Disclaimer: I do not own Percy Jackson

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Emerald Library: It is so big you can Google it

Writer's Block: wttJDs62Dy

LAST TIME:

In the distance, Gaia floated above a treeline as she watched the fight unfold. The small amount of worry she hid inside dissipated upon seeing Percy in his new form. She couldn't help but admire it a little, as his new form radiated pure power like an ancient beast. Combined with Asura's Rage, which was only at 35% boost, Percy could easily stand against Tier 1 beings, yet such things had a cost to them.

'You're right again, my beautiful fairy. My mana is being sucked dry by this form. If I don't hurry up, I won't have any mana for you later.' Percy thought back to her with a wink as Gaia rolled her eyes and shook her head at his response. It seemed that he was even more confident than usual in this form. This was bound to be bothersome in the future.

While he flirted with Gaia, he quickly realized his mana would not last a full minute at this rate, even if he had only used Levithan's 50% boosted state. He needed to end this fast. Focusing his eyes on the men before him, he gave a quick twirl of his sword and licked his lips in excitement.

"So, which of you two wants to be split in half first? Wait... that sounded wrong. Fuck! You get the idea, now DIE!"

NOW:

With each step, the ground broke apart. More debris was thrown into the air and caught in the blue and red mana field surrounding Percy. It didn't take long as Percy was already on top of the two Tier 1 men as his sword cast a deadly arc through the air. Due to Percy's improved speed, Nord and Bell barely had time to think as the blade which was surrounded by a mana storm fell on them.

BOOOM!

The ground shook from the massive impact as more dust and debris filled the sky in a vast dust cloud. Yet before it had time to expand fully, a considerable chunk of it was blown away as it revealed Percy in his demi-leviathan form. His arm fully extended outward, signifying that he had used the wind pressure and mana surrounding his left arm to disperse the cloud by simply swinging it. Percy wrapped his hand in mana before waving it a few more times. Each time, it created a wind explosion that dispersed the dust even more.

"What a righteous sacrifice," Percy said as he looked down at what remained of Bell's corpse that survived the explosion. Guts, blood, and bones scattered the ground all around Percy and even coated his body, but he didn't seem concerned in the slightest. His eyes snapped to the side as he found Nord flying backward through the air with a large glob of Bell's mana against his chest. The mana continually pushed him back until he finally landed and stopped after sliding across the ground.

"Unfortunately, you chose the wrong fucking opponent," Percy said while stepping over the shattered corpse and crushing the remaining part of the man's skull under his foot. Seeing such a thing, Nord's face contorted into a hideous look of anger as his orange mana burst from him with all its might. Yet Percy wasn't phased by the display as he reached down and picked up a Tier 1 soul gem that had been displaced from the body due to the explosion.

[You have obtained Sand Warrior "Bell Linder" Level 34 records, due to being max level no records could be absorbed.]

[You have acquired a Tier 1 soul gem]

"AAAAHHH!!" The man roared in anger as blood began to pour from his eyes in rage. His mana became even wilder as his brother in arms for who knows how long died in such a terrible way. Percy's uncaring motions made him even more furious as he finally lost the remnants of his sanity. The ground broke under Nord's feet as he launched himself right back toward Percy, his mana creating a storm of orange that destroyed the ground and everything else around him.

"DIIIIIEEEEE!!!" Fueled by mana, his scream shook the air, and Percy revealed a wicked grin upon hearing it as he got into a sword-drawn stance. In the time it took for Nord to get 30 feet away from him, Percy managed to pull back all the mana in the air and wrap it around his blade. The mix of red and blue covered his blade like a sheath not much larger than the blade. Yet the amount of energy radiating from it was beyond anything Percy had ever formed.

'It looks like this body is strong enough to withstand this technique,' Percy happily thought as his grin grew wider and his sharp teeth were fully revealed. Even more mana was poured into the sword as Nord finally got within 10 feet of him. His foward slashing blade was coming right for Percy's head, and the air tore apart. Yet Percy seemed unfazed as he focused his mind and body to the extreme. His mana control was also pushed to its limits as he moved.

Sword Techniques:

Levithan's Fang (Tier 2): Consume 1% to 100% of your mana to create a mana blade with 200% sharpness and 150% penetrative ability. Damage is calculated based on the amount of mana used.

'Sword Technique, Leviathan Fang!' Percy's words echoed through his mind as his blade moved.

WHOOSH!

The strike was completed in a fraction of a second as Percy stood in the position with his sword arm fully extended. The world couldn't catch up to what had happened as the world stood still. Only Gaia, a tier 4 being, could witness everything in all its glory as the world finally seemed to catch up with wide eyes.

SHINGGG!

First came the musical of Percy's blade, which rang in Gaia's ears like a beautiful instrument. Then came the light from his mana. It started as a white crescent blade, but soon, the mana in the air quickly followed the blade as if it had become caught in its grasp. It had tripled in size in the time it took for the ever-growing mana blade to reach Nord.

Then, the blade made contact, and Gaia watched the mana blade pass right through Nord like he was nothing. In its wake, the two-foot-wide section of his torso was gone; nothing was left, not even dust. Then, the blade continued into the sky, cutting through the clouds and obliterating everything as time finally seemed to catch up.

BBOOOM!

A sonic boom was first heard as a dome of air pressure expanded from Percy's location. It slammed into Nord's bisected body and the ground. Only the ground seemed to be affected by it, as it blew away all the dust around the two. Nord's forward momentum was seemingly lost at that point, but then he was hit by another burst of wind pressure that followed the mana blade. His bisected halves and enormous mana blade above his head were thrown backward at an incredible speed.

