Heya, guys! I was reading through the first chapter of the Leyna fic and found a bunch of errors. So here's the edited version. READ IT PLZ. Reviews are appreciated cause they motivate me. I DON'T OWN ANYTHING!
Leo
I was in Bunker Nine working on a project. I had a few more minutes before R-hour. Meaning the Romans were coming over for two weeks because Chiron, Percy, Annabeth, Frank, and the praetor Reyna had decided the camps needed to. To be honest, I didn't care. Most of the Romans hated me for attacking them, even though I told them multiple times that I was possessed by an eidolon. I figured I would just be there when they showed up and would just hide in Bunker 9 the whole time. Festus watched me tinker with an Archimedes Sphere I was installing into my project.
Someone knocked on the entrance door. I activated a monitor. A live feed appeared. Jason and Piper stood out front. I groaned.
"Leo, come out!" Jason said. "Or I swear to Zeus I will blast this door open!"
"Okay, okay! Jeez." I said over the speaker. I ran to the door and opened it.
"Come on, Torch. The Romans will be here any minute now. Chiron wants all the campers with their cabins on the hill," Piper said. "And that includes you." I cursed.
"Styx. Fine. I'll meet you there. Festus should come too, right?" I asked. Jason shrugged.
"Sure. I guess." The pair walked away, holding hands. I felt a twinge of jealousy. It wasn't their fault they were madly in love. Even though I constantly flirted, it was all a joke. The only person I had connected to was Calypso, but when I had gone back, she had apparently decided that I wasn't as cool as she thought and didn't love me anymore. I had freaked out, thrown a few fireballs, caused some very impressive explosions and accidentally destroyed her cave. I threw the astrolabe at her feet and stomped on it. I flew away and never looked back. Switching off the feed and stowing away my tools, I looked to Festus.
"Come on, boy. Let's go try not to blow up some Romans."
Yeah. Don't want another New Rome Festus said.
"Right." I pressed a button and a hatch opened. Mounting the dragon, we flew into the air.
Festus soared above the trees and angled towards Half-Blood Hill. All the campers were gathered around Thalia's Tree. All twenty cabins were assembled and Chiron stood beside the tree. I saw my cabin's banner. Each cabin had a magical banner with the god's symbol on it. The Hephaestus banner was orange and flaming. A big, black hammer was emblazoned on it.
Where should I land, boss?
"In front of the buddies. Make a grand entrance, can ya?" Festus obliged, blasting the ground with flames and lading with a roar. I glanced over to Percy, who stood alone. The son of Poseidon grinned and gave me a thumbs up. I smiled. After I had been resurrected, we developed a solid friendship. Percy actually appreciated me jokes and I liked Percy's sarcasm. We also had a trait rare among demigods, the ability to switch from humor to seriousness in the blink of an eye. I looked around. Piper was with the Aphrodite cabin. The whole place had freaked out and had completely overdone their outfits, hair, makeup, the whole shebang. Percy was alone, obviously. Annabeth and the other demi-nerds were deep in discussion about something wise. Probably what British television series was better. I prefer Monty Python's Flying Circus. Old, but good. The rest of the campers were hanging out and talking. The Hermes cabin was chaos as usual, the Nemesis cabin was glaring at the other cabins, and Nike was betting on how long the Romans would take.
Finally, an eagle landed with a blond demigod and a girl astride a pegasus. Jason had gone off a little bit ago to direct the legion to camp. The other two were Reyna and Frank. Frank changed back to a human. Annabeth and Percy went over to Chiron and the three leaders of Camp Jupiter. The six exchanged pleasantries. I did notice one thing. Reyna was smoking hot. And I could say that because I am a son of Hephaestus. She was seriously beautiful. Her obsidian hair was down and part of it draped over her armor. I could tell she was of some Latino heritage. A loud clanking sound rolled across the hill and the Twelfth Legion marched up. They eyed Festus warily. The bronze dragon ignored them and lay down.
Even though the two camps were on better terms, there were some who still resented the other, like Clarisse. The whole legion, and probably all of New Rome, hated me. The Vulcan kids and some Mercury kids tolerated me, but only because of my crafting skills and pranks. The rest either ignored or detested me. The six leaders turned around and Chiron addressed both camps.
