Well this chapter was supposed to come out on Christmas but writer's block is a pain. Well at least I got this out during New Years. By the way Cesar or Tempest here and I wish everyone a happy New Year! Now enjoy the chapter.
Jaxson P.O.V
I was underwater. My eyes were closed. I could not move. I could hear voices. Sweet, sweet voices. Beckoning me to swim. To come to them. "Hey you alright?" I jolted up. I was in a hospital bed. The window was open and I could feel a gentle breeze. There was someone on my bedside, a skinny man with patches of white along his black skin. "Do you want a water?" I shook my head. I couldn't talk. My throat refused to open. "Oh yeah formalities. I'm Trajan Gaius Agustus. The current head of the Gaius family. And from what I hear Mother Lupa has adopted you into the family. Pleasure to meet you."
"The pleasure is mine. I am Remus Gaius Aurelianus." I croaked trying to get up but a sudden headache stopped me in my tracks. "My apologies I cannot stand."
"It's okay. Stay seated. Markus gave you quite a beating." The memories began returning. My bloodied view of the arena. The Angel-like figures falling from the ceiling.
"Where is he? I " I asked.
"He's doing his job. And you really shouldn't be worried about him, especially with what happened to you. You want to see?" I nodded. He spun around in his chair and grabbed a small mirror. "Don't say I forced you to." My face was mangled with scars. My hair had turned golden and my eyes were a swirling brown.
"What happened?" What could've happened to result in this amount of change?
"Well to give it to you straight you got your ass kicked. It wasn't a competition till the end. Even then you didn't even hit him. But to say I was impressed is an understatement. Such a fabulous display of creativity and fear. My god you had The Major get up out of her seat. I for one was glued to my seat. Though I have some criticisms. You should've done whatever that was earlier. Would've definitely made the fight more even. Also instead of wasting energy blocking out The Arena you should've just focused on attacking Markus. So many mistakes but we'll have The Cesar wring it out of you." I was completely perplexed. This man was incredibly giddy over my fight. Like a child on Christmas eve. He must've noticed my confused expression. "Well anyways I'll get you a wheelchair and maybe I can show you around?" He began getting up out of his chair. I noticed he had a tattoo on his right arm. Golden laurels with the word Praetor underneath.
"Wait a moment. Perhaps I can create one." I imagined the components of the wheelchair from the screws to the tires. Until finally it was completed inside my mind and it appeared on my bedside.
"Incredible. At least one part of your name makes sense." He helped me get up and sat me on the wheelchair.
"Beg your pardon? What do you mean?" He hesitated before answering.
"Aurelianus built the Aurelian Walls. And Remus helped build the first walls of Rome. Hopefully your memories return, speaking to you is like talking to a Butler who's extremely serious about his job." He looked down at me. "Please don't ask what that means." He wheeled me outside the room, passing paintings and other rooms. "This is the main hospital in New Rome. There are a few clinics scattered across the rest of the city as well." He took me inside the elevator and into the front lobby which had guards. They saluted as we came out and trailed behind us as we left the hospital. It was bright outside and the marble buildings did not help. "I'll be taking you to the city center. Perhaps if you get better we can set up a trip to the red light district."
"Red light district?"
"Don't worry about it" He continued pushing me across the city. "As you can tell this isn't going to be a nice tour. I need to get you to Curia. You picked a good time to wake up. The Senate is already there." Despite this he continued his pace. The center of New Rome was filled with Marble buildings. Each with a statue greeting all that enter. We entered the building with a statue of a man placing a Golden Laurel on his head. The room was dome shaped with lines of seats on the sides and seven seats placed separately in the back of the room. I
"Despite the increase of interference between our communications with our scouts beyond the Sonora's we should continue. The threat is too great to remain docile. At least one cohort should be dispatched." A young golden haired man was speaking.
"What cohort will be willing to go on a mission so suicidal? Especially with an entire legion on campaign Centurion?" An older man asked, still seated. He smiled.
"I offer my Cohort." He turned to the rest of the crowd. "Permit me and my Cohort to dispatch the threat allowing our scouts to continue their work."
"We will look over your request Centurion Grace. As I am right to assume Centurion Lavinia has agreed. Now let us move on to the main topic at hand. Now that Augustus Aurelianus and Augustus Trajan have arrived. With the Tetrarchy completed our installation will begin once Augustus Octavian returns." A brown haired woman spoke from the center of the room.
