Chapter 5

-Percy-

After school

Percy and Annabeth ride with Jason in his car out to Leo's property. On the way there, Percy explains this mock battle to Annabeth as best he can.

"Every group is in a sort of competition," he says, using his hands to help him see a picture as he explains it. "Your group is trying to make better art than the other groups. My group was initially supposed to make accurate recreations of ancient Greek armor and weapons, but the principal approved of a mock battle."

"So," Annabeth begins. "Each class and group have a rivalry?"

"Sort of," Percy says. "And because Luke and I hate each other-"

"That's where it gets serious and personal to us," Jason says, finishing Percy's sentence.

"So who's all in these groups?" Annabeth asks as Jason pulls the car into a gravel driveway leading to Leo's house.

"Everybody in our two groups should be here. There's four groups total because there's four classes," Percy explains. "My group consists of myself, Leo, Frank, another guy who's name escapes me, and Connor Stoll. Jason's group has himself, Travis Stoll -Connor's twin-, Grover, and two other guys."

"Usually the competition for us is just showing off what we've made, but this year it's doing it in style," Jason grins.

"Sounds exciting," Annabeth says.

"We're all excited, but we've only started this project this past Monday," Percy says. "We have this week and the next three to get this done."

"But Leo," Jason interrupts, "is a goddamn workaholic. He's already got most of the armor made. We just did our measurements yesterday."

"Oh, wow."

"Um, Jason," Percy says. "Why don't you go on in and get everyone settled. I'll be there in a moment."

"You got it," Jason says, mocking Percy with a salute.

Percy just flips him the middle finger as Jason laughs and enters the warehouse.

Annabeth smiles softly. "What, is Jason like your right hand man?"

"Not usually. We really didn't bond until we started doing this, but even before this he was okay," Percy replies.

"And you're their leader," she observes.

"They voted me as the 'Supreme Commander of the Coalition' as Leo puts it," Percy laughs. "Jason's in charge of his group and I was in charge of mine and we talked about how we want to do things this year. Because of the competition thing, we had to tell the other group leaders so Luke knows we're doing the mock battle."

Annabeth places a hand on his arm. "Listen, I really want you to be careful. I saw Luke with his wood sword and he's pretty good with it."

Percy blushes. "You barely know me."

"I know, and I am probably underestimating you and whatever skills you have," she says. "But how will this settle anything between you two?"

"We've settled terms. If we win, Luke has to leave everybody alone and stop manipulating people. If he wins, nothing really changes except I become his only target for the year. It's his senior year."

"And Mr. Brunner allows bullying?" she asks, surprised.

"He doesn't like it, but he and the principal believe in self defense. Otherwise, I would've been expelled within the first month of my freshman year. They don't know about the terms, though."

"Are you two lovebirds coming or what?" Leo shouts from inside the warehouse.

Percy and Annabeth's faces turn red.

"I... no, we're not..." Annabeth stammers.

"Shut the fuck up, Leo!" Percy shouts, getting some laughter from everybody inside.

Annabeth smiles nervously and glances at Percy.

"So... Should I join you?" she asks him, her face still red.

"If you want to," Percy says, his face also pretty red.

"I do. I find this interesting."

Percy smiles and they enter the warehouse to get started. Once inside, Percy takes in the the setup Leo put together for the meeting: two plastic tables aligned side by side with ten chairs set around them. Six chairs along the length of the tables with two on each end. Behind the tables sits a canvas screen with a projector on a cart sitting in front of the screen, connected to a laptop on the table in front of Leo. The two tables belong to each group: Percy's group gets the table to his left, while Jason's group has the one to the right. Everybody else is already standing by their seats, waiting for Percy and Annabeth. Percy pulls up another chair for Annabeth to sit in, setting it next to him and Jason at one end of the table as everyone sits down.

"Woah, wait a second," Travis says, raising a hand to get everyone's attention. "She's not supposed to be here. No offense, by the way."

"None taken," Annabeth says with a shrug.

"She has something important to tell us," Percy says. "Jason and I agreed she could be here. We've already told her about what's going on. We can trust her."

Some of the others don't look convinced, but before they could voice their opinions, Percy motions for Annabeth to explain what she saw in her class. When she starts speaking, everybody is listening carefully, even though it doesn't take very long. They ask her questions like, "was he using a shield?" and other things like that, trying to milk as much information as they could out of her. She answers everything with ease.

"So three weeks away and Luke has his weapons?" Leo asks. "You didn't see any armor, correct?"

"That's right," Annabeth says. "Just drawings of them."

"That changes our idea for using plastic swords and shields," Connor says.

"I took the liberty in changing the shield," Leo confesses. "I have a lot of scrap plywood around here just large enough to make the inside of the shield. From that I could cover the outside of the shield in plastic or fabric."

