Chapter 19

To say the Senate took it quietly would be an interesting way of lying by omission. The first announcements were the rewards the Praetors were issuing to Percy, Bianca, and Jason for their roles in destroying the Sea Monster. This was met with applause, and cheers from members of the Senate. When the Praetors announced they would be swearing Percy in as Centurion Jackson there was some mumbling, but no open protests. Not many would have the courage to deny that Percy had earned his spot among the officers, and the fact that he was going to be leading his fathers gift, and creation to the legion was hardly going to lead to any public disputes.

When Percy announced that he wanted Reyna Ramirez-Arellano to be his optio silence greeted him. She had after all just been a probatio just a few days before, and she was only granted status as a legionnaire due to her bravery on the quest with Jason, but her being from the second cohort gathered a lot of support, and no one even attempted to veto. Bianca was shortly chosen to be Jason's new Optio, and suddenly some of the senators seemed to realize all of Percy's group of friends were now officers, or training to be one. There would be whispers about the plans of Percy and his friends later behind closed doors, but no one in the open challenged them.

Finally the announcement of the destruction of Neptune's old shrine with the immediate construction of a new Temple was met by much louder mumbles, but no open protests. The Augur himself seemed to shell shocked to protest. The only announcement that wasn't met with protests or mumbles was the party that would be held that evening in honor of Lord Neptune's new shrine, and the awards the three demigods have received.

After the oaths had been sworn, and the tattoos had been given the Senate was dismissed. Percy had been given thirty days to assemble his team, and present them to the senate as the Pegasi Corp. These assigned legionnaires would be pulled two days a week to train with Percy mastering the arts of the pegasi, and the other three days they would train with the legion as regular cohort members. It was easy to see this was quickly going to become a coveted position. Riding pegasi was certainly taxing, but compared to marching all day, and training with the legion it would be a much preferred form of military exercise.

The cousins had all discussed last night who was going to be Percy's Optio. His first pick was Bianca herself, but she wasn't that great on a pegasi, and admitted she didn't really care to ease a horse into her aura. As a daughter of Pluto she spooked most of the creatures, but Jason had told them that Reyna was a natural. She had bonded with one of the pegasi they had rescued with ease, and named him Scipio. Jason bonded with the girl, and vouched for her to Percy which was good enough for the son of Neptune.

This is what led to Percy sitting in his new office in the fifth cohort barracks. Apparently in the old days there were a lot more legionnaires. Each cohort had four centurions, and to this day the barracks were built up for this. This meant with just a little bit of dusting Percy had an office just like Jason's on the opposite side of the barracks. He was excited to make his office feel more homey, but it would have to do for his first meeting with his optio.

Reyna entered the fifth barracks, and eyes were following her immediately. It was very uncommon for other legionnaires to enter barracks that weren't their own, and even more uncommon for them to arrive in dresses. Her heels clicked as she marched over to her Centurions office, and shut the door to whispers behind her. Her black dress hugged her well, and she stood at attention, "Centurion Jackson."

Percy gave her a slight smile and motioned for her to take a seat. She had long tan legs, and Percy did his best not to look as she straightened her dress and took a seat across from him, "Should I expect you to come this dressed up to all our meetings?"

Smiling and tucking some hair behind her ear she spoke calmly, "I wouldn't count on it. I wasn't sure how long our meeting would take, so I took the liberty of getting ready beforehand just in case we ran long. Wouldn't do well for my introductory as a future officer to dress improperly for a party this big. Especially when my own Centurion is the one being honored."

"You didn't take me as the type to be so excited about being at the bottom of the food chain." Percy said carefully.

She gave him a soft smile, "Oh Percy you've been given a really interesting opportunity. Granted the rank of Centurion, and of course getting to pick your own optio. Right now it's only an extra unit to give the legion some fighting strength, but what if instead we turned it more into a special forces unit. You could go from the bottom of the officer pile to the top. We could grow this, and instead of being your optio I could be your extra Centurion."

Percy gave the girl an impressed look, "I have to say I like the idea of having a special forces unit for the legion. A small tactical unit that can do the job too dangerous or too small for a full service cohort. It has merit. I have to say when we first talked I thought your ambition was dangerous, but-"

"Now you can see its value. It's only been a few days, and you have taken my advice wonderfully. I have to say it's nice to have a man around that can listen." She said teasingly.

Percy leaned back in his chair observing the girl who looked like she had won the lottery today. He pondered a response before asking, "Can I assume you still wish to train with myself and the others?"

"Definitely." She said in confirmation.

"Very well." The two stared at each other for a few moments, when a knock happened at the door and Percy called out, "Enter."

