Hey guys! Howve you been! *hides behind laptop* Okay so please don't kill me. I know that its been a long long loooong time but I had a shit ton to do! So no hate! But I hope you enjoy this! And be safe w COVID-19! Remember to wash you r hands regularly and practice social distancing!

-x-

Percy was surrounded by nothing but white fog. He couldn't see anything but white silkiness. Not knowing where he was and panic rising within, Percy looked around, hoping to see anything familiar and that's when he heard it.

Footsteps.

Running on the ground, somewhere off to his left.

He ran towards the sound, trying to follow it. Whenever he seemed to be getting close to the sound, it just seemed to go farther and farther. Not knowing what to do, Percy ran after the footsteps and he heard the faint noise of water rushing. The footsteps seemed to be going towards the sound of water.

Suddenly the footsteps stopped and the fog cleared up. Percy realized he was on a high cliff and the sound of water was extremely strong- as if it were below the cliff. Percy looked up and at the edge of the cliff, he saw a gray figure with a hood over its head and its back towards him.

A heartbeat later, the figure turned and Percy recognized the figure instantly. It was the Gray Nilsa.

But there was something off about her, she was just staring at him and that's when Percy noticed her eyes. They were just white, she had no iris- just plain white blankness. She lifted her hand towards Percy, beckoning him towards her.

Percy didn't respond. He was in a stupor where he was standing and she beckoned him again. When he took a step forward, the Nilsa's cheeks lifted, as if she were smiling. She closed her eyes and leaned back, falling off the cliff.

'No!' Percy yelled as he jolted up on his bed, out of his dream. He was panting heavily and covered in sweat, beads of perspiration rolling down his body. He looked around at his surroundings, ensuring that he was not dreaming anymore and he was actually in his room.

After he assured himself that he was, in fact, in his room and not surrounded by white fog any longer, Percy's panting slowed down and his heart rate reduced.

This was the sixth time in the past two weeks he dreamt of the female warrior.

Percy looked out his window and noticed that it was still dark outside. He thought of going back to sleep but Percy knew that after the dream he just had, he won't be able to. His sub-conscious won't allow it but still, he decided to try.

He was tossing and turning on his bed but he just couldn't rest his body. The second Percy closed his eyes, the only thing that flashed across his eyes was the eerie whiteness of the Gray Nilsa's eyes and how she just fell off the cliff.

Giving up on sleeping, Percy decided to go to the training grounds and just practice his sword play. Changing out of his sweaty sleeping pants, Percy wore loose dark blue tunic and pants and left for the training grounds.

Reaching the grounds, Percy went to the armory which was situated on the east side of the grounds. He couldn't see anything, owing it to the darkness and he spread his arms out, trying to feel for anything waxy near the door. He felt a few pointy and woody things around and dropped a few heavy things- Percy guessed it was an armour, judging by the sound- until he felt something waxy. Grinning, he lit it and looked around the huge room full of weapon.

Percy stepped over the armor which had fallen and walked straight to the end of the room where he knew the swords were kept. Majority of them were longswords, which were hanging neatly and perfectly across the wall. They all were pretty identical and roughly the same length and were always used in combat but Percy never liked them. They never fit in his hand properly and were either too short or too long or too heavy or too bulky.

He thought of avoiding swords and just practice his basic hand-to-hand combat techniques but there was no one around to fight with.

Percy didn't even bother looking at the archery section because he knew that he would end up injuring himself or breaking the fantastic weapon as he was absolute and utter shit in it. Even back in the Academy, when he was training to become a soldier, he never could get a hang of archery and by luck, whenever he did, he never could shoot the target.

Percy looked around and that's when something caught his eye. They were small throwing knives which could easily be concealed in one's sleeves.

Well if I can't practice my aim using arrows, I can practice using knives, Percy thought as he placed the candle on a table and picked up a few knives before he went outside to the grounds.

-x-

"Somebody is up early," Chiron said as he came upon the scene in front of him.

