The Son Of Neptune

Chapter 3

Reyna

It was dead silent as Reyna and the other legionnaires watched Percy and Virgil fight the Minotaur. Partially because of their discipline and partially because of the intense atmosphere and captivating performance.

They were unlike any other who first fought. It was clear they had both had fighting experience. That must have been why they survived for so long on their own. Virgil was one of those lean and quick athletic kind of guys: nimble, agile and quick. From Reyna's experiences though, she could see that Percy is a better fighter. You could see it in how he easily evaded the several attacks. He fights different however. Like a twist of her integrated Roman fighting style. A little more primitive with the lighter stance but very good with the sword.

The one called Virgil hit the wall, doomed; he was cornered and unarmed. He will be killed, but Percy has a chance of defeating the Android. The Minotaur raised his axe to finish him. The Minotaur stumbled and almost lost his footing. Percy had made the effort to save Virgil, kicking the Minotaur from behind.

Reyna did not see why Percy let the Minotaur finish him and then capitalize. The Minotaur swung his axe towards Percy, but it was too slow for him. Percy spun while simultaneously stepping towards the side of the beast and parried so he only felt the slightest of impact of the weapons colliding. Then quick as a wink stabbed his sword into the beast's robotic rib cage. It dropped to one knee and let out a robotic howl, but was not yet finished. Percy pulled his sword out in a curved slice and the Minotaur's heavy structure gave way.

There was a brief, awkward silence that filled the arena. Lupa stood on her four legs and immediately all eyes were on her. "Excellent work, boys." she announced. The boys were given the courteous applause before Lupa left. Who was then followed by everyone else.

As the legionnaires walked back Reyna heard a lot of chatter. She had not seen a test passed that well since- since Jason. She had been pretty close with him, and went on a handful of quests with him since they both turned thirteen.

He has recently disappeared though, with no sign of where he might have gone or why. He was the praetor, the commander. So there is definitely a drop in morale. In the legion, those that are skilled at strategy and fighting put them on the line for Praetor and Reyna is at the top.

Before that even they must have proven their leadership skills as a Quaestor (counsellor in this case) for at least one year. To become a Quaestor you must have gone on at least two quests and have the word of your fellow cabin mates that you have excelled and are superior to

them. Though pride is sometimes an issue.

She will receive the wreath later today. Being praetor that also meant that she had to pronounce Percy and Virgil to have passed and formally welcome them into the legion. She must take them on an in depth tour of the the island as well.

As they approached routinely approached the training facilities one of her friends spoke. "I believe that these legionnaires have had previous experience, in fighting and maybe a good addition to the legion."

Reyna nodded in response.

"What do you make of them?" said Dakota. Dakota being a daughter of Minerva, made it easier for her to become proficient with battle tactics and strategy. Though she's not the fighter Reyna and Jason are. She was pretty tough, and being the Quaestor of the Minerva sector was no easy feat; but she's a bit younger than Jason and Reyna so she is still not in line for Praetor.

"They will fit in well with their skill, they are probably better than some of the others already." Reyna said lightly.

Reyna looked at Dakota questioningly, she never made small talk, everything she said was important. She must think more of these two recruits.

"You don't think they will be a little more than that?" Dakota said surprised.

"What can I say Dakota, we have only seen them in battle this once and Virgil was hurt, Percy is talented but was disoriented a bit. I'm guessing you think they have Quaestor chances, perhaps we will see."

"Come on you don't think their in the great prophecy." Dakota said.

"You mean one of the seven? I don't think so."

"It's a possibility, by the way what do you make of Percy's fighting style and weapon?"

"It's different. Not really something we're used to. His sword is shorter but thicker. Not as sharp or tapered as the swords we have here."

Dakota nodded. "Designed for several blade techniques, slightly heavier. As for how he fights, it just seems more primitive than our fighting style. Very evasive and physically demanding."

We'll see them better at training. As they approached the training grounds Reyna searched for Lupa. Now being the highest ranked in terms of experience lesser by skill she was to lead the activities, archery in particular. That's how things are done in the legion.

