All rights Belong to Rick Riordan

Chapter 29

Daughter of the Warrior Goddess

(Percy)

It had actually been pretty easy to find the daughter of Bellona once I left the Wolf House. I had simply walked or in some cases stumbled through the woods in a generally southwards direction until I had detected two presences nearby, one of a demigod and the other a form of mythical creature which I guessed was Scipio if that rumor was true. I refused to act though and felt as she moved ahead of me ready to cut me off behind a tree.

I had quite happily walked into her 'trap' and was unsurprised by the blade that suddenly came towards my throat only to lunge forward with my own free hand and wrestle the blade from her. She may have been skilled in combat but I had the element of surprise and considerably more physical strength.

I increased the level of light given of by the blades using Hyperion's former domain enough to reveal my face.

'Hello Reyna I have been looking for you.' I asked politely with a reassuring or so I hoped smile only to be met with silence as she backed up against the tree and stared at me open mouthed.

'Long time no see Praetor, what brings you out here?' I joked light-heartedly hoping to stir her out of her silence but was once again met with silence although her mouth was moving but no sound was coming out.

'Olympus to Reyna.' I called waving a hand in front of her face.

'Percy.' She finally whispered out barely audible.

I had been about to congratulate her on the ability to put words together when suddenly her hand curled into a fist and she pushed of from the tree, I was not left with time to react as her fist made contact with my face and I staggered back holding my nose and feeling liquid pooling down my face. Great! Styx apparently couldn't be bothered to stop that one.

As I sat there cradling my now broken nose I heard hurried footsteps and knew she was doing a runner. Ignoring my red ichorous blood pouring down my face I ran after her.

(Diana)

I had been watching the confrontation from above and it looked to be going well, Percy had quickly found her general area and a means to lure her in with Lupa's help. However when she had intercepted him and he disarmed her I had thought it was over and h would bring her back. Instead she had gone on the offensive and broken the young Titan's nose before escaping while he was distracted.

I was beginning to see perhaps the girl did have potential and clearly had a brain, she knew he was a superior opponent and sought to incapacitate him temporarily while she escaped and I was not surprised to see her making her way towards the concealed Pegasus with Percy running after her ignoring his wound.

This was the first time I had actually seen him hurt and was confused by him still having mortal colored blood, considering he was fully capable of witnessing a gods immortal form without being vaporized, it was something to inquire about later when he returned.

Finally the Roman demigod reached the small glade where Scipio or whatever the Pegasus was called sat grazing and quickly mounted herself and urging the beast to take flight and the horse began to flap his wings and gain elevation just as Percy entered the area and noticed what was happened.

(Percy)

Once I entered that glade and saw the situation I knew I had two choices let Reyna escape or go after her and reveal what I really was. As much as I wanted to conceal my abilities, I knew that I had to stop the former Praetor. The path she was taking would eventually result in her death and I wanted to lose none of my friends, not again and not for no reason.

I saw Scipio lock eyes on me with a worried expression before his hooves cleared the canopy and he began to fly away. Wasting no time I unfolded my wings and leapt into the air after them.

Now a Pegasus can move at a fair old pace, but I was far faster not even Blackjack could match me now and he was the fastest of the Sons of Pegasus I knew, whether his father could match me was something to try at a later date, if I got a chance.

I tucked the twin Gladii into my belt as I reached into my jacket and drew forth my spear and extended it until the now familiar weapon and cocked back my arm and threw it.

The weapon sailed over the two figures in front of me and I focused on the weapon and caused it to freeze in place and intensifying the light it was giving out. I had essentially created a jury-rigged flare and the dazzling light blinded the Pegasus and his rider and I used their distraction to fly ahead of them so I was only a few feet in front of the Pegasus when they regained their vision.

(Reyna)

I had been surprised when the sudden light erupted in front of my eyes but nothing could have prepared me for the figure now flying directly in front of me held aloft on almost a dozen wings. The thing was the figure was still clearly Percy Jackson but he now looked considerably different from the last time I saw him at the Greek camp before he disappeared. He was easily a lot taller now and had less of a depressed look and his body structure was a lot more muscle but the thing that differed the most were the obvious growth of 10 golden wings and the fact his eyes were blazing gold as well. The only bit that looked off was the blood pouring down his front from where I had punched him, that blow should have knocked out with the amount of force I put behind it but other than the damage to his nose he did not look to phased.

'Reyna land I wont hurt you.' He said calmly to my surprise, I had just punched him in the face and run away and he was not really bothered.

'Why should I? Everytime you turn up in my life you ruin it, so why don't you fuck off and leave me alone.' I screamed at him, hoping he would just do that.

'Scipio, land. You cannot outrun me and your mistress and I need to talk and I would rather do it on the ground than up here.' Percy commanded my mount and the Pegasus neighed a reply which I didn't understand but clearly the son of Neptune/Poseidon or whatever the hell he was now did as he simply nodded and against my protest we all began to lose elevation.

When hooves met the ground, I immediately leapt from the saddle and reached for my sword only to remember Percy had taken it and I guessed it was one of the pair that was currently at his waist. I grabbed the Pilum that was strapped to Scipio's side and my shield and leveled them at the man who was approaching slowly.

'Reyna I am not here to hurt you or take you back to Rome, I simply wish to talk and make you an offer. I swear on the Styx now lay down your arms.' He said reassuringly to the echo of thunder and slowly I lowered the arms to my side although still ready to be used at a moments notice.

