Chapter 24: The Revival

Chapter 24

The Revival

||Percy Jackson||

*Dreams*

I was back.

Back in that cold, metallic smelling, stale room. The chains holding my bruised, wounded and tired arms made a crackling sound, like thunder in the echoing torture room I've been held in for what must've been years.

I closed my eyes, breathing deep, trying to see through the pain that I was in. Physically, I have gone numbed for what has been done to me, as that madman dissected every inch, looking for the source of my power. Mentally.... it has always been my weakness.

I honestly thought I had shut that down to but.... her appearance, Fyna, just shook my very core and what little was left of my mental stability.

"You're weak, Jackson." I stilled, the words bouncing in my head spoken from a very chilly and dark voice, "So naive and still so weak." I felt a heavy weight on my back, pressing down on me to the point of crushing. "That's why you were betrayed, forced out of the place you tried so hard to protect. No matter how many times you give yourself an illusion that you are strong and that you can defeat anything that comes your way with that power that you keep in, you're wrong." An evil laugh echoed in my head followed. "No, you will end up destroying everything you love."

Even if I wanted to, I couldn't stop the hot trail of tears that dripped down my eyes and to my cheek, contrasting to the cold environment I am in. "I'll end this life of mine before I reach that point." I retaliated, no matter how pathetic the effort was.

A sharp laugh echoed in my head and all around me. "Even your dearest Fyna had turned on you. Who knew that such a seemingly sweet girl like her turns out to be the daughter of the man who is torturing you right at this moment. You're not meant to be alive, Jackson. Whatever you do, it will always, always turn on you."

"STOP!"

"I will crush you, Jackson. I will burn your world and I won't stop until everything is in ashes."

"You can't protect everything."

"You're weak."

"Weak."

"Stop fooling yourself."

They were everywhere. Non-stop, putting me into an endless torture. All I wanted was a happy life, I never asked for anything more, even before I knew I was a demigod. I just wanted to be happy. Am I not supposed to ask for such thing? I've done everything I could, is this where I'm just supposed to end? An endless cycle of nothing but pain and torture?

I could hear someone shaking me, calling out to me but I can't bring myself to get out of the trance I'm in. My mind has become paralyzed, trapped in this cage that my inner demons have locked me in and not even the wings that were given to me could fly me away.

"Percy!" I heard my name again, "Please. Come back to me, Percy!" There it was again, much closer than ever. "Perseus Jackson, I swear to all that is holy in this forsaken universe, if you don't snap now, I will slap the living daylights out of you to the point where you'll land in the river of Callithrix."

That voice.....

Slowly, everything came in focus. I was back in that cell again. However, I was not alone. Warm hands holding both my cheek, my eyes adjusted, slowly blinking, then connected to the bright golden cat-like eyes that I love. "...Fyna.." I croaked.

Her eyes lightened in relief, just as a small smile made it's way to the red painted lips. "Oh my gosh, Percy." Delicate, porcelain hands wrapped around me, surrounding me in warmth and silk clothing, my face stuffed in the crook of her neck. "I thought he had broken you completely. I was so worried, especially when you won't respond to me."

I blinked.

Again.

And again.

Until I pulled away once I had managed to truly comprehend who was in front of me. "Don't touch me."

I shouldn't even have looked, because the moment those feline-like eyes stared at me, broken, exhausted and desperate, I knew there was no way I was not going to listen to her. "I never intended for you to find out this way....."

"What? Me finding out that you're the daughter of some batshit crazy sorcerer? Where you ever going to tell me at all? I trusted you more than anyone else, how foolish was I to actually think that it was the same for you too." I said, unable to keep the emotions out of my voice like I wanted to.

"I had no choice! I was afraid that you wouldn't accept me once you knew what my true heritage was. Out of all people, you are the one I could not bear to lose."

"Then why?!"

