Disclaimer: I do not own Percy Jackson and the Olympians or the Heroes of Olympus Series.
Story: Divided Soul
AN: In this chapter, Lupa will speak in the minds of the demigods, therefore her text is in italics.
Chapter 3: Consul of Rome
Castra Semideus – At the end of chapter one
The three young Roman demigods stared at the son of Neptune before them. Reyna was the first to shake off her surprise; she bowed her head toward the young man before her. Gwen and Bobby followed her example.
"There hasn't been a son of Neptune in over a hundred years. Why haven't I heard of you before?" Reyna asked suspiciously. Scipio looked at her, his face devoid of emotion as he analyzed the three young demigods before him.
"I've never been to camp before today. I was raised in Virginia, and I've gone to military school since I was seven," Scipio said. Reyna and Bobby both looked at him with furrowed brows. They were clearly thinking over what he just said.
"How did you keep from being attacked?" Bobby asked.
"My patron is Mars; I was under his protection during my time at school," Scipio informed them.
"Thank you for helping us," Gwen said, as she held her broken arm. Scipio looked at her injured arm closely.
"You need to have that looked at…" Scipio said, as he gave the girl a questioning glance.
"My name is Gwen," she said. "I'm a daughter of Apollo." Scipio nodded.
"Your siblings should help heal you," The son of Neptune said, before turning back to Reyna. "Praetor, I must speak to Lupa. It is of the utmost importance." Reyna nodded.
"Follow me. Gwen, go get that arm looked at. Bobby, you're coming with us," Reyna ordered. Gwen nodded before walking toward the infirmary. Reyna walked ahead with Bobby and Scipio behind her.
Bobby walked beside Scipio before turning slightly to view the mysterious son of Neptune. "I'm Bobby, son of Minerva," Bobby said, as he extended his hand toward the newly arrived demigod. Scipio looked at his hand carefully, but didn't take it. Bobby frowned before pulling his hand back. After a few minutes the three demigods arrived at a large tent the size of a small house. Written in Latin above the entryway were the words Command Center. Reyna walked in followed by Bobby and Scipio. In the middle of the room sitting on her haunches was an enormous black wolf. She looked at the three demigods sternly.
Reyna, why are you here? Lupa asked within the girl's head. The three demigods could all hear her.
"Gwen, Bobby and I were attacked on the beach by a fire giant, most likely Cacus," Reyna said. Lupa's eyes glowed yellow. "This is Scipio Marcellus, son of Neptune. He killed the giant." Lupa turned her gaze toward the son of Neptune. Lupa was use to demigods shuddering at her intense glare, but Scipio just stared back unafraid.
Staff of the sea, I was unaware of your existence. Lupa said.
"My existence was kept secret during the second Titan War. My patron, Lord Mars, believed it was necessary considering the pact of the Big Three," Scipio said.
Where were you during the war? Lupa asked.
"Lord Mars created a group of Roman demigods called the Praetorian Guard, named after the ancient protectors of the Roman emperors. I was their leader. We fought the allies of the Titans on the east coast. We defended Olympus," Scipio said. Lupa's yellow eyes widened, and then narrowed suspiciously.
That can't be. I would have been told of such a group, Lupa said.
"Lord Mars and Lady Juno believed that this group should remain secret. Our work was very dangerous and unknown to the other gods, especially Jupiter," Scipio said. Lupa's forehead creased in thought. She finally nodded.
That sounds like something Juno would do, Lupa said. The wolf looked at Scipio closely, still trying to understand this new demigod warrior. Why are you here now?
"I've been sent to warn you about a new threat. Gaea is slowly rising and the giants are trying to destroy the gods and Olympus, again," Scipio said. Lupa, Reyna and Bobby were all stunned by this news.
"It can't be," Bobby said in disbelief.
"I agree. We would have heard something by now," Reyna said.
"They don't know, do they?" Scipio asked Lupa. The wolf looked at the demigod carefully. It was clear by her uneasy stance that she knew what Scipio was talking about.
"Know what?" Reyna asked curiously, as she looked between Scipio and Lupa.
Lord Jupiter has closed off Olympus from the mortal world, Lupa said.
Reyna and Bobby looked at each other. They were both in shock.
"What can we do?" Reyna asked.
"That's why I'm here," Scipio said. Lupa turned toward Scipio; she was clearly suspicious of the son of Neptune.
Tell us, Lupa said threateningly. Scipio ignored her tone, reaching under his armor and pulling out a scroll. He handed it to Reyna, who eyed it suspiciously before opening it. Read it, child.
Dear Lupa, mother of Rome,
My son and I have sent Scipio Marcellus, son of Neptune to Castra Semideus to assist in the coming war. You will find him to be a great leader and warrior, befitting the legacy of Rome. Mars, Neptune, Minerva, Venus, Mercury and I all nominate him as Consul of Rome, the first such nomination in over a millennium. I ask you to accept this nomination and inform the Praetors of the required election. You may test Scipio as you see fit, but I warn you not to underestimate his ability.