The mana was dispersed to the wind as Nord's body parts were thrown into the distance before crashing into the ground and leaving a trail of blood. His upper torso even managed to land by his fallen comrades several hundred feet away, who were being cleaned up by the others in Percy and Hazel's group. Seeing the torso fall from the sky, smash into the ground, and twitch several times causing everyone's eyes to widen in shock.

Turning their eyes, they looked toward Percy's location as a burst of wind hit them. Many saw Percy in his new demi-leviathan form, while others paid attention to the destroyed land from his fight. In moments, they all began to roar and yell in victory as Percy raised his blade. Morale shifted, and in a matter of moments, the last of the Desert Wolves mercenary group met its end to the fiery ax of Trista.

[Conditions have been met; Sword Technique: Swift River has evolved up to (Tier 1)]

[You have obtained Sand Warrior "Nord Lander" Level 38 records; due to being max level, no records could be absorbed.]

"Fuckkk..." On the other hand, Percy was beginning to feel the aches and pains from exerting himself. His muscles started to burn and ache in pain while the remnants of his mana began to dwindle. Percy was forced to release his transformation as his body shuddered. In a moment, he began to shrink and release a large amount of blue fog from his body until his figure was hidden.

"Ugghh... I used too much mana." Percy groaned as he walked out of the dispersing fog a few seconds later in his regular form. He started to stretch his arms a little and rotate his shoulders. He continued to groan as more muscle pains wracked through his body. His head also began to pound as the symptoms of mana depletion started to appear. It reminded him of a really bad hangover.

'I told you to be careful, little blue lizard.' A teasing voice echoed in Percy's mind as he glanced up into the sky but couldn't find the perpetrator of said voice. Ultimately, Percy gave up on finding the beautiful world spirit and started walking back to the group.

"Little blue lizard? Can't you make a cooler nickname? That was a demi-leviathan form, after all. If you ask me, that form is badass. I haven't felt that strong in forever." Percy said out loud, a satisfied grin on his face, remembering the feeling that the transformation brought him.

'Hmmm... I don't think I will. Your nickname is officially 'Little Blue Lizard' from now on. I agree with you about the strength of the transformation; I can't think of a single skill transformation that could match that. Still, I am happy you came out unscathed. I was beginning to worry you might be permanently blue from now on.' Gaia said with a faint sigh as Percy rolled his eyes at her antics. He knew she meant well, even if her words were harsh or silly.

'That transformation and that fancy new sword technique you unearthed will greatly help our plans. What the hell was that, anyway? I don't remember ever hearing about that sword skill before.' Gaia spoke as if she was talking to herself before finally asking Percy as he found himself a rock to sit on and rest.

"Well, the name is new, but the technique is old. Back on Earth, I could only use it after training my body for years until it could finally withstand the energy I was using. Thanks to the transformation, my body could withstand some of the stress." Percy said while rolling his shoulders a little more, and he winced a little in pain. On the other hand, the invisible Gaia was busy thinking things over as she finally seemed to devise a plan.

'Well, I want you to hold off on using that technique if possible, even if it is really powerful. Let's wait until you rank up to Tier 1. Before then, you can go wild. Also... we need to get you more clothes if you plan on transforming a lot.' Percy nodded along to her words as he internally agreed with her on holding back using the technique. Even in his new form, it simply took too much out of him, plus there were too few situations to use it with its current limitations.

"Wait... clothes?" Percy suddenly questioned as he realized what Gaia had just said. Glancing downward, Percy realized he was in nothing but rags for pants and his chest plate. His shirt was also long gone; thankfully, the chestplate covered most of his body.

"Mannn... I liked these pants." Percy groaned in protest as he realized the damage was worse than he had first thought. Even now, he was sure that if he had made one more swing of a sword in his leviathan form, he would be running around in the nude. Not the best example as a leader if you asked him, plus he was sure he would never hear the end of it from his sisters. He eventually gave up on working with the rags as he let out a huge sigh.

"I told you to be careful,' Gaia repeated her words, causing Percy's face to scrunch up a little as he glanced around, yet his eyes still could not find her as he snorted a little.

"Please, being naked during battle isn't even that bad. Sometimes, you just gotta do what you gotta do. Fun fact: night raids are the worst for those who sleep nude. The only issue I have is that my dick is so big it just swings around wayyyy too much; it kind of hurts a bit when it does that. Not that the ladies ever seemed to mind thou-." Percy started to say this while moving his hands in a particular motion, almost to demonstrate the experience, before Gaia cut him off.

'Are you making a dick joke right now?' Gaia suddenly said in a monotone voice, causing Percy to shrug his shoulders.

"Listen, I was simply explaining what happens when I fight naked, but you are correct. I will need to get some magical underwear or pants if I am going to transform a bunch of times. Wouldn't want some nobodies seeing the goods I got, that's reserved for special ladies only." Percy said with a suggestive look and a wink in no particular direction.

"You are so... childish sometimes. Please humble yourself a little if you can. I've seen many primordials, titans, and gods go into battle naked. You're not unique in that regard.' Gaia said with a scoff as Percy's eyes narrowed a little before a sly grin crossed his face.