"Because I hated it. I hate this place. This dress. That man. Everything that was me in here, I hated with every fiber of my being"

"Why go back to him now?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, clearly defeated. "Why did you never tell me? I know you, Fyna. I know, all these years that something was tormenting you. Do you know how helpless I felt, how useless and idiotic that felt knowing that I could do nothing to ease your pain?"

Tears fell down her eyes, matching the trails I previously had. "..Percy...I'm so sorry."

"..I don't know what to believe anymore, Fyna. I don't know...."

Her warmth instantly returned to me as her hands came back to hold my bloody and bruised cheek, perhaps I shouldn't be so easy to believe her, but all these eons I've spent with her, "I know I have no right to ask you this and you have no reason to but I'm asking you to believe in me. I will get you out of here."

"There's nothing you can do, Fyna."

"I ran away for a reason, Percy. I only came back for you. No one would believe me where you are and so I acted on my own."

I gaped, "Are you stupid?!"

She cringed, "I know, I'm sorry but I had no choice. I can't let you rot in here, not as long as I have anything to do about it. I know you don't believe me but, I can't unchain you right now but I can probably nullify the spell he put on you for a minute so you can go have a look in my head and see that I am telling the truth." Desperation showed in her eyes, bright as anything I've ever since these past few years.

"Fyna, even if you manage to infiltrate this place, there's nothing you can do. There's nothing to do."

"No. I refuse to back down....." she paused, head turning to the footsteps coming, "He's coming. I've been gone for too long. But I promise, Percy. I will get you out, even if it's the last thing I have to do."

I watched her stand up, straightening the invisible wrinkles. Eyes turning cold, head held high, shoulders straightening, an information I was all too familiar with myself. She turned back, not even a goodbye and walked, with grade and her heels clicking and echoing in the torture room. The moment she had turned the corner, passing by a guard, I felt my shoulders droop and a shaky breath leaves my lips. What have I done? The only person I didn't want in the messes I made turns out to be the only hope I have of getting out of here.

At that moment, I made a vow. I wasn't the only one getting out of here, both of us will and the moment I do, I will make sure there's no place for us to come back in here again.

~

||Nico Di Angelo||

*Infirmary*

"So?" I asked, "Can you do it?" I looked away from the corpse-like body that belongs to my best friend. He seems to be in a permanent state of a nightmare, his body seems to outwardly react to whatever he's dreaming about, once in a while, murmuring things in his deep unpeaceful slumber, crying out Fyna's name in desperation and pain. I tried to wake him up but he was out of my reach, within anyone's reach. The only person who can slightly give some comfort is the lady herself, however, Fyna had been by his side the moment he was laid down and I had to practically order her to go and take a rest back at the cabin, although I doubt she will. The state of his condition, his movement completely contrasting the temperature his body holds at this moment. Any normal demigod or human would equal them touching the temperature of the sun.

"If I am being honest, I can't do anything much to help him. His body has its own way of healing and it's rejecting any help from mine." Apollo answered with a frown, clearly hitting the road block that I figured they would.

"But can you at least---" I was cut off by the sound of hesitant multiple footsteps coming in hesitantly in the infirmary.

"Nico." I turned around to find the old gang walking in, staring grimly at the incapacitated commander.

I straightened my posture, facing them, "Sorry but this side of the infirmary can't be easily entered. The commander and healers can't be disturbed as of yet,"

"We're just worried about him," Jason answered, staring at me intently as if I didn't have the right to prevent them from seeing him.

I clucked my tongue, turning to the healers which consist of Apollo, Michael, Will, and nodded at them. "If you can't do anything, Chaos and Nyx would be coming in tonight to check on him. They should be able to help. For now, at least find a way to ease his pain." I then turned to the gang and signaled them outside to talk.

"How is Percy?" Hazel, hesitantly asked. "He's going to survive right?"

Running a hand through my already messed up hair, I sighed, "He will survive. However, I don't want to be rude, but at any point can you come close to him alone. If any of us in the army would let you, which I doubt, can you only."

"Why is that?" Frank questioned.

