Changed Hero
Chapter 2: The Cabins
Percy's Point of View
I began to lead them to their cabins. I had a feeling things weren't going to go over smoothly with their arrival. All Romans are trained to hate Greeks. The other campers nearly killed me before I proved my worth. Apparently, there were rumors about evil soldiers with orange shirts going around slaying Romans on quests. Lupa couldn't refuse the demand to put me in the coliseum to fight until I died because almost every camper wanted to kill me. Fortunately, nothing could kill me. So, Lupa and the rest of camp accepted me. I quickly rose through the ranks because of my power and my performance in the arena. I felt like I belonged here. I had been at the Roman Legion for about a year, but about two months ago, my memories came back. I told Lupa about them, but she just told me that I must choose which side my allegiances are on. I sat and thought about my two choices. I remembered how I had liked it at the Greek camp. When I had first arrived, I felt like I belonged, after everyone got over the fact that I was a son of Neptune, or Poseidon. During the war though I felt like even though I was surrounded by good warriors, everyone expected me to win the war for them. The Greeks were too dysfunctional in war times and relied too much on a few people. I know we had people planning, but it never worked out very well. If someone's 'honor' was hurt, they would refuse to come in as reinforcements. After I thought about all of the good and bad at the Greek camp, I thought about the good and bad at the Roman camp. Sure, they were stricter, but they were organized and I felt like I belonged here. People judged me less on the fact that I was a son of Neptune and more on my capabilities, though being a son of Neptune helped. I could go back to Camp Half-Blood, but I don't think that I could give up the Roman way of life. I found myself subconsciously rubbing my arm where my tattoo was when the girl Annabeth said, "Why are you rubbing your arm?"
"Just thinking about the day I proved my worth to the Legion."
The boy Leo spoke up, "What does that have to do with your arm?"
Jason answered for me, "It is the day you receive your tattoo and are accepted into the ranks."
In response, I took the bracer off of my arm so that they could see it. "It has a trident for my father Neptune, SPQR is written there obviously, and the bars stand for my years of training."
The girl Annabeth had a confused look on her face. "Why do you look so confused? This is fairly simple, and besides aren't you a daughter of Minerva?"
"I am a daughter of Athena, and I am confused because you shouldn't have that many bars on your arm."
"Lupa thought it only fair that I get credit for my years at Camp Half-Blood. Four bars for my training there and one bar for my year spent here. Here is the Venus cabin." I knocked on the door and the cabin leader Gwendolyn opened the door.
She saluted to me and said, "Commander, what brings you here?"
"Gwen this is your new cabin mate," at this I motioned for Piper to step forward. "She will be under your command. Treat her as any other soldier. Lupa has said that if they are hurt, the person who injured them will be punished."
"What if she happens to be injured while training, or if she falls behind in the runs?"
"If she falls behind, treat her as you would any other soldier. Oh, and this one charmspeaks, so if she tries using it report her to me immediately."
"Yes Commander."
I then turned and headed for the Minerva cabin. I really disliked all Minerva children. They are such know-it-alls. They were the ones who disliked me the most, but I had won their respect at least. I knocked on the Minerva cabins door and their cabin leader Mason stepped out.
He stiffly saluted, "Commander, have you brought us the Greek filth that Bobby has spoken of?"
"Yes, here she is."
"Has Lupa given any specifics on how they are to be treated?"
"Don't harm them without permission from Lupa, but treat them as you would any other soldier. Don't unduly punish them though because it would be my duty as Commander to punish you and as much as we dislike each other I would hate to have to punish you over a Greek."
"Of course Commander."
I then headed off to the Vulcan cabin. When we arrived the cabin leader, Zack opened the door.
"Hello Commander, Bobby has already told me what is to be done with the boy."
"Good Zack. The boy is a fire bender so watch him."
"Yes Commander."
Zack closed the door and I turned to Jason, "Jason, you will be joining me for marching and activities since I am the only one in my cabin and you are the only one in yours. Lupa told me before you awoke that after She decided what to do with the Greeks, I am to test you in the arena."
"Yes Commander."
Jason's Point of View
Percy had just told me that he was going to test me in the arena. I was a little frightened, but I thought I could pass the test. I had heard about Percy's power during my stay at Camp Half-blood. I had friends at the Greek camp, and of course Piper who I hadn't really decided my feelings for, but it felt good to be home. We quickly arrived at the coliseum. I walked over to the weapons area to get some armor. Once I had geared up, I walked out to the center of the arena to meet Percy. And then the battle began. Our swords clashed. I reverted to my Roman self. I was still aware of my surroundings, but I was focused on the battle. My emotions were hidden behind a mask. We seemed to be evenly matched. Then I began to get the upper hand. I saw this as my chance to strike. My blows came faster and I was gaining ground but I hadn't landed any blows. Out of nowhere, Percy slid his sword up the flat of my blade and twisted, successfully disarming me. I had lost the fight. Percy lowered his sword, "You fight as a Roman. It was a close fight. Just make sure you don't get to overconfident."
"Thank you, Commander."
"I you had to choose between fighting for the Legion and fighting for Camp Half-blood, which side would you choose?"
"I would choose the Legion Commander." It was then I noticed Lupa watching. I turned and bowed to her, "Mistress Lupa."
"Percy, do you believe Jason is lying?"
"No Mistress, he shows no signs of lying."
"I am in agreement. Jason, I will not kill you. Welcome back to the Legion. You will serve under Percy still." Then Lupa darted out of the arena.
"Commander, what do you wish for me to do now?"
"You may call me Percy. Lupa called off the afternoon march because of the cabin leaders meeting. We still have about an hour until then so you can go and get settled in your cabin. I will come and get you for the meeting, but if you have any questions before then, I will be at my cabin."
