Chapter 3: Make New Rome Great Again
Hey! Hope you guys like the Trump reference in the title. After I finish this, I'll do chapter 4 and then I'll finally post this story! I just don't want to do 2 or 3 chapters and never continue, I gotta trust myself. Anyway, enjoy the chapter.
Chapter 3: Make New Rome Great Again
The campaign was going very smoothly so far. Reyna and I gave speeches convincing people to vote for us while Jason and Hazel helped from the sidelines, putting up flyers and stuff.
I have to say, our deal is going very well. Day by day, Octavian's support dwindles. People are starting to realise that he'd only use the position to attain a more godlike image, instead of helping New Rome to prosper.
The weasel obviously wasn't that happy that he was being ganged up on, and he tried to get us disqualified for working together. The senate disagreed with him however, because technically there was no rule stating that campaigns could not be joined. They actually praised Reyna and I for thinking about it, as no one had ever even tried to run alongside another candidate. Besides, there were going to be two praetors anyway, why not make the other one someone you like?
It surprisingly didn't take much convincing to get people to vote for Reyna and I. We were already well respected within Camp Jupiter and New Rome, whereas Octavian only had his little cult. The other people running were practical nobodies from the other cohorts, though Reyna was surprisingly the only one from the first cohort.
I haven't heard from Asgard or any of the gods since Odin's visit by the river, and still no news on Ragnarok or how to stop it. I was getting nervous, if we didn't get started on this soon, then whatever being that was trying to jumpstart Ragnarok might achieve their goals. We hadn't quite figured out what entity it was. Possibly the frost giants, maybe the fire giants. Hel, it could even be one of Asgards allies, the dwarves aren't exactly trustful.
No matter what threat it was, I had a duty to protect Asgard and its people. Pretty soon, I could very possibly have a duty to protect New Rome and its people as well.
Anyway, Hazel and I were in the arena duelling, or at least preparing to. Soon, we decided we were ready and it started.
Hazel immediately went on the offensive, hacking and slashing her way at me. Of course, I was going to go easy on her, if I did my best, I would likely obliterate her and everything in a mile radius, so basically most of Camp Jupiter.
I went on defensive, blocking her strikes with my gladius. Unlike many other warriors at this camp, I wasn't one to get cocky in the middle of a fight. If I was, I'd likely have a slash across the knee at this point. Hazel was not holding back.
She swung at me, and I parried it two the side. "Dammit, Perce! Hold still and take it!" She shouted at me and I laughed, but gulped as she swung full force at my head. I ducked and blocked another jab at my kidney.
We carried on like this for about 15 more minutes, both of us getting progressively more tired as the battle raged on. Eventually, my fatigue became too much, and with one large swipe, Hazel knocked the gladius out of my hands.
Sweating and panting, I surrendered as she weakly held her gladius two my throat. "I yield, sis. Great job, you didn't even give me an opening to attack. Seriously, how do you keep attacking nonstop for 15 minutes?" Hazel smiled, dropped her sword and went to have a rest.
Jason quickly and easily finished his duel before coming over to us, a hint of sweat gracing his forehead. "Hey guys, how did your duel go?" He asked us. Before Hazel could answer, however, I interrupted her. "I won, easily." Hazel glared at me and elbowed me in the ribs. As I doubled over, clutching my abdomen, Jason laughed. Soon, Hazel joined in and I couldn't help myself, I let out a few laughs.
Our fun was interrupted by someone clearing their throat. I looked over to see Reyna standing there, her eyebrow raised. "What's so funny?" She asked and I just put up my hand and responded with "It's nothing, Rey." I'm still surprised she lets me call her Rey. She shook her head and looked back at me.
"Percy, how are things going with the campaign?" I shrugged. "As good as always, I guess. People are still willing to vote for me, you too once I convinced them." Reyna nodded. "Same here, people are still unsure of having a 'newbie' as praetor, but I assured them that you'd be the best choice. I trust that you'll make sure my words are true?" She asked, slightly narrowing her eyes. I gulped. "Of course, Reyna."
She nodded. "Good. Now, onto more important matters. The actual elections are only a week away, and on that day we'll be giving our final speeches, this time in front of all of New Rome." I gulped again. "Everyone?" She nodded. "Very well then." I said once I came to terms with the fact that I would be giving a speech to everyone in New Rome.
