I like Aaron getting stronger through trials, I got the idea from the fact that Dylan said that Jason was much stronger after going through his...
Get prepared for a few time skips. Aaron is going to learn a whole hell of a lot!
Jupiter is a jackass and Apollo was basically evil in myths... a serial rapist and whatnot, I hate his face...
"Jab like this." Jason demonstrated the movement for Aaron to mimic, moving his blade swiftly in a recognizable pattern. "The goal is to keep your gaurd always up, but be open for any attack. Legion Training focuses on teamwork, mental analysis and a balance of offense and defense." Nodding, Aaron mimicked the movements flawlessly, having become accustomed to the ins and outs of combat. Seeing this, Jason beamed a smile at him. "Your really good at this, whoever trained you did a great job."
"I'm mostly self trained actually, not too many demigods were willing to train with a pure mortal. There was a lot of resentment."
That made Jason scowl. "Bias is a ridicolous thing, isn't it?"
"Very much so... what else? I heard from Alex we have eagle training, like falling from them training." Aaron's nervousness must have been visible as Jason burst out into laughter.
"You'll be fine. We have really old legacies here, most are so distantly related to the gods they get no perks at all. You'll be fine."
He shuddered. "I hope so, not a fan of hieghts or falling." Sighing and shaking off his nerves, the Mortal Witch offered a smile to his new freind. "So, what's next in the training for today?"
Jason smirked. "Sparring time, I want to see if you can apply what you've learned to actual fighting. Think you can keep up?"
"Barely, but I can try."
:::
The next week blurred by for Aaron and he loved it. He learned more in that one week then he had in months at Camp Halfblood. The Romans were so diligent in their collective training that it was impossible not to pick up a vast number of skills. He learned to tumble off of a giant eagle, worked on his archery, moved through Legion training, dived head first into all sorts of interesting kinds of Roman magic, was taught tips and tricks to make his healing more effecient, trained with Agnes ( Who assesed him and classified him as a level four witch, four out of Seven which Medea and Pasiphae being class Sevens.) practiced various commands and combat moves with Lydia ( who was growing like a weed even still!) ... all in one week! Every day they had a War game, he helped out as a medic, using both magic and regular healing tactics to help which really solidfied his skills as the week progressed. It was epic and he loved every second of it.
Before he knew it, Sunday was approaching, marking his first week at the Camp. Alex demanded that he actually take some time off and go check out New Rome, which Aaron found like a lovely idea and so after dressing down and getting the okay from Jason, he went ahead and hurried towards the beautiful city along side his adorable ghost friend. As he approached the city, a potent force drew his attention, a godly force.
"Oh, that's just Terminus, the God of Boudaries. He protects New Rome, he's not super powerful as far as Gods go but he gets a lot of worship and he does a lot of good. I'd talk to him if you want to learn protection spells, which I sense you do." Alex said after Aaron mentioned what he sensed.
Blinking, Aaron turned just in time to see what looked like a living statue sans arm looking at him. Channeling magic into his eyes, Aaron slipped past the Mist entirely using the newest and coolest trick he had learned from the Roman scrolls. As he learned, all Demigods and even most Clearsighted people, were still affected by the Mist a little. It prevented them from seeing the gods entirely as they were, looking at him through the Mist, Aaron saw a thin purple around Terminus, linking him through and to the line of stones that expanded from around him. A massive aura encompassed the entire city, that same purple energy forming it, it was intense and potent and he knew that as he was he could never hope to even losen the magic let alone take it down.
"And who do we have here?" Terminus barked out as Aaron approached. "A newbie? said the god. 'Yes, probatio tablet. Fine. Ah, weapon in your pocket? Take it out! Take it out! No weapons over the Pomerian Line."
Blinking, Aaron pulled out his hand knife, which he used for spells and emergency defense, and held it out. "Where do I put it?"
" Here, sir." A girl, about seventeen, said to him as she stepped out from behind Terminus. She looked bored and frazzled all at once, with thick rimmed glasses and a tray filled with random weapons that had clearly been confiscated. "Just place them here, and you'll get them back when you leave the City limits."
Nodding, Aaron happily obeyed and placed the small knife in the tray. "What about my magic?"
Terminus smirked. "Not technically a weapon as it's purpose is not solely for combat. That is why it is allowed through, but be warned if you cause trouble you will be dealing with me. Now, go have fun."