"Who will be in charge of Augustus Aurelianus' mentorship, Augustus Majorian?" An older man in a white robe spoke.
"It would be Augustus Trajan overseeing as they are now in the same household. However you and Crassus may guide Augustus Aurelianus in more political matters." Nods of agreement from the others. "In addition to the tutelage of Augustus Aurelianus I would be correct to believe all accommodations have already been prepared for his arrival?"
"Yes. Augustus Aurelianus' accommodations are prepared for immediate use." So I have my own personal accommodations. That's nice. Better than a cabin in the woods. "If you do not mind Augustus Majorian but, I would like to return to the dilemma Centurion Grace has referenced."
"You are free to go ahead, Augustus Trajan."
"I would assume this vanguard mission would first have a large scouting mission?" Trajan left my side and walked to the center of the room.
"Yes, that is what I envisioned Augustus Trajan." Grace rose from his seat.
"In that case I would like to put my support on this mission. On the condition that Augustus Aurelianus accompanies the scouting party and the mission be delayed to the first of September. That way Augustus Aurelianus can be tested in the field." He paused and turned to Majorian. "Of course the support of the consuls and Augustus Majorian must be guaranteed first." The three of them put their thumbs down.
"You're free to consider this mission accepted. The Senate is now dismissed!" The gavel was pounded as senators got up and walked over to me.
"Hello Augustus Aurelianus." One balding man came up to me. "I am Senator Parker. A lead contributor to the Roman Restoration endeavor. I understand you have not been inside New Rome for long but please consider contacting me in the future." He handed me a card and walked off.
"Good…" A young woman checked her watch. "Afternoon Augustus Aurelianus. I am the co-founder of the River Tiber militarization project Senator Marsha. Please contact me if you are interested." I was handed another card.
"Greetings young Augustus. My name is Sean Lombard. And I would like to invite you to a cup of tea. I enjoy having company with me as I drink but as of late they have all been quite dull. You can find my Villa in the lakeside of the Northeastern side of the city." He walked off with his cane. He was the last one as guards blocked me off from the other senators. Realizing they won't be able to talk to me they left. There were a few senators still in the room speaking to each other. Trajan was talking to Grace and Majorian was leaving through another exit with the two men who sat beside her. So I sat waiting for me to be pushed to wherever I must be next. I doubt they would be fine with me strolling around on my own in the wheelchair.
Trajan walked over with Grace as they continued their conversation. "Well I might as well introduce you to Aurelianus since you've already seen his stellar performance yesterday."
"Yes indeed. Hello Augustus Aurelianus I am Centurion Jason Grace of the fifth cohort, first legion." He did a quick bow.
"Hello Centurion. So I'll be working with you in two months."
"Yes, I'm sure you'll be fully initiated and healed by that time." He turned to Trajan. "You mind if I accompany you two. I prefer walking while talking."
"Be my guest." Trajan answered. "Guards you are dismissed, we'll be fine." The guards bowed before walking off. "Not like I couldn't protect him on my own. Finally I can stop with the formal talking. Makes me feel… forced." Jason nodded slowly. "Well then. Do you think you can stand Aurelianus?"
I pushed up using my arms to get myself standing. I could stand but my balance felt off. I was leaning too far to the left. "Yes, I think I'll be fine."
"Wonderful. We'll take the wheel chair along just in case however. I might get tired." Jason shook his head smiling. We walked out of the building and continued along the road. "Your villa is on the west side of the city. The city's different ethnic groups have their own sides. Dacians and Celts live on the North side, Roman legacies live on the west, Spaniards on the south with Egyptians and Morrocans, and Everyone else on the East. But anyone can live anywhere. A Dacian can live in the South, it's just uncommon. People tend to stay with others similar to themselves." We continued walking as the buildings began changing. The old marble architecture was becoming more modern. "As you can tell the city seems a bit compact. But it spreads out allowing cars to travel. We've kept the center compact to retain the feeling of Rome."
"Should we show him the barracks?" Jason asked.
"We can take him if he wants?"
"I'll go to the barracks." I want to see what an average soldier looks like.
"You sure you don't wanna rest? The beating you got from Markus got you stuck talking formally I think." Is this not how I talk? I should start getting my memories back soon Mother Lupa said so.
"I'll be fine." I answered. Trajan turned to Jason who shrugged.
