Tempest or Cesar here. I now understand why guys like GRRM take so long to write books. Like I really wanted to write but I made such little progress some days. But I made sure to release it before this month ended. I know last chapter didn't really have action. But hopefully this chapters action is good. Well enjoy.
In the war room it was particularly dark. Even though it was just past noon. They stood gazing upon a map of the Continent. Markers showed the First legion and scouts across the Continent. "You let him join the wargames."
"He was completely healed. Having him sit will do nothing as he is surely a demigod or a legacy." The Augustus answered his colleague.
"It doesn't matter. We can not put him at risk. Especially when he hasn't even remembered his name."
"He'll be fine. I have Jason watching over him. He'll surely let the Primus Pilus know the situation if she hasn't realized yet."
"That's not the point! You know how tense the Senate has become! All of them not in the military will be stripped of power! They are selfish bastards, you know that!" The Augustus yelled.
"Relax Major he'll be fine, we've seen his instinctual power. If he's hit the only ones who can stop him are under our control. And that's if the senators have the balls to attack us. Because even if they succeed the prophecy will be completed. We will not fail. All we need is Octavian to be back and the crusade can begin."
"Sol knows how long it'll take for their tour to finish. Last time I went on tour I was gone for a year."
"We can hold out till then. Once Remus is at full strength we can secure the State and go from there. All that is left is the Sonora's."
"Something's bound to happen. All of our scouts not in the Sonora's say it's unusually quiet. And out of State is another problem. The East Coast scouts are almost completely silent. We get few updates."
"It all happened after the shit Victor found out. Still can't wrap my mind around it."
"Forget it. Just make sure Remus stays safe."
Six Days Later
Jaxson P.O.V
No combat for six days. Cardio in the morning before the sun rises. Build the fortress by hand. Eat lunch. Dig the trench till nightfall. Eat dinner then sleep. Exhausting work with little break. I wanted some more excitement. Yesterday we weren't allowed to go outside as the Centurions met and determined if both sides were ready. It was still extremely boring. Luckily tomorrow we're genuinely fighting. Damn I need to piss. I got up off the bunk bed. "Where are you going Jaxson?"
"Just going to take a leak Ricky."
"Alright." He turned to the other side of his bed.
Man I preferred staying by myself in the woods. Outside it was cold and the fog was thick. The shipment of supplies had mandatory clothes included with the lumber and stone. They were purposely poorly made apparently. I overheard Hank complaining about it. They had one portapotty in the entire fortress not including the Centurion only one. So I just took a piss in the corner. Above me was a crow. It was staring at me. It was quite awkward considering my privates were out. At least it was staying quiet unlike the seagulls in the morning. I was quite scared it would swoop down and bite me but it didn't. Heading back I noticed lights coming from the other side of the arena. Looking over I noticed the other fortress hadn't shut down their lights. They wouldn't attack at midnight would they? This is supposed to be a public event. Unless people are already here and just waiting. But then there would be other light sources. Maybe there's something blocking the light. Like a tarp or something. I went to the back of the fortress to get out. In case the night watch was still awake.
The back would be less watched since it would be harder to get to. I carefully snuck out the back and walked over to the edge of the wall. I reached out to touch it but there was something blocking me. It felt like glass. Oh shit. There was a dome on top of the Arena on the edge of the walls. It was probably one sided meaning there was probably a crowd waiting in silence. I need to let the Centurions know and I need night watch to sound the alarm. They are definitely planning to attack. I rushed toward the Centurion quarters bursting through the door waking them all up. "The Other fortress is going to attack!"
The lights were off and I could only see a few faces from the light behind me. The faces I did see looked at me like deer in headlights. "What the fuck!"
"Goddammit Jerry I told you to tell the fucking legionaries there were going to be no night attacks!" My heart fell I had fucked up.
"Give me a fucking break man. I told night watch I didn't expect some fucking probatio to burst in here in the middle of the night!" I slowly took a step back.
"Both of you shut the fuck up! Jerry it was your job to make sure shit like this didn't happen! We pulled straws, remember? Phil why didn't you make sure Jerry did his fucking job! You're not the head of a whole cohort for no fucking reason!" Silence from the cabin. "And you! Don't fucking move I'm going to make sure you get stuck in probatio for months for this!" This was it I've fucked up big time. The lights were switched on and I could feel the rage of the Centurions all around me. Like a thick fog of hatred and rage. The head of the fortress stomped over to me. I was getting ready for a slap. ERRRRRR!
A massive cry of noise coming from above. I could hear a roar of cheering slowly growing. The alarm bells began ringing but they were overshadowed by the creaking of metal. I walked outside and looked up to see the dome be lifted and a crowd sitting under bright lights. The Centurions began coming out watching in awe. Till the head Centurion ran. Oh shit. There's an attack about to happen. I began running to the armory, busting open the door and putting on my leather armor. Shit, shit shit. We're about to lose. The legionaries and Centurions began pouring in. I put on my armor and began tossing armor to whoever walked in till a Centurion took over. I grabbed a gladius and shield before I pushed my way through the crowd.
