Chapter 9- Preparations Begin

"All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near."

Sun Tzu

"My lord. I bring dire news. The child managed to escape. He brought light to our plans to your youngest son. The council is now aware of the stirring taking place. And the other one, he managed to retreat the chaos we used to cover ourself. Our paths have been traced."

A low growl emitted from the darkness, one full of hatred in its purest form.

"Well, they were bound to find out soon. But my son's ignorance will play to our hands. He'll try to deny or delay the claims and that is time that can be well spent. Tell Luke that he is to begin preparations on crippling the heroes of Greece. Without them, the gods are on their crutches. Tell him to begin the poisoning. He'll know what I mean," came the response from the pit

"What about the Romans my sire?"

"Unfortunately, due to the brat, they will begin defence preparations. We'll need to be more stealthy. Send out a group of minions. I don't care which ones. Let the next phase take -,"

"My lord?"

"Someone is watching. The child is here, concealed in the background. He has summoned himself here,"

"How? That shouldn't be possible!"

"Perhaps for a weakling like you. But the child, blast his father's blood. He's too wild, too unpredictable, too interchangeable. Follows one path but then barges into the next land. And due to his upbringing, his mind, forget in the flames of steel, he is able to persist the darkness here. Raised in the wild, born of the sea, child of the storms whose very steps shake the earth in fear. It's no wonder Olympus treasures you,"

There was a pause

"So, child of the sea. You wish to know your destiny. Your prophecy. You were born to be a weapon only. A tool with one purpose: destruction, such as your name. You could do far better than serving those arrogant fools. Serve me and I'll bring dreams beyond your imagination. But for now, begone!"

Percy shot out of his bed, sweat trickling down his head, his heart racing in fear at what he had just witnessed. Just being in his presence sent shivers down his body. The aura of power that surrounded the Titan Lord; Percy just wanted to curl up just submitting.

He took a breath and got out of his bed. It was still early morning, 4:30 according to his watch. He decided to go out, get some fresh air into his lungs. He exited his barracks, the cold but gentle air softly caressing his skin and face, waking him up slightly. He stretched his arms out slightly as he walked towards the training arena. It was still quite early so the camp was empty, silence ruling through the surroundings. Percy didn't mind. It felt peaceful, just being out in the open with his thoughts. He decided to go do some training to focus his mind on something else for the time being.

He reached the area where he saw a few training dummies and an archery range not too far. He decided to go to the archery range, knowing that he needed to improve in that area. He got into stance, calling Turbulence and drew back a normal steel arrow. Lupa's words replaying through his mind

"Take your stance. Draw back your bow and take a deep breath. Everything you do here, you take a breath. Your breath is a steady pulse that centres you and your aim. Don't just look with your eyes. Feel the wind on your face, listen to the sound around you, tune in to your surroundings. Feel the ground on your feet, holding you. Aim with all your senses, let your hands guide you, your eyes centre you aim, your skin tell you the strength of the wind and let your ears listen to what's happening around you. Then take a breath, let yourself tune in to your environment, become one with it, use it to your advantage and then let go, allow your arrow to fly to its destination,"

"Remember you are only guiding the arrow. It goes only where you say, but you must show it the way,"

Percy focused and let go, the arrow flew, just an edge away from a bullseye. He tried again and on his third go, managed to hit the very dead centre. He was good at archery but he needed to be faster. In battle, swiftness and range were good tools but he needed to be quicker.

He focused again, getting into the steady routine as he began improving his speed. He was brought out of his training as he heard footsteps near him. He turned to see Praetor Katters walking across the training arena when he had noticed Percy.

Percy immediately stopped what he was doing as David walked towards him,

"Praetor," he spoke with the proper honorifics.

"Percy," David greeted, slightly surprised to see him awake this early. "Practising archery?"

"Couldn't sleep too much so decided to get some training in" Percy responded as he glanced at the Praetor's gladius. It was a Mainz Gladius, slightly shorter than his sword which was a Gladius Hispaniensis, one of the longer swords used in Roman times. A Mainz Gladius was only slightly shorter but sturdier, most famously used by Augustus in a military victory. It seemed to be made of Imperial Gold but was outlined by something else, a grayer metal which seem to give a darker shade. Some sort of mortal steel. The blade had some engravings on it which Percy couldn't read from the distance.

"Care for a spar?" he asked to which Percy nodded, not having much else to do. They walked towards an empty area in the arena where Percy tapped his ring. They both got into stance, not too focused as it was just a training spar. Percy swung his blade upwards but was met with a strike before pulling down and swept under David, who retaliated with a back flip and swung for Percy's shoulders as they began sparring.