Percy was standing in the middle of the training grounds, panting and covered in sweat. His hands had small cuts all over them and he looked exhausted. The bodyguard looked up and gave his mentor a faint smile.

The sun had already risen and the birds started to chirp as the suns light kissed them. The rays started to illuminate the grounds even better and Percy needn't rely on the moon light anymore.

"Morning Chiron," Percy said, panting.

"Couldn't sleep?"

"I did for a few hours," Percy grunted as he pulled out the knives which were embedded in the target board. He ran his fingers over the dents which Percy just created. Only three had hit the bullseye in the middle while the others had hit the board at different places.

It pissed Percy off that he couldn't aim at the target properly and hit the target at the bullseye, what if he failed to hit an attacker properly when they attacked the Princess? He would have failed as a defender.

"Don't worry, child," Chiron said as he stood behind Percy, "with some practice, you'll be able to perfect the skill."

Chiron placed a reassuring hand on Percy's shoulder and gave the young warrior a warm, reassuring smile. Percy looked up and reciprocated the smile, feeling comforted.

"So, what's todays agenda, Chiron?" Percy asked as he jumped from side to side and stretched his arms, "Are we going to practice hand-to-hand combat? Or history? Or o-"

Percy was cut short by Chiron's laugh.

"Why're you laughing? Did I say something wrong?" Percy asked, slightly anxiously. With his ADHD, there had been instances where he used to say something and completely forget it the next second. This was a primary reason why he used to get into a lot of trouble as a kid.

"No, no. It's just that you remind me a lot of the Prince and Princess, especially the Princess. Even she needs to do something constantly. Can't stay idle for more than a few seconds," Chiron responded, his eyes shining with affection and pride.

He was leading Percy towards his office where they usually sat and studied theory about the kingdom, its history, about the princess and her family.

"And as for your question, we are going to get you your custom made bodyguard amour. The city's best forger is here and will take your measurements." Chiron replied, nonchalantly.

Percy stopped in his tracks, shocked. Was it time already? Was he ready yet?

Chiron looked back at the young man, who was standing in the middle of the ground, is face in a state of awe. Even though he wouldn't admit it, Chiron had grown fond of the young bodyguard. There was something about him that looked so oddly familiar, yet he couldn't place it and it wasn't just the contrasting personality of his and the royal siblings.

"But," Percy whispered as he looked up at his mentor, "am I ready yet?"

"Ready?" Chiron said with an uncertain sigh, "You still have a lot to learn, Percy. And that will only come with experience. In the real world. And we can't let you go in public with the princess alone."

Percy looked at Chiron, confused.

"What I mean to say is, you need to go out, with the other bodyguards and me with the other Royals. See what we do, what our protocol is, how we keep ourselves attentive of each and everything. Then perhaps you will be a proper bodyguard."

"Then why get the armour made now?"

"Oh don't you know? Armour takes time to commission and make! And to get it custom fitted and designed? Aah! Even longer! Come along now, Percy! Don't stand there with your mouth open like a fish in the pond!"

Chiron turned around and walked ahead without looking back. Three seconds later, he heard the quick shuffling of feet right behind him.

They walked upto Chiron's office when they heard someone yelling Chiron's name. Both of them turned to the source of the sound and saw Prince Malcolm coming towards them and he was being followed by a figure but they were blocked by the princes' body.

"Aah, Prince Malcolm," Chiron said with a bow which Percy copied, "you're here early along with the princess. Good morning, Princess Annabeth. How are we feeling today?" Chiron followed with an affectionate smile.

The moment Chiron said the Princesses name, Percy looked up at the Princess. He hadn't looked at her since the time she saved his ass. Sure, he had seen her running across the grounds to the kitchen when he was training or running to Kings study or running… basically whenever Percy saw her she was running somewhere to do some work.

But now? He could actually look at her, notice her.

The pair of siblings were in their night robes. Malcolm was in a dark purple satin robe with black slacks while Annabeth was in a purple silk robe and a peach night gown under. Both of them had an exhausted look on their face which looked like they hadn't slept for ages.