Gwen came in still in her senate toga, and looked sharply to Reyna when she came in, "Percy, I didn't mean to interrupt. I just wanted to check out your new office."

Before Reyna could say anything Percy gave her a smile, "It's okay we are done for now. Reyna start thinking about a few people you want to suggest for our team, and let me know. The second and first cohort I don't have the best relationship with, so if we want to keep the team balanced with a mix of all cohorts I will definitely need you for that."

"Of course Centurion. Save me a dance for the night." As she stood she made eye contact with Gwen and gave her a nod, "Centurion."

With that she walked past the girl and into the next room. Gwen came in and took a seat, "I'm not sure how I feel about that one just yet."

"Believe me the jury is still out for me as well, but Jason trusts her so it's going to have to be enough for now." Percy said easily.

She looked surprised at his words, "Jason convinced you to make her your optio?"

Percy nodded his head in confirmation, "She expressed interest in training with Jason, Bianca, and I before our quest if you remember. Then Jason took her on his quest, so I guess they bonded. If I had chosen someone else I might have gone with Dylan. The son of Trivia is pretty good with pegasi, and I am hoping he will join my team."

Gwen looked pleased by his words, and nodded her head, "Well if you need a medic for your team I would certainly be happy to help. Assuming officers aren't off limits."

Percy shrugged, "As long as they have at least one Centurion for each cohort, and we have some backups just in case I can't see them having problems with it. Besides in most pitched fights the unit probably won't be used."

The two conversed easily, and Gwen excused herself after a few minutes saying she needed to get ready for the party that evening. Percy of course accepted her departure, and claimed he would need to get ready as well.

The party was in full swing that evening in New Rome. Cornucopias were scattered across the mess hall, and the children of the eldest Olympians were the special guest. Of course Mark was also quite the exalted one in New Rome that evening as well. Percy and Bianca told everyone who could listen how Mark led them in battle, and coached them through what to do on the quest, and how he got them to Pikes Peak with ease. It was in these conversations that people found out about Menalaus, and the sword Percy had sacrificed to Aelous. Originally that was supposed to be the reason Percy was going to receive his awards, but by the end of it all it became a footnote in their journey. Of course this did lead to people demanding to see Percy's 'amazing' armor. He was a little cautious that someone might recognize it, but other than oh's an aw's no one claimed to have known exactly who his armor belonged to.

The party continued on though and Percy had shaken hands with more people that night than in his entire life. He had been in the legion for almost seven years now, and he knew practically all the veterans, and seniors by name. It was a pleasant realization to know that most of them knew him as well, and while they may have supported him quietly before or not at all the tide had finally turned for the son of Neptune.

Percy was dancing with Gwen in the forum square of new Rome having a great evening. It was a beautiful warm Summer evening, and it was a perfect evening for a party. Percy and Gwen had been inseparable all night, and the god's honest truth was Percy felt on top of the world, and for once he liked his chances with the Centurion girl for the first time.

The two were huddled by the fountain closer than most would've thought necessary as they watched their friends dance together. Jason and Reyna were all smiles as they danced around, and no one would've believed it before the quest, but Mark and Bianca were as well. A praetor dancing with a daughter of Pluto sent a huge message, and Percy was all for it.

Gwen and Percy laughed as Jason twirled Reyna around, and watched a few other girls try and vie for Jason's attention on the sidelines. Gwen chuckled out, "Let's hope he doesn't end up with his father's ego. He could be a real lady killer."

Percy smirked at this, "Nah I don't think he has the player bone in his body. Too loyal."

Gwen put a on his arm smiling out towards the dance floor, "Sounds like someone else I know. Hell of a decision I made making you two apart of my cohort. Now look at us with three Centurions. Hasn't happened in a long time, and with a daughter of Pluto who knows we might end up with four one day."

Percy raised his glass to the girl. It held a small amount of very light wine that had been a gift from Mark, "Of course Jason will rise above us all one day a Praetor in the making undoubtedly."

She smiled at that, "Hopefully I will retire before that happens. You and Dakota would make good senior centurions for the fifth."

"What will you do when you're done?" Percy asked curiously.

She smiled at him twirling her small glass of wine, "Go to college. My gifts are too powerful not to put them to good use. A daughter of Ceres hasn't had my power over healing in centuries so perhaps I will open a clinic here in New Rome. Someone will have to keep an eye on you boys when I'm not in charge."

"I think I would be a regular paying customer if I knew I could get your services every time I got hurt." Percy said honestly.

"Your sweet Percy. You always have been to me." Gwen said wrapping her hand around his bicep gently.