"Well okay then. Let's go to the Barracks." As Trajan said the buildings began spreading apart allowing roads, sidewalks and fountains. I began seeing more people. They were all dressed casually. Children locked hands with their parents. A school tour was taking place taking the students inside the center of the city. Guards became more modern. Carrying guns instead of pila and swords. Their uniforms were that of a normal police officer.
"This Aurelianus is the real New Rome and its people." Jason motioned to a family sitting at a diner.
I smiled though it was painful. I smiled as this was the people of Rome. The people I will protect. The people I will serve. I looked around and noticed people were avoiding me. But they were staring at me. I touched my face and felt the bandages.
"Trajan, could you help remove my bandage?" He nodded and I sat down on the wheelchair.
"I'm not sure it's healed yet. Are you sure?" I imagined sand molecules joining together. Until a mirror appeared on my lap.
"I'll fix anything that looks not up to standard." He began unraveling my bandages. My face was bruised and had dry blood all over. I imagined myself in the river. The way my hair moved, the way my eyes shined.
"Now that is art. The potential you have is insane." I opened my eyes and saw my face as I remembered it.
I got out of the wheelchair. "Let us continue shall we."
"Continuing on. Though most of our forces are in the city and the surrounding area we have forward operating bases across the States. There has also been the growing movement to set a base in Rome for the slow transferring back to Italy." Jason said, eyeing his surroundings.
"Yes, I heard about that. One of the senators is a lead contributor. He spoke to me after the dismissal of the Senate." Trajan rolled his eyes.
"We should've expected them to flock to him." He turned to Jason. "I've been telling you Jason they're like snakes waiting for their chance to bite."
"Some of them perhaps. Others truly believe in Rome." Jason replied
"Perhaps but they all try to reap the benefits." So even in Rome the Senate works for itself. "Luckily the Senate's time is ending. As soon as Octavian returns we will be in close to full control. And we may finally begin setting up more cities."
"You said there are forward operating bases. So are they just military or do they have civilians as well." I asked curiously.
"Most FOBs only have Legionaries. Occasionally civilians do stay at them when their profession is needed." We waited for our turn to cross the street. "The barracks are right around the corner. They're getting ready for the war games."
"War games?"
"The legion will divide itself in two. Then they'll build their own fortress. Every month the two sides have a week to build a fortress in the stadium. Then they must steal a flag from the other side or completely wipe out the opposition." Building and combat. This is something I need to join.
"Can I join?" Jason looked toward Trajan.
"If you're healed I have no problem." Trajan answered. "But Jason, you won't be on his team. I can't have him go into that state without having someone who can stop him on the other side. I don't want to intervene. The war games and The Arena are the best things in the city."
The base was two blocks long and two wide. There were helicopters, trucks and soldiers running drills outside. We entered without any checks. Seems like they recognized Trajan and Jason immediately. "We're not going to let you go inside yet. We've already taken enough time. You need to get some rest." He looked over to Trajan. "Can I take him on the fast lane?"
"Sure, go ahead. I'll meet you at the waffle shop." He waved him off.
"Alright don't do anything crazy alright." He closed his eyes as air began circling around us. Slowly lifting us in the air. Then we blasted off. The air was tearing my face apart. It was deafeningly loud. But we arrived insanely quickly. "Here this is your place. Don't leave without an escort. Trajan will see you in the morning." With that he blasted off. Well that was fast. I looked at the house. It was a small house, maybe five to seven rooms big. It had a decent yard and a large backyard. I opened the door with the keys on the floor. Security seems pretty lax in the city. They must not experience any problems. The house was very cozy. Very modern as well. A complete opposite to the forest. The living room and kitchen were opened…
"Hello Jaxson. Sorry to intrude." Hecate the lady from earlier, apologized as I walked through the door.
"Um, what are you doing here? Are you a distant family member or something?" I asked very confused. How did she
"Not distant, I'm a very close family member. And I've come to break some news to you." News? Did something happen to my parents?
"What's the news?" I asked scared.
"You have been accepted to go to a summer camp." She said with a smile on her face.
"A summer camp? It's fall?" It's also in the middle of the school year.
"Well then it's a fall camp now. Your parents have already agreed." She held out a paper with their signatures on it.
What was that? I held my head in pain as I held onto the chair. What was that? It seemed familiar. I feel like I was there. Is that one of my memories? No. That doesn't look like me. Wait. Is that what my real face is? Is that what I really look like or is it just another illusion. I need to know. Concentrate on your face. It felt like there were threads across my face hiding it. An endless wall of threads blocking me from what I really looked like. Bang.
