Disclaimer: I do not own the PJO or HoO characters all rights belong to rick riordan
They entered the arena hearts heavy with anticipation and fear for both of their friends who would be injured no doubt. The group of demigods and gods split up and went to take their place in the stands until 4 remained Percy and Annabeth and piper and Jason who then parted ways to help their significant others get ready, but not before Annabeth and piper threw a meaningful glance at each other their eyes conveying one word sorry but neither could blame the other it wasn't Annabeth's fault and it wasn't Piper's either heck it wasn't even Percy's, no one could fathom what had been going through Jason's mind but they knew it wasn't good.
As much as piper was angry at Jason right now she wouldn't no couldn't let him be alone and think she didn't care about him, because right now she could sense that he needed her in this moment no matter how much he would deny it and so she followed him into the preparation section and started to help him getting ready. After working in complete silence, helping Jason into his armor, for what seemed to be an eternity piper finally decided to speak up ''are you sure you want to do this'' she questioned.
Jason laughed albeit nervously and replied ''of course I am'' then in a softer tone ''I don't know how to explain it but I feel like I need to do this I don't know why but I just need to, I wouldn't expect you to understand'' he laughed humorlessly.
''no I get it, I get that you need to do this just be careful out there ok and remember I trust you just don't make me question that trust ok'' piper said softly then leaned up to plant a kiss on his lips. Once they had pulled apart Jason nodded at piper to acknowledge what she had said and also because he could not find the words to say how he felt. Piper led the way out to the arena passing Annabeth and Percy saying their good lucks ''just make sure you are careful ok seaweed brain and just try not to get hurt for me, I need you'' Annabeth said ''I will wise girl I will and I need you too and I love you remember that ok'' Percy replied then planted a chaste kiss to Annabeth's lips and turned back around to face Jason. ''good luck man, as much as you seem to seriously hate me right now good luck'' Percy said then walked off into the center of the arena Jason trailing behind.
Percy and Jason reached the center and turned to face each other ''remember no powers Jason'' Percy reminded him ''wouldn't dream of it, and anyway it's not like I actually need them to beat you'' Jason scoffed. Percy didn't answer but instead got into a fighting stance awaiting Zeus's command to begin, Jason seeing Percy get into his stance quickly followed suit.
''you all know the rules, no powers and no killing, let the fight begin'' Zeus boomed and sat back down to watch the proceedings.
Jason and Percy circled each other sword in hand waiting for the other to strike and when it became evident Percy was not going to attack first Jason lunged forward sword poised at Percy's midsection, but this was what Percy had anticipated and before the cool metal could touch his skin he brought up riptide to block and went on defense his main objective to tire Jason out so as not to hurt him. Jason began to get frustrated when it was obvious his moves weren't working and his strikes became more aggressive in his growing irritation and less strategic, Percy seeing his chance lunged forward taking Jason by surprise and swiped towards Jason's legs but years of training kept Jason on his feet as he jumped backwards.
Percy was circling Jason now toying with him going in for blows then jumping back right before they hit their mark to confuse Jason. After a while of this though Percy had grown tired of waiting and lunged going on offense causing Jason to stumble back when his sword struck his, and so this continued for what seemed like an age but really only a few minutes.
Jason's movements were beginning to become sluggish and less confident in his growing fatigue, and so Percy seeing his chance stepped up towards Jason and raised the hilt to strike a blow to his face and when he did he went down like a ton of bricks, but all was not over for mere seconds after Jason went down his skin began to crackle with electricity, Percy could sense the change in the air and knew a storm was coming and there was no way in hell he was letting Jason hurt his friends and so he did the only thing he could.
Percy stepped forward and began to summon the power within himself and willed it to expand around him and Jason almost boxing them in.
''Percy no'' Annabeth shouted, she could see Percy was growing tired he wouldn't be able to last against the lightning but Percy just smiled his signature smile and willed the water upwards and sealed them in the dome.
The audience waited with bated breath they could see the flashes of lightning from inside the dome that were becoming increasingly more powerful, but then all of a sudden it dropped to reveal Jason and Percy standing there swaying on their feet and they released the breath they had been previously holding thinking everything was ok and they were both fine but then they collapsed in the middle of the arena and hit the ground hard.