Chapter One: Percy

Spending the holidays at Camp Jupiter wasn't on my list of things to do, but we all know I 'm bad at planning this. These last 2 weeks have gone by in a blur and that's only because of the amount of fun I was having with Annabeth. Chilling in the forums while both Greek and Romans enjoyed themselves. You probably guessed who I am at this point, but I'll say it anyway. My name is Percy Jackson. I fought the entire pantry dish of Greek monsters and gods, saved the world twice, and been sent to hell and deeper more than once. But all that's behind me now. This weekend and every weekend after are about relaxation. I just came out of two great prophecies and a half-blood civil war alive and I'll like to stay that way.

Reyna invited almost everyone from Camp Half-blood to Camp Jupiter for their Ludi Decem celebration, a huge roman festival that has many games and sporting events. Like a Roman Olympics as Annabeth said. (She was mad I called it the Roman X-Games) It wasn't the coldest December that I had thanks to Camp Jupiter. Winters at the Camp Half-blood were full of snow and ice themed monsters in the forest. But being in California? It was not T-shirt weather, but most centurions were either wearing spring coats or the new SPQR sweaters and hoodies that were sold out in the forum. Being on the west side so close to winter solstice was worrying, but I had Annabeth with me, and we were celebrating a roman holiday with our friends. Like I said, it was a time for relaxation.

The forum was always a place to been seen, but now? It was pure heaven from the new decorations on the shops to the party hats on the fabled Roman statutes. The center of the forum was filled with students at New Rome University to probatio demigods exploring the space for the first time. The space was so full that Annabeth and I had to move away towards the lake of little timber. Another nice little spot where I could see Neptune's small hut in the distance.

I sat down on our picnic blanket with Annabeth at my shoulder sleeping. She was studying all night for her SAT test next week while scolding me for not doing the same. Party weekend meant no studying but that doesn't apply to wise girl. Annabeth woke the moment I nudged her slightly. How she could sleep during the huge party that was going on is beyond me.

"I really hope you didn't wake me just for this stupid party, Seaweed Brain." Groaned Annabeth

"Naw" I said. "I woke you because you started drooling on my shoulder.

Annabeth wiped the gunk off her eyes and stared directly at my drool-ridden shoulder in shock.

"I c-can't believe it. I pulled a you!" Annabeth exclaimed.

I tried not to take offense to that as I laughed my butt off at her surprise.

"C'mon, Chiron and the praetors wants us at the Senate House soon. Might as well head there now." I spoke.

"Frank and Reyna," Annabeth smirked. "Why do you still call them praetor? You got a thing for authority?"

"Let's just say when you been praetor in the past, you tend to respect the praetor's rules." I replied.

Annabeth rolled her eyes and we both walked from the forums towards the Senate House. Man, it's been a while since I had the word edgewise against Annabeth. Sure, she was tired after an all-nighter and only 45 mins of sleep, but you take what you can get.

We walked our way towards the Senate House, and I couldn't help but see all the students celebrating. Some talked around the shops, others were celebrating near a bonfire. Many of these students first came from the twelfth legion which means they've seen their fair share of battles, but I couldn't help but compare them to Annabeth and myself. Both of us had our own battle scars. Both emotionally and physically, we were so different from them. 'But soon to be the same' I thought to myself. No more battles, Annabeth and I will be normal college students, and let's hope I don't end up a college dropout.

Once we got into the Senate House there was a huge number of familiar faces that I haven't see for a while in the tiered seats facing the podium of two chairs.

On the first and second chair was both praetors Reyna and Frank, with Chiron choosing to stand as a centaur rather than be in his wheelchair.

I guess Chiron wanted to appear strong to the legionnaires. It definitely worked on Frank as he was right next to him. Frank has done a lot this year and I was beyond impressed with him, but it seems like the role of praetor didn't sink in yet. Reyna and Chiron were deep in conversation and Frank was sitting by meek as ever. Growing into the role of praetor this quickly was a tall order for sure. Maybe he should transform into a centaur as an icebreaker. Another tall order.

