A/N
How's it going guys. So, we recently hit 450 views, only 350 or so visitors so some of you really like flipping back to this on the web or something, but yeah! I wanna say that this is a good thing, but I kinda feel like it's not, as out of the maybe 160 or so people that have read this, only 19 are following, and my reviews are the same people for the most part.. (LittleMan, Alpha Omega, and Cupcake, love you guys!). As this is my first story, I really don't know if this is a good thing or not yet, but I guess somebody will tell me at some point (plz).
Anyway, this is going to be a little bit (KEYWORD LITTLE) longer than my other chapters so far. I could've shortened it to remain consistent but where's the fun in that eh? I'm thinking that my general update day will be every friday from now on people. Also, nobody aside from Alpha has let me know what they are feeling pairing wise, so if any of you have a preference please let me know and I will take it into consideration.
To all you beautiful reviewers, there were no questions this time so I'm just going to say thank you to you guys as a group! You all rock, as do all those people who are following and/or have favourited!
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters or aspects of the PJO franchise. I do however own any original characters that might pop up as well as the fictional alternate universe this is based in.
Chapter 4
The First Games
The eight months that followed the cadets first day of training were no different than it. Day after day the three hundred and thirty second were put through gruelling training, both physically in the arena, and mentally in the classrooms, their bodies were spent after every initial regime. Slowly however, but surely, they began to build up their strength. The workouts and training became a little easier, and their minds became more adapt to battle and strategy.
At the end of these months, their skills had grown sharper, and all of them that could not before were now able to handle themselves in a fight. Percy, Thalia, and Nico, were good, but over time they had learned that there were many others in the battalion who were just as skilled, if not better.
Luke Castellan was an incredibly skilled natural swordsman like Percy, and a hell of a shot to boot. Zoe Nightshade was a master with the Viro-Bow, and was as agile as a wood nymph of the Seelie System. Clarisse La Rue was incredibly strong, and a skilled warrior with both the assault rifle and her Plasma spear she called Maimer, though her hot temper had caused many a dispute with other cadets in the past and would have been easily exploitable in a fight. The list went on, as there were many great warriors it seemed in the three hundred thirty second.
When the first morning of the ninth month came around, Percy and Nico routinely dressed in their workout uniform attire and made their ways down to the main lounge. They exited a door with a few of their other squadron members who had got there at the same time, Conner and Travis Stoll, and Katie Gardner. The identical twins always wore mischievous smiles as though they had some grand scheme planned, both stood at a taller height with their blue eyes darting back and forth and brown hair swaying. Katie Gardner was much different. The girl wore a kind smile most of the times Percy had seen her, and there was a sincere warmth in her green eyed gaze that just made Percy know he could trust her. She had brown, almost rosy coloured hair, and stood at a modest height.
The Alpha squadron members greeted each other as they made their way towards the growing group of cadets forming ranks. They lined up side by side in the front row and were soon joined by Thalia and Annabeth. Each cadet had over the months gained their first badge of rank on their sleeve by this time in some way or another through training, and each wore it like a medal of honour.
When all were gathered, Captain Blain began to speak, however this time instead of explaining the importance of training like he had every other morning for the past few months, he spoke of something that greatly enticed the cadets.
"Right then, listen up troops! Today, we will be doing something a bit different."
Murmuring broke out among the crowd, but it was immediately silenced by Blain's raised hand.
"For the past eight months you have been put through rigorous training, and you will continue to be for the rest of your stay at this school, however now, you get to experience the more… Competitive part of your stay with this academy. Today, cadets, you will begin your experience in the games."
The cadets were unsure of how to react to this, but many assumed it was a good thing as it meant their harsh training would not occur today, and so they began to smile and clap. The captain let them go on for a few seconds, then silenced the crowd once more.
"Now, after this year, you will compete as one against other battalions. However, due to your current inexperience in the field, for the final four months of this term you will be competing against your fellow squad members. Once the year is over, your statistics will be analyzed and along with the leaders and minor officers of your individual squadrons, a Centurion will be chosen to lead this battalion. Now, before you get all worked up and jumpy again, fall in and follow Jensen and I to the northern forest, double time recruits!"