"Romans of Camp Jupiter! Welcome! For those of you who do not know me, I am Chiron, trainer of heroes. This day will hopefully mark a long era of peace between Greece and Rome. Camp Half-Blood, the Romans will be sorted into their parental cabins. Any overflow will be in the Big House. Praetors Reyna and Frank, would you like to say anything?" Reyna stepped forward.
"Romans! We are guests in this camp. I know there are some among us who still do not trust or want to get along with the Greeks. I plead you, please try to not kill anyone." Frank nodded and spoke up.
"Anyone who causes trouble will be dealt with in Greek style."
"It's not fun. Trust me." Percy said, trying to break the tension. The camps remained silent, neither sure if the other still trusted them.
"Well, okay, guys. Why don't you all come on down to the arena and we can sort you." Annabeth said. Reyna barked some commands and the legion marched down the hill.
It took nearly three hours for the whole legion to be sorted. There were ten Vulcan kids placed in Cabin Nine. One didn't speak and had a mask covering his neck and lower jaw, like Scorpion or Sub-Zero.
"His vocal chords were ripped out when he arrived. A monster or something tortured him. We call him Vulc, for Vulcan. We don't know his real name." A legionnaire, Wren, explained. I frowned.
"How does he talk?"
"He writes things down. Doesn't use ASL. He gestures with his hands and nods for yes, shakes for no. Sometimes breathes heavily." The kid in question, Vulc, just looked down. I shrugged.
"Oh, well. As long as he doesn't kill anyone, we'll be fine." Vulc glanced at me. The Roman's eyes were weird. They were bright orange and seemed to flicker. I shrugged it off and lead my new half-siblings back to the Cabin.
Later, after curfew, I snuck off to Bunker Nine. I had an idea. One that would help someone, for once. As I crept through the woods, I saw a light. It looked like a flashlight. I decided to creep closer. I stepped on a stick and a loud snap resounded between the trunks and the light shut off. I held my breath, trying to stay quiet when suddenly, I was tackled. My attacker picked me up and put me in a choke hold. Desperately, I flung my hand backwards. My fist connected with an arm. I flailed around. The grip released and I tumbled to the ground. I called on my powers. Flames flared in my hands and the person was revealed. Reyna.
"What the Hades are you doing out?" I asked.
"What are you doing, Valdez?" Reyna asked coldly, my question bouncing off.
"Heading to my hideout. What about you?"
"None of your business."
"Really? Because these woods have monsters, you know."
"I am aware. Now, what's this hideout?"
"Um, it's a place that I go to sometimes. To work on secret projects. Or to be alone." 'Or to cry.' O thought.
"Is it safe? And you know where to go?" Reyna asked. I felt his ears getting hot. Were they on fire?
"Yeah. It's not too far. Follow me." I led Reyna through the woods. Sounds of insects, animals, and monsters echoed through the trees. Finally, we came to the entrance to Bunker Nine. I blocked Reyna's view, pressed his hand against the door, and summoned fire. The door opened and I walked in, Reyna following.
As soon as we crossed the threshold, the lights turned on. The massive space was illuminated in bright light. Buford was sleeping in the middle of the floor. Festus was relaxing in one corner and perked up when we entered. He stomped over.
Hey, boss. Who's the chick?
"Oh, um, Reyna, this is Festus. My dragon automaton and former figurehead of the Argo II. I rebuilt him inside the ship."
"I remember. He saved us all. He is a very impressive creation." She gently stroked the dragon's snout. He purred.
I like her. I shot a glare at Festus and turned away, grabbing some tools and materials. Reyna studied some maps.
"How old is this place?"
"American Civil War." I arranged his trinkets and summoned other stuff from my tool belt. Reyna watched him.
"What are you doing?"
"Little project I thought of."
"What is it?"
"Can't tell."
"Why?"
"It's a secret." I went silent, trying to send the message that I was busy. Reyna wandered off. Festus watched her go.
What do ya think about her?
"Shut up." I muttered under my breath. Festus clicked.
Oh, Leo. So naive. You like her.
"Yeah. But she doesn't like me back."
Maybe if you told her what you're doing.
"No."
Why?
"Because. She hates me and won't ever forgive me for what happened in New Rome. Forget it buddy. I'll be alone forever." I saw Reyna asleep one of the dilapidated couches.
