The Forgotten Legacy

Disclaimer: I don't own Assassin's Creed or PJatO or HoO. I wish I did, but if wishes were horses' even beggars would ride.

'Thoughts – Mind Speech'

"Normal Speech"

Chapter 2: Meetings, Aspects, and More Training

December 31st, 1945 Camp Half-Blood NY

Sitting on the beach staring up at the stars, Perseus could feel that the time was nearly upon him to move from where he was to learn from the Romans. Turning his gaze from the skies to the open sea in front of him, he smirked as he realized just who was there in the shadows watching him. "Chiron, you do realize that it's nigh on impossible to sneak up on me anymore without some sort of spell or godly ability right?"

Chuckling as he was caught, Chiron trotted out of the tree line and moved over to where Percy was sitting and laid down. "True I should have known better than to try that with a son of the shadows and night. Have you had any luck in figuring out the part of the prophecy that tells of your future mates?"

Shaking his head with some chagrin, the young demigod sighed. "Not as much as you would think, I have figured out that the Greek one will be hidden among the Lotus Eaters, but I have not a clue as to where they may be. I figure that when the time is right I will figure out more but until then I must be patient."

Taking a deep breath, Perseus pursed his lips before exhaling. "As far as the other one goes, I have narrowed it down to a daughter of either Ceres or Venus, since they are the only two Goddesses that I know of that have demigod children that aren't known for being decent fighters."

Nodding as he thought about it, Chiron took out a bottle of wine and a couple of goblets. Handing one to Percy, he poured both of them a bit and then raised his glass, "I wish you success in both love and life, Perseus, and propose a toast: To the end of a passing and eventful year, and the beginning of a new one."

Raising his glass in response to the old centaur's toast, Perseus sipped from his and paused savoring the flavor. Smiling as they passed the night, they talked about their lives and the many trials that they had both gone through. As they both decided to call it a night, Percy sighed as he stood and brushed off his pants. "It's about time for me to move on to Camp Jupiter and New Rome, Chiron. My time here has been nice, and I have learned quite a bit from you and everyone else, but my time is limited and I need to move on, to train and become the best that I can."

Grimacing, Chiron nodded sadly. It had been forty years since he had come here, and for the centaur it had been a blessing to be able to connect to one of the campers on the level that he had been able to with Perseus. "Cousin, you will be sorely missed here. I will be sure to tell of your adventures, as I am quite certain that you will be upheld as the standard that all heroes are held to." That got him smiling as he watched Perseus blush ever so slightly. "No need to be so modest, Percy. There is a time to accept compliments and praise, and you of all people should now how frugally I hand that out. It would not do well to cause one of you to get a swelled ego and become arrogant and over-confident. You are one of the only ones that I know or ever have known that is humble almost to the point of excess, and that is one of your greatest strengths."

Smiling at Chiron, Percy shook his head. He knew where he needed to go, and how to get there, but it would be best for him to leave in the morning, once he'd had a good night's rest. "I believe it's time for me to rest, as I plan to be up before dawn, and hopefully leave shortly thereafter. You will see me off, won't you?"

Getting a nod and a one-armed hug from the centaur, the young man turned and headed off to get some rest. Tomorrow was going to be a long day and he would need as much rest as he could get.

March 16th, 1946 Southern California

He had taken his time in crossing the country, eliminating many monsters and drawing them away from his cousins, the whole time brushing up on his abilities. The powers that he had at his disposal were at the point where he had to hide his capabilities to an extent simply because they were on par with some of the minor gods.

Taking in the sights and smells of the woods around him, Perseus couldn't help the smile on his face as the air here was much cleaner than around New York City and Camp Half-Blood. Walking along as he was, apparently oblivious to what was going on, when in reality he was monitoring the pack of wolves that had been shadowing his every move for the last couple of days. Even as certain as he was that they were Lady Lupa's pack, he made certain not to show any awareness of them, because even if they weren't he didn't have any desire to hurt them.

Later that day he knew that he was nearing the Wolf House when he felt the presence of a deity, and that was just as he had made camp after hunting for his meal. Chuckling silently, he observed the proprieties, offering a portion of his meal to his parents and patrons when he saw the pack of wolves appear from the darkness. Chief among them was a large female whom he felt was the individual he was looking for, and he mentally inquired about the possibility, asking Thýella in his mind. 'Hey Ella, do you think that this might be Lady Lupa?'

