AN

Twista: Hey! We're back again for a new chapter!

Jake: Ola people, we left you guys hanging on how Nico, Talon and Riley see Percy after about nine months. Probably wondering how those other two are there and it will be revealed in the future.

Roy: That's still in Mark of Athena so hold your tongues. So yeah, in this chapter, a bit of insight on how has it been in Camp Half Blood these past months, entrance to the Fifth Cohort and the war games along with Mars' arrival.

Twista: Hazel knows the three and yes, she is close with Talon and Riley as well. Oh I almost forgot! We have a new poll on our profile and we want to know this: Who is your favorite Forethought Five Member? Obviously Percy is not a part of the poll since we all love him and he's the leader. Head on there since we REALLY wanna know. One vote per head!

Roy: No replies besides someone asking what are Percy's powers revolving around the Truths and us agreeing Octavian is a little shit that NEEDS to die.

Jake: There are three Truths: Voice, Sight and Power of Truth. With the Voice, he can influence anyone with a degree of mind control but can be broken if a person's will is strong enough.

Twista: Sight of Truth is Percy having some special ocular abilities. One is shown in the last story but others will be revealed soon.

Roy: Finally Power of Truth is an overcharged level of Telekinesis which I think is pretty cool and another secret power I won't reveal.

Twista: Sums that up, note that powers only activate when Percy's eyes turn purple and these Truths and power will come in to play in the plot VERY soon.

Disclaimer: PJO and HOO are not ours! Enjoy!

Hazel 3rd Person POV

Hazel felt like she'd just introduced four nuclear bombs. Now waiting to see which would blow up in her face first.

Until this morning, the trio before her and Percy had been the most powerful people she knew in her life. Looking at them, they didn't look like much.

Her brother Nico looked too skinny, lanky and pale to look like any kind of threat and she certainly didn't guess he could use that weapon on his back. Riley looked like any regular teen except she rode a Griffon, she had the simple bored expression on her face the first time they met and whenever she wore her glasses, she just looked even more harmless. The only one who looked like any threat was Talon considering he was six foot eight, had a set of sharp teeth and lugged around an inhuman sized lance when the time called for it.

She was dead wrong until that time where they fought off that group of monsters after she had been brought out of the Underworld by her brother. Nico said the four of them together was bound to attract attention. At the first second Talon got a whiff of them, they got ready and Hazel was stunned by their display.

Talon had sprouted wings and a tail as he drove his lance around through the monsters. Torrents of flames escaped his mouth and his inhuman strength just seemed impossible. Riley hopped on her mount as it took off and they came down swooping in like a bird of prey killing them while from above, Riley shot them down with her single handed crossbow. Nico slashed the ground as a fissure sprouted and skeletons climbed out of the crypt following his brother's commands.

Safe to say after that little experience, Hazel never doubted their abilities ever again. Percy shook Nico's hand as her brother gave a small nod.

Hazel saw the flash of emotions through his face. It was only for a split second but she saw it. Percy nodded as he let go of Nico's hand, looked at each of their faces as Talon gave his trademark sharp toothed smirk and said "Starring isn't polite dude."

"Something you learned from Fecilia?" whispered Riley away from Percy and Hazel with a raised brow,

The half dragon glared at the small blue lizard on his shoulder who was cackling as if it was laughing and he gave a shake of his head as he said "Yeah along with the lesson that ice can turn into a bunch of little sharp pointy things that hurt."

Talon shivered remembering some sort of memory and Riley scoffed saying "You're totally whipped."

Nico cleared his throat as Talon paid Hazel and Percy a look of fake curiosity and held out his hand saying "Talon West, Son of Godric the Elder Dragon, Legacy of Vulcan and monster extraordinaire!"

Percy shook it saying "Did you say dragon? So that means…"

"Don't ask," said Talon shaking his head with a sly sharp smirk, "I don't wanna know either but I think it has something to do with dragons shifting into humans."

"You can turn into a dragon?" asked Percy with a startled look,

A tail sprouted from his behind as Percy eyed it with a look of surprise as the green scaly appendage swing left and right and the tip's sharp end dangerously pointed at him and he said "The whole scaly, winged fire breathing package."

"Stop showing off," said Riley,

The blue dragon gave Percy a knowing look as he said "That's pretty cool"

Riley rolled her eyes and stood away from Percy and said "I'm Riley and this here is Chain."

She gave a pat to the Griffon under her and it cawed at Percy with a familiar look. Percy could feel the power radiating from the three before him. Riley pushed her glasses to her face as she said "He's a bit conceited but he's a sweetheart."