"Oh? Is that so? So then you wouldn't mind seeing me fight naked then? Maybe I should forgo getting anything to cover myself." Percy said nonchalantly before Gaia's flustered voice filled his mind

'I-I didn't say that. You're twisting my words-'

"There's no need to explain, Gaia. I completely understand. You want to see what you're in for in the future, right? I get it. You want to scope out the goods and prepare yourself. You could have just asked me without going through all these loopholes." His words cut her off again as Gaia grew increasingly flustered, embarrassed, and angry. This boy knew how to push her buttons so well that it frustrated her. Why was he so good at being a bother?!

'T-That isn't-.'

"I am still a growing boy, though. Even if it is a good size already, don't be surprised when you see it later and it's even bigger. I am sure that raising my Tier will improve the rest of my body. I can't help but wonder just how handsome I will be as I evolve, hopefully something to your liking."

Wink

'S-Shut up! I don't want to see your dick or anything like that! Also, don't go saying stuff like that, you p-pervert!' Gaia finally gave in and screamed her thoughts into Percy's head in an embarrassed and frustrated tone. Percy couldn't help but smirk confidently and lift his chin while he imagined the world spirit's ears wiggling up and down and her face turning beet red. Unfortunately, she had chosen to hide still, so the opportunity was lost.

"Fineeee," Percy said with a small sigh as he quit teasing Gaia. Yet his playful smirk remained on his lips as Gaia gnashed her teeth at his expression. If Percy had seen her, he would have been stunned by the blushing mess of a face she had hidden behind one of her arms. Even Gaia didn't know entirely why she was reacting this way; all she could do was blame that stupid ice cream night. Ever since then... things have felt different.

'People are coming. Get your dumb head out of the gutter. We can talk about things later. I'm returning to camp.' Gaia said in her adorable, frustrated tone as fast as she could before flying towards camp while patting her cheeks to calm herself down more.

"You're no fun," Percy whispered with a slight pout as he felt Gaia's presence leave the area. A moment later, he finally heard footsteps approaching him as he turned to see who it was.

"Percy! Are you okay?" A familiar voice called out as he saw his mother rushing to him with her battle ax in hand. Following behind the loving mother was also a group of Whistler Elves led by Hazel, along with Jacob, Becca, and a few of their troops. Yet, as he was just about to yell back, he suddenly noticed something... different with Trista. With wide eyes, Percy couldn't help but stare at Trista until the group finally reached him.

"What?" Trista raised an eyebrow after noticing Percy's gaze. He blinked a few times and slowly spoke as if choosing his words carefully.

"Mom... when did you get a pair of lion ears and a tail?"

LINEBREAK:

THIRD PERSON POV:

"So there I was, cutting down one of the mercenary guys with my ax covered in flames and then POOF! I completed my last requirement to get my Tier 1 job! Not only did I level up instantly to level 31, but you are also looking at the proud owner of the unique job, Crimson Lion Berserker!" Trista explained joyfully. She showed off her new tail and ears that matched her hair color while swinging around her ax in front of the bonfire.

"Are they some sort of transformation skill?" Becca slowly asked as Trstia paused before going over her skills on her panel.

"It seems so. I got a constitution Tier 3 skill called Crimson Lion Body. It gives me these bad boys and a few other passives that come with it. Most are related to fire abilities or resistances." She quickly went over the information as everyone nodded. Yet a fellow off to the side had yet to speak as Trista glanced his way.

"Dad, is something wrong?" Fallon asked him. Jake kept staring at the tail moving about behind Trista as he pursed his lips. Seeing his expression, Trista's eyes narrowed. Jake instantly noticed her gaze and quickly shook his head.

"Nothing is wrong! I was just thinking!" He quickly said as Trista raised an eyebrow toward him as if not buying what he said. Seeing that he had to explain himself or else he would be forced to sleep outside their tent for a week, Jake quickly sat up straight and locked-eyed with Trista.

"Doesn't this constitution skill look a lot like your family's legends or myths we were taught?" he slowly asked, as Trista's ears twitched a few times before her tail stopped swinging around. Everything grew quiet as Trista's face slowly morphed into one of deep thought and then realization while she stared at Jake.

"Those are just... myths, they aren't even that similar..." Trista murmured but even then, she didn't sound so sure about them. On the other hand, Jake couldn't help but purse his lips together as they shared a long stare.

"Wait, wait, wait. What sort of myths are we talking about?" Becca suddenly asked as Jake and Trista broke their gazes and looked towards their eldest while everyone stared back at them. Trista couldn't help but sigh and rub her head a little.

"Do you guys remember those bedtime stories I told you when you were young?" Jake asked as they all nodded in sync. Becca had even told Yuel the story a few times when the sick little girl couldn't go to bed.

"Do you mean the ones about the lions who lived under the big tree?" Yuel asked from her perch on Percy's shoulder as he tended to her plant body, which was still inside its pot. He was stuffing a few soul gems deep into the soil here and there around her; this was one of the few ways he could get Yuel the nutrients she needed.

"I remember that one. Wasn't there something about fruits that gave the lions the power to fly?" Percy asked as a few of his sisters shook their heads.

"That isn't correct. The fruits from the tree fell to the ground. When they did, they suddenly burst into flames. The lion cubs grew curious and approached the fruits. They quickly found the fire harmless. They started to play in the flames but then got in trouble with the adult lions. The adults all grounded them, but they still wanted to play." Trista explained, and as Percy slowly nodded, his memories of the story started to stir inside his mind.

"The lion cubs then snuck out at night after their parents went to bed and started to play again. As they played and ran around, flames suddenly burst out of their paws with each step. Before they knew it, they were running through the sky. They were overjoyed to find this out and started to chase one another higher and higher. Soon, one cub said they should head back, but the other cub didn't want to stop playing." Trista told the story as Percy continued to listen until he suddenly remembered the ending.