In his black uniform cargo pants, and dark grey uniform workout shirt, Percy jogged in sync with the rest of the cadets. They made their way down the path towards the arena, but instead of going into it as they always had, Captain Blain lead them around, and down a back trail, which lead to the Northern gate. The four Hoplites manning it immediately stopped whatever it was that they were doing to give a quick salute to the captain, then ran to get the giant shining metal gate open.
As the group of cadets continued their jog through the gates, they took in their surroundings. The woods were unknown territory for them, and the lush trees to all sides gave off a dark an almost eerie vibe. It was a lush wooded area, and all the trees were bright with green leaves, bushes littered the underbrush and birds could be heard distantly chirping in the wind.
Percy squinted his eyes as the group went deeper and deeper into the forest, and was able to make out a large fortress like structure, surrounded by many different bunkers. Now that he had picked up, he realized there seemed to be hidden bunkers everywhere scattering through the woods. Percy saw light ahead of the him and the group jogged out into a lush green field. The area was quite beautiful, and Percy was awed by all the different flowers that could be seen.
Blain raised his hand, bringing the company to a halt, then turned to address them.
"Right then, now as most of you better have seen when we passed it a minute back, there is a large base of operations for one of our teams in the side of the woods we just came from. The other base, will be in the same spot to our north. Squadron one and three, you will take the base we passed, two and four, you will take the one to our north. Your weapons and equipment will be found in the main bunker of said base as well as a mandatory armband each member of the team must wear to differentiate you from your opponents. The objective of the game for today is to eliminate all members of the opposing team, plain and simple. Any shot that would result in death will immobilize your target until the end of the game, if it is simply a shot that would maim or wound, then the target will have the area hit paralyzed. When your HUD's say go, the game is on, and it will not end until one team has emerged victorious. Now, off with you lot, move it!"
Percy and Alpha Squad, along with Gamma Squad, made their way back the way they had come from as instructed. Percy was anxious. He knew that his squadron was capable, as was Gamma, but the odds it seemed were not in their favour. They were up against some of the best in the battalion. Zoe was the leader in all but name of delta squadron, which by some odd coincidence was made up of all girls, very dangerous girls, but also arrogant. Thalia, Annabeth, and Luke Castellan were all a part of Beta squad, and had a good core group of soldiers to back them. Alpha had some big names of it's own, and Clarisse may have been the defacto leader of Gamma, but it would be a hard fight to win.
The two squads slowly walked through the gates of their 'Home Base', taking in the place. Percy looked around too, but instead of simply admiring it, he was thinking strategically. He examined each of the four towers, the height of the walls, the few holes that marred the walls here and there, and thought of where it would be best to place defenders. While he was doing this, Nico had walked over with most of the other cadets and grabbed equipment for both he and Percy.
Upon returning to his friend, and seeing him still analyzing the defences, Nico chuckled to himself.
He's more like his father than he'd ever care to admit. The boy mused, before tossing Percy a training sword with blue sparking edges.
Percy was completely caught off guard, but his instincts took over and he caught the blade mid air. He scowled at Nico, who wore a cheeky grin and handed him the rest of his equipment. Percy put on the dark kevlar vest and gauntlets, the black helmet with a blue visor (It looks like a Corinthian helmet, but has breathing tubes stretching down both sides of the face, the eye and mouth slants are completely covered by tinted blue material that acts as Percy's HUD, and the symbol of Chaos is present on the forehead of all training helms. For those of you that want a proper visualization of the training armour and whatnot, go to the ending author's note and follow the instructions, then come back here and continue to read!), and blue armband one by one, then flung his gun holster around his back, and sword holster at his hip. With his helmet on, his HUB came to life, and a number of fifty in both his top corners of vision appeared. Captain Blain came on the speaker in his helm, and he focused in on his voice.
"I hope the equipment is to all your likings recruits, if it's not, deal with it. Now, as you can see, you have two number fifties in each corner of your visors. these represent the number of opponents and allies you have left on in play. Your friends are on the right, your enemies on the left. Everything you do while wearing these helmets can be viewed by Jensen or I, as well as the board of directors, so make sure you are always performing to the best of your abilities! Good luck soldiers, and may the best team win."
Blain's voice tuned out and a countdown of one minute popped up on Percy's HUD. Quickly, he ran over towards Clarisse, Nico hot on his trail, and stood beside her. The taller well built girl was surrounded by a few of her squadmates, and was giving them orders she wanted executed once the match began.