Riley ruffled his feathers affectionately as the Griffon cawed happily. Hazel's face narrowed as Percy's smile dropped a bit as he said "This may sound weird but, I know all three of you."

Nico raised a brow and said "Do you?"

Riley went silent and Talon surprisingly followed. Hazel knew her brother was acting casual and the other two were as well but the question was why? She knew he knew Percy and so did talon and Riley but why were they hiding it otherwise?

Clearing her throat, Hazel said "He's lost his memories."

She told her friends what happened since this morning and Talon crossed his arms and said "So this story about Gaea's army. You told Reyna?"

Percy nodded and said "What's up with Gaea anyway?"

Talon stiffened as Riley's fist clenched thinking about how her boyfriend died trying to pass on already given information. Hazel nearly stopped breathing as she remembered Gaea's sleepy voice.

Nico stepped on the ground and said "She's the Earth Goddess,"

He glanced on the ground as if she was listening and continued "The oldest of all gods and she's usually in a deep slumbering state and she hates the Gods and their children with a deadly passion."

"Mother Earth is evil?" asked Percy,

"Darn right," said Riley in her accent, "She's made her own boy Kronos-um Saturn I mean kill her husband Uranus and take over the world. The Titans had a hog-killin' time but then the Titan's kids the Olympians knocked them off their block."

"It may sound familiar," said Talon, "but the part about Gaea is often left out. She got really mad when the Gods took over and she took a new husband, Tartarus, the spirit of the abyss, and sired a new more powerful race of giants which tried to destroy Olympus but the Gods defeated them the first time."

"First time?" asked Percy,

"Last summer," said Nico, "Saturn tried to make a comeback. There was a second Titan war but the Romans at Camp Jupiter stormed the base at Mount Othrys across the bay and destroyed his throne."

Percy's face grimaced as small but unrecognizable flashes appeared in his head. Nico held back thinking Percy might remember and he said "So yeah, Saturn probably faded away but their defeat stirred up Gaea and now she's starting to wake. There have been confirmed reports of Giants being reborn and monsters long forgotten rising back up. If they mean to challenge the Gods, they'll probably start with destroying the demigods first since-"

"Giants can only be killed by a God and Demigod together," said Percy suddenly,

"Right," said Hazel, "Turns out you sort of know. That's good."

Percy nodded as he said "And you told Reyna this?"

"Obviously," said Talon,

"Us three?" said Talon as he gestured to the three to them, "We're not that trusted here. I'm a half dragon, Riley is a half Titan and Nico is a Son of Pluto."

"Hazel is here" said Percy gesturing at his friend,

"That's different," said Nico,

The two looked at each other eye to eye for a minute and then Hazel said "Percy look the Giants aren't the worst problem, heck even Gaea isn't the worst problem. The thing you noticed about the monsters, how they wouldn't stay dead? That's the biggest problem."

Hazel felt like she could trust Percy and she was getting deathly close to her own dark secret. He may have been an outsider but he was powerful and he was very trustworthy. He had saved Frank, one of her only friends at camp.

"Percy," she started, "Over the months, Talon, Riley, my brother and me think that… we think that Death isn't-"

Just then, before she could finish, a shout came from down the hill. It was Frank. He jogged towards them with his purple camp shirt, jeans and denim jacket. His hands were covered in grease from cleaning weapons.

Hazel's heart skipped a beat whenever she saw Frank. She knew it wasn't supposed to be this way. Sure he was a bit dorky, dull and a bit clumsy but he was one of the few people who didn't treat her and Nico like the plague. If only he knew, Hazel thought that he wouldn't be so nice to her.

"Hey guys!" said Frank as he came to a stop before them,

The big guy didn't look as large as Talon though but compared to Percy and everyone else there, he was pretty big. Nico put an amused smirk and said "Frank"

Baring his sharp teeth into a smile, Talon said "Hey there mincemeat"

Talon let out a small growl as his reptilian eyes peered at Frank and the poor Asian teen stepped back fearfully as Hazel said "Calm down you know he's just kidding."

Talon started laughing out loud as Riley just nodded at him. Percy gave him an acknowledging nod as Frank said "So Percy how'd it go?"

Thinking back to what he did, Percy chuckled and said "Octavian was a bit of a creep but he said I'm eligible."

"Alright!" said Frank happily, "Reyna sent me to pick you up; we gotta get you cleaned up for the evening muster."

Percy looked down and yeah, he looked like a mess. Nico nodded and said "Talon, Riley mind going with them? I need to speak with Hazel for a minute."

Talon gave him a single thumb up as Riley put her hair behind her ear and said "Sure"

Hazel watched as Frank led Talon, Percy and Riley away as Chain soared overhead.

