Hi guys. Thanks for the comments on the summary, in case you might not have noticed, it's changed now. Anyway, story time.

Chapter 12 – Initiation

Jamie felt nervous as she walked through the high gates of Castra Roma. It wasn't just that the place emanated a sense of aggression that was intimidating, there was also the simple but unbelievable realization that there, in the middle of the Bay Area, there was a true Roman fortress you could have plucked out of the ground and placed anywhere in 5th century Europe without it looking out of the ordinary. She didn't know if she could fit in there. And then, there was also the impression, which had grown as they had approached the main doors, that the structure of Castra Roma served a double purpose. On one hand it was clearly meant for defense, a castle prepared to stand a lifelong siege, but on the other hand it was also clearly a barracks, a forward position, ready and eager to let loose the dogs of war.

Jamie's face fell as she realized that camp probably wouldn't offer anything more to her than a preparation in the art of war. Since the moment she had left school, her life had become about fighting and confrontation and everything seemed to revolve around combat. The boys seemed to be fine with it, they even looked excited about it, but she was slightly disappointed. Even though she knew when enough was enough and even though she would always take a stand when push came to shove, she was also aware that there was more to life than going around getting in other people's faces. There was fun and games, reading and art and hanging out with your friends, doing nothing but stare at the stars. She hoped there would be more to Castra Roma than learning how to kill in a more organized and cleaner way.

"Welcome," said Reyna as they passed through the threshold, "to the best place you'll ever know."

Jamie walked inside the walls and stopped for a second to take in the great array of buildings that made up the small city. The first thing she noticed was that camp was neatly divided into four areas, each meant for a very distinct purpose. The northwest corner confirmed Jamie's every suspicion about Castra Rroma. As she examined the many buildings that littered the area, she could visualize the war machine that was Castra Roma, identifying every cog and piece that made it strong, in the same way an architect can visualize a building by looking at its blueprints.

At the far end of the grounds, where the western wall emerged, she could see the armory, where weapons were stored and tended for darker times. Right next to it, so that both buildings were actually connected, there was the forges, a large black edifice built in with as many as twelve smoking chimneys, with heaps of metal stocked next to its wall and people carrying brand new swords out of it at a rate of production that could probably rival factories in China. Jamie wondered what kind of work went on inside them, as it was quite clear magic was involved from the different colored smokes rising into the air from the chimneys.

Across the road from the forges, there was an enormous round building, made of a coppery colored stone, with archways on the ground floor and oval openings as the walls rose. It was filled with sand and surrounded by stands for people to watch from, like the Coliseum in Rome. Between the archways, Jamie was able to catch glimpses of warriors in battle armor, dueling with swords and other weapons.

Beyond the Coliseum there was an archery range where kids from different ages were shooting at bull's eyes, moving targets or doing obstacle courses while firing their bows at targets that appeared as they ran. Finally, there was a second large arena, open except for some wooden fences, where soldiers were riding horses around a track, fighting on horseback or practicing archery while riding. Simultaneously, the same thing was happening in the air above them, where pegasi soared the air in close formations, like fighter planes on a military exercise.

Jamie had expected that to be all to be found in Castra Roma, a place meant exclusively for fighting the Roman way. But there was so much more. The northeast corner did not have any hint of war or battle, but instead it was obviously meant for sports, just regular, old-fashioned athletics. There was a track where some kids were racing, an open field that could be used for anything from football to soccer and there was also a gym, where some were working out and wrestling. Next to the gym there was also a large pool where a crowd was watching what seemed to be a relay race.

The southwest corner looked strange to Jamie. There was nothing there except for twelve grand buildings that looked like cabins for the campers. They were similar to one another, except for some slight differences in shape and color, forming a U shape smack in the middle of that area. But there was also a construction project going on and new cabins were being built, completing the U made by the twelve original cabins and forming a full rectangle.

In the middle of this rectangle, Jamie saw a small fire burning and, poking at the fire, there was a little girl. She was wearing a white dress and she watched them sadly as they walked past. Jamie looked at her with pity because she seemed sweet and lonely sitting by herself in the middle of the field, so she smiled and waved at her as they were about to turn away. The little girl smiled back at her and the smile made her whole face change, one of utter joy, like the girl had been granted the greatest of presents. Jamie felt warm inside and, for some reason, protected, like she felt when she got scared as a girl and her dad would hug her and hold her close. Still, it lasted only a second before they turned away.

