A/N: So the streak continues. I just want to say again that for everyone who follows or favorites this story, or even takes the time out of their day to leave a review, you really keep me energized when it comes to writing this story and I appreciate all of you!

Now, let's get into Chapter IX: Things are really starting to get exciting.

Chapter IX: Twelfth Legion Fulminata

"Come spend New Year's with me." If Percy had known that such an innocent text from one Rachel Elizabeth Dare would have set off an unforeseeable string of reactions, Percy might never have answered, though that reason comes later, and for as gifted as Percy was, he didn't have the ability to look into the future. So, when a pretty girl asked him to spend a holiday with her, especially when it had been the same pretty girl that had been nothing but kind to him since he'd met her, he'd agreed in a heartbeat.

Grover and Juniper had bugged him about several things through the rest of the Christmas Holiday, Juniper about Rachel mostly and Grover about his new job decision that had gotten approved with a speed that frankly astonished him, Percy needed a break. The three hadn't spent much on presents, with probably the most expensive gift being a couple sets of 'nice' clothes for Percy, a gift Percy had only managed to repay with some coffee mugs a t-shirt. Still, for Percy's first Christmas, he found he'd enjoyed the holiday a lot.

Though as he stood in wonder at the gate of Circus Maximus Fair, there might have been a chance that New Year's would be even better. The boardwalk had been designed in a typical Greco-Roman style and looked as if you'd been transported into the beaches of the Rome of old, that was, if you ignored the festival rides and games which lined the fairgrounds. All that majesty, however, paled in comparison to the girl that had arrived at his side.

Rachel looked stunning, she wore a long, white-sleeved turtleneck that hugged her slender frame perfectly, a dark peacoat, and jeans that had been covered in designs of her own making. Percy had been dressed at a somewhat equal level with a salmon-colored button down, black jacket and jeans, but there was something about the way Rachel glowed that made Percy feel underdressed by comparison.

Percy must have been silent for a bit too long because Rachel's head tilted and her hand waved in front of his face, "Hello, earth to Percy. You there? You aren't going to pass out on me, are you?"

Percy grinned, "Ha. Ha. Very funny, Red." He stretched out his hand to take hers. Her hand was warm and soft, and Percy noticed the traces of dried paint beneath her manicured nails. It was always something like that about Rachel, she presented with this perfect girl image, but always with a twist. "You, uh, you look nice."

"Wow, you're blushing," Rachel teased, "This really is your first date. Don't worry, I'll make it easy on you." A tinge of red filled her face as well, "You look good, too, by the way."

Percy laughed, but fell into a wonder-filled silence as Rachel began to guide him through the pier's attractions. Percy wasn't quite sure what else he could have expected, but within minutes, he'd found himself seated at a face painting station, completely at the mercy of Rachel's artistic design. He'd been told to sit still, and did so for twenty minutes as cold paint, brushed against his face. Percy had been tempted to just pick-up Rachel and leave, but he couldn't help but grin at amazement at the job the girl had done, if Percy had seen himself from a distant, he may have though that he'd actually been given the face of a wolf.

His artwork had not been nearly as impressive. All he'd done is painted whiskers on Rachel's freckled face, but the way Rachel smiled at him at the completion of his project had made Percy's heart smile. "Just the whiskers, huh?" Rachel said with a grin.

"Not as much work was needed to make you a masterpiece," Percy said with a shrug before the two laughed.

"Smooth, Jackson, smooth," Rachel said. The girl rose from her chair and took his hand, "Well, since I definitely won our face paint competition, I get to pick the next ride." Percy hadn't remembered that being the rule, but he relented nonetheless, he'd wish he hadn't though when Rachel pointed to the giant drop ride that stood at the center of the pier, "That one, Jupiter's Drop."

Percy swallowed at the sight, "What's wrong big guy," Rachel said, her eyes glimmered when she spoke, "Scared of a little drop?"

A little drop, Percy thought, That thing is easily a one hundred fifty foot drop. He swallowed and shook his head, "You wish," was all he said.