"Archers! To the wall!" A loud horn sounded, awakening anyone who hadn't.
"All infantry get outside the gates! If attacked hold the fucking line!" Loud trumpets began playing from the arena.
"Welcome everyone who's just arriving. We have a late night battle commencing. The Primus Pilus and her mini legion is starting their attack on Centurion Hannah's and Augustus Aurelianus' mini legion! Yes you heard that right we have an Augustus on the battlefield!" The crowd roared louder than it had before.
"What're you doing? Get to the trench we need to hold the line!" A Centurion gave me a pile of pila and ran to the armory. I could feel the ground rumble as I ran to the trench. Arrows came flying as I jumped behind cover. I spotted another Centurion across from me.
"I have some pila! Where are the others?" There was barely anyone holding the line. Had they pushed now they would've taken the fortress.
"We're all that's left! They massacred us! The pila won't do any good, we need bodies and shields!" The enemy pila were killing anyone who stepped outside the fortress walls.
"We need to stop the pila! The archers aren't doing shit!" I created a wall before. Why don't I create a wall above the enemy. "Centurion I need you to get me inside on my signal! I have a plan that might work!" He nodded as I looked from behind the barricade. There was a shield wall protecting the legionaries. I need to try to wipe out as much of the shields as possible. I imagined bricks floating above them. Concrete connecting the bricks. I made it span the entire length of the half legion before opening my eyes. Energy sapped out of my body as I heard a large squish of bodies flattering from the wall. The Centurion grabbed my arm and took me outside the infirmary tent. The tent was already full of injured legionaries. The scent was of blood, metal and pills.
"It seems as though we have a surprise! Augustus Aurelianus has joined the war games!" I'm going to fucking kill that commentator. Piece of shit making everything seem like a fun time. "Let's see if our Augustus will turn the tide! Or will he be washed in the blood of his legion!"
"Do you need anything my Augustus?" The Centurion looked over at me. His face had blood splattered, his pupils were dilated and his arms were starting to shake.
"I need some time. I don't want to lose my train of thought and run in. I can't do that if I do, I mean we won't go far. Give me a minute and take me to the wall. I need to see the entire field. If you can bring everyone that is currently on the wall on standby. We might be able to pierce the enemy line."
"Yes my Augustus." He bowed and left. There's too much noise. I can barely think. The Primus Pilus and Jason still haven't shown up. The wall I made is probably going to be destroyed soon if it hasn't already. We've already had too many dead and injured. A counterattack has to be done with some kind of flanking. I got up my ass and grabbed the hand of a stunned legionary.
"Hey look at me." He looked up in fear. The smell was increasing and it was filling my mind. I felt like vomiting. "What's your name?"
"An...dre."
"I have a job for you Andre. Can you find Centurion Hannah? Tell her the Augustus wants to talk to her. Can you do that?" He slowly nodded his head. I held onto his arms waiting for a more affirming nod. I let go of him and he jogged off. I need to get back outside. But I just told the Centurion to get to the roof. Shit. I climbed up the wall. The arrows were scattered all over. There was no organization. The Centurion was however trying to set the archers.
"My Augustus, I brought you all the demigods I could find." Romeo from my centerburnium and four others.
"I need to know what you all can do if we want to turn the tide!"
"I can create mayhem and disorganize groups of people." Romeo answered first.
"I can see briefly into the future."
"I can guide my arrows or pila a certain amount."
"I can teleport a couple times a day."
"I can control flames but I can't summon any." Shit there's nothing that can immediately turn the tide.
"Centurion, get any more legionaries on the wall and see if any more Centurions are still alive! Then when you think there's enough, get them ready behind the gates. Make sure the gates stay closed!" He nodded and ran down the wall. "I'm going to call you all by your power got it! Make sure you listen! This is our last chance!" I brought them down the wall as more and more legionaries came up. Some had gashes and wounds exposed. Others barely had enough energy to fire. "I need you all to do one job. Teleport can you teleport multiple people at once?"
"I can but I can only do two, including myself."
"How far can you see in the future seer?"
"A few seconds nothing farther." Shit that's a small window.
"How many arrows or pila can you control at once?"
"I can only control one at a time. I can't use my power immediately after."
"Do you have a set limit of people you can disorganize or is it an area of people Romeo?"
"It's a set area."
"Do you think if we pushed all the enemies together you'll be able to affect them all?"
"Maybe if they were close enough but I'll be out of action."
