Chaos POV

"We are gathered here today to watch our generals battle Apóvli̱tos for the position of Commander. For the last 4 years, the Outcast has spent 1 year under the command of each of our beloved captains, learning, fighting, and performing to his highest ability. Accustoming himself with comrades who will give their loyalty to as he will them."

"He has battled each captain after his year of servitude and triumphed. It is time for him to battle our generals and see if he is strong enough to lead us all" I raised my voice at the end and raised my hands to my army who roared with approval.

"Now welcome our candidate, Apóvli̱tos" I gestured to my right.

Out came Apóvli̱tos in all his glory, his usual attire; the sword and spear strapped over the folded robe on his back, set of throwing knives on his belt, the 3 daggers strapped to his chest, his wings spread out with his hands swinging by his side as he walked to the center of the arena, and his mask fitting perfectly on his face stopping at the bridge of his nose. Applause sounded, he just nodded his head in respect.

"The first general to battle will be Star." I motioned to my left.

Star walked out in the Orbital uniform, combat boots and black assassin garments. With a hood over her head, obsidian eyes shone through studying her opponent. A bow in her hand and a quiver thrown over her left shoulder she walked forwards to meet Apóvli̱tos. Long knives in a belt at her waist she readied herself to fight her hopefully future commander.

"Begin." I announced.

Star attacked first drawing several arrows with fast repetition and shooting them at Apóvli̱tos. The winged warrior dodged them all miraculously, sometimes he blocked them with his sword that he drew, others he sliced straight down the middle, the rest, besides dodging he deflected right back at her forcing her to duck and sidestep.

Slowly he got closer to her, she didn't back up, but instead when he got too close for her to keep shooting at him she drew her knives. They went at it, sword against knives. Next thing I knew he had his feet kicked out from under him landing flat on his back, mind his wings with her long knife pointed under his chin.

Showing no emotion as I stood up about to announce the end, Apóvli̱tos suddenly kicked the knife while doing a backflip away from my general. He landed on his feet facing Star, he held out his right hand a the knife landed in his hand. An awed sound went through the crowd and I couldn't help the gasp that escaped my list.

I sat back down, it's not over yet. He still has some tricks up his sleeve, he stored her knife under his belt keeping it firmly out of her reach. Star was forced to use only one knife as Apóvli̱tos stabbed at her leg.

She deflected it and sent a stab of her own. Apóvli̱tos locked blades with her and twirled until the knife fell to the ground. He stepped into her personal bubble and put his sword behind her neck.

It didn't make sense until I saw her other knife not in his belt, but in front of Star's neck. Wow, he beat my female general, not an easy feat. She was my toughest female warrior, she and Snake were evenly matched so it was almost always draw. They keep track of their wins, I think Star was one up on Snake.

"Apóvli̱tos is the winner. If he wins the next battle against Snake then he will undoubtedly be our new commander. If he does not then he will receive a vote since he won the first battle." I announced.

Star and Apóvli̱tos shook hands before departing. Star joined Order and I in the stands as we got ready for the next battle. Apóvli̱tos looked up at us studying us. I held his gaze as I remembered when my warriors brought him to me and he decided to stay.

FLASHBACK

I was pacing in the signal room with Order as Twizne's bulb started flashing black. Next thing I knew the little model exploded at the same time a big explosion lit up the sky of Cutopia. My planet was not part of the 60—now 59 sadly planets in my solar system. End's planet was also not part of it, hidden far away from my universe.

The wind picked up and my warriors appeared spinning in the room. When they stopped I approached them carefully, all appeared ok. Then I noticed the body in Snake's arms. It was limp and bleeding heavily... it was Apóvli̱tos.

I cursed and quickly transported us to the infirmary. Calling my best doctors and my wife we worked on healing the broken body. I placed him on the bed carefully. Noting all the injuries in my mind and later for the report we snapped his arm, thumbs, and leg bones back into place.

My warriors were standing outside the door watching through the windows. The infirmary was like a hospital. I snapped my fingers and his clothes appeared on the table next to us folded and cleaned. His weapons were there too, I removed his mask.

I don't care about his dignity right now, not when his life was at stake. All bones in his legs were broken, his thumbs and left arm as well. Multiple bruisings on his abdomen along with lots of wounds made by various weapons. A couple of his ribs were cracked and broken, but what stopped me was the other liquid leaking out of him.

Order and I looked at each other knowingly and I could sense her sadness. How dare End! He defiled such a great warrior, I hope Apóvli̱tos isn't affected after, it would be such a waste and such a toll on the boy.

