So… it's my birthday, so I'm giving you guys a present. But I don't think this chapter will clear any doubts you had from the previous chapter so…
Oh, and I just published the sequel of one of my other books, if you're interested.
298 years later
Percy POV
You know, when I created the plan, I didn't expect it to backfire at me so badly. I didn't think I would be so weak until I blurted out my secret in barely half a century of living here. Then again, I didn't expect him to lie to me. I hate him. I love him but I hate him. (I don't love him that way so get your mind out of the gutter! Gods, you should know better by now.)
I lay on my back, gazing at my bedroom walls. I had painted them to be a constellation of stars that were symbols of love, only if you look close enough. A heart. A couple leaning into each other's touch. A flock of doves. Sappy? I don't care.
Just then, he came in. Great. The guy I didn't want to see now. And all of the future. Okay, I'm lying to myself. I was mad. I held a grudge. But I didn't want to not see him. "Percy?" He asked softly. If you're asking why he knew, I became weak. I told him of my identity, telling him to swear never to tell anyone. Just as I turn my back? He told Chaos and the whole Earth sector. So yeah, I was mad. Furious even.
All my plans were ruined, leaving Luke in the worst position anyone could think of. Not that he knew. He knew absolutely nothing besides my identity. I suppose I do have some kind of self-restraint. I rolled over on my stomach, face planted in my pillow. "Whatdoyouwant."
"Percy." He chided. "You know nobody understands you when you do that. It's annoying."
I mumbled something else. Jason rolled his eyes. I could tell. "Whatever. It's not in my job description to say anything." Actually, it was. However, for me, he cuts some slack. We never talked about what happened all those years ago, but I know he kinda feels guilty. It was the only reason why I got this 'special treatment.' That, and the fact he wants to understand me better by allowing me space and time to open up. Okay, I wasn't that suicidal. Who wants to talk about that to your own cousin. I groaned.
"Percy." He continued again, used to my unresponsive self. Oh, I forgot he was here. "Percy, Chaos is calling for you." I got up lazily and shuffled out the room, not wanting to talk. Sad to say, he followed me, trying to get me into a conversation. Jason, I loved you then and I still care, but I'm not the previous chirpy cousin you knew. Please shut up. "He needed all the commanders, and you. Not sure why, but I'm pretty sure there's another war. Most possibly on Mars again." I ignored him, waving at the servants and maids of the castle. They all chorused, "good morning Percy." as I passed by. Most of them, I knew their names because I refuse to not know someone. Helps with the spy business. "Percy, talk to me. You know I get worried if you don't talk every once in a while."
I whirled around and threw my knife at him. He flinched as the knife landed harmlessly on the wall. I do it like everyday. You'd think he got used to it. "There. Now can you please shut up, I don't want this right now. You know perfectly well I hate meetings." I threw up my hands and stalked off and he hurried to follow. "I know, I know. Just trying to have small talk. You really should hang out with us more often. Ever since you joined, we've been much happier. Ever since, you know."
Oh, I know. The Earth Sector is happier. When they found out who I was, they didn't fear me anymore. They are casual with me. As if we were friends.
And I would be lying to myself again if I said I didn't feel the same way. Doesn't mean I will give him the satisfaction of admitting defeat.
"Okay, you made your point clear. Now can you please shut up?" I growled, a frown etched.
"You're always so vague about this stuff." Jason frowned, still trying to figure me out while I had half a mind to punch him. "Are you sure you're alright? Can you please just tell me?" I would tell you if it didn't risk everyone I care about, and that includes you Jason.
"Maybe." I forced a smile, but I don't think I did it well. "One day. When I want to. Now, didn't you say Chaos is waiting?"
Victoria was waiting for me with a cheerful smile when we entered the throne room.
Quick recap: commander of planet Uranus, she's the daughter of one of the most successful female politicians and a strategist and fighter in the Chaos army. Her specialty is acting as someone she isn't, better than I ever was. I needed an illusion to act the part. She doesn't even need it, and can spew information by information about a life she has never experienced before.
My day instantly brightened. "You took your time here." She stated. "Of course I did." She frowned at how casual my words were.
