Betrayed But Never Forgotten

I suprise a very, very powerful Being

Ima use some code names for this so here they all are:
Percy: Torture
Annabeth: Alpha
Claire: Omega
Piper: Charm
Luke: Stealth
Zoe: Arrow
Biannca: Star
Seelina: Beauty
Charles: Ignite

Just to be clear I'm only using "Commander" in front of Percy, Annabeth's, Luke and Pipers names

Thaila's  pov

       

After the commander left, everyone gradually returned to their conversations, though the atmosphere remained charged with lingering tension. The cadence and pitch of several voices nagged at the edges of my memory. They sounded hauntingly familiar, but the specific connections remained frustratingly out of reach.

My gaze drifted across the mess hall toward the Chaos table. The warriors there had formed a tight circle, their heads bent inward, speaking in hushed, urgent tones. Though they were careful to keep their voices low, fragments of conversation carried to my position.

"Why couldn't we stay on planet Orbition?" Commander Stealth grumbled, frustration evident in his tone. "There are fewer odors there... well, maybe except for those two idiots."

"I totally agree," Commander Charm responded with a sigh, absently stirring whatever remained in her bowl.

I would have continued eavesdropping, but the warning bell signaled breakfast was ending. The rest of their conversation was lost as cadets and officers began clearing their trays, the clatter of dishware creating a chaotic symphony of noise. Free time was approaching – the perfect opportunity to pursue some answers.

After breakfast, I met up with Nico and Will in the corridor outside the mess hall. The fluorescent lights cast harsh shadows across Nico's already gaunt features. He looked more withdrawn than usual, dark circles prominent beneath his eyes. Will hovered protectively at his side, their fingers occasionally brushing in subtle reassurance.

"I think we should find Commander Torture," I suggested, keeping my voice low. "There are some questions I need to ask him... privately."

Nico nodded, his expression grim. "I heard him say he was going to train. Let's check the Arena."

As we walked, I found myself unconsciously positioning myself between Nico and any passing cadets. Since my friends had left, I'd become increasingly protective of my cousin. He'd grown quieter, more withdrawn, and Jason's constant harassment about his relationship with Will only made things worse. Jason's prejudice was exactly why I'd disowned him long ago – that, and his inability to recognize loyalty when it mattered most.

Gods, my ADHD was acting up again. Focus, I told myself. One problem at a time.

The corridor gradually widened as we approached the training grounds, the distant clanging of metal against metal growing increasingly distinct with each step. The sound echoed off the high ceilings, creating an almost musical rhythm of combat.

"What exactly are you planning to ask?" Will whispered, his medical bag bouncing against his hip as we walked.

I hesitated. "Something's not right here. These commanders – their mannerisms, the way they react when certain names are mentioned... I have suspicions."

"About Percy?" Nico asked, his voice barely audible.

I nodded wordlessly.

We reached the arena entrance, its massive bronze doors pushed halfway open. Through the gap, I could see the vastness of the training ground – a circular expanse of packed dirt surrounded by tiered seating. The room was designed to accommodate hundreds of spectators, but today it stood nearly empty.

"You should be the one to ask," Nico said, nudging me forward. "They're more likely to answer you."

Will nodded in agreement. "We'll back you up if things get... complicated."

How nice of my cousin and friend to volunteer me for the interrogation. Taking a deep breath, I pushed through the heavy doors.

Inside, Commander Torture had just finished decimating a row of practice dummies, straw and fabric spilling from their segmented torsos. He sheathed his weapon – a blade that seemed to absorb light rather than reflect it. Nearby, Commander Alpha stood with arms crossed, leaning against one of the support columns, observing with analytical precision.

They noticed our approach immediately. Commander Torture's feet, which had been hovering several inches above the ground, slowly descended until they touched the earth. Commander Alpha straightened from their casual stance, shoulders tensing visibly. There was something in their reaction – a momentary flash of recognition, perhaps even alarm – that confirmed my suspicions.

We stopped a respectful distance away, the silence between us charged with unasked questions.

"What do you want?" Commander Torture asked, his voice carrying the edge of someone interrupted mid-thought.

I glanced back at Nico and Will, drawing strength from their presence. The question that had been burning inside me for weeks finally found its voice.

"I have a question," I stated, careful to keep my tone even. "Have you seen my cousin Percy Jackson?"

The reaction was subtle but unmistakable. Both commanders tensed, an almost imperceptible stiffening of their postures. Commander Alpha's hand twitched toward their weapon before they caught himself. Commander Torture's shoulders tightened, and I could briefly see his dark eyes under the mask  – surprise? Guilt? – before settling back into careful neutrality.

"Why would you think we know anything about Percy Jackson?" Commander Alpha asked, their voice controlled but with an underlying current of tension.

Commander Torture shot him a warning glance before turning back to me. "Percy Jackson disappeared years ago. Why bring this up now?"

I took a step forward, emboldened by their reactions. "Because every time his name is mentioned, you and the other commanders react. Because there are moments when your voices sound exactly like people I used to know. Because I'm tired of being kept in the dark about what happened to my family."

The silence that followed was deafening. Even the ambient sounds of the arena – the creak of armor, the distant calls of trainees – seemed to fade away. 

"Look," Will interjected, stepping forward to stand beside me. "We're not here to cause trouble. But Percy was important to all of us. If you know anything—"

"You should leave," Commander Alpha interrupted, their tone leaving no room for argument. "Now."

Nico moved to my other side, his fingers already tracing patterns in the shadows at his feet. "We're not going anywhere until we get answers."