Their powers would be great if they all were just a little bit more powerful. If I can start a fire large enough to encircle the entirety of the enemy force I could get Romeo to send them into a frenzy. I have to time it so their shields are down. I have to get this timed perfectly and hold out long enough for the flames to encircle the force and become large enough. "Alright Seer, I need you to give us a countdown for when the next Pila will be thrown. Archer as soon as she says one fire the arrow. Then Teleport I need you to quickly teleport Romeo and Flames before Archer shoots an arrow with fire on it towards the enemy line. Flames then I need you to grow the flames and encircle the enemy troops. If you have any energy Teleport I need you to get me to Flames so I can hold the line. Once Flames encircles the force Romeo I need you to send them into a frenzy. While all this is happening Seer if you see that Jason or the Primus Pilus is moving towards the front I need you to ring the warning bell twice. I know it's a lot in one time but we need to get this done if we're going to survive this." I waited for them to process before continuing. "This isn't about winning. This isn't for our legion, this is for us. If we hold and not attack we will die. But if we attack now we will live and die by our choice. Now let's spill their blood for the name of Sol and our ancestors of Rome!"
"My Augustus, I'll join you on an assault. I will lead all of our remaining infantry on a charge once the flames rise." The Centurion announced as he stood on one knee.
"Do not bow to me, Centurion. Rise and fight for the men under your command."
"3.."
"IN POSITION NOW!"
"2.."
Time began to slow as I saw arrows falling from the hands of the demigods. Tears in the eyes of the archers letting go arrows as the string scraped their arms. The wood stained red with blood cracking and falling apart. The savage cheers from the crowd asking for blood. And the crow from before watching me as it all happened. Unwavering as arrows flew past it.
"1…"
Archer let go of the arrow as it flew in sonic speed to the ground as Flames was teleported away and soon after Romeo. I looked up at the night sky waiting to hear the roar of the flames. The stars showed themselves sparklingly whispering in my ear to push forward. I heard the roar of the flames and walked down the steps. The cries of those in flames and those in the infirmary were all I could hear. The brutality of Romans being burned alive was too much even for the blood thirty crowd. Seeing they're brothers, sisters, lovers and children in flames being crusted alive was too much. The Centurion threw swords at men as they passed me getting ready for their final push into enemy lines battered and bloody. In the Chaos I walked slowly. This was not what one heard in the stories. Of heroes and villains. They didn't tell you about the pain. They didn't tell you about their eyes. They didn't tell you the emotion. My steps began to speed up. I couldn't feel the ground anymore. It was as if I was walking on air. My legs were light and my arms were struggling to hold the sword and shield in my hands. I threw them as I ran and imagined two lighter swords in my hands. One bronze and one dark as night.
The plan had worked; their entire front line was wiped but it would be impossible to do it again. Flames and Romeo had collapsed on the ground barely conscious. Teleport was struggling to stand.
"Soldiers of Rome! This is our final stand!" I heard the bells ring twice behind me. Above me the Jumbotron was showing me. "We will fight to the end no matter what! Whether we die is not a factor! For no matter what Rome mustn't fall! We shall keep the dream of Rome alive! Because we are what my soldiers?"
"ROMANS!"
"To say I am impressed is an understatement." Jason landed on the ground shattering the earth around him. "I am sure you were well warned of what I can do." He began manifesting lightning around his body. It was volatile, striking at anything near him. "If you would like I could give myself a handicap and limit the embarrassment."
"I will not be talked down to by someone who only fights when his force is massacred!"
"I will make you take back your words. I am no coward!"
"Your actions seem to show the opposite! Stop waiting for help and charge you son of a bitch!"
He smiled putting on his helmet. The lightning around him began to form a layer of armor around him. "It's time for you to see what a true Son of Rome fights." The sky above us began to be covered with dark clouds. Lightning flashing between them.
"Get them to safety, I'll hold him off!" The remaining legionaries behind me slowly backed off. Concentrate. Don't use all of your power. Just enough to hold him back. Stay conscious.
He charged first the lightning striking first. I created a small wall blocking the lightning. The wall collapsed when the lightning hit letting Jason push through the rubble. Barely blocking him with my sword I felt a jolt of lightning go through my veins freezing me for a second.
That was enough to land a shot barely missing the weak spot between the chest and shoulders. Sending another shock through my body. I created another small wall allowing myself to catch a breath before his next attack. I can't be on the defensive. I need to land a hit through that energy field.
Jason began to laugh. His laugh was filled with murderous intent. "Can you not keep up Augustus? Do you want me to slow down? Or would you like the lightning to disappear." It began to rain hard onto the Arena. Jason lifted his sword to the sky as lightning connected him to the clouds. "I hope the collateral damage isn't too bad." The lightning stopped as he pointed the blade to me. He will shoot the lightning at me. I fell to the ground creating a shield to block the lightning. The bolt of electricity shot above me whooshed past me hitting what was left of the fortress killing all that was left.