"You shouldn't do that, Rín. Lord Chaos is too busy to have to wait for us. You know that."
Victoria was the only one from Uranus that I could tolerate. She reminded me of Artemis in many ways. While Artemis's eyes were silver and feral, Victoria's were warm and welcoming. Yet their auburn locks were similar if Victoria dyed her hair from blonde to red. Artemis is a goddess. Victoria is an alien in human terms. It didn't help her camouflage since her skin was so white, it seemed to be glowing. They were both excellent hunters, both prefer the bow, leaders in their own way, and my friends. The most obvious difference is that Artemis swore off the company of boys and has a firm dislike for them. Victoria has no bias on genders, and has a boyfriend. You know, Roth of planet Saturn. The two are like the 'it' couple of the army. Sad to say, this army is almost as childish as high schoolers. Not that I can complain. I teased her senseless when I found out.
Victoria had an abusive father when she was young, and I killed him. She has no other family (her mother was murdered by her father before I arrived), so I took her in for a bit before she could stand on her own two feet. She was so traumatized, it took 34 years. By that time, we had grown close. I considered her my little sister who needed my help. She learned of Luke and my identity and how we were demigods. When she left, I thought I had erased her memories with a potion from my alchemist (whom I will not tell you because of special reasons). But it turned out her photographic memory didn't fail her. It was clear she had a memory gap, so she went to find someone to help regain that memory. And well, I trust her. She kept that secret for hundreds of years, something that would benefit her. It was safe to say she wouldn't betray me. Besides, she willingly swore an oath to never betray me and vice versa. Even if I didn't because, you know, I couldn't physically do so. You know, personal loyalty and all that. Also, she's my sister. Unlike my super weird Greek family, who, by the way, I'm still confused about, I can count on her. I can rely on her. I want to trust her and vice versa.
Victoria smiled gently, her orange eyes chasing away the shadows of frustration. "What does Chaos want?"
"I do believe it has something to do with his siblings. Order. End. And Void." Wow. Void is in, well, the void. She won't be leaving anytime soon. It is her home, her creation, just like how the universe was Chaos's. To make her leave… that isn't advisable. From what I know, she is the sweetest of her siblings, even better than Chaos. Just introverted. She spends her days caring for the faded and just enjoying her own company. End is currently in a book, courtesy of Chaos. In his defence, it's a very pretty book. And Order... that bitch. She doesn't deserve even to be in my thoughts. "C'mon." Victoria gently guided me to my makeshift throne made of earth and sea anemone. "You need to calm down. And try not to hit Rylia when she comes." Yeah, fine, not everyone likes me.
"She would deserve it." I pointed out.
"She would. But Chaos would be pulled into this matter."
Just because I can trust Chaos, doesn't mean I have to be BFFs with him. Nothing personal. Just his siblings suck.
"Fine. You win this battle." Victoria knew better than to push me. I had a hell of a temper.
Chaos came in and everyone immediately settled down in their chair, waiting for him to start. I didn't even know why I'm here. It's clearly for commanders only. But alas, when there is confidential stuff for commanders and Chaos, they drag me in. You could say I'm used to it.
"What happened? Did Mars declare another war?" Cosette asked idly. Sad to say, Mars was identical to its namesake. Chaos shook his head. "I wish." He sighed into his hands making me impatient. Gods, just spill it already. A Percy that was forced to sit through meetings is an angry and temperamental one. Oh wait, I was always angry and temperamental.
"Is it another asteroid shower?" Raina asked in concern. "My planet cannot keep going on like this. We can barely keep track of all the asteroids hitting our planet. Already, three million died two months ago. And that shower was considered mild." The others murmured in agreement. I softened, it was a very pressing matter alright.
"No." Chaos hurriedly reassured her. "Jupiter is safe for now. There is still time for the project."
"Oh, thank Chaos." Raina said in relief. "We're trying to get the force field activated, but Jupiter is very big. Too big sometimes. If we spread the force field too thin, the asteroids might bypass it anyways."
"If it's not the asteroids, is Venus warming up again?" Aiden slumped in his seat. "I swear, we don't get paid enough."
"Not Venus either, although this matter is equally pressing." Chaos said.