"So the one cub went back toward the ground while the other continued climbing. One returned to the adults by morning, while the other never returned. The adults went to look as each took to the skies. Their manes lit aflame, flames bursting from their paws with each step, and the sky was soon covered with flames. Yet, in the end, the cub was never found." Trista finished as everyone remained silent until Becca finally spoke.

"I thought that was just a story to scare us so we wouldn't run off," she said, and Trista nodded in agreement before sitting on a log. She reached around, grabbed her tail, and looked it over for a few seconds before looking at everyone.

"It was supposed to be precisely for that, but that story was something my mother told me, and her mother told her. I never actually thought of how old that story is. All I remember is my mother telling me never to forget it and to tell my children one day." Trista said with a long sigh as everyone grew quiet before Percy finally spoke.

"I hate to say it, but I am about 80% sure that that story has something to do with our family history. Were you told similar stories, tales, myths, or even strange sayings as a child?" He couldn't help but ask as Trista gave it some thought and eventually nodded.

"I can't fully remember them, but I was told a few similar things as a child. There was one about how a certain tree sprouted... I think. A saying about when lions fly. Even a darker children's tale that I've never told. What about you, honey?" Trist asked as Jake gave a soft nod.

"Some of those ring a bell, but there are few I partly remember. I also remember a story about a tree, but it's been so long that I can't fully remember. How about you and I talk tonight and get these stories straight? We can reconvene on this topic once we remember everything we can." Jake suggested as Trista nodded in agreement to his plan. Everyone seemed a bit bummed out by their decision but didn't go against it.

"Sounds like a plan to me. Just don't stay up too late. We still have to get back on the move nice and early tomorrow. I suggest you all get some sleep." Percy said, slowly standing up and stretching his back before giving Trista the pot that held Yuel.

"You make it sound like you aren't going to bed," Yuel's tiny fairy form said as Percy scooped her up off his shoulder, much to her annoyance, and handed her to Becc. Who graciously accepted the small girl dressed in a tiny white dress the twins had prepared.

"Not just yet. Duty as leader calls, I must speak with the leader of the Whistler Elves before I hit the hay. Goodnight, everyone. I love you." Percy said as everyone said I love you back to him.

"Don't say up too late," Trista said. Percy smiled before nodding and walking off, leaving everyone alone by the fire.

"Soo.... do you think we will get ears and tails when we raise our Tiers as well?" Fallon's voice could be heard as Percy walked away, as he couldn't help but snicker a little at the question. Shaking his head, he continued to where Hazel had set up her tent.

'So... any input on mom's changes?' Percy thought as he directed his thoughts towards a confident presence lingering around him. A moment later, a figure slowly came into his vision as Gaia floated in front of him with her back to him. Her green dress slowly fluttered in an invisible wind, making her look almost like a ghost floating through the sky.

'Such things are expected with specific jobs. Especially for a person whose family originates from a particular species or who got a job that causes such changes along the line that were passed on. Unfortunately, that is all I can say about this until further details are disclosed.' Gaia's thoughts bounced inside Percy's mind as he pursed his lips together a little, unable to help but think for a bit.

'Does that mean I'm going to grow a pair of ears or tail when I reach a certain Tier?' Percy asked. Gaia suddenly stopped in place, and an image of a cat-boy Percy popped into her head. A mild blush crossed her cheeks as she quickly threw the dangerous image away. Clearing her throat and ensuring her blush was gone, she turned to him as she floated backward.

'Not necessarily. It just depends on the path you choose. But because you have chosen to create your path through your evolution, there is a good chance that such a thing will not appear unless you want it to, ' she added in a flat tone. Percy nodded in understanding, continuing to walk forward silently while Gaia remained by his side.

One was thinking about the possible demi-human features he might gain as he grew stronger and stronger, while the other was eavesdropping on his thoughts. Gaia had to admit Percy certainly had an interesting imagination. He thought of several different wing types or locations for scales on his body, even growing a dragon-like tail and using it in battle.

Yet even while eavesdropping on Percy's thoughts, Gaia was seemingly lost in her thoughts. Her relationship with Percy was starting to grow in a way she had never planned. In the beginning, things were not the best between them. She had forced her help onto him while threatening him with promises of stalking him until he did. It was not her proudest moment, but she did not have to wait for who knows how long to seek help for her mother. Even if all he did was promise to give her a gift basket.

Then she began getting to know the incredibly frustrating, annoying, and... peculiar boy. Even if they had bad blood in the past, it seemed like nothing to him now. Maybe her resolve to be a better being changed his attitude, or perhaps it was because of what happened to him in Tartarus. She wasn't sure, but this eccentric young man was undoubtedly... interesting, especially since his monstrous talent put everyone in this world to shame.

Be it cooking regular food to a god-level taste that made her moan in delight with each bite and reinvigorated her tastebuds she had long forgotten about. She even found she was starting to crave his food more and more as time passed. Especially after that armadillo steak he cooked for her just a bit ago. Thinking about the delicious steak, she found her stomach growling a little, demanding more.

Another thing he was extremely talented at was his swordplay. From what she could tell, his style was built on the foundation of Greek and Roman styles. But the tower he built upon that foundation was different, unusual even. It had hints of sword styles from other pantheons and even styles unrelated to the sword: spears, axes, maces, lances, and even tiny traces of whip, shield, and boomerang arts.