Quickly I got rid of the liquid, both of them to not leave any suspicions and sent healing into the body. Order grabbed his head and put two fingers on each side of his head at his temples.

She was reading his mind and going back to what happened. Her eyes softened, but angered immensely and she nodded once, she would tell me later. What she told me angered and saddened me like never before.

Once we were done Order dressed him in a black Earth like hospital gown. She sat in the chair next to him pushing his hair back as he slept. I walked outside to my team as they immediately turned towards me waiting for news.

"I'm sure you know of his injuries, but he is stable and will recover. I do not know of his mental state, but I will suggest he stay with us. It is his choice, but I assume he will. If he agrees he will spend one year with each captain individually in their unit. At the end of the year, a battle will take place and if Apóvli̱tos wins them all he will battle the generals to see if he is capable of being our commander."

Silence took place after I said this. Star and snake looked pleased, the two captains who were put to sleep by Apóvli̱tos didn't look happy, but I could see the sympathy in their eyes when they thought of Apóvli̱tos. My other two captains looked indifferent and just nodded.

"Star and I completely agree with you. We support Apóvli̱tos as our commander." Snake input.

"We knew him in our past life and we both fully know he is capable of being a leader as he has done so before. When he wakes up you can ask him about his past, if he decides not to tell you yet we won't either out of respect for him. He has gained both of ours and we hold him at a high level." Star said firmly looking me straight in the eyes.

The captains behind her looked mortified while Snake looked in complete agreement with her words. She basically just said she would defy me if I directly asked her or Snake about Apóvli̱tos past if he said no to me as well. I just smiled, it's good they already hold respect for him because I have a feeling he will be the new commander and my commanders need respect from my armies, generals, and captains alike to lead.

"I understand and you may refuse me if in case that happens." I told them they smiled gratefully before it was wiped off their lips.

"What are his injuries? Questioned Snake. I frowned.

"4 ribs broken, 7 cracked. Both thumbs and left arm broken, all bones in both legs as well. Multiple stab and among other kinds of wounds in upper torso and lots of bruising. All bones and wounds are healed, he will be out by day after tomorrow, he will just be overly sore everywhere. Not to mention the unspeakable things done to his lower regions where it has been torn and filled too many times."

When I looked up again my warriors had unmistaken fury in their eyes, my generals had the fiercest look I've ever seen. This boy from their past must mean a lot to both of them.

"Swear upon my name not to reveal the injuries and acts of this event from End to anybody unless they already know or Apóvli̱tos, my current generals, Order, or myself allow you to." I commanded.

Instantly they all agreed and swore on my name. I ordered them back to their rooms because it was obvious my generals wouldn't leave unless told to and returned to the room where Order was talking to the boy who surprisingly gained consciousness. He turned to look at me and tried to sit up, but was having problems. Order helped him, but he winced as he put weight on his bottom and lower back, air hissing through his teeth.

"I know you have been through much today, but would you like to stay in my army and try to be my commander?" I asked him and explained what I told my warriors and how the event he went through with End is kept secret by only them, Order, and myself.

"Would I be able to take my revenge on End for Twizne by being in your army?" He channeled.

"Yes."

"Then I'm in."

FLASHBACK END

Getting back to reality, I readied the next fight. Quieting down the crowd I got Apóvli̱tos attention. He looked up at me again patiently waiting and absolutely silent. That's what everybody has started to call him, the Silent because of the way he acts and moves.

Without a sound as he fights, walks, does anything his comrades report. Not to mention his lack of speech, all of my galaxy knows has joined my army. Word spread and they are all watching to see the new commander as they do every time.

After this, if Apóvli̱tos succeeds, his name will be changed like how my generals were for sake of protective identity even though in this case his identity is known, well not his past past one, but the one he currently uses. Also the name he made himself will be his code as well.

"General Snake will now battle Apóvli̱tos, this will determine our Commander, enter general." I beckoned to Snake who was hidden in the shadows to my left.

Snake revealed himself in the usual Orbitals attire, looking like Apóvli̱tos in his combat boots and assassin black cloth. My general had his sword strapped in a sheath at his waist, 3 foot long chaos silver with a slim hilt. The exception was a robe he was wearing with the hood up, only thing visible was his piercing sky blue eyes.

"Let the battle begin!"

No move was made as each opponent studied the other and their stance. Together they started to circle counterclockwise. Slowly Apóvli̱tos drew his sword and let it hang next to him, not like he was barely holding onto it, although it looked like it I could see the tense fingers around the handle and twitch of the wrist.