"We have our spear shafts here so we can make our spears today," Percy says, looking over at Frank.

"That's right. They're on the table behind me," he says.

"We'll also need to work on redesigning our swords so we can keep them light but sturdy," Jason says.

"I did that, too, just in case we needed a change of plans," Leo says.

"You and your contingency plans," Percy sighs.

"As I was saying, Jackson," Leo begins. "I have the design in place and a few wooden ones already made as a precaution. There's two kinds of wood swords, one just wood and the other has a bit of PVC pipe down the core of the blade-"

"Please don't put a pipe in our swords," Jason interrupts, frowning.

"You didn't let me finish!"

"Sorry, go ahead."

"Thank you," Leo says. "As I was saying, there's some PVC pipe that would form the grip and extend into the base of the blade. It isn't going to be all along the blade."

"Alright, do you have the design for it we can see?" Jason asks him.

"Of course. If you will look to the screen..." he taps around on his computer and he pulls up a file with the design in question.

"You see," he explains. "It doesn't even go halfway up the blade. It won't take much to keep the sword sturdy. I have four swords ready to test out, two xiphos and two kopis swords. One pair is just wood and the other has the pipe."

"Let's see them," Percy says.

Leo jumps up and gets the wood swords, setting them on the table. "Go ahead to take one."

Percy and Jason reach for a sword; Jason grabbing the xiphos and Percy the kopis.

"Those two you have should be the wood only swords," Leo explains.

"How do we test them?" Jason asks. "Just hit something with them?"

"You can, but I want to see a fight," Leo says.

"Are you sure about this?" Percy asks.

"I'm with Leo," Frank says. "I want to see it."

"If we're going to fight," Percy begins, "I'm not using the kopis..."

"We'll have two duels," Jason suggests. "One of us has the wood, while the other has wood and PVC."

"First weapon to break or first person to be disarmed?" Percy asks.

"Why not either/or," Connor says.

Percy glances at Annabeth for her opinion and she shrugs. "Hey, I'm just here because I find this fascinating."

"Alright. We'll go outside. Me and Jason," Percy says. He drops the kopis and picks up a xiphos.

"So what's the difference between those two swords?" Annabeth asks Percy as everybody gets up to go outside. "I mean, besides how they look."

"I thought you'd know, for someone interested in Greek architecture," Percy teases.

"How do you know I don't know?" she counters. "I could be asking just because I want to."

Percy smiles. "The xiphos is used for stabbing, but it feels better in my hands. The kopis, due to its curved blade, would be used for slashing. Personally, because we're using wood swords, there's no point in specializing."

Annabeth smiles. "You do know your Greek weapons, don't you?"

Percy shrugs. "Maybe. Come on, let's not keep everyone waiting."

...

-Annabeth-

"So are we starting with the slashy-slash or the stabby-stab?" Jason asks.

"I'd rather not do the slashy-slash," Percy says. "So we'll do that one first to get it over with."

"Alright, kopis it is."

"Do you guys want the shields, too?" Leo asks.

"We'll do without for now," Percy says.

"Agreed," Jason adds.

They stand apart from each other and stand ready. Leo sounds an airhorn and the two start fighting. Everybody watches closely at how they fight. It's not the most exciting thing in the world, but Annabeth can see by their expressions that they're surprised about something.

She looks out to the two boys fighting, trying and failing to figure out what the big deal is.

"Damn," Frank mutters. "They're good."

"What do you mean?" Annabeth asks him.

"I knew Percy could fight, but I didn't know he knew how to use a sword," Frank elaborates.

"I did!" Leo announces.

"What?!" Travis exclaims. "Since when?"

"I have been sworn to secrecy! I will not tell you more!" Leo says. "Come on Percy! You got this!"

"Gee, thanks for the support!" Jason shouts as he blocks a downward strike from Percy.

They keep dueling, and Annabeth catches a glimpse of Percy's eyes. He looks focused. Determined. But the uncertainty on his face also tells her this isn't how he usually fights. He did mention not liking the kopis, so this is probably unfamiliar ground for him. But even if this isn't his type of style, he's still really good. Annabeth hasn't seen any sword fights before so she can't really compare it to anything.

"Hell yeah, Jason!" Frank shouts.

Annabeth snaps out of her thoughts and see Jason standing with the tip of his sword pointed at a now disarmed Percy, his sword is lying out of reach on the grass.

"I win!" Jason declares.

"You just got lucky," Percy says as Jason lowers his sword. "You don't stand a chance against me next round."

They walk over to Leo, who has the other two swords in his hands.

"Loser gets first pick," Leo says, falling under protest from Jason.

"Hey man, it's only fair," he tries to explain.