'Why are you here Percy? Where were you for all those months when I could have used some help, for gods sake I spent weeks arguing your case in the senate and being ridiculed for it and now you turn up out of the blue and want to talk, well then talk.' I shouted with tears in my eyes.

'I came to help you, I know what you did and I am sorry. I should have never got you involved with what happened to Octavian. It was my fault the legion lost faith in you and for that I am sorry, as for why I didn't return I simply couldn't. As you can see I am not exactly normal now.' He said apologetically flapping a set of wings so they caught the light from above before it suddenly disappeared only for a spear to materialize in his hand and the light to return but of a less blinding amount in his hand.

'What happened to you? for that matter what are you?' I said still trying to comprehend what I was seeing, as I watched his golden eyes return to their normal sea green except the Pupils which remained golden and his wings fold behind his back so they were unseen.

'After I disappeared I was taken to Olympus and the rewards ceremony, it was during the ceremony that I was godhood but the fates intervened and forbid it, instead due to my grandfather Kronos or as you know him Saturn I became a Titan Lord and his replacement on the Titan council.' He explained and if anyone else had said that I would have called them insane if not for the fact I had seen the sword of Saturn when he tortured our former Augur.

'Wait so we went to all that trouble to defeat the Titans only for you to join them.' I said with hostility raising my spear only to find my arm frozen in place and I looked up to see his eyes had returned to their golden color.

'Listen and don't jump to conclusions Reyna I am not finished. I meant what I said about not being here to harm you even if my face hurts like hades.' He said before blinking and I regained control of my arm.

'Yes the Titans for the most part are free and yes I am a member of their council but we are all sworn to not do anything against Olympus. Besides I would die even if I did as I am not a full titan and can still die so please refrain from hitting me anymore.' He said wiping the blood of his face with a sleeve and it was still very much red in this light not golden ichor.

'How can you be a Titan and yet be mortal?' I asked confused looking down at my hand where some of his blood was encrusted on my knuckles before spotting small flecks of gold in it.

'This is Ichor but with a human taint which gives it is colour, I am for simplicities sake about 99% immortal and have most of a gods or Titans abilities except a few.' He explained.

'Ok then Lord Percy what are you Titan of then besides obviously time?' I said more politely knowing I was screwed I continued to piss him off the fact that I was even still alive after I tried to knock him out was a testament to how he was.

'Don't call me Lord anything even if it technically is Lord Perseus, Lord of Time, Light, Constellations and Titan of the Hunt and formerly the Air as well.' He explained as if the list bored him and I was flabbergasted at how someone who had seemingly more power than most of the Roman pantheon could be so laidback about it.

'And to think Jason only got Storms you certainly beat him in the rewards department.' I said bitterly remembering the smug look on his and the bitches face when they returned from Olympus.

'Yeah but I would have given them all up to have Annabeth back but the fates are cruel as we are both aware.' He said sadly and I had to agree remembering news of the daughter of Athena's death and Minerva's new Roman name and Domain. It had taken me weeks to learn the truth of change and about Annabeth's sacrifice to save the goddess.

'She was a good hero and I wish I could have met her without the conflict even if I was jealous of her and you.' I said respectfully, truthfully I had gained a slight romantic interest in Percy during his brief tenure at Camp Jupiter but it was just trying to catch him on the rebound after missing Jason and besides, he had a girlfriend although I knew he was now well out of my league now.

'Thank you, I only regret not being able to save her and you would have if that bitch Gaia hadn't intervened a lot of death and suffering could have been avoided, may she suffer in the void for ever.' He said bitterly.

'Ok enough about you, why are you here and trying to catch me?' I demanded forcefully.

'Lady Lupa wanted me to stop you helping others to Rome as you are interfering with tradition, this way you don't get punished when the other Olympians catch you eventually.' He explained.

'Why would they care if I helped others to the city after all you Greeks have Satyrs that find demigods and bring them to your camp.' I protested.

'Truly I don't know, but I never have understood why your people were so steeped up in tradition. All I know is your mother and Lupa were worried about you.'

'Now my mother is concerned, what about when I left the Wolf House she didn't care then, know one should have to suffer the hardships me and Hylla suffered before you came along and ruined my new home with Circe and then you appeared in Rome and ruined it there as well.' I argued.

'I had no choice on Circe's island after all she turned me into a rodent. If Annabeth hadn't freed me the world would have been destroyed by Saturn two years ago and it was Juno's fault I got sent to Rome and Jason to CampHalf-Blood. Therefore not my fault.' He protested back and it was pretty obvious he had very little leeway in what he could have done.

(Percy)

As I watched her stew over my testimony I regarded the sorry state she was in now she was no longer concealed by the darkness. Her armor was a mess and was held together in places by little more than Selotape and nails. Her shield had 4 great rents ripped out of the face that I recognized as being hellhound claws. Her cape or what was left of it had very little of the original purple showing underneath the dirt and burned sections.

Clearly she had been attacked numerous times since she left her city and I could tell her time was running out. She had to either return to Rome or she could accept Diana's offer.

'Reyna you cannot carry on doing this, you are just going to get yourself killed.' I stated knocking her out of her thoughts.

'Well what else can I do, go back to the camps and be the laughing stock of the Legion besides I don't want to see him again.' She protested.

'Don't want to see who? Oh you mean Jason.' I said a little slow on the uptake.