And then, they neared the southeast corner. Jamie felt joy explode inside her as her eyes travelled down that vast area, where she knew she'd be spending most of her time. There was an amphitheatre where shows or plays could be performed and two buildings on either side of it, one out of which musicians seemed to be filing out, holding different kinds of instruments, and the other where people went in with books, with a look of dread on their faces. There was some form of studying going on. But the best thing was that there was nothing else there, only some benches tables, and grass. It was a place to just go, and hang out. Do nothing. The only sad thing was, it was almost empty.

"All right people, and now for the grand tour," said Reyna. "As you can see, there are four main areas to Castra Roma, the battlegrounds where you'll do most of your training, the sports grounds in case you feel like running or whatever, the cabins where we sleep and hang out and the learning grounds, where we also go to sleep a couple of hours a day."

"Brilliant!" said Liam looking towards the Coliseum. "Can we go over to the battlegrounds? I saw this guy carrying the coolest knives, I swear-"

"No," said Reyna firmly. "First, we have to go to the shrine for your initiation. You have to be formally admitted into camp. I sent a message at the gate that we were headed over there and they'll be expecting us. Now, follow me."

They went down one of the main roads that cut through camp and headed for a small building in the southeast corner that had gone completely unnoticed by Jamie. It had four white columns ending in a dome and it was completely open, with wide arches to enter it from and no windows, so that a fresh breeze would always roll through, making it very pleasant in the heat of summer. There were statues all around the circle and Jamie recognized some of them, there was Apollo, with a laurel crown and holding a bow, Mercury with his winged sandals and Neptune holding his trident, along with many others.

Inside the building there was a large group of people waiting for them, some wearing purple shirts and jeans while others wore battle armor. As they entered, a blond girl came forward.

"Welcome," she said. "I am Dakota, praetor of the First Legion and the guys behind me are my Centurions."

"Hi," said Liam stepping forward. "I am Liam Cavendish and these are Jamie Bell and Percy Jackson."

Dakota smiled at him. "You have passed your tests and proven yourselves to be worthy of serving in Castra Roma," she said, "and so now you are ready to join us as Roman Legionnaires."

Jamie noticed that Percy tensed at Dakota's statement and he started fidgeting with his pen, like he did when he was nervous. He opened his mouth as if to say anything but Reyna cut in before he could say anything.

"There is a small ceremony for your initiation," she said. "You have to accept your entry into Castra Roma and give an oath of loyalty to the gods and your leaders. Then, you will receive your brand and you will formally become a camper. Are you ready?"

"Yes," both Liam and Jamie spoke at the same time. Percy looked doubtful for a second before he simply nodded.

"Very well," said Dakota. "We will start with Liam. First, I present you with your weapons." She motioned to one of the guys on the side who brought forth some pieces of armor, a sword, a helmet and a large square shield. He gave them to Dakota who put lay them on top of a large white stone table in the middle of the room.

"Liam," she said. "These are the weapons and garments of a Roman Legionnaire. By taking them and putting them on you will accept that you are one of us. You must understand that you are not only entering a summer camp, you are becoming part of the Legion and part of our family. You will be bound by our rules and you will serve under our leaders. Do you accept?"

Liam didn't answer but rather moved forward to the white table and took the armor. Patiently, he put it on, strapping the sword on his waist and placing the helmet firmly on his head. It fit him perfectly and Jamie was impressed. With the armor on and holding his sword and shield, it was hard to remember the goofy, English kid he was. He looked much older and serious, like he could command an army.

Dakota smiled at him. "Liam Cavendish," she said, "do you swear that you will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the gods of Olympus, that you will support, protect and defend Castra Roma to the best of your ability and that you will follow its leaders to war when it is required from you?"

"I swear," he answered firmly.

The second he gave his word a great light erupted in a circle around him. He bathed in it for a second and his hair lifted. A moment later his face changed in surprise and he cried out in pain, grabbing his right arm and kneeling.

"Liam!" cried Jamie, stepping forward. She would have gone to him but a hand dropped on her shoulders, holding her back.

"Don't interfere," said Percy quietly, looking intently at his friend. "He'll be fine."

They watched as Liam stood up slowly and, after a few seconds, the light disappeared. On his right forearm, a tattoo had been branded in black. An eagle, and below it, the letters SPQR.

"What is that?" she asked quickly.

"It means Senatus Populusque Romanus," answered Dakota. "The Senate and the People of Rome. It is his brand, the sign that he is now a camper. We all have one," she remarked, lifting her sleeve and showing her own tattoo. "Every year that you survive, a line will be branded on your tattoo, to show your accomplishment. If he's alive next summer he will receive his first line."

"Is is really necessary?" she asked. "Getting tattooed? You could have warned us, you know."