My head hurts. I can't move. My eyes won't open. Everything is so muffled I can barely hear. "Give him another dream. Don't let him stray from his goal alright…"
A voice. I remember that voice. Who was it? This is so fucking frustrating! Why can't I remember…
I was gone again. I was sitting on a chair watching the sunset. A man was sitting beside me. He had gray hair and bronze eyes. He looked tired as if he hadn't slept for days. His skin was wrinkled and worn. "You know my mother would sing me and my brother lullabies. Always after our training she would bring us into the throne room and sing. Our father would sometimes hide and watch. As we grew older she substituted these for stories. I was more fond of the change than my brother." He summoned a glass and shaked the liquid inside. "As stories were longer, had more depth and weren't as quick. And every story was different in some way. She told us how the world worked. How my aunt's and uncles shaped everything I see. How my brother and I had important jobs to do." He took a sip. "My brother has dismissed the job our mother gave us. I haven't. I was always more in line with my parents. My brother always wished to be alone. He was different after all. But so was I. I love my brother quite dearly. I respect what he has chosen. But remember sometimes we must do what's right even if we don't like it." He gave a smile. "So Jaxson don't forget to do what's right."
I jolted up. I looked around. I was in a bedroom of sorts. Who was that? Is my name actually Jaxson? Where am I? I heard knocking from below. I got up off the bed and realized I was still in the house. I made it down the stairs. Whoever was at the door kept on knocking. I opened the door and found Trajan. "Finally you opened the door. Jesus you look like shit. Why don't you freshen up, I'll wait for you." Well that's a wonderful thing to hear in the morning.
After accidentally opening the pantry I found the bathroom. My hair was a mess of colors and my eyes were changing as well. Should I try to see my own face or should I go back to the one I've been using. I shouldn't change my face in public. People might freak out. I think I'll stick to the one I've been using. Quickly brushing my teeth I walked out finding Trajan laying down on the sofa. "I'm ready, where are we heading today?"
"Well the war games are starting today. You can join in today or you can join in later." I'm itching for some adrenaline. I feel too passive.
"I'll join today."
"Sweet!" He got up off the sofa. "Well let's go shall we." Outside was a Jeep Rubicon. Or at least that's what it said on the back. "Well what do you think?"
"It's pretty nice. Is it yours?"
"Yeah it is. I made this girl bulletproof too. This baby can stop a 50. Cal." He said proudly leaning over the car.
"Nice." I had no idea what he meant. He continued rambling on about his car as we drove outside the city.
"I also got a new suspension coming in on Sunday. So I can watch the war games then work on this. Well damn we're almost here." He took a turn then parked in front of The Arena. Entering The Arena again was a chilling experience. It made me reach for my head expecting a headache. "Well here we are. Now do you want to be on offense or defense?"
Now that was tricky. With my ability I could be a great help on defense. But at the same time I wanted to fight. I needed to be in the middle of the battle. "I'll be attacking."
"I was hoping you'd say that. Now pick your side. Cohorts one, two, five and seven. Or Cohorts three, four, six, eight, nine, and ten."
"Why does the first group have four and the other have six?"
"That's because the first cohort is double the size of a regular cohort and has the most veteran Centurions." So the first is the strongest cohort. But they still have less manpower.
"Do the Centurions make up for the lack of manpower?"
"You haven't met the Primus Pilus yet. She is quite fun to watch." He said with a smile on his face.
"Why don't you fight or participate?" His smile grew larger.
"If I joined, Majorian would have to join in too to make it fair. But I'll promise you this. If you become strong enough I'll fight against you in the war games."
"I'll be looking forward to it. I'll fight with the fourth cohort."
"You have a knack of making me excited, you know that. The spear of the first legion and the son of Jupiter against the newest Augustus. If you win it would be spectacular!" I could see the excitement in his eyes.
"Well I shall try my best."
"Well then go to the group all the way on the right where The Arena is being expanded and tell them you are joining the fourth cohort. You shouldn't have any problems if you do have any Jason should sort it out. Good luck!"
"Thank you." I answered. I walked through the sand and I could see that some people were pushing the side of the arena. The sand was a lot softer than last time and there was more of it. There was a group of seven sitting away from the others. I'm pretty sure they're taking a break. I walked over to them. "Hello I am supposed to be a part of the fourth cohort."