'I can't stand the way that Spawn of Love follows him around and he acts like a love sick puppy.' She growled out.

'Good because I have an alternative for you, somewhere else you can go instead of the camps.' I explained.

'I am not staying with the Titans.' She said firmly.

'Hades no even I don't stay with them anymore unless I am needed in the council, no I wanted to offer you a place in Diana's huntresses.' I explained quickly.

'Diana doesn't have huntresses anymore not for the last two millennia at least.' She argued.

'True she didn't but she has now and now I am offering you a place amongst them.'

'How can you offer places in Artemis's hunt especially as from all rumors she hates men.'

'Artemis or Diana whatever you want to call her and me get along great, I am the Guardian of the Hunt now, I protect them and in return Artemis helps me with my Hunting Domain.' I said simplifying my official relationship to the goddess even if it was much more personal than that.

'So my choices are Stay here and either eventually die or get caught by the gods and punished. Go back to Rome and face the ridicule of the Senate and my fellow praetor.' She said almost spitting the words out or join Diana's hunt become immortal and find a way of knocking some smug grins off of a few faces.' She summarized.

'You will also not be bound by the camps rules and traditions and no more politics. Also we will eventually return to Camp and you can knock some sense into your fellow legionaries. The choice is yours.' I added.

'Is his sister still Lieutenant?'

'If you mean Thalia, yes but honestly she has very little in common with Jason other than parents and a bit of attention seeking but that is their father's flaw.' I explained.

'Very well then I accept your offer Lord Perseus.' She said with a smile.

'First thing is do not tell anyone what you know about me, I mean anything. The hunters still believe I am a simple demigod albeit being immortal and their guardian other than that they don't know and Artemis and I intend to keep it that way. I need you to swear on the Styx to tell no one until I reveal it if I need to.'

'Are they all a bit dumb how can you hide having wings and golden eyes.' Reyna asked in disbelief.

'Hey I can hide them pretty well why do you think I wear this coat. As for the eyes watch.' I said waving a hand in front of my eyes and conjuring the mist around my face and concealing my true eyes colour.

'Okay very impressive then, I Reyna swear on the Styx to not reveal your identity unless given permission or you reveal it yourself.' She stated once again accompanied by the sound of thunder which she winced at.

'Do you not like thunder?' I asked curiously.

'No more like the memories of the guy it is associated with now.' She said looking at the floor obviously referring to the new god of storms.

'Don't worry about Jason, besides you have to swear off men remember. Besides next time you can show him exactly what he lost.' I said reassuringly and she looked up with confidence.

'I will show them all what they drove away, now when do we leave.' She said full of determination.

'We are not going very far, you can just ride Scipio there and I will fly ahead of you.' I explained and she began to walk towards the Pegasus.

'Reyna wait.' I said hurriedly moving towards her and placing my hand on her shoulder and focusing on my time ability.

(Reyna)

I had felt a touch to my shoulder and had been ready to turn and face the demigod/Titan hybrid or whatever he was now when I was engulfed in golden light ad I was forced to close my eyes.

Gradually the light forcing its way through my eyelids diminished and I guessed it was safe to open them and gasped as I looked at my self. I found my armor once again in pristine condition lacking all the home repairs I had made to it. My cape was now restored to its magnificent purple colour and my shield was intact. The shield had been passed down through the legion since the time of the Republic and had sat in a armory in the original Rome as a reminder of who originally wielded it. Most demigods had refused to touch the weapon as it had belonged Marcus Antonius or as he was more commonly known Mark Anthony who was my long since deceased brother as a son of Bellona. The shield had long before fallen into disrepair and had been reluctantly maintained by generations of Legionaries until I had claimed it.

When I had claimed it, I had needed to have the metal frame and the boss in the centre renovated in iron but now it was returned to what I guessed was its original condition when it was manufactured. The shield was framed in Imperial Gold as was the central boss and the painting was in purple signifying high status befitting a general.

'Now you look more like I remember.' I heard from behind me and I turned to look up and see his eyes were once again golden.

'Thank you I guess but if you can do this. Why not fix your nose already?' I said pointing at the still visible injury.

'I can only restore inanimate objects to their past condition people and injuries are beyond my power otherwise I could have save Annabeth and a lot of others before, as for this a bit of Ambrosia will heal it.' He explained.

'I suppose everything has limitations, by the way can I have my sword back now.' I asked curiously.

'If you promise not to stab me with it. Quick question which one was yours I have forgotten?' He stated embarrassed as he offered them both out hilt first and I took the correct blade.

'Okay now you have finished with the magic tricks can we go now?' I asked impatiently, he simply unfurled his wings and I took that as an agreement and mounted the Pegasus.

Scipio did a prance in a circle before suddenly bounding forward while pumping his wings and we began to gain elevation. Percy was a lot more subtle as he simply flapped once and rose into the sky before gliding in front of me and leading the way.

(Percy)

The journey back to the camp was delayed only momentarily as I made a stop at the Wolf House and retrieved my remaining arms and returned the borrowed blade, I had enough swords as it was and the Roman weapon did not match my own Hack and Slash technique as I was less reliant on stabbing blows.

I had told Reyna to remain airborne while I did so and she did not protest evidently not being keen to return here.

Finally we returned to the camp outskirts and landed outside my tent on the cliff. Nemea was absent obviously walking through the woods, it was amazing to see a known monster that cannot talk follow every instruction without protest, either she still feared me for the freeze dried ice-cream incident or she actually enjoyed this other than the flashing around.