'It's quite possible with as much power as is emanating from her vicinity, trust your instincts as they have not led you far wrong before.' She was preening her feathers as she observed the situation, doing as little as she could so as to not draw attention to her.

Humming his agreement, Perseus turned his attention to the wolf that had approached the closest and now sat on her haunches in front of him. Taking his time and observing closely, he slowly took a knee in front of her, and without taking his eyes off hers, bowed his head. "Lady Lupa I presume?"

Smirking internally as the wolfish grin fell from her face and her eyes widened, he held this position until he saw her begin to transform. She warily looked around the camp as he stayed where he was, before looking at him. "How did you know my name and how did you know it was indeed me, demigod?"

Raising his head, Perseus smiled at her. "My Lady, for one who has been around the Gods for most of his existence it isn't that difficult to sense their godly powers or energy unless they are completely cloaking their abilities. As for how I knew your name, I was told to seek you out by Lord Apollo himself, as it pertains to a prophecy."

As she was motioning to a part of the log he was formerly sitting on, Perseus nodded and resumed his seat once more as she sat nearby. She then asked about the prophecy, which Perseus told her about after swearing her to secrecy. Silence then reigned as he finished eating and allowed her to mull things over in her head. Once Percy was done, she turned to him and asked questions about his abilities and what kind of time frame they were looking at, as well as whom Perseus' godly parent was.

Fifteen minutes later the silence resumed, and the both of them sat there in silence, one lost in thought, the other in contemplation. Turning back to the young man sitting there beside her, Lupa smiled as she considered the offer that she had for him. "In the morning be ready to leave, and I will show you the path, both you and your companion, will need to take."

Once he had agreed, she nodded and shifted back into her animal form and ran off into the night. After about an hour of meditation Perseus stood and stretched, before turning and packing everything away, and then prepping himself for the next day and then leaping into a nearby tree and falling asleep.

A few hours later his internal clock awoke him, and the demigod grabbed a few pieces of jerky and ate, before stretching and doing a few exercises to limber up. An hour later, as he was cooling down and putting out the fire, he felt the same presence approaching and he stood and faced the direction that she was coming from.

Watching as she approached, Perseus bowed after she transformed into her human form. "Greetings to you Lady Lupa, I am ready whenever you wish to give me your directions."

Smiling as she nodded, the Mother of Rome pointed to the barely visible path that she had travelled. "This is your path, follow it until you reach the Caldecott tunnel, and there you shall find Roman demigods who will take you to see the Praetors and the augur, who will determine your worthiness and your position in the Twelfth Legion. May the Gods go with you…"

Nodding his thanks, Perseus took off at an easy jog and soon sped up to a steady run that ate up the distance quickly. Four hours later he was in view of the Little Tiber, the river that ran a goodly portion of the way around New Rome and Camp Jupiter. Slowing down his pace, Percy calmly drew the sweat away from his body and took a drink of water from his canteen as he approached the river.

Drawing upon his father's domain of shadows, he hid himself from view and walked through the water, drying his clothes and body off, before becoming visible once more. Deciding that he would show a calm, collected front, he continued along at a normal pace until he ran into the two guards who immediately brandished spears and called for him to halt and state his business.

Holding his hands up in a gesture of peace, Perseus dropped his hood and stood tall before them. "My name is Perseus, and I was found and sent her by Lady Lupa who told me that I would need to see the Praetors and the augur in order to be accepted here."

The two legionnaires looked to each other and nodded. The male instructed him to wait while they sent a message for an escort. Nodding, Perseus simply stood there and waited in silence. While he was waiting, he took the time to casually observe the way the Legion did things, and from what little he could see, things were a lot more disciplined and structured here, and that was saying a lot considering the fact that most demigods were found around the age of twelve to thirteen.

Ten minutes later there were four more legionnaires that arrived and what appeared to be the leader of the group strode forward. Upon inspecting him rather briefly, she nodded to him and turned back to the two guards. "Well done, continue with your shift, we will take it from here."