"It is now only the Augustus remaining!" The stupid commentator announced.
"I'll give you a second to see the burnt crisps of your legion Aurelianus." I rose off the ground seeing the fortress in flames and everyone turned into ash or husks. "Now will I get to see the Augustus or will I see the weakling false Roman?"
"You will see neither! For I shall show you Restorer of Rome! The Restorer of Sol! The Savior of Civilization!" I imagined the stories Mother Lupa told me of Aurelianus. His armor glistened in the light. The golden mask showing no emotion. And the laurels that sat on his head. I felt the cold armor touch my skin. I felt the weight for a second before it disappeared. "Are you not entertained!?"
I charged towards the Centurion. He rose to the sky dust flying underneath him. He rammed into me with tremendous speed. As we flew to the edge of the Arena the shocks increased in frequency and pain. I smacked him with the back of my blade loosening his grip. I pushed him off leaving us both skidding across the sand. I was slow to get up as Jason arose and sent another bolt of lightning toward me. I couldn't block it as it shocked me all over. He slowly walked toward me as the crowd cheered. "I am disappointed. All that talk. For nothing!" He put the blade on my shoulder. "At least you'll join my trophy room."
Fuck it. I'll give in. I let the darkness take control of me. Slowly seeing myself in third person.
Void P.O.V
The Augustus summoned a spear of darkness impaling the Centurions arm. Leaving him hanging. The Augustus rose off the ground slowly as birds of prey began circling the sky. "Now where were we?" His voice changed into something much more sinister. But the Centurion responded quickly. He lifted himself off the spear. And floated down to the ground.
"Is this the real Aurelianus? Or just another false emperor?" He sent the lightning to his arm, completely transforming it to energy.
"I'll let you decide." The Augustus got rid of his helmet. Exposing the swirl of different faces. As his hair flickered from one color to the next. Till he looked how he did as a Greek. Except now with The Wolf's training he was now more lean.
The two had their blades clash as the son of Jupiter shot lightning at The Augustus.
"What a surprising turn of events!" The Legacy spoke to the silent crowd. Both boys looked up at the Legacy staring daggers. That silenced him.
"Are you surprised your light show has no effect? You may have gotten me when I wasn't in the right mind. But now you're facing another person." The Augustus now remembered his brief training with The Pirate. Including the rest of his memories.
"I'm only surprised how it took you this long. They pushed each other off. This time The Centurion charged. As the Augustus created a hurdle tripping the Centurion. As he fell The son of Hecate smashed his knee into his face with such force it sent him into the air. The Centurion rested for a second in the air feeling the power of his Father beginning to surge.
"Now do you really want this Augustus? Surrender now or be eradicated!" The Augustus smiled sinisterly.
"Try me bitch." The Centurion's eyes rolled back, returning completely blue. His entire body turned into an extension of lightning. He pointed his finger at The Augustus as a beam of lightning hit him instantly. Keeping him Frozen in place slowly burning his skin.
"Your ashes are good enough for my collection. I'll make sure to piss on them." The Augustus slowly disintegrated to nothing but dust.
Jaxson P.O.V
I awoke to darkness. But I could see through it. There were spirits whirling around endlessly. They all spoke one by one. No one spirit spoke the same. "Another arrived."
"This one is different from the last."
"Indeed he survived longer."
"Very interesting."
"His death isn't permanent."
"A blessing?"
"No he is Romani."
"Indeed he reeks of their pride."
"Do you not smell the envy of Greece?"
"She's right. The scent of Eleusis."
"A mix of Gracian and Romani."
"An interesting one.
"Such a shame he will return."
"Perhaps he has new stories for us."
"Indeed the stories are all so old."
"And the ancient one's never let us see the new world." The darkness got even colder as larger spirits arrived
"The Old King will allow all to see this one's death." A larger spirit spoke, silencing the rest.
"So he is different after all." A smaller spirit said silently.
"Compared to you insignificant beings of my realm, yes he is different. However do not forget no one is above me. And from now on you shall all see this one's life." The largest spirit of all looked down upon me like a child does to an ant. "Now young Godling you have seen your future. No matter what your fate is inevitable. How do you feel?" My throat wouldn't allow me to speak. 'No need to speak Godling. It was simply a small test.' A bright light beagn appearing behind the spirits. Till it enveloped everything.
Left it at a small cliffhanger. I apologize in advance it might take one or two chapters before you see what happens. That's all I'm going to say since I've already revealed way to much in the notes.
I've watched the new Kanye documentary and finished Demon Slayer the other day both were pretty good. But I prefer the first season of Demon Slayer.
Classroom of The Elite is getting another season which is a welcome surprise. And the JJK manga is getting better every chapter. And with that leave a review. Give me some feedback if you want. But most importantly stay safe wherever you are. Cesar or Tempest out.