As promised, shout out to those who reviewed my Percabeth proposal one-shot: Lilith Jae, readingnerd18, PercyJacksonLuva123, blackjack1709, SshannonW, RedNebulosity, Princess Annabeth Weasley Fowl, WisestOwl, AllieSecretlyLikesYou, Mayhaah, Singing Froggy, TheRedLioness, IceLumos963, kim3375, and Velocity Warren.

Your reviews made my day. Now, on to the story.


Percy woke up the next day with a renewed feeling guilt. Annabeth hadn't stayed much longer after letting him see her weak side. The good-bye had been rather curt, and Percy knew why. Annabeth, similar to him, had an obstinate side, a side which didn't allow for weakness.

Nevertheless, he still felt bad for lying. Private Percy Jackson was many things, but lying was not generally one of them. The remainder of his berth mates was still in deep slumber, snoring fitfully, not stirring in the least.

He got out of bed, donning a fresh uniform, one that he had yet to wear. Other than Annabeth, no one had said anything about his hair. In fact, no one had subjected him to strict scrutiny over his appearance. Unlike the other marines, he was left alone almost entirely, no one caring where he was. Only Annabeth had taken interest, more than duty, it was more of personal interest… That was putting it nicely. It was suspicion.

Percy sauntered over to the canteen, still in a half-slumber. He found Annabeth conversing with another man intently, positioned so that the other man was facing the opposite direction. Percy raised his hand hesitantly as though to wave, but Annabeth wasn't paying attention.

Deciding to grab a cup of coffee, he drank it in a gulp, causing him to choke. He sputtered out the bitter contents of the scathing hot black coffee, spitting it on the hard, concrete ground of the canteen floor. Annabeth and her companion turned to give him an appraising look.

The other man, Major Luke Castellan, gave Percy a half smirk before turning back to Annabeth. Annabeth's eyes narrowed as she scowled at Percy's scene. Percy wiped his mouth with the sleeve of his new uniform, leaving a brown stain on the otherwise blue coat.

He glanced up at Annabeth's direction, their eyes meeting for an instant. In that instant, Percy knew everything from the look she gave him. He was to forget everything. Yesterday didn't happen. Captain Annabeth Chase never exhibited weakness. There were no signs of camaraderie as there was last night.

Percy watched as Annabeth listened keenly to what Major Castellan was saying, her head bobbing once in a while in assent. She saluted Luke once, gave Percy an imperceptible nod before leaving the building in a hurry.

Luke turned around to look at Percy once more, holding his hand out to the latter, "Major Luke Castellan. I don't believe I've had the pleasure of meeting you before."

Percy debated whether to shake his hand or not before finally deciding to give a firm grip, "Private Percy Jackson, sir." There were no signs of recognition in the former's eyes. The name Percy Jackson apparently meant nothing to him. Annabeth hadn't mentioned him to Luke before either.

Either that, or Luke was careful at hiding his emotions. Percy wasn't sure which it was yet, but there was no way Luke didn't have some idea as to who he was linked. The scar lining his cheek seemed as passive as the rest of his visage.

"Take a seat, Percy," The Major said conversationally, pulling up a chair for himself from a nearby table, the chair causing a scraping noise against the hard floor. The sound reminded Percy of someone scratching a chalkboard with her long nails. Luke motioned to the other chair. Percy took the seat, facing his superior.

"Sir."

"So Percy, how's training been thus far?"

"It's been going well, Major."

"I'm glad to hear," Luke scratched his chin thoughtfully, still trying to place the name to the deed.

"What company are you in?"

"10th, sir."

"Hmm, 10th, you said? Always been a good company. Best company there is if I do say so myself. We've gotten some really famous marines from that one. That was my company as a matter of fact," Luke added with a wink.

Percy sat there mutely, nodding once, not quite sure how to answer to that. Luke glanced down at his watch, his face contorting a little in surprise as he noted the time, "It's 5:20 already. We should start heading down, Private. You don't want to be late for your first field assignment do you?" Luke patted Percy once on his back before heading out the doors.

Percy remained there for a minute longer, slightly perplexed at what had just happened. This was the Luke he was sent here for? But, this guy didn't even remember his name, let alone their last encounter. He decided at the moment that Luke wasn't all that bad, a little condescending, but that came with his position in the marines.

But he knew he had to still be vigilant. Luke couldn't be that ignorant. Although he tried to pass it off nonchalantly, Percy had noticed it. Luke had been scratching his chin in obvious determination while speaking to Percy. He knew Percy, maybe not the name, but there was some link.

