A/N: Just so you know, this arc is going to be five chapters long. When the arc is complete this story goes on hold till I complete the first arc of another story. I hope you all like where this is going and I want to inform you that all I will be writing in the first few chapters of this introductory arc is to set up the plot. The tournament in this chapter is inspired by the Blood Rite from ACOSF and was not held in ancient times by the Trojans. It's just something my addled and drunk mind decided to add to this story.

When Paris shows up, then the real tale begins. I want to give depth and meaning to the friendship between Aeneas, Perseus and Hector, so please bear with me while their friendship is solidified. On another note, Achilles will be making an appearance soon. Enjoy!

HECTOR stiffened when they got to the Cicilian Thebans. His eyes flitted over to the unveiled girl between the two women. She was beautiful, he couldn't deny that. But that didn't matter—because he didn't want to get married. The three Thebans bowed before the royal family and when Hector's father motioned for them to rise, the girl lifted her head and her eyes met his.

He was drawn into her deep and clouded gaze and he found himself admiring her bright green eyes. He shook his head and looked away.

"Welcome to Troy," King Priam said, his voice hardly welcoming. "We hope you will enjoy your stay here. Where is your father, Princess?"

The girl's lips parted to speak and Hector saw a flash of pearly white teeth. She didn't get the chance to, however, because at that moment Hector's father caught sight of King Eetion, descending from the massive ship, a young man in robes and his guards behind him. "Ah, there he is," Priam said.

The king walked over to them, his head held high. Hector took note of his appearance—curly grey hair, a trimmed beard and robes which would make even King Priam jealous. Eetion bowed to Hector's parents when he stopped next to his daughter and the two veiled women.

"It's good to see you again, King Priam," The man rose from his display of respect for the King of the land. "It has been long."

"Far too long, in my opinion," Hector's father said. "Welcome to my homeland. Let us go to the palace. We shall celebrate your arrival with a feast."

As the two kings led the procession back to the Palace, Hector glanced at his sides and then sighed in relief.

"We are not going anywhere, Hector," Perseus reassured. "We'll be with you till the end." Aeneas gave him a subtle nod of agreement and as he walked behind his future wife and her family, the Heir Apparent couldn't help but feel grateful that he had met them all those summers ago.

-X-

PERSEUS bit his tongue to keep his gasp inaudible. It was his first time in the palace and he couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed. The place had been decked out in the finest luxuries and filled with items of the absolute best quality. While it wasn't so unpleasant, per se, there was the lingering trace of sheer foreignness that made Perseus want to pass out.

He smiled in Aeneas and Hector's directions, happy that his brother and friend would be getting the best life had to offer. As they marched to the grand hall, his eyes flickered around, trying to spot her—trying to see if she was alright. He barely noticed when Creusa moved from Aeneas' side and came to a stop next to him.

"You're looking for Cassandra, aren't you?"

He jerked a bit at her voice, then chewed on his bottom lip. Was he so easy to read? Shaking his head, he replied contradictingly, "Maybe." Creusa shot him a look of pity and he glanced down. He hated pity, perhaps more than he hated Apollo at that moment. Cassandra was a friend—and she could have been something more if his sodding mentor hadn't interfered.

"Fine," he huffed. "I just want to see if she's doing well."

"She is," Creusa said, and that alone seemed to lift a weight off his shoulders. "She will probably be at the feast today." She scanned the procession and frowned. Perseus followed her line of sight and his lips curled downwards when his eyes met that of Prince Helenus, Cassandra's twin brother.

"He blames you, you know," Creusa spoke softly, guilt evident in her voice. "It would be wise not to approach Cassandra if Helenus is around." Perseus snorted at that. He could best Hector at swordplay within ten or fifteen minutes. And what's more, Hector was the most skilled fighter in Troy, after Perseus himself, that is. How long did Helenus think he would last?

He glanced at his side, spotting his brother's gaze, and then turned towards his prospective sister-in-law. "Aeneas really likes you, you know."

Creusa blushed, looking down. He could see the smile playing on her lips. "Congratulations on your marriage, in advance. I'm happy for you both, really." Creusa's smile widened and she nodded a silent thanks to him, then moved away with a whisper of, "Enjoy the feast."