'Ok why are we up here and not down there inside the camp, I guess this is where you stay but what about me?' She asked looking over the cliff at the tents below.

'Well Diana doesn't return until around 5.30am and it is only midnight now so unless you want to stay on the ground out here you can stay in my tent.' I explained.

'What about you, where will you be staying as I doubt the goddess will appreciate you staying in there with me.' She asked inquisitively.

'I am supposed to be on duty tonight anyway, this was just an excursion to find you. If I don't go on guard now I am back there will be one very angry kitty.' I explained earning a blank face and I remembered she never would have learned of Nemea's presence before.

'I have the Nemean Lioness as a pet and she guards the camp, while I am away and every other night.' I explained.

'Ok sure first Hellhounds and now living tanks, I though I had it bad with Aurum and Argentum as pets.' She said in disbelief.

'So if you want you can follow me and I will lend you a bed for the night until you join and you will get your own tent.' I said walking towards the structure and she followed on behind.

We entered the tent which unlike Artemis's had a higher door so I was not forced to duck and I concentrated on the interior and summoned a new bed in a free area of space.

'I wouldn't call it five stars but it should do you until morning.' I told her.

'After weeks of sleeping in the woods and up trees with only a cloak for warmth anything is five stars if it has a bed.' She joked throwing herself on the mattress armor and all.

'I will wake you up when Lady Diana returns, don't touch anything, I don't have any weapons in here at the moment but be careful as my stuff can cause serious problems.' I warned to which she nodded.

'Ok then have a good night then Praetor.' I said and walked out before shutting the tent flap door.

'Scipio you can go graze or sleep or whatever you want for the night though you need to be back for when the moon sets.' I said turning towards the winged horse.

'Yes Milord and thank you for saving my mistress.' He answered politely.

'You don't need to call me Milord and I didn't save her from anything.' I replied calmly.

'Yes you did 'boss' you saved her from herself. She saved me and I would do anything for her but it pained me to see her like that.' He said mournfully.

'She deserved better true, and don't you start with that boss crap.' I said scornfully.

'Okay Lord Perseus.'

'Why is every Pegasus a smart ass why can't you just call me Percy like everyone else?' I said putting my face in my hands catching my broken nose and reminding me of the injury.

'Because where would the fun be in that Milord.' He said cheerfully now flapping his wings playfully.

'Your Greek aren't you, a Roman Pegasus would be filled with respect at my presence not lipping off.'

'True I am, I also knew your friend Blackjack though I was only a foal when he escaped with you. Now with your leave Milord I intend to get some rest.' He explained before slumping to the floor with one wing outstretched behind him before bending his neck and lowering the other one over his face.

With that conversation over I intended to get some Ambrosia to heal my face only to remember that all of mine was now in my tent along with Reyna and I was loath to disturb her.

Besides there was bound to be some in the hunts medical tent I thought as I jumped off the cliff and glided into the camp stealthily. I walked amongst the hunters tents quietly unwilling to disturb those inside as I searched for the correct tent before reaching to open it and finding it unwilling to budge even when I was straining to pull it until I gave up. Of all the things that could beat me, a zip was last one I suspected.

I decided to forget the injury for the time being, it was no longer hurting so much and other than the fact I had a congested nostril from the congealed ichor I barely noticed it. I would deal with it when Diana returned. I could go use some water but there was no guarantee it would heal it correctly and there was no way I was letting Reyna break it again to reset it before trying again.

The rest of the night passed peacefully after I found Nemea by the water's edge and summoned a big horn sheep for her to devour remembering it was actually native to the state and it would look less suspicious if the hunters found what was left of the remains.

As I flew over the camp, I would check on the current position of the moon and find myself staring at it as I thought of the goddess and how I missed her during these lonely hours until I remembered that she could see me and there was no way I was getting accused of slacking off.

By the time the sun was rising in the west as evident by the lightening night sky I began to prepare for Artemis/Diana's return and found myself outside my own tent. I waited until I felt the now familiar presence of the goddess flash back before knocking against one of the tent poles with one of my throwing knives hoping the chime would wake up the current inhabitant.

I heard a commotion inside before suddenly Reyna burst out still wearing full armor with sword in hand. The only sign she had been a sleep were the bags under her eyes and the fact her black hair resembled a birds nest. She focused eyes on me before suddenly relaxing and lowering the blade.

'You need to get ready the goddess has returned.' I explained simply and watched as she dived back inside and soon enough I heard the sound of splashing water and then she was back looking slightly more refreshed.

'So how do we get down there then?' She asked wearily.

'We fly down unless you want to walk half a mile in the opposite direction down from here and then back again.' I explained pointing at the far side away from the cliff which was a long ramp into the distance.

'Ok then what is so difficult about that, you can just fly us both down there now in like a second.' She asked pulling her hair back and making an attempt at making it presentable albeit failing epically.

'Because I can't exactly just fly inside the camp, up here is secluded and hidden from accidental witnesses and Thalia may be awake already. Only the goddess knows who I am properly. I am going to need to arrive with you, unfortunately for Skippy there.' I said loudly waking the horse who protested wearily at my use of his nickname as he staggered to his hooves.

'We are going like 30ft and down two dozen meters how hard can it be?' She asked curiously.