"So care to tell me why you're awake so early?" David asked as he lunged forward. Percy was silent for a moment, debating on what to tell him before deciding there wasn't much to lose.

"Had a bad dream and couldn't sleep," he responded as he ducked for an overhead swipe.

"About Saturn?" David asked he rolled underneath before striking for his ribs. Percy's silence confirmed his thoughts as Percy dodged the strike, sidestepping and elbowing him but was met with David's legs hitting him right in the knee, forcing him to the ground. He kept forgetting he was up against a more experienced warrior, not just a normal spar against Jason. David was a praetor, a seasoned Veteran with lots of experience in field. He immediately shot his right arm out on a precise hit on his ribs before lunging up.

"I'm afraid your announcement of the Titan's rising hasn't sat well with the Senators. Some are still in denial or disbelief. And while most believe you, given that you haven't given them a reason to doubt you, Octavian's mouth has been running," David told him as he launched a kick to his chest

"Because I am the son of Neptune?" Percy asked as he swerved to the side, laying a cut on his right arm

"Partially yes, Octavian has been using your heritage as a means to sway others but he also sees you as a threat to himself in my opinion. You are the child of the big three, son of a deity who hasn't sired a mortal hero for eons through the ages. You are a public influencer and Octavian doesn't like that," David explained as he rushed forward

"Well, it's not my fault I am my father's son?" Percy replied, slight anger toning in his voice

"And I know that. But what I am trying to tell you is just to be wary. Octavian and some others may try to bait you, lure you in a trap so just be on the watch out. And you have to understand, some Senators are taking the word of the Titan's rise because it is at your word and you are under the protection of 3 gods and goddesses. That does cause slight anxiety across people. I'm not saying it is your fault but I am just trying to explain to you why other people may be slightly wary or hostile to you and so you can try to gain their trust," David spoke as he thrust forward, knocking Percy's sword before realising his error. Percy immediately lunged through David's defense, hitting him on the shoulder with enough force to make him grunt in pain and retract his hands as Percy swept under his legs. David was caught off guard but in a split second managed to grab Percy by the abdomen, using his body weight against him and retracting his legs hitting him in the ribs, causing them to both fall onto the ground.

"Call it even?" David asked as Percy shook his head, his breaths heavy as he recovered.

"It goes to you," Percy spoke in between breaths, "You managed to bring me down and you recovered fast enough to gain the edge on me,"

"Maybe but you had you blade nearby, you could've hit my legs with enough force to grant yourself a leeway," David replied. Percy thought for a moment before shrugging

"Call it even,"

"Thanks for the information Praetor, I'll try to gain the senators trust. But I will ask that you begin preparations for defending Rome. Especially now," Percy told him.

"I do have a war council converging tonight and one in 3 days' time. I do plan to bring up ideas for fortifying the walls and the inner city. But what do you mean especially now? There's still a long way for the Titan's rise?" Davidson asked. Percy sighed before explaining his dream, talking about Saturn's plans to send small attacks against Rome and also something about a minion in disguise.

"Well, that's troubling to hear. But why against us especially now?" David mused

"Because we are half-bloods. Without us, the gods essentially lose their crutches. They're bound by ancient laws, that is why they operate through us. Without us, Olympus is in deep trouble and essentially lose their most important tools of war," Percy told him.

"You seem to know a lot about how immortals work?" David asked him with a raised eyebrow.

"I was raised by 2 immortals since the age of 4 and have met the Queen of Olympus a few times. You learn and understand a few things over time," Percy said with a smirk on his face as David nodded.

"I'll inform the council of what you've told me. I'm assuming you are coming to the council later on this week?" David asked to which Percy shook his head

"That one is for Centurions and their secondaries. And I told Julia that Jason had been here far longer and it'd be unfair for me to just take that position after joining recently. I've already done a small quest and earned a Mural Crown, I think that's enough excitement for me for some time," Percy told him as David thought for a few moments.

"Well then you can come as my guest. As Praetor, I can allow certain individuals to join us should I feel that their presence is needed and after watching you at War Games, I want to see what plans you come up with. You'd be quite useful," David told him as Percy looked at him questioningly.

"Are you allowed to do that?" Percy asked

"I'm Praetor," he shrugged, "They can't exactly oppose me and I'm sure Cassie wouldn't mind having an extra head,"

Percy nodded as they both decided to leave the area, the sun starting to rise across.

Before they parted Percy had a question to ask

"Why are you interested in me? You seem to like me a bit more than others, like you have an interest in me?" Percy asked puzzled

David looked at him for a moment, a small smile on his face as his eyes twinkled

"Believe it or not, I know what it's like to be the odd one out. To have everyone look at you differently and slightly wary of you because of something you have no control over and how much you have to struggle to rise up ranks and gain trust. And I see a part of myself in you and potential in you. Now I suggest you go meet up with your cohort," David said as he walked towards the Principia.

