Chapter 29
Walking through camp was surreal. It was as if a great battle had been lost. When Percy made it to the streets of New Rome people were sitting outside their houses and businesses looking devastated. At one point or another every eye went to him though as he made his way towards the Senate House where he knew the Guard would still be giving their reports. It had only been a few hours since the battle finished in the shadows of Mount Othrys, and he knew something this big happening the meetings could go for hours or however long it took to make all the appropriate decisions.
When he arrived at the senate chambers he took a deep breath and then pushed the doors open. It sounded like quite an argument was happening, and Cassie was sitting up in the Praetor high stand alone looking quite stricken. Octavian and many of his followers were screaming for blood, resignations, and exiles while Jason along with the rest of the guard weren't taking it lying down. There was name calling, shouting, and accusations flying across the room, and anger coursed through Percy as he shouted out, "SILENTIUM."
The arguments stopped immediately, and every eye in the room fell upon him as he strode down the hall. The Senators all glared at him angrily, while the Centurions, and the Guard looked relieved. When he made it to the front he gave a sad nod to Cassie, and then turned his back on her facing the assembly, "Romans I have come from Mount Olympus and received intelligence and blessings of our patrons, yet when I return home to give the news I find my own people preparing for revolution with words of treason, and damnatio flying around. With these words, and the crumbling alliance between us you spit on the grave of our unburied Praetor."
Most of the room flinched at his words, but he wasn't even close to being done, "Praetor Mark is a hero of Olympus, and deserves the burial rights of one when this is over. His own father Mars Ultor sat upon his throne beaming with pride over his sacrifice and what it meant for our side. Lord Jupiter himself claimed his sacrifice saved hundreds of demigod lives, and we should honor his loss with our undying gratitude."
Everyone seemed to bow their heads at his words, but he spoke more, "The Olympians informed me that we are facing a new threat much closer than the rising Mount Othrys. I was informed by Lord Vulcan himself that there is an entrance to the infamous Labyrinth somewhere on Mount Diablo. What is worse is that the Titan army as we speak is attempting to learn to navigate it."
Arguing commenced from the senators immediately, while some of the Centurions merely leaned back clearly disturbed. One Senator shouted, "He lies!"
Cassie however then banged her gavel down, "Senator Dasch hold your tongue. This man stood toe to toe with the Titans greatest fighter just a few hours before, and fought for your safety. Show respect, and listen before I cast you out of Rome for trying to cause discord among our ranks."
This silenced the whole room, and Percy turned, giving the woman a grateful nod, "No damage has been done yet. It could take years for the Titans to figure out how to navigate the labyrinth, but we shouldn't play with fire. I propose putting an immediate response team on this and scour the mountain until we find it. Once we do, we rig it with every bit of firepower that contains traps, explosives, and run constant area checks to ensure they can't invade us in the night. It is my belief that this is how the traitors escaped us during the insurrection. There is a good chance they know where the entrance is, but not how to move freely around it. We must prevent them from gaining that intelligence."
Silence went throughout the room at his words while Percy turned to Jason, "While you all contemplate that will someone update me on what has happened in my short absence." When he said this his eyes stonily fell upon Octavion, and the other Senators, and then he shifted his eyes Jason, "Centurion Grace perhaps?
Jason looked to Cassie for permission, and Percy couldn't see her as his back was still towards her, but she must have nodded in assent because Jason began talking to him, "We told them about the battle with Atlas, our allies that we met up with the huntresses of Diana, and the hundred or so monsters we slayed...they have also been informed of our fallen Praetor...and we…" He stared deep into the eyes of his cousin searching for answers when he said, "We received the missive from Lord Mercury nominating you to Praetor."
Percy nodded his head, "Yes Lord Jupiter told me he was planning that...It wasn't at my request that I can assure all of you."
The son of Neptune then turned to Cassie. Their eyes met and he searched for her permission. He had favored her for years, and he would not pursue this if she was against it. Instead however, her eyes looked desperate for help, and seemed to be pleading with him to convince the Senate to put him forward, so he began talking, "When I came to Camp here I was young and didn't understand the destiny that was sitting on my shoulders. Within three months of training with the legion, and my brother Lord Trident, I had decided that my only goal in my ten years of service would be to restore honor to the House of Neptune and see a proper Temple be built in my fathers name. With every good deed I did for Rome I intended to build upon my father's shrine until I thought it was of proper eloquence that an Olympian son of Saturn deserved. That all changed when Lord Jupiter's master bolt was stolen."