Receiving a nod and salute from the two, she then turned once more to Percy. "I will need to have you turn over any weapons that you have until you have been accepted by the Praetor and have had the auguries read."

Thankfully he only had his kukris visible, so he quickly handed them over. Mentally rolling his eyes when she gave him an odd look, he sighed before explaining. "I have other weapons on me yes; however they were enchanted by my patron to return to my person if they are removed. I cannot give them to you, as we would be here all day…"

Shaking her head at the thought, she motioned for him to follow her, and the other legionnaires picked up a diamond formation around him as he fell in behind her. As they walked deeper into the camp, he kept his head held high, and his eyes forward, the whole while he was observing as much detail as he could. He had already confirmed with his mother that she would claim him before he could be tested and that his patrons would claim as well. Those who had blessed him would not show their signs above his head, just to be on the safe side, as it would be far more dangerous for those things to be known.

Ten minutes later they had approached the Principia, and were nearing the Praetor's offices. Turning to Perseus, the leader of his escorts spoke to him and gave him a warning, before knocking on the door. Hearing someone on the inside telling them to enter, she opened the door and walked in for a moment. Less than a minute later she had returned and motioned Perseus inside before closing the door behind him.

Once inside the room, Perseus immediately took note of everything around him, including the three people inside. The two who were dressed with the royal purple with golden eagle clasps he immediately deduced were the Praetors, while the other figure was dressed in a white toga that had scarlet stripes and a purple hem, while having a few stuffed animals at his waist that denoted that he was more than likely the augur.

Positioning himself directly in front of the two he had already determined were the Praetors, Perseus stood there and waited for them to begin. Watching them as they silently deliberated, and examined his kukris, noting the mix of Stygian iron and Imperial gold; finally they set them aside and set their gazes upon him. "My name is Julianna Styles, daughter of Mars, and one of the two Praetors of Rome. My partner is Max Stevens, son of Jupiter; our augur is Marcus, son of Apollo, and we would know your name and lineage."

Nodding in greeting to each of their introductions, the immortal demigod smirked mentally. "My name is Perseus, and my mother will claim me before all Rome right before I fight in the coliseum. She has, however, told me that I am allowed to tell you of my Patrons, who are the Primordial Dies, and the Olympian Vesta."

Looks of shock crossed their faces, before they got a grip and turned to the augur and nodded. Marcus grabbed one of the animals and pulled a knife from his waist and gutted it. Examining it for a few minutes, all the while praying to his father, Marcus saw nothing that should prevent what looked to be a powerful demigod from joining the Legion. Looking up from his observations, the augur smiled as he spoke. "The Gods have nothing but good to say and that he will be a great boon to the Legion."

Once more nodding her head, Julianna turned back to Perseus and smiled gently. "Normally one is accepted into the Legion as a probatio; however I get the feeling that your godly parent would not take kindly to that, so we will have you face off against the Centurions of each of the five cohorts. Depending on how far you get will determine which cohorts you have to choose from to join. Is this acceptable?"

Taking a moment to consider, he nodded and waited for them to continue. "Excellent, we will head there now, but be advised you will need to disarm of all your weapons once we reach Terminus, the God of Borders." She then turned to Marcus and waved him out with a knowing look. Turning back to Max and Perseus, she stood and walked around the desk. "Let's get going, and feel free to ask any questions you may have as we go."

They walked out of the office and the Principia, heading down the road where one could see quite a few rather impressive buildings in the distance. As they were walking along, there was one question that had come to mind. The question sat there until they were almost to the Pomeranian Line, which is where he stopped for a moment. "Just a moment, I do have one question, and it is for the both of you. From time to time my patrons will give me missions, for the most part they're just monster killing, but every now and again they will be search and rescue missions. What I would like to know is how I am to handle them, for I am certain that it would not bode well for me if I were to just up and disappear…"

Their faces showed their concern, for it was a valid question about his situation. The first one to respond though was Max. "Would it be a problem for you to have someone go with you, to assist in whatever your missions are?"