Reyna stood up. "Alright then, I'll see you there, if not sometime this week." I nodded and she held out a hand. I took it and she looked at it and then me warily, before doing the one thing I would never, ever expect Reyna, Commander of the first cohort, the daughter of Bellona to do for a second time. She hugged me. "You've been a good friend, Percy, second only to Hazel. I hope that if one of us becomes praetor, the other will be by their side." I smiled and hugged her back. "Thanks Reyna. You too."
She pulled back and smiled at me, before walking out the door, and I wouldn't see her again until one of the most stressful days of my life.
The next Tuesday, the day of the election and my speech, came faster than I would've hoped. I stood on the stage, Reyna at my side, as we waited for our names to each be called so we could give our speeches. Octavian was nowhere in sight, however, and I felt uneasy about it. I voiced my concerns to Reyna, and she shrugged. "Let's just hope that the weasel doesn't find a way to screw this up before the actual election." She responded and I simply nodded, still uneasy.
Finally, the senator who was onstage called Reyna's name to give her speech and she walked up to the stand. I knew she had every chance of winning. She was a born leader, brave-hearted, and most importantly, people liked her for the most part. I knew I had all three of those traits as well. I may be humble and modest but even I could see that, Jason's reassuring bickering helped too.
Still, I was nervous, even though I had no reason to be. The other candidates had performed rather mediocre speeches, I knew that Reyna had every chance of beaten them, but it was Octavian I was worried about. I knew he was somewhere scheming, looking for a way to turn the tides in his favour, that's what weasels do, after all. They scheme.
I have to say, Reyna's speech was going pretty well. She talked about how New Rome was the greatest city on earth, under the blessing and watchful eyes of the god's, none could even try to conquer us. She told the people that, under her care, New Rome would prosper more than it already was, and become more powerful than any other country in the world. One city. I don't know how Reyna thought she could make New Rome more powerful than say China or Russia, but I knew she'd figure out something, she always does.
Her speech ended with roaring crowds, chanting her name as they demanded for her to be made praetor effective immediately. None of the other candidates had been given this much approval by the people. Reyna walked back over two where I and the other candidates stood and winked at me. "Your turn, Percy."
The old senator stood up and raised a hand, immediately silencing the crowds. The then went into his announcement. "Now, next up is Octavian! Current augur of the Romans and Camp Jupiter!" Silence. No one clapped. No one cheered. They all questioned as to why the blond teddy murderer hadn't gotten up to the stage yet. I looked around, and found that Octavian still hadn't arrived. I turned to Reyna and smirked.
"Looks like the weasel hasn't showed up. Does that mean that he's disqualified?" Reyna shook her head. "No, it just means the misses out on a final chance to get more votes." Still, win for us. The old senator looked around in confusion. "Well… it seems Octavian has decided not to show up. In that case, we shall move onto our final speaker, Centurion Percy of the fifth cohort!" People cheered as I got up to the stand. I smiled as the old senator walked away and I had all attention turned on me. I cleared my throat, and began to speak.
"People of New Rome, you may or may not know me, as I have only been here for a few months, yet I was quite regrettably pressured into running for a position even I don't believe I am prepared for. I know many of you feel the same way about that." I glared at Jason and I saw a small number of people nod at my statement, mostly Octavian supporters. I continued.
"This is not the first Rome, as you all are aware of. That's why it's called New Rome after all. The first Rome has had a long and bloody history. Tyrants, War, Murder and Bloodshed were all the founding tools to which the Rome that stands today was built on. I do not know much of New Rome's history, but I can only assume it's the same. The first Roman Legion began with a Republic. That Republic ended with a man named Julius Caesar, who was brutally murdered by his own friends, and from it's ashes rose the Roman Empire. That Empire was, too, built on Tyrants, War, Murder and Bloodshed, and it was destroyed the same way it was built." I saw that a lot of people, including my friends, were confused as to where I was going with this, so I decided to hurry things along.
"This great city, was too, probably built on Tyrants, War, Murder and Bloodshed, most great nations and cities are. It's those cities and nations that go on to be world dominating empires, such as with the Roman Empire. New Rome could become one of those Empires, torturing, beating and slaughtering entire races just to satisfy our bloodlust, but we're not. Do you know why?" Most people shook their heads, everyone else just listened.