"Not a problem, thank you sir." Being genuine, Aaron gave a small bow. "Oh and would it be an issue to pick your brain about Protection spells one day? I want to get handle on those."
Terminus blinked in shock. "Well, that... I cannot see why not, just not during busy hours."
"Of course not... anyway, I will leave you to your work sir. Thank you." Smiling, Aaron followed a very bored looking Alex into the City proper. Happily, he walked down the streets, taking in the sights. The... well... everything was beautiful. The buildings were of the highest quality, with columns and slanted roofs and so on. He felt the power of countless demigods and legacies all about, a cornicopia of power and light. " This place is amazing."
"It really is, isn't it?" Alex cheered next to him. "Did you know your eyes turn silver when you use Mage sight? It is very pretty."
"Really, I wasn't aware... cool." Smiling at the cute ghost, he turned back to the city. "So, where to first?"
"How about we get some brownies, then go the Gardens of Bachuus, their really pretty!"
Excited that is exactally what Aaron ended up doing... And for a while he was happy, but like always something had to happen.
A force, immensely powerful, appeared right near him as he and Alex walked through the core of the Gardens. Turning he readied himself to fight, only to freeze as a familar face appeared before him... radiant as always, Juno glared at him with sheer judgement. "Having fun?"
"Since I have been working nonstop... yes, for a few hours anyway." He bowed low, then stood tall. "Overworking myself would only be harmful. I haven't forgotten my purpose, I know that what I have to do."
Juno nodded, then smiled softly. "I do not judge you child, I know you work hard. My nerves have been scattered since detecting my father's rise... no, I have come to ask you if you have discovered anything that may be of service... and to offer you a quest, one My Lord Husband has commanded."
Frowing, Aaron gave the goddess even more attention, if that was possible. "What quest... and not yet, I have been only scratching the surface of Roman magic... and learning with Agnes. My education is spotty in some places, like protection magic and enchantment and using my more active powers like firestarting, telekneniss and more."
Sighing, the Goddess sat down on a close bench, looking very, very tired. "I am sorry child, but my Husband dislikes you as Zeus and Jupiter, he never trusted human magic users. They gain power too quickly... and your being a priest, as you have learned, only adds to his distrust. Jupiter needs you to prove your worth... he heard what D'Anthony suggested, that you fight and slay Lyacon. Doing so will kill all of his lesser wolves all at once, giving the Romans a long loss of enemies for quite some time. He has ordered that you do so, however you may read the Augury on your own.
Normally there is little I could do to aid you, but I can tell you to move towards the Wolf House, in that direction anyway. He is on the move, you may be able to pick up his trail with a spell and hunt him down. I also can advise that you bring silver draughts, for any wolf wounds that may be inflicted on you. I wish you luck, this is not being ordered by the Fates so I cannot see the future clearly... know that you have my support regardless."
With that she vanished, no pomp and circumstances, just vanished into nothing, leaving Aaron and Alex to look at each other in horror...
" This is going to suck..."
""
D'Anthony felt smug as Aaron told him of his quest, ordered by Lord Jupiter and Lady Juno. His goals were being fulfilled, through Lord Jupiter and he would be getting rid of the boy soon enough. "We cannot allow you to take others on this quest, the risk of infection is too great." Around him, the rest of the assembled Demigods agreed with murmurs and whispers, making him far more smug.
Sighing, Aaron nodded and turned to Jason, using his magic to stop the boy from protesting. Jason looked utterly pissed, ready to scream at the notion of sending a lone mortal after one of the most dangerous Monsters there was. Aaron knew he was screwed, but he would not have Jason drag himself down with him. "That's fine... I will bring Lydia with me alone. However I thought only Seasoned Demigods, those that are not Probatio, could take on quests? I need to be promoted, do I not?"