Refusing to meet her eyes he stared out at the dance floor, "I owe it all to you. I never forgot that. No one was going to vouch for a son of Neptune. Yet here was this beautiful Centurion from the fifth Cohort who stood up for me when I had no one else. It was always you after that. Anything you asked I would always jump to be the one to do it."

He couldn't tell where she was, but by the sound of her voice it sounded much closer than before, "You never gave me any reason to doubt accepting you into our family of the fifth cohort. You proved yourself a hundred times over. Out worked everyone, and always came through when we needed you. You're a type of Roman that I can help, but respect...and admire."

The last word was said so close to his ear he felt her breath. He felt a hand on his chin, and he was turned to face her. Their eyes met, and then he closed them as he pushed into a kiss. In that moment it didn't matter if he was the demigod to a doomsday prophecy, that he was a son of the seas, or anything else. He was kissing his childhood crush. A girl who had his heart in a vice for eight years. The kiss was soft, and it promised another. When they separated she smiled at him, "Was that okay?"

He stared at her with a stupid grin, "Okay? I have prayed to Venus on more than one occasion hoping I would get the opportunity to do that."

"I trust you know by my reputation I don't kiss just any guy, and the age difference does weigh on my mind a little, but I know you are a once in a century kind of demigod. It would be stupid to turn down a chance with you just because we are further apart in age while we are young. We will take it slow, but what do you say we give it a chance?" Gwen asked looking at his smile with one she just had to match.

His answer was to kiss her again, and this time a voice interrupted them, "Well look at that dreams do come true."

Jason was standing there with his arms crossed. Bianca behind them both wearing shit eating grins. Percy just grinned back, "What can I say my luck had to turn around at some point."

Gwen put an arm around his shoulder hugging him close, "Luck didn't have much to do with it this time. Maybe it was just how it was meant to be."

Jason fake gagged, "Oh Gods are you two going to be all lovey dovey? I'm not sure I can stand it."

Gwen laughed, "Oh don't worry Centurion Grace I will make sure Centurion Jackson behaves in public."

Percy raised his eyebrow at the girl, "I swear it's like she doesn't even know me!"

This caused all the friends to laugh, and Bianca just raised her glass, "I am happy for you guys. It's been painful watching Percy pine after you for the last year."

"Try eight for me. You don't even have a right to complain." Jason said teasingly.

This led to another round of laughter, but this time it was interrupted by a booming voice, "ROMANS!"

A new God of Olympus stepped out of the large bonfire in the streets, and a man in golden armor appeared before them. He had a large bow in his hand, and an even larger quiver on his back. He had perfectly styled blonde hair, and startling blue eyes. Percy knew he was an Olympian immediately, and therefore took a knee. Most followed his lead without hesitation, but a few hesitated. The God raised an eyebrow before taking a sinister looking grin, "I see some are a little slow on uptake. You are in the presence of an Olympian. BOW BEFORE ME Romans I AM PHOEBUS APOLLO! I am the Lord of Prophecies, Archery, Healing, the sun, and so much more."

Mark strode forward looking slightly exasperated, and kneeled, "Lord Phoebus Apollo on behalf of Camp Jupiter, the legion, and New Rome, we welcome you to this party."

Apollo grinned at the boy, "Now that's what I am talking about. Somewhere in that so much more is the god of Partying so I am glad to be here. Now where is Perseus Jackson?"

Percy felt Gwen's arm that had been on his bicep for a while squeeze tightly, but he gently patted it and rose to his feet striding to the Olympian taking his knee once again, "I am here Lord Apollo. What can I do for Olympus?"

"Rise my young friend. Olympus has received words of your accomplishments. Smiting the Trojan Sea Monster, not bad son of Neptune." Apollo said with a beaming smile. He then turned out towards the Romans, "Some of you may not know, but Percy Jackson is believed to be the child of an ancient prophecy, and it seems with our enemies rising faster than even Olympus anticipated, and it's time to take aggressive actions, but first." He paused for a long dramatic effect before continuing, "By decree of Lord Jupiter Camp Jupiter it is time to call up its retired warriors for defense purposes only. It is the wish of Olympus that should the legion need to deploy it still be protected from outside forces. A City Watch guard will need to be put in place. We leave the Senate to decide who will run this, and how it will be managed."

Whispers went throughout the crowd at the idea. Some citizens of New Rome looked pleased by this decree while others disturbed. Cassie came forward to meet the Lord from Olympus, "It will be done immediately Lord Apollo."