'With a normal person it wouldn't but I am not exactly small and these wings are not just colored gold they are physically made out of Imperial Gold, I can bare the weight with little problems but Scipio will only be able to do it for a few minutes at best I am guessing.'

'You must be the best looking and yet heaviest man in the world.' Reyna joked.

'What I only weigh around half a ton now.' I joked, truthfully I had no idea how much I did now.

'Glad to see you are like most Europeans concept of an American then, you need to cut back on the cheeseburgers Fatty.' She joked.

'Very funny but I am all muscle for the most part. Now Scipio I am really sorry about this but I can offer you donuts as reparation.'

'Chocolate sprinkled and I will call it quits I don't like those sugar glazed ones.' He demanded trotting over before Reyna mounted him and I realized he was still wearing his saddle from the night before with all Reyna's equipment still attached but he seemed unconcerned clearly he had become used to it.

'Done deal although you may have to wait until I get a chance to get out of here before I can get them.' I explained walking over to him and I saw him bracing before I threw a leg over his back and sat behind Reyna. The Pegasus partially stumbled but fought through it and quickly ran towards the cliff and we dropped before his flapping caused a slight rise until we slowly wheeled around and began to descend until he lined up with a free area of space and we landed.

I leapt of the moment his rear hooves made contact much to his apparent relief as he slowed from a bound to a canter and slowly returned before stopping next to me.

'That was one of the most painful experiences of my life.' He gasped out.

'How many donuts do I owe you?' I said patting the horse on the head.

'All of them.' He said dropping his head until Reyna dismounted and then he practically collapsed.

'What did he say in reply?' Reyna asked.

'Apparently I owe him every donut in the world.' I replied.

'Unfortunately Skippy I don't want a fat Pegasus, so 36 is enough and no protesting.' She said facing the Pegasus scornfully.

'Sorry but what your boss says goes my friend, although we should remove his saddle and load so he can recover faster.' I said to the pair and Reyna nodded while he looked in betrayal at Reyna limiting him.

We both had removed the saddle and pack in minutes when I heard the sound of a tent opening and a figure walking out while stretching releasing a yawn before looking at the Pegasus on the floor and her eyes locking on the unfamiliar demigod in front of her with looks of confusion.

(Thalia)

To say I was confused when I heard voices outside my tent would be mildly putting it. I recognized one as Percy but the other I was sure I recognized from somewhere but I couldn't place it and most confusing was what I was sure was a horse's neighing and Percy seemingly replying afterwards.

After a few minutes of getting dressed into something more appropriate I walked out of my tent only to see a Pegasus collapsed on the floor alongside Percy with a very swollen nose and another girl who was wearing Roman armor and weaponry.

'Good morning Thalia.' Percy said far too cheerfully for this time in the morning.

The other girl was still staring at me, and I tried to remember who she was from the brief period the Romans had remained at CampHalf-Blood.

'Percy why is there a Roman here at this time in the morning?' I asked turning back to him, I couldn't stand the look she was giving me.

'Reyna wants to join the hunt.' He explained simply. Reyna she was the gods damned Roman commander or whatever they were called. Why would she want to join?

'Why exactly would you want to join, I thought all you Romans were happy with yourselves after you tried to kill us all.' I asked angrily.

'Not everyone followed that fool when he attacked you and I am sorry for standing aside and letting it happen. I paid the price when I left the legion.' She replied confidently and I could see truth behind her words. I looked her over and noticed a few odd details. Her armor and cloths were in perfect condition and yet her body showed signs of old injuries, bruises and cuts ran the length of her arms and her face was showing signs of extreme fatigue.

'Ok then, when and how exactly did you get here and why is there a Pegasus collapsed on the floor?' I asked.

'I met her last night and brought her back as for Scipio there, he was unable to take my weight alongside Reyna's.' Percy explained.

'Wait how long have you been here?'

'Since about Midnight, she stayed in my tent while I was on duty.' Percy added.

'So a Pegasus collapsed after a short journey from up there, wow he must be in awful condition.' I said pointing at the outcrop where Percy's tent was.

'He needs a proper Greek diet of Donuts to regain his strength.' Percy joked looking at the Pegasus who was staring back at him mouthing something inaudibly.

While I was watching him have a staring contest with the horse I saw the tent behind the trio open and reveal the figure of Artemis who looked over us all before focusing on the cape wearing girl and shifting aspect into her Roman equivalent.

(Diana)

'Good morning Thalia, Percy. And you must be Reyna.' I said looking over the figures in front of me acknowledging each of them in turn.

'Good morning Lady Artemis/Diana.' The two full demigods answered while Percy simply nodded his head in acknowledgement and I noticed his nose was still swollen, why the fool had not healed it already was beyond my comprehension all I knew was it currently ruined his looks as did the small amount of blood/Ichor on his coat.

'Thalia go help Percy heal his wound while I deal with Reyna. I will talk with the pair of you afterwards.' I commanded and I saw Thalia bow and begin to lead the guardian away towards the medical tent after he finally averted his eyes off me much to my secret pleasure.

'Reyna follow me.' I commanded simply and waited for the Praetor to follow me inside my tent as I conjured a mini throne for myself and a chair for her before we took our seats facing each other.

'So Praetor what makes you worthy to join my hunt?' I asked coldly looking at her.

'I admit I am not exactly trained in the techniques of a hunter, until last year I didn't even know your huntresses still existed and never thought I would be here today. We Romans as I am sure you know Milady are not exactly educated in the use of stealth and Archery and as of today I have yet to ever fire a bow. I only have my military training and past as experience.' She admitted humbly.

