ACT I:
Roman Empire, Rome, 25 BC
The cry of a newborn echoed throughout the room. The people around him gasped when they saw him. His eyes were of different color. Grey and red.
"The Gods have blessed him!" The mother cried out, in joy.
"Let me see my son," A gentleman asked, coming forward. The servant who held the small child nodded and handed over the newborn.
"You will be a great leader, worthy of Rome" The gentlemen whispered into the young one's ear.
"Oh Augustus, he looks just like you" The mother smiled.
"Indeed he does. The people shall hear of his existence; he will be praised among all" The man brought the child to his wife who took him with great care.
"Have you decided on his name?" Augustus asked his wife.
"Yes, Perseus is what he will be called. He will unite the people of Rome" The wife answered.
"Perseus, the son of Rome"
Roman Empire, Rome, 13 BC (12 Years Later)
Two combatants, both wielding large Gladius swords, sparred in the center of a large coliseum. The larger combatant seemed to be winning. His strikes were swift and brutal. He allowed no counter attacks with his lightning speed. The smaller one had trouble blocking each blow.
"This is too easy!" The taller one yelled over the collisions of steel.
This seemed to anger the younger one as he growled and began to slip in some strikes of his own. This proved to be his demise because he allowed an opening in his defenses. With one quick jab, the taller fighter won.
"Dead," He said, stopping the fight. The smaller combatant grunted in anger and threw his sword to the floor.
"How am I supposed to fight in a war when I can't even defend myself!" He complained.
"Don't be so down, you've been improving. Besides, you're only 12 years of age." The taller one comforted, patting the other on the shoulder.
"Yeah, but Alexander was a warrior at age 14, how am I supposed to be like him when I always lose against you?" He groaned.
"Patience Perseus, Alexander was in an age of strife without a father. He had to prove himself to his people. You have a loving father who rules over the largest empire in the known world! The empire is also prospering, you have plenty of time to learn skills in combat. Besides, would you rather be able to take down a few enemies or lead an army to take down thousands?" He explained.
"You're right, I'm being childish…" Perseus agreed, looking down in disappointment of himself.
The older one laughed, "Oh, it's alright, after all, you're only young. C'mon, let's go to the palace; your father Augustus is waiting for us"
They both walked out of the Coliseum and down a courtyard into a large Roman palace. All along the sides, Praetorian guards stood to attention with spears at hand.
Upon reaching the Throne Room, two Praetorian guards opened the large doors leading to the room, nodding at both of them.
"Many years from now, this will all be yours; and with it, endless amount of duties. Cherish your current life as it won't last long" The older man said.
"Yes, you don't need to remind me, father lectures me every day about it…" Perseus groaned.
Both entered the Throne Room, immediately settling their eyes on a man sitting upon a solium. The man nodded at the older man, signaling him to leave, then he eyed Perseus.
"How did your sparring go?" He asked.
"It went great, father. Agrippa taught me some well-needed defense techniques" He answered, looking intently at his father, seeking approval.
"Good, I have no doubt in his teaching. We will talk about that later; I have something important to speak with you" His facial expression opposite from his normal happy going self. He got up from his throne and walked down towards his son.
"Son, what I am about to tell you must be kept in secrecy. Do you understand?" He was now in front of Perseus, looking down at him.
Perseus fidgeted, not used to this side of his father, "Uh- yes, father"
"Okay, you know about our Hellenic gods, correct?" He questioned.
"Of course, gods like Jupiter, Neptune, and Mars" Perseus quickly answered.
"Correct, they also have Greek counterparts: Zeus for Jupiter, Poseidon for Neptune, and so on-" Perseus nodded, "-well have you ever heard of any Greek or Roman legend that speaks of a demi-godling?"
"Oh yes, my favorite one is Phobos and Deimos, the sons of Mars!" Augustus smiled.
"Well, what I'm about to tell you might shock you…" Perseus tilted his head, curiously.
"I am the son of the Roman god, Mars" Perseus waited for his father to start laughing. However, there was no laughing; His father held a straight face.