Reyna had a large grin on her face. She had finally gotten some free time and was riding on Percy's new pegasus, Blackjack, sitting right in front of Percy as they circled the boundaries of Camp Jupiter. She had always wanted to ride a pegasus, to feel free up in the skies and the feeling was unimaginable. She felt as though the entire sky was just for her freedom, the gentle wind just lapping across her face.

"This is amazing," she told Percy who grinned in response. "Just the feeling of freedom in the skies,"

"Yup, that's exactly what it's like," Percy responded as he looked to the sky, "I think that's enough for now, we both have monster class soon," Percy told her as she sighed

"Blackjack, land us back near the stables," he told the pegasus who immediately swooped downwards, spreading his wings as they landed gracefully on the ground. Percy got off the pegasus as Reyna did some sort of flip and landed swiftly on her two feet.

"Show off," he muttered as she gave him a smug smile as they both began laughing. Percy guided him back to the stables and they both set off for their evening lesson.

They both split off, where Reyna sat with some of her friends from First Cohort and Percy sat next to Leila. The daughter of Ceres had become a good friend of his recently, just someone who didn't judge him for anything except for who he was. She was also quite funny and someone who he felt like he could be himself around. She also reminded him of her mother from what he knew, her kind smile, dark brown eyes mixed with slight green and long dark blonde hair that went to her shoulders. She was quite the splitting image of her mother. She looked to be in a slightly bad mood when he sat beside her

"What's up?" Percy asked as he sat down. They still had a few minutes till the lesson began

"Nothing much," she said as he raised an eyebrow. She looked at him and sighed

"It's stupid. I got challenged by someone from the Third Cohort. Many people think I can't fight properly because I'm in the Fourth Cohort. Along with me being just a mere daughter of Ceres," she grumbled while Percy just looked at her in understanding.

"Mere daughter of Ceres? If only they knew how powerful your mum is and how powerful you could be," he said while she looked at him curiously

"Your mother is one of the eldest Olympians, daughter of Saturn. She has incredible abilities, just that she's generally a peaceful goddess so she isn't given as much credit. She has control over the land, all the plants and certain extent over the earth itself and the land across it. She also has a good amount of control over the weather. When Proserpina was kidnapped and Jupiter couldn't convince Pluto to give her back, she turned very cold and didn't allow the weather to move properly, allowing the winter cold to reign across for a large period of time with the exception of a town that aided her. She also controls nourishment for people which may not seem very powerful but can be a deadly weapon when needed. Trust me, if you train, you can be a deadly opponent," Percy told her as she looked at him with wide eyes but also a grateful smile.

"Tell you what," he continued, "tomorrow morning, meet me at the arena. Bring your gladius. I'm not letting the Fourth and Fifth get shafted around anymore," he told her who looked surprised for a moment before giving him a huge smile which he returned as their lesson began.

In that lesson, they learnt about two different types of monsters: Gegeines and Keres, which surprised Percy. Those were quite advanced monsters but Percy had a feeling that they were told to start teaching about more advanced monsters considering what was happening. He wondered what else was changing around the legion.

Gegeines were the Earthborn, monsters raised by Terra from the earth itself. They were pretty strong and resilient monsters, who had deadly accuracy and could move at incredible speeds however they had the capacity of 2 brain cells. It'd take a lot of skill and force and precise attacks to destroy them.

Keres were another story. They were classified as Daemones and they were generally very vengeful spirits. They generally didn't attack outright, just feeding on violent deaths and draining bodies till there was nothing left but if they chose to attack, they were extremely skilled and powerful, being daughters of Nyx or Nox depending on which form you looked on. They were extremely skilled in battle if they chose to attack and they had poison capabilities, being able to pollute the bloodstream with poison with a gentle scratch. Fighting them was essentially fighting a minor god without the restrictions and the only way to survive is to go on the defense, not letting them touch you and trying to look for blind spots until someone could assist you and then be able to fight them off. But it required swiftness and being able to dodge quickly and catching them by surprise to kill them.

Percy paid attention to everything being told. While Lupa had taught him the essentials of each monster, learning it from the perspective of the legion and understanding them in more detail then Lupa had told him gave him an insight on their weaknesses and how they were structured. There was a very good chance that they'd show up soon, well at least Keres would show up as a minimum.

"Now shape it," Salacia told him

Percy concentrated and immediately the water starting changing shape. It took quite a bit of effort but he was slowly understanding the concept. He was able to change the shape of water and was learning to solidify it. He had some success in changing its state for a few moments but Salacia assured him that with a bit more practice, he'd able to do it properly.