This time it was Perseus' face that was frowning as he appeared to be deep in thought. It was at this point in time that they approached Terminus, and he absent-mindedly started setting his weapons in the bin that they had there. Both of the Praetor's grew wide-eyed as they saw the endless arsenal that he was hauling as he put his two swords, kukris, all ten of his throwing knives, his bow, his gauntlets and shield inside. They turned to each other and both had their ideas of who his godly parent was, but then turned their attention back to him when he cleared his throat.

"It would be acceptable, but there would need to be a couple of conditions. First, there would need to be two at any given time, and they would need to be as well-trained as humanly possible. It would be even better if there were ten individuals chosen, two per cohort, and there would be a rotation based on who has most recently gone, and would take into consideration that they may be needed elsewhere. Second, they would need to understand that regardless of position in the chain of command, both mine and theirs, that I am the only one who gives orders on these missions. I will take counsel and advice, either freely given or solicited, under advisement, but in the end I am in command. Are either of these conditions unreasonable?"

The two Praetors looked to the other and shook their heads. Again it was Max who responded, this time slowly as he was thinking as he answered. "It shouldn't be a problem, I think there might be a way around the command issue, but I would need to go into the archives to see if I am correct. First let's get you through the combat initiation and we will go from there."

It was at that point that they had arrived at the coliseum, and they motioned for him to wait by the entryway and moved onward. As he waited for them to call him, Perseus checked over his weapons as they had returned to his possession while he was waiting. A swipe of the hand here, testing the bow string there, and a final count of his knives then he was finished and began to meditate.

A couple of minutes later he heard Max begin to speak and he knew that it was almost time. Grinning like a madman, he raised the hood of his cloak and roughly pushed through the doors as he heard his name called. It was Show Time…

A few minutes earlier…

Max and Julianna made their way to the Praetor's box and sat down. Looking around at the arena, they took note of where each of the cohorts was at, and before they knew it everyone was there. Standing up together, Max raised his hands for silence, and waited until he had it before speaking. "Citizens and legionnaires of Rome, today we have an unknown Son here to determine his worth. He is the Champion of the Primordial Goddess Dies, and of the Olympian Goddess Vesta. He will fight his way through each of the Centurions of the cohorts and if he makes it through them, he will face off against the most lethal of monsters that we have managed to capture! I give you…PERSEUS!

As the crowd roared, the doors slammed open and a cloaked figure slowly walked out. While he was walking, Perseus dropped the hood and ran his fingers across the clasp, focusing as hard as possible on the Roman armor. He continued walking, ignoring the gasps as people took in the details of his armor, until he came to the center of the coliseum. Once there, he slowly turned in place, maintaining his helm where it was, under his arm. "People of Rome, allow me to introduce myself! I am Perseus, Champion of Dies and Vesta, Son of the Primordial Goddess Nox!"

At the same time he finished speaking, a large grey crescent moon and star emblem revealed itself above his head, with a rising sun and fire slightly smaller to either side showing up as well. The crowd was silent as they contemplated the sight in front of them, many not quite comprehending what was happening before them.

Upon turning one full circle, Perseus went to one knee while facing the Praetors and bowed his head. "I have come before you today to fight and prove my worth to the Twelfth Legion of Rome. I am ready to be tested in any way that you see fit."

Nodding once, the two Praetors turned and nodded to the announcer for today. "The fights today between the Centurions and the probatio Perseus will be to unconsciousness, incapacitation or forfeit. The first match will be Don Smyth, Centurion of the Fifth Cohort…

Thirty Minutes later…

Perseus had barely broken a sweat and had only used his kukris except for once utilizing his bow. He had just finished off the last of the Second Cohort Centurions, and was looking forward to the final two matches before going on a slaughter fest against monsters.

The crowd was reveling in the skill being shown by both their Centurions as well as Perseus, who was as yet unwounded. The announcer stood once more and read the next match up off of the scroll in front of him. "The First Cohort sends Centurion Damien Scott, Son of Vulcan, to challenge Perseus, Son of Nox!" At this point there was a rather tall, well-built young man who leapt from the stands, standing up and wielding a war hammer and shield.

Grinning wildly, Perseus sheathed his kukris and tapped the bracelet, allowing his shield to deploy, rubbed his right ring with his thumb and gripped his sword in that hand. Calmly, they both approached the center of the arena, and assumed a ready position. Remaining like that for about twenty seconds, this seemed like an eternity, before they charged at each other.