Respectfully,
Juno
When Reyna finished reading, Lupa, Bobby and Reyna all stood in stunned silence. Scipio for his part never wavered in his stance nor did his face ever betray his feelings. He stood tall and strong like a great oak tree.
"This is completely unprecedented," Reyna said. "Lupa, you can't go along with this. How do we know he can be trusted?" Scipio never flinched at her tone.
Lupa looked at the letter, and then at the signatures at the bottom of the page.
I'm afraid, Reyna, that I must take this letter seriously. A request signed by half the Olympian council cannot be ignored, Lupa said. Scipio, I will present this at a meeting of the Praetors for all ten legions. Any challenge to this nomination shall be met in single combat. Do you understand?
Scipio nodded. A small smile tugged at his lips when he heard the words single combat. "I understand, Lupa," Scipio said, as he bowed toward the wolf.
Reyna, go assemble the Praetors in the arena. The vote will take place there. Bobby, go back to your training, Lupa ordered. Reyna and Bobby both bowed to the wolf before running out of the command tent. Lupa looked back toward Scipio, their eyes met and for the first time the wolf met eyes that would not flinch at her stare. Scipio's eyes were sea green, but they seemed to shine with unseen power. Lupa looked away after only a few moments.
"Lupa, do you want me to go to the arena now?" Scipio asked.
Not yet. I have some questions for you. Lupa said. Scipio nodded. Who was your mother?
"I don't know. I have no memory before the age of seven. I was told that I could have suffered some traumatic event and those memories are suppressed." His brow was furrowed as if he was trying to piece together a difficult puzzle. Lupa nodded.
Were you the child of the last Great Prophecy? Lupa asked. Scipio's eyes widened slightly at that question, as if he remembered something.
"Yes, I fought Saturn and helped defeat him and his army," Scipio said. Lupa nodded. She seemed satisfied, like she expected that the young man before her was the child of the prophecy.
Do you know about the current Great Prophecy? Lupa asked.
"Seven half bloods shall answer the call," Scipio recited. Lupa nodded.
I see that Mars and Juno have prepared you well, Lupa said.
"A pint of sweat saves a gallon of blood," Scipio said. The wolf seemed to smile at the quote.
General George S. Patton, son of Mars. I see you are well read in the ways of a warrior, Lupa said. I'm impressed. It is time for the meeting. Follow me to the arena, son of Neptune.
As they walked through the camp, demigods eyed the stranger curiously. His gold armor shined in the light of the day. After only a few minutes the two reached the arena, which was a small version of the coliseum in Rome. It was made out of white marble with flecks of black and pink minerals. Lupa walked into the arena with Scipio in pursuit. The ten Praetors stood in a line facing the wolf. When Scipio walked in, they all looked at him suspiciously. Scipio could tell by their gaze that Reyna had explained the letter from the gods. One of the Praetors eyed Scipio angrily.
Praetors, I suppose that Reyna explained the contents of the letter we received from Lady Juno? Lupa asked. The Praetors all nodded. Good. The laws of Rome are clear; such a nomination requires a vote of the Praetors. But first, does anyone challenge this nomination? Lupa looked at the ten Praetors before her.
One of the Praetors raised his hand. He was a dark-haired young man about fifteen years old. He was tall, well over six feet in height. Adam Savage, son of Mars, Praetor of the second legion, you wish to challenge Scipio Marcellus, son of Neptune?
"Yes Lupa, I challenge him," Adam said. Scipio stood stoically before the Praetors with no visible signs of emotion. Adam had his gold armor on; he held a gold gladius and a gold shield in his hands. He was ready for the fight.
Scipio, do you accept his challenge? Lupa asked. Scipio stepped up within only a few feet of Adam. His eyes darkened until they were almost a forest green color. The air in the room seemed to grow heavier and it became slightly hard to breathe. The other praetors looked warily at the son of Neptune. For his part, Adam didn't look fazed at all. A broad smile appeared on Scipio's face as he nodded at the son of Mars.
"Yes, Lupa, I accept his challenge," Scipio said.
Scipio placed his helmet on his head. He touched the gold wrist band on his left arm and a gold shield appeared. The shield bore the three pronged blades of a trident on it. Scipio unsheathed his sword and stood in the center of the arena. Adam took his place opposite Scipio, roughly thirty feet apart. The other Praetors sat on the first row of seats in the arena. Lupa stood between the warriors.
This will be a fight to the death or incapacitation. The winner will be voted on by the Praetors for the position of Consul of Rome, Lupa stated, as she walked to the corner of the arena floor and sat on her haunches.
Adam looked at Scipio closely, trying to determine the best course of action. Scipio stood completely still, except he began to spin his sword in his right hand at a consistent rhythm, almost like the beat of drum.