Around the semi-circle of chairs was the rest of the campers. Greeks on one side, Romans on the other. Leo was showing off his girlfriend Calypso to both Jason and Piper. Hazel was the only Roman on the Greek side and she was celebrating Nico's new relationship with Will for the fourth time. She was supportive of the two which was cool. Will seemed to agree with me while Nico groaned feeling pandered too. Thalia and Clarisse were having an arm-wrestling match while the Hunters of Artemis were instigating the whole thing. Both Annabeth and I sat near the loud arm-wrestling brawl. The rest of the camp counselors were the Stoll brothers, Kayla, and Katie. For the Romans came all the representatives of the first to fifth cohorts. Dakota was sipping on cherry Kool-laid while chilling out. Some things never change.

Chiron noticed our arrival and started with his speech. I guess we were the last ones to arrive.

"HEROES!" Chiron said in a loud voice. "This is a historic event, thanks to our success in the war against Gaea and her forces. From what the praetors have told me, this is the first Ludi festival in the last 10 years! And of course, the first where the Romans have invited the Greeks. I know we faced our fair share of hardships during these trying months.

"I literally died and came back to life" Leo interjected.

Chiron coughed to silence Leo. "However, this brand-new allegiance between both camps is sure to commence a new age of peace. Unlike the Gods, I hope we never get bored of our new peaceful lifestyles".

"Hello?" Will waved his hand. Many legionaries didn't like the interruptions so far. I think Will noticed so he put his hand up like it was a classroom setting. "To be honest with you Chiron, we're demigods. Emphasis on demi. 'We're going to be bored sooner or later."

"Hell, I'm bored right now." Said both Stoll brothers.

"How are you guys bored? The biggest party of the camp's history is happening right now." Katie said.

"Sorry Gardner, we don't talk to side characters anymore."

"What does that even mean?"

"Are the Greeks always this loud?" "Hazel said quietly.

"They lack discipline." Dakota said.

"This coming from the guy with Kool-laid stains on his armor pieces."

Everyone started arguing immediately after. Connor and Travis Stoll got up in the face of Dakota and some legionaries were about to pull out swords.

"Enough."

Everyone silenced themselves and turned. Reyna was the one who spoke the word, and everyone shut up quickly. Even the Greeks who had no personal experience of Reyna stopped. Her wolf stare was putting in overtime. Lupa would be proud.

"Chiron, you may continue." said Reyna.

"Thank you, my dear praetor, now, myself alongside the praetors have come up with something special. The Ludi Decem festival is not only focused on celebration but also to have contests and games throughout the week. While many of the original contests have already been played, there is a new one taking place soon."

Everyone was surprised by this. It took weeks to set up all the events for the festival and many of the games already happened. Hazel and Arion won both the equestrian event and the chariot race alongside Annabeth. (Annabeth saw a soon to be winning team and stuck with it) Clarisse won the wrestling contest. (Frank was banned after turning into a bear for his first match)

"To commemorate our newfound friendship, there will be another fighting contest happening next week that will showcase the strength of both camps," shouted Chiron.

Everyone groaned. The contests were over, and the rest of the week was set for the festival. Not only that but I chose not to enter contests involving fighting anymore. I've done all the Capture the Flags, Wargames, and even a chariot race with Stymphalian birds. If my life were a novel, these events would be a serious writer's crutch.

"No disrespect, Chiron," Nico spoke. Nico always looked tired but now he looked like he needed a double espresso shot. "But there has to be something different for this last contest to be interesting."

Frank coughed and tried to speak. Since he's been on two quests and one of them being a part of a great prophecy, He would be the best candidate for convincing us.

"Listen guys, this one is a little different. Many other activities involve the whole camp to participate in and are done to increase morale and teamwork. This contest is for pride and will be one on one." Frank said.

"Wait...you don't mean?" Dakota replied quietly.

"It's a tournament to establish the strongest demigod. The Ludi Decem Tournament." Reyna stated.

...

Thank you for reading the first chapter. The second chapter is up right now! Don't worry, the third and fourth chapters will be up right away!