"It's because New Rome is better than that. Those Empires were all under the rule of bad people, Nero and Caligula for instance. Even modern Empires that have almost destroyed the world all proved to be like that for one reason. Their leader. The Germans wouldn't have massacred the Jews and started World War II if not for Adolf Hitler. Iraq wouldn't have tried to blow up the world if not for the orders of Saddam Hussein. Even the big and relatively peaceful nations, such as Russia and China, are planning to destroy the world. Everybody is, because everybody wants to rule the world, even if just for a moment." People were starting to get nervous now, unsure if I was suggesting they conquer the planet or something.
"I know that we, as a people, can be better than that, we are better than that. We have the military power to take on Tartarus, but we don't, because we're smart enough to know that would be suicide. Some people, they just don't see it that way. They see themselves as equal to the gods, someone to be worshipped. TO HELL WITH THOSE PEOPLE!" I shouted much to the shock of everyone there, then they started cheering.
"THEY ARE THE PEOPLE WHO DO NOT DESERVE TO EVEN BE CALLED HUMANS, THEY DESERVE TO HAVE THE GOD'S WRATH LAID UPON THEM! THEY BRING DISHONOUR TO ALL, TO THE GODS, TO ROME, AND TO YOU! THESE ARE NOT THE PEOPLE YOU SHOULD MAKE YOUR LEADERS. YOUR ANCESTORS HAVE DONE IT BEFORE, AND LOOK WHAT HAPPENED TO THEM! I WILL NOT ALLOW THIS GREAT CIVILIZATION, MY HOME, TO MAKE THE SAME MISTAKES OF OUR FATHERS. I WILL NOT ALLOW US TO SHARE THE SAME DESTINY AS THE ROME BEFORE US." At this point everybody was cheering for me, the only people who weren't were Octavian's supporters, obviously. I raised a hand, just as the senator had done, and everyone went silent.
I sighed, and this time I spoke at a normal tone. "I'm not saying that you should vote for me, quite the opposite in fact, I'd make a terrible leader. I'm saying that you should choose someone who would make a good leader." I looked over at Reyna and smiled. She smiled back, and I turned back to the audience. "I'm simply asking you, as a nation, as a city, as a people… I'm asking you to choose wisely, and play your cards right." I finished my speech and walked away back to my spot beside Reyna. She smiled at me, and I grinned back. I saw Jason and Hazel giving us a thumbs up from the side.
The old senator stood up and raised his hand again, silencing the crowd again. "I think it's very clear who wins the elections today! I, Julius Gaius Augustus now pronounce Commander Reyna Avila Ramirez-Arellano of the first cohort, and Centurion Percy Jackson of the fifth, Praetors of New Ro-" His speech was interrupted by the doors to the stage slamming open and everyone turned to look.
There stood the one thing that could screw up the day, Octavian. He was holding a thick book in his hand and the had a smug look on his face. "Wait, senator! You cannot make Centurion Jackson Praetor!" Julius had a confused look on his face. "Why not, boy?" Octavian held up the book. "According to the first manuscript of New Rome, a praetor must have served at least four years in the legion prior to becoming praetor. He has been here for only a few months."
His comment was met with jeers and boos from the crowd, something that I was grateful for. Julius looked conflicted for a moment as the read through the manuscript. He then turned to look at me with a look on his face that said 'I'm sorry.'
"I'm afraid he's right, my boy. You must have served at least four years in the legion before running for praetor. I'm sorry, but you cannot be praetor, the title now falls to Octavian, who had the next most support after you and Reyna." I was shocked, but I nodded regretfully. Julius returned his attention to New Rome.
"I now present to you your new praetors: Commander Reyna Avila Ramirez-Arellano of the first cohort-" Insane applause and support. "-And Augur Octavian of the first cohort." Jeers and boos were thrown Octavian's way. Some people even started throwing stuff at him, including fruit and rocks.
Reyna raised a hand, silencing the crowd. "I am sorry, people of New Rome. I cannot accept the position of praetor." Shock filled the city, many people gasped at what she said, but waited for her to continue. "I simply can't lead alongside Octavian, he is, in my eyes, an unworthy leader. I'm sorry." She quickly walked off stage and through the doors that Octavian had entered.