"Mark, take 5 of our men and march out the right side. Sherman, take another five and march up the left. I will take the remainder and lead the vanguard up the center, any questions?" The girl asked in an authoritative voice.
Both the Gamma squadron members shook their heads and the girl nodded. She then turned to Percy and looked him over.
"What do you need Jackson?"
"Why are you splitting your forces?" Percy wore a blank expression.
"Why do you care?" The girl snorted in response.
"I care because when you and yours are picked off right away from being in small groups, then it puts my squadron at a disadvantage. We'd have to face two squadrons alone."
Clarisse's expression was one of annoyance and slight anger at that point, and she got in Percy's face. Nico took a step forward as if to help him, and across the base Percy could see Leo begin to head over scowling, Charles and Silena close behind him. Percy raised a hand and all of his friends stopped, nodding.
"What makes you think this will happen Jackson?" The girl growled.
"I've seen Zoe in battle tactics and strategy class, and while she would not shy away from an open fight, her prefered method of warfare is that of stealth and ambush, guerilla tactics almost. If you continue on with this plot, you will be playing right into her hands." Percy shrugged.
Clarrise looked down at this, knowing he was right, but then smirked and look back into his eyes.
"What makes you think Zoe will be the one in charge, your friend Annabeth is by far the best strategist on that team, would they not agree that the logical choice to go by would be her strategy and not Zoe's?"
Percy chuckled a little. "Of course of course, but you forget the stubbornness of Zoe and the Delta squadron itself. Plus, Annabeth is smart, and anybody, especially her, would be able to see that an ambush in this lovely wooded terrain is a logical and sound option."
Clarisse tried to form another argument, but couldn't, and eventually growled then nodded in acceptance.
"Alright Jackson, you win this time. What would you have us do then?"
Percy thought on that for a moment. If a small scouting party was seen by Zoe and Delta, then he assumed their arrogance would lead them to move in, regardless of the fact that they would be revealed, but he knew Annabeth would argue against this move, causing divide in the enemy troops. This would likely lead to Zoe charging her squadron forward alone, while Annabeth or Luke lead Beta back to base. Percy smiled, and explained this to Clarisse.
"Well, gotta say I didn't think of that.. Gamma is with you Jackson, but is Alpha?" She looked behind him to see that many members of Alpha were doing their own thing in small clusters.
Percy pulled his training rifle from his back and fired once into the air, right as the word go flashed across his HUD. The members of Alpha, instead of running in their own directions as they had been about to do, stopped and turned to look toward the area the shot had come from. With their attention on them, Percy addressed his squad.
He explained exactly as he had to Clarisse. Percy could see many heads nodding in the crowd, but the odd one or two seemed torn.
"Gamma squadron backs Jackson." He heard Clarisse say to his left side.
This statement seemed to strengthen the remainders resolve, and looking around Percy realized that Alpha was with him.
"We're with ya Perce, just tell us what to do and where to go." Travis Stoll said from his spot between his twin and Katie Gardner.
Percy smiled to him, and ordered the troops to follow him. He left five cadets behind to guard the base under the command of Charles Beckendorf in case things went poorly and they had to fall back. The remaining forty four troops marched out the main gate with Percy, and together they set down the trail.
Upon reaching a spot just outside the big field in the center, Percy asked for four volunteers to come to the front. Leo stepped forth from Alpha, and two boys and one girl stepped forth from Gamma.
"Now, I'm going to need you four to act as the 'bait' in this operation. You will be playing the role of the scouting party here, and will walk out into the field as though you are looking for any sight of the enemy. The moment the first shot comes your way, I want you to run back here as fast as you can, and lead Delta right down this main trail. Anywhere else and the plan will not work, understood?"
The three members from Gamma nodded, but Leo looked at him with a blank expression.
"Uh, no, could you repeat all of that please? I wasn't really paying attention.." Leo said with a stupid look on his face.
Percy laid his face in the palm of his hand and sighed.
"I kid boss I kid, Leo Valdez has this in the bag!" The curly haired boy said smiling.
