Gwen found him training, not a surprise in the slightest. It's where he spent most of his free time. A great warrior as he'd shown in the war games. It would be interesting to see how he does in the rest of the camp activities as the year went on. He was only getting better, too. Training with the legion and learning how to work as a cohesive unit got him asking questions, which in turn made them better too. He'd gained some muscle, his early morning training giving him a physique that most would kill for.

He was training with a spear and shield, impaling the dummies that were set up around him. Every thrust of his spear was precise and flowed into the next move. Even in training, his shield never wavered, never left him unprotected against those dummies.

He finished his drill and turned to set up the new dummies when she interrupted. "That's enough, probatio. I'll concede in their place, I think they'll think twice before starting a fight with you." Straw littered the ground, leaving very little in their bodies.

"I wouldn't be too sure," he smiled. "These dummies never learn their lesson."

Gwen gestured to the weapons rack in the corner. "Put your weapons away. Let's go for a walk."

"Got a place in mind?"

"I'm going to show you my favorite café."

They walked side by side towards their destination. A comfortable silence enveloped them. It was broken first by Gwen. "How are you finding Camp Jupiter so far?"

He appeared at ease here, which was normally the case. A haven for demigods was few and far between. Somewhere they could remain for their entire lives and want for nothing.

"It's incredible. A home protected by those that live here and are more than happy to die protecting it and their loved ones. I get this feeling of déjà vu—although familiar might be a better word. And soon it might start to feel like a home too."

"Good, no one's giving you any trouble? I know there was originally some name calling going on, but we've got that cut down to a minimum." She'd noticed he stuck with Hazel and Frank primarily. Which wasn't altogether too surprising. They came to the legion at the same time.

He thought about it. No one gave him any specific harassment, there were hushed whispers obviously. Nothing he could do about that. And the Lares stuck to dirty looks during his runs in the mornings. The only group that gave him any real difficulty was Octavian's. They were particularly insistent he support Octavian's bid for Praetor. He told Gwen as much.

Gwen frowned, "it's only going to get worse. This is his best and possibly only shot at becoming Praetor. He's got the best shot at winning too. There's almost no one in Camp who could beat him right now. Him and that silver tongue of his." She stopped them at the coffee shop, Bombilo's, and grabbed them a table.

They scoured the menu for what they wanted. Deciding on some drinks and muffins.

"You really think Octavian has a good shot at winning?"

"He's Centurion of the First. An entire Cohort will be voting for him without doubt. He controls the Senate to a degree I don't think anyone has seen in years—able to twist his words and they'll agree with anything he says. He's got people in every cohort feeding him information. And with dirt on anyone he wants, it would almost be more difficult for him not to win."

"So, if no one can beat him, what do we get out of talking about it?"

Gwen smiled, "Percy, I'm going to level with you, here. I just fought a war, a bloody one. My time with the legion is at its end. Once I hit my ten years in a few months I plan to retire and go to New Rome University. But that doesn't mean I don't care about who ends up in charge of the legion even if im not in it. Octavian will ruin it." The waitress brought their drinks and muffins to them. " When he wins, he'll have as much power as Reyna. He'll have the senate too, and Reyna won't be enough to stop him alone."

"You don't think you're selling Reyna a little short there? She's a good leader, she's in a difficult position right now."

"I know that, and my intent isn't to criticize her. I just want to clarify how tough things are for her now, and how much harder it's going to get once he wins." She sipped her drink and continued. "The gods aren't going to protect us from this. It is our decision, and we will reap the consequences. Lupa does what she can from the Wolf House, but someone needs to be willing to do what's necessary if it comes down to it."

"You mean killing him." It wasn't a question.

"Im talking about the preservation of Rome. I don't want it to, and I hope it doesn't come to it, but if he wins, he will have no one to stop him. I'll do what I can to prevent the Fifth from voting for him, but once I retire there's nothing I can do."

"But why me?"

It was a valid question. He'd only arrived recently. Plenty of people, Gwen and Reyna included, who would have better opportunities and motive to do what she was asking.

"You're the strongest demigod in Camp. We've seen what you're capable of. Look, this is a last resort kind of talk, and it may not even come down to it. If we had the time, I'd recommend trying to get the people to vote for you, but you're not even eligible as a probatio to put your name in the ring."

"I'm not saying no. I'm not willing to commit murder, Gwen. If he turns into a dictator, you have my word that I'll end his reign. But only if there's no other option."

She nodded and they took a few minutes to let the conversation sink in and have their drinks.

"I've gotta say though, you look good for retirement age.

Gwen knew he was poking fun, but she blushed anyway. "Yeah, I don't know what I'll study just yet, but that's the thing about retirement, I have plenty of time to decide." She took a sip and finished her drink. "Ready to go?"

He stood outside while she paid, what do you expect, probatio pay is shit.

The entire conversation they had was like the one he had with Reyna, except Reyna was confident they could win. Gwen was pragmatic, Reyna was optimistic. Honestly if it made everyone feel better, Octavian probably wouldn't be found after tonight. But hey, that might piss off some gods if he did that preemptively.