XMX

He caught sight of her when she walked into the room.

The feast was in full swing but Perseus had barely touched any of his food. Hector had been forced to sit next to his future wife and although he was nervous at first, they were now engaged in an animated conversation. Creusa and Aeneas continued making shy bedroom eyes at each other, thinking none had seen their intertwined hands under the table.

He felt like he was fading into the background but then he remembered that the two boys would do anything for him. They deserved happiness and he had to be happy for them.

Cassandra looked fine enough. She wasn't the shaking twitching mess she had been when he had found her in the clearing all those weeks ago.

Her smile looked forced though, and Perseus frowned when he saw the fire dancing in her eyes. His mind briefly played back her crazed and maniacal expression from that day and he bit his lip, pushing the disturbing image out of his head. He stood from his place at the table, making his way to Cassandra, walking slowly but firmly.

He knew Hector, Creusa and Aeneas saw him. But none asked questions. Perseus was almost near her when her brother Helenus came to a stop in front of Cassandra. He caressed her cheek, then they began talking in low voices. Perseus scowled. He just wanted to talk.

Helenus was manoeuvring Cassandra away from him, but then she pulled away from his grip, spotting Creusa in the throngs of people. Perseus could see that she wanted to go to her sister. She suddenly glanced in his direction and their eyes met. She took a step towards him, a shy smile lighting her face. Then her features contorted into a grimace of pain, and she let out an ear-shattering scream that made him wince and grit his teeth.

Before he could move she was laughing maniacally, twitching and tearing her skin with her nails. Her eyes were wide, suddenly bloodshot and crazed. She was pulling out her hair, ripping at her dress and cackling.

All eyes were on her. All were quiet. The room was silent, her screams resonating throughout the chamber. Helenus was trying to calm his sister, trying desperately to keep her quiet. But he was failing.

Cassandra's voice was scratchy and hoarse. But he could hear her all the same. "He approaches! The forgotten son shall return! One moon hence the tides shall bring him in. Love and War together shall come. Death he shall bring... and Blood"—she wailed. "— The apple's golden blood…"

She trailed off, as if out of breath. Then her eyes rolled up in her head and she collapsed, right into her brother's arms.

-X-

AENEAS glanced towards the field as he waited for Apollo's sun chariot to make its way across the sky. It was seven days after the feast yet he could not get Cassandra's words out of his head. What made it worse was that she had had an episode right after seeing Perseus' face. His brother had been reserved and quiet since they had left the palace.

He shook his head, trying to think of better things. Aeneas would leave their home that morning. He would leave good Anchises and Perseus. He would move into the palace after the wedding ceremony was over, with Hector, who had come to find that marrying Andromache wouldn't be such a bad thing after all.

He was so lost in his thoughts that he did not notice Perseus come out of their father's small hut behind him. Perseus took a seat on the grass next to Aeneas, then bumped his shoulder with his.

"What's wrong?"

Aeneas did not mince his words. He glanced at his brother, the emotion shining in his eyes and let out a breath, saying, "I'm afraid."

Perseus' gaze softened and he glanced towards the dawn sky, catching a glimpse of the rosy hands of Eos with his gifted eyes. He turned back to Aeneas, then said, "There's no need to be, brother. Creusa likes you a lot."

"I know that, but it's just…" He took in a shaky breath. "When we get married we'll be expected to start a family and believe me, I want to but, it's all happening too fast." Perseus placed a hand on his curly haired brother's shoulder. He remained silent, letting Aeneas pour out all his worries and stress.

"When I move into the palace, I'll be expected to do all these princely stuff and have these royal duties and…" He glanced at Perseus, the anguish written on his face. "I don't know if I'm up for it. I don't know if I'll be able to meet their expectations."