"Very good. Now that could have been sent by messenger, but this next request was agreed upon by the entirety of the Olympian council." He put a hand on Percy's shoulders before continuing, "It is time for the Praetorian Guard to be reestablished and since Percy Jackson is the warrior of this great prophecy we have decided he will be in charge of this special forces unit. He has proven himself to be of great valor, and skill I believe will lead this kill team effectively."

The God turned and looked straight at Reyna when he said this, and the girl opened her mouth but no words came to her. Percy wasn't sure if Apollo was trying to tell them that the gods heard her idea and agreed with it, or if he just found it amusing that Reyna had suggested such a thing only hours before.

Apollo took a few steps in front of Percy looking him in the eye, "Percy Jackson as leader of the Praetorian Guard it will be your duty to pick this task force of warriors, to balance a team that will lead as an offensive strike force against the rising Titan Army. Do you accept this responsibility and leadership of this role Perseus Jackson?"

"I do Lord Apollo." Percy confidently said, feeling the urge for battle stinging in his blood.

Apollo turned to the Praetors, "Perseus is to be allowed to select anyone from your ranks. Lady Lupa will be coming to Camp Jupiter to help hold leadership in the cohorts. It is to be expected if the son of Neptune is going to take the most Elite Warriors in the legion that many of them will be your senior officers. Olympus will not send the entire guard on kill missions if we believe Camp Jupiter will be assaulted, or if we are deploying the legion to a full scale battle. We will ensure the chain of command is held. You can choose ten warriors Percy. Choose wisely."

The man looked like he was finished, but suddenly seemed to remember something, "Also Lord Jupiter says he intends to keep his word to you. Next time you are on Olympus we will unveil the Great Prophecy my last great Oracle gave to the world. That is all. ROMANS PREPARE FOR WAR."

WIth that a pillar of fire erupted around the Lord of the Sun, and he was gone.

(A/N) The Praetorian Guard. Welcome to where this story starts to take a turn. Violence is going to be increased, and a rating change COULD come in the future, but I haven't determined if that is necessary yet.

Had lots of GwenXPercy in this chapter, but don't get used to it, because it's not the real pairing ;). Hope you all enjoyed this chapter, and I look forward to sharing the next several chapters with you, because it's about to get dramatic.

Cheers!

To Answer reviewers:

Lots of reviewers have asked about why their is tension between the Greeks and Romans, but the answer is simple. Religious Ideology. Wars throughout humanity have been fought over such things, and when people think your beliefs are wrong, or incorrect, then it makes them want to fight. The bad blood isn't as much between about one being in the right or wrong, but the Greek and Roman beliefs are fundamentally the same, but every aspect upon further observation is different, and people don't like different!

To Jose19:

In Canon the Romans had far superior numbers, and in the Blood of Olympus Octavion was prepared to wipe out the Greeks without hardly any blood shed from the Roman side. In a pitched fight it would be long and bloody, but without Percy on their side fighting all these super elementally powerful demigods I don't think it would even be close in this timeline. For now.

AgellosIsAngel:

I like your ideas, and I am struggling with how I want to handle the Mount Othrys battle, and I think you will see why in just a few chapters.

To answer your other questions:

This story was fun to write but frustrating to produce. I get a lot of great feedback on this story, but it doesn't seem to be picking up popularity or traction like my other stories in the past have. I think this story is MUCH better than Roman Avenger, but I did much better in ratings on that story, so I enjoy this story for me, but I guess it doesn't have what it takes to make it on the top 100!

My writers block for particularly stories can last years. I just came back to one I had been sleeping on for the better part of 3 years now, and I planning to finish A Badgers Champion now that I find some motivation for it. But I almost never experience writers block as a whole, I always have some idea floating in my noggin.

I have tried to write Perianca before, but I fell out with it each time I have tried. I have down two renditions of Preyna and they are definitely my favorite pairing, but it was time to branch into something else.

Writing ahead of time is SO important to me. I cannot produce results in live time. I will literally crank out five chapters in a week, but not writing anything for a month. If yall had to wait on my timeline then there is a great chance you would be stuck for weeks without an update. I won't even think about posting a story until i am at MINIMUM 10 chapters in.

Not sure what you meant by this question, but writing is a VERY small amount of my income, and that is of course away from all Fanfictions. That is all my original content.

I am engaged to be married to a lovely young woman here in Texas, but don't worry you will find your person ;).

Love the long reviews, and I love responding to people's questions out in the open. I don't enjoy PM's as much, because I just feel that everyone can take something from my response good or bad.

Whew! Think that was everything thanks for leaving all the questions :).

That's it for now everyone! See you next week.