Rachel let out a small giggle when they arrived at the line for the ride, "Don't worry, you can hold on to me the whole time. I promise I won't let go." Percy felt his cheeks burn as Rachel pressed herself against his chest. He wasn't quite sure why, but her words and strawberry scent instantly put him more at ease.

Percy released an involuntary snarl when another man tried to get between himself and Rachel, his smug face quickly crumbled under Percy's stare and he took his seat beside his date. Rachel smirked, though Percy said nothing and fastened his belt. Rachel reached out her hand and Percy took it appreciatively just as the blue safety bar pressed atop their shoulders. The ride operator had given a quick run through of the safety requirements for the ride before he pushed the buttons and shot Percy fifty feet into the air.

Screams surrounded Percy as the ride dropped another twenty-five feet before it climbed back up. Percy's scream had lodged itself in his throat and his knuckled turned white from his tight grip on the handrail. Rachel flinched at his grip and Percy loosened his hand from hers quickly though Rachel waved off his apology, "It's okay, I told you could hold on to me. But try to relax it's safe. I promise."

Percy soon found himself easily more than a hundred feet of the ground. He closed his eyes and released a deep breath just as the hydraulics released and they fell. Percy bit down hard but felt his body relax at a familiar, and welcoming sound; Rachels' laughter. It was genuine, and pure, it sounded like music to Percy and too began to laugh, he laughed with her until the ride's end.

When the ride finally touched down, Percy leaped from his seat in a hurry. Rachel had tried to copy his eagerness, but Percy saw the redhead stumble forward and spun to catch her, his arm wrapped snuggly around her waist. Percy pulled her up and blood pounded in his ears, his eyes unable to break from the girl's soft, pink lips.

"Thanks," Rachel said, her breath was warm on his skin.

"Um," Percy said as he pulled his hand from his waist, "No problem."

After Jupiter's Drop, it had been Percy's time to choose a ride, and he'd wasted not time. He'd pointed to the nearest roller coaster, Mercury's Raceway and dragged Rachel right along with him. Maybe dragged wasn't the right word, Rachel willingly hung to his arm as they ran from ride to ride. From Mercury's Raceway to Vulcan's Fire, to Percy's favorite, Escape from Tartarus, he'd found himself more at east than he'd ever remembered being, and much of that was thanks to the freckled-face girl at his side.

When they'd cleared the rides, Percy walked with Rachel down the carnival game section of the boardwalk, Rachel had taken great joys at Percy's expression when he'd seen his first funnel cake. But who could blame him? A mountain of sugary dough topped with strawberries and whipped cream, he dared anyone to find something so calorically delicious.

The two finished the funnel cake fast, technically, they'd split it, and Percy felt an overwhelming amount of guilt at the fact he'd eaten at least eighty percent of the dessert, though Rachel didn't mind. Percy was determined to make it up to her though and as they walked through the carnival, he studied Rachel for anything that popped out to her. It hadn't taken long until Percy found the girl entranced with an average-sized black Pegasus that rested on the top shelf of prized behind a sign that read: Whack-a-Giant.

He rummaged through his pocket and pulled out a couple dollars before he gestured for Rachel to follow him. The guy that stood behind the Whack-a-Giant station looked incredibly sleezy. His hair was greased all the way back, and his mustache looked bushy, yet wet. He wore the standard outfit of a shirt with Carnival Stripes though colored in purple and gold, and comically wore a purple bowler hat for extra effect.

"Step right up, step right up!" He barked, "Five dollars for a chance to win the grand prize. Get a perfect score and win something nice for your lady!" His shifty eyes set upon Percy, "How about you, young man? Feeling lucky?"

Luck has nothing to do with it, Percy thought but nodded and stepped up. The cash was exchanged, and Percy listened quickly to the rules before he'd been handed a mallet with a lightning insignia within. Percy glanced at the carnival barker, a smug grin sat plastered on his face and Percy steadied his mind on the game, he'd needed a perfect score to win the prize, but it hardly seemed like a challenge.