"I'm guessing you're his replacement. What were you a part of before Auxlia or reserves?" Shit what do I say. Do I tell him I'm part of the reserves? Or do I just say I'm Aurelianus? He probably won't believe me.
"Reserves."
"Oh sweet. Well that means you're tagging with us from now on. Welcome to the Contubernium. I'm Ricky, your overwatch." He was an older man with a greying beard. "Patchface over there is Hank." Hank had multiple scars on his face and was sipping out of a flask while flipping Ricky off. "The girl with pink hair is Courtney. Vic is the bland one with a baby face. Jamie is the girl with the shitty neck tattoo. And last but definitely least is Romeo, our friendly neighborhood demigod." Romeo had midnight black hair with violet eyes.
"Fuck off Rick." Romeo kicked some sand into the air.
"So what's your name?" Shit I definitely would've liked if Trajan went over this.
"My name is Jaxson. With an x."
"Well then Jaxson are you a legacy or a demigod?"
"I'm pretty sure I'm a demigod but I'm not sure who's."
"Oh so you're like our little mystery then. Hank I bet you right now he's a son of Venus." Hank shook his head.
"Nah he seems more like an Apollo."
"He's obviously a son of Janus. He looks like he has two faces." Jamie called from behind.
"Hey, maybe he's your opposite Romeo." Romeo cringed.
"A son of Eris?" He looked over to me. "If you're a son of Eris this will be one sick joke." I stood in silence. I don't know who Eris' sister is but I'm pretty sure I'm not her son.
"Hey The centurion is coming!" Vic called. The group started straightening up. Hank threw his flask in his pocket, Ricky got up and started stretching. Everyone else started cleaning up and started getting ready to move.
"Hello Centurion Leila, we were just getting ready to head back." Rick said to the Centurion. She had dirty blonde hair and was glancing around the group.
"I'm sure you were. I see your new recruit is here." She looked over at me. "Welcome to the fourth cohort. I'm your leading Centurion. Judging by the way you look, you don't have any experience in construction." She turned back to Ricky. "Take him to the mess hall. Centurion Hank will deal with him"
"Thanks for the promotion Centurion." Hank smiled.
"You know what I meant, Hank give me your flask." Hank frowned and threw her his flask. She walked away.
"You gave her your back up didn't you Hank?" Courtney said, shaking her head.
"You know me so well."
After Ricky and his Contubernium dropped me off in an under construction dining hall I was picked up by some legionaries who made me the head chef's assistant. That head chef being Centurion Hank. "I need a case of eggs and tomato sauce from across the kitchen."
"Yes sir." This was not what I expected from the wargames. I imagined a much more militaristic group. But I guess everyone has to eat. I got the cans and eggs and placed them on the counter.
"Good now, watch the sauce and stew. I'll be back soon." He left, placing his mittens on the counter. The Centurion had the heat too high. The vegetables hadn't been properly cut. The whole kitchen was a mess. Dishes dirty, knives dirty, spoons all dirty. I thought legions were supposed to be organized. I began washing the dishes while watching the sauce. I finished the dishes and began cutting up the vegetables. Till of course the knife broke. The blade came out of the handle. Shit. I'll just make another. I closed my eyes and concentrated on making a knife. The blade the color the handle. The knife appeared on the countertops and I continued. "You're really good at cooking, you know. Perhaps you should take over. As you will take over the city Augustus." I looked toward him. He saw me. Well it shouldn't matter. "I'll keep your secret as long as you make sure we win. But by then I'm sure the secret will be out. Oh and the stew has been on for too long."
A Lot of things happened in this chapter. New Rome is going to be more work than I thought. The amount of characters is getting to an absurd amount. To the point where I'm starting to forget their names. But don't worry everything will be built up soon hopefully.
Jason has been aged up. As he was too young to do anything before. The Senate will play a larger role for a bit at least till Octavian returns. Now I know what some of you are thinking. Octavian as a Augustus? Oh this is going to be a shit show. Don't worry they'll be way more bearable than originally.
The new Demon Slayer season is getting good and I can't wait to watch the Jujutsu Kaisen movie or the new Attack on Titan season. I really need to start watching the anime on my watchlist before Attack on Titan comes out.
With that all I can say is happy New Years! Cesar or Tempest out.