Perseus pursed his lips, then finally spoke. "Like I said, before, Aeneas, Creusa likes you, you like her. It'll all run smoothly. Besides, you wouldn't be getting married to her if Priam didn't think you were up for it. And you'll be with Hector and Creusa in the palace. They'll support you, just like I've been doing all these years. They'll help you navigate your way through your new life. And if you ever need another shoulder to lean on I'll be right here, where I've always been." Aeneas found it ironic that his brother who had been drowning in his insecurities for almost two months was the one who was comforting him now.

"Nothing much will change when you move into the palace. You'll adjust soon. Come on, you're Aeneas, the son of Aphrodite and Anchises. You're my brother. We've bested whatever came our way these past eleven years together. We're going to overcome this phase too. Together, and this time, with Hector's help."

Aeneas smiled slightly. Perseus always knew how to cheer him up and get rid of his doubts and insecurities. He enveloped his brother in a hug and for the first time since they saw thirteen summers, Perseus didn't resist. "Thank you." Aeneas released him, then stood, walking back into the hut.

As he went away, he failed to notice the sorrowful and defeated expression the other boy wore.

-X-

PERSEUS looked up at the crackling sound. He frowned, hardly letting out a peep when he spotted the immortal standing before him.

"Did Apollo send you here to ask for forgiveness on my behalf? Because I'm not giving it." He glanced away, barely noticing the sun chariot soaring across the sky.

The goddess of the hunt cocked her head to the side and studied him with calculating silver eyes. He couldn't help but shiver as she continued examining him.

Artemis' lips parted and the regal voice of his mentor's sister reached his ears. "Because of you, boy, my brother has been moping around and whining on Delos like a wounded animal. And yes, he did send me here. You two have a lot to talk about."

Perseus sighed, the ends of his lips pulling up in a smile at the familiar endearing word, boy. "I suppose you're going to kidnap me now, aren't you?"

"Quite correct, Perseus," Artemis flashed him a sly grin, which he had seen only twice out of all the eighteen times he had met her on his visits to Delos. He didn't resist when she grabbed him. He shut his eyes as he felt his body melting and sighed again.

It was time to meet Apollo.

XMX

They reappeared on the edge of the Island. It was daytime and the waves were hitting the sand. Perseus scowled at the water and hurriedly marched away from it immediately Artemis dropped his hand.

"Is this going to take long?" He folded his arms. "I have a wedding to attend."

The goddess rolled her eyes at him and said, "And I have a beast to capture. Come on."

Perseus followed, albeit reluctantly, keeping his head down. Sure, he got to see Artemis again after almost a year of silence from her end. And he would meet Leto too, which was a bonus, but he wasn't sure he wanted to see goldilocks.

Not yet, at least.

They got to the pavilion and temple in about three minutes and Perseus scowled when he saw Apollo. But his frown didn't last long. A grin stretched across his face when he caught sight of the titaness seated next to the god of the sun.

He had missed her.

The two deities looked up at the approaching footsteps. Apollo blanched when he saw Perseus but Leto smiled widely, standing up from her seat to greet Perseus.

"Perseus," Apollo's eyes were narrowed. "What are you doing here?"

The green-eyed boy frowned and suddenly it all made sense to him. Turning to Artemis, he hissed, "You tricked me!"

"Mother's idea, actually," Artemis shrugged. "Apollo is still very angry."

He glared at her and turned back to stare accusingly at Leto. His gaze shifted back to Apollo, who was looking at him with a burning glare.

"I suppose we would have still talked it out eventually," The god finally admitted, shrugging. He took in a breath and then stood silently, watching Perseus.

The tension in the air could be sliced with a knife.

"He doesn't expect me to apologise, does he?" Perseus whispered in Artemis' direction. She shrugged. He knew Apollo had heard him but the god gave no reaction.

"It's been two months," Leto spoke up. "I think you both have to apologise to each other."

"Cassandra is barking mad because of him. I'm not going to—"

"Perseus…" Leto gave him a warning stare.

Grumbling under his breath, he mumbled, "Fine. I'm sorry."

Apollo snorted. "That's it? I—"

"Apollo!" Leto smacked her son at the back of his head. "Apologise. Now." He rolled his eyes and muttered a hurried sorry under his breath.

Perseus arched an eyebrow. "Don't think this means I've forgiven you. I still don't want to see your face."