The water started to solidify for just a moment before he lost concentration and it returned back to its original state and flowed back into the sea.

Percy's eyes narrowed in frustration as he growled in anger and hit a nearby wall.

"Ahhh! This will never work! Why do I even bother!" Percy shouted in frustration as Salacia observed him in concern but understanding

"Percy, calm down. I told you, this is quite an advanced technique and it'll take time. There's nothing wrong with you not being able to do it at the moment. You just need to be patient, you'll be able to do it," she told him in a stern but soothing voice as he turned to look at her.

"I'm sorry. I am just tired and frustrated. I thought I'd have some success," he told her as she looked him with an amused smile, a laugh forming.

"You're so much like your father," she told him, her eyes looking fondly at him and a smirk at her face as he looked at her questioningly.

"Whenever you father isn't able to get something his way, he starts throwing a good tantrum about it. Either that or he starts sulking about it, brooding on his throne. Just like the time he tried courting me into marriage. Remind you of someone," she looked at him teasingly as he rolled his eyes.

"Well not just in personality but in looks as well," she continued to which he frowned

"How so?" Percy asked

"As you know, all demigods have some physical resemblance of their godly parent. Be it their eye colour, their facial feature or their hair. But you Percy, look so much identical to your father, more so than any other of his previous children," she explained as he thought over it.

"Could that just be a coincidence?" he asked as she shook her head.

"It could be or it could show how much you resemble him. It's clear that he must have loved you and your mother more than his previous relationships. The more attachment there it, the more powerful the child is and the more the child resembles their godly parent. It's clear your father cares far too deeply about your mother and by extension the love he has for you. That's why he may also blessed you, showing why you are more powerful than his previous children," Salacia told him as he had a small smile on his face.

"That's why as you've heard many times that others are wary of you. You resemble your father so much; they see you becoming just as powerful as him. And your emotions, you reflect him so much. You have the capability of becoming a powerful person. Dare I say, as powerful as a deity," Salacia told him

"Is that why Olympus is wary of me?" he asked

"Yes. But of course, they can't do anything to you in fear of your father. One wrong move and Olympus would be in deep trouble and shambles. They may not admit it, but your father holds large influence. All the cyclops, the telkhines, the sea which covers majority of the earth, the earth and the sky. If anything happens to you by their hand, they have essentially doomed their survival," she continued as she remembered the night Neptune went to save Percy. That was the most furious she had seen him in centuries. He looked as if he was ready to take on the Titan Lord by his lonesome and was ready to completely disfigure the planet on his own. Her face turned more serious as she looked back at Percy.

"However, I can tell that your frustration isn't purely just based on what we are doing. What's bothering you?" she asked him. Percy glanced at her face, which was stern as she expected a proper answer. He sighed before talking.

"It's just camp. I am trying to build trust and I have built a good rep in the Fourth and Fifth but there are still many that are suspicious of me. Especially within the Senate, and the unfairness is just starting to get to me, as much as I've been trying to ignore it," he told her as she looked lost in thought

"I did tell you that there'd be backlash. I'm afraid patience is what it'll take but of course that isn't your strongest suite. But holding in your anger won't do you good," she told him as she debated something for a moment before continuing.

"Focus upwards. Feel the clouds. Feel the water filling across the skies up above. I want you pull on them, feel the energy crackling across, feel the water, swirling wildly through the clouds. Pull them together sharply, make it bend to your will as you've done multiple times," she instructed him and he followed.

"Now feel the water around you. You are currently in a body of water. Feel the energy around you, let it fill your body," she continued as his breathing started to increase.

"Now instead of focusing the energy, just let it loose. Just let it out. Let your reservoirs open and let out all your energy," she told him. He looked at her in alarm but her face told him to just follow what he said. He could feel the energy inside him, the anger in him just fueling and bubbling. He tugged and let out a roar and his anger burst through.

All around them, the water responded erupting across through the river. Up above the skies, a large clap of thunder boomed across the sky, deafening the land around but no lightning followed. Percy couldn't have summoned a bolt at that time even if he tried, he wasn't near the amount of energy required. But regardless the water shot upwards and Salacia flicked her wrist, commanding it to level back down and dispersed the clouds around them.

Percy felt his energy slowly return to him, but this time it didn't feel too erratic like he had to focus on containing it. It felt normal, just peaceful. His anger had dissipated, his breathing slowly returning back to normal.

"How do you feel?" Salacia asked

"Better," he told her, trying to show her how grateful he was. For the past few days, he had to control himself to contain his anger but now he felt like he could actually breathe properly.