Percy 3rd Person POV

Behind him, Riley and Talon walked beside each other but Percy could tell, no, he knew they were looking at him. A gnawing feeling on the back of his head was telling him to go deeper in what he felt but he also felt as if he wouldn't be getting any answers form those two.

Beside him, Frank walked with his hands in his pockets as Percy remembered something and said "Hey Frank…about a while ago, what were those two vials?"

Silently, Frank winced but he pulled out two identical vials away from anyone's vision. He put it back inside as he said "Sorry, these were spoils of war, you know how when a monster dies and sometimes a tooth, a claw or even a head gets left behind as the monster turns into dust."

"What are they?" asked Percy,

"Gorgons Blood," said Frank, "One is from the left and one is from the right, you know how that story goes right but the problem is I don't know which is which. Its your by the way."

"Thanks Frank," said Percy, "For helping me and carrying these vials. I already have quite a lot on me just for arriving I don't need a vial of poison on my list."

The Asian nodded as Percy said "You know them?"

He gestured at Riley who was shaking her head in dismay as Talon giggled like a little girl. Asteron shook his heads as Frank said "Talon and Riley? Yeah, they're friends of Hazel but they never stay at Camp, they roam more often."

"Isn't that unsafe?" asked Percy,

"I guess," said the Roman, "but they're strong enough to handle themselves."

"I feel like I know them though," said Percy,

"Do you buddy?" asked a towering figure behind them,

They turned and saw Talon with a sharp smile as he said "I've been everywhere but I haven't seen you in my life."

Not a bit of indication of lying was on his face. Percy would believe him for now but he was sure this guy knew something. Percy put a hand in his pocket and felt something that wasn't originally there. Pulling it out, a small cylinder that couldn't be bigger than his own fist.

"What the heck is this?" asked Percy holding it up,

Talon got a glimmer in his eyes and said "Look there's a turn thingie! Try it!"

Percy did as he was told and in his hands formed a large two handed crossbow. The barrel was like a revolver and several buttons were on it as it clicked with each turn. A leather sling was on it to hang on the back and Talons nickered to himself knowing it was he and his family who designed this for him during the year of the Labyrinth.

"Dang," said Frank, "that looks cool!"

"Careful where you point that thing," said Riley as she walked over, "best keep it on your back."

Percy put it on his back as Frank held his bow and said "Now I feel like I'm outclassed by that weapon."

Talon shook his head and said "Don't worry mincemeat, look at it this way, if he can use that crossbow he probably sucks at shooting a bow."

Percy raised a brow wondering how he knew he sucked at shooting a bow. Riley changed the subject and said "I've only been here a day but someone has been getting titles. The Black Tide?"

"I don't even know what that's about…" said Percy,

"Look here," said Riley, "These guys are Romans, they respect power and you showed an entire load of it, more than they've ever seen in a while so you better get used to it."

"You're not Romans?" asked Percy,

Talon shrugged and said "People like Nico, Riley and I; we're nobody, just people."

"People?" asked Riley,

"Lightly putting it," said Talon with a smirk,

Frank felt a bit uncomfortable around Talon since he loved to mess with him but he could tell he wasn't mean just often looking for a good laugh. Riley was often quiet but she had her moments where she got a bit out of hand but he seemed fine with her.

"Tell me…" said Percy, "Are there others like you?"

"By you mean people?" asked Talon, "Yeah, everywhere."

"You make no sense," said Percy,

"Just the way I like it," said Talon with a laugh,

Familiarity on this situation filled Percy's mind but he knew otherwise that he still had no idea on what this was about. Frank then said "Hey guys I think I'll show Percy to the baths see you around."

Percy was led off by Frank as Talon said "Dang, Percy really grew in a year."

"You're telling me," said Riley, "I'm wondering how strong he got in a year."

Talon put his hands on his hips and said "We all got stronger in this past year, we needed to be. A lot changed too huh? Percy grew a bit taller too."

"Yeah he did," said Riley, "Still saying there is no one who fills in as mortal will be ever taller than you."

"I'm half dragon so I heal quick and besides," Talon smirked and said "at least I didn't grow my hair out."

"I lost a bet with Fecilia alright?" said Riley growling as she felt the curly ends of her arm length hair, "if I hadn't, she's be the one with short hair like I used to have!"

"What is it with you and short hair?" asked Talon, "Are you sure you're a girl?"

She growled louder as she said "Dammit you half breed shut up! Short hair means less chance of being grabbed!"

He ruffled her hair and said "Don't worry I was just messing with you little sis,"

"Little sis?" asked Riley,

"You're one of us aren't you Riley?" asked Talon,

"I am?" asked Riley suddenly,

"Fecilia and Zoe already sees you as a sister like me," said Talon, "Percy does too if he remembered and Allen well, he loved you above all."