Reyna cleared her throat and spoke: "Alright guys you know what to do." Of course not everyone could be at the archery field at the same time, though a lot of them need the practise. It was never really a problem though because the Apollo kids are the only ones that really want to use the bow. At times legionnaires are subject to mandatory training, like the new recruits are now.

She nodded towards the other Quaestors and they all went to there selected training facilities lead by whoever ranked the highest. Though someone from the Mercury dorm always lead the obstacle courses but the combat arena was always a toss up. That's the sector everyone wanted to be in charge of that training sector.

Those are the mandatory training sectors, though at times they make exceptions for those who make up for their lack in archery for extra skill in track and combat. There are more, the forge lead by Vulcan, strategy with Minerva etc.

Reyna realized she had to direct the recruits as well. Ironically they found her first.

Dakota left at this point, probably going to training.

"Lupa told us find you."

Reyna nodded. "Welcome to the legion boys and welcome to your first or second day of training. Virgil yesterday was just practise for your test, here is how we train at the legion."

She gestured for the boys to follow and they did. They walked towards one of the sectors.

They walked until they approached other a large group of legionnaires gathered around the outside of a tunnel.

"Is it an actual-"one of them began.

"Yes, you can thank the Vulcan cabin later."

"That's a long line." Percy said.

"Oh their not waiting to go, some of them already went and some are just watching others." Reyna explained. As they walked over to the others they saw them gathered around a several 40 inch monitors. On the screen showed kids hurdling over obstacles that once were not there, climbing up a huge wall of rock.

"First sector of compulsory training: Obstacle course." Reyna said.

"Well it's a lot more than just an obstacle course. Think of it as a and your going to need a lot of grit and physique to complete it in good time." explained Bobby.

The recruits already know Bobby of course. Any unclaimed or waiting to be claimed legionnaires finds themselves in the Mercury dorm. Like the Roman army the legion has several legionnaires, and therefore the Mercury dorm was even more packed. They have thirty kids there. Though it's not all squished up as one might think. Thanks to the innovative Vulcan kids and the great legion advancements they have created a spacious dorm, even with all the guys they have there.

"Hey Bobby, I take it training is going well." Reyna said.

"They could be faster, but yea it's good for the most part. Want me to brief them?

"Please."

Bobby was one of Reyna's closest friends. He always knows his responsibilities and is very good at taking orders. Though he dislikes responsibility and actually tried refusing his post. He took it up temporarily seeing no one was capable of doing it skill wise.

"Recruits you will go into the tunnel and be transferred into a random environment. There is no way out at this point. You must reach the finish as fast as you can, if you too slow you will automatically be removed from the track and receive the lowest mark. If Reyna has not yet already explained, all your compulsory training sector marks will generate your rank here. The lower ranks are entitled the most duties and the least freedom. You will run it together and your teamwork shall be assessed as well. Go ahead and may the Gods be with you."

Reyna watched as they went inside to face their first test.

"How do you think these guys will fair?" Reyna asked.

"Judging from Percy's skill and Virgil's natural athleticism they will run it very well. It's also clear that Percy has considerably good fighting experience."

Reyna nodded. They should rank at least average with their skill.

"So what's your rank right now Bobby?" Reyna asked.

"You know I don't really care about that. Last time I checked I was top four, just under Dakota."

They watched in silence as Percy and Virgil swiftly climbed a rock ducked and hurdled obstacles and faced other objects. Virgil was slightly faster than Percy, though he kept up with Virgil. They helped each other in literally tight situations. They actually had to cut obstacles out each others way. The last part required them to swim to the finish, at this point Percy actually overtook Virgil. They walked out and approached the Quaestors.

Bobby spoke fist "seven minutes, new record. Impressive." said before leaving.

"Bobby will input your results into a machine they will later be calculated in with other marks and you will find out later tonight what your rank is." Reyna said.

"Come let' s go to archery." Reyna proceeded,

Percy frowned.

"Don't like Archery?" Reyna said.

"Yea, I've never been good at it."

Reyna chuckled.

Archery, what a coincidence.