"Because only certain people, which includes us, can be able to protect you in case anything happens. Percy has powers uncontrollably as the ocean and yet he has a pretty intense control over it but the moment his guard goes down, it blows up once in awhile like a solar flare. It's too much for mere demi-gods like you to be in close to it."

"Mere demigods?" Piper asked, seemingly offended. "Might I remind you, Nico di Angel, that you were a demigod?"

"Were, exactly. Don't mistake Percy being the only one that has powers in the army. As leaders, we were all given something that rivals even the gods and with all those training, we increased that to be even more." I retorted, "So yes, I can say mere demigod because I am beyond being a demigod. Anyway, that's beside the point, don't come close to Percy. If there's something you want to say to him, do it while he's conscious and fully healed."

~

*3 weeks later*

||Fyna Sveira||

It's been three weeks since and there has not been any sign of him coming to consciousness. There's hasn't been any major magic burst from him which was a good thing. The army has been doing a good job following Percy's command, which is training the campers as best as they could and from what I've seen, they're doing better than they were previously. I have been taking on the task to lessen Percy's workload when he wakes up, such as taking care of the paper works he has, knowing him, it hasn't been too hard since I know how he works and his methods and it also helped that he'd left notes along the way.

Three weeks since I've been coming in and out of this infirmary. I insisted that they return him to the cabin where he'll be more comfortable and least likely to be in danger and everyone else but because of the fact that no one outsiders can enter his room aside from those he had allowed which doesn't help since the healers needs to come in and out to maintain his situation. He's looking better than he was before, most days he's filled with nightmares but once in awhile, it's just silence for him which worries me a bit but seeing his chest moving up and down calms me down.

I settled the flowers I brought from his room right beside the bedside table and began my routine of making sure he's as comfortable as he can be. Nevalth, who had been with Percy's side all this time, nudged me. I smiled at her and gave her treats as I've been doing. "Hey Eva, Percy." I greeted, although I know one of them won't respond.

"Hey Fyna," I heard a hesitant voice greet me. I turned around to see the familiar piercing gray eyes and a swaying curly ponytail.

I smiled, "Hello, Lady Chase." I greeted.

"It's Annabeth, I told you." She said, "How is he?"

"He's doing better. Three weeks is almost up, I have hopes he'll be back soon."

"It's Percy, of course, he will."

"I thought the training was still on, Annabeth."

She chuckled, "It is, we're having a break. I just came in to say hi. I haven't seen you as much."

"Thank you for the consideration. I've been juggling my work between mine and Percy's." I answered with a tired smile.

She frowned, "Percy's work?"

"Ah yes. I've been making sure he doesn't come back with as much paperwork."

"That's very nice of you." A fleeting emotion passed through her eyes before it was suddenly covered up with a pleasant look and a smile.

"Thank you, I'm only doing what is natural."

I assessed the daughter of Athena in front of me, I knew she wasn't just here for me solely. She mostly here for Percy, which was not a surprise since I've heard they've been trying to see him a couple of times.

"Anyway, I'll see you around, Fyna. Our break is almost over."

"Yes, until then, Lady Chase." I waved her goodbye as I watched her jog back to where she came from until all I could hear is the soft breeze flowing through the window and Nevalth's constant chewing on her treat. I sighed, my gaze going out to the wonderful weather outside.

"I can't decide if you like talking to her or that's just a facade." Someone said. I looked down to the body next to me, expecting to see a closed eye and even breathing. However, that was not the case. My eyes met with mischievous eyes and a sly smirk. It was almost comical, the way I reacted. I blinked, taking in for a second before a small shriek left my lips and I almost fell out of my chair.

"Percy!" I exclaimed, filled with relief. "You're awake!"

"Of course I am, I have some work to do. I've taken long enough."

"But you're not fully healed yet."

Percy chuckled, stroking the Phoenix Dragon as it lay on him, purring with happiness. "As I've heard, you have been taking my work. It shouldn't be a problem."