She gave a small smile as he said "Well I'm getting too mushy here, catch you at the muster."

Wings sprouted from his back as he soared up and her hand found the busted lighter dangling from her belt and said "If you loved me why'd you break your promise?"

-Later-

Frank 3rd Person POV

Soon enough, the Legion had assembled in front of their barracks near the Via Principalis. The Fifth Cohort was the last and Frank, Percy and everyone else was dressed for war. Polished chain mail and greaves were over their purple shirts, bracers and greaves were worn. A standard set of a Imperial Gold Roman Gladius plus a wooden Pilum was set on each Legionnaire.

"Dakota Armands!" said Reyna,

"Present!" replied the Centurion,

The role call was coming to an end by the fifth cohort and Percy and Frank were worried since Hazel wasn't here yet. Being late was quite a violation and Percy said "Where's Hazel?"

"I don't know," said Frank, "She'll be in trouble if she's late."

Frank told Percy about all the Legion punishments and some weren't pretty. Just then, Hazel ran past Reyna and got into line next to Percy. Reyna raised a brow and finally called "Hazel Levesque!"

She was out of breath but she managed to squeak out "Present!"

"Way to cut it close Hazel," said Frank, "What happened?"

"Ran a little late," said Hazel, "Thank the Gods I got here though."

Reyna then rode up on Scipio her Pegasus as she said "Romans! I'm sure earlier today you have heard of how a new comer, Perseus Jackson! You must have heard of him since his title of 'The Black Tide' is circulating around camp. He who was guided personally by Lady Juno and is claimed to be a Son of Neptune"

"Hey," said Percy as everyone looked at him,

Talon started laughing at the distance beside Nico and Riley as Nico said "What's so funny?"

"Nothing," said Talon, "I just can't believe above all the things Reyna said about him, all he can say is hey."

"Typical Percy," said Nico shaking his head,

Reyna looked around the camp and said "He wishes to be admitted to the Legion! What do the auguries say?"

Octavian stepped forward and said "His fortunes are blessed! He is eligible to join our ranks!"

"Ave!" said the entire legion,

Frank's Ave came a bit late and it sounded like a high pitched squeal. Giggles and snickers were occurring as Reyna scowled at them and they went silent as Octavian smirked and said "Recruit, do you have any credentials? Letters of recommendation?"

"Hey!" said Talon from the sidelines, "That's not fair!"

Hazel wanted to follow his example but Reyna glared at Talon who reluctantly shut up as Riley and Nico put hands on his shoulders. He had been personally guided by a Goddess? What other recommendation could he need?

"None?" asked Octavian mockingly,

Percy huffed under his breath and thought "If only he remembered…"

Reyna sighed at Octavian. His family had been sending legionaries for generations and he just wanted to prove he was better than everyone else. A good letter could put you in a good cohort and move you from all the grunt work.

"Will anyone stand for him?" asked Reyna,

Frank was determined to help his friend and said "I will!"

Reyna shot him a look and said "Must I remind you that you are still on probatio Frank Zhang?"

Frank's face dropped in embarrassment as Hazel heard Riley said "We'll stand for him, all three of us."

Octavian's face turned into a scowl and said "You three are nothing but a travelling oddball, you're no legionaries! Where were you during the war against Saturn!?"

Cries of agreement were heard and Talon's calm and happy demeanor turned angry and feral as he growled and his nails elongates into claws. Scales started forming on his face as Nico said "No Talon, he wants this, don't do it."

With a snarl, Talon then said "Be lucky you're the augur or I'd kill you for your insolence!"

"Who are you to say that?" asked Octavian raising a brow,

"Talon West!" said the tall man, "Olympus proclaimed Dragon Lord of Arcanica!"

Murmurs were passed around as Octavian said "Dragons are a dying race fool."

The half breed's eyes turned from their kind side to sadistic as he said "So you wouldn't mind if my entire kind came here to cause havoc?"

Reyna then said "Enough Octavian, the three of them are to be treated with respect, my mother herself spoke about their power."

Hazel then said "I'll stand for Percy!"

Another round of murmurs were heard but Percy heard them and didn't give a damn. Dakota and Gwen looked at each other and nodded saying "We gladly accept Percy into the Fifth Cohort!"

Cries of protest were heard since one of the most powerful demigods who shown up in years was joining the fifth cohort. Even Reyna wanted him in their cohort but the Romans had rumors that he was an agent of Gaea that's why he was so powerful.

Reyna nodded and said "So it's settled, you're on probatio until you fulfill a year of service or an act of valor."