"The universe isn't dying is it?" Tyler asked.
"Commander Tyler, do be a little reasonable, Chaos wouldn't be here if that was the case." I snapped, running out of patience. "He would already be out there, trying to salvage the situation."
Chaos nodded. "Thank you, Persephone, for that helpful comment. She is right though, the universe isn't dying. Yet."
"I swear, Chaos, you're more dramatic than Zeus on planet Earth." Victoria commented although the last part wasn't required. Everyone knew the Gods resided on Earth. It was the land Chaos created for Gaia, it was the land where all mythology was. It was also the first planet Chaos created followed by Uranus.
"Order. My sister."
"What about her?" I asked above all the stunned gasps. I agree it may be... surprising, she has been locked away for millennia, but I no longer cared. No, this wasn't new news. It wasn't the news I wanted to hear. Can you just hurry up Chaos?
"Well," Chaos glanced at me, shocked by the lack of reaction. "She's escaped her prison." Cue the gasp. "Her armies are wreaking havoc." Cue another gasp. "She's declared war." An outraged sputtering sound. "And she has decided to attack Earth first."
He's done it. I sat up straighter, my centuries of training that restrained the joyous grin forming. He's done it. Luke did it.
Flashback
"Who's this lady you mentioned?"
"She's the leader of our force. She's rising again after millennia." He gasped out. I snorted, unimpressed. Wow, very nice news. Luke shot me a disapproving glare. I blew him a kiss when Lohan wasn't looking.
"Oh? And what's this force of yours?"
"A rebellion. Our leader has gotten many alliances over the years she's been imprisoned. I'm part of it. But I joined unwillingly. I swear, I was forced to join. She would kill my family! And she said that you of all people couldn't get to us." Hmm… interesting. I didn't know you cared so much about your family considering how many times you've sold your wife out and used your children as punching bags.
"She lied," I answered shortly. "Your leader lied to you, Lochan. Just as you lied to me."
He blanched. "I didn't!"
"You did. Our worlds may be different but our bodies work similarly. Your heart pumps out a liquid called blood. And I can sense that. I can tell when you lie, the blood flowing goes even faster than its original speed. You aren't even a good liar." I leaned even closer, as the knife's tip I held tore through his clothing and body armour, touching his skin. Luke chuckled darkly. He presses a button. Lochan barely held back a squeal as light lightning ran through his body. Barely anything. Even a child could handle it.
"Fine, fine!" Such a coward. "Our force isn't a rebellion, but rather planning to take over the 9 planets. Starting with Chaos."
"Finally we're getting somewhere." I nodded approvingly. I ran my hand over the side of his face. "Continue." I breathed. Luke glanced away.
"What else? I told you everything!"
"You gave me a very vague description of this group. I understand a little. But I want to know your plans."
Lochan gulped as my hand reached to his bare neck. I tightened my hold on my knife. I could almost see Luke licking his lips. Oh, that idiot. That considerate, sweet, talented, charming idiot.
"We plan to attack Jupiter first. The strongest planet. Chaos will definitely intercept. But we have the resources to stop the Jupiter sector. Once we defeat Chaos, no one can stop us!"
How pathetic he is, to give me everything. If only all prisoners could be like him, Luke would have an easier time disposing of their bodies and cleaning up the mess.
"Finally you start taking this seriously. Tell me of your armies."
"Just like Chaos, there are eight commanders for the planets. They are responsible for taking over the planet when the time comes."
"When does she attack?" I asked, twirling my knife.
"When she gets a commander for Earth. Earth is the only planet that Earthlings are loyal to. The other planets had more strife. But the demigods and gods won't join our cause." I should find more victims like him. Falling for such petty threats.
"So, besides a commander for Earth, what else? And how to become a commander? These are my last questions."
His relief was duly noted. "Nothing else. Just a commander for Earth. And to become a commander, you need to have a lot of power and defeat one of the commanders. And it depends on which planet you originated from."
"Thank you," I said, surprising him. Just because I'm an assassin doesn't mean I don't have manners. Who am I kidding, I don't. I'm just having fun right now.