"Well that's too bad," Apollo smirked. "Because you'll be seeing me in the sky every single day till you're old."

Artemis huffed and said, "Boys."

"And I still don't want to train with you." Perseus ignored the goddess and tried to keep from smirking.

"Well, you don't have a choice, because there's something big coming up and—"

"I don't really care," Perseus stuck out his tongue in a very mature way, cutting Leto short.

"You're going to train with Apollo, Perseus. That's final," Leto said, the tone of her voice leaving no room for argument.

"But mater—" He whined, betrayal flashing in his eyes as he used the endearing term to try to get her to change her mind.

"Like I said. It's final." Perseus shot her an unamused look and spoke to Apollo again. "Can you at least heal Cassandra? She started spewing some nonsense about someone from the mountain and war and death when she saw my face."

The silence which settled over them was deafening. Apollo exchanged a glance with his sister, who narrowed her eyes. Leto sighed, reaching out to grab Perseus' hands. "It cannot be done, Perseus. The curse is permanent, and it may scare you, but it shall be beneficial in the years to come."

He pulled his hands from hers, nodding in defeat. After a few moments he said, "Can you take me back now? I'll be late for the ceremony."

"Wait just a bit." Apollo stepped forward, waving his hands. "Your brother and friend are getting married. I think you deserve some new clothes, no?"

"What are—" He didn't get a chance to argue. Before he knew it he was dressed in royal purple robes, which had gold trimmings. His hair was still unruly but a golden circlet adorned his head and sandals were at his feet. His waist was cinched with a golden rope and gold vambraces sat on his forearms.

He frowned at Apollo, whose eyes pleaded with him to accept his silent pacification gift. Perseus sent him a small nod and turned back to Artemis. "Take me back. Now."

She glared at him, then grabbed him by his ear, twisting it. "No one orders me around, Perseus. I thought you would know this by now."

"Ow!" He yelped. "Let go of me, Arty—"

"Do not follow in Apollo's footsteps!" Artemis bellowed. "My name is not Arty!"

Perseus wrenched himself away from her grasp and took off, chuckling. "Sure, Arty. Whatever you say."

With a snarl of distaste, she was chasing after him, while Apollo and Leto watched from their spots in the pavilion. Perseus raced for the beach, laughing as he ran.

It was no surprise when he slammed into the woman who had appeared on the seashore.

Perseus looked up, groaning and rubbing his head. He fell into silence suddenly, eyes wide as he drank in the sight before him. She looked about his age, with long black hair tied in a ponytail, which fell to her waist. She had bright silver eyes, much like Artemis', but yet very different. She had angular features, with pale pink lips which complimented her equally pale skin. The girl was dressed in a silver and white peplos which was semi-covered with a black cloak. She looked like the moon, coming out from behind the clouds of the night sky.

She was the most regal and beautiful thing he had ever seen.

Artemis came to a stop next to him. "Selene. You're early." Perseus' eyes widened further. Selene? The only Selene he knew was the Titaness of the moon.

She was examining him, much like Artemis had done before. Scrutinising his features, like she was trying to see through him. She turned back to Artemis, then said, "I'll wait for you to take the mortal back to Troy. Then we can join the hunters later."

Artemis nodded her agreement and reached down to grab Perseus. He didn't even realise they were fading away till Selene's bright silver eyes vanished from his view.

-X-

HECTOR ran a hand through his hair, anxiety eating him up. Aeneas paced up and down in his chambers, worry evident in his features. The door to Hector's room swung open and his mother marched in.

"We cannot wait any longer, boys," Queen Hecuba said decisively. "We have to proceed with the ceremony."

"But Perseus isn't here yet," Aeneas argued.

"I'm not going to marry Andromache if he's not with us," Hector said, his tone equally determined.

"Oh, that's touching and all but we have a wedding to start. Get off your sorry arses and go get married, you wankers." The voice made Hector turn to the other entrance of his room. He felt relief flood through him as Perseus marched in. Hector barely took note of his friend's appearance, his eyes widening when he heard a scoff.

