Hell.
"Are we ready to begin?" The figure questioned, walking over to one of the corners of the room and picking up a curved blade. "Maybe we'll start at the wrist, slowly cutting downwards to the bend in your arm, and then continue from mid stomach up. Perform an autopsy, maybe." The figure said, slowly walking forwards. I remembered what happened, this all had actually happened to me, everything was repeating itself. I wasn't going to let that happen, I still have the scars from back then which would never let me forget.
The figure took the blade, slowly pushing it into my wrist, right where the artery was. I bit my lip to keep myself from crying out in pain, causing blood to trail down from my mouth as I broke skin. I felt the blade stop when it was a good bit inside my wrist, going straight through the artery there, I then felt it begin to rip down my arm, going towards my elbow. My legs weren't chained, no part of my lower body was.
I kicked outwards, aiming for the figure's legs. The figure stopped the blade in its tracks, still deeply implanted in my arm and now at my elbow. My kick had not gone even close to touching them. The figure stepped back, letting the curved blade hang from my arm, slowly falling out. The blade fell before I could let out a word, dropping straight into my thigh.
"Gah!" I shouted out in pain, straining against the chains keeping me in place and kicking out with my good leg.
The figure tutted, stepping forward, a sinister grin now on his face. "You shouldn't have done that." I stared up at him, I really shouldn't have done that. The figure reached down, ripping the blade from my thigh. I let out a scream of pain. The figure wiped the blade clean of its blood on my pants, stepping back and twirling it between their fingers.
"I'll be back," They said, leaving the cell and taking the blade with them. I drew in deep, ragged breaths, they would be coming back, and I would be put through more pain than I could ever imagine. I was light headed and weak, my vision blurry from severe blood loss.
I looked around, there must be something I could use. And just like that, a glint caught my eye. It was to my right, I could probably reach it with my right leg and pull it toward me. If only it wasn't my right leg that had been impaled. I grit my teeth, biting down on my lip, and kicked out my right leg, just barely catching onto the glinting object with my heel. I slowly pulled my leg back, bringing the object with it. I let out a deep huff of pain once my leg was back into its previous position and I could see the glinting object. It was a rusty and jagged dagger, covered in dried blood. I let loose a sigh and used my left foot to put the dagger in my lap, ever so slowly working the dagger close enough to where I could take it in my mouth. After a good few minutes, I had the dagger in my mouth, able to taste the blood and was holding back a gag. I pulled on the chains slightly, raising my injured right arm and lowering my left so that it was in reach of the dagger. I worked on the cuffs, they were worn down, could easily be broken by a quick slash of a blunt dagger, I had a sharpened one. Finally, after wearing them down more, I whipped my head sideways and the left cuff clattered to the floor, my right arm falling loose to my side. I felt hot tears slide down my face and let the dagger drop to my stomach. I lifted the dagger with my free arm after taking a short break, unlocking my right arm and letting the mutilated limb fall back down to my side.
I took a few deep breaths, gathering whatever strength I had left, and stood shakily. The dagger held in my left hand, my mutilated right arm hanging limply at my side. I limped on my right leg towards the door, clutching the dagger in my left hand.
I could hear the distant sound of footsteps and awaited the return of my torturer, dagger in hand and ready to kill him. End my personal Hell and continue on with the rest of the test, hoping to forget this ever happened. Again.
The barred door opened with me right behind it. I saw the figure step in, stopping immediately and dropping a bucket filled with a liquid which sloshed around upon being dropped. I saw the figure tense, about to turn around quickly and stop what was about to happen. But I was faster, even in my current state. I brought the knife around, slashing it across the figure's neck, watching them drop to the ground. I watched as blood began to spread around the figure, forming a dark crimson puddle beneath his head and upper torso.
I let loose a deep sigh, slowly sliding down the wall, my vision darkening until I felt nothing. Saw nothing. I panicked, once more, thinking that I must've done something wrong, resisted the darkness and would never awaken. Bad thoughts kept going through my head until I felt myself being shaken. I sat up quickly on the cold, metal table, the crystal which had been placed on my head flying off and onto the ground. I felt a small hand rest on my back, I sunk into it, slowly laying back down to steady my breathing, the hands moving to rest on my shoulder as I laid down.
"Was that the worst? Don't lie to me, Aurora." I asked, eyes open and staring above into a light. I felt the hand on my shoulder tense, slowly starting to rub in circles, providing me with some small sense of comfort.
"Yes, that was the worst one." She responded. I nodded, relaxing into my sister's touch.
"I'll give you a 6-hour long break to gather yourself together before we will continue, Perseus." I heard the voice of Ouranos say. I looked to my left, seeing the man with a strained face.
"You did good, Perseus. Rest up." Ouranos said, sending me an encouraging nod before walking off.