"Begin!" The carnival barker started and instantly a machinal representation of the mythological giant Polybotes sprung from a hole. Percy smacked it down hard, but held back his strength, the last thing he wanted was the break the machine. Giant after giant sprouted from the whole and Percy smacked each of them down with no effort. His speed had even begun to gather a crowd and Percy felt Rachel's warm glow behind him as the points raced into the hundreds.

From the corner of Percy's eye, the man reached from beneath the game and pressed a button. The giants popped in faster now, and a renewed sense of confidence filled the barker's face, that was until Percy continued his conquest unabated, compared to the combat reflexes he'd trained to have, the game was child's play, and before he knew it, the automated voice of the game called out, "Winner! Winner!"

The Carnival Barker gripped his head tightly and groaned but relented after a short while. Percy pointed towards the black Pegasus and it had no sooner hit Percy's hand before he passed it on to Rachel, "For you."

"Thank you, Percy," Rachel blushed and hugged the plushie, "It's so cute." Percy smiled and led Rachel away from the crowd. Rachel mumbled to himself for a moment before loudly she proclaimed, "I got it! I think I'll name him Blackjack. What do you think?"

"I think Blackjack is a perfect name," Percy said warmly.

Rachel's watch beeped and Percy felt his heart sink at the idea that their night was at a close. His brow furrowed when Rachel grabbed his wrist and started to guide Percy not towards the exit but towards the beach. "Come on," she said, "The fireworks are going to start in an hour and we really want to find somewhere nice on the beach to sit where we can get a clear view. The show they put on here is absolutely beautiful."

Rachel had been right to lead them away from the fair early. Even with an hour left to spare towels had already lined much of the beach and he and Rachel had to tread carefully so as not to step on anyone. Finally, though, they'd found a clear spot just before the light house and he and Rachel laid out their towels and fell into the sand. The world around them was noisy, but as Percy's stared into Rachel's emerald pools, everything became quiet.

"You know," Rachel whispered, "There's a rumor that the Hero of New Rome is going to start working with the NRPD, between the two of us, is that true?"

"Really want to know how these rumors get started," Percy said with tired eyes, "But yeah, it's true. I was going to tell you something based on how, well, on how well this went. I wanted to know if I was going to be seeing you again."

"Hmm," Rachel said, her voice like honey to his ears, "And tell me, how are my chances looking?"

"I'd say pretty good, though I feel like you shouldn't have had any reasons to doubt," Percy said, "I, on the other hand-"

"Have nothing to worry about," Rachel finished for him. She leaned back into the sand and her hand snake its way into his, "Tonight was a lot of fun. I'd love to do it again," Her grin grew playfully, "Unless you ended up deciding you like hospital beds more than me."

"You're never going to let me live that one down, huh?" Percy said.

"Nope," She popped the P when she said it and the two laughed once more. "Seriously though, are you okay? I was worried when you just collapsed like that."

"I'm okay," Percy said, "That reminds me, I never got to thank you for covering those medical-"

"Please, don't mention it," Rachel said, her voice shaky and weaker than Percy had ever heard. "It just, I don't know, when I think about money, I think about my home and well-," Her voice tapered off into silence. Rachel forced a smile to her face again, "Never mind that, okay? What I really want to talk about is you, Wonder Boy."

"What do you want to know?" Percy said his voice uneasy.

Rachel had finally gotten around to asking questions, but they'd been surprisingly tame. She'd asked about his favorite color, food, pastime, music genre, she'd never once asked about his past. Percy had been thankful for that, but equal confused, "You're looking at me strange," Rachel noted, "Did I say something wrong? Oh gods do I have something stuck in my teeth? Am I-"

"You haven't really asked me any of the standard questions like where I'm from or my family or anything like that," Percy started, "Why?"

"Do you want to talk about it" Rachel said with a raised brow before she chuckled, "Who you were in the past doesn't really matter to me, I'm more of the here and now type of person. Plus, I figure when you want to tell me more about your past, you'll do it without me having to pry. I know that we all have pieces of our lives we aren't the most proud or fond of sharing."