He got up, trudging his way to the where the field assignments were taking place. Percy found Captain Chase and Major Castellan conversing more as rows of marines stood in front of them. The two up at the front were gesturing to various squadrons in heated argument, trying to decide where to send each first.

Percy took his place with the rest of his berth mates who all breathed a sigh of relief as he stood in his position. Luke and Annabeth called up one member from each squadron to represent them. One of Percy's berth mates went to the front to receive the assignment. Normally, multiple squadrons were assigned to the same task.

"I hope we get aviation combat," one said enthusiastically, rubbing his hands together in anticipation.

"Aviation?" Another snorted. "Hell no. There is no way you will get me up in the air. I'm going to remain with my two feet planted firmly on this ground. Men were not meant for flying."

Percy smirked a little at their petty quibbles. Like they had a choice. They were all just a bunch of idiots.

The man that had been summoned from their group returned, holding a large folder containing their duties. The manila envelope was tied shut with its characteristic red string.

"You guys ready?" he asked.

The others nodded eagerly while Percy looked down scornfully, his green eyes more somber than usual. The former opened the envelope in excitement, having some difficulty to unwind the string.

"Give it to me," Percy said irritably, snatching it away from the man's hand. The other man's face registered surprise as Percy tore the envelope open. He took out the bundle of files from inside, reading the top: Ground Combat Element: Military Occupational Specialties.

The man who had insisted on ground training let out a sigh of relief, "Thank god."

"I still wish we got aviation training."

The man who brought the envelope quickly piped up, "We'll have training in all, but we have to specialize in one. So, we start with this, and we'll get some occasional training with the other divisions, including but not limited to aviation, logistics, ammunition, command, and many more."

"You are actually excited for this?" Percy spoke up quietly.

"Yeah. Why else would we enlist?"

"Obviously you've never been in combat," Percy sneered, but the others were too busy to hear his snarky comment.

"Anyway," continued the man who brought the yellow manila, "They want us back for duty after breakfast at 6:30 sharp."

"Don't be late again, Jackson," one drawled with a strong Georgian accent.

"I wasn't late," Percy retorted sharply.

"Thank god, you got here right before they handed out assignments," one whispered.

"Yeah, man. Do you know how much trouble we would have gotten in if you didn't show up?" piped in another.

"Don't worry about it. I made it on time, didn't I?" Percy didn't want to mention that he had talked to Major Castellan lest they accuse him of getting preferential treatment. They had already seen him talk to Captain Chase last night.

"Too close man. Stay on top of it next time."

"Won't happen again."

"Look Jackson, you're making our division look bad already. First you were off canoodling who knows where with that Captain woman. Damn, she's hot and all…and the only girl within a hundred mile perimeter, but lay off on her bro. This is the military. You ain't got any time for people like her," the Georgian said.

Percy's fist clenched white in anger. He grabbed a hold of the other man's uniform by the collar, his hands shaking in anger, "Say that to my face, again, you bastard!"

Two of his other berth mates grabbed a hold of Percy from behind as another one grabbed his aggressor, trying to restrain both parties.

The Georgian spat, "Jackson, you really did, didn't you? Never thought you to be so sensitive. Guess I was wrong. Jackson, you truly are a sly mother fu****."

Percy's fist was within an inch of his face as he struggled with his restrainers. A hand grasped his arm strongly, not allowing for any movement. But this was all easy for Percy. He didn't box for nothing. His three restrainers had nothing on him.

Percy swung forward, pulling down at the same time, effectively ridding himself of his captor on the right. His right arm came up with enough force as it connected effectively with someone's nose. He heard the sickening crunch as his fist contacted the other person's nose.

The pressure on him didn't release…Meaning he hadn't attacked a captor. He looked up at the person grabbing his arm: Luke. That meant… Percy eyes moved past Luke's massive shoulders, spotting his target. The cold, hard, steely gray eyes of his victim flashed once in bitter anger as they made contact, turning around to leave.


If you have time, check out the Percabeth one-shot I wrote, called A Modest Proposal.

I think the next update will be Friday this time…unless I die. I have reason to believe this week will be the death of me.

Anyway, till then, make sure to review, fave, or follow, or else… Percy will punch you too.

For Mother's Day next week, I'm planning on writing a one shot with Percy and Annabeth. To my fans who read 100 Days with Mr. Arrogant, it will be a spin off from that. What do you say? Should I do it?

Cheers!

~TJ