She could only assume he picked up on those things through countless battles against the world's most skilled demigods, gods, and monsters. He integrated everything he found useful into his style, turning it into one of the deadliest sword arts she had seen. That didn't even cover the talents that led to the creation of his skill [5 divine currents] technique, not to mention his talent for creating skills that brought her never-ending headaches.

Dealing with his enormous talents was already a lot for her, but dealing with him as a person was another thing entirely. Even now, she still tried to figure out who he was. She had seen him in so many different lights that it was hard to tell sometimes. It didn't help that he could instantly switch his persona depending on what was needed at that moment; at first, it threw her through a few loops.

There was his ability to be the perfect commander who was no stranger to punishing his troops, an insane berserker who craved fighting and blood. The happy, silly, and caring brother or son for his family that still butted heads with them. The playful idiot that made her roll her eyes constantly as he teased her yet always caused her to smile. Or the perverted boy who forcefully cuddled people and ran his eyes over her body scandalously while saying the most... perverted things he could think of. But he was happy as long as he got a blush or reaction out of her.

There was also... the tender and loving side he showed when he spoke about Annabeth or Piper. Part of her couldn't help but compare this side of him to her lovers in the past; had any of them shown her such love? Sure, many have written her poems complimenting her beauty, given her beautiful gems and dresses, and even wooed her into having their children. Yet even as she racked her brains, she simply couldn't find one example of when one of those men... had the same loving look on their face around her.

'Idiot! Quit thinking about such things! Why are you even comparing such things? He is just some silly and perverted boy! Nothing more than a business partner to reach your goal!' Gaia chastised herself as she forced her terrible thoughts away, yet this only worsened her emotional distress. Ugly feelings began to sprout in her as she tried to bury them deep down.

'Gaia?' Percy's voice suddenly called out to her in her mind, catching her off guard and causing her to jump slightly before she looked into his stormy sea-green eyes, which stared back at her.

'Y-Yes?' she managed to say as he stared at her momentarily before finally speaking.

'Are you good?' He suddenly asked, causing Gaia to blink in confusion.

'Yeah, I'm good, ' she responded, but Percy didn't seem convinced by her answer.

'... if you say so. I was just worried because you looked a bit distressed,' Gaia nearly froze upon hearing those words as they reverberated in her mind. She couldn't believe that he picked up on her emotions so quickly.

'Don't worry, it's nothing. Now go and talk to Hazel; she is still waiting on you.' Gaia's words made her stomach twist in emotion, and she put on a fake smile to show she was okay. Yet those stormy green eyes still looked unconvinced, which made her stomach twist and turn even more.

"If you ever need to talk, I'm here," Percy spoke softly, this time before leaving Gaia behind as the words echoed in her head. She continued to float in silence with her back toward Percy once more. The fake smile slowly disappeared until she was left with an expression that said she was on the brink of crying. Those ugly emotions inside her bested her mental defense for that moment as she quickly covered her face with both hands as if to hide her face from the world.

"Gaia, you are such an idiot. Why am I like this?" She whispered in a cracking voice before her figure turned invisible to even Percy and flew high into the sky.

LINEBREAK: 1 week later

LOCATION: The Dragon Spine Mountains

"This should be one of the entrances," Trista said as she looked over a large cavern big enough for a wagon to enter. Percy, Hazel, and Gretta stood before Trista as she ran her hand over the rock's surface. Trista punched the rock face, causing the tunnel to tremble, but only a small crack was left from her punch. Nodding a few more times in satisfaction, Trista turned to the two people, giving her an awkward look.

"Yep, this is the place," she said, throwing her thumb toward the tunnel's darkness. Seconds later, an echo of her voice returned, causing the three of them to gaze further into the tunnel.

"All that from a punch?" Gretta asked with a raised eyebrow as Trista scoffed at her, crossing her arms under her bosom.

"I will have you know that I punched this wall a lot when we were exiled. I know the texture and hardness of this rock better than most. It is extremely tough and won't break, no matter how many times you hit it. It seems that raising my Tier fixed that issue, though." Trista said, glancing at the small crack as everyone pursed their lips.

"What do you think, Percy?" Hazel suddenly asked him, putting him on a pedestal for everyone's gazes to focus on. Percy couldn't help but glance at the girl with slightly worried sapphire blue eyes before returning his gaze to his overly confident mother. Her red tail and ears even appeared as if preparing to kick his butt if he went against her opinion.

'Damit Hazel, why did you have to ask me?' Percy thought to himself as he was suddenly pitted between a rock and a hard place. Part of him didn't want to go into the easily ambushable tunnel, and the other didn't want to face his fiery-tempered mother right now. But as a war master, Percy was familiar with picking battles.

"We will follow Mom's lead on this one. She is more familiar with the terrain. How long is the trip through the tunnel?" Percy asked as Trista showed a confident smile.

"All the tunnels leading to Bross should only take a day to cross. Reaching the city walls with our speed should take half a day." Trista said after thinking momentarily as everyone seemed a bit happier knowing this information.

"That works for me. It's time to travel through this... secret tunnel!" Percy said in a happy tone. Gretta and Trista gave him an awkward look while Hazel pursed her lips and fought back a smile.

"If only we had a joyful tune to help pass the time faster." Percy continued with a slight grin as Hazel's lips began to tremble as she tried to keep herself from laughing as hard as she could.

"What are you on about?" Gretta asked Percy as he met her gaze before quickly clearing his throat.

"It's nothing. Let's get a move on," Percy said quickly before clapping his hands and going back to camp.