"Thank you. This...This means a lot," Percy told her as she looked at him in understanding.

"Remember the water is always a safe haven for you. Whenever you need help, or protection or just some place to get away, it'll always welcome you and protect you. The sea never forgets one if its own," she told him

"I don't mean to sound rude at all but why do you care a lot about me? I mean I know you want to help me succeed but to help me to this extent, how comes?" he asked trying not to sound rude. He always thought Salacia did care for him but to see her actively concerned for him did surprise him. Salacia tilted her hear, as though the question amused her.

"Well, I suppose helping raise you since a child, I've grown to care for you, dare I say like a son. You have somehow wriggled your way into my care so I do feel responsible for you and hence am concerned for you," she told him to which he looked at her in surprise but his eyes said otherwise. Growing up, he had a bad start but he kept failing to realise how much he had gained in return. Lupa, who had raised him, Salacia who came to care for him as a son and trained him and his father who did his absolute best to help him where he could.

"But I do hope you'll forgive me for this," Salacia told him, a small smirk forming on her face.

"For what," Percy asked in confusion right before his sixth sense started buzzing intensely. He turned around and ducked just in time to miss a punch aimed right for his face. He rolled over but the water spirit just turned and kicked him right in the shoulder causing him to fly a few metres back.

"You have to be joking me," he growled as he lunged forward

Jason jogged across the River Tiber. He had gotten into the habit of taking a quick jog before it was time for baths just to give him some time to clear his mind. Generally, he didn't have too much to think about after his recent quest, his mind was filled with many different thoughts that he used to occupy himself during his jog when he just a bit of time to himself.

However, this time as he jogged across, he could see something was a bit different. There was a large cloud just stood on top of the river which in itself was odd. He was slightly surprised when thunder shook but nothing followed but he could see the water of the river was moving unnaturally. It had struck upwards before falling back down midway. He figured Percy was up to something, perhaps he was training with...what was her name? Oh right, Salacia, his stepmother and patron.

He kept jogging on for a few minutes before his eyes widened in shock and he fell back. The river Tiber just erupted upwards all of a sudden with so much force and from the river came a body shooting across towards the sky from the bottom. Jason heart raced as he prepared to summon the winds when he saw something. A tendril of water shot upwards, catching Percy midway and descended slowly, carrying Percy carefully to the ground next to Jason.

Percy groaned in pain as Jason rushed to him.

"What in Jupiter's name was that?" he asked as Percy grimaced. "That was my lovely stepmother's new idea of training me. Seeing how well I would do if an enemy attacked me without notice and if I was unarmed. I lasted around 3 to 4 minutes before the damn spirit shot me through the river," he spoke as he grunted in pain.

"Thank you for the training. Was very useful," he shouted sarcastically before yelping as a stream of water lunged at his face before he started muttering things under his breath that Jason knew Lupa would have him hang himself if she heard him.

Jason stood by Percy as he recovered his breath and they started heading for the baths meeting Reyna. She took one look at him before saying,

"You look like crap,"

"Thanks. I'm entering an ugly contest against Echidna," he muttered as Jason laughed before splitting off to take a shower.

Jason looked down below to camp as night slowly came. He was just currently floating up in the sky, having the winds just hold him. Coming up towards the sky felt peaceful to him. It was extremely peaceful, especially at night where there was no sound to be heard allowing him to just relax for bit and clean his mind. And it was his biggest connection to his father. Over here, he felt closer to his father, almost like his father was watching him and he could feel his presence up there near the heavens. It felt comforting for him. As he started to see the sun set, he shook himself out of his trance and shot downwards landing near his barracks. He figured there was around half hour till time to sleep and he could kill time. He walked in to see Percy reading a book. Art of War was what Jason could make out. He decided to leave Percy be for the time as he spotted Julia. The daughter of Apollo smiled at him as he went towards her.

"You doing alright," she asked as he approached her

"Yes. It's just been an interesting week," he told her as she nodded "Well, Rome has to be prepared. Our enemies have started to awaken so we have to take appropriate measures. Things will change slightly, but it'll run normally," she told him as he nodded

"Are you ready for the war council tomorrow?" she asked him as he nodded "A bit nervous but yeah I am ready. What am I meant to expect?" he asked

"Well, it'll essentially be us and other officers and their secondaries discussing strategies to defend Rome. Just follow my lead and if you do have anything you want to address, just ask and when the Praetors address you, you can talk," she explained to him. "Don't worry, you'll be fine. And most people expect you to succeed me so you'll need to learn this. But in all honesty, it's nothing too serious, just wait till you can speak and tell what's on your mind,"

"Sounds easy enough. Naturally it won't be," he said as she shook her head in amusement.