"Jason, relax. It's not a big deal," Percy says. He grabs both of the swords and holds one out to him. Jason begrudgingly takes the sword.

"So what did you think?" Leo asks.

"Well, I'm not a kopis guy," Percy admits. "And I think Jason had the PVC one. But I can handle a little weight so I don't care which xiphos I have."

"Weight isn't the issue here, remember?" Jason says.

Percy shrugs. "I know. But they're both holding up very well."

"Alright, what are we waiting for?" Leo asks. "Let's get this duel over with!"

Percy stands ready in front of Jason. Annabeth can tell he's much more comfortable with the xiphos. His eyes are once again focused, and he looks very confident compared to the last round.

"You got this, Percy!" Annabeth calls out. He flashes a grin towards her for a moment which leaves her feeling breathless. Her heart starts racing in her chest.

"Fighters, ready?" Leo calls out. No reply, yet no objections. Leo sounds the horn and this time things take a very different turn of events.

Jason attacks Percy, who swiftly deflects his blade and twists his own to strike at Jason's neck. He ducks and tries to swipe at Percy's feet, but he jumps back and out of the way. Jason stands and charges at Percy, going for another stab at his chest, but the same thing happens. Percy deflects the blade, but this time he spins around Jason and taps his back with his elbow.

"Are you just going to dodge forever now?" Jason taunts.

Percy grins and flicks his sword in a short wave motion, challenging Jason.

It looks like arrogance, but Percy isn't letting his guard down. He knows Jason is a good fighter.

He's studied his movements... Annabeth realizes. He's trying to predict his next move.

Jason advanced steadily and they circle each other, waiting for each other to move.

"Come on, Grace," Percy taunts. "We don't have all day."

"After you," Jason replies.

Percy charges and Jason goes for a jab, but Percy smacks his blade with the flat side of his and twists, effectively disarming Jason. His sword flies away and lands several feet away, but Percy levels his sword next to Jason's neck, ending the duel. Annabeth smiles, trying hard not to cheer for Percy's win.

"God, Percy!" Jason gasps. "What kind of move was that?"

Percy just laughs and lowers his sword. "It's a trick I learned a long time ago. It's difficult to counter unless you really know what you're doing," he explains.

Everybody gets up and claps Percy on the shoulder or back.

"That was cool!" Travis exclaims. "How are you two so good at this?"

"Yeah," Frank says. "You guys are naturals."

"Annabeth, you've seen Luke fight. How was that compared to Percy or Jason?" Grover asks her.

"Well, I doubt Luke was being serious about his fight, so I can't know for sure," she replies. "But that really was cool. Where'd you learn to sword fight, Percy?"

He blushes and shrugs. "I... umm... it's a hobby," he says.

"A badass hobby!" Leo exclaims.

"So do you have a sword at home or something?" Annabeth asks Percy.

"Actually, yeah. It's a xiphos I named Riptide," he replies, blushing lightly. He's grown nervous again, but Annabeth doesn't mind.

"No way, how'd you get it?" Connor asks.

"Umm... Leo?"

"Leo gave it to you?" Franks asks.

"No, his dad made it for me," Percy says.

Connor laughs. "Funny, but I'm serious. I want to know!"

"So am I," Percy replies firmly.

"Wait so Leo's dad actually made you a custom sword?" Jason asks.

"Yeah. It's at home right now, but I can take a car to school tomorrow and show you guys. I think Mr. Brunner would like to see it as well. Although... it is real so the principal might not allow it to be brought in," Percy explains.

"You can talk to him. If it's for the class I'm sure it can be allowed," Annabeth says. "You have a sheathe for it, right?"

"Oh, yeah, of course," Percy replies.

"Okay," Jason says. "As cool as this is, we should get back to what we're here for."

"Right," Percy agrees.

"So what do you guys think?" Leo asks.

"Can you make enough PVC swords for all of us?" Percy asks him.

"Of course!"

"Leo will make the swords and Frank...?"

"Yeah?" he replies.

"Supervise him for me. I don't want him getting too excited."

"Who, me?" Leo says with a grin.

"I'll watch him," Frank says. "Come on, Valdez, you've got swords to make."

"Jason and Connor will make the shields," Percy says. "Grover and I will work one the spears and I want you guys," he points to the remaining unnamed guys, "to see about making the armor."

"Leo will help us with that, right?" one of the guys asks.

"Yeah," Percy replies. "Okay, everybody good?"

Everybody nods. "Alright, then let's get to work!"

Annabeth catches Percy's arm and he turns to face her.

"What do I do then?" she asks.

"Umm... well you aren't part of the group but... I could always use another supervisor? Or help wherever you can?" he replies nervously.

Annabeth's lips curl upward a bit in a smirk. "Alright, Supreme Commander of the Coalition."