"Don't ask Chiron," Annabeth said, "Both Malcolm and I have barely slept a wink in the past two weeks because of the stress and pressure we're under and-"

"And we need your advice on a few things." Malcolm finished for his sister.

"Aah, yes of course. I'll be right with you after I finish some work for Percy." Chiron placed a hand on Percy's shoulder.

"Oh before I forget," Chiron continued, "Percy, you already know Malcolm pretty well. And this," he said as he acknowledged Annabeth, "is Princess Annabeth. Annabeth, this is Percy. He will be your bodyguard."

Percy bowed at Annabeth while she just stood there and evaluated him.

"You're posture is wrong when you bow." Annabeth said with a straight face.

"Uh, excuse me, m'lady?" Percy said.

"Ignore her, Percy." Malcolm said, "She's just tired."

"No wait," Annabeth said. "His posture is wrong, he stands with a slouch and do I need to mention the messy hair? Didn't your mother teach you basic grooming?"

"Pardon me, m'lady, but are you insulting me?" Percy questioned.

"Insulting you? Oh no no!" Annabeth replied with a sly smile, "I'm describing you."

Percy looked at her with a look of shock and disbelief. Nobody insults his mother like that! He opened his mouth to say something that probably would have him executed before Chiron stopped him.

"Okay, Percy, we should get going. Can't keep Hephaestus and Daedalus waiting!" Chiron looked to the siblings, "I'll send Jane or one of the other servants to you when I am free."

Both of them nodded and tuned, walking back from where they came from.

When they were out of earshot, Percy looked at Chiron and grunted at him.

"Why did you stop me, Chiron? No one goes on my mom like that! I don't care which elite bourgeoise background they come from! Besides I wasn't about to say anything stupid or rude!"

"And I didn't want her to execute you!" Chiron snapped at him, "She is not any elite bourgeoise, she in the Princess of the fucking Kingdom! And you better respect her otherwise it is off with your head!"

In the months that Percy knew Chiron, he had never cursed. Percy knew he was angry but so was he!

"But she started it!"

"Well, I'm ending it!" Chiron said as he adjusted his breast plate. "This is your first and last warning, Percy. I may be a tolerant on many matters but when it comes to the siblings, I am not. Let's meet the blacksmiths before I change my mind I execute you myself."

-x-

'Deep breath in," Daedalus said as he measured Percy's chest, "and let it out."

They were standing in Chiron's office as Daedalus continued to measure Percy's body for the armour. He had short gray hair, a clipped gay beard and light gray eyes, almost silver- he didn't look like a black smith, he didn't look dirty or tired or burned in any way, rather he was well groomed.

Chiron was standing by the window talking to Hephaestus. Hephaestus was a big guy but he had many physical abnormalities. He had a huge, bulging, misshapen head covered in welts and his legs were in a creaking steel brace. He had bushy eyebrows, and a wild brown beard.

Percy strained his ears but he still could not hear what they were saying.

"Chin up." Daedalus ordered Percy, "And we're done with the measurements. Now to the design."

"I thought there was a standard design for any armour." Percy questioned Daedalus.

"Yes," Chiron answered instead, "but as a bodyguard, a Royal Bodyguard, we have a choice. To be distinct and to signify our loyalty and duty to the Crown."

"So, young man," Daedalus said as he picked up a piece of parchment and a charcoal, "any suggestions or request in specific?"

"Something classic, something heroic!" Chiron exclaimed.

Percy pondered.

"Yes, something classic. Ooh, how about an elaborate red comb on the helm?" he gushed before he was hit with a piece of parchment.

"No combs!" Daedalus scolded, "Do you want to be noticed?"

"Oh, alright. Then what about spikes on the boots?"

"No spikes!" Deadalus screeched as he hauled another parchment at Percy, which he dodged easily, "You wont be able to run!"

"Ooh, how about the impression of abs on the breastplate, I bet the ladies would lo-"

"No!"