Damn, you humans are depressing. I stayed quiet. After I got my stuff together and made some blueprints, I realized what time it was. Three a.m.
"Mierda." I cursed. I sprinted over to the sleeping praetor. Gently, I shook her. She sprang up with an Imperial Gold dagger drawn.
"Valdez. What are you doing?"
"Um," Why was she so godsdamn beautiful? "It's three in the morning. I was gonna head back."
"Ah. I see." I led her through the bunker to the exit. As we passed Festus, he clicked, sarcasm rippling through the Morse Code.
No side trips. I glared at my dragon. Festus's teeth whirred and spun, laughing We reached the door. I opened it and the cool forest air hit my face. I walked out, quickly. Reyna followed. We walked for a bit when a drakon suddenly exploded from the thicket. It was small, probably a baby. Reyna yelped and fell back. I quickly summoned fire and waved my flaming hands above my head.
"Hey! I'm over here! The bright glowy one!" The drakon snarled. I smiled to himself. Good news, it wasn't attacking Reyna. Bad news, I had its attention. It lunged. I thanked the gods I was short, because it hurtled over my head. It rolled over a few trees and got up. It roared. Its tail lashed out, smacking me. I flew backwards and slammed into the ground. Reyna drew her dagger and charged the monster. Dodging its claws, she clambered up the neck and stabbed its eye. The beast roared in pain and thrashed. Reyna fell to the ground. The monster raised its claws for the kill and was knocked back by a massive bronze lump. Festus roared, flames blasting the smaller creature. It hissed and leaped at Festus who simply batted it aside. Reyna scampered around, trying not to get flattened by the massive feet. I ran in and grabbed Reyna. He hauled her up and dragged her away.
"You good?" I asked.
"I'm fine."
"Good, stay down," I jumped up and ran to the fighting beasts. "Festus! Tail-boost!" I ran onto Festus' tail and was launched into the air. Summoning fire, I shot a white hot bolt at the other eye. The beam of flames burned through the eye and the brain, killing it. It dissolved into dust.
"Yeah!" I yelled. Then I realized gravity still existed and began to fall. Reyna watched me falling and ran to help. She quickly clambered up a small tree. Tracking me, she leaped out and managed to tackle me mid-air. We tumbled to the ground. When we came to a stop, I realized I was on top of Reyna. I untangled myself.
"Um, sorry." Reyna shook her head.
"No, I am," My spirits lifted. "I should have let you fall." And cue the fiery nosedive. I turned.
"Yeah, well, I don't have to lead you back." I countered.
"I know. But we should continue."
"Right," I glanced at the trees and marched off. "Come on."
"Valdez?"
"Yeah?"
"I think it's that way." Reyna pointed in the opposite direction. I looked at Festus, who nodded. I sighed.
"Alright." I began heading the way Reyna had pointed and tripped over a root and fell. Jumping up, I looked at Reyna. Her face had no smile. I made a promise to myself. Somehow, I would get her to smile.
When we reached the edge of the forest, I turned to Reyna.
"Hey, I just wanted to say I'm sorry. About blowing up New Rome." Reyna stiffened, then relaxed.
"I can't say it's fine, or that Rome forgives you. But I do know that you were possessed by an eidolon. I can relate, I've been possessed before. And I haven't fully forgiven you either." I looked at Reyna.
"Well, think about it. I'm always available if you wanna talk." Reyna marched off to the Athena cabin. I felt my hair catch on fire. I patted it out quickly and ran off to the cabin. I quietly opened and shut the door. Sneaking through the cabin, I found the Roman, Vulc. I shook him awake.
"I need to talk to you for a sec." I whispered. Eyes closed, he raised a hand and flipped me off.
"Please?" I asked. "It'll only be a sec." Vulc popped open an eye. He got up and followed me down into the forges. Rubbing his eyes, he blinked furiously.
"How long have you been mute?" I asked. Vulc stared at me. "Actually, don't bother answering. That was rude." The Roman held up both hands. Ten.
"Years?" The mute demigod nodded.
:Yes:
"Holy Hephaestus." Vulc tilted his head.
:Why?:
"Because I wanted to make you a pair of magical vocal chords." Vulc's eyes widened. "Is that okay?" Vulc nodded.
:Yes: I grinned. I finally had the chance to help someone.