Percy smiled knowing he was with his two friends at camp; he nodded at hazel as they followed the Campers to dinner before the games. He had yet to receive a suit of armor and Hazel looked at Percy as he said "What does it mean standing for me?"

Hazel gave him a kind smile and said "It means I'll make sure you follow the rules otherwise if you get killed, I'll be right there with the same punishment."

Soon after dinner, Percy was led with Frank and Hazel as Dakota and Gwen stood before them and the other Fifth Cohort members. The orange haired centurion sighed as she said "So we're on the offense, they're sending us in first to soften up the defenses."

Groans and sighs were heard as Dakota raised his sword and said "It means they feel we can do this! Give them hell guys!"

A small cheer came from the cohort. Percy was now in full battle armor and he had no help setting it up. Frank noticed this and said "Wow, I can't believe you can set up your armor. It used to take me a few weeks to get used to fixing it."

From the distance, on top of the observer areas, Riley had her fists closed as her bracelets given to her by her Patron (Remember when she said it was Nike? Well she changed her mind and we'll leave you all to guess who.) and said "I wish we could have joined."

"It isn't like home," said Nico, "We can't just join in,"

"Would be fun to snap Octavian like a toothpick," said Talon uncharacteristically,

The two raised their brows at him but he giggled like a child again and said "Then again, seeing Percy do it is way better."

"I want to see how far he's come in this timeframe," said Talon seriously, "he did nothing but train according to Lupa so I want to see how powerful he is now."

A glimmer appeared in his eyes as Nico looked at Riley who gave a small smirk and he said "Oh no…you can't do that!"

Riley merely disregarded Nico as the elder two formed a small plot in their head as Nico only shook his head in dismay.

Hazel approached Percy and said "Ready?"

"As I'll ever be," said Percy, "I don't even know how this will play out."

"Easy," said Bobby who was another fifth cohort member, "get the flag inside the fortress."

"Not as easy as it sounds Bobby," said Hazel,

"Like Capture the Flag?" asked Percy with interest,

"Something like that," said Frank,

Dakota looked at Percy and said "We set the formation, you Hazel and Frank may want to stay back for this. You're strong I can tell but in a siege I don't think you'll be any good unless you make it in."

He looked at the other two and said "Show him the ropes and don't get killed please?"

Hazel sighed and nodded as Frank gave him a sad nod. Percy stayed at the back with Hazel and Frank as he said "Does this happen often?"

"Let's go write up my thirteenth defeat in a row!" said Frank sarcastically,

Reyna flew on Scipio as she held a horn and said "I will be the arbiter in this game! Begin!"

She blew the horn as the Fifth Cohort locked formation and got ready to run forward to the fortress. Percy and Hazel looked as Frank smirked and said "Guys I hope you trust me because I have a plan."

"What do you have in mind Frank?" asked Percy,

The gleam in Frank's eyes reminded Percy of someone who enjoys battle plans and he knew this look meant it was a very interesting plan indeed. He clasped his hands together and said "Hear me out guys, so Percy you can control water right?"

"To a degree," said Percy,

The large teen pointed across to the fortress and said "Those cannons over there shoot pressurized water. Percy can reverse the pressure causing the cannons to explode on themselves!"

"That is if we can get close enough," said Percy looking very discouraged, "I can't hold those back if they're shooting at me at a distance."

He smiled at Hazel and said "That's where Hazel comes in!"

"No offense but how can Hazel help?" asked Percy,

"Frank," said Hazel, "What can I-"

"You can do your thing again!" said Frank excitedly,

She punched him hard on the sternum causing the large boy to tumble over out of breath. She clenched her fist hard and said "You said no one would know!"

"Sorry!" squeaked Frank in full remorse, "It slipped my mind! I was so caught up and-"

"Its fine," said Hazel with a huff,

She looked at Percy and was about to speak until frank shakily stood and adjusted his bow and said "Pluto is awesome about being the God of the under earth and Hazel can sense tunnels like the ones here in the Field of Mars."

"I can sense and bring up those tunnels," said Hazel, "I'm pretty sure I can find us one that'll bring us close enough but what then?"

"Leave it to me," said Frank

"It's a plan then," said Percy bringing out his pen,

When the three were ready, Hazel closed her eyes and held out her open palm and a few meters away, a descending slope that went into the ground opened up and Percy nodded as Frank led them in.

Once inside, Hazel shut the entrance and the dark void of the tunnel was barley illuminated by the light coming from Percy's bronze blade. Glittering objects littered the tunnel and it seemed like it could be a fortune but Hazel stopped them before touching any and said "Don't touch them, gems like these should be left where they are."

