~Thalia~
"So Thalia what do you think of camp?" Sara asked.
"There's literally no words to explain how I feel. I love this place, especially New Rome. A place where demigods can live their lives in peace, I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact, that all 5 Cohorts aren't just full of demigods but legacies as well." I said astonished. Sara had just finished giving me a tour of camp, and we were currently walking to the dining hall from the shrines to the gods.
"So what's the deal with the tattoos? I've noticed that there's quite a good number of people with them, except you and some others."
"To receive a tattoo is like a great honor, it symbolizes that you're committed to the legion and fighting to protect Rome and all her beauty and to make sure her empire lives on." Sara explained proudly.
"You must really love Rome." I said stating the obvious.
"Of course I do. When I found who I truly was and what that could mean, I was scared but I was more scared for my dad. He new what I was but didn't care, So I left home. A 7 year old girl by herself and just when I thought I wouldn't make it, Lupa found me. She and her pack were hunting monster, I just happened to be near by. Usually when Lupa senses fear in us then she kills us, but for me not only did she sense my fear but the courage to fight. She brought me here. She gave me a reason to fight and not just to protect my dad, but the beauty of that which is Rome. Rome is order, power and civilization. That's my reason for fighting." Hearing Sara explained the whole tattoo and her reason for fighting made me sort of jealous. Even though I couldn't remember anything prior to 3 days ago, I knew that I only fought for myself and envied that of Sara because I wanted that feeling. By the pride in her voice and that faraway look, gods how much I wanted to feel that.
"Anyway we should hurry or we'll be late for dinner." Sara said snapping us both out of a daze and smiling at me.
"Yea led the way."
_
~Dining Hall~
"Hey Sara over here." Eric waves us over to where he's sitting. The hall was outside with five pillars on all four sides holding up a triangular shape roof. Multiple tables where the soldiers sat chatting with friends. Except for one long rectangular table in the front, where the Praetors sat side by side.
"Thalia I'd like for you to meet my older brother Jonah he's also the Centurion of the 3rd legion platoon." Eric's brother was much like himself except his skin tone had a golden tint to it. He also had a tattoo with 4 bars, where Eric had 3 with a bow that was on fire.
"It's nice to meet you Thalia, Eric told me a bit about you specially with the rumors going around."
"What rumors?"
"You being a daughter of a Jupiter, Neptune, or Pluto ." All three of them answered.
Before I could say anything on the matter however all the attention was called to the front.
"Romans we have two things to announce. The first is about the rumor that has been going around camp. Thalia Grace stand." Brendon commanded causing me to mumble about shoving a lightning bolt in very unpleasant places, while getting to my feet for all to see.
"Centurions who will take Thalia Grace, daughter of Jupiter into their fold." This time it was Maria that spoke causing the room to go silent, before all chaos broke lose with everyone trying to yell over one another. Everyone except one."
"Salience." Maria shouts using charm speak. "Now one at a time. She continued after taking a breath to calm herself.
"Centurion Caleb of the 1st Legion we will be honored to have you."
"Centurion Zac of the 2nd Legion has the quality befitting the Kings daughter.
"Centurion Jacob of the 4th has better use for you"
"Centurion Nicole of the 5th we could really need Jupiters daughter to bring back our honor."
Everything that kept coming out their mouths sounded the same to me. They all wanted me because of who my father was. They didn't want me for my combat skills or to get to know who I truly was. The only person who didn't say anything was Jonah, all he did was just sit there eating his dinner.
"Well daughter of Jupiter. Who will you choose?" Brendon asked with an annoyed expression on his face.
I looked at all the leaders of the individual cohorts one more time, before looking at Jonah who finally looked up from his plate at me. From the look on his face it was clear he to was wondering what I'd do. No not wondering but curious more like it.
"I choose the 3rd legion under the leadership of Centurion Jonah Dunn." I answered with a smirk.
"How does the leader of the 3rd legion respond to this?" Maria asked.
Jonah was quite for a few minutes still looking me in the eye, until a ear splitting grin spread across his face. "The 3rd gladly accepts Thalia Grace within our ranks." He answered causing everyone in the 3rd to erupt in cheers. And for some odd reason I couldn't help but be happy."
"All right Romans settle down. We still have one more matter to discuss with you all." Maria said getting everyone's attention once the 3rd calmed down.
"This was something we wanted to keep from you. But as your leaders that wouldn't be wise." Maria went on.
"An entire scouting team full of retired veterans, who volunteered for the mission has gone missing. What's worse is that their last report gives away a camp of monsters in Washington." Brendon says picking up after Maria causing unease to wash over the legion. "What makes this even worse." He goes on saying. "Is that it appears they're planning on attacking camp, and as you know our defenses aren't as strong like they used to be since we lost our eagle."
Everyone shot the 5th dirty looks, while they lowered their heads in shame. Causing me to give Eric and them a questioning look, and them mouthing they'll explain later.
"We've spotted scouts studying our borders, looking for weakness to exploit. We tell you this so you will be more on guard and be more prepared on duty. Take heart Romans. We will not be defeated, when these monsters decide to show their faces at our door. We shall show them the power of Rome!" Brendon shouts causing everyone shout as well, all their unease and nervousness replaced with valor.
_
~3rd Barracks~
"So the 5th lost the legions it's eagle, and a entire platoon. All because Michael Yew the Praetor of the time misinterpreted a prophecy." I recite back making sure I understood everything.
"Yep you got it all right. They've gone down in history as the lost legion, and Michael the worst praetor in history. Ever since then the 5th has never been the same."Sara said.
"That and they're the laughing stock. Every chance people get they remind them of their hugest failure." Eric pitches in.
"Anyway we should get to bed, our squad has combat training in the morning." Eric advised heading to bed.
"Alright." I agreed. "Wait what!"
_
~Morning~
"Did I mention how much I HATE mornings." Pronouncing the word hate clearly.
"Come on Thalia it could be worse." Sara said twirling her sword.
"Easy for you to say. You're the sword master, me on the other hand fill extremely awkward with mine. Are you sure I didn't have any weapons with me?"
"Positive."
"Ugh that's just great." I groaned looking around until I spotted a gold spear. "That'll work for me." I nod toward the spear going to pick it up. It was well balanced and had enough weight near the tip, where it was a three pronged blade.
"It fits you perfectly." Sara commented seeing me twirly the spear in both hands, behind my back above my head, and finishing with a downward slash with electricity sparking at the end.
"Not bad." She Complemented.
"Thanks. Why is it gold though?"
"That's imperial gold. It's weapons that were forged in Rome in the height of its power. Sadly we can't make any more because those secrets are long forgotten." She explained.
"Isn't there anymore?"
"No. That's another thing the 5th are ashamed of. Because not only did they lose the eagle an entire platoon, but all the imperial gold weaponry we had."
"Well shit. Isn't there anything the 5th hasn't screwed up?" I asked.
Before she could answered me an alarm went off, causing everyone around us to gather their gear and take off toward the gate. By the look on Sara's face I knew it meant one thing. We were under attack.