"Alright, I need to take some measurements. Can you take off that?" I pointed at the mask. Slowly, Vulc pulled it down. His throat was a mess. White bumpy, scar tissue criss-crossed the Roman's neck. Vulc started to put it back on, but I pushed it down and pulled a tape measure from my belt. Extending it, I measured his neck.
"Okay, physical measurements are done. Tomorrow, I'ma take you to the Hecate kids so they can figure out the magical stuff." Vulc tilted his head and looked confused.
:Why?:
"Our minds are what our voices truly are, so we need magic to tap into your mind." Satisfied, Vulc pointed upstairs.
"Yeah, sure. Sleepy time."
Vulc trudged back up the stairs and back to his bunk. I followed my Roman half-brother back upstairs and collapsed on my bed. Soon, sleep took over.
I was in a familiar place. My mother's workshop. Smoke filled the air and flames roared. Esperanza Valdez's voice filled the air, but it wasn't screaming.
"Mijo, you must remember, those that can't speak need help to speak up." An explosion threw me through the wall and into an alleyway. A hellhound circled a fallen boy. The dog sniffed the huddled body. The kid groaned and the demon doggo grabbed him it its mouth. It bounded away and took him to an abandoned house. The monstrous dog went through a hole in the wall and down the stairs to the basement. A woman was there. She turned. It was an empousa.
"Hello, demigod. I've been waiting for one of you to torture."
"Yeah, well good luck with that, witch." the demigod said. He stood and pulled out an Imperial Gold knife. It was Vulc. I blinked. Vulc's voice sounded higher pitched than I expected.
"Ah, a fighter. This will be fun. Tie him up." Two Laistrygonians lumbered from the shadows. Vulc struggled, but was knocked out. Images of torture flashed through my mind. I felt Vulc's pain with each image. Finally, the rush stopped. Vulc was dazed and still tied up. His wrists were red and rubbed raw. The empousa walked in with a medical cart laden with tools and supplies. She pulled out some surgical tools.
"Now, what should we do?"
"You could shove your head in a microwave and get a tan," Vulc said. The empousa scowled. "Or you could get some surgery and make your voice sound better."
"How about instead of my voice sounding better, I will take away yours!" The image went black and Vulc's screaming shattered my dream.
I shot up. The sun was streaming through the windows. My cabin mates were up and getting ready for breakfast.
"Hey, Leo!" A small voice shouted. Harley. The eight year old was bouncing up and down, a big grin on his face.
"Sup, Harley?"
"Has Chiron told you what we're gonna do today?"
"Nah, but probably some 'bonding' activities with the Romans."
"Like what?"
"I dunno, buddy."
"I hope he lets me do an obstacle course. 'Cause I have a bunch of ideas an-"
"Harley!" Nyssa put her hand over Harley's mouth. She lifted him up and slung the eight year old over her shoulder. "Stop talking, Harley. You'll give Leo a headache before breakfast." She threw Harley onto his bed and regarded me.
"Hermano, get up and ready. Breakfast in ten." She pulled me out of my bed and onto the cold floor. I glared at her and got my clothes. Hitting a button on the bed frame, it lowered to the counselor's room. I pulled on my t-shirt and changed into a pair of cargo shorts. Glancing over, I looked into a mirror and smiled at myself.
"You look smokin' hot today, sir." I punched another button and was raised back up to the bunk room. My cabin mates were ready.
"Autobots, roll out!" I said and marched towards the door.
"Decepticons are better!" Jake Mason called out.
"Yeah, man! Starscream is the best!" Nyssa said.
"No way! Megatron!" Shane objected.
"Optimus Prime beats all!" I shouted.
"I like Bee!" Wren put in.
"Galvatron for the win!" Someone yelled and was met with ridicule. The whole cabin argued about Transformers all the way to the dining pavilion. The Romans and a couple Greeks including me were staunch Autobot supporters while the rest of the cabin sided with the Decepticons. I looked around. Piper was heading the Aphrodite cabin, all of them checking out the Romans. Percy sauntered in with his half-brother, Tyson. Leo loved that guy. The Cyclops may have been young, but the kid could forge almost twice as many swords as the whole cabin in half the time.
