Chapter Eight

Percy's nose was itchy, but he knew that if he were to scratch it he'd get an earful from the old guy who basically mocking their career as gladiators. Wasn't his name Chiron or something? Either way, the sun was hot, the men standing around him were smelly, his nose was itchy, he was tired and just plain bored. Chiron finally ended it with "Gladiators, I salute you."

The former general had to resist the urge to roll his eyes. The guards escorted the group through the building to the training area. He could see sweaty men hacking at poles with wooden swords, men sparring, others lifting weights, some at the whipping post. He found himself walking to the sword rack and taking out a wooden sword. Someone tapped him on the shoulder. He turned to see a grinning Luke. The blonde gestured to the sparring area and Percy grinned back. Soon the two were fighting like dogs, stabbing, deflecting, slashing, and parrying faster than any onlooker could have followed.

When it came to fighting with swords, Percy had no fear. His sea green eyes flashed with determination and energy. Luke would stab on the inside of Percy's guard and Percy would deflect it, swinging his sword towards Luke's head. The footwork was expertise.

"Hey Luke?" Percy asked as he stabbed at the blonde's leg.

"Yeah Perce?" Luke said, deflecting the blow and swinging his sword to Percy's left.

"Don't you think we're showing off a bit too much?"

Luke looked around and indeed a crowd was gathering. He turned back to the raven haired boy. "You think we should stop?" he questioned.

"Probably, you know, before Charon or something sees us. We want to impress them later don't we?" Percy explained before disarming Luke.

"You know, that is probably the most intelligent thing I've heard you say all day," Luke said shaking his hand.

Percy smiled and smacked the blonde upside the head. "We haven't spoken all day idiot!"

ROME

Annabeth rested her elbows on a balcony overlooking the city of Rome. Her calculating eyes analyzing the beauty of centuries' worth of genius and art. Great architects had designed Rome, as if Athena herself overseen its creation.

Strange it was, a woman who wished to be an architect. In today's world only men could be great apparently. Rome was founded by two men. A man rules as emperor. Annabeth sighed. Perhaps she could get her wish one day, after all, she is one of the Emperor's favored. Practically a sister. Or perhaps not.

Annabeth shivered as she thought of the looks she had gotten from the young emperor. It was quite disgusting really, knowing he had murdered her father figure and now he looked like he wanted to get her in bed.

"Annabeth?"

Triton copied her position. "Beautiful isn't it?"

Annabeth simply nodded, keeping her gaze on the skyline. She could feel his eyes on her. He took one of her hands and began playing with her fingers. She resisted the urge to snatch them away. Happy place Annabeth, she thought. Happy place, think arches, columns, capstones-

"You know Jason came back today?" Triton asked.

Of course she knew. She and Piper had squeezed the life out of him. She smiled when she remembered how she had left them alone. Sadly, Triton had noticed the smile. He stood and trace her cheek with his thumb. Annabeth closed her eyes slowly, her muscles tense.

"Your Majesty?"

Annabeth's eyes flew open to see a disgruntled Triton. She followed his line of vision and saw a blushing guard. It angered her. If word got out that Triton was trying to be intimate with her…

"Excuse me, my Lady," Triton said bowing, before following a now very nervous looking guard.

Author's Note: Ah Triton, that creepy little dude. Thanks to those of you have reviewed. As a new author it means a lot. Thanks for reading guys! Please review! -it's another exclamation point, they have returned O.O