"Hey, that's not my title. It's just something Leo said once," Percy whines.

Annabeth laughs and squeezes his arm a bit. "Alright, I won't say it again."

...

For the next few hours, Percy, Jason and their groups work to make their wood swords, spears with cardboard tips, shields, and armor. Annabeth walks around from station to station, helping with whatever problems as best she can. Percy's face reddens slightly every time she gets close to him, but he remains focused on his task. It doesn't take very long, but there were some mishaps with a few spears so he and Grover had to make new ones to replace the broken ones. Everybody has a reference photo or two to work off of so everybody knows if they're doing something right or wrong.

Percy picks up a completed spear and tests it's weight and balance, even making a few practice thrusts to get a feel for it.

"Looking good."

Percy turns around and sees Annabeth standing behind him.

"How long were you standing there?" he asks.

"Not long. Is that one finished?"

Percy holds up the spear and plants the bottom of it to the floor. "Yup. Good height, lightweight. I just want to try everything on to see how it all fits."

Leo must've been listening in because as if it was some sort of cue, he approaches Percy with a cart. "Then today is your lucky day my friend. I have a plastic chest plate, lined with foam on the inside for comfort, plastic gauntlets, same deal, leather greaves, and your helmet."

Everybody sees what's going on and approaches to watch.

"Jason's right," Percy says. "You're a workaholic."

Leo grins as if that's a compliment and urges him to try them on. He and Annabeth help him get the chestplate on and he figures out the rest.

Leather straps holding everything in place, Annabeth notes as she watches Percy as he rolls his shoulders, bends his knees, and just does whatever to test mobility.

"So?" Leo asks, impatiently.

Percy shrugs. "Feels pretty good, actually."

"Good, because my dad's in his workshop helping make these. Now, here's your weapons."

He gestures to a nearby table where the completed swords and spears lie. Percy picks up a xiphos and notices it's tucked into a wooden scabbard, with more leather straps that would secure it to his belt. He manages to get it on while Annabeth picks up an aspis shield. The plywood is firm and stable, and the fabric lining the outside of it gives it a nice finishing touch to it. It's pretty light, but more than enough to block a wood or plastic sword.

Annabeth can't help but blush at him when she hands the shield to him. She can't deny he looks good in Greek armor, even if it's made of plastic.

"Last but not least," she says as she picks up a helmet with a black plume. She hands it to him, keeping their eyes locked.

His smile takes her breath away and he puts on the helmet. All in all, the armor looks very good. Not necessarily accurate to history, but it looks almost real.

"Jeez, Valdez," Connor says. "You really got carried away didn't you?"

Leo's grinning with pride. "What can I say? I'm a natural."

"You're a workaholic," Jason says.

Annabeth pulls out her phone. "Alright, Percy. Photoshoot!"

He grins. "What, am I your model, now?"

Yes, she thinks to herself. You are my model now.

"Just stand straight, okay? Shield and spear at your side as if you're forming ranks."

Percy does as he's told and he keeps his face serious as Annabeth snaps a few pictures.

"Okay now..."

"Phalanx formation!" Leo suggests.

Percy sets his feet and holds the shield in front of him, covering himself from thigh to neck. He levels his spear and Annabeth takes a few pictures from different angles.

"Okay," Annabeth says. "Now let's get a few with the sword at the ready."

Percy hands his spear to Jason and draws his wooden sword, keeping his phalanx stance but this time holding the sword.

A few more pictures later and everybody starts heading home. Annabeth promises to print the pictures she took, though Percy insists she doesn't.

While Jason waits by his car, Annabeth helps him get out of his homemade Greek armor.

"You look good in this armor," she says softly, hoping nobody is eavesdropping.

"Oh umm... Thank you," he says, clearly nervous.

They're by themselves in the warehouse, but Leo told Percy that he can take his new gear home with him so as they take it off they pack it into a duffel bag.

"If you'd like, I could see if Leo can make you a set," he offers.

"Only if you're doing the measuring," she says, not realizing how it sounds until she said it.

Her eyes widen and she blushes deeply. "I-I don't mean... Umm... I only meant... I didn't want Leo to..."

Percy smiles, but his face is as red as hers. "I-It's okay. I get it."

Annabeth reaches into the bag to place the last thing and her hand brushes Percy's. They lock eyes for a few moments, neither of them wanting to look away.

Annabeth's heartbeat skyrockets as she gazes into his eyes.

"Hey Percy?" she murmurs.

"Yeah?"

She grabs his hand and places something into his palm before closing his fingers around it.

"Open it when you get home," she instructs him.

"I will."

They're so close. All she has to do is lean forward...

Wait. I should wait. I can't rush these things.

She smiles at him and forces herself away from him, backing towards the door. "Come on. We shouldn't keep Jason waiting."