Jason trudged in, noticeably tired and disheveled. I noted that Piper looked the same. I filed that in the back of his mind. Frank marched in with the Ares kids. He looked uncomfortable with the other meatheads, but he towered over all of them. I figured Frank could take on the whole cabin and win, though. Hazel and Nico di Angelo walked in discussing something. Annabeth and the Athena brainiacs were already sitting and she was talking with Reyna. I caught the praetor's eye and looked away. I led my cabin to our table. We all sat and continued the Transformers debate. I listened, but was busy staring at Reyna. Finally, the plates came around. The Romans had brought some of their air nymphs and plates were soon flying around.
After all the campers had eaten, Dionysus stood up.
"Well, I guess I have to say something because I'm the director and local god. I really don't want to, but whatever. Welcome Romans, blah, blah, blah. Try not to kill each other." The god said. "Chiron will probably explain to you brats what you lot will do today. I, personally, don't care." He sat down and began flipping through a magazine while a couple terrified satyrs tended him. Chiron rolled his eyes and addressed the demigods.
"Campers, as Mr. D said, we have planned a great many activities for you all. Today will be a free day. No assignments or activities. You may go and do what you wish. Do not go too far into the woods alone, unless you are in a group of three or more. The arena and archery range are open for free use. The canoe lake will also be available." Percy let out a whoop. Everyone laughed. Even Chiron smiled.
"Tonight, we will do a bonfire, as usual. Tomorrow, the Apollo, Dionysus, and Aphrodite cabins have cooked up something special, I am told."
"Yep. It'll be great." Will Solace said.
"We will have abbreviated activities tomorrow as a special event will take place following dinner. And tonight," Chiron smiled. "Campers are allowed to sleep where they wish. Just try not to have any 'intimate' encounters." The whole camp exploded. The rules were very clear and Chiron was very strict about the sleep rules. Leo glanced at Jason. The son of Jupiter had a massive smile on his face and was looking at Piper, who was smiling equally large. "Now, you are dismissed. Have fun and again, no killing, please!" Everyone got up and took off, searching for their friends. I watched Percy say something to Annabeth and take off towards the ocean. Annabeth walked over to me.
"Hey, Valdez. We're gonna be at the beach. Come on down, if you want." Annabeth made it sound like I didn't have a choice. Which I didn't.
"Who's 'we'?"
"Me, Seaweed Brain, Jason, Piper, Hazel, Frank, Nico, and Reyna."
"Why?"
"To hang out." I sighed.
"Do I have to?"
"Yes."
"Damn. Fine, I'll grab my suit." Annabeth walked off. She said something to Reyna and the two headed off to Cabin Eight. I walked to his cabin. Great. Reyna there? Now I could really embarrass myself.
I reached the cabin and opened the door. Vulc was there, sitting on his bunk.
"Hey man. Whatcha doin'?" Vulc glared at him. He flicked his hand.
:Shoo:
"No worries, just grabbin' my swimsuit." A head tilt.
:Why?:
"I'm going to the beach with my buddies. Wanna come?" The mute demigod shook his head.
:No:
"Alright. Peace out." I left and went to the bathrooms. Changing, I wondered why Vulc was alone. My musings were cut short by voices.
"This isn't a good idea." It was Jason.
"Just come on, Sparky. Nobody else is here." What the Hades was Piper doing in the boys room? I jumped out of the stall.
"Gotcha!" The two jumped. I noticed Piper's hands were under Jason's shirt. The blond's hair sparked.
"Leo!"
"What are you two doing?"
"N-nothing." Jason stuttered.
"None of your business, Torch." Piper said. I grinned.
"Were you two gonna do some kissy-kissy?" I asked. Jason's face went red.
"Uh, no-"
"Yeah, you were," I said. "Admit it. I know you two were together last night. Besides, aren't you gonna go to the beach?"
"Yeah, later." Piper said.
"No, now. Chaperone says so." I ordered.
"Since when were you our chaperone?" Jason asked, frowning.
"Since right now. Let's go." I threw my arms around my best friends and herded them to the beach. Both were taller, so I had to stand on my tiptoes.
When we arrived, Percy was out in the surf. He was standing on the water, like a teenage Jesus. The waves broke around him. He saw the trio and waved. A massive water hand formed and copied his gesture. Annabeth was building a sand castle, Frank had turned into a dolphin and was digging flipping through the water, Nico looked uncomfortable under an umbrella, and Hazel stood in the shallows and threw rocks out to the sea. Reyna was sitting in a chair, reading a book. Percy made a wave carry him back to the shore and he stepped onto the sand.