"What was that all about?" Trista asked Gretta, shrugging before looking down at Hazel. The whistler elf had a funny grin, but as she found the other two looking at her, it was quickly replaced with an embarrassment.

"I-I best go prepare the others. My group has never traveled underground, and I want to ensure they are ready." She said in a hasty tone before nodding toward the two women and then escaping down the hill. Yet once out of earshot, Hazel couldn't help but start humming a particular 'secret tunnel' themed song.

"Hmm... those two are acting weird. The underground travel must have them spooked," Gretta said as Trista gave a soft nod before suddenly realizing it was Gretta who spoke as she gave her a curious glance.

"Wait, what about you? You grew up in Turf, a place not known for underground tunnels or caverns," Trista said in a matter-of-fact tone as Gretta let out a bellowing laugh.

"You didn't meet me until I was 21 years old. I had a whole life before I met you two. Some underground tunnels are nothing to this old bird. Now, I can't help but look back at those times. You were nothing but a skinny and very pregnant 16-year-old looking for a place to stay and something to eat. You and Jake are lucky I had leftovers I hadn't thrown out yet. I can still remember the look on your faces scarfing down that bread and leftover stew," Gretta said as Trista's face flushed red hot in embarrassment.

"You promised you wouldn't speak of that anymore," Trista said shyly, which only made Gretta grin more before she patted Trirsta's head.

"Whatever you say, boss," Gretta said with a wink before leaving the embarrassed and slightly angry Trista to herself as her tails and ears twitched angrily. After a few moments, Trista let out a long sigh before unfolding her arms and dispersing her lion features. With one more small glance toward the tunnel, Trista quickly followed behind the towering Gretta.

With that, the group was off. Percy and Hazel gave commands to the people they needed, and everyone started to prepare. People who had gained skills regarding fire and creating light were positioned throughout the procession. Even then, each person was equipped with a torch ready to light at a moment's notice. With Hazel's group taking up the rear and a few warriors, the group descended into the tunnel.

Percy led the group along with Trista and Jake as a small ball of light floated alongside them, revealing several dozen feet in front of them. Only footsteps and the rattling of carriages could be heard for the first few hours. Even with their more robust bodies, the fear of being underground for the first time still presided over their hearts. As more time passed, whispers could be heard, which soon turned into normal talking.

Percy noted the group's morale growing and couldn't be happier. He could even hear some people laughing as they spoke. Some even made jokes, saying that this was the easiest part of the journey yet. Part of him couldn't agree more. This part of their journey was the easiest yet. But simultaneously, he started to feel like this was calm before the storm. Yet his Danger Sense skill didn't seem to sense anything from the direction they were going in.

Finding it strange that his skill was so quiet, Percy couldn't help but purse his lips together before returning to the tunnel. No hint or signs of life could be seen anywhere. There wasn't even water build-up on the ground in the cave or any strange outcroppings. He could tell this place was unnatural, but he couldn't wrap his head around how it was made.

'It's almost like a worm made it.' Percy thought to himself as he continued to look around.

'That isn't it,' Gaia's quiet voice told him as he looked at the woman silently floating on the edge of the light like a ghost being kept at bay. With her back toward him, she stared deep into the darkness for a moment before glancing his way, letting him catch a glimpse of jade-green eyes that glowed eerily in the light before turning away.

Percy couldn't help but inwardly sigh as he disguised his innermost thoughts. Ever since that night when he fought those Tier 1 mercenaries, Gaia had acted differently around him. She no longer treated him like she had, but instead, like some coworker with whom she had a big project to finish with. She didn't request him to make any food for her. She completely ignored him when he wanted to have any small talk or responded with short answers that led the conversation to nowhere.

Not even commenting and trying to make her embarrassed worked anymore. Percy simply didn't know what to do. This ice-cold shoulder she gave him was on another level. It didn't even leave room for him to talk about it with her like he usually did, but this time... he wasn't sure. He was sure she would ignore him for a month if he asked what was happening, so he could only wait until the proper moment to bring it up.

'Did someone dig this place out?' He finally asked her after several dozen minutes, but she silently shook her head as Percy internally sighed at her reaction.

'Never mind,' Percy said as he stopped trying to ask her and continued observing the tunnel as time passed. Each step brought them further into the darkness, and he began to notice that the tunnel was slowly expanding in size. He even started to feel the slightest breeze on the edge of his senses. They were getting closer.

"Hilton, pass the message that we are getting closer to the exit. I suspect we are an hour or two out," Percy told the young man by his side. The young fellow nodded before rushing back off to deliver his message. With a slight nod, Percy turned to Trista and Jake, noting that his parents seemed lost in their little world. The duo walked in silence as they held hands with each other and created a picturesque scene.

'I'll leave them alone for now,' Percy thought as he left the two love birds alone and continued his pace, each step taking him further into the tunnel as time passed. For once, Percy was left without anything to do. All he could do was continue to walk in silence. His mind was beginning to wander for the first time in weeks. The stress of... everything finally took its toll as his mind slowly emptied itself of thoughts.

The nothingness in his mind began to spread until only his calm breaths and the echo of his footsteps filled it. The noises blended into nothing until Percy's mind was finally on the back burner, allowing it to rest while his body continued walking forward. Percy could feel the stress melt away as this state persisted. Even deep inside his soul world, it quieted down as the essence of tranquility escaped the temple between both sides. Not even the voices of the damned on the tormented side could be heard any longer.