"Okay, how abou-"

"No!"

"But-"

"No!"

"Atleast list-"

"NO!" Daedalus screamed at Percy as he chucked his entire pad of parchment at the young man which hit him smackdab in the center of his face before falling to the ground.

"Okay, let's leave the designing to Daedalus and Hephaestus, Percy. I'm sure they'll come up with something you'll like. They never disappoint." Chiron told the young lad, "I just need to finish up some work with Hephaestus, till then, why don't you go and take a few rounds of the grounds? We'll practice combat with the other guards."

"Yeah, sure. Alright, Chiron."

And with that Percy exited the room.

"Are you sure you want to get armour made for that?" asked Daedalus, "He has no sense of functionality, just cares about style. Bloody youngins! Hate them."

"He is one of the best to protect the princess," replied Chiron with a chuckle, "and anyways, making the right armour and finding the right functionality is all your job, isn't it?"

Daedalus turned to Chiron and gave him a that said, Really?

But Chiron just ignored that.

"Anyways, the main reason why I wanted to talk to you Hephaestus is the design. Is it possible for you to make the armour using a material or design that it can easily blend into robes that he may wear? Or make it look like he isn't wearing it at all?"

"What do you mean?," asked Hephastus in his deep grumbly voice, "You do realize that armour needs to be thick so if someone slashes across it, it won't create a dent or worse penetrate into the soldiers body and mutilate them? Get real, Chiron."

"Yes, I do know that. But this is the princess who we are talking about! When she goes out we don't want her to get a load of attention but we still need to keep her safe!" Chiron's volume with every word.

"An armour would just catch other people's attention and if that happens she will be in grave danger. We can't ask her to stay in the castle all the time. She has duties and that includes going to the other territories and provinces of our kingdom and help them. This means meeting them as a local individual to understand their root problems and find a solution. All of us know how the locals don't trust and fear royalty!

"And all of us know you have done this before, don't deny it." Chiron looked at both Hephaestus and Daedalus as they understood what he meant.

They designed, formed, moulded and created Annabeth's Gray Nilsa armour using fine mesh and material and techniques and materials that were way beyond the imagination of an ordinary designer or blacksmith. They were the best for a reason.

Besides the three men in the room, only Malcolm knew of the Gray Nilsa's identity.

"It is going to cost you a hefty amount." Daedalus said.

"Money isn't the matter here, the priority is the princesses and her safety. And the fact that we need it quickly." Chiron said.

"That'll cost extra."

"Money isn't the matter here." Chiron repeated yelling.

"Fine," Daedalus said as he got up and started to pack his things. He gave a look to Hephaestus who just gave him two nods. "We'll get it done by the full moon."

"Why can't you get it done before?" Chiron asked with a hint of desperation.

"Because the armour needs to be made using three different materials," Hephaestus replied, "two of which are only available in Aguaterra and with the civil war situation there, it'll be difficult to get it. Besides the melting points are different for metals and so is the cooling. To get all that done and get it in the mould will take time. I may be good but that doesn't mean I will ruin it just because you want it in a hurry."

"He means 'we' may be good." Daedalus chirped in.

"Shut up, Daedalus. You only design. I'm the one who does the heavy lifting."

"Oh what non sense! You may be the one making it but I am the one who is finding new and quicker ways to make shit! Need I remind you that if it weren't for me, you'd still be using that cheap iron to make swords?"

"Hey! That's a low blow man! You know I was young and just start-"

"Okay, guys!" Chiron interrupted as their banter was starting to give him a headache. "I've heard enough and I understand." He reached to his side and took out a pouch which chinked as he moved it. He threw it on the table and looked at the two men. Gold coins spilled out of the bag and many more could be seen glimmering inside. "I hope that this covers it for the time being. Send me a letter or one of your workers if you need more."

And with that, Chiron left the room as Hephaestus and Daedalus bowed to him in gratitude.

-x-

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~dreamcatchingcatharsis