"Sup, guys?"
"Hey, Aquaman. Where's your fish chariot?" I asked. Percy grinned and shrugged.
"Lost it."
"Did you lose your sunscreen?" Annabeth piped up.
"What does that have to do with anything?"
"Nothing. I don't want you to get burned."
"I can't get burned, Wise Girl." He stage-whispered to me, "I can totally get burned."
"I heard that!" Annabeth jumped up and pulled out a can of spray-on sunscreen. She began spraying down Percy. Frank popped out of the ground and turned back into a human.
"Hey." He kept his expression completely deadpan, as if it was normal for animals to pop out of the ground and turn into people. Percy managed to squirm away from Annabeth and took off. He sprinted towards the ocean and dove in. A massive wave swelled and washed over the group. He popped up.
"Gotcha."
"Percy! You wrecked my castle!"
"My bad." Another wave came in. When it receded, a sandy heart was drawn with "I love you". Percy pouted. "I'm sorry?" A bigger wave came in and went out. It was a message from Poseidon. "I love you too, son" was written in cursive.
"Daaad! Really?!" Percy yelled. The ground shook, like laughter. Annabeth smiled and we all laughed. I noticed Reyna didn't. Party pooper.
"Don't be mean, Seaweed Brain." Annabeth waded in and tackled him. I grinned. Piper squeaked. I knew she loved the relationship between the two. Frank and Hazel waded out and started splashing each other. Frank turned into a giant eagle, flew up into the air and shot down. He turned into a blue whale at the last minute and a miniature tidal wave washed out. Jason took Piper's hand and flew up into the air and dropped her. She shrieked and hit the water. Jason dove down and sent a whirlwind across the surface, splashing everyone. Leo watched the three couples having a splash fight.
"Too much fluff here. I'm leaving." Nico said. The son of Hades stalked off. Reyna and I watched him go.
"Warning, emo alert." I joked. Nico turned and flipped me the bird. Reyna's expression remained neutral. Did she have any emotions?
"That was mean." I said and turned to Reyna. "Why aren't you going in?" Reyna shrugged.
"I don't like the beach. Or sand."
"'Cause it's coarse, rough, irritating, and it gets everywhere?"
"Yeah."
"Did you not get the reference?"
"What reference?"
"The sand thing. That's a quote from Star Wars: Episode Two: Attack of the Clones. Anakin and Padme are on Naboo and Anakin gripes about sand."
"I wouldn't know. I've never seen Star Wars." I gasped.
"Never seen- ay ay ay. Seems like someone is behind on pop culture."
"I've never had time to catch up with pop culture."
"All right, screw it. Let's go."
"Where to?"
"Bunker Nine. I got a projector and screen. We can watch movies and-" Reyna cut him off.
"No. I am praetor. What would the legion think if they saw me going with the demigod who attacked their home into the woods? Alone, I might add."
"Well, fine. I know you don't want to be here anymore than I do, though. I'll be off doing my thang around camp in case you wanna talk. See ya, Reyna." I walked off. I wasn't lying about having to do stuff. I headed for the Hecate cabin. When I reached the door, I knocked. It opened.
"Yes?" It was the head counselor, Lou Ellen. "Oh, hi, Leo."
"Hi. Can I borrow you for a sec?" I asked. She stepped outside.
"Sure, what's up?"
"I need your help."
"For?"
"I'll explain. Come on." I led her to the cabin. We went in. No one was there. I heard clunking coming from the downstairs forge and went down, Lou Ellen following.
Vulc was standing at an anvil, hammering away. He had taken off his shirt and his back was sweaty. I was impressed at the defined muscles of the Roman blacksmith. AC/DC's Highway to Hell blared over the speakers.
"Vulc!" I yelled. Vulc turned. He waved.
:Hi:
"What're you doing?" I hollered over the loud rock music. Vulc mimed swinging a hammer.
:Forging: He grabbed his project with some tongs and plunged it into a cooling vat. Water boiled and hissed. He pulled it back out. It was a broadsword, like the Scots might use. Six ridges ran along one edge. The blade was at least five feet long. Vulc set it aside. He glanced at Lou Ellen. He pointed and looked raised an eyebrow.