'It's not much, but it will help.' A tiny voice in his mind echoed from inside that gray temple before the silence resumed.

Unbenounced to him, a particular world spirit was busy eavesdropping on Percy's thoughts as they quieted down. She had been monitoring his thoughts since he had entered the tunnel, and even after, he hid his mind behind a wall of minor miscellaneous thoughts. Even though she was still giving him the cold shoulder, this did not disrupt her duty to help him if needed. But at this moment, she was starting to be infected by the tranquil, thoughtless space Percy was in.

Even with her mind riddled with a storm of thoughts and emotions, she was starting to feel the infectious tranquility invade her mind. Quickly shaking off the relaxing feeling, Gaia took a deep breath and let it out as she cast her gaze back toward Percy. His eyes stared forward and even scanned the environment, but his usual shine was gone, lost to the tranquility of his mind. Gaia turned her gaze away again as she tried to conceal her distasteful emotions.

Those ugly things were only going to hinder her job. She had to do her best to suppress them or feared her mission would fail. She couldn't trust her emotions anymore. She needed to remember her purpose here. Her job was to help Percy reach a high enough Tier so that he could help Chaos and nothing more. If she couldn't do that, all this work would be for nothing. She couldn't allow her... feelings to be the problem.

While Gaia was busy working on her internal strife, she didn't realize it, but Percy's state of mind still affected her. The relaxing nothingness calmed her mental fluctuations enough to find a small piece of mind without her knowing it. On the other hand, Percy was unaware that his actions had influenced the world spirit emotions. With this, time continued to pass, and nothing eventful happened in their march through the tunnel.

After who knows how long, Percy finally allowed himself to think again as he found himself suddenly craving a shower. His mind felt clean, but his body... did not. It wasn't enough, even though he had washed himself with water from a bucket or bathed in a river. Even a few people have daily life magic skills to clean people. He even used it a few times and admitted it was nice but still not the best.

But it still didn't feel right. He wanted a hot shower! No! He wanted a hot bath! All he could do was pray that Bross had something in place. He hadn't had a hot bath in such a long time and was worried he would forget the feeling if this persisted. He also hoped there was a way for Gaia to get a hot bath to help her thaw this icy demeanor she had put on. Suddenly, something caught his eye inside the darkness, and he regained focus in a split second.

"Light?" Percy questioned as he saw a faint glow in the distance. It was a pinpoint, but he could easily see it with improved eyesight. Upon seeing the light, a faint wave of relief filled Percy, and he couldn't help but lengthen his stride. He wasn't the only one to notice, either, as Trista and Jake seemed to freeze briefly before widening their gate.

"Everyone prepare yourselves! We are reaching the end of the tunnel!" Percy yelled back as everyone stopped their yammering and began to gather and get ready. Their once disorganized formation began to move as people got in orderly lines while the foremost warriors surrounded the main group. With the width of the tunnel, ten people could easily stand shoulder to shoulder, which allowed them to put the wagons in the middle as they surrounded them.

After looking back at the group, Percy nodded as he couldn't help but compliment their fluid and practiced motions. It seemed like all that training he put them through, ultimately paid off. His group and Hazel's formed a condensed defensive line ready for battle. Just then, a few people, including the whistler elf, joined him at the front as a line-up of the group's strongest was displayed.

"Are you ready for this?" Percy asked everyone as they nodded. Some were getting ready to cast skills, while others drew swords. Yet, two people remained in their own little world as they continued to hold hands. Percy couldn't help but glance at his trembling parents and continue to leave them alone.

"Let's do this then," Percy said as they finally reached the end of the tunnel. Light poured over them, and everyone squinted a little. Even with their light sources, it wasn't enough to match the sun's power. Yet Percy kept his eyes trained forward while walking into the tunnel's opening and stopped. His vision quickly adjusted to the light as he finally saw his destination.

The tunnel had spat him out on the other side of a valley away from the city, giving him an excellent view that stunned him. Bross, the city of steel, truly lived up to its name. The city was massive for just being a city. Taking up nearly one and a half square miles from what he could estimate, it was a giant city built into the side of a mountain. Dozens of different buildings and workshops spewing smoke could be seen climbing the mountains higher and higher, almost like that of a dwarven city.

Away from the towering cliff face further down the city wall and away from the workshops was another side of the city that contrasted the first. Dozens of vast orchards of different trees scattered the land, and beside them were huge fields full of wheat and other crops. Some empty barns and stables that once stored farm animals were also off to the side. This was a true agricultural center in all its beauty.

Separating these contrasting sides was a river that ran down from the mountains toward the wall protecting this paradise, a wall that probably gave the city of steel its nickname. Surrounding the city was a vast 35-foot-tall wall of blackened steel panels with huge bolts securing them to whatever lay below. Threatening trebuchets and ballistas lined the top of the wall, along with soldiers in full metal armor.

They overlooked the valley and protected the thousands, if not tens of thousands, of people who lived inside the city. The lack of devastation he thought would have come with the system's descent gave him a bit of a shock. He expected still to see some damage or at least signs of battle, but the buildings and walls stood firm without blemish. His interest in the city and its myths couldn't help but grow even stronger as time passed.

"Amazing," Percy whispered as he admired the city fortress in all its glory. If there was one similar city he could compare it to, it would be Helms Deep from The Lord of the Rings, but ten times the size, if not more. It even had two steel interior walls that matched the style of the exterior wall. Each surrounded the workshop and building side of the city as its levels went higher up the mountain, giving it an even more intimidating look.

