The Trials of Chaos

2

This was the first good sleep Percy had gotten in what felt like years. His body, exhausted from days of running, finally surrendered to the comforting pull of unconsciousness. For once, his mind wasn't filled with the usual nightmares of shadowy creatures, bloodthirsty soldiers, or the sound of his mother's terrified screams. He let himself sink deeper into the rare warmth of rest, only to be jolted awake by the distant echoes of the past.

The announcement. The day it all began. He could still remember it like it was yesterday, even though it had been years. Back then, he was just a kid, no more than eleven. It was an ordinary school day in the city, bright with the late autumn sun streaming through classroom windows. Percy sat at his desk, doodling in his notebook as the teacher droned on about history. Nothing special. Nothing to hint at the chaos that was about to change everything.

Then the PA system crackled to life.

At first, it was just a low hum, a flicker of static that broke the monotony of the day. Percy hadn't paid much attention, thinking it was just another routine announcement, maybe a reminder about after-school programs or a weather update. But the voice that came through wasn't the usual cheery tone of Principal Hansen. It was cold, official, and full of something Percy couldn't quite place back then — urgency.

"Attention, students and staff," the voice began, sharp and businesslike. "All students are to report to the nurse's office immediately for mandatory health screenings. No exceptions. Please follow the instructions of your teachers. Do not leave the building until further notice."

Percy blinked, confused. The room buzzed with whispers, students exchanging puzzled looks, but the teacher—her face pale and set in an expression that unsettled him—nodded towards the door.

"Everyone up," she said, her voice tight. "Leave your things here. We'll be going to the nurse's office now."

A strange unease settled over the class. Percy followed the line of students shuffling out the door, his mind racing with questions. It wasn't just their class. As they passed the halls, he saw students from every grade level being herded in the same direction, toward the nurse's office or maybe the cafeteria. He couldn't remember now. It had all blurred together in a rush of confusion and growing fear.

When they got there, it became clear something was wrong. The room was packed with medical staff—people he'd never seen before, all in white coats and gloves, with cold, impassive expressions. They were taking blood samples. The students sat in long rows, silently sticking out their arms as needles pricked their skin. Percy hated needles, but this wasn't like the usual checkups. There was no explanation, no smiles or reassurances. Just the blood tests. One by one, they moved through the line, the sound of vials clicking and filling with dark red.

His turn came. He sat down, his heart thudding in his chest. A nurse approached, clipboard in hand, and gave him a brief, disinterested look. The prick of the needle stung, but Percy barely flinched. His eyes darted around the room, trying to make sense of what was happening. Why blood tests? What were they looking for? His stomach knotted with a sense of dread.

"It'll just be a moment," the nurse said flatly. Percy nodded, but something felt off. He wanted to run, to escape. But where would he go? He had no answers, just the uncomfortable feeling that nothing would be the same after this.

Hours later, they were released. The tests were over. But the confusion lingered, whispers spreading through the school like wildfire. They were told the results would be announced soon, but no one really knew what that meant. Percy, like the others, tried to shrug it off, walking home in the fading afternoon light. But there was an itch under his skin, a gnawing feeling that whatever they had done at school wasn't good. And he was right.