'I don't know about lack of stealth, you managed to evade Lupa and her pack and would have been able to ambush Perseus if he didn't have enhanced senses and powers and yet you knew when a foe was beyond your capabilities and retreated, Daughter of Bellona which is uncommon for those of your bloodline.' I said praising.

'Thank you Lady Diana.' She replied confidently.

'As for your past, I am aware of your past with my youngest brother and the part Hera's meddling played in ruining your chance but understand if you join my hunt, this is final, no secret romances and moves towards anyone not Jason should you see him again and certainly not Perseus for the same reason he is restricted from relationships with hunters.' I said regretting the need to highlight Percy as an example, what a great example I was when it came to him.

'He is lost to me now, what chance do I have against the goddess of Beauty and Compassion.' She mumbled under her breath barely audibly.

'Good then repeat after me. I Reyna, daughter of Bellona pledge myself to the goddess Diana. I turn my back on the company of men, accept eternal maidenhood and join the hunt. Now is your last chance to back out and return to Rome.' I warned but at the mention of the city she gained a look of determination.

'I Reyna, daughter of Bellona pledge myself to the goddess Diana. I turn my back on the company of men, accept eternal maidenhood and join the hunt.' She said with confidence.

'Then welcome sister to the hunt.' I replied in acceptance sealing the pact and giving the girl my blessing.

'Thank you Lady Diana.'

'Your welcome Reyna, now first thing is no more striking my guardian as impressive as it was to watch.' I warned.

'Wait you saw that Milady?'

'I can see anything that happens under the moonlight at night and I was watching your confrontation with Perseus.' I explained.

'Oh.' She said simply just as a knock was heard against the door.

'Milady we are back.' A voice I recognized as Thalia's called from outside,

'The pair of you come in, we are done already.' I called and watched the pair enter, Percy's face now back to normal.

'So Milady did you accept her.' Thalia said indicating Reyna.

'Yes Thalia, Reyna has joined us. She will be staying with you for the moment.' I explained drawing sour looks from both as they looked each other over.

'But.' They both said at the same time.

'Thalia you need to get over your prejudice towards the Romans and Reyna you need to get over your bitterness of Jason.' I explained.

'Why what has she got against my brother?' Thalia asked with hostility.

'It is irrelevant now Thalia you will work together and stay together until I say otherwise, you may even enjoy the challenge you may find you have a lot in common. Now take your sister to get equipped.' I instructed to my red faced sister who groaned under her breath as she walked out followed by the newest huntress who looked less than impressed.

'Are you sure that was wise Diana?' Percy said turning to me.

'I need them to work together rather than clash over grudges.' I explained relaxing in my chair now they were gone.

'That's if they don't kill each other first, they are both very similar and once they realize, they should get on or so I hope.'

'Percy come here.' I asked and he came over towards me.

(Percy)

I was confused of why she asked me to come over, when he we were fine talking where we were nevertheless I complied.

Suddenly the goddess lunged forward and slapped me around the face before sitting down again and I was left in a state of utter confusion.

'I told you to be careful, you let your guard down and got hurt because of it. Remain on guard until you know your target is defeated. It is the boar that is cornered that gores kings or so the hunting idiom goes, you should remember that.' She said changing from worry to smugness as I held my cheek.

'I guess I will now. Quick question why is there a secret lock on the medical tent I tried to use it last night but couldn't open the damned thing and then Thalia tells me only hunters can, why?'

'Oh I didn't think of that before, it was originally done before there was permanent camp for demigods and I didn't want them raiding our supplies, I give you Perseus permission to you the camp supply tents.' She said with a snap of her fingers.

'Thank you that could have been a problem in an emergency.' I stated thankful it hadn't even if it did hurt like hell for a while.

'Luckily your nose is only a minor concern although Tania will regret having missed it. Did anything else happen and you need to report other than your occasional star gazing period, you carry the constellations on you arm you don't need to strain your neck looking at them.' She joked out not realizing I was actually looking at her not the stars.

'No other than almost killing Reyna's Pegasus with the shear weight of my wings even if it was not necessary, which reminds me I need to leave for a bit today and get some donuts.' I said probably sounding random.

'Just east of San Francisco is a monster donut store, go there it shouldn't take long if you fly.' She answered nonchalantly.

'I am not a monster and how do you even know that?' I said looking at her in surprise.

'No but you are a Titan they will serve you just like they serve gods, all they care about is the money and as for how I know I had breakfast there on the way back.' She explained pointing to a table in the far corner where a paper bag was sitting with the vaguely familiar logo on it.

'You continue to surprise me Di.' I joked earning a frown.

'I meant Diana calm down.'

'We are informal enough as it is Perse, it is bad enough when my other name gets abbreviated by my dimwit little brother and Aphrodite without you joining that list, remember unlike them you can die and you still bleed red.' She said coldly before smiling.

'Red Ichor though which reminds me.' I said as I retconned my own clothes and made the dirt and stains go away, this was far easier than washing the damned things and was guaranteed to remove all tough dirt including blood stains.

'You truly are unique and continue to surprise me, now go and get some rest just in case we need to step in between the two new best friends later when we have melee combat practice.' She explained and honestly I was excited, I wanted to see who would win between the pair in an honest fight of skill without powers.

'I wouldn't miss it for the world.' I stated before leaving.