Lady Artemis cocked her head and said, "Apollo will be here to pick you up tomorrow, Perseus. I'll see you soon." She vanished into mist.

They elapsed into shocked silence. Perseus grinned at them and wrapped his arms around both Hector and Aeneas when he neared them. "What are you still wasting time for? Did you not hear me?"

Queen Hecuba watched on, marvelling silently at the bond the three almost-adults shared. It was strong, wonderful—unbreakable, even. So strong they refused to get married in the absence of Perseus.

Aeneas and Hector began to move and Perseus rolled his eyes, muttering, "Twats."

-X-

Three weeks later…

AENEAS sat up with a jerk, glancing around him, eyes wide. He inhaled when he realised Creusa was not by his side and he was not on his bed in their shared chamber in the Palace of Troy. Around him, he could see several scattered and littered bodies of men and boys, who were also stirring.

It took him a second to realise what had happened. Or more like what was happening. He stood, taking a step. He had to find Perseus and Hector.

XMX

HECTOR groaned as he sat up. His head was pounding and squinted, trying to see in the semi-darkness. He turned to his left, muttering, "Andromache?" There was no response. As his eyes adjusted to the darkness he swallowed uneasily. He could see the other males around him, each of them waking and sitting up in the snow.

Instantly it hit him. He had to find Perseus and Aeneas. He had heard his father and the generals discussing this. He just hadn't expected it to be so soon…

XMX

PERSEUS swore silently as he looked around him. He jumped to his feet, making the snow rise a little. His eyes narrowed as he took in the sight around him. Males of all ages were coming to their senses, standing and glancing around in confusion, in the darkness.

Apollo had told him it was coming. It was why he had been training so vigorously for three weeks. He vaguely remembered one of Hector's sisters saying King Priam planned to inaugurate the young men of Troy into the army.

He was prepared and ready. Perseus bent and plucked out a small knife from his boot as he remembered Apollo's instructions. He had to fight and kill his way to the top of Mount Ida. The men who reached the apex and rang the bell in five days, without dying, of course, would be made elite and important figures in the army. He took his first step, ready to participate in the rite of passage that would initiate him into adulthood and the army too.

He would reach the top. But first, he had to find Hector and Aeneas. Together, they would enter the next phase of their lives.

Together, they would overcome the Tournament of Ida.

-X-

HECTOR wiped the blood from his face using the sleeve of his tunic. He didn't know how long had passed since they had been dumped at the forests around the Mountain of Troy. All he knew was that he had killed. A lot.

He was somewhat grateful that Perseus had been advising them not to go to bed without a hidden weapon. Perhaps his friend had known what was coming, but had not been allowed to tell them. He pursed his lip, moving away from the bloodied body soiling the snow with its presence.

He didn't know who exactly the boy was but the pang of guilt was still strong. He couldn't wait to become King, so he could finally abolish this cruel practice. He didn't think the court officials realised that the tournament just sent the young men of Troy to early deaths. It made those who did not enjoy war—but could be useful in other areas—die senselessly.

Hector briefly wondered how his brother-in-law was doing. He glanced around him, knowing that he needed to climb the mountain. They only had five days to reach the top and then the survivors would be categorised into the Trojan Army. Those who reached the apex were considered elite fighters, whilst those who didn't but climbed the mountain nonetheless would be second-level soldiers. The others who didn't reach the mountain at all but survived anyway would become foot soldiers.

Hector narrowed his eyes when he heard the footsteps. It was almost evening and he wanted to avoid a confrontation with anyone he would eventually have to kill. And he had to eat too and find a place to spend the night. Turning, he gazed up at the mountain again, and took off, towards the top.

-X-

AENEAS tightened his grip on the knife, wishing he had a more reliable weapon. He wasn't like Perseus and Hector who could fight with any weapon they were given (well, except the bow and arrow, for Perseus). He relied solely on his twin swords, gifts from his mother when he saw fifteen summers, but a heated night with Creusa just before he had been kidnapped and dumped below Ida had made him forget to strap the sword at his thigh before bed.