Reading his opponents moves seemed to be getting easier for Perseus, and he managed to act accordingly. Spinning so that his shield caught the blow from Damien's war hammer at an angle and deflecting it away, he began to strike heavily at his shield with rapid powerful blows, before backing away a step or two when he saw that the younger demigod was weathering it all.

Circling each other for the moment, they both searched the other for some weak point that they could strike at, testing the other with a feint or swing. It was then that Perseus thought of an idea that might work. Closing the circle just a bit, he waited until Damien swung on him and rapidly disappeared into the shadows, before popping back out of them and battering him in the back of the head, dazing him but not quite a knockout blow. Hitting his knees, Damien avoided a second strike to the head while at the same time spinning around with his war hammer to attempt a takedown maneuver.

Jumping over the swing, Perseus rolled as he hit the ground, before popping up to his feet and slamming his shield inside his opponent's guard and as he swung the shield out away from his body Percy brought up his sword in between their shields in a surgical strike, severing the straps that held the Son of Vulcan's shield to his arm. Moving with his shield, Percy continued through with his movement, once more blocking the hammer, before bringing his blade to Damien's throat. "Yield…"

Nodding once, more of a sharp jerk of his head, Damien cursed mentally. He wasn't expecting the hand from Perseus, but accepted it and was pulled to his feet by a smiling Son of Nox. They both turned to the crowd and bowed into the gaping silence, before they stood back up, one to pick up his shield and leave the field, the other to resume his position front and center of the coliseum.

The crowd roared just as Damien left the field, both in awe of the skill that both had fought with, as well as for the victory that they had just witnessed. The announcer cleared his throat, getting the crowd to die down a bit, before calmly stating who was next. "The last challenger from the Legion will be the remaining Centurion from First Cohort, Leon Marx Son of Mars!"

Looking around calmly, Perseus noted a rather large well-built figure making his way from one of the entryways to the coliseum. He stood a few inches taller than Percy did, and was almost too bulky, with the body of a weight lifter instead of a swimmer's build like what the Son of Nox had. Halfway to where he was standing, he watched as Leon pulled out two swords, and swung them in slow arcs that slowly got faster, as he used it as a way to limber up before the match.

Twirling his own swords around in his hands, Perseus simply stood there waiting for him to finish, and as soon as he was done, the taller demigod gave him a nod and assumed a ready position. Once Percy had had a moment to think, he got into a low, open ready stance, where he would be able to swiftly redirect any blows that came his way. Looking at the fight ahead, he knew that this would need to be a battle that he fought intelligently…

That last thought was proven quite clearly as soon as they heard the directions to begin; as Leon was quick, but not nearly as fast as Perseus, fortunately enough for him, which allowed him the time he needed to formulate a plan. His blows were powerful and quick, and Perseus was pushed to his limits with this battle, as he knew that if he tried to block instead of parrying or dodging, that he would be in a world of hurt, quick, fast and in a hurry.

Taking his time in figuring out a plan of action, for the next five minutes his mind was working overtime, but his moment came as he was backed up nearly to the wall; Perseus rolled backwards into the shadow and disappeared right as a monster of a downward stroke came towards him. Reappearing right behind Leon, Percy had the shadows swallow the blade right as it struck the ground, and kicked him in the back of the knees. Right as he dropped to the ground, Leon attempted to strike Perseus but halted when he felt a sword slide around the front of his throat, right as another pricked the skin over the base of his spine.

Taking a moment to ensure that he had him with no option but to surrender, Perseus spoke clearly and loudly so that all could hear him. "You fought well today, Son of Mars, yield."

Snorting his displeasure at being forced to forfeit in such a manner, his shoulders drooped a bit. "I yield, Perseus, Son of Nox. I have fought many times, but never have I faced such a cunning warrior as you." Nodding, Percy allowed his swords to return to their ring form and summoning a shadow to him, popped Leon's sword out and handed it back to him, hilt first. Smiling at the demigod who had bested him, Leon nodded and chuckled. "I would like a rematch someday, so be ready."