(Thalia)

This girl was already annoying me. First she turns up in the middle of the night and no one tells me and then I find out that Percy was actually ordered to go and get her by Artemis. I didn't mind the other Roman girl as she knew nothing of the legion or Rome but now we had its former commander with us even if she had helped stop Octavian.

The problem was she refused to change into our normal hunters outfit when I gave it to her. She still insisted on wearing her armor over the top of the silver outfit. Eventually I gave up on forcing the issue, if she wanted to bake herself in the midday sun then that was her problem. Next came the issuance of weaponry and her stubborn refusal to relinquish her sword and shield in favor of the twin knives all hunters used. While I had no problem in her carrying a sword and shield as I also bore a shield at all time, mine was concealed outside of combat. Whereas bearing a shield while conducting archery meant you had to drop a weapon. By the time we were done she was wearing silver clothing overlaid with golden gilded armor though she had reluctantly left the cape in 'our' tent with a bow across her back, sword in a sheath strapped to her leg and spear and shield in hand. Barely looking at all like a hunter.

The day went by quickly as I introduced her to her new fellow hunters and showed her around the camp, I could see the looks and talking they were doing outside of earshot and guessed they were discussing rumors about the girl.

As for Reyna she looked about analytically as if looking for signs of danger and other threats which resulted in her preparing for battle when she saw the large form of Nemea stalking between the trees drawing her spear or Pilum to be technical although unlike a normal mortal one the metal spike was solid gold rather than bendable iron. She only settled when I stepped in front of her and placed my hand on the weapon forcing her to lower it and explaining that she was Percy's pet.

I knew it was not just the hunters watching us as several times I caught two figures looking down from the overlook as if watching us and figured that Percy and Artemis were interested which made me determined to work her harder, if she wanted a place in the hunters she had to prove her value to me and my sisters even if the goddess did accept her.

Archery practice proved that she had no idea about how to fire a bow which pleased me to see her struggle although she was quick to grasp the basics and unlike Percy didn't manage to cause any friendly fire and was able to hit the target occasionally even at distance. Given time she would learn the finer points but honestly it wasn't bad for a first time user of a bow much to my chagrin.

(Artemis)

It was amusing to watch my lieutenant leading the new girl around while introducing her to the other hunters and other animal denizens of the camp. I did not approve of Reyna's choice in equipment but I would hold my tongue for the moment. The hunting knives were not compulsory weapons but all hunters carried them already but if she wanted to use a sword then so be it.

The girl despite her claim was naturally gifted with a bow even if she was still a little new to the weapon. I had spent the morning up on Percy's cliff watching the interactions. Percy eventually joined me for a while before disappearing to go get donuts for the weary Pegasus who was currently grazing nervously in a clearing watched by the wolves.

Finally after lunch it was time for the weekly melee combat training where the hunters would spar with their chosen weapons at close range until a winner was declared in a series of knock outs.

The various girls all gathered on the firing range because it was the largest open area and I flashed among them.

'Milady.' They all said respectfully.

'I will explain this for the newcomers, last one standing is the winner, close range weapons only and that excludes the use of throwing knives Phoebe.' I said warning the girl after she had almost blinded a fellow hunter with the weapon a few hundred years ago and I made it a point to repeat the warning every single time as a matter of habit. 'Winner is decided when the opponent is disarmed or yields. Atlanta will be medic as usual. Any questions?'

The twins paled at the prospect while if anything Reyna looked excited. I pair everyone off with the twins both against Phoebe due to the odd number and their lack of experience offset by there being two of them. I watched Thalia and Reyna as I paired them against others and not each other. I claimed it was because I didn't want to match my newest hunter against my Lieutenant, in reality I expected them both to be in the finals.

The fights quickly passed with surprising results as the twins seemed more focused on arguing with each other than fighting Phoebe who rapidly disarmed them after watching the scene in amusement. Thalia defeated Tania as both used spears although Thalia had the advantage of also wielding a shield for defense. Reyna made light work of little Jacqueline but then again she was half her age. The bout was less of a challenge to Reyna than a training exercise for the daughter of Hermes as the other hunters were too gentle on the girl whereas Reyna struck suddenly and kept up the assault until she was disarmed on the ground with a blade to her throat. Jacqueline had to learn what a real battle was about and how a real foe would treat her. Morgana was forced to dispel the magic on her knives as she combated Erica but nevertheless prevailed.

By the time the second round was ready Percy was back from his errand and was sitting down and watching as well.

'So how is she doing in this?' He asked nodding towards Reyna.

'She certainly has potential I will give her that but I think she will have a challenge against Phoebe this round.'

'Sword and Board versus butter knives I know who my money is on.' He said calmly.

'Those knives would skin you alive if I was using them.' I said threateningly.

'Is that a challenge Milady?' He asked raising an eyebrow.

'The mighty hero wants to play with the big girls.' I joked cheerfully.

'Done. compared to some of the women I have fought you are small even in your Olympian form, hello I defeated Gaia she was the size of a small mountain.' He replied.

'Lady Artemis show him that we are better than him.' I heard Tania say and realized they were all watching the exchange.

'You're just bitter because I beat your dad.' Percy replied sticking his tongue out at the daughter of Ares who turned crimson only to be held back by cluster of plants around her ankles courtesy of Erica. No matter how much he had matured, he was still the same impertinent boy underneath and it was cute to watch.