I just concentrated on breathing. I had felt everything and could still feel the dagger impale itself into my thigh. My right thigh started to ache when thinking back to it. I sat up, looking at my right forearm which had been mutilated in my own personal Hell. There was no scar there, nothing, just perfectly clear skin. But I knew better. I looked toward my left ankle, seeing my black pants had ridden up slightly. Even if my pants had ridden up only slightly, I could still make out the black and purple, nearly transparent, bracelet which was wrapped around it. That was what had kept all the scars from everyone's view, it's what kept them all hidden from sight. And I knew, if I were to remove the ankle bracelet, I would see the scar which ran up the length of my right forearm, right where the major artery was.
I let out one last sigh before throwing my legs over the table, Aurora stepping away and giving me some room.
"Come on, I need a nap," I said, holding out an arm for Aurora to throw over her shoulder. She rolled her eyes with a small smile, wrapping my arm around her neck and wrapping her left arm around my upper body to help me move. She gave me a look, one which we'd shared more times than I could count. "Are you okay?" was what it meant. I nodded, watching as her usual grin appeared on her face once more. This was Aurora, the one person who has stuck by me throughout everything, keeping me going with her strong, loyal, and determinedly optimistic nature. Caring for me just like I cared for her.
"Come on, let's go, then!" Aurora said, starting to move without me. "All that watching and waiting for you to wake up - if you were gonna ever wake up - stressed me the hell out. I'll be joining you in that lovely nap."
I laughed softly. "Sure, sis." My right arm which was hanging around her neck tightened. "I'm trying to hug you to show affection, can you move my arm down a little more so that I can actually hug you?"
Aurora laughed but nodded her head, moving my right arm a little below her shoulder. "Better?"
I pulled her into a side hug. "Better."
I shot up from my laid down position on the top of the train, feeling my shoulder get tapped and snapping my head to the side.
"What?" I snapped, agitated from what I had experienced during my small nap, seeing as it was still really dark out.
"Oh, wow. I feel loved." I heard a slightly sass-filled voice respond. I fully turned around quickly, seeing the platinum blond haired girl which I had basically grown up with from the age of 6.
"Hemera?"
"Hello, 'brother'!" She responded, throwing her arms open wide as if waiting for a hug.
Yeah, I'm being that guy! But, at least, Hemera was introduced, for three sentences! Ooh~ this is fun. I stopped here since that whole "dream" was actually really important and needed its own chapter. What happens with Percy and Hemera will be revealed next chapter - which won't take a couple months to get out, I promise. Updates won't be regular, but they shouldn't be every few months like they have been. Again, I'm extremely sorry for the late update, but I'm kinda proud of how this update turned out. Honestly, a lot better than how I had originally planned.
Now for the results for the pairing. It was such a surprise! *Sarcasm*
1. Hemera - 48 Votes!
2. Bianca - 33 Votes!
3. Artemis - 17 Votes!
4. Zoe - 14 Votes!
5. Harem - 6 Votes!
6. Other - 6 Votes!
7. Thalia - 3 Votes. (So sad)
I was actually quite surprised at how Bianca was bumped up, a lot of people wanted her. But more wanted Hemera. So, the pairing is decided. Percy X Hemera!
Now, Review Responses.
Chapter 10 Responses ~
TheFallenAce15 - I see your writing style improving over time, great job!
Thanks! I've been working on it.
True Wielder of Riptide - Don't worry I won't be pissed if you don't kill him of quickly, as long as you do, I wish there was more to this chapter but it was good for the size. Idea, what if Markus comes on the quest but then Percy leaves him holding up the sky; that is close enough to death.
Sincerely,
True Wielder of Riptide
Man, you really want Markus dead, don't you? I can practically feel the anticipation. And yeah, not much went on, but it seemed unnecessary to put into the big, important chapter that would take place next.
Arkyz66 - You've got a really good story going on here, well done! For the pairing, I vote either Hemera or Bianca. I really don't have any comment on the story, apart from that it is really well written! It's completely different from other Chaos stories, and for that I applaud you! Well done, and I'm keen for the next chapter! :D
Thanks! I tried to be different, having ideas floating around my head for a while, until I chose this one to implement.
Divine Protector of Skyrim - I've read many stories (like maybe 3,000 now? Idk.) anyways, this is pretty great story. I live how close Percy is to his parents.
I believe that either Hermera or Zoë would be the best choices. Since while Hermera could be seen just as a sister, but you've planted ideas/seeds for that said pairing along with Zoë. With Thalia, it wouldn't work with this story, along with Artemis. Around the beginning, when Percy was at the dance. He mentioned that he was there to protect them/become friends with them, not date one. So I can see where you get the pairing for Bianca; but I see her that she will just be a sister figure for Percy. Along with the harem it wouldn't entirely work unless you plant hints if him liking other girls, but a threesome perhaps?