Chuckling in turn at the Centurion, Perseus smiled back at him. "Anytime my friend, anytime…" With that match concluded, the announcer's voice sounded out above the stadium's roar, "The next and final match will be Perseus, Son of Nox, versus the captured monsters we have beneath the stadium and the match will begin in ten minutes."

After slugging down some water, Perseus was ready for whatever came next, and he knelt in the dust to pray and meditate. At about the same time that he stood, the Praetors looked to him expectantly, and he nodded to them, signifying that he was ready. Max turned to the announcer and motioned with his hand, and the announcer stood from his seat and began to speak. "There are many dangerous beasts that are caged below us, and today, Perseus will face off against some of the more lethal ones. Let the match begin!"

As he stood there and waited, Perseus focused on the arena floor, tuning out the bookies who were taking bets, as well as the crowd around him. Slowing his breathing helped him to maintain his focus as well as keeping him calm, and it showed when ten dracanae appeared in front of him. Pulling on his necklace, he took his bow in hand and drawing the string back, focused on his powers from Vesta.

Three red arrows seemingly made of fire, formed on his bowstring, and taking a breath while he aimed and then loosed the arrows. Three of the dracanae died before they could move, as the arrows pierced their skulls, as three more died from the explosions that happened just seconds after the arrows struck home. Pulling back on his bow once more, he focused more on Dies' energies, forming what appeared to be an arrow made of pure light, before releasing it directly in the middle of the four remaining dracanae. Releasing his bow so that it would shift back into its alternate form, he willed the arrow to detonate, closing his eyes tightly and turning his head before doing so.

Right after the arrow blew up, a brilliant burst of light flashed out, temporarily blinding the dracanae. It was then that he struck, pulling four of his throwing knives out and flinging them one at a time through each of their skulls. From start to finish this was the fastest combat that any of the legionnaires could ever recall, as it had taken less than a minute for Perseus to obliterate the beasts.

Once again, he centered himself, focusing on the upcoming battles. This time it was a pair of twenty foot long drakon, and from the looks of it, he wasn't going to be able to catch them off guard like he had the dracanae. Disappearing into the shadows, he popped in and out of them in random places a few times, just to see what their reaction speed was. Once he had that figured out, he appeared directly beneath one of them and stabbed it as deeply as possible with his swords before slicing outwards, gutting the beast.

Having fallen backwards back into the shadows, he managed to avoid being landed on by the drakon that he had just fatally wounded, and he travelled to the far side of the other drakon. Appearing from what looked to be out of nowhere with his bow in hands and a red arrow nocked, Perseus whistled at the beast to get its attention, and released the arrow which flew towards the beast's head as it moved. Once the beast was actually looking at him was when the arrow connected, and then detonated, blasting the drakon's head into non-existence. Drawing back his bowstring once more, Perseus put the remaining beast down, before returning to where he had started from.

This time as he waited, he got the feeling that his next match would be the last one before it was all over with. Centering himself once more, he calmed the rush of adrenaline that was pouring through his body, as he checked on his energy levels. At this point in time they had had a moderate amount of drain on them, mostly due to his rapid fire shadow travel, but they were nowhere near a critical level.

While he waited for the next beast to be released he thought about adding a weapon with reach to his inventory, especially since there were beasts out there that it would be extremely useful against, and he made a mental note to mention it the next time he spoke with his mother. Shaking his head to clear it, Perseus watched as the third and final challenge was hoisted from beneath the arena floor, and he could make out what seemed to be bellowing sounds of some sort.

The first beast that he saw was the Minotaur, and as the platform grew closer to level with the rest of the arena, he saw about twenty hellhounds with a mix of empousae and dracanae. Grinning like crazy, he drew forth his bow, and beginning to charge forward, pulled back on his string and began letting loose with arrows that were black as night itself. Ten meters later, he released his bow and pulled out his swords, and tore into the ranks of the few remaining hellhounds as well as all of the dracanae and empousae like a whirlwind.

