Chapter 4- Joining Camp Jupiter

There were 2 people standing at the entrance gates of Camp Jupiter, talking to each other about their plans for today evening. They were 2 legionnaires of Camp Jupiter that were assigned to Guard Duty till evening. There was a slight breeze waving past as the 2 legionnaires just passed time. Generally, there wasn't many threats near the camp so they were a bit laid back. However, that was all about to change.

A few blocks away, there were two Empousai that were preparing a stealth attack and a small sea monster lurking in the river nearby ready to strike. The Empousai signalled to her sister before rushing in. A few feet away, the guard on the left saw the monster slithering towards them. He immediately pushed his friend away and took the full force of the Empousai as he drew his blade to fight back. The other guard immediately got back up and took out her spear to help but found herself occupied by the other Empousai and within a few seconds found herself in a fierce duel with the monster. Back to the first guard, he recovered quickly and swerved to the side before shoving his blade, sending the Empousai to the pit. He immediately backed away and sounded the alarm for backup.

The other legionnaire wasn't doing too well. The Empousai was fast, and managed to avoid all her attacks. She moved a few steps back before deciding to side step and use the spear's midrange to attack her right guard. The Empousai smirked, dashing to the girl and using her claws to stab her in the shoulder past her armour. The girl fell down, her shoulder throbbing along with the weight of her armour. She watched as the Empousai stalked towards her, her smile large, but then stopped mid step, her face scrunched in pain as she suddenly disappeared. Behind her was a young boy, around the age of 12, with dark black hair and sea green eyes. She eyed the kid curiously, not recognising who this person was.

The kid immediately turned around; he could sense an unfriendly presence in the lake ready to strike. He turned to the other guard.

"You have a bow?" Percy asked. The guard took off his helmet as he nodded. He pulled out some sort of handle, which expanded into a bow.

"Sure do," he responded

"There's a monster lurking in that river. I'll explain later," he said in response to the other guy's raised eyebrow. "I'm going to attack it head on but I'll need support from afar or else it'll destroy both of us. Attack it in any weak spots you find while I attack it head on," Percy explained and the boy, identified as Michael, nodded in understanding as he studied the person in front of him. He had long black hair, sea green eyes and a cold stoic look on his face. Michael had seen that exact look somewhere else but couldn't quite remember where. He readied his bow as he signalled his partner to get behind him.

Percy took a deep breath as he tapped his ring. He knew Lupa was standing nearby in case he needed support but he needed to prove himself. He knew the legion would be here soon and he was going to put on a show for them. He tapped his ring summoning Interitum as he awaited the monster.

A few seconds later, the river churned, as the monster revealed himself in all his glory. Percy couldn't quite identify the creature but he readied himself. He leapt into the river and the water responded to the son of Neptune, as a tendril of water rose and carried him upwards. He jumped off on the creature's neck and drove his blade through. The monster roared in response and spat some green substance in his way which he narrowly dodged over.

"Poison," Percy thought. "Just great. The fates must really have it in for me,"

The creature readied his claws to grab Percy when Michael launched an arrow in his eyes, giving Percy a window to dodge. He jumped downwards onto the tail before raising his fists and hitting the air. Instantly, the river copied his movements, using full force to push the monster, making him stagger and lose balance. Unfortunately for Percy, that meant tumbling down face first onto the concrete ground.

"Got any ideas?" Michael asked as Percy tried coming up with a solution.

"Hey if we can't attack it from the outside, what about the inside?" Michael wondered. Percy looked at him questioningly before an idea struck him.

"That's it!" Percy said as Michael turned to him. "I need you to get him to open his mouth. Attack him continuously till he opens his mouth. Leave the rest to me," Percy dashed before Michael got to respond. He took a breath before readying his bow again.

Percy took the same approach as before, rising up the water but landed on his shoulder. Meanwhile Michael kept laying his assaults on the creature. Percy saw a bit of exposed skin on the side of his neck on the other side.

"Shoot the neck!" Percy shouted and immediately 2 arrows lodged themselves on target. The creature let loose a large shout in pain and Percy got into action. He knew this was risky and could end up harming him, but that was nothing new in the life of a demigod. Almost like muscle memory, he felt the familiar tug in his gut and taste of metal formed in his mouth. The sky darkened in response, ready to obey and let loose its destruction at a moments notice. Percy tugged and a divine rod of lightning heeded his command and struck directly inside the monster's mouth. Percy noticed another rod of lightning readying, which confused him as that wasn't his doing. Percy stabbed the creature in the neck and jumped off before the second bolt would strike him. Percy looked back and saw an even larger strike of lightning follow his one directly inside the monster, finishing it off completely.