These kinds of stories I really like, great, original, well written/thought out, original, long, did I mention original yet?, not rushed but quick, and did I forgot original. :)
Sincerely
Divine Protector of Skyrim
You do make good points towards the pairing, but I'm not gonna focus on that too much. And thank you, I appreciate the compliments towards my story.
kansalsudarsh - It was a great chapter. I liked the way u have portrayed Erebus. I wanted 2 ask u, u have already made an antagonist in the story-Chaos, so r u going 2 show her and Percy's conflict during the Titan war or after it. Other than that, u r doing great.
Okay, to answer your question first, it really depends on how fast the story advances in terms of him gaining back memories and powers, I plan for him to get little tidbits here and there, but really start with Chaos after the Titan war. And thanks, I appreciate all the positive comments!
Anthony (Guest) - I really wish that this can be harem to make every reader some what happy !
Yeah, I know, everyone's not gonna be happy with the outcome of the pairing. I just wish I could appease everyone, but, it's not possible.
Guest - Like the chapter and for the shortened name of the silver and stygian iron hunting knifes shortened name I would suggest the S.A.S iron dual hunting knifes
Thanks for the suggestion, but I'll probably just call them her hunting knives or something. The long name was more so for the description, but I do like the sound of S.A.S. And I'm glad you liked the chapter, it means a lot.
Lord Nitro - MORE DAMMIT MOOORE. Armies, prepare for war! *an army of raging fanfic readers marches forward*
Oh, no... Forces, prepare! The raging fanfic readers will be arriving soon! We must be ready to take them head on! *Forces order themselves into position for defending their rightful ruler*
Red Viper Writer - Wow, I read all the chapters to make this review, great great greaaaat story, Please update soon, I would love to see this story progress. _
Thanks, I appreciate the positivity. I hope you enjoy what's coming next!
IcessOfWaterAndFire - I absolutely LOVE Percy stories where he is not just a son of Poseidon! You are such a good writer I can't wait for the next chapter! Keep up the AMAZING work!
I feel the same way about those types of stories, makes it more interesting. And thanks, I'm glad you're looking forward to the future chapters.
perciejack - KILL MARK DUDE! ON THE QUEST IN DESERT! ALSO, YOU HAVE TO DO BBIANCA AND PERCY!
OH MY GOD, WHY ARE WE YELLING! OKAY, I HEAR YOU!
A quick thank you to all the other reviewers who said their pairing choice and gave me such nice feedback, sorry I couldn't respond to your reviews personally. I'm trying to fly through this as quickly as possible.
Chapter 11 Responses ~
True Wielder of Riptide - Great long chapter, but one question. Why not have Percy sacrifice the pelt, will he have to sacrifice it later for someone else or just keep it for himself. For who Percy should be in a relationship with please don't do Bianca because of how well you have developed them, they feel like brother and sister so having them paired together just seems wrong.
Sincerely,
True Wielder of Riptide
Thanks and I'm glad you asked that. How am I supposed to keep the brother-sister relationship going on forever if one of them dies? That's all the information I'm giving out. And I suppose you don't really need to worry about the pairing anymore!
Julle023 - I love P!AtD, FOB and Imagine Dragons! And your story too!
Yeah, and d'aww~ thanks!
perciejack - this is awesome! pls rite more... bircy
"Bircy" I love it, it sounds adorable. And thanks, perciejack!
Annabeth Chase - Continúa con la historia
Wait a second, I didn't do that good in Spanish. Don't worry, I will continue the story! No te preocupes, voy a seguir la historia!
The Nightstriker - This was an awesome chappie! Especially the part in the car I cannot believe things could get that violent XDXDXD IDK if ur still adding up for the polls but I'd vote for Bianca and if ur killing her off then Thalia both would be fine either way but I don't think Artwmis should date Percy I mean I love the pairing but even I think it's overused! have u gone on Twitter today? XD #WeAreAllHarry
Thanks and I was kinda iffy about the car scene when uploading that chapter, but if it made you happy, I'm happy with it. And I don't go on social media often, so I have no clue what you're talking about :D
EpicSofa - This is a really good story so far and I'd love to see how you continue this.
Thanks, I appreciate it, EpicSofa!
JustAnOpinion - Hemera! Also, Hemera is not a sisterly relationship, just read chapter 4. :). Also, for Bianca it is sisterly, Zoe and Artemis have no affection for boys, and Thalia miiiiiight have a crush on percy. That is just my opinion(Look at name)
You guys get really into this whole pairing thing, don't ya? Eh, It makes me laugh seeing them. Thanks for the review, JustAnOpinion.
The Bird of Flames - Oh mah gud your story is one that I've been waiting for. Please write more, and soon!
Thanks! I love seeing reviews like these. And I'm getting back in action with writing.
Again, and thanks to all those who I didn't personally reply to! I appreciate all reviews! And now, I have finished the Review Responses!
That's all for now, I'll hopefully be back soon. I hope you enjoyed, don't forget to favorite, follow, and review.
~FindADifferentUsername