Sounds of battle and explosions happened over the earth and Percy said "Sounds bad up there."

"Some days are better than others," said Hazel sighing, "The Fifth Cohort was once a proud group, it all changed one day when we lost the Legion Standard."

"Standard?" asked Percy, "What is that?"

Frank's steps were heard as he said "You remember how during the assembly that there was this one guy carrying an empty pole? That's where the Legion's Standard is supposed to be. Each Legion has a standard believed to be blessed by the God's powers but the 12th's was special, it was imbued by Jupiter himself making the motto Fulminata."

"Fulminata?" asked Percy, "What does that mean?"

"Armed with lightning," said Hazel,

The dark skinned girl then said "You see Percy, a Legion would defend their standard to the last man. Years ago, our Legion lost the standard during the Jewish Rebellion but it was recovered eventually. Then back at the 1980s, the Praetor of the time, Michael Varus of the Fifth Cohort ignored the augur's advice, took the standard and led an expedition to Alaska. They never came back and the Fifth was shamed for the years to come."

"They never knew why he did it," said Frank, "according to records it was the most impossible thing he did. It was as if someone made him do it."

"Is that why the fifth is always picked on?" asked Percy,

"We were getting better," said Hazel, "Jason was from the Fifth, he was an ideal leader but then he disappeared causing everyone else to think we're cursed and in this scuffle, Octavian wants to become Praetor."

Percy nodded in understanding and as Hazel gave a smirk and said "We're here!"

An opening leading to the surface opened a few meters away and the trio exited the darkness and found themselves on the base of the legion constructed fortress. Frank, Hazel and Percy looked around and saw their cohort being pushed back by an onslaught of pressurized water, blunted arrows and scorpion ballista.

"They're getting destroyed!" said Frank,

"Let's do something about it then," said Percy,

Suddenly a laugh came from above and said "Hey look! More victims! Fire!"

Several of the cannons pointed at them and Hazel whispered "Anytime Percy"

As soon as the first click was heard, Percy put his open hand forward and closed it into a fist as the water cannons exploded sending the defending legionaries off their posts. Frank pulled out a big pointed arrow that had a golden thread hanging and fired it above the fortress and the head fractured into dozens of lines and lashed and wrapped around anything in reach. It created a ladder of some sorts with two foot intervals and Frank said "Go!"

"Go ahead Frank," said Percy, "this was all you"

Frank began to climb as he turned to see Percy and Hazel next while the main amount of the Fifth Cohort looked at him in surprise as Gwen laughed and said "Attack!"

Hannibal the elephant trumpeted in joy as Frank shot himself upwards knocking down the defenders who tried to cut the ropes. He slammed them away and brought out his pilum knocking down defenders left and right."

"Atta boy Frank," said Percy as he hopped on the wall with Riptide drawn,

A group of five defenders ran at them weapons ready but Percy threw Riptide in the air and as it spun and swiftly drew his bowgun from his back and instinctively clicked a button as he shot a single bolt from the device and it expanded into a snare net that clamped and trapped the five onto the nearest wall.

Just as fast, Percy slung it on his back and caught his bronze sword before it fell to the ground and Frank starred at him dumbfounded. All that happened in two seconds and Percy said "Cool gun"

Shaking his head, Frank and Percy worked together as they knocked out the defenders on the wall and below the gate to the fortress broke and Hannibal stormed inside along with the rest of the Fifth Cohort ran into the gate.

A trumpet was heard and the Third and Fourth Cohorts ran to join the fight. Frank clicked his teeth as Percy said "A little late huh?"

"We can't let them get those banners!" said Frank,

"No way!" said Percy, "Let's go!"

The battle was madness. Frank, Hazel and Percy waded through the defending forces. The First and Second Cohorts, the pride of Camp Jupiter was being ripped apart by the infamous Fifth Cohort.

A major factor of the battle was Percy. The raven haired teen was giving them another reason to call him The Black Tide as he swiftly decimated and destroyed any defender who tried to go against him. Using completely different styles, he switched from swift and impairing strikes to sheer brute force powered slashes that sent his opponents running and the occasional slam of the hilt to the back of the head. Otherwise Percy was having a good time.

Percy was beside Frank as Octavian cried out in a shrill voice trying to rally the defenders. The Son of Neptune put a stop to it as he flipped over a line of shields and smirked as he noticed the massive puddle they were standing on form one of the water cannons and he willed the water to violently rise knocking them all off their feet and Percy sent a powerful kick to Octavian's chest as the lanky teen slammed on the wall knocked out once again like a light courtesy of Percy.

Frank had long emptied his quiver and he had just broken his pilum over a defender's head and drew his gladius. He spotted Hazel climb onto Hannibal's back as she raised her spatha and said "Let's go slowpokes!"