Percy turned around to see a large group of people watching him in awe and some looks of admiration and a few of fear. He heard a voice behind him.

"Legion, I bring you a new recruit. This is Perseus Jackson, the son of Lord Neptune and champion of Lady Salacia. I have been training him for 7 years at his patron's request but now I believe it his time for him to join the legion. Take my word as his letter of recommendation along with Salacia's," Lupa addressed the legion.

Two people stepped forward, both of them had a cape, signifying their Praetorship. The woman was called Cassandra Waters, or Cassie as she preferred. The man was called Davidson Katters, or just David. They both studied the son of Neptune, who just had a neutral look on his face.

"Centurions!" called Cassie as the legion made paths for 5 people. They were the officers of the legions that had authority under the Praetors.

There was Centurion Gina Heaney of the First Cohort, the Primus Pilus. Next to her was Centurion Kyle Tanner of the Second Cohort, the Pilus Posterior. Then came Centurion Aidan Tank of the Third Cohort, the Princeps Prior, and Centurion Jake Smith of the Fourth Cohort, the Princeps Posterior. Lastly came Centurion Julia Queen of the Fifth Cohort, the Haustaus Prior.

"We have a new recruit, Perseus Jackson. You have all witnessed his skill first hand. Now you must all decide which Cohort he is to be taken in. Take in consideration that he has the endorsement of the Mother of Rome and the Queen of the Seas," Cassie continued

"You have 5 minutes to decide," David finished. 2 minutes later, Centurion Julia Queen stepped forward and spoke

"The Fifth have spoken Praetors. We shall take in Perseus Jackson into our Cohort and provide him as Probatio. After a year, we shall take him into the legion unless he has a valour of service prior?" Julia asked.

"He has fought off and defeated a group of Cyclopes single handedly at the request of his patron. It is up to you whether you wish to take that as a valour of service," Lupa replied and Julia nodded

"Anyone wish to oppose the motion?" David asked and there were no challenges

"Then it is passed. Perseus Jackson you may join the Fifth Cohort," Cassie spoke.

Instantaneously the legion responded with their foots hitting the ground and they banged their shield while saying "Aye Perseus Jackson" before breaking up into groups and heading back into camp, some eyeing him curiously. Among one of them was a blond kid, Jason Grace. He never knew he had any other family left after Thalia, but was happy to know that he did. He wanted to see what else he could find out about his cousin.

Percy walked over to his new Centurion and she smiled at him.

"You look like you need a bath Perseus," Julia told him.

"I like being called Percy if you don't mind," he replied, his face still stoic

"Ok Percy," she tested the name. She was confused as to why a young boy as him had such a guarded look on his face. "Do you want to get a bath now? The bathhouses should be empty at the moment," She asked him.

"Yes please," he replied.

"Alright I'll take you," she motioned him to follow her as he did.

Percy walked into Camp Jupiter, his eyes widening as he took in the place. The Camp had such a beautiful look to it. All the buildings looked to be made of a pristine metal and the evening sun burned across the pink sky. Julia laughed at Percy's face as he looked around Camp.

"Welcome to Camp Jupiter Percy," she spoke as Percy's face had a small smile on his face. Julia was glad to see he was capable of smiling. They walked past the barracks and reached the bathhouse. Percy had some clothes provided to him by Lupa in his backpack.

"When you're done, join the Cohort at the barracks over there," she pointed at the barracks for the Fifth Cohort. Percy nodded and Julia started walking away

"Ma'am" Percy called as Julia turned back

"Thank you for taking me in," Percy spoke quietly to Julia as she observed him.

"Of course. Now go on," she laughed as Percy walked in.

Percy walked towards the Fifth Cohort Barracks, feeling more refreshed after taking a warm bath for the first time in years. Lupa normally had him bathe in the river downhill to where he was raised. He entered the barracks and was met with many new faces. He felt a bit uncomfortable around so many new people and Julia noticed that.

"Cohort. This is Percy, our newest recruit. I'm pretty sure many of you saw him in the battle earlier. Make him feel welcome everyone," she addressed the Cohort.

"Now most of you need to go for a bath so you are all dismissed,"

Quite a few of them got up to get ready for a bath and Percy just found himself a quiet space in the corner and got out a book that Lupa gave him about war and strategy. He was quite absorbed into the book he didn't realise that a certain blond had walked up to him.

"Hi there," Jason spoke to him. Percy looked up and met Jason's eyes as the son of Jupiter sat beside him. "My name is Jason. Jason Grace," he said he held out his hand.