"Sure you do champ, now, get into position and go be a good piece of bait at my signal." Percy chuckled lightly. Leo gave an exaggerated salute and walked off with the Gamma cadets. Percy turned around and began arranging the rest of the cadets in the underbrush. They hid in the bushes and behind any natural ridges they could find to each side of the main trail. Some were positioned in a bunker looking out towards the field incase Beta decided to charge out to Zoe's aid. Not likely, but precautions had to be taken all the same for any circumstance.
Once all his troops were in position, Percy waved the 'scouting party' forward into the field. Lead by Leo, the four cadets advanced. Percy had to admit they played their part well. One of the members from Gamma had even managed to procure a set of binoculars from the main base and was scanning the tree line. The others took position around her, crouching low in the medium length grass and acting as any scouting party would, watching their environment.
Quicker than Percy could blink, the green flash of a Viro-Arrow zoomed across the field and took one of the boys from Gamma in the chest, dissolving on impact and removing him instantly from the game. Had this been real combat, Percy would have just sent the boy to his death.
"He knew what he was walking into." Clarisse said from beside him, and he nodded slowly.
The scouting party quickly turned on thier heels and high tailed it back to blue team's side of the field. It seemed that they had moved instantly out of range, as no more green flashes came for a time. The scouting party made their way back into the cover of Percy's woods within thirty seconds, yet still no members of Delta appeared from the other side of the clearing. The cadets on Percy's team began to grow restless, and a little anxious.
"Shouldn't they have followed by now?" He heard a voice say far off to his right.
"Shut up you idiot! They might hear you!" Another hissed in a quieter tone.
Another long pause occurred, and with no sign of activity coming from the other side of the field, Percy had begun to question whether they should pull back or not. Right as he was about to voice this thought however, a motion of black and silver appeared from the woods across the way, then another, and another. Soon, the entirety of Delta was in the field and crossing. Following the style of Zoe, the female warband that was Delta had all opted to use a Viro-Bow, and had trained vigorously with them together over the past few months. They could hit a shot just as far away and just and accurately as some of Alpha's best snipers, such as Michael Yew and Will Solace.
Percy's ambush capitalized on this factor however, as while Delta might hold the advantage at a distance, when they walked into his trap, the cadets would be very close to them, able to accurately pick off the girls in mass waves. He expected that there might be some close combat in the final stages of the ambush, so he had his sword ready at his side, and instructed the most competent of the other cadets in close quarters to be near the front of their ambush lines and ready to rush in with him should the need arise.
Delta grew closer and closer to their lines and all of the blue team crouched low into their hiding positions, while the scouting party ran further down the road, then stopped and turned as though they were making a final stand.
Zoe Nightshade herself was at the head the column of Delta members that made it's way down the road. They ran gracefully between Clarisse and Percy's troops, not noticing any of them. When all of them had entered the forest, and the majority of their members were in the middle of the hidden cadets, Percy gave a battle cry and sprung up from his spot, gunning down the first enemy cadet he saw. His cry was echoed almost instantly by the others, and the underbrush around Delta came to life with Alpha and Gamma Squad members.
Most of Delta was cut down right away. They fell in groups as the blue training plasma bullets made contact with them until only a few remained at the head of the collum, lead by Zoe. The girl, who had initially been caught off guard, had now gathered the four remaining Delta members she could and ran head first at Leo and the remaining two 'scouts' frowning fiercely to show her anger at having fell for such a trap. The scouts were firing at the girls head on, but only managed to drop two of them due to their agility. Percy stepped out from his position and onto the trail. He raised his rifle to his shoulder and slowly took a deep breath, lining up his sight with Zoe's back. As his breath released, he squeezed down on the trigger and watched in satisfaction as the 'leader' of Delta crumpled to the ground in a paralyzed heep. The last two Delta members were caught so off guard that they paused briefly in their charge, and this pause cost them their in games lives. Leo and the two Gamma Scouts lit them up, and they soon joined Zoe on the ground.
A loud cheer rang through Alpha and Gamma squadrons, who had only lost two of their combined members each. Blue team was sitting in a very clear lead at this moment, with the number on the left side of their HUD's reading twenty five, and the one in the top right reading forty seven. Percy smiled to himself from within the confines of his helmet, his plan had led his fellow cadets to a big victory. He knew however that there was no time to waste celebrating, and quickly rallied Alpha to him and began marching across the field towards the enemy main base, Clarisse close behind with Gamma.