"Sorry," said Reyna. "But it is tradition. Going all the way back to the fifth century. Soldiers would mark their belonging to the army so that you knew that it was a commitment for life. You may eventually leave Castra Roma but you will always be a legionnaire. The tattoo is meant to show that."

She paused for a second, like she was remembering and she was about to say something when another distraction filled the room. As Liam turned to them and opened his mouth to speak, light erupted again. This time, instead of coming from beneath Liam and around him, the light came from a spot about a foot above his head and it hurt Jamie's eyes for a second, blinding her.

"What's going on?" shouted Liam, putting his hands above his head and trying to swat the light away, without really reaching it. "What is that thing?"

"Don't move!" said Reyna. "You are being claimed, Liam. It is a sign sent by your godly parent, recognizing you as his son."

Jamie looked up towards the light again and she saw a shape forming, like a hologram above Liam's head. It was a ball of fire, like the sun, illuminating from the back and in front of it there was a lyre, sided by two bows with their respective arrows. She gazed at it in wonder.

Dakota stepped forward and put a hand on Liam's shoulder, steadying him. All around them, muttering began as people started talking to one another and pointing towards the light. At a sign from Dakota, they all shut up and looked at him respectfully. After a second, the praetor spoke again.

"Hail Liam Cavendish," she announced happily, "son of Apollo, the Great Archer, Rider of the Sun Chariot, god of music and poetry, medicine and prophecy."

Reyna smiled. "Apollo always did have a good sense of timing," she said with a smile on his face.

"What the hell was that?" asked Liam.

"That was a sign from your father," explained Dakota again. "You have been recognized as a son of Apollo, the god of the sun, with all the privileges and responsibilities that come with it." She then turned to one of the guys in a purple shirt and beckoned to him. "Dean," she said, "take Liam with you and give him a tour of Castra Roma. When you're done, show him to his cabin and explain what his duties and rights are."

"Sure," said the guy called Dean. "Come on, Liam, I'll show you around."

Liam gave one last desperate look towards Jamie and Percy while he was directed towards the nearest exit, as if begging them not to leave him alone. Helplessly, they just watched him as he walked out of the shrine and towards the northwest corner.

"Will it be the same for us?" asked Jamie, watching Liam walk away. "Will we get claimed when we take our oaths?"

"There's no way to know," said Reyna. "Ever since July, the gods have had to claim their children as they get here, but they might take a while, I mean, they're usually busy with one thing or another. It's just that Apollo has a flair for drama, so he liked choosing these moments."

She looked at Jamie for a second and said "All right. You're up Jamie." She beckoned to a girl in purple and, in the same way as they did with Liam, she laid out the weapons of a Roman soldier for her. She accepted her new weapons, the rules and leadership of Castra Roma, and she swore her allegiance with all the conviction she was able muster.

The same light surrounded her and she felt the pain of the branding but, now that she was expecting it, she didn't kneel in pain like Liam had but watched as the lines of the eagle formed across her arm in a deep, irremovable black, and the great emblem of the Romans appeared. She felt a surge of pride for herself, for being able to get there and for belonging to a group that had done such great things. As she stood up she looked expectantly above her head, waiting to see if a sign would appear to finally solve the mystery of her origins. Of her mother. Some seconds passed with only silence. Nobody moved or said anything, but as she lowered her head, Jamie knew it wasn't yet time.

"Don't worry," said Dakota. "It won't be long now. You'll probably get claimed by tonight."

"So where do I go now?" asked Jamie.

"Wait here for a second," said Reyna. "Chances are Percy won't get claimed either, and you can both tour together."

"Percy Jackson," said Dakota, facing her friend. "It's the same drill that you saw before." She laid out the weapons on the table again. "You have passed your tests and proven your worth as a member of Castra Roma. Do you accept to join us, to become a Roman, to live by our rules and follow our leaders?"

Percy looked at her for a second and hesitated. "Well," he said. "I don't want to be disrespectful but I'm not sure if I'm supposed to do this, if I'm even supposed to be here… My tests, they uh-"

"Come on, Percy," said Reyna cutting him off. "You are here! You made it through the mountain! That means you've got what it takes. You can be a camper, you can accept your weapons."

Percy looked at her for a second, dubiously. "OK," he said, with a frown on his face. He walked over to the white table in the centre of the room and placed his hand on the pummel of the gladius sword. He paused and looked at Jamie straight in the eyes with his piercing green gaze, looking for confirmation.

"Go for it," said Jamie softly.

Without taking his eyes off from Jamie's, Percy grabbed the sword and raised it slightly.

"I accep-" he started to say.