He noticed Gwen, Dakota, Percy, Thomas and a few others discussing something while playing something that looked like monopoly and he went over to join them.

Percy had started walking towards the Principia, which was where the War Council was taking place. None of the others knew he was joining them, he wanted to see their reactions, particularly Octavian's. He had a few minutes as his mind subtly ran over different war formations he had gone over during his time with Lupa. Lupa had grilled different strategies into his mind multiple times, often testing him a lot and now he was thankful for it, knowing how useful it'd be.

He was brought out of his musings as he saw the Principia come into view. He walked through, to see quite a few people already there but not everyone. Most looked surprised to see him.

"Um, Percy. What are you doing here exactly?" Julia asked as a puzzled frown formed on her face, mirrored by Jake. "Yeah, what are you doing here? As far as we were aware, you aren't a secondary or a centurion so I'm afraid you are not allowed here," came Octavian thick voice to which Percy's eyes narrowed but he kept his emotions in check

"I invited him here to join us and I'd appreciate it if you didn't speak to him in that tone," came a voice from behind them as Praetor Katters came into view from an adjacent room. Octavian's eyes widened as his face went slightly red, from embarrassment or anger Percy didn't know as a smug grin formed on his face

"My apologies Praetor. I was simply unaware," Octavian spoke but Percy could feel the anger radiating from him, causing him to stifle a laugh.

"Where should I sit Praetor?" Percy asked as David turned to him "As my guest, you'll be sitting beside me," he spoke and Percy took his seat. Octavian looked like he could've blown his head up at that point. Even Jason was trying his hardest to stifle his laugh and Percy could see Reyna smirking.

Within a few minutes the room was full as Cassie came to join them, nodding at Percy with a smile after realising he was David's guest and began the meeting. There were all 5 Centurions: there was Centurion Gina Heaney of the First Cohort, Centurion Kyle Tanner of the Second Cohort, Centurion Aidan Tank of the Third Cohort, Centurion Jake Smith of the Fourth Cohort, and of course Centurion Julia Queen of the Fifth Cohort. and their secondaries, Reyna, Michael, Carl, Hank, Leila and lastly Jason along with Octavian who was the next in line for Auger so his presence was unfortunately needed. And then there were the 2 Praetors and him as David's guest.

They began by talking about the different possible threats, Jason giving them the rundown of what he knew from Aeolus and Juno with Percy chiming in occasionally to point out anything he had missed. Once that was discussed, they started talking about different defenses they should begin. Gina had suggested fortifying the walls and defenses so that if there was a larger attack that the walls could hold off to give them time to organise a counterattack. Reyna had suggested the use of water cannons and normal cannons to be perched on the walls as an extra measure to which the Praetors agreed for funding.

"What about nightly patrols?" Julia asked, "With everything going on, it'd make sense to have a group of legionnaires, overwatched by a higher rank to conduct nightly patrol shifts as a precautionary,"

"How do you propose?" Cassie asked but it was Jason who answered her

"A shift between the Cohorts," Jason said as Cassie gestured for him to continue. He looked to Julia who gave him an encouraging nod.

"Well, we have 5 Cohorts, each cohort split into 4 to 5 squads right. Have a daily or weekly rotation shift where each week a certain Cohort is in charge of the nightly patrol splitting each day with a different squad. One squad for the time being is more than enough as the threat isn't too large at our current state. The squad can be split to have the larger part guarding our main entrance and few smaller groups spread out across to cover our bases. Should something be wrong, they can defend while one of them can sound the alarm for us to join them," Jason explained. There was a quick debate between them but Percy believed it was quite a plausible idea. But there was something else they could add

"It does sound like a good idea and can be managed. Of course that squad would be given time off to rest the next day but that can be done. Is there anything else to add to this?" Cassie asked as Percy raised his hand. David gestured for him to go on.

"I'd suggest rather than having smaller groups split across the Camp, divide it according to who your archers are. Let them perch across the top of the walls as an overview guard. That way they are still available as long range back up at the main entrance but can view across the Camp to notice if something was amiss elsewhere," Percy said as David considered it. He looked to Cassie and the other Centurions who seemed to agree with his assessment. Cassie was silent before nodding her consent.

"Well, that's done with. Now lastly, our main addressing issue. What procedures to follow if there happens to be an attack," David spoke to them. There were a few strategies called by Reyna and Gina for individual Cohorts that they could follow should there be an attack but Aidan pointed out that if it there was an outright attack then individual attacks wouldn't do to well. David observed Percy whose face was in thought and concentration.

"Do you have an idea Percy?" he asked as Percy looked at him. He gave him a nod to speak.