As a typical son of Mars, Adam was the first to charge. He ran forward and swung his sword at Scipio. The two blades struck causing sparks to fly. Adam spun to the left while sweeping with his leg. Scipio jumped in the air to avoid it while blocking the sword strike with his shield. Adam jabbed his sword forward, trying to impale the son of Neptune, but Scipio spun to the left with such speed that Adam fell forward, off balance. Scipio took the opportunity to complete a spin kick to Adam's back sending him to the ground.
In the audience the Praetors looked on and marveled at the skill of the son of Neptune. Scipio's movements were like a deadly dance. He continued to spin his sword in a specific rhythm. The movement of the blade almost seemed hypnotic as Scipio continued to spin it, even while moving around the arena floor.
Adam recovered, wiping the dirt off his clothes and armor. He picked his gladius off the ground to confront Scipio, who now stood only ten feet from the son of Mars. Adam ran forward; he rotated his shield at an angle, and then thrust his sword forward trying to confuse his opponent. However, Scipio had moved as well. As the sword thrust from Adam moved forward Scipio crouched into a squatting position. As the blade moved forward and over Scipio, the son of Neptune sliced upwards with the edge of his shield clipping Adam in the arm, sending his sword to the edge of the arena floor. Adam jumped back and tried to shake off the numbness in his arm where the shield had hit it. Adam was now at a complete disadvantage; he didn't have a sword. Scipio gave the son of Mars a knowing smile before throwing his gladius into the ground.
"Time for hand to hand," Scipio said. The crowd was astounded. Scipio had given up his advantage. He touched his shield and it turned back into a wrist band. Adam looked at his opponent warily, and then threw down his shield as well.
The two warriors now circled each other. Adam stood in a Roman wrestling stance with his upper body bent at the waist and his arms outstretched, whereas Scipio stood in a strange sort of crouching position with his fists out in front of him. It looked like a cross between boxing and karate.
Adam rushed forward to try and grab a hold of Scipio, but he was met with a sudden flurry of blocks and punches. In a few seconds, Scipio had landed six punches to Adams's abdomen and chest. The son of Mars staggered backwards under the blows, but it didn't appear that Scipio had hit him very hard, especially with his armor on. Adam shrugged off the blows and charged again. This time Scipio spun to the side at an incredible speed. Adam ran right past his opponent. He turned to face Scipio again, but was met with a roundhouse kick to the face. Adam was hit so hard that he was knocked off his feet. He landed on the ground with a loud thud. The audience winced at the sight and sound of the strike.
Adam was on the ground and at first the crowd thought he was unconscious, but he stood up carefully. The Praetors cheered at the young demigod. Scipio nodded at his opponent. Adam moved forward slowly. He swung his right arm wildly, trying to hit Scipio with a right cross. Scipio blocked the blow with his left arm, then jumped into the air thrusting his right leg forward into a thunderous jump kick. The kick hit Adam in the chest. The son of Mars staggered back clutching his chest, even with his armor on the kick hurt.
The crowd watched with concern as their fellow Praetor stepped forward. Scipio let him close on him, but before the son of Mars could throw a punch, Scipio hit Adam in the face with one thunderous punch that snapped the boy's head back. Before Adam could hit the floor Scipio had grabbed him carefully, and then he laid him on the ground. The son of Mars was out cold. The other Praetors were totally confused by the fight. Scipio had clearly not tried very hard, and in fact, he had gone out of his way not to hurt the child of Mars.
Lupa stalked forward. She sniffed the son of Mars, and then she looked at Scipio. She did not give away her emotions, but by the way she looked at the son of Neptune, the Praetors could tell that she was unnerved by the skill of this demigod.
Does anyone else wish to challenge? Lupa asked. The other Praetors looked at each other, and then looked at Scipio. He stood calmly in front of the Praetors. He had recovered his sword and began to spin it in the air, like before. The other Praetors seemed mesmerized by the movement. No one raised their hand.
With no additional challenges, it is time to vote. We will count Adam's vote as a positive vote for Scipio as Consul. Now raise your hand if you wish to vote for Scipio as Consul of Rome, Lupa said. The nine other Praetors all raised their hands in favor. Lupa looked stunned. She must have thought that more Praetors would have voted against Scipio. It is unanimous. Scipio Marcellus, son of Neptune, cliens of Mars, and now, Consul of Rome.
The Praetors stood and bowed to Scipio, reverently.
"All hail Scipio, Consul of Rome," the Praetors yelled. The sound echoed around the arena. Scipio, who was standing in the middle of the arena, nodded toward Lupa, and then smiled at the Praetors. Juno's plan had worked flawlessly.
AN: This fight didn't show all of Scipio's skills, because he has many more fighting abilities to show off. I had written this chapter with chapter two, so you all get a bonus while I'm on vacation. Cliens is the Latin term for the opposite of patronus, in this story Mars is Scipio's patronus and Scipio is Mars's cliens. Consul is a Roman position that could be political or military, in this story it will be a military position. As consul he will lead all of the praetors and each praetor leads a specific legion. This chapter has been revised thanks to my fabulous Beta, Starlit Reader.