Percy looked at it for a moment before shaking it back.

"Percy. Percy Jackson" he replied. Jason looked his cousin up and down. He seemed quite reserved and also had a cautious look in his eyes like he was about to get attacked at any moment.

"So, you trained with Lupa for 7 years?" Jason asked trying to make small talk.

Percy put down his book and turned to Jason.

"Yeah. Apparently, Salacia and my father wanted me properly trained before I joined Camp. So, I've been alone with Lupa since I was 4," Percy replied as Jason nodded in understanding.

"I know what that's like. Juno took me at birth and handed me to Lupa when I was 2. I've been with her till I was 8," Jason told him.

"Juno?" Percy asked

"Oh right. I'm the son of Jupiter, champion of Juno," he told Percy and watched his eyes widen slightly in shock. Percy didn't expect to have any other family. And he also realised one more thing.

"That was you earlier. You summoned the large bolt to help me," Percy said, a grin on his face to Jason's delight.

"Yup. Thought I'd give you a hand," Jason said back. They both fell into a silence for a few moments before Percy broke it

"I'm sorry I'm a bit awkward around other people. I haven't really had much experience with other people till today," Percy said

"Oh, don't worry, it's all good. I was the same before," Jason laughed back before launching into another conversation. Percy smiled, happy to have made a good friend on his first day. And it happened to be his own cousin.

"So how good are you at fighting," Jason asked curiously.

"Fairly decent. But still need a lot more practise to be as good as I want to be," Percy replied. They were both interrupted by the sound from a far.

"Time for dinner," Jason spoke. "Come on, I'll introduce you to the others,"

Percy was slowly getting used to life at camp. He started familiarising himself with the others from his Cohort and Jason had introduced him to Reyna who he took an instant liking to. Out of everyone, he liked his cousin the best. He was good natured and was quite sincere and didn't judge him based on his father being Neptune. Percy had heard whispers from some people that they didn't like him purely based on him being Neptune's child but Jason had told him to ignore them.

"There are always going to be people that don't like you because of who you are. Just don't let them affect you," Jason had told him.

At the moment Percy was on his way to the training arena for the first time. His Cohort had a training session along with the First Cohort and the Praetors were going to oversee it to watch their progress. But Percy knew better. That was just their excuse to see his skills. A random son of Neptune had joined the legion out of nowhere with the word of Lady Lupa and Salacia after being trained by both of them for 7 years. They obviously wanted to see and assess his skill.

Jason paired himself with Percy, slightly excited to see his cousin's skills in battle. He took out a coin from his pocket and flipped it; it transformed mid air into a gladius and Jason caught it with practised ease. Percy raised an eyebrow, slightly impressed and tapped the ring on his right hand. A second later, Jason saw a beautiful yet deadly sword summon in his hand. It glowed darkly and Jason could feel some power emanating from the gladius. Both of them got into battle stance and as though there was some unspoken agreement, they launched against each other. Percy took two steps to the right to bait Jason. Jason followed back before realising his mistake. Percy immediately cut back, using his left leg to pounce in the other direction and attacking his open right abdomen, almost laying a heavy cut but Jason had reacted instantly, flicking his wrist backwards to deflect Interitum, but still managed to get cut on his right hip. Jason immediately bucked back before switching to the hilt of his blade to attack Percy on his head. Percy grinned, and side stepped, raising his elbow above Jason's head before locking on his neck and using his legs to directly hit Jason in the stomach and then dropped him on the ground. Jason retaliated by swiping his legs underneath, startling Percy before leaping upwards, hitting Percy in the jaw with his fist and using the side of his palm to hit him in the knee before rolling underneath. The sound of blades being readied came as Jason turned back in time to meet Percy's side attack. Both of them took a step back before exchanging blows from each other, their swords creating sparks from the impact of 2 powerful demigods attacking each other with their full strength.

After a few minutes, Jason started to feel himself wear out. He had never fought in such an intense match, not even against Julia or Cassie. Lupa had trained Percy well, a bit too well. Meanwhile Percy was impressed. Jason was a far better opponent than he expected. He could see that the son of Jupiter was starting to tire out and immediately went for an offence play. Percy still hadn't revealed his shield and that was his ace here. He deflected an overhead blow from Jason and swept to his left. As expected, Jason met the attack, and immediately Percy raised his leg with practised ease from arduous training from Lupa, and launched a kick to Jason's right. He immediately switched his sword out and pressed on his watch and a second later, Jason had the honour of meeting Percy's shield face first, the bottom part clanging against Jason's armour. Percy ducked, retracted his shield and went for a finishing attack, but to his surprise, Jason at the very last second, ducked through Percy's blow and met Percy's strike, the impact pushing both of them back onto the floor. Jason had been training before he learned to walk, and it was going to take a lot more than an attack to his face to bring him down. But Jason knew that a few more strikes and Percy would win.