When the enemy base came into sight, the cadets of blue team encircled it. Percy had called back to Beckendorf and the base defenders to come meet up with the main force on his HUD, and while they waited for them, Percy, Clarisse, Nico, Leo, and Clarisse's two seeming under officers Mark and Sherman, worked together to try and make a plan that would lead them to taking the base with as little casualties as possible.
"I say we just storm it. We have the numbers on our side, and while we may lose a few more troops, eventually we'd overpower them." Mark spoke first.
Nico shook his head. "No, the Captain will look more favourably on our victory if it is decisive rather than pyrrhic. We need to make sure as many of us that can make it through this assault."
Percy nodded at this, as his friend had spoken exactly as he had been thinking, Clarisse however seemed to disagree.
"We followed Jackson for the ambush, now it should be my turn! I agree with Mark, storming the place is the easiest and most logical option." She said hefting up her rifle.
A plan began to formulate in Percy's head, and he smiled.
"You did indeed follow my plan in the beginning, and look how many of our team are still up and fighting because of it." He said, receiving a glare from Clarisse before continuing. "I propose, we use Mark's plan, but also, utilize the terrain to our advantage, and have some Alpha flank round both side will Gamma does the assault." Clarisse raised a brow at this.
"What were you thinking Jackson?"
Percy drew his sword and sketched out a nice rough drawing of their location, and that of the base. He then drew four different boxes, three with and A on them, one in the center with a G. He then drew arrows showing where they would go. Two A's were positioned to the right and left flanks, but far back enough that they would not be seen by the defenders of the base. The box with a G and the last box with and A were both right in front of the base, and had arrows going straight on.
"Right, here's how we're going to do this." Percy began, taking his blade and first pointing it at the boxes directly in front of the base. "Half of Alpha will advance with all of Gamma in a full frontal assault. However, it will be organized, and you will advance behind cover with acting support whenever you move up." Clarisse grunted at this, and Percy turned to her.
"Clarisse, how many members of Gamma picked up a portable shield?"
"Maybe seven or eight, not many thought it would come in handy as they're using assault rifles." The girl shrugged.
Percy grimaced. With that little amount of shields this would be much more difficult. He knew some shield bearers would fall with each push, so the advance would be highly dependant on support gunners. He straightened himself and nodded, putting on a better face for his fellow cadets.
"Right then, all those with shields will advance down the main trail at the entrance head on. Each shield bearer will have a gunner at their back, and should they fall, the gunner will stop giving support coverage and pick up the shield themselves, everybody got that?" Those around Percy nodded in response, and he smiled, moving to the two boxes on either side of the base with A's on them.
"Right, now these little squadrons will be small. Five men to a party, and I want Michael Yew in one, and Will Solace in the other, as well as a spotter for each of them. Each squadron will sneak around on both sides, position their snipers to take out any sentries that are not drawn off by the main assault, and advance to enter the base from the rear ends, flanking the main defender line and crippling their defence. Nico you will lead the squadron on the left, I will take the right. Clarisse, you will spearhead the main assault. Any questions?" Percy raised his head from looking down at his sketched out plan in the dirt to see all the other cadets around him looking in his direction, with something akin to awe in their eyes. Clarisse was the first to break the silence.
"Hell yeah Jackson, let's take em down!" She hefted her spear and rifle, then walked off to gather her troops, Mark and Sherman close behind her. Nico did the same to go find the few people he'd need in his team and Will Solace. Percy nodded for Leo to follow him, then gathered Michael Yew, Beckendorf, and Selina. Once in position, he looked across the field to see that Nico had picked up the Stolls and Katie Gardner to join him and Will.
Smart choices buddy. Percy silently praised him.
He turned his attention back to his task, and when he heard Clarisse give a mighty war cry from the center trail, he and his team broke off in a wide right angle. He heard shots being fired to his left, and knew that the Vanguard must have made contact already.
"Double time cadets! If this is going to work we need the vanguard to still be alive when we flank!" He called to his followers, who picked up the pace at his words.
Within a minute they arrived at a prime sniper's resting position, and Michael banked off from the group to take his spot. Selina followed to act as his spotter, while Percy, Leo, and Beck slowly began to move towards the back right wall of the base.
