Chapter 15- The New Enemy

"Plan for what is difficult while it is easy, do what is great while it is small

Sun Tzu

Reyna was no stranger to fighting opponents more skilled than her. Hell, being friends with two children of the Big Three, one who was practically raised by immortals, she was used to having her skills challenged to their limits and pushed to the edge. But, other than Percy and Jason, she wasn't used to fighting opponents that could out-maneuverer her and strike back twice as hard. When the hooded figure made an appearance, she immediately targeted him, but within seconds, she was forced to play on the defense. His swordsmanship was definitely way above the average demigod and if Reyna was to be honest, he could potentially give Percy, or even someone as experienced as Praetor Katters, a run for their money. Whoever this guy was, he was clearly well-trained and had a lot of experience.

Reyna was shaken out of her thoughts as she ducked under a wild swing for her face and rolled to the side, only to hold out her gladius just in time to deflect the sword aiming for her chest. She knew that she wouldn't be able to hold out for much longer and needed to come up with a plan fast.

Lucky for her, Leila seemed to be thinking the same thing.

Just as the hooded guy pulled out his dagger from his leg, he yelled in pain— getting down on one knee and holding his ribs as blood began to leak. Reyna moved slightly to see an arrow embedded in his back.

"Step back, or the next one goes in your chest."

Reyna turned her head to see Leila holding a bow in her hand, knocking another arrow aimed at him; a calm but deadly look as she gazed down at her opponent.

"Test me and the consequences will not be good for you," she continued in the same calm voice.

The hooded figure looked at her for a few moments before turning back towards the island and disappearing in the darkness. Once she was sure that he had truly disappeared, she rushed towards Reyna, helping her back on the feet.

"You alright?" Leila asked, offering her hand to Reyna.

"Yeah, I'll be fine in a bit. Where did you get the bow?" Leila gestured to Percy, who was lying unconscious next to Jason who was tending to him. "Grabbed his necklace and his bow just came in my hand. Figured he wouldn't mind me using it."

Once she had regained her bearings, they quickly rushed towards the other two.

"Is he okay?" Reyna asked as Jason lifted Percy on his shoulders.

"He'll be fine. His pulse is slightly weak so I think he's just exhausted his body. Which isn't surprising considering what everything he's done today." The three of them walked up towards deck and Jason laid him on the table.

"So, how exactly do we leave? Without Percy, we can't exactly get the ship moving again," Leila said.

"Leila, keep a lookout in case any reinforcements arrive," Jason ordered. Leila nodded, tucking her sword in and walked off. Reyna watched as Leila carried herself with an air of confidence that she hadn't quite noticed till today. The way she held herself in a calm manner, while threatening the hooded figure; Reyna knew that Leila had skill but didn't really consider Leila to be able to work well in pressured situations but the truth was that she had just saved her life a few minutes ago, all while keeping her cool the entire time and brushing off the incident as though it was nothing. Her training with Percy had clearly changed more than just her swordsmanship and technique.

"You think water will wake him up?" Jason asked.

"Water heals him normally but he can breathe underwater. Not sure if it'll wake him up." Jason frowned for a moment before grabbing Percy's hand. He muttered a few words under his breath as a shock of lightning passed between both their hands.

In an instant, Percy shot up, hitting Jason right in the nose as both of them groaned, one from exhaustion, the other from pain.

"Sorry," Percy rasped out as Jason waved him off. "Can I have some water please?" Reyna handed him a bottle of water which he downed in an instant.

"Thanks." Percy pushed his legs on the edge of the table, his vision spinning slightly. He grabbed his bow, retracting it back into his necklace and leaned on Jason for support as he attempted to stand on both his legs.

"Percy, maybe you should sit down," Reyna suggested as sweat formed on his forehead.

"Just give me a moment, need to catch my breath."

"So much for you staying on the ship."

"You're welcome." Reyna narrowed her eyes at him as he sighed.

"Look, you were pre-occupied with that other guy and the other two were busy fighting the monsters. I didn't exactly have much of a choice leaving you vulnerable to fighting another monster." Reyna stared at him for a few moments before sighing in defeat.

"You think you have enough energy to get the ship moving again?"

"Just give me a minute and I should so. As long as we're in the sea, my strength will return quickly." Percy took his hands off Jason and walked towards the front of the ship. Reyna turned to look at Jason.

"He's over-exerting his body. He continues doing this and he won't make it in one piece back to the legion." Jason turned to look at Percy, who was facing the sea. His face was strangely calm, his eyes looking far out in the night sky and his jaws slightly clenched. His arms were crossed in front of his chest and he seemed to be in thought.

"He's trying to take as much burden on his shoulder. I'll talk to him once we get going." Jason walked off, leaving Reyna to her thoughts.

After a few minutes, the boat edged away from the island and began moving into the sea. As they picked up speed, the atmosphere changed around them again. The same heavy fog wrapped their ship as the outside world slowly faded from view.

"We should be arriving in Seattle within an hour. Considering it's night time, we can use darkness as cover to sneak in, avoid monsters and if we're lucky, grab the stone without getting into a fight," Percy said.

"Since when have we ever been lucky?" Jason raised an eyebrow. Percy shrugged his shoulders without offering a reply.

"Another thing we need to address," Jason continued, turning to Reyna. "That person you were fighting. Who was he?"

"No idea. He had a hood on the entire time so I didn't get a look at his face. But he was skilled for sure." Reyna glanced at her elbow where she had been cut. "I'd say he'd be able to match both of you easily."

"You think he was a demigod?"