Percy rubbed his thumb against the back of Rachel's hand and the two looked up at the sky. He lifted his arm and Rachel wiggled closer to his side until her head rested on his chest. His nimble fingers danced through her red curls and Rachel hummed happily. Her lips pressed against Percy's chest and a warm glow filled his whole body from the singular point. Instinctually, Percy's body took over and returned the gesture and he planted his lips atop Rachel's head.

Soon after the announcer broke their perfect bubble with news of the firework. Percy had been a bit irritated. He'd felt a bit drowsy and much enjoyed the idea of he and Rachel asleep on the beach for a night, but his irritation had been quelled at the first flash of the fireworks. Rachel watched the fireworks with wonder. She ooh'd and awe'd and pointed to the clear light forms like a child. The show was gorgeous and yet, he couldn't pull his eyes from Rachel long enough to focus on it for anything more than a few flashes. Percy hadn't minded though; he'd enjoyed his view far better.

He'd remained on the beach with the redhead for a few minutes after the show. Percy would have been content to rest there for another hour or two, but that fantasy had been ruined by the blare of Rachel's phone. She groaned and answered, before she shuffled unhappily from the blanket and hung up. "That's my ride," She said, she pouted adorably and reached out her hand, "Walk me to my car?"

"Of course," Percy said, "What kind of NRPD consultant would I be if I let a girl like you wander the streets so late." Rachel chuckled before she took his hand and led the way to the parking lot that resided by the beach. "You know," Percy said, "Twenty is a little old for a bedtime, isn't it?"

"Are you tempting me to stay?" Rachel said, "Can't get enough of me?"

"I didn't say that," Percy said with a smirk.

"My family life is a bit complicated, but if you stick around long enough, I'll fill you in on it," Her eyes filled with light at the hope of Percy staying around. It hadn't been long after that that she and Percy had arrived at the parking lot. A black Bentley awaited Rachel on the curb next to an older man in an all-black suit. Percy stepped back and waited for Rachel who'd rushed to the well-dressed man's side before she returned to his."

"So…" Rachel said, her body swayed side to side as she spoke, "Looks like I have to go. Tonight, was a lot of fun." Percy nodded, not sure really what to do or say, "I really want to do this again soon," Rachel added.

"Yeah," Percy croaked out, "Me too."

"Good," Percy didn't even get a chance to speak before Rachel pushed up on her toes and leaned into him. He moaned softly as his lips melted with hers and a tingle raced down his spine at the soft nibble, she'd given his bottom lip. "In the business world, we call that an incentive. Call me soon and maybe you can get to experience that again."

"That's definitely a tempting offer," Percy replied hazily.

"Excellent," Rachel purred, "Then I suppose I must be off," the played up posh accent made Percy shake his head softly before she returned to normal, "Text me when you get home?"

"Will do," Percy said, "And Rachel, thanks."

"For the kiss?"

"Well, yes, I guess," Percy said with a weak smile, "But I just mean for everything."

"No worries," Rachel said warmly as she approached the back of her car, "It was my pleasure." The chauffer pulled open the door and Rachel ducked inside, "Goodnight, Percy."

"Goodnight," He said with a wave, before with the roar of the car's engine, it pulled out of sight. Percy stumbled towards the nearby bench and let out a peaceful sigh, "That girl really is something."

Percy had found it difficult to sleep once he'd arrived back at Grover's place. His body buzzed and his lips tingled from the taste of Rachel's coconut lip balm. Percy wondered if perhaps he liked coconut more than he'd suspected. What little sleep Percy had gotten had been filled with dreams of the red headed woman and when his alarm vibrated him into consciousness once more, he stumbled into the shower.

Unlike the days at the café, Percy's need to be punctual was above everything else. Yes, Juniper had a tendency to show up late to the café, but she was also his friend. If memory served him correctly, which Percy now felt confident that it did, he remembered that his new boss, Detective Arellano had a pretty short fuse. Percy dressed quickly, he was glad it wasn't the stuffy police uniform but his tailored shirt, slacks and loafers that had become his new work attire. Percy pulled his coat over his shoulder as he saw a gentle flurry fall from the sky and dipped out to the apartment with a quick wave to Grover who'd wished him luck but more importantly, safety on his first day.