He let out a huff of air. From his position on the thick branch of the tree, he could see all the snow and earth below him. He knew it wasn't safe—there were creatures and monsters somewhere in the forests below the mountain. He had heard not less than five screams on the first day. It was the second morning now and he had heard a lot more than five throughout the night.

He was so lost in his thoughts he did not see the boys appear from behind him. He only noticed their presence when a poorly aimed arrow soared past him, nicking his ear as it went and slicing a line clean through the side of his hair. He spun so quickly that he tumbled off the branch and fell into the snow with a loud thud.

Achates and the other boys surrounded him quickly, their eyes glinting in the morning mist. They weren't really boys anymore, seeing as most were older than him but Aeneas had a hard time calling anyone who was associated with the excuse-of-a-nephew of one of the Generals of the army men.

He heard the blond boy laugh and Aeneas sent a scathing glare in Achates' general direction.

"Grab him," Achates ordered two of the boys. (Men(?), Men-Boys (?) He really didn't care). "I want to see him try to resist while I carve his heart out."

Aeneas barely had time to react, his chest and head suddenly pounding in alarm. Two pairs of arms were hauling him up and he felt his knife clatter to the ground.

"You're a shite excuse for a prince and you know that, right?" Achates said, a grin plastered on his face as he bent to pick the weapon from the snow.

"I can't believe they chose you," He said with sudden force. "Weak Aeneas, the son of even weaker Anchises." It took a few seconds for Aeneas to understand. He was jealous. He felt anger and fury burn through him and he scoffed at Achates' words. "You are a fool if you think you can insult the House of Anchises and get away with it." His eyes were narrowed and his brain was running, trying to come up with a plan to get out of this sticky situation.

"What are you going to do?" Achates sneered. "Perseus isn't here to protect you. Neither is Hector." Aeneas scowled. He was sick and tired of people all around him thinking he was weak, just because he preferred to sort things out with his voice and not his fist.

He hated the fact that people saw him as nothing compared to his brother and the heir apparent. He hated the fact that they thought their words could bring him on his knees just because he did not raise his fist. He hated the fact that he was scorned and seen as a delicate object just because he was the son of the love goddess.

He didn't know what pushed him to kick Achates in the groin.

Next thing he knew the boy had bent over in pain and was groaning. Aeneas elbowed the boy on his left, hard, tearing his left hand away from his grasp. Without giving anyone a chance to react he slammed his freed hand into the boy on his right, sending him stumbling. Aeneas bent and grabbed his knife from beside Achates, slipping into a stance when the boys drew weapons.

He hadn't killed anyone since he had woken. He'd met a lot of people but he had simply knocked them out. His mind vaguely wandered to the gash on his side, which he had received a few hours ago. It had stopped burning but his sudden movements had made it act up again.

"Kill him!" Achates let out, still clutching his crotch.

The boys surged forward and Aeneas narrowed his eyes, then ran to meet them.

-X-

PERSEUS jerked awake at the scream which had resonated across the mountainside. It was the third day and he was almost halfway up the mountain. He had stopped when he found a cave, hewn into the side of the mountain and after making sure it wasn't already occupied, he had decided to rest.

It wasn't his intent to fall asleep. But after keeping awake for a good part of two days, he really couldn't blame his body. He rubbed his eyes to chase away Hypnos and then felt around for his knife. The scream had been close. Anguished and scared, and close.

Perseus warily made his way to the entrance of the cave. He stepped out, then cursed. Fuck, he had overslept. He could tell it was almost midday and if he wanted to meet Aeneas and Hector soon, he couldn't waste any time.

For two days he had been fighting men and monsters and he was bruised, bloodied, injured and battered but it would all be worth it when they were rewarded at the end. His father would be proud, he would be proud, and he would finally be able to do something for Troy when he was in the army.

Perseus inhaled when he heard another cry of pain. It was closer this time and he took a step. He had to go. He had to run before whatever monster was rampaging the mountainside caught up with him.

XMX

It did not take long for the wild boar to catch up with him. Perseus cursed Tyche when he heard the laboured breathing and wild grunts behind him. He had started running when he realised the beast was after him but he hadn't gotten very far.

After a while, he just decided to face it head on.