"It is true, son, I am a demigod which makes you a legacy of Mars" He smiled down at his son, relieved he no longer had to keep such a secret. Perseus was still in a shocked state and as if on queue, he fainted. Luckily, his father caught him from falling onto the marble floor.
Augustus spent the next couple of hours relaying to Perseus the lore of the Roman and Greek mythology. He loved watching his son's reactions to what he told him.
"Father, I have a question-" Augustus gestured for him to go on, "-since I am a legacy of Mars, does that mean I have any powers?" He hoped his father would answer with a yes.
"Of course, Perseus. Being the son of Mars has granted me skills in war. You may have the same skills as I do, or you may retain some unique sort of power. I truly do not know the extent of it." Perseus satisfied with his father's answer.
"All you need to know is that I'll be by your side, every step of the way"
Roman Empire, Rome, 9 BC (4 Years Later)
Perseus was merciless with his strikes, he left no openings, lost no ground, his sword work was perfection. The Praetorian guard he fought against was tiring. Sweat poured down his face while Perseus maintained his composure. Years of training led to this.
The Praetorian guard tried to feint an attack but Perseus knew better. The guard put no power behind the attack which made it obvious. Using this to his advantage, Perseus swatted the guard's weapon away and held his Gladius to the guard's throat.
"Dead" he announced, happily. The guard slumped down onto the brick floor, exhausted. Perseus left the guard to his misery and walked down the royal courtyard. Whenever he went down this pathway, he would reminisce about the times he would train with his mentor.
"Perseus, there you are." He turned around to see one of his servants.
"How can I be of service, Marcus?" Perseus asked the servant, he held a welcoming smile.
"Augustus calls for you; he says it is urgent. He is in the war room." Perseus nodded, waved goodbye, and set out to his father's war room. The war room was basically where he and his generals would plan for upcoming campaigns. Usually, Augustus never allowed Perseus entrance into the room, so Perseus knew the situation was serious.
After a couple of minutes of quickened walking, Perseus finally made it to the war room. Seeing as the situation was urgent, Perseus waltz right in. Upon entering, Perseus took notice of his father with his two generals. They appeared to be creating war strategies.
"Father?" Perseus asked. Augustus looked at his son with a smile.
"Ah, there you are, Perseus. I have something of importance to speak with you." He made his way towards his son, all the while, the two generals seemed to still be creating war strategies.
"As we both know, you are now sixteen years of age," Perseus nodded, "That makes you my official heir to the empire," Augustus stated. Perseus gulped, he felt like the weight of the world was on his shoulders. If his father was to ever die then he would rise to the throne. Augustus noticed his son's stress and patted his back.
"Father, why are you telling me this?" Perseus asked. He was genuinely nervous, which was something only his father ever made him. To others, Perseus was a leader who could tackle any situation, but when he was around his father, he felt fine with letting out his true emotions.
"Son, I don't know if you know this or not, but the empire is in a defensive war with the Parthians. They've managed to ally themselves with neighboring countries, forming a prominent military" Perseus' eyes widened. He knew where this was going.
"I must lead our legions to aid our besieged lands and fight off these invaders. With me gone, you will assume the title of regent" Perseus felt like fainting just like when his father revealed that he was the son of Mars.
"Father, I do not have the expertise to rule over in your stead. There must be-"
"No. You're getting older, Perseus. It is time you take some responsibility" Perseus felt embarrassed. Of course, he would do anything for his people. He just didn't think he had it in him to lead over them.
"You'll do fine, son. You'll have advisors by your side in case you are in need of help. I've trained them myself. Besides, you'll have plenty of time to prepare. I won't be departing until three weeks from now when the legions are ready." Perseus felt relieved, he still had some time to prepare.
Augustus waved to his two generals, relieving them of duty for now. "So Perseus, word of mouth is that your combat skills are exceptional" Augustus teased. Perseus' cheeks went a crimson red. It was true, his combat skills were renowned throughout Rome and rightfully so. Perseus would spar with skilled gladiators on his downtime. The matches always ended with him winning.
"Perseus, the almighty, is what I believe they call you" Augustus chuckled. Perseus groaned. He despised that nickname. Perseus didn't feel worthy of such a title, after all, he was still a teenager. The only reason he was so skilled with the blade was that he had exceptional mentors to guide him along the way.