I released the binds holding him and the wall of earth vanished. He took one last wary look at me and ran to the opening. Only to hiss and look angrily at me. "Remove the shield, girl! You promised to release me!"
"I did, Lochan," I said, all innocent eyes like. "I did and I fulfilled my promise. I released you, didn't I? And I have everything ready for you back on Mars." He doesn't need to know I'm crossing my fingers behind my back. I leave all the boring stuff to Luke. He hardly does them anyways.
"But the shield!"
"I have control over water, Lochan. Not technology." I mean, he must be an idiot if he really thought I would free him.
"T- then?" He looked scared and backed up towards me. Luke will get such a big ego, finding out Lochan was more scared of him.
Said person snorted. Lochan turned to him, becoming as white and pale as Nico used to be. "Oh, come on, ambassador. Did you really think I was here for decoration? I'm hurt."
"Did I forget to tell you, Lochan? I remembered telling you." I frowned mockingly.
"You dared to love a former traitor." Luke voiced my words. "And I'm sure you know, traitors have no honour." I enjoyed his screams as Luke got to work.
Although I wasn't really happy about what Luke said. Not the exact words I was going for. I will have a talk with him once we get home. As if hearing my thoughts, Luke leaned down and pecked my lips. I smiled as he pulled away. That didn't change a thing though.
It started out slow, Luke bent all his fingers in ways I didn't think fingers should be bent, then went up to his scalp, using a dagger to- actually, I'm not going to tell you. I want you to be able to sleep later on after all. Lochan screamed like a pig as I played with the torture devices Luke brought with him. He always had more experience putting up the return rune. Eventually, Luke ran out of places to carve on and decided to go more in depth with the torture. I kissed his forehead. He really did look hot doing this.
Luke paused for a moment to kiss me proper. Lochan slumped down, both eyes bleeding. Aw… he's already blind. I'm sad.
"C'mon, Luke." I took off my cloak, flinging it away. It would always return to my purse, just like Riptide used to do. "Let's not waste time on him. I'll find better victims for you to play with later."
"And by you, you mean me." Luke said dryly but he did stab Backbiter into Lochan's chest and twisted. Lochan died quickly.
I pressed a kiss to his neck. "Of course." Waving a hand to Lochan, I forced his body to disintegrate and made the earth swallow his body.
"You know the enemy," Luke asked, more of a statement, as we walked out, completely free of blood. "Only one person had been locked up for millennia with a hatred for Chaos and Chaos wouldn't know about it. And I can guess we're the first to know of this. It can't be a coincidence. Either planned by the Fates or she is ingenious. I'm going with the first. There's a reason they revived you. This must be it." I turned to Luke with a hard expression. "In the future, she will declare war, just as Lochan said. And we must be prepared."
"If you're talking about going to Chaos-"
"Of course not." I interrupted him. "I refuse to bow down to another man. But we can include him. After all, it is his sister." I looked up at Luke. Sea green eyes met glacier blue ones. "I know of a plan, Luke. A plan to defeat Order. To kill her. And end this."
Time skip to after Chap 4
"No. Absolutely not." I yelled, more like hissed, at Luke. That bastard refused to look me in the eye. "You are going to end up just like your mother, Luke. I didn't tell you my plan for this."
"Then for what?" Luke turned to me angrily. Just like me, he had a hell of a temper, but he usually had more self-control. He was truly angry this time. "For you to be careful." I retorted.
"The Fates resurrected me for a reason, Percy." He was using my name, and not in a gentle and soft way. Gods, this wasn't going well. "They resurrected me to do something. Not watch as you go for a suicidal quest!"
"You said it yourself! You shouldn't have to die a second time for this!"
"I won't!" He shouted.
We were so close, I could feel the air around Luke swirling anxiously. If we didn't stop, time was going to have serious issues. Not that I was any better. The pipes above and below us were spluttering, leaking out water.
"You will. And I know I will if I go." I said, forcing myself to be calm. Didn't work. "But as selfish as I want to be, Order cannot rule this land. It is preposterous to think otherwise."
"I know that, Percy. I was there when you learned of her."
"So I must go. If we want a shot at this, I must go. And you must let me."
"Then what? How will you convince Chaos when you're on the opposite side?"