He had fought wild centaurs, mountain lions, a couple of snake-women and a lot more monsters from the infested forest two days before. He had wrestled a serpent when he'd climbed a tree to pick fruits and he had been living on melted snow and pieces of fruit for two days. He was spent but he was positive he would be able to take down the beast. He skidded to a stop and turned.

Perseus gulped when he saw the sheer size of the wild boar. How the hell was he supposed to battle with that with just a knife?

He exhaled and murmured, "Gods help me." Perseus was royally screwed. And once again had only his shite luck to blame.

-X-

HECTOR was reunited with one of his best friends on the third day. He was haggard, his robes torn to shreds and he was sleep deprived, thirsty and hungry. But they had less than 48 hours to reach the mountain top, according to his portable miniature sundial.

He had spent a total of two days searching while he scaled the mountain, trying to find the two brothers. His searches had proven futile and he had killed his way up the mountain, trying not to feel guilty for riding men and women of Troy of their children. (To be fair, he didn't attack if they didn't. And he only killed those that tried to kill him). Sure, he loved the thrill battle gave him and he enjoyed holding the weapons in his hands. He would also readily kill any enemy of Troy.

But the boys were citizens and not enemies of his city. He had grown up with some of them. A few of his brothers were probably also on the mountain and he feared for their lives.

He gritted his teeth when he heard the yell of pain and the animalistic squeal which followed. He would recognise that voice anywhere.

Hector took off in a run, towards the general direction of Perseus' voice. His eyes widened in shock when he skidded to a stop between two trees. He arrived just in time to see Perseus, soaring through the sky and slamming into a tree, his knife dropping to the ground. The bloody git was bleeding from scratches on his chest, and arms, apparently not realising that he couldn't take on a boar the size of the palace with a knife the size of a weed. A few feet away from him was the monster which had had all the boys on this side of the mountain running.

Hector saw the boar preparing to charge. His friend was still on the ground, no doubt woozy and distorted from his trip through the sky. It took Hector a few seconds to realise that Perseus would not be able to move in time.

He would be crushed under the giant boar, demigod or not.

Before he knew it Hector was running, yelling as he did to confuse the beast. His plan worked and the boar turned for a split second, giving Hector the chance to hurl his weapon. The knife nailed the overgrown swine right in its left eye and it let out a loud and anguished squeal.

Without wasting time Hector raced for Perseus' battered form, cursing the other boy under his breath. He came to a stop next to him, then bent on his knees, wrapping his arms around Perseus to haul him up.

"Hector?"

"Yes, it's me," He replied hurriedly, already moving towards a path between the trees.

"Where's my brother?" Clearly, Perseus was still dazed. Hector pursed his lips and his eyes flickered over to the pig running in circles and squealing in pain.

"I don't know," He replied. "But we have to get out of here. You're injured."

Perseus blinked. Once, twice. The third time he let out a stuttered breath. "I can see that." Hector accidentally stepped on his foot as they passed through the trees, away from the monstrous threat. "And feel that."

"Oh, shut up," Hector rolled his eyes. "It's nothing but a few scratches. You'll live."

Together, they disappeared into the trees and snow, Hector searching for Aeneas as they went.

-X-

AENEAS was saved by Hector and Perseus on the last day.

He was so tired he could barely walk. He had killed someone for the first time that morning and the horror that came afterwards had been emptying his stomach into the snow.

He had been tempted to end Achates and his goons the day he had met them on the mountainside, but he hadn't been able to, mainly because the blond coward had pleaded for his life after all his friends were knocked out.

Aeneas let out a huff of air, clutching his sides. The boy he had killed in the morning would have stabbed him in the heart if Aeneas had not reacted quickly and plunged his knife in his neck. He knew who the boy was. He had met him a few times over the years as they trained in combat, music and other areas. He had been a pretty decent fighter and he had managed to slice through Aeneas' already torn tunic, leaving a cut across his arm.

Aeneas shook his head to clear his thoughts, moving forward with slow steps. Dawn was approaching and he had given up all hope of meeting his brother and Hector. He had just about an hour to get to the apex of the mountain. He hoped they had already succeeded and would be waiting for him.