"How long have you been listening?"

"The moment she walked in, I woke up."

"Oh dear Chaos, you don't know how worried I was," I said, feeling the overwhelming relief about to transform into tears.

Percy, with surprising ease, sat up, Nevalth instantly moving to sit on his laps instead. His arm moved around to wrap around my head, feeling his calloused hand push me toward his chest. He took a deep breath, just as I did, despite him smelling like disinfectant and medicine, I could still smell the soft sea breeze and something just distinct that makes him 'Percy' if that makes any sense. "I know, I'm sorry for taking this long and making you worry." He said softly, moments before I felt his chapped lips kiss the top of my head. "I'm okay now."

At that moment, it finally dawned on me that this is Percy. He's alive and well. Still the same gentle and stubborn prince that I've been working with for eons. I couldn't stop the tears if I wanted to because the moment I took another deep breath is the moment they fell.

"You looked so bad when you came back and I thought you were actually going to die!" I sobbed.

"It's all okay now, Fyna. You know I'll always come back."

"But still! It scared the living daylights out of me."

"Shh.. you should know that nothing can kill me that easily."

"I swear to all that is holy Percy Jackson. You do that again and I won't forgive you!"

"I promise." I knew that was false. This isn't the first time it happened after all and this kind of event will happen again because in his line of job, it's inevitable and that scares me but I know I can't do anything about it. However, I took great security in knowing he'll try not to do it unless worse comes to worse and the fact that his promise holds more than that, that he'll always come back. No matter how long it is, he always will.

"I hate you." I sniffled.

He chuckled, voice dry and raspy, "I know you do." I didn't say anything except tightened my arms around him, fearing that he could disappear anytime soon.

We stayed there for a few minutes before we let go of each other and he ordered me to sit at the top of the bed. Curiously, I followed. Next thing I know, his head is in my lap and he's curling up with Nevalth like a little kid. "Before I drown myself in work, I'd like to go take a little nap. Wake me up in an hour or so."

I laughed softly, remarking, "You're like a pet."

"How insulting." He retorted, playfully purring as I ran my hand through his hair, before yawning and falling into a hopefully peaceful sleep.

~

|| Nico Di Angelo||

I yawned, a sure sign of my exhaustion. The past few weeks have been rough. It's not easy making sure all the campers were thoroughly trained and fast and also dealing with the recent and probable military tactic to go over with later on. I honestly don't know how Percy deals with such thing on top of his princely duties. Of course, this isn't the first time I've taken place for him nor will it be the last but not when his fully incapacitated in the early phases and during a war.

"Anyone up for doing anything fun tonight?" Leo, ever the party-going guy.

"By fun, you mean, sleep, then yes," Bianca answered.

"Bianca, you're no fun." Leo pouted.

"Take things seriously, Valdez." Zoe chimed in.

"You lot are such buzz-killers! I'm quitting the army!" He exclaimed, being the ever dramatic guy.

I shook my head at his ridiculousness, stepping inside the cabin, only to be greeted by the lights on, which isn't usually is. Also greeted by a voice I haven't heard in a couple of weeks, saying, "If no one is up for any fun, I'm dropping you all as my Section Leaders and military councils."

My eyes and mind finally registered what was--or who was sitting in the living room, shirtless and all bandaged up but alive and awake, and moving. "Percy!"

"I'm alive, which is unfortunate and fortunate for you all."

"How long have you been awake also why is Fyna passed out?" I asked.

"Quite a while. She fell asleep while I was taking a nap after my initial waking. It seems I've given her quite a lot of work during my absence. And you guys too, which I appreciate greatly."

"No, it was no problem, my dude. It's the least we could do" Sylas said.

"But still, thank you. It's about time I do my work. You guys keep training the campers and leave the rest to me. We'll push back the training for half a day tomorrow and lessen it, so you guys can have your break." Percy stated, settling the sleeping girl that was leaning on him gently to the side before picking her up again. "Well, I'm off. I'll see you guys tomorrow." He said.