"A quest must be led by someone of centurion rank or higher, that is true... " D'Anthony said, he should have been stumped for this part, but he was not. "We must obey the wishes of Lady Juno. That means that we must adapt. " He clapped his hands. "You are a Priest, and you have the potential to be an Augur which would make you of a high enough Rank... and so, you will be promoted to Legionare and Augur in training along side Octavian from this moment on. You did open the Library of Hecate and Trivia, opening up a vast untapped resource for our people, and at great risk for the Goddesses in question could have obliterated you... that was an act of valor, one we should have considered before. Aaron Mathews, ,'he said, 'come forward"
Octavian stepped forward and Aaron moved to him. " Aaron, your ID, please." Aaron removed the lead tablet from round his neck and handed it to Octavian. "Your arm,'Octavian said and so Aaron held up his forearm. Octavian raised his hands to the heavens. 'We accept Aaron Mathews, Mortal Witch and Priest to the Gods, to the Twelfth Legion Fulminata for his first year of service. Do you pledge your life to the senate and people of Rome?'
"I do."
The senators shouted, 'Senatus Populusque Romanus!'
D'Anthony cheered to Lord Jupiter internally. 'Thank you for solving this issue, Lord Jupiter. I will honor you for this later.'
Not once did he notice the smug look on Octavian's face, or sense the subtle power of Apollo nearby, listening in with an amused smile himself...
'''
Agonizing fire, that of a mystical brand, exploded onto Aaron's skin however what appeared was far more complicated then anyone could have guessed: SPQR, A Lotus Flower ( signifying Juno he assumed), A trident ( Signifying Neptune), a black glyph like a cross with curved arms and a "head", resembling the astrological sign for the planet Pluto ( For Pluto) . and a dark a single stripe, representing the first year of service.
Everyone gasped, but Aaron wasn't entirely shocked. "Well, I did offer my services to Neptune and Channeled Pluto's power... and I promised to make them more respected among you Romans. Not too shocking, really." He shrugged, as the pain faded away, leaving him with a sense of accomplishment. If nothing else, this showed that he had at least three tentative allies among the Roman gods.
Damn he was good... still, he knew he had to make good on his promises, let they turn on him.
'Now,'Reyna said, 'we must discuss the quest.'
The senators shifted and muttered as Aaron returned to his seat.
"Augur Aaron... " Octavian said like he was talking to a three-year-old, ', do you have a plan for the quest. Do you even knowwhere you are going?'
Aaron sighed. "I was ordered to make my way to the Wolf House, then track down Lyacon that way. She said he was on the move, so I have to be stealthy. This could take some time... but I am confident. I have my wolf, I have my magic, my sword, my bow... I am a skilled healer, and I have allies among the death who I can channel for power... and apparently three gods who are willing to publically align themselves with me. I think I can do this, no matter how hard it will be.
I was told, by Juno, to read the Augury myself. I will do that and then on the morrow, I will leave for my quest. Wish me luck, I guess."
The senate clammered with whispers and what not, but Aaron wasn't really focused on them... more on the lie he just told. He was not confident, Lyacon was a monster on a different level. For one he was surronded by Wolves, all powerful monsters in their own right. Second and perhaps most scary of all, he was infectious... then there was the fact that he was immune to all metals but Silver, making him difficult to kill.
This would not be an easy task for him... this could easily be a death sentence...
Damn Jupiter to Tartarus, the bastard deserved it...
'Pluto... Neptune, please watch over me... this may very well be my swam song...'
"It won't be, I need you to taste life." Agnes' voice drifted through his mind, easing some of his fears. "I will aid you, my friend and we will survive this. That I swear!"
''''
'Thank you, Lord Apollo, for removing this enemy of mine!'
Octavian cheered as the Senate left the Senate building, personally he was going to Jupiter's Temple to read the mortal's augury. He was excited, beyond so, as he had a way to get the boy killed off so he was no longer an obstruction to his rise to greatness. They did not need another Priest or Augur, especially not a mortal one. No... he needed to go and finally he was going to be gone!
Soft and subtle, he felt Lord Apollo's voice drift towards him. "A whisper to my father, the idea was actually D'Anthony's, I just mentioned it to my father and boom... the boy is gone. I may respect him but he is in the way of my becoming the Top dog here... do what you must, he has little chance of succeeding in this quest... and even if he does, there is another problem he will face, one that will bar his success... do not worry, my dear legacy, I will take care of this boy for you."
As the god's voice snuffed out, Octavian almost felt bad for Aaron... for about a second before sheer joy filled his heart. Now he could focus on gaining more power, no longer worried about one that could overthrow him...
Life could be quite sweet.
Chapter end, tell me what you think in the reviews.
This was so much fun!
Love, your Ninja Overlord,
Mika.