'No she is right, I think that it is a good idea. Girls think of it as a demonstration on how to beat a larger opponent, Perseus here is about the size of a small Cyclops and unlike a Cyclops he doesn't crumble when you hit him to hard.' I stated and watched him pale.

'Great I get to be a punching bag, can we at least wait till after the hunters finish?' He asked and I had to agree.

'Ok then girls the remaining 4 of you will be divided up into Reyna vs. Phoebe and Thalia vs. Morgana both matches will be concordant and the final will be as soon as the winners are ready.' I explained to the reply of much muttering.

(Percy)

What had I got myself into? I was now stuck in a duel against the goddess and unlike her I was limited in offensive capability. I was limited to Riptide and my shield as the Titan weapons were simply overpowered although I did have my knives as a back up in case, the goddess would not be affected by the Iron contents power.

As I was lamenting my luck I focused on the duals in front of me and saw Thalia was having little trouble against Morgana as they went knives against knives. My cousin was simply more athletic than the other girl who I guessed was more focused on her abilities in combat as I noticed that the blades lacked there usual ethereal glow. Eventual Thalia was able to dodge a high swing by ducking beneath it and whipping her own blades up to her opponent's neck forcing her to yield.

By comparison Reyna was having a much harder time as she struggled to strike the more nimble hunter. Her choice of spear and shield was surprising, true it gave her much longer reach but was useless when she was within close stabbing range and the weapon was little more than a large bat as she swung it around. The only thing keeping her in the dual was her shield as she managed to catch her opponents strikes on the face or the rim.

This stalemate continued until Reyna launched a faint at Phoebe's legs causing the other girl to jump up while simultaneously slashing her knife in a high strike only to once again be met by the shield. However in the time it took for the other Phoebe to land Reyna had dropped the spear and drawn her sword whilst lowering her shield. Phoebe handed on the bottom of the shield and Reyna used the chance to push forward resulting in her staggering backwards and fall on her back. As she began to rise again she was met by a armoured boot on her chest and a golden blade pointed down.

'I yield.' Phoebe said reluctantly and Reyna stepped back in acknowledgment.

'Reyna vs. Thalia.' Artemis stated simply and the pair looked at each other with glares as they walked to either side of the makeshift arena.

'Percy lend me your sword.' Thalia asked as more of a demand much to both mine and the hunter's surprise.

I was amused by the concept of Thalia going against a swordswomen at her own game and simply tossed Riptide to her. She caught the pen in one hand before drawing the cap and holding my sword in one hand while drawing Aegis from her bracelet. Reyna by comparison threw away her spear and redrew her Gladius.

There was silence in the air as everyone watched the pair before they finally both charged at one another. Both lock shields at the point of contact as their blades were caught between them and they both began to struggle to push the other back.

The deadlock was interrupted when Reyna drove the flat bottom of her shield downwards meaning to catch Thalia's feet with the crushing blow, Thalia noticed the tactic and pushed the top of the now lowered shield forcing Reyna to back up slightly and instead placed her feet upon the shield and kicked back while doing a somersault. Reyna stumbled backwards from the force of the motion while Thalia landed on her feet however she was unable to capitalize on the advantage as she quickly regained her footing.

This time they closed into striking range and began to take restrained strikes at each other only to be met by the blade or shield of the other. So far the pair was dead even and it was getting no where, in a real battle Thalia would have won easily by now if powers were allowed but in a practice duel where they were force to hold back neither could gain an advantage.

Suddenly with warning Thalia tossed Aegis aside and Reyna followed suit both holding the blades in two hands before once again charging at one another.

The clash of gold on bronze was rapid and furious and even I struggled to keep up until it suddenly ended.

(Thalia)

I couldn't believe the force she was putting behind her blows and I was glad that Riptide was nigh invulnerable as a mortal blade would have long been ruined. However the power was offset by her lacking my agility.

Finally I saw a chance when she overextended on a lunge and I drew her in towards me.

(Reyna)

I was surprised when she fell for the faint I had launched. I pretended to step to far and she reacted by trying to cause me to fall by grabbing hold of my armor strap however I waited for it and grabbed her sword arm in my left and forcing it aside while bringing my other towards her neck and saw her panic and drop the sword she held and I responded by dropping her arm thinking she was surrendering only for her to grab a hunting knife.

(Artemis)

I looked on in surprise to see the scene before me. There was Thalia with a blade to her throat while having a knife pressed against her opponent's side below the ribs where the armor buckles were. For the first time in minutes, there was silence as they noticed their predicament.

'I would say that was a draw Lady Artemis.' Phoebe noted and the others nodded in agreement.

'Thalia, Phoebe it is a tie both of you could land the killing blow.' I declared and watched them both relax and fall to the floor in exhaustion.

After a quick square of Ambrosia both looked a lot better and were able to rise from the ground and regarded each other respectfully.

I was more surprised when Thalia offered a hand out to the other girl who tentatively took it.

'Welcome to the hunt, sister.' She said with a smile before pulling her into a hug much to Reyna's surprise.

The other hunters let out a sigh of relief as the situation defused and were followed by Percy clapping in congratulation swiftly followed by the rest.

'Ok now lets go get some dinner.' Percy stated before making to leave.

'Hey Perse aren't you forgetting something?' Thalia shouted causing him to freeze.

'We did our fight or are you to chicken to do yours?' Reyna chanted after.

I saw his shoulder slump before he turned around and muttered a single profanity under his breath.