"He could be," Percy cut in. "When I spoke to Pronoea, she mentioned that the Titans had gained powerful allies, including half-bloods who had joined their cause out of neglection from their parents. There's no telling how many have joined them." He slumped his arms on the nearest table, his face showing fatigue.

"The more they have, the larger their army gets."

"It's more than just getting a larger army," Percy said. "If they were worried about numbers, they'd try to recruit more monsters and magical creatures kept locked by the Olympians. Demigods have a more dangerous purpose."

"And what is that?"

"As I've told many times before, immortals are restrained by the ancient laws. Titans are no different. They can't attack us without be challenged first. But a demigod. We live in both worlds, one of the divine side, and one in the mortal side. We can affect both sides of either world, go anywhere and challenge anyone as long as we're brave enough. Monsters, while useful as foot soldiers, can be taken down easily enough with the right weapons. Demigods on the other hand, are battle-hardened and also have abilities. They can go places, retrieve things, complete tasks that no monsters would be capable of doing. The titans can harness and corrupt their powers to gain a larger advantage."

"And that's why Pronoea was confident that the Titans were on the winning side," Reyna said. "Having demigods in their arsenal gives them a huge boost. Maybe enough for them to win the war."

"But the demigod you were fighting," Leila finally spoke. "You said he was on par with Jason and Percy. Meaning that he was more than just the average demigod."

"Definitely. His skills, his speed, it was difficult to meet. If it had been any normal legionnaire or recruit, they would've been outmatched immediately. He's been trained by someone who has a lot of experience. His technique wasn't roman, but still very effective."

"Perhaps by the titans?" Percy added as all eyes turned on him. "You said it yourself, he was on par with me. I was trained by two immortals to get to where I am right now. Unless he's a grown adult demigod, the most logical way he or she would be this good if they were trained by an immortal. There's no law that prevents them from training others."

"If so, then this demigod is more dangerous than the rest in their army. I got lucky because Leila managed to injure him in a split moment. I don't think we'll be that lucky again. And if he's as dangerous as we're talking here, the Titans will send him again to try and stop us."

"Let me worry about him if we cross him. I'll try and keep him occupied long enough for you all to finish the task."

"Absolutely not," Jason said in a sharp voice.

"Jason," Percy began, already knowing where this conversation was going.

"No Percy. I allowed it to retrieve the pearl. Even against Reyna asking you to stay behind, you engaged the Minotaur. You need to let your body rest. You've lost your temper once, and fallen unconscious. You'll be no good if you're too exhausted to fight and end up getting yourself hurt."

"I can handle myself. I'm not going to just sit around all cosy on the ship while you're risking yourselves out there against monsters by yourself."

"We can manage it fine. If it helps, consider it an order by your quest leader." There was a short silence as Percy and Jason stared each other down, neither willing to back down. Finally, Percy sighed and walked off the deck, heading down to his quarters.

"Jason," Reyna started.

"Yeah, I'll talk to him. Both of you rest up. You'll need your energy for when we arrive."

Reyna nodded as she headed towards the pantry to get some food while Leila went to her resting quarters. Jason walked towards Percy's quarters, for the 2nd time that day. He gave a short knock and walked in at hearing "Come in."

"If you're here for another pep talk, as much as I appreciate it, I'm good," Percy said in a tired voice.

"Not here for a pep talk, I promise," Jason held his hands in a placating manner. He grabbed a seat near the bed and sat down. "Just wanted to see how you were holding up."

"A bit tired, but being on sea helps."

"Look, I know you hate sitting backside while everyone else is risking their lives. But, can you honestly tell me that you can handle yourself out there in your current condition?"

"I know. Tactically speaking, it's better if I stay behind. But it just doesn't feel right for me to just be sitting ducks while you all are out there."

"If I leave you here, am I right in saying you'll try to sneak out and follow behind us anyways?"

Percy opened his mouth to retort but stopped at the knowing look in Jason's eye.

"Yeah, maybe. I don't know man. I know I need rest but I just can't stay behind."

There was another moment of silence between the two.

"Alright, rest up till we reach. Come along with us when we reach, but if there's a fight, you have to promise that you'll let us handle it. You agree with that?"

Percy thought for a moment before nodding his head.

"I'll take what I get."

Jason got up, preparing to leave the room before remembering something. He took out the knife that Reyna gave him earlier from Percy.

"While this helped against that scorpion, I believe you found this. It belongs to you" He held it out to Percy.

"No." Percy shook his head. "I have enough weapons as it is already. I don't need a knife as well. It's yours to keep. Besides, that knife was generally carried by emperors or royalty. Who's more royalty than a son of Jupiter?"

Jason gave him a small grin before exiting his room.

Author's Note: Hello people, sorry for the long delay for this chapter. I really have no excuse but life has been really getting in the way. For those on my discord, you know I've been away for a bit but I've returned and am trying to get back into my schedule slowly. Anyways, Chapter 15 is out. Not a lot of excitement in this chapter, but a lot of important information that has been given in this chapter and build up for coming chapters. Next chapter will be retrieving the Lapis Manalis and also the continuation with what happens to Michael and the First Cohort.

2163 words in this chapter. Not my usual length but I hope it was enjoyable nonetheless. Thanks to Yessanae, PHoenix 3423423, TheFire44, JoJo Jesus (subtle on your favourite pairing), plebston343, Zephyruxx and qwertyuiop123214685.

That's all I have to say for this chapter. Hope you all enjoyed reading it.

Discord Server: VUMM3Sb

See you all in the next one (hopefully a lot sooner)

Stay Safe

SpiritsOfTheWorld