They were on the road again, heading back to Camp when Percy realized something.

"Streets seem a little empty to you?" Percy asked.

Now that he mentioned it, "yeah, wonder what's going on." Gwen could hear something faint in the distance. Just far enough away that they couldn't make out what it was. "Let's check it out, yeah?"

And together they walked through the ghost town, no pun intended. The shops were unmanned, streets unwalked, it was nothing like he was used to. He took runs in the mornings and as empty as that was, it was expected. This was mid-afternoon and nothing. The faint noise was becoming louder, and they sped up a little bit.

They turned the corner and ended up running into the missing people. It was a crowd of people yelling at someone in the center. Someone Percy didn't recognize.

"— cares! We won the war but with no shortage of losses. How will the legion rebuild in a time of peace if we are not willing to strengthen ourselves?"

"A real leader would have a plan to strengthen the Legion. Our Praetor does nothing, and the only thing worse than doing the wrong thing is doing nothing. She wants the fight to come to us, how many died this time because we were inactive. We cannot do that again!"

The crowd cheered.

"Who is that?" Percy asked her. "I don't recognize him."

Gwen grimaced, "that's Keith Nolan. One of Octavian's lesser-known associates. He mustered out of the legion a few years before the war, but somehow let Octavian rhetoric poison his mind. This is how Octavian operates, he's a schemer. The best of them. He can't publicly challenge Reyna, but he doesn't have to. He can control the senate with his voice, and with people like him he can turn the people on Reyna."

"If we are not willing to strengthen in peace, we will crumble in war," he continued. "Hopf said 'Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times.' Make no mistake, we are in a time of peace—We are in those good times, and we cannot fall victim to idleness."

Keith stopped speaking and let the crowd amp themselves up. He loved it, relished it, thrived in it. The crowd shouted many agreements and fewer disagreements. It was a crowd listening to rhetoric, and if things continued it might turn into a mob.

"Our lone Praetor wants us to sit on our hands and wait for the gods to give us direction. A leader—a real leader would have us seek out the Sibylline Books! Those books represent a chance for strength. We could have quests for years to come. "

The crowd cheered again.

"She remains Rome's sole power. No one to check her. There is only one man who can do that, he leads the First Cohort of the Twelfth Legion. He is a veteran of the war, and our esteemed Augur. Octavian is our savior! He sees our future, and it is grim without h—"

His words died as a muffin smacked him in the mouth, knocking him off his stool. It left a blue stain across his left cheek and his face red with embarrassment.

The crowd laughed at his misfortune. Deafening and unmistakable. They didn't care for his words. He was loud and that drew interest, and they followed him because he was loud.

"What a waste of a good muffin," she said, as they continued back to Camp.

Line Break

A week had passed since Reyna had introduced the idea to Percy about becoming her co-praetor. He'd been reluctant to accept the offer, noting there were so many in position to help her better already; add to the fact that he had a mysterious past that both knew nothing about.

If he weren't a son of Neptune, would she still be asking him to become co-praetor? Or was he just some substitute for Jason until he returned. Jason had the respect of the legion; he'd worked his way from the Fifth Cohort and won them the war against the Titans.

Percy? He'd never get that opportunity. What could he possibly do in a time of peace that would grant him legionary status quick enough, and then on top of that, convince everyone that he deserved to become praetor ahead of Octavian—who grew up here, who's already the Augur for Camp Jupiter.

His reasoning for accepting Reyna's offer came when he, Gwen, and Hazel were on their way to evening muster.

Octavian and one of his lackeys stood in their way, smirking when they saw them approach. "Ah, my favorite bunch from the Fifth. I see you've finally replaced the brute."

Gwen stepped forward, "Watch how you speak about members of my cohort. Frank has led the Fifth to a series of wins over the First. You should know that firsthand."

"Doesn't that speak volumes about a cohort's centurions if it's having mere probatios lead them to victory?" Octavian replied with a smug grin. Looking closer, Octavian's lackey today was Bryce Lawrence, who ironically belongs to the Fifth as well.

Percy interrupted, "I think it speaks volumes about a Cohort's opponents that its being beaten by mere probatios."

Octavian nodded, "You're right. The Fifth obviously has superior warriors. It's why I wanted to introduce the idea that the Fifth and First work together for tonight's upcoming war game." Gwen's jaw dropped but Octavian just sneered, "I'm kidding. The First's standards haven't dropped so much that we'd work with the likes of you."

Gwen's eyes narrowed, "Yet you'd work with the likes of him," she said, pointing towards Bryce.

"Centurion Gwen, you think so little of me. I am not my cohort; I am the Augur and must work with a multitude of people from different cohorts. If I must dirty my hands to better my Cohort, so be it. I wouldn't let any of my own sacrifice so much."

Octavian stepped aside, allowing them entry. "This is all beside the point. The elections are almost upon us, and I hope you'll all be voting for me for Praetor."

Hazel scoffed and clenched her fists, "Jason isn't dead, you're the Augur and you're supposed to be looking for him!"