"I do. It's a bit unorthodox but it is effective. The wedge formation," he said as some people looked at him in confusion but Cassie gestured for him to continue.

"Should there be an attack, regardless at night or day, we need a certain period of time to group into formation. But whichever team is at the defense of the entrance, with their numbers, the wedge formation should prove effective. The entrance to Camp Jupiter is large but it's more a thinner and longer entrance. With the numbers suggested by Jason, they can form a defensive shield to keep out monsters for more than enough time for us to group. Once we group, we can follow our general military formation, with our Centurions following normal procedure and the defense team can melt back into formation with their Cohort," Percy explained as people thought about it.

"Can you explain the formation," Carl asked to which Percy nodded

"It's essentially the legionnaires going into a triangle formation spread out backwards with shields out. The front ones can use their weapons as a means to rid a few monsters and the ones located at the back can hold their ground to stop them from entering. And due to it being a triangle, it's a point shaped therefore if the Centurion at guard sees an opportunity for an attack, they can order it and the front half can push through easily,"

"But would it prove effective with just a squad of legionnaires," Reyna asked

"It worked back during the 168 AD during the Battle of Pydna against the empire of Alexander the Great. If it worked for them back then, it can definitely work with a squad of roman demigods," Percy countered. There was a bit of discussion before Kyle spoke is agreement followed by Gina. Surprisingly, Octavian also gave his consent to it. Aidan had some doubts but could see the effectiveness of the strategy so he gave his assent as well. Julia of course supported her legionnaire, recognising the brilliance in the plan.

"So, if that proves effective, then we can have all the other cohorts join in normal formation with Centurions at the lead and it should minimise casualties and allow us to defend the city. However, I doubt there is an army large enough to attack us at this time period," Percy finished off. Once everyone agreed their approval, there wasn't much else to discuss so the meeting adjourned but David whispered for Percy to stay behind for a moment

Once everyone had left, it was just David, Cassie and Percy. Cassie began to clean up the table and put the chairs back but she listened to her boyfriend and Percy.

"You did well, I knew you'd be quite useful," David told him as Percy shrugged.

"Thank you, sir," Percy responded

"If you don't mind me asking, did Salacia teach you those strategies?" he asked to which Percy shook his head.

"Mother Lupa did. While living with her, she had me learn and memorise different battle techniques and strategies and had them ingrained in my mind. That was one of them she had me read from a book," he told his Praetor who nodded

"Well good job. I hope you don't mind coming to the next one?" he asked Percy who nodded.

"Well then, goodnight Perseus," David said as Percy bowed his head in response waved goodbye to Cassie before walking out the Principia.

After a few moments Cassie addressed her boyfriend "You seem to be very interested in the son of Neptune?" she asked in curiosity. "Well so were you," he replied as she shrugged "Well, a child of the big three, from one who hasn't sired a mortal hero for a very long time, what do you expect?" Cassie said, "But you seem to have taken a liking to him," she continued.

"Do you have anything against him?" he asked to which her eyes widened for a moment before shaking her head, understanding what he meant "No no. I don't have anything against him or by his parentage if that's what you mean. I just meant I'm surprised that you have actually decided to actively take part with him, which is something you don't normally do," She explained to him

"Well, he reminds me a lot of me when I was younger," he said as Cassie nodded, remembering their early days in the legion, "To be the odd one out in an entire legion. And he's quite the character so I am interested to see what he's like. And a certain responsibility to help him through, as I know first-hand what it's like to feel shunned and it'd be hypocritical of me to not try and help. And I'll admit, I am curious to see what else I can learn about him," he finished off as she nodded in understanding. They cleaned up the rest of the Principia as Cassie kissed him on the cheek before going to bed.

Up on Olympus sat Vesta, stoking the hearth as she watched her nephew. She was quite intrigued by the newest child of her brother. Not afraid to defend his friends in front of everyone, loyal to those he loved to a fault, always willing to step up and do the right thing, even if it meant at his expense. And most importantly always willing to learn. She was quite interested.

She was brought out of her thoughts as a flash of light appeared beside her

"Hello sister, what brings you here," she spoke to Juno who had a worried look on her face.

"Have you seen it? The prophecy has changed!" Juno spoke in an alarmed voice to which Vesta frowned as she looked at her younger sister in confusion.

"What do you mean Juno?" Vesta asked, a frown appearing on her face.

"The Great Prophecy of Seven. The one written in the Sybilline Books has changed. It now says 8 demigods. It's like it's always said 8 demigods," Juno spoke as Vesta's eyes widened.

"But, how?"