Suddenly Snake lunged across the circle that slowly got tighter. Not being caught by surprise Apóvli̱tos deflected the head swing and slashed downwards towards Snake's torso. Snake jumped backwards, but Apóvli̱tos sword got caught in his cloth ripping it a bit. Snake eyed Apóvli̱tos warily and brought his sword up again.

The battle continued blow by blow neither gaining the upper hand. Though I saw no signs of fatigue on Apóvli̱tos, I saw Snake start to slow. Right now their blades were locked making an X. They were having a staring match trying to up the other when suddenly Snake's head darted forward and planted a kiss on Apóvli̱tos lips.

Instantly Apóvli̱tos turned colors as a blush decorated his cheeks and the tips of his ears, but he didn't pull away. Wolf whistles sounded and giggles from the women, I sensed jealously emanating from Snake's previous lovers, but a small smile found its way to my lips and I could see Star and Order form one as well.

With my acute sense of hearing I listened as Snake asked Apóvli̱tos if he wants to be his boyfriend. My smile widened when I watched Apóvli̱tos give a small embarrassed nod of the head looking down afterwards. My general snaked his left arm, the one not holding the sword, towards Apóvli̱tos' face, and tilted his chin up so he could give him another kiss.

I heard a squeak come from Apóvli̱tos and his blush darkened. I shook my head amusedly, ever since Apóvli̱tos joined he hasn't said one word, he never channeled and barely interacted with anyone. Over the years he started channeling more, but it was still at a minimal. Just these last few months I heard sounds actually coming from his mouth and not his mind.

Sounds like squeaks or yelps from whenever Snake embarrassed and flirted with him, but also screams from his nightmares or flashbacks. When that happened my generals, captains, or my wife and I were alerted. Apóvli̱tos grew more out of his shell with my army and I'm glad, he's an excellent warrior, assassin, and person. I'm glad I chose him to be my commander because he has all the qualities my previous ones have not and his own as well.

Noticing the arousal in both boys as they continued kissing, dropping their swords in the process, I watched Apóvli̱tos wrap his wings around them both hiding them from view. Chuckling I decided to stop this before it got out of hand. I clapped both my hands and used my power to make the sound spread across the arena loud and clear.

"Ok, before they continue their sword fight behind closed wings, how about they finish the one they already started?" I looked pointedly at the couple as the wings slowly retracted from them revealing the two.

Snickers sounded as everyone knew what was happening behind the wings added with what I said, quite amusing. Ignoring the tousled clothes, messed up hair, and blushing faces I motioned for them to continue. Apóvli̱tos shifted uncomfortably, summoning his sword to his hand. My general grabbed his sword and smirked at him raising an eyebrow while eyeing the noticeable reaction of his opponent.

Apóvli̱tos blushed harder and lunged forward attacking the smug general. Quickly they exchanged blows again, as Apóvli̱tos slowly gained the upper hand, Snake was just focused on the defensive.

Suddenly Snake dropped his sword and lunged at Apóvli̱tos catching him on his waist. Pinning Apóvli̱tos, Snake locked lips again, but his left hand reached behind him in his left combat boot. When his hand came out of the boot it was gripping a knife.

Too caught up in the kiss Apóvli̱tos didn't notice, I pursed my lips, looks like he won't be my commander unless he gets an unanimous vote, he has to win if he doesn't want to vote on it. Surprising us all Apóvli̱tos right hand grabbed Snake's wrist holding the knife tightening his hold until the knife dropped all while kissing.

Flipping them over Apóvli̱tos broke the kiss and pinned my general holding a dagger to his throat smirking. Cheers erupted and Apóvli̱tos got up putting his weapons away, holding out a hand to his now boyfriend and pulled him up. I stood up along with Order and Star.

"Apóvli̱tos has triumphed, beating both my generals and my captains. He has passed each test perfectly and Order and I deem him fit to be the new commander, do you agree?" I asked spreading my voice, a resounding yes echoed throughout the arena.

I smiled knowingly. I nodded to Order. Apóvli̱tos in the middle of the arena next to Snake started glowing white before it faded, then he glowed black. He looked the same, but everyone could feel the powerful aura that intensified when my wife and I blessed him and he became our commander. Respect was demanded from him as he looked around before he looked back up at me with an arm wrapped around his waist as he was pulled against his boyfriends chest. I smiled and announced the news to my armies.

"Commander Siren, The Silent..."

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