Before he could finish that word, the whole table glowed a furious bloody red and the gladius glowed a deep angry gold. There was a great flash of light and resounding boom went off as an explosion threw everyone to the ground. Percy was blown away from the stone table and he crashed into one of the marble statues, crashing alongside it into the wall the shrine's wall and reducing the statue to dust and pieces.

Jamie fell to the ground from the explosion's shockwave and hit her side. When she managed to stand up, she saw that the weapons on the table, including the gladius, had disappeared and that on the other side of the room, Percy was rising out of the wreckage of the statue. He didn't seem to be hurt, even though his T-shirt was smoking and had holes in some places. He checked the stone pieces and found some vines and stone grapes on the floor.

"My bad, Dionysus," he said quietly.

To her side, two guys stood up, ran over to Percy and rammed him into the wall. Dakota also sprang up and drew her sword and pointed it at his chest.

"Who are you?" she asked, raising her voice. "How did you get here?"

"Wait," he said quickly. "You're making a mistake, let me go and I will explain."

"Explain now!" shouted Dakota. "Your weapons rejected you. Hard. That can only mean two things. Either you didn't pass your tests and you are not worthy to be here, or you are an enemy who snuck here some other way. Now answer me!"

"Let me go first. I can't talk while my head's being pushed into the wall," answered Percy angrily.

"I've already told you!" shouted Dakota, "I-

But Percy wasn't asking. He took advantage of the fact that one of the guys turned back to wait for instructions and he elbowed him on the side of the head, sending him sprawling. He then ducked a punch from the other guy and kneed him right in the stomach, bringing him down without any air. He then jumped and, as he stepped back and away from the other campers, he uncapped his pen, revealing his bronze sword. He pointed it at them for a second, looking menacing.

Reyna considered him gravely as she brought her own swords forward. "You can't fight all of us," she said softly. "Put your weapon down, Percy."

Percy looked at the warriors before him, some fifteen of them, all bringing out their own weapons, looking angry. He had a feeling he might be able to take them with a lot of luck or that he could get away if he wanted to. But that wouldn't accomplish anything.

"In a second," he said, still pointing his sword. "Just give me a second to explain. I suspected this might happen. I can't yet be a member of Castra Roma. I didn't pass my tests fully, I am here on probation."

"Probation?" said one of the guys on the side. "You've got to be kidding." He then looked at his leader, with an eager expression. "Dakota," he said, "let's just take him down, he'll be telling the truth after a couple of days with me, I promise."

"Wait," said Dakota, raising her arm. She eyed his bronze sword with a very concentrated look on her eyes, like she recognized it. "What do you mean probation?" she asked intently.

"It's just that my tests, they um, they didn't go that well. I got through them and everything but I messed up. I didn't pass like I was supposed to. When I came back, Aeneas and Roma got into a fight over me, Aeneas wanted to kick me out but Roma insisted that I should be allowed into camp."

"That can't be right," said another girl from the back. "Aeneas and Roma almost never show themselves during tests and you're telling us that both of them talked to you? I don't believe it. They wouldn't show up, not for a newbie like you."

"I swear!" said Percy. "And they couldn't agree if I should get in or not, so they called in Vesta so that she could settle the issue. It was her that said that I could enter camp but on probation. I'm supposed to prove myself or something. That's why I didn't want to take the weapons, I wasn't sure if I was supposed to."

"Why did Roma want you in here?" asked Dakota again. "Aeneas can be unpredictable and he is sometimes rash. Roma is much more centered, what did she say?"

"Well, she said that I had shown courage and loyalty and that the test was unfair, that it had been made for me to fail and that Aeneas hadn't taken into account… my origins."

"All right…" said Dakota slowly. "That might be true, but you're not helping your case Percy. You just attacked two superior officers and you are facing your praetor, sword drawn. If you really want to be here, on probation or not, then PUT DOWN YOUR WEAPON."

Percy sighed and transformed his sword back into its regular form. "OK," he said. "So, what now?"

"Now you come with me," said Dakota. "We're going to the praetorium. There are some things we have to talk about. Alone."

"What about me?" asked Jamie suddenly. "I want to go too!"

"No!" said Dakota, harshly. "Joshua, take Jamie to Alexa. She will show her around camp and give her the basic tour. You are not to go anywhere near the praetorium. That is an order!"

A guy grabbed Jamie's arm and almost dragged her outside. The last thing she saw was Percy getting his hands tied behind his back and taken away by two guys with very unfriendly looks on their faces.

So, chapter 12. Reviews would be fantastic. Sorry for the late update but I was distracted reading the 39 clues (I just finished it) and because down here things have been a political nightmare. Anyway, next chapter's gonna be huge. Fights, new characters, Jamie's mother and maybe… a prophecy. I'll try to get it up by next weekend.