Octavian sneered. "Well then, looks like I'm the only praetor. Have fun, Jackson." The sneered at me before turning back to the crowd. He yelped as more things were thrown at him. This time no fruit, just rocks and even a few knives." Octavian ran off the stage and called for some guards to save him from 'evil assassin's'.
I glared at his retreating form before I ran in the direction that Reyna had. I needed to talk to her. I searched for about 10 minutes until I heard quiet sobbing coming from behind some barrels. I searched behind them, only to find Reyna, in a fetal position and crying. She looked up at me before looking away and shielding her face.
"Don't look at me!" I couldn't take it anymore. I got down beside her and pulled her into a hug. She stopped crying for a second, before she tensed and glared at me. "What are you doing, Centurion?" I'll admit, it hurt that she called me that, but I held it in.
"I'm comforting you. You're upset." She glared at me even harder. "I don't need comforting, go away." I shook my head and she sat up, me still hugging her. "I'm comforting my friend. My friend who gave up everything she had worked so hard to achieve for me." She tried to push me off. "What makes you think I gave up being praetor for you?" She asked, slight hatred in her voice. I smiled. "I could see it in your eyes."
This time she did push me off. "Please. Centurion, leave me alone. THAT'S AN ORDER!" She was angry, tears still streaming down her face. I did the only that I knew would shut her up, something I had been wanting to do since I first came to camp and saw her. I kissed her. Her eyes widened and she looked shocked, but eventually leaned into the kiss.
Her lips felt so soft on mine as we viciously fought for dominance over each other. Eventually, we seperated for air and I could see she wasn't crying anymore, she had a look of pure bliss on her face. "Percy, I-" I silenced her with a finger to her lips. "You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that." She smiled and pulled my finger away. "Same here." I grinned and brought her in for another kiss, this one she took gratefully.
We stopped after a while and noticed how disheveled we looked and blushed. "We should probably go and find Jason and Hazel, they're probably worried sick about us." She nodded and we both got out from our spot behind the barrels and walked back out of the room.
We found the to of them looking around frantically, before Hazel spotted us and alerted Jason. They both ran up and engulfed us in a huge bear hug. Reyna and I smiled and hugged back. "Where were you two? We've been looking for about an hour!" I blushed. "An hour?" She nodded and I looked at Reyna. We had only been gone from the stage for 10 minutes before we met. That means we had been making our for roughly three-quarters of an hour. We both blushed.
Luckily, Jason and Hazel didn't notice and instead hugged us again. "I'm so sorry that you guys missed out on being praetor like that. If stupid Octavia-" I cut her off. "It's okay, Haze. We're over it now." Hazel narrowed her eyes but let it go.
Jason spoke up. "It doesn't matter anyway, we've got a surprise for you two." Reyna and I didn't have a chance to respond before they both dragged us off to the mess hall. It was already around 7:00, so the sun was going down. When we got inside, the curtains were closed and the lights were off. I felt Reyna tense beside me. I couldn't blame her. While doing research for my speech, I had read about the assassination of Julius Caesar, unsuspectingly murdered by 60 of his friends. I honestly thought I was gonna get "Et Tu Brute"'d before Jason flicked on the lights and we saw hundreds of Roman legionnaires standing there.
"SURPRISE!" They shouted and I swear Reyna almost fainted. "Surprise!" Jason shouted a bit too late before explaining what this was about. "Originally this was going to be a party celebrating you guys becoming praetors, but now we just went ahead with it anyway."
I was honestly shocked. It looked as if all five cohorts were there just to celebrate Reyna and I. I turned around and hugged Jason and Hazel, Reyna doing the same right after. "Thank you." I whispered and smiled as I saw their faces light up considerably.
Chapter three is done! How's that for a plot twist? Reyna and Percy aren't praetors! :O I shall write chapter four and then FINALLY post his story. I can honestly trust myself to finish this. It's the holidays so I have more time, and even though I keep switching from Preyna to things like Pertemis, I keep coming back to write more. I'm really enjoying writing this story, I hope you're enjoying reading it. Anyway, see you next time!