:Who's that?:
"Ah, right. Vulc, this is Lou Ellen. She's the head counselor for the Hecate cabin. Lou Ellen, Vulc, son of Vulcan. Vulc, put on your shirt and come upstairs." Vulc grabbed a rag and wiped off the sweat. Turning off the music, he pulled on his purple Camp Jupiter shirt and followed us upstairs.
Lou Ellen instructed him to lay on his bunk.
"Okay, Vulc. I want you to think your name. As if you were introducing yourself to a stranger." Vulc nodded. He closed his eyes. The daughter of Hecate placed her hand of Vulc's forehead and said some ancient Greek words. With her free hand, she waved me off. I went outside. Sitting down, I wondered what was happening.
While I was outside, who should walk by but Reyna? She noticed me sitting and ignored me. The nerve. I called her out.
"Hola, praetor-lady.
"Hello, Valdez."
"Still up for that movie offer?"
"I told you once, no. I will not lose the trust of the legion by being seen alone with a Greek terrorist."
"Oh, come on. Jason has Piper and Percy has Annabeth. Both of them were praetors."
"Yes, but those two were well liked. And they didn't blow up New Rome."
"Touche. But still. Both have Greek girlfriends."
"Percy is more Greek and Jason, while a Roman demigod, is constantly travelling. I am fully Roman and do not intend to lose the legion's trust." The door opened. Lou Ellen looked out. When she saw Reyna, she looked surprised.
"Leo, I-I got a voice sample. Um, whaddya you want me t' do with it?"
"Just put it by my bed. I'll deal with it later. Thanks." Lou Ellen waved meekly at Reyna and ran off. Reyna and I watched her go. I was about to say something when Harley ran up, crying.
"Leo, a Roman is messing with me and Nyssa." I stood, slightly ticked. No one bullies my siblings.
"Who? Where?"
"Come on, I'll show you." Harley led me to the volleyball courts where Nyssa was facing down three Romans and she looked terrified. I marched down.
"Hey! Back off!" The three turned.
"Oh, even better! It's the guy that blew up New Rome!" One said. He had a scar on his face.
"Yeah, and the little fry, too." his friend said. He had missing teeth, like a pirate.
"Guys, what should we do?" Scar said. The last one, a blond guy grinned and pulled out a knife.
"I think we should make these three hurt. Take 'em to the woods." Pirate grabbed Harley.
"Put him down. Now." My voice was deadly calm.
"Or what?" Blond said. I glared and fire flared in my hands.
"Or I'll turn you into a crisp." I said. Blond snarled and charged me. Pirate and Scar held Harley and Nyssa and watched. I noticed Reyna running to the scuffle. A crowd gathered. Not wanting to hurt the other demigod, I extinguished my flames.
The blond Roman was bigger than me by a lot. No surprises there. But I was smaller and quicker and probably smarter. The knife slashed and I dodged. I rolled underneath Blond and popped up behind him. I threw my fist and hit the back of my opponent. The demigod stumbled. He turned, slashing with his knife. I couldn't get out of the way fast enough and the blade across my gut. I fell, pain everywhere. Blood seeped through my shirt. I looked down and saw a red line across my left side. My legs gave out and I collapsed. Reyna punched my attacker's arm, making him drop the knife. Damn. That's hot. I heard Reyna's frantic call for help and watched Will Solace and Nico scamper over. Nico tackled the Roman and held him down.
"Hey, Valdez. Stay with me, buddy." Will commanded. I gritted my teeth.
"Kinda hard to."
"You're going into shock." he said. Turning to the crowd, he yelled for his supplies.
"Hold on, buddy. I got this." I muttered. Lifting my hand, I willed flames to appear. Orange whisps flickered to life. I concentrated. They slowly collected and blazed white. I put the white fire over my wound. It felt like thousands of bugs crawling around, biting and stinging. I hissed in pain and pulled my hand away. The blood was caked and dried. My shirt was singed and burned. But the wound itself was cauterized. I grinned weakly at Will.
"Guess I don't need stitches, huh?" And I passed out.
Chapter 2 is in Reyna's POV. Again, sorry if characters are OOC. Its a fanfic, what're you gonna do? Since I'm a guy, Leo is easier to write than Reyna. R&R PLZ. -RFA