His heart may have skipped a beat but he sure wasn't stopping now. As the Second and First Cohorts battled with the Fifth, Frank and Percy snuck past the line and went inside the banner room which was a massive room where defenders were already down and out. Two figures stood holding a banner each. Percy narrowed his eyes since the area was foggy with smoke and as his eyes focused, he was met by Talon and Riley who were giving him small smiles.

"Looking for these?" asked Talon holding a banner up,

Riley did the same as she said "These guys were just lazing around and besides, you gotta expect a real slug fest for these things."

Percy drew his blade as Talon and Riley put the banners behind them and said "You get to knock down both of us, you get these."

Frank seemed uneasy as Talon cracked his knuckles and grinned with his sharp teeth as Riley stretched her arms. These two were very, very powerful according to Hazel and they stood between their victory.

Percy scowled and said "I don't care who you two are but you're not stopping us from getting those banners!"

"Care to prove it?" asked Talon with a wide grin as the bangle on his right wrist glowed and he slammed his hand on the ground as he pulled out a massive rust brown lance that was larger than he was. Frank gulped seeing the sheer size of the weapon and squeaked in fear as Talon effortlessly lifted it on his shoulder.

Riley cracked her fingers as she extended her arms as she put them to her sides and said "Ready?"

Frank took a step back as Percy stepped forward and said "I got this Frank, when you see it, take the banners and go."

Gripping Riptide, Percy watched as Riley punched her right fist forward and as her bracers glowed and it encased her fist as a massive gauntlet with armor covering her fingers as thick metal plating covered the rest of her hand up to her mid arm. The metal was magma black as patterns of brown were seen on the gauntlet. An emblem of a tree was on the gauntlet and she punched her left fist forward as an identical gauntlet appeared on her left arm. (Google Morpice from Zenonia and Riley wears both gauntlets)

Her fingers closed and opened as she got into fighting position and Percy said "Let's go!"

Faster than what Frank expected, Talon's wings shot out from his back and propelled himself forward with a flap and he smashed his lance down hoping to flatten Percy but the Son of Neptune swiftly rolled out of the way.

As he recovered, Riley was already in front of him and she slammed her right gauntlet on Percy's left ribs causing several to crack and making him crash at a few meter distance.

Percy got up, shaking his head. This was unreal, they were so fast and so strong but Percy grinned as well knowing for the first time in months, he had found a true challenge.

"You okay Percy?" asked Frank with his legs quaking in fear, "That's not fair! Two against one!"

"Fine," said Talon, "We'll come one at a time mincemeat but is he ready for it?"

"Just getting started," said the half-blood,

Frank didn't want to feel like a coward but he couldn't help it either. These three were out of his league. Percy picked up a random legionnaire's shield with his left hand and got into a fixed stance where he seemed to be hiding behind his shield but he held Riptide high ready to slash down.

Talon chuckled as Riley put both her fists to her sides in a rested position and Riley dashed forward with her right fist cocked back and she sent her fist forward, slamming her gauntlet on the wooden shield causing Percy to slide back and the defensive item splintered and shattered in half as Percy discarded it, picked up another and dashed forward as he slashed left horizontally causing Riley to step back and she leaned in throwing punches left and right.

Percy played passive as he tried to get under her guard as she continued to deliver her onslaught of punches. Her black gauntlet seemed to glow white as she delivered a powerful punch that didn't even come close to hitting Percy as he dodged to the left by moving his head, narrowly avoiding it and a shockwave of wind shot past him slamming onto the fortress wall.

Frank gaped as Percy's eyes didn't waver despite the massive shockwave he narrowly evaded. Riley pulled her fist back as she threw another punch and Percy ducked under it, pressing his back onto her chest as he lifted her and threw her the other way.

Riley was surprised and crashed on the ground on her back as she gave a snicker and stood as her gauntlets disappeared. The girl sighed and handed Frank her banner which read 'Second Cohort' and stepped back as Talon swiftly raised his lance to deflect Percy who had quickly tried to get under his guard with a swift slash down.

A shockwave ensued as Talon growled in glee and said "Dang…you're strong!"

Percy found his force not enough as he was pushed back as Talon said "But I'm stronger!"

Percy rolled to the right as Talon slammed his lance on the ground causing it to shatter the ground. Talon swung again and again trying to flatten Percy but he seemed to escape each one. The half breed showed no sign of fatigue despite swinging a massive lance like that consecutively.

The Son of Neptune smirked and said "You're going to have to do better than that!"

With another slam on the ground evaded, Talon put another hand around the lance's hilt and said "Sure! Blaze Bringer Roar!"