No one said a word, and even the hateful glances had begun to let up in confusion at his words, "I was forced to step down from the Gladiator Challenge in my first time ever competing, and I was devastated. I was so anxious to prove myself to all of you that I was a worthy legionnaire that I almost refused my brother when he came asking for my help, but I was honor bound. I owed him a great debt for taking me under his wing so I dropped out. Many dead monsters later, and the addition of Bianca Di Angelo to the legion, we returned the bolt, and had our first victory against the rising Titan forces. That day I thought I was getting a glimpse at my destiny, but I had no idea. A year later I won the gladiator challenge defeating Rome's finest warriors in single combat, but my celebration was cut short by the arrival of Lord Mars, and the news of the Trojan Sea Monster. There were many points on that quest that I did not believe I would return home alive, but I knew if I was going to go down I would take the monster with me, and I was pissed because I had only just gotten Gwen to agree to go out with me."
This made some people start to grin, and a few outwardly chuckled, but the smile on Percy's face ended, "My world changed when we defeated that monster. I was raised to Centurion, I got the girl, and was made Captain of the Praetorian Guard. All these accomplishments were things I never thought possible for a son of Neptune, and I was on cloud nine thinking I had accomplished everything I ever wanted and more. My ambitions were met, and I planned on fighting this war, and retiring maybe with a girl I harbored a crush on my whole life...we all know that isn't how it happened though. The day the insurrection happened in our camp was the day everything changed."
Dark looks fell upon everyone in the senate room while Percy's face turned to righteous fury, "The day they killed Gwen was the day I swore death and destruction upon the enemies of Rome. Today when I stood over Mark's cold body, a man I trusted and respected, I swore I wouldn't let his death be for nothing. I don't know how most of you feel about me...actually that isn't true I know most of you can't stand me. I know many senators in this room whisper words of treason against me, and call me an usurper, but I tell you now this isn't what I wanted. I tell you that I only want what is best for our people, and that I only want to find a way for our way of life to survive. We need to all put aside our differences today. It doesn't matter if we don't like each other. It doesn't matter who disrespected who, or who likes the other. The strongest amongst us fell today, and we need to respond quickly, and efficiently. Raise me to Praetor and I swear to you upon my very life that I will not stop fighting as long as there's breath in my lungs, as long as there is a beat to my heart. I have been a loyal Roman, and I have led many of you here today into victorious battles, but now I believe it's time for me to lead every capable Roman man, woman, and child against our enemies. I will wreak devastation upon the Titans forces with every bit of strength, will power, and resolve I can muster. I don't know if I am your man for Praetor when this war is over, but I stand before you with my sole purpose of living being to defeat the Titans, and bring honor to the twelfth legion. We cannot wait for an election. We must act now because our enemies are restless. Who will stand with me? Who will help stop the Titans reign before it ever begins?"
The response was immediate. The entirety of the guard stood to their feet. Many of whom were respected Centurions. Several senators stood as well showing their agreement, while even Octavion slowly rose to his feet. After a few moments the decision became unanimous.
Percy then turned fully to face Cassie who was on her feet as well showing her support. She called out, "Ave Perseus Jackson Praetor of the Twelfth Legion."
The group cried back, "Fulminata."
Cassie gave the young man a tired smile, "Congratulations Praetor Jackson. Octavian please prepare Praetor Marks burial rights befitting a hero of Olympus and Rome. Also please prepare the normal ceremony for Percy to officially be sworn in as Praetor. The rest of you spread the word, and assemble the legion on the field of Mars. In the dying embers of Mark's ashes we will raise his favored hero to his place, and give him the opportunity to serve Rome the way his predecessor did... with honor."
The senators all quickly rose to their feet, chatting among themselves at the dismissal, and a few of the Centurions who weren't a part of the guard left to follow. Within a matter of moments the room was cleared of all but the ten chosen heroes, and the two praetors. Bianca came up and sadly bumped his arm, "Good speech. I thought your ascension would cause a blood bath when Lord Mercury arrived."
Percy gave her a tight smile, "Me too when Lord Mars nominated me."
Cassie looked surprised, "Mars Ultor nominated you?"
"Followed by Lady Ceres' second vote." Percy answered sadly.
This caused a brief silence when he sighed, "There is something all of you need to know. What is left of us in this room I trust with my life, and I think you should all know the truth."
All eyes shot at him, and Cassie looked wary, "What do you know Percy?"
Taking a deep breath he looked towards Jason and Bianca who were standing together, "I have learned the Great Prophecy. It could've been any of us, and I suppose if I fall in battle before my sixteenth birthday it still could be."
Jason stepped towards him, "Percy?"
"A half blood of the eldest gods,
Shall reach sixteen against all odds
And see the world in endless sleep
The hero's soul, cursed blade shall reap
A single choice shall end his days
Olympus to preserve or raze."
The words seemed to echo through the senate chambers. Everyone was staring at Percy in shock, surprise, and horror. Bianca broke the silence with tears in her eyes and shot forward to embrace Percy, "We can't lose you too."