"You will," I said. "You will join the Earth sector, and convince Chaos."
"You want me safe, I get that." His eyes softened by a fraction.
"You don't. Artemis is safe on Earth. I can warn her if anything goes wrong. She would have time to prepare. She has a family to protect her. But we are alone. If I cannot get to you, you will be in trouble. And I can't stand that." Tears welled up but I quickly evaporated them. "Neither can I! I'm not helpless, Angel, merely choosing peace instead of violence. It's been years since I took things seriously and you know that." I bit my lips from crying out loud.
"I know you are skilled but you lack experience, Luke. If you become Order's commander, you will die at the hands of her other commanders when you fight. Only I can win them. I've fought people like them."
"Don't underestimate me, Angel." Luke grinned, but I could tell it was forced. "I'm stating the facts."
He rolled his eyes. "Okay, fine. Look at it this way. How will Chaos notice me? I'm invisible, remember? Just another inhabitant. Unless I suddenly die or take up the whole assassin kick, this job is quite impossible."
We both knew it was better if he joined Order and I joined Chaos. But I couldn't. He was too unprotected. He was in a lion's den. And Chaos knew what could happen. It was safer in Chaos's army. But we needed to gain information on both sides to survive this war. And to have a slight chance of winning, we- I needed to convince Order to start on Earth. A place that will drive me crazy but also a sense of longing at the same time. My powers grow stronger depending on my emotions.
Luke grabbed me and pressed a firm kiss against my lips. He knew my weakness.
"I need to go." He said quietly. "It comes with benefits and downsides but I need to go. Not only because it's best for you to be on the good side, but I also can't face the Earth sector." Call us cowardly, I also can't. But I get his point.
"But..." I trailed off at his determined face. "You once asked how you could trust me, remember?" I nodded, recalling the time I was still distrustful of him. "We have this as a symbol of trust. I need you to remember this now." His hand grasped mine, our rings almost touching. "Trust me, Angel." I wanted to sob. To cry under his love and care and to forget everything. He was always there when I was unstable. We balanced each other. He was my armour. Maybe I didn't want him to go, at least not to protect him, but because of my selfish reasons.
I looked down, glaring at the ground as I forced out the words. "Go then. I won't stop you." He almost looked taken aback but swept me in a tight hug. We just stood there, his head lowered to my shoulder, long wisps of my hair falling. "We'll see each other soon, Angel. After this war." It's too long. I wanted to say. But I didn't. The problem was that he needed time to gain Order's trust. And I had to get myself into Chaos's army. Not to mention Order's tendency to be a perfectionist. She wants to plan and plan and plan before executing the commands. The time required for all that is too long for me. I wouldn't see Luke for so, so, so long. Centuries.
"If you ever need me, just call." He promises, blue eyes meeting my sea green ones. "I will always be here for you, Angel. Always and forever. Just like we promised." Forever. That word seems foreign to me. I thought this would be forever. I thought we would last, yet he was leaving me. From here on, our problems would just continue to grow. There was no such thing as forever.
Still, I nodded, stepping closer to him. Holding up my left hand, I brushed against his, our rings lighting up at the first contact. Luke's fond smile broke the surface as he tangled our fingers together, resting his forehead on the back of my palm.
He gave me my promise ring over a hundred years ago, but not a step forward ever since. Marriage just doesn't seem real, especially in modern times. For dating wasn't permanent, it wouldn't go on papers, won't be easy to track. We got engaged as a sign to show we were each other's. Marriage… just never occurred, never appeared in our minds. Yet this ring is the symbol of our love and the bond between us. It showed that he was mine. And only mine. The world be damned. I leaned up and kissed him. "Come back to me, Luke. Whatever you do, promise you'll come back." A horrible promise. One that I will hate forever if he broke it. He had no say if he could keep it. But he still promised me.
Flashback over
Luke's one mission was to get Order to attack Earth first and he did it. It's been quite a few years since I last talked to him, you know like with Artemis, so I never knew. But he did it. Which meant he was still closely regarded and didn't have a risk of dying. My grin softened to a warm, loving smile. After 338 years, I'll finally be able to see him face-to-face again. It's been too long. I miss you, Luke.