"Oh Perseus, straighten up. You should feel honored for gaining such a title, soon they will call you Perseus, the Great," Augustus laughed. Perseus cringed.
"Father stop, you are embarrassing me!" He cried out. Augustus smirked and then grabbed onto his son's head, giving him a noogie.
"Father!" Perseus tried to shake out of the hold.
Three Weeks Later
Perseus solemnly walked down the steps of the palace, heading towards the heavily guarded exit gate. Many Praetorian guards stood watch, armed with the latest type of equipment.
Down by the gate was a large crowd of nobles, waiting for their Emperors' departure. Four Praetorian guards stood by Perseus' sides. He hated having to have guards around him when he was out of the palace. It made him feel like a weakling. However, his father left no room for argument.
It was then when Perseus noticed commotion by the large Palace doors. He immediately noticed his father, flanked by several guards. Perseus made his way towards his father to say one last goodbye until his return.
For the past three weeks, Perseus worked under his father's tutelage. He tried learning as much as he could from his father. He wouldn't see his father for a long time so he had to absorb as much as he could.
When Perseus was by his father, he called out his name. Augustus turned and smiled at his son, motioning for him to get close. Perseus went up to his father and was enveloped in a hug. Perseus felt like crying, his father was his best friend. This would be the first time Perseus would actually be alone. His mother died a few years after his childbirth and he had no siblings or close friends. He was always brooding during his early childhood so he never really made any friends.
"You'll do fine son. I'll be back in no time," Augustus soothed his son. Augustus really didn't want to leave his son, but he knew he couldn't take him with. He was simply too young and inexperienced, and if both of them died then the empire would be in a state of crisis. He couldn't allow that.
Augustus gave his son one last squeeze, "I must go now Perseus…" Perseus didn't want to let go of his father but he managed to force himself to.
"Goodbye, my son."
Six Months Later
Perseus sat on his throne, listening to the Senate argue on a law. His mind wandered to where his father might be right now. He imagined him leading the Legions against the Parthian forces, obliterating their numbers with his strategic expertise. Perseus hated being stuck here while his father was in danger of death. He felt useless.
Rousing himself from his daydreaming Perseus decided to put an end to this dispute until later, "Meeting dismissed until tomorrow, it is late and I must get some sleep." Perseus announced. The senators stopped their bickering and nodded, exiting the throne room.
Perseus got up from his throne and stretched his back, yawning in exhaustion. Perseus exited the room, flanked by two guards. Perseus was in the courtyard. It was late into the night, the stars shined in the dark sky.
Suddenly, the sound of somebody running became apparent. The guards turned and raised their spears at a man drenched in sweat. He appeared to be in a state of panic. He held up a paper.
"State your business!" One of the guards yelled out. The man was breathing heavily.
"I have-" he breathed out, "I have dire news for the regent!" Perseus tilted his head in wonder.
"And what is the news that you bring me?" Perseus spoke up. The man looked at him sadly.
"It is from one of your father's generals. I feel it would be better if you read it yourself." He handed over the letter. A guard took it, suspiciously, and gave it to Perseus. He went under a candlelight to read the words.
It read,
This letter is addressed to the heir of Augustus
I am disheartened to tell you that Augustus of the Roman Empire was struck through the chest with a spear during a skirmish with Parthian forces. The wound has proven fatal and Augustus died later this evening. As the sole heir to the Empire, you will take the mantle of the emperor of the Roman Empire.
Signed, Titus Lucceius Titillus
AN: Okay, this type of story is extremely different from my other types of stories. Be in mind that this story will not take place during the time of the Roman Empire. This is just a prologue set to introduce Perseus. I plan on having the story take place during the events of Percy Jackson & the Olympians.
Bear in mind that this story will be extremely realistic. For example, just like in real life where sword duels are usually decided after the first blow, fights will be the same here.
For those wondering when I'll update The Alchea Curse, don't worry. A new chapter of that story will be up soon.
PM me or Review any ideas you have for the plot and I may just use them. Also, suggest any Percy/Pairing you may want in your review. Peace out.