Yet, as he stared at Bross, he suddenly noticed a sizable city of tents outside the magnificent fortress about half a mile from its walls and following the River. Various colorful tents from several dozen groups could be seen conglomerating in the same place. From what he could see, he could roughly estimate the group numbered 500 to 600 people, but he wasn't entirely sure. He just couldn't help but wonder how these people even got here. From what he understood, Bross should be isolated and not trade with anyone.

"My god, it's even bigger than I remember." Suddenly, a voice snapped Percy out of his thoughts. He turned to Trista and Jake, who now stood by his side as they gazed at the city.

"They added two more levels to the west district. I didn't think it could be done, but they did." Jake said in words of awe as Percy glanced at the city again, trying to imagine it smaller, but that didn't seem to work.

"Are you two ready?" Percy asked as the two gazed at their once-long-time home for a bit longer before turning to him. Though their eyes were slightly nervous, both nodded as they steeled their resolve.

"As ready as I could ever be. I just hope Bross is prepared for us," Trista said with a small laugh, trying to lighten the mood.

BUUUUUU

As if on cue, the sound of a large horn could be heard from Bross. Its loud sound shook the valley a little. Percy couldn't help but turn to the city, and he saw guards begin to move around rapidly as if getting ready for battle. He even saw a few people pointing in their direction to show their fellow troops the current circumstances.

"It seems we have been spotted. Command everyone to stay in the tunnel and form a defensive line. Gather a negotiation party together as well. Let's go see our family, shall we?" Percy said before walking forward slowly while keeping his eyes trained on the bustling city before him. After a little bit, the prominent people were gathered once again: Trista, Jake, Gretta, Hazel, Becca, and a few other commanders from both his and Hazel's group gathered together to make a group of 10 strong in full armor and weapons at the ready. Percy was even given a flag pole that held their mercenary group's emblem, the 5-eyed raven. The huge flag pole felt light in Percy's arms as he walked forward steadily, the flag billowing in the wind slowly.

Percy then noticed Bross had stopped bustling as hundreds of fully armored guards sat atop its wall, each holding a bow and arrow at the ready. Seeing them ready themselves for all-out war, Percy could only internally sigh. Weren't they a little too prepared? Then again, after growing up under the reigns of Trista, it made sense. His mother was a prepared fanatic for battles and such things. Maybe this is where she got it from?

"Percy, the group of tents seems to be sending out some people as well," Becca said as Percy stopped before looking toward the tents to find a small group of 5 people heading their way. It looked like a few men and women in armor, just like them.

"Should we stop for them?" Jake asked as Percy pursed his lips in thought. He couldn't help but glance back up toward Bross and then at the group.

"Let's hear them out. I suspect they know more than we do in this situation. But I want you and Mom to stay with Becca and a few of Hazel's men. I don't want them learning that you are from here." Percy said as everyone exchanged a quick look, and the group nodded. They simply couldn't reveal their ace in the hole this early, so the best bet was to play it safe for now.

"Stay safe," Trista said in a serious voice. Percy nodded before taking his group forward, which consisted of himself, Hazel, Gretta, Derik, and George. The rest of the group stayed behind, ready to act at a moment's notice.

"George, is there anyone to worry about?" Hazel asked her scout. The man glanced over the approaching group with a shimmering light in his eyes before shaking his head.

"None are as strong as Percival, Lady Hazel," he said, causing Hazel to nod while Percy kept his eyes trained forward. After a little longer, they were finally 30 feet from one another, and Percy planted his flag pole a few feet into the ground with great ease.

"Greetings! I am Percival, son of Trista and Jacob, and I am the leader of this group of people. We come from the Turf and seek a safe place to live. We come seeking peace." Percy said his rehearsed lines correctly as he stepped forward, revealing his empty hands as the people across from him all froze. They all suddenly began frantically discussing things among themselves as Percy felt slightly irritated at their display. What type of negotiation party acted like this right off the bat?

"You said your name is Percival from Turf, correct?" one suddenly called out, and Percy nodded, causing them to pause for a second before they quickly chatted with each other again.

'Hmm... something is off with them. But I can't put my finger on it.' Suddenly, Gaia's stoic voice filled his mind. Percy couldn't help but pause his thoughts and was about to ask her what she meant. He stopped as the other group walked forward several steps before kneeling before their group. Everyone was instantly left speechless by their actions and simply didn't know what to do as their wide eyes stared on.

"W-What?" Percy managed to get out as the men closest to him looked up at him with a look akin to... worship.

"Lord Percival, the Crooked One, the brood of the sea. It is a blessing to finally meet you! Our prophet foretold this would happen! You even look as she described! Please come with us to meet her; she has been expecting you for some time," Percy was frozen in place upon hearing the man's excited words before he quickly stood up. "Please follow us, the prophet Atropos awaits!"

'Fuckkk! Not a sister of Fate!' At that moment, both Percy and Gaia shared this thought.

A/N: Finally, another chapter is out! I am still working on both. Life is busy, basically learning to take over a farm and work 40 hours a week, so my days are stretched thin. But I hope you all enjoyed the chapter! I love some drama, hehe. I hope the ending was worth the wait! Them darn sisters of fate just know how to ruin a mood. Plus don't you worry the Gaia x Percy drama has only begun. Leave a review if you like it or have a comment :)

E/N: Heyyyy it's Sidus, jeez I kinda just appear everywhere huh? Anyway this was sadly not my best editing work (I might need to rehash myself with some old Fatal Flaw again) but I think it looks good enough! I hope you all enjoyed!