A few minutes later all that was standing in the coliseum was the Minotaur, Perseus, and a very large pile of golden dust that was beginning to blow away in the wind. Dropping his swords, Percy grabbed for his twin kukris, and began to spin and twirl them in his hands as he started walking toward the walking side of beef. Rolling to the right as he dodged the axe in the monsters hands, Perseus ran behind the Minotaur as it struggled to get its axe out of the ground and jumped as high up as he could and buried his kukris in its back, before using them like icepicks to climb up its back. Within seconds he was positioned behind its head and he leaned forward, pressing the blades to the beast's throat, and as he pierced the flesh and started to decapitate the Minotaur, he tilted his head back and roared "FOR ROME!"

Flicking the blood from his blades as he gained his feet while the beast fell forward, Perseus hopped off its back as he sheathed his kukris and removed his helm. Walking forward to where he had started from, he took a knee and held his fist to the ground in front of the Praetors and awaited their acknowledgement.

There was absolute silence as the stunned crowd couldn't believe what they had seen. The Praetors knew that they had been blessed with the presence of this particular demigod, and the fact that he had just gone through all ten of the Legion's Centurions, and over fifty monsters, all without even a bruise or a scratch; that just blew their minds. After a moment, they overcame their shock and nodded before standing, and attempting to get a feel for the civilians as well as the legionnaires. Julianna was the one who spoke, and she cleared her throat before doing so. "Citizens and legionnaires of Rome, it is our great privilege to welcome Perseus Audax, Son of Nox, to the Twelfth Legion of Rome. Due to his position as a Champion of Vesta and Dies, we will have to seek guidance from the Gods as to where to place him, so we will welcome him heartily tonight, and hopefully give him the Mark of the Legion tomorrow. Now let us depart to the Mess Hall for a feast and show Perseus how things are done here in New Rome!"

Late Afternoon, Next Day

Having found a warm welcome among most of the legionnaires, Percy spent a good chunk of the next day either sparring or training. Then of course there was the time spent conversing with his mother and patrons about a specially designed spear or similar type of weapon for him to wield, especially after going over the details of a couple of matches he'd had the day before, where he really could have used a weapon that could reach out and touch someone…painfully.

At the current moment in time, he was sparring with Leon, who despite his stature and build, Perseus had found him to be a capable and intelligent comrade. As they wound down from the match, they sat in the shade nearby, freeing up the training yard for someone else while they cooled off and swapped stories of hunts and battles. It was after Perseus was describing a rather memorable battle against the Minotaur that he'd had a few years back, that they noticed a young legionnaire coming from the Principia. Pausing for a moment, Perseus noted that the young girl was looking for someone in particular, and it appeared that he was the one being looked for when she caught a glimpse of him and Leon sitting near the training yard.

Picking up a towel and wiping down a bit as she got nearer, he turned to his newest sparring partner and sighed dramatically. "Looks like they finally got the answer that they were looking for, and now I am needed by our Praetors."

Standing and looking in the direction that Percy had indicated, Leon chuckled as he nodded his head in agreement. "So it would appear…"

Once the girl had arrived, she saluted them both and turned to Perseus. "Pardon my intrusion, but the Praetors request your presence to discuss your acceptance before the Senate this afternoon, if you would come with me?"

Nodding at her, he turned and clasped arms with Leon before turning to the young woman and motioning her forward. While they were en route to the headquarters, Perseus was deep in thought over the issues he would be facing in putting together a group of ten individuals for his group. Before he realized it, they were in front of the Praetors office, and the girl beside him was knocking on their door and they were told to enter.

Opening the door, Perseus allowed the girl in first and followed directly behind her. Saluting the two senior members of the Legion, he relaxed only after they had returned the gesture. Exchanging looks, it was decided that Max would kick off this meeting. "We have consulted the archives, the auguries, and the Gods and have come to a decision. We will be making you the Legate of the Twelfth Legion, which will put you just below us as far as orders go. It will put you on the same level as the Centurions, and the ten legionnaires that you will choose will be permanently attached to you as your own detachment. There may be other assignments other than what your patrons assign you though, just be aware. Did you give any thought to the breakdown of your manipulus?"