Percy brushed the snow from his coat and dried his loafers on the doormat just beyond the glass door of the precinct. The receptionist Lou Ellen glanced at him with a raised eyebrow, Percy remembered the bitter woman and waved back with a forced smile. He dreaded the idea that he'd actually have to communicate with her again but was saved by a voice that called out from the hall to her left, "Jackson, you're here late!"

Percy glanced up towards the clock on the wall, he'd arrived at nine just as he'd been instructed to. Reyna must have noticed the visible confusion before she clarified, "Members of my team are expected to arrive a half-hour early to review the case brief, since it is your first day, I will overlook it, make sure not to repeat the error in the future."

Percy nodded silently and followed his new boss through the halls of the station until he'd come across a rather cramped conference room near the back of the building. The door opened with a creak and Reyna marched in first with Percy in tow. Only two other people sat in the conference room, the first had been Leo. Percy wasn't sure why, but he'd suspected as much, especially when Commissioner Chase had mentioned something about law enforcement misfits. But the other man hardly looked like a misfit, in fairness, Reyna looked far from out of place herself.

The man was large and stocky, and looked to be of Asian descent. Though he had a face that didn't quite seem to fit his age and had brown eyes and close-cropped black hair. Unlike Reyna who wore plain clothes, the man wore the uniform of an officer with a badge pinned to his chest that read: Lieutenant Frank Zhang. Both he and Leo stood at Reyna's entrance and sent her a puzzled glance upon Percy's entrance.

"Lieutenant Zhang," Reyna started, "Leo. Today I'd like to introduce the newest member to our department, Consultant Percy Jackson. Jackson," She said his name like it had been dripped in poison, "Will be accompanying us on our tasks to help rebuilt the reputation of our department and will help with cases in anyway he can. Consultant Jackson," She spat once more, "Is not an officer of the law and therefore will not be handed a firearm nor will he be capable of making arrests. Should you find our consultant abusing his power or involving himself in any illegalities it will be up to Zhang or me to arrest him and charge him just as we would any civilian."

"So basically, another Leo," Zhang said with a shrug, "Like we needed more unlicensed law enforcement." He sighed, "At least unlike Leo you aren't a former criminal, if it's between the hacker and the Hero of New Rome, I guess I'd rather have to deal with you."

"You are very charming," Percy joked, "You know that?"

Leo snorted before he lifted his hand, "Well, Leo Valdez, resident tech guy here and Lieutenant Zhang's personal pain in the ass. Pleasure to meet you."

"Likewise," Percy smiled as he took the Latino man's hand.

"Zhang," Frank said, "Former forensics specialist and Lieutenant of our Narcotics division."

"Zhang's also one of our best animal handlers," Reyna said, "For the sake of introductions, I'll reintroduce myself, my name is Reyna, you will call me Detective Arellano. I'm a Major Crimes detective and commander of the Twelfth Legion Fulminata, the special forces division."

"Twelfth Legion Fulminata?" Percy asked, "Like the name of the real roman legion."

"All our departments are branched out like that," Reyna said, "First Legion is Homicides, Second is Narcotics, Third is Cyber Crimes, so on and so forth, understand?" Percy nodded but just before he could ask his follow up question Reyna answered it, "Yes our unit does seem to have overlap with those, that is because those are average cops or dirty ones at worst, we are the best and the brightest of this department. Even Leo here, is our best hacker, uniformed or not. Why the Commissioner Assigned you to this unit is beyond me, but he trusts that you will be of use." Her eyes looked like daggers from Percy's point of view, "Try not to disappoint me."

"No ma'am," Percy said, "Wouldn't dream of it."

A/N: Looks like Percy might have a something going on in his love life and it seems like he's got himself a team. Now we'll just have to wait and see just what is to come next. To find out, remember to Follow and Favorite the story, and if you have the time, please leave me a Review! Until then, Peace out Peeps!