"Hold up, you have two sentries in the tower there Percy." Michael called over his HUD. Percy raised a hand to signal his friends to stop, then they all dropped low into the surrounding shrubbery.
"How you wanna handle this Yew?" Percy responded.
"I can take them, I just need to wait for one to turn their b-" Michael's voice cut out, and Percy was worried that he might have been found, but when he turned and saw one of the sentries fall facing one way, then the other soon after facing the other, he smiled.
"Great work Yew!" He said into his HUD speaker.
"Yeah yeah, now go take em out and win this for us bossman."
Percy waved his hand to get Leo and Beck to their feet, and together they advanced into the rear end of the base. Upon entering, Percy peered around the corner of the command center, taking note of all the defenders and their positions. He then called out to Nico on his HUD.
"Hey goth, you guys in?"
"Nah I decided to take a break there Perce, we turned around and went to find the closest food joint." Percy heard giggling in the background of Nico's reply that must've belonged to the Stolls.
"Ha, ha, ha. Now, be ready on my mark." He raised his rifle, and let out a deep breath from the inside of his Helmet.
"Three." Percy inhaled.
"Two." Exhaled.
"One." He placed his finger on the trigger, lining up his sights.
"Mark." He fired, as did all his fellow companions.
His plan had worked perfectly.
Surprise ending out of nowhere trap card activated! Nah you all probably saw that coming. For those of you who are here for the visual image of the cadet training armour, look up hero machine 2.5 on google (It's a program I used as a kid and I thought it would be nice to show you guys what I was kinda thinking so you can see the cadets as I see them, don't judge me!), click on load character, then paste this code (It's long AF).
2.5b7*m1*Chaos Training Battle Gear*Hair:Standard,fraBlank,ffffff,ffffff,100,100,23,Eyebrows:Standard,fraBlank,ffffff,ffffff,100,100,21,Eyes:Standard,fraBlank,ffffff,ffffff,100,100,20,Nose:Standard,fraBlank,ffffff,ffffff,100,100,27,Mouth:Standard,fraBlank,ffffff,ffffff,100,100,18,Beard:Standard,fraBlank,ffffff,ffffff,100,100,26,Ears:Standard,fraBlank,ffffff,ffffff,100,100,19,Skin:Standard,fraBlank,ffffff,ffffff,100,100,6,Mask:Standard,fraBlank,ffffff,ffffff,100,100,22,Headgear:Standard,fraBlank,ffffff,ffffff,100,100,29,Undershirt:Standard,midsleeve,9C9C9C,9C9C9C,100,100,7,Overshirt:Standard,studded,000000,000000,100,100,8,Coat:Standard,fraBlank,ffffff,ffffff,100,100,25,RightGlove:Standard,fraBlank,ffffff,ffffff,100,100,17,LeftGlove:Standard,fraBlank,ffffff,ffffff,100,100,16,Insignia:Standard,fraBlank,FFFFFF,FFFFFF,100,100,9,Neckwear:Standard,fraBlank,ffffff,ffffff,100,100,24,Belt:Standard,crossingguard,181818,9C9C9C,100,100,15,Leggings:Standard,stripes,181818,070707,100,100,10,Overleggings:Standard,capris,000000,070707,100,100,11,Pants:Standard,bdu,070707,070707,100,100,14,RightFoot:Standard,fraBlank,ffffff,ffffff,100,100,13,LeftFoot:Standard,fraBlank,ffffff,ffffff,100,100,12,Back:Standard,fraBlank,ffffff,ffffff,100,100,3,Wings:Standard,fraBlank,ffffff,ffffff,100,100,4,Tail:Standard,fraBlank,ffffff,ffffff,100,100,5,Aura:Standard,fraBlank,ffffff,ffffff,100,100,2,Companion:Standard,fraBlank,ffffff,ffffff,100,100,31,Background:Standard,fraBlank,ffffff,ffffff,100,100,1,RightHand:Standard,fraBlank,ffffff,ffffff,100,100,30,LeftHand:Standard,fraBlank,ffffff,ffffff,100,100,28,#
Thank you all for reading another chapter! Next one'll be out next friday, if I don't decide to take on that other fic (Still debating). Much love, and Gods guide you, for the night is dark and full of terrors,
Chrome.