"Have you consulted with the healers yet? Don't overwork yourself! " Silena called out to him as he walked away.

"Yes, I got from Michael and Nico's boyfriend. Don't worry, I won't, mom." Percy remarked, jokingly that sent the lady into a blushing red mess, and leaving all of us chuckling.

Leave it up to Percy to immediately jumped into work right after getting dismissed, however, he seems to be doing better and more energetic than he has been the past few days which is good. Feeling my eyes droop down, I waved goodbye to everyone and transported myself to my room. Just as I was about to jump into the bed, a glowing object caught my eye, sitting right beside my cloud bed. Slowly, I opened the box to see a letter that is clearly from Percy.

Thanks for doing a great job in filling my job, man, and also watching over Fyna. Also, tell your boyfriend I said thanks. As a reward, I'm willing to let Will Solace be able to come in and out of this cabin and the original one, for when we return. Meaning, he'll have his own transporter connecting to the original one to Earth, just for him only. Think it over.

--Percy

I gaped, clutching the piece of parchment in my hands. Without even vocalizing it, He knew of the ongoing internal conflict I've been having. With all sleep gone from my head, I immediately left my room and transported to where Will would be.

I found him in his cabin, in a part of the room filled with medicine. He was deep in thought and busy mixing formulas that he didn't notice me there. Until I leaned over him and said: "You busy?"

Almost dropping the vial he's holding, he looked up at me, eyes wide with surprise. "Hey, Nico. What brings you here? You should be resting."

"Ever the doctor. So should you. Anyway, that's beside the point. I've got a gift to you from Percy."

"Percy? As in your commander Percy? The Percy Jackson?"

I hummed, passing the letter to him. He took it with a curious look sent me before he began reading, I watched him, feeling happiness bubble up from inside me.

"Is he serious?" Will asked, softly.

"Yes, he is."

"That means I'm able to visit you anytime I want?"

"Yup."

"I won't have to wait for you for a long time?"

"Mhmm." My eyes widened the moment I saw tears falling down his eyes. "Am I supposed to take that as a good or bad thing?"

"Nico, this is the best thing! We don't have to be separated for a long time!"

Wrapping my arms around him, "I know, I know. I don't want to be separated from you again."

"Me neither." He said, wiping the tears away. "Tell him I said thank you."

"I think he already knows." 

~

Hey, hey, hey! Guess who's back for more angst and (probably) fluff? 

How's the new chapter? It's been a long time but not as long as the usual, I don't think. Like or dislike? 

Time for the long awaited explanation. 

Okay, now it's finally out there from chapter 20. It's a bit anticlimactic but you know, that's the way it goes. It's time for explanation. Fyna is the daughter of the still unnamed madman from Chapter 20, that is canon, not just a nightmare. This is a bit complicated but I'm going to try my best to those that might not get it. Chapter 20 and the beginning scene of 24 is both a memory but they were showed as a nightmare because it still haunts Percy. Why didn't I just put it as a memory? Because of the formatting? lmao. Well, it's because it's the only way I could think of adding it in. Especially with Chapter 24, the dream was while Percy was unconscious for three weeks, I'm also able to put some aspects that didn't actually happen during that actual scene. Such as the voice that was talking to him in the beginning ("You're weak, Jackson.") , ending at "I will crush you, Jackson."  He's not crazy but the owner of the voice will be revealed some point later on in the story. Am I making sense so far? Okay, in short, the dreams are memories. In canon (the books) dreams usually show something important so that's my basis of it. 

There you go, I hope I didn't confuse all too much. 

Anyway, I'm honestly proud of the Fyna x Percy moment I put in there. The Solangelo was a treat, I hope you liked it. 

Also, I hope you're having a wonderful day and thanks for reading! 

Vote and Comment, I'd like to know what you think. 

~Leannexo

(P.S. There's no quote today but there's a song. Listen to it. I surrender by Digital Daggers. It relates to Percy somehow)