The rust colored lance's center opened revealing a jagged edged blade with a streak of what seemed to be magma in the middle training upwards as Talon swung the lance causing a storm of fire to erupt as he swung the weapon like a fan.

Percy was engulfed in the flames as Talon gave a wide smile. But he gasped for air as he found Percy under him with a reserved expression as the Son on Neptune had his right elbow on his sternum after delivering a sold blow knocking the air out of him. Chaining with a elbow to the side of the head, Talon staggered back but not on the ground.

The half dragon wiped blood off his lip as he looked at Percy who was already on him and delivered a roundhouse kick to the other side of his head mid air. Percy landed on the ground with a smirk as he twirled Riptide around and put it back in pen form as Talon got up, spit a glop of blood and grinned with a fun loving smirk.

The half breed tossed him a purple banner and Percy caught it as Talon gave a laugh and said "Don't tell Reyna we were here, it would be a other explaining."

Percy and Frank nodded as Riley and Talon dashed out leaving Frank and Percy a bit dumbfounded. Frank looked at Percy with surprise at his little display. Percy on the other hand just had quite a bit of fun. He had had a great fight between those two but despite his warm feeling, he felt as if he fought them before and not only were they better than before but he felt like he had improved a great deal for some reason.

A lingering feeling of familiarity was in Percy's head as he looked at Frank and said "You gonna say something?"

"Nope," said Frank, "they just wanted a bit of…fun I guess."

"I won't say anything if you won't," said Percy,

Suddenly the massive doors were kicked down by Hannibal who was carrying Hazel and other Fifth Cohort members. A cheer came from them as Percy and Frank held the banners high as they exited the fortress to the open area.

The Fifth Cohort made ranks around Percy, Hazel and Frank as Reyna loomed above and gave a barley hearable laugh as she said "The games have been won! Assemble for honors!"

The rest of the Legion assembled in the Field of Mars as Frank saw several minor injuries. The teen was swarmed and given compliments and cheers. It was his best night until he heard someone call for help.

"Help!" said a familiar voice,

Out of the fortress came Riley who was calling for help as Talon carried an orange haired girl bridal style. As they came closer, the trio's eyes widened as they recognized the girl. It was Gwen. She was in terrible shape. There was a pilum sticking out of her armor. The tip was protruding from her chest and blood soaked Talon's shirt as he settled her down on a stretcher a few medics brought.

The medics tried to put nectar in her mouth as Riley formed a gauntlet in her hand as she placed the gauntlet over her chest and the tree symbol glowed green but she stopped as her gauntlet vanished and Talon growled and the medics shook their heads.

Gwen didn't move and her face was ashen grey. Reyna growled as she surveyed the campers on her Pegasus. The Praetor then said "There will be an investigation, whoever did this cost the legion a good officer. Honorable death is one thing but this…"

Frank read an engagement on the pilum that read 'The First Cohort' and he felt blood roar in his ears as he realized she was stabbed from behind by a sore loser. He scanned the area for Octavian. He spotted the augur with a more interested look than concerned and he had no pilum.

A growl crept up Frank's throat as Octavian said "Those two did it! It is probably the only reason they're here!"

The campers did indeed sort of agree as those two weren't supposed to be on the battlefield but instead watching at the distance. Talon growled as he said "You idiot! We wouldn't cause this!"

"Lies!" said Octavian, "Explain your reason for being here!"

Talon was just about to rip Octavian in half as Gwen's eyes fluttered open and she slowly sat up with the pilum protruding from her chest. The camp's eyes went wide as she said "W-What's going on?"

Riley stood as she said "What in tarnation? Didn't she just-"

"What's wrong?" asked Gwen not noticing the pilum in her chest,

Hazel silently stepped behind her as she, Percy and Hazel held the pilum and she said "Gwen close your eyes for a sec."

"Don't!" said a medic,

"And what?" shot Hazel, "and make it worse?"

The three pulled out the pilum and the wound closed leaving no trace of injury and Gwen stood saying "I'm fine guys, really, what happened?"

Octavian stepped back as the camp went silent as a deep voice said "This is only the beginning, Death loses its grasp on the lost."

AN

Roy: Finally done, 7k word chapter! Hope you all liked it!

Jake: Don't forget to vote on the poll on our profile! We want to know who's your favorite Forethought Five member! Vote now!

Twista: Like the fight scenes? Hope you liked it! Guess Riley's patron, the tree was a hint already! This chapter was long but we put enough action to keep you all on your toes! Hope you enjoyed!

Roy: If you liked it leave a favorite, follow and a review below! It helps us out a lot! This is me, the hottest writer ever, signing off…