Percy felt his throat tighten painfully as he wrapped his arms around the girl who had become one of his two best friends. He was forced to be strong in front of the gods earlier, but in front of these people, his family he allowed a little of his weakness to come out. The others looked shell shocked, and most were clearly searching for words. Percy's eyes met Dylan who shook his head, "Percy...I'm sorry."
Jason came forward next wrapping his arms around his two cousins for a moment before they all separated. Percy turned to Cassie who looked terribly sad, "This is the big destiny they kept talking about. Even the Lares knew something, though I doubt they truly knew the contents. It's why they made you so powerful?"
Percy nodded his head while Jason said, "So what are we just sacrificing Percy to win the war?"
Michael grumbled out, "It didn't even guarantee our victory."
Jason turned to glare at the man as everyone began to look at him clearly getting upset, "No that's bullshit. Percy, you are our leader. We are going to swear you into Praetorship. You aren't going to die on us. You can't just die on us."
Percy turned to his cousin, "Believe me bro I don't want to. I just don't see many interpretations for the hero's soul reaping part. They aren't going to take me quietly. I promise you that."
The son of Jupiter looked devastated, "But Percy you can't do this to me. You, Thalia, and Bianca are the only family I have left."
Percy put a hand on the blonde boy's shoulder, "You can't fight fate Jason. We just have to accept it, and make it work as close to our favor as possible. It says a single choice to end his days, and you can bet your ass I will save Olympus and Rome. I just swore on my life to all you guys I would fight till my heart stops beating, and I meant it."
No more was said between the two, and Larry spoke next, "Percy I know there are a lot of people in the legion, and even some in the senate who doubted you at one point or another, and I have to apologize that at one point I was one of them. You are a true Roman, you deserve the praetor position."
Verbal agreements immediately followed, and Cassie sighed, "I never doubted you Percy, and I hope we find a way to beat this prophecy. Sounds like we have eight months to end this war though before you turn sixteen. We've got a lot of work to do between now and then."
It seemed the group didn't know what to say to further the conversation on the great prophecy so as a team they made their way towards the exit, and began the trek towards the field of Mars where it seemed a good portion of the legion was already gathered. The dozen demigods never broke ranks as they marched that way together showing a united unit. The heroes of Rome that everyone recognized, the Praetorian Guard, held silence as they came upon the beautiful shroud Lady Diana had given Mark. Under normal circumstances the Centurions in the group would have broken rank here, and stood with their cohorts, but this was different, and much more personal for the guard.
As the rest of the legion finished assembling in silence, and all of New Rome's citizens gathered on the hillside. Percy stared at the shroud praying to all the gods above him for the strength to crush the Titans for taking his friend away. Speeches were given, and when Cassie turned to him to say words after her he nodded coming out of his thoughts and prayers.
He faced the legion openly with his back to the shroud, "Never before have I ever felt the pressure of filling such big shoes, but Mark has left them for me. He was the best among us. Powerful, decisive, unyielding, and incredibly kind to every person who walked through his door with respect. I never heard people speak poorly of him, and I never knew any to wish him ill will. For a leader to not have these kinds of whispers, or even words behind his back must be a testament to his ability. Mark lays in this shroud behind me because of the Titans. They took from us a brother, a friend, a leader, and a mentor. Though as I stand before you I swear they will not take him for free. Already the Praetorian Guard and I have decimated the Titans forces in the shadows of Mount Othrys, but I am not done taking from them. I do not yet feel even for the loss I feel now towards our fallen leader. I say we continue to take from them in honor of this man's memory. This hero of Rome and Olympus. I say we take it all from our enemies, and only then when they have nothing left. When there is no man or monster left standing will I say we are even. To Mark Urso the greatest Praetor of our generation!"
Cheers and applause erupted from the legion, and citizens of New Rome. Chants of Praetor took up somewhere in the crowd as Cassie threw the torch onto the shroud, and lit it to the sky. Percy looked up to the night sky, and found the warrior constellation swearing to it that he would not rest until there was once again peace in Rome.
(A/N) I am incredibly sorry for this delay. I left the country the day this chapter was supposed to be uploaded, and I totally forgot about it. Due to this I will bring you another chapter this Friday to keep up with the update time frames. I admit I am catching up with where I have run into a roadblock still in the Battle of the Labyrinth, but I am hoping to sit down this weekend and push through that.
Thanks to everyone who has stuck around since the slow updates, and I appreciate the support from all who have left comments, or added my story to their follows/favorites. It is for all of you that I strive to finish this story.
This chapter was beta approved by James Marx. Thanks for helping me take care of this story, and giving our readers the best version of this story possible. Cheers buddy.