Smiling, Percy nodded. "I would like them to be well-trained, but near the middle of the rankings as far as the cohorts are concerned. This will benefit everyone as it leaves the Centurions and their subordinates in place without disturbing the order of things much. It benefits me in allowing me to train them up to snuff without as much strife, due to the fact that they will be becoming part of an elite group, which will receive training in many different weapons and tactics. Finally, it will benefit them in receiving hands on instruction and guidance, including one on one attention if need be, in becoming a team that can work with just about anyone."

Pausing here for a moment, Percy frowned as he resumed his part in the conversation. "I would prefer to have the breakdown as follows if at all possible: one child of Vulcan, to keep our armor and weapons in working order; two children of Apollo for healing and assistance in archery instruction; and two children of Mercury that I can train and use as scouts. Other than that, I have no opinion either way, male or female, child of Mars or child of Pluto; it makes no difference to me as I hold them all equally as family, distant family, but family nonetheless."

Stunned, the three others in the room were silent for a moment as they gauged his honesty and character, only to find that he was speaking the truth. Julianna smiled happily and picked up where Max had left off. "Good, we will assist where we can, but for now we will wait to discuss this further as it is time now for you to be presented to the Senate for your swearing in and receiving the Mark of the Legion."

With that done, Perseus asked for ten minutes to at least wash off the sweat and told them that he would meet them near Terminus' spot; then wrapping his body in the shadows, disappeared to his room, where he swiftly washed up and dressed. Once done, he switched his clothes for his Roman armor and disappeared into the shadows once more, popping back out of them right behind the Praetors. They quickly made their way to the Senate building, where they walked into a massive debate over him and his position, or at least that is what it appeared to be.

Over the next half an hour he had been asked a number of questions about his intentions with the manipulus that he was being given and a number of other things, before he was sworn in. Once they had finished that, there were three bright flashes of light that appeared directly behind him. Turning and taking a knee, as he knew who they were on instinct, Perseus bowed his head and greeted them. "My Ladies Nox, Dies, and Vesta; it is an honor to have you here, what is the occasion?"

His mother smiled down at him, grateful for his humility and bearing, as that would smooth the way for many of his interactions down the road with other deities. Looking up to see that every knee in the chamber was bent, she turned and looked to the others and nodded. Eyes front once again, she looked down at her son once more. "Rise my son, all Romans rise. Did you truly think that I wouldn't be here for this occasion, especially for one of my few demigod children? Did you believe yourself beneath our notice with the many worthy deeds you have done? I tell you right now my son, that you are worthy, worthy to be called my son, to be called the Champion of Dies and Vesta, and there is no other place that we would rather be than here, right now."

Turning her gaze to the augur, Marcus, she nodded once and motioned towards her son. He quickly got the picture and moved up to Perseus before bowing his head in prayer. Once he had finished praying he raised his head and then his hand, moving it to where his index finger was touching Percy's left forearm. As the marking began, Perseus stood there, unblinking and unbowed, having felt much worse pain in his life. Many of the legionnaires who had been there the day previous and had seen his matches were even more impressed with him now, and were looking forward to seeing which cohort he went to.

Once the process was complete, Marcus smiled and nodded at Perseus, who looked down at his tattoo. The SPQR was there, with his mother's symbol directly above, with Dies' sunrise symbol to the left and Vesta's hearth symbol to the right of it. As he looked up, Max spoke in a loud and clear voice. "Ave, Perseus Audax, Legate of the Twelfth Legion of Rome!"

Momentary silence greeted him, before the entire chamber resounded with the sounds of many voices echoing what he had just said, and then turning to look at Perseus expectantly. Saluting everyone there, he smirked internally as he spoke up with the appropriate response, "Senatus Populusque Romanus!"

As the Senate and everyone else present repeated him, Perseus couldn't help but be excited as to what the future held in store for him, and he knew that he'd finally found a home that felt like home to him.

A/N: Another chapter done, and I must admit, personally, that I prefer the Roman aspects and way of doing things much more so than the Greek as far as Rick Riordan has portrayed them. That will definitely show the further that I get into my AU portrayal of things, and there will be some slight appearances of things that you would normally see in the Assassin's Creed series that will come up as well. Anyway, read and review folks!

Also please accept my humble apologies for having taken so long in continuing my stories, as my muse just up and left on a sabbatical without notice, and RL took its toll. I will be getting more chapters out soon, so please have patience with me….