Author's Note: Wow! 7,481 words. An extremely long chapter. Not the most exciting one, sorry, but a necessary chapter needed as a filler and also given you lot something to think about, why has the prophecy changed and what caused it to change? Glad to see more people liking and reviewing. This chapter was still fun to write.

Also just a little heads up for all of you, a quest will be coming soon, I just need to fine line the details of the quest and it should be mentioned in the next chapter or soon.

Now responses to reviews, and I have quite a bit to say.

First of thanks to Yesse2362, JoJo Jesus, LoneWolf229, The-Unknown-00, ShadowThanatos, SeaweedBrainIsBlue, theone1278, DevineDevil, RageSage, Trident307 and The unknown for reviewing, I read each one of them, they mean a lot and all of you have given me constructive feedback to how to progress the story. Now for my responses.

JoJo Jesus: What you have said is very true and it did make me consider if Percabeth won in the polls then how I would write it. Annabeth does have a problem with pride but I think she deserved a bit more credit because as she grows up, she does mature more and if you read closely in the Sea of Monsters and The Last Olympian, she admits her Fatal Flaw is extemely deadly and an issue that she'd do her absolute best to keep in control and even without Percy, she does actively try to keep it under wraps. And for what you mention that Percy isn't there to show her humility, I have planned this story for a while. It won't be Percy but someone who is very similar to him and will be the hero of the Great Prophecy who will be alongside Annabeth. But like I said, you all decide the pairing, not me. I will most probably close the poll around Chapter 12 or 13, so if people want to leave me a review or some people have DMed me on discord for their preference, I am keeping a tally on my phone. But yes, thanks for telling me, I'll certainly think of this IF percabeth happens, perhaps have her pride a little on the higher side till Percy tries to sort it out for the sake of the quest, I am not sure but I'll certainly make it balanced to keep it in mind. But yes this didn't come up to me originally so thanks for telling me, it helps making my story better.

LoneWolf229: Yes I did realise that perhaps my use of electrokinesis was a bit much and I'll be limiting it for now but it'll develop over time, but yes for now I'll be limiting it. And for what you said about the sword, he already has a link to his sword. Just wait, you'll see

The-Unknown-00: For the percabeth stuff, just read the response to JoJo Jesus. Now I do have something to say about what people have been saying about Jason, not just you. And this is my perception and I am not trying to offend anyone but why do people discredit Jason for being a son of Jupiter? I mean like nowhere in any of the books does Jason show himself to be prideful, in fact I'd go as far to say he's almost as humble as Percy. During the Lost Hero, when Leo talks about his mother's death to Jason, Jason comforts him, telling him that none of it was his fault in such a sincere manner and he reassures Leo that his fire powers aren't a freak but instead it just makes him so much more important because he believes that people like him show up because they are needed. And he feels so much guilt when he insulted Leo because of Medea and apologises to him as soon as he can for it. Also at the end of the Lost Hero when they fight Enceladus, Jason prays to his father saying that all he wants is for his friends to be safe and that if his father wanted, he could claim his life and take him, but to just save Leo, Piper and Hedge. And throughout the quest, he keeps doubting himself because he wants nothing more than to just protect his friends. And then also during the blood of Olympus, Jason offers to give recognition to all the minor gods out of sympaths because he feels that is it unfair for anyone to be left out and he is in awe of Percy when he learns that Percy declined godhood to make them pay attention to their children, saying that it was the right thing to do and that's something he would've liked to do and respects Percy for it a lot. He was willing to challenge his father, who he'd met for the first time just to defend Apollo and also apologises to Apollo for not being able to defend him against Zeus even though it wasn't his fault. His last wish before dying was to have those monuments for the minor gods built because he cared for them and didn't want any of them left out and then willingly sacrificed his life to save Piper because he didn't want her to die even though they weren't together and wanted Apollo to be restored back. Out of everyone, apart from Percy, I'd say Jason is the kindest and most humble of them all and is probably my 2nd fav character. I am sorry I am ranting and also I don't mean any offence to you at all just to clear that up, but I think Jason deserves more credit, that's all.

Regardless thanks for reviewing, I am happy to see you are enjoying and that's just my perspective on it. Hope you don't get offended by it, just my opinion :) Hope you like the chapter

The unknown: To be honest, Annabeth didn't hold anything against Jason or Hazel or Frank for her mother's statue disappearance but I do see your point. And for pairings, like I said poll ongoing till around Chapter 12

Just for all of you to know

The Poll

Percabeth: 9
Preyna: 7
Perlia: 4
Perzoe: 1
PercyxOc: 1

Hope you all enjoyed the chapter

Discord Server: VUMM3Sb

That's all from me for now

SpiritsOfTheWorld