"Oh, I am!" Octavian smiled, "I consult the gods every day. But as you both know, the Feast of Fortuna is approaching quickly, and we cannot have a power vacuum any longer. As I said, it would mean so much to me if you'd support me for Praetor."

Gwen shook her head in disgust. "As long as I'm Centurion, no one from the Fifth will be supporting any bid you make for Praetor." Both Percy and Hazel beside her nodded in approval.

Percy couldn't believe Octavian was talking about Jason like this. Jason was the hero of New Rome. He destroyed the throne of Saturn leading to the gods winning the war; while Percy was sure Octavian was playing politics—far from the battle. He could see why Reyna would be wary of Octavian. He'd made it to Centurion of the First with next to no combat skills whatsoever. Percy had seen it firsthand in each war games he'd been a part of.

Octavian smirked, "How fortuitous that you'll be retiring from the legion soon then, huh?"

Gwen's eyes widened.

"I know more about your cohort than any of you do." Octavian sneered and looked pointedly at Hazel. "I think it'll surprise you how many of your legionaries I can get to vote for me. . . After all, I might be able to help you. It would be a shame if those awful rumors about you kept circulating . . . or gods forbid, if they turned out to be true."

Hazel took a deep breath, knuckles white, "I'll think about it," she ground out.

Gwen stepped forward in front of Hazel, protectively, "no, she won't. I think I'll stick around for a little while longer—make sure you have zero chance of winning."

Octavian smirked, "we'll see. Now if you'll excuse me, I have dinner to attend to." With that, Bryce and the pale scarecrow stalked off.

"Well, since you know now, I'd better just tell you." Gwen sighed. "I planned on retiring and going to university soon. I had only told Reyna and Dakota, so how Octavian found out I have no idea. I would appreciate it if you both kept this between yourselves for the time being."

Percy knew too, but he'd only just been told, so there was no point in correcting her. He'd have kept it to himself all the same. If Gwen was willing to stay on as Centurion longer in order to keep Octavian out of power, he'd do whatever he could to help.

She got two nods in response. "Alright, go get some food while you still can. I want to embarrass Octavian again tonight, so I need both of you in top shape." She walked off towards another table.

As they were walking towards the table Frank already occupied, Percy side-eyed Hazel, "say the word and Octavian won't be eating solids until the Feast of Fortuna."

Hazel just put a hand on his arm, "Percy, stop. This is my problem and I'd like to deal with it. Don't do something you'll regret."

Percy frowned, "Believe me, that's not something I'd regret. Did you want to talk about it?"

"Maybe another time. For now, let's get dinner. And don't mention this to Frank. We don't need him getting into any trouble right now either."

Percy stared at her for a second before nodding in acceptance. He wouldn't do anything to Octavian.

For now.

Line Break

"How can you possibly not like fish, you can't even speak to them!" Percy asked, looking at Frank as if he had two heads.

"It's not that I don't like them, I don't trust them—They breathe water, that's crazy!"

Percy's head dropped to the table. Hazel smiled, "Frank, Percy can breathe water. You don't trust him either?"

"Percy is a demigod, that's normal. We all went to land and evolved, I'm just saying, the whole fish thing just doesn't—"

"— Perseus Jackson ."

The voice boomed through the dining hall, shutting down all conversation.

Percy looked up to see a glowing woman floating in the middle of the dining hall. She was admittedly one of the most beautiful women Percy had ever seen. Granted, his 'ever' was excruciatingly short considering the memory loss, but he had a feeling even with it, she would be at the top of the list.

She was indescribably beautiful. Loss for words beautiful. She was in a tier of beauty that outclassed all others, leaving only one option. It was good she was already looking at him because he didn't think he'd have been able to say anything anyway; so, following everyone else's lead, he only stood from the table and kneeled before her.

"Our children are being hunted," Venus began. "A monster has been murdering our children on their way from the Wolf House. You are issued a quest by the Olympians themselves. Choose two companions, you leave immediately." She motioned for him to stand up.

Receiving nods, Percy looked from his dinner dates to the goddess. "If they'll accompany me, I choose Frank Zhang and Hazel Levesque as my companions."

With Reyna elsewhere in New Rome, Octavian remained the highest-ranking officer present. The Centurion of the First, still groveling on the floor, looked up towards the goddess. "My lady, probatios are forbidden from going on quests. These three have all been here such a short time. Surely some of the more veteran Legionaries would be a better option. This is, after all, about saving children in as timely a manner as possible."

"If there were a better option, we would have chosen it. We've chosen Perseus who in turn has chosen his companions. I am aware of the rules, Augur." She gave Octavian a look Percy had only seen when someone had accidentally stepped in Unicorn droppings. "Make them Legionaries then-- better yet, no use delaying the quest, give them their tattoos if they return."

Octavian looked as though he were about to argue, before smirking. "Yes, my lady. It shall be done."

"Good, I leave you to it then." She flashed away.

Reyna must have some super-prayers. This was exactly what she'd been needing, a shortcut to Percy becoming a Legionnaire. He hadn't expected it to be thrown into his lap like this but who was he to look a gift horse in the mouth.