"There he is!" The voice made him spin around suddenly and his eyes went wide when he spotted the boys running in his direction. "Kill him now!" It was Achates once again and Aeneas cursed himself for sparing him all those days ago.

He should have known that people like Achates never changed.

He hobbled forward faster, hoping to get as far away as possible. But he knew he couldn't. They were running and he was too injured to even stand properly. Aeneas bared his teeth when they surrounded him. He glanced around, trying to find an escape route.

Why couldn't Achates leave him alone?

Aeneas forced himself to speak, trying not to let the despair show through. He knew was too battered to handle them all at once. "Are you here for another beatdown?"

Achates scowled at him, his lips curling. "You got lucky that time, Aeneas. It won't happen again."

"Are you sure about that?" Aeneas felt relief suddenly flood him when he heard Hector's voice. He spun, then saw both the heir apparent and his brother, coming out from behind the trees and bushes.

"Hector," Achates snarled, eyeing him. "Perseus."

"Yes, those are our names," Perseus cocked his head to the side, sizing up his enemy. "It's nice to see you haven't forgotten them, Achates."

Aeneas could see they were spent and just as injured as he was. But they were still standing, despite the blood staining their bodies and clothes.

"I can kill you both without needing to pay the price later," Achates sneered. He turned to Hector. "Daddy Dearest can't have my head because the rules are very clear."

Hector sneered back, but didn't give any response. "Keep deluding yourself," Perseus replied instead. Aeneas turned to Perseus and Hector and grinned. "It's nice to see you finally showed. Ten drachma that he'll be begging at our feet in six minutes."

"I don't think so. It'll probably be three," Hector shook his head.

"Or half a minute," Perseus shrugged, smiling. With a yell of anger, Achates hurled himself at Aeneas, and all hades broke loose.

-X-

PERSEUS relished the feeling of the wind whipping around him as he battled side by side with the two boys he had practically grown up with. He laughed loudly, dodging under a sword and slamming his knife into his attacker's head. He pulled his arm away, catching a glimpse of Aeneas dodging a wide strike from Achates' sword and slipping under his guard to slice at his chest.

He heard the clash of weapons right next to him and his eyes widened when Hector pushed away another of Achates' friends, who would have stabbed him through his side. "Keep your head in the game, Perseus!" Hector dodged a swing, then decked a guy in the face, while Perseus slid under his friend, jumping up and blocking a strike headed for Hector's head.

Achates and Aeneas clashed again and Perseus made to go help his brother, but then Aeneas' head whipped towards him, the concentration and anger clear on his face. "No! He's mine."

Perseus nodded silently, then spun when he felt a presence behind him. He dodged under a spear and kicked out in an arc with his feet, sending a burly boy tumbling to the ground. He shot up again and parried a strike for his neck, jabbing another boy in the chest with his elbow.

A sundial rolled to the ground when Hector flipped over Perseus, then knocked the last boy standing out. He was vaguely aware of Achates falling to the ground beside Aeneas, clutching a wounded shoulder. Perseus studied the small contraption on the ground, which he knew belonged to Hector. He hadn't been aware of the time that they had left or how long they had been fighting.

"We've got to move. Five minutes till dawn, then the Tournament is over."

Achates groaned in the snow. "Let's go!" Aeneas said frantically, grabbing Perseus and Hector by their arms. "I can see the bell from here! We'll make it!"

Perseus' chest was pounding as they hobbled and jogged up the mountain.

He felt pride and joy erupt in him when they neared the top. He could see the sun, rising in the distance. Relief flooded him when the apex came into view. The three scrambled towards the gigantic bell.

"Together!" Hector said, panting.

"Together," Aeneas and Perseus repeated. They reached out…

They were the only ones to complete the Tournament of Ida that year.

A/N: I hope you liked it! I have exams next week and instead of studying, I'm here putting this together for you lovely readers. It's all a bit rushed, I know, but leave a review, comment, vote or follow if you like my writing and the chapter. Tell me your thoughts and suggestions. Thank you all for reading!

-TripleHomicide.