Percy readied himself to fight back and pounced onto Jason. They both rolled across, Percy landing hits on his cousin, before punching him on the stomach. Percy pulled the side of his palm and got ready to finish the duel before he heard the sharp tone of a whistle. He immediately got off Jason and picked up his sword and dismissed it. Neither of them had realised that many people had stopped to watch them, Reyna being one of them.

Both Praetors motioned the coaches to continue as they went to talk to the 2 children of the Big Three.

"Both of you, that was quite the show you put on," David started, admiration on his face.

"Both of you have quite a lot of potential. Jason, your mistake was letting Percy catch you by surprise after you were both knocked back. You should always anticipate your opponent to attack you when you're off balance, regardless of whether they are or not,"

"Percy, while you using your brute force to attack Jason was effective here, in a real match, that'd be reckless. Your opponent could've grabbed you in a headlock and used your own body weight against you to push you on the ground," Cassie continued and both demigods nodded in understanding.

"Take a break both of you till this round is over and then fight some of the other legionnaires," David ordered as both of them walked away.

Percy turned to Jason, both of them looking exhausted.

"Good match," Percy said in between breaths as Jason laughed.

"You're far better than anyone I've sparred," Jason replied as both of them headed towards the water fountain.

Reyna headed over to the common area, searching for Percy and Jason. The common area was a place for people to relax and it allowed for people from different cohorts to be together. She found both of them, sitting opposite one another with a chessboard on the table. Jason's eyebrows were scrunched up in concentration while Percy turned his head as he felt Reyna's presence. He motioned for her to sit next to him on the sofa while Jason moved a piece.

"What are you up to?" Reyna asked.

"Teaching Jason how to play chess," Percy replied. Chess was a game of strategy and Lupa had taught it to him. It seemed weird for Mother Lupa to teach him such a thing but apparently it helped with coming up with tactics. Percy studied the board for a moment before grinning. He moved his bishop 4 steps up right

"Checkmate," Percy said. Jason looked at the board for a moment before groaning.

"To be fair, you are getting better," Percy said as Jason began resetting his side of the board.

"Mind if I have the round after this?" Reyna asked

"Sure. I could use a break from kicking Jason's butt," Percy replied before helping at a jolt of electricity. Jason gave him a smirk as Percy stuck his tongue out at Jason before laughing.

Percy felt like he was getting used to Camp. He had a few friends and family here. All was well.

Up on Olympus, all was not well. Neptune sat on his throne as he waited for his younger brother. A moment later, the gates of the Throne Room opened as Jupiter walked through.

"Hello brother," Neptune spoke in a tired voice. "What is so urgent that couldn't wait till tomorrow?"

Jupiter was quiet for a few moments before speaking.

"I have dire news. Along with the theft of my bolt, it seems that there has been a rise in the darkness. I felt a shift in the primal energies down below on the world," Jupiter explained to his brother

"And what was so dangerous that it warranted your attention?" Neptune asked

"Trails. Energy trails from Tartarus," Jupiter replied, waiting to see if his older brother would catch on.

Neptune pondered for a moment before his eyes widened.

"You don't mean to think…..Father is rising?"

Author's Note: Percy has finally joined the legion and is now getting used to the different lifestyle of Camp. Decided to show off Percu's skills for the legion and also get a scene of Percy fighting Jason. Obviously Jason has been training before he could walk so his skills would be a match for Percy at this age but there will be a slow prgression period and a few twists and turns to show what kind of warrior Percy becomes.

Also decide to place Percy in Fifth Cohort along with Jason to show how both of them make the Fifth Cohort rise again. Obviously Jason will still become the Centurion (oops spoiler) but Percy will become influential in his own way.

Also I've had a few comments about this story being similar to CombatTombat. I agree that the beginning seems a little bit similar to his story but I promise you the storyline I have planned out for this story takes it down a different road to his story.

A huge thanks to elixiacharlie, BlackJackkk12, ShadowThanantos, RageSage, JoJo Jesus, Ruudog, Blackhairedboy916, Guest, Guest (XD) and AWESOME1356 for all your reviews, every single one of them make it worth writing more and they all mean a lot to me.

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