I'm on fire. Cesar or Tempest here. You know how I said the first original arc is coming soon. Well I certainly didn't expect to write over 4000 words this quickly. Another bonus it isn't even 2 in the morning when I'm writing this. So Enjoy.
Jaxson P.O.V
"Now let us welcome back our fallen legionaries!" A roar of applause. Where am I? My head was killing me. I could see bright lights above me. Then Jason walked up in front of me. I could still see electricity coming off me. He reached his hand out.
"Let's get you outta the dirt." I grabbed his hand and he pulled me up.
"Thanks."
"Don't mention it." I looked around and saw the once dead legionaries being taken in stretchers out of The Arena. How are we alive? He vaporized us.
"How am I alive?"
"A blessing of Mars. This arena is blessed by Mars. Everyone who dies here will be brought back alive. Along with all PTSD and trauma be negated. This is why we try to have people fight here as much as possible." He pointed up into the stands. "You see that man with the red and white robes surrounded by Palatini. He is the Pontifex Maximus. The Chief Priest of Sol Invictus and the man who healed us and revived you." So much power. The strength of Rome is incredible. And to imagine I have yet to see the full extent of my fellow Augustuses' strength.
"What happens now?" I asked.
"We go to the hospitals and get some rest. We need to make sure there isn't any underlying problems."
"How long is it going to take?"
"Depends."
September
"My name is Jaxson Morrigan. I am also Remus Gaius Aurelianus. I am a Son of Hecate. I am here for a reason. I have a girlfriend named Beatrice. I have friends across the country in Camp. Don't forget again." That was my morning ritual. Every morning I stand in front of my bathroom mirror reciting those words everyday. There were still blank spots in my memory. I know I had a pet bird. I know I left camp with someone. And I know I have a mission and an important job. But I don't remember what.
I got dressed and walked outside. It was a beautiful fall morning. Today I'd be helping with construction in the slums of New Rome. I was first introduced to the impoverished areas of New Rome by Trajan. Since then I've been helping with reconstruction considering my powers work well for building. I started the engine of my old Corvette. And drove off into the streets of New Rome. I've started to get used to the main city now. Where most of the residents stay. It was like a normal city. I waited outside a Faun owned coffee shop for my partner. After a few minutes of waiting out came Don. He was an older Faun and had even spent time in the legions.
"Good morning Aurelian." He said as he entered the car with two coffees.
"Good morning Don. So what do we have to do today?" I asked, taking a coffee from his hand.
"A few apartment reconstructions, road repairs and we're building a Dacian police station." A busy day. Then again they're probably making me do so much since I'll be leaving soon.
"Well let's get going shall we." It didn't take long for us to enter the slums. The primary residents were Fauns, petty criminals and those born here. Only ways one could get out realistically was to take up military service or join the arena and succeed. But we were making this place better. The main roads were brand new. Hospitals and other essential services had been rebuilt completely. As such people from the main city had begun to come here more often. Which means an increase in business and that means everything is slowly growing. We've gotten gardeners and stone masons to help build parks and statues here. As well as getting young teachers who grew up here to return to help the new generation.
Don was a leader in the movement to make the slums a place as beautiful as the other parts of Rome. I had gotten in contact with him by speaking to Mr. Lombard. And since then we've been working together. Mr. Lombard had also been the major contributor to allowing us to continue the project putting huge amounts of money into it. "Take a left. Some of the guys should already be there waiting."
I took a left and a few men in construction uniforms were waiting. "Good morning Augustus. Let's get to work shall we?"
Hours Later.
Fucking hell. I need a break. Those roads killed me. "After this apartment let's call it a day. I'm starting to lose my strength."
"No problem. You just need to start the main construction. They also requested a basement so could you create some supporting structures where we dug?"
"Sure." Focus. Concentrate. Concentrate. Every screw. Every piece of wood.
"Thank you Augustus. We'll handle it from here." I left them to do their job. I walked through the streets. I wasn't going to meet Jason and Trajan yet. We were going to leave tomorrow for the Sierra's. My long awaited first mission. I arrived at one of the newer parks. I saw kids playing on the playground. We were making an impact. Soon this place will be unrecognizable. 'Rome will burn. Don't lie to yourself, Godling. My husband awaits your company. I'll make sure you see him early." The voice disappeared. What the fuck was that. It was as if someone put a drill to my head and carved a hole. It hurt horribly.
I decided to go see Jason and Trajan. I drove out of the slums in a hurry. Rome will burn. I'll make sure it will last forever. Rome will not die for as long as I live. They were most likely at the military base outside the city. I drove outside passing the Shrine of Terminus. The woods surrounding the city were beautiful. Watching their leaves slowly turn orange. The base was a thirty minute drive away. It was the largest base New Rome had. Filled with cars, trucks, helicopters and planes. It was also armed to the teeth. Anti air systems, anti tank, artillery and a constant garrison.
I drove in easily as the Eagles had already seen me driving to the base. "Ave Augustus. Perfect timing. Centurion Jason and Augustus Trjan have just landed at the airstrip." The head of the Garrison said.
"Thanks for letting me know. May Sol watch over you." I continued past the checkpoint to the airstrip. Trajan was wearing his normal casual apparel while Jaxson was wearing a black and purple suit.
"Hey Aurelian! Damn perfect timing. C'mon we're going to say hi to your cohorts." Trajan greeted me.
"What's up Trajan? We have multiple cohorts now?" I asked. I thought we were only going out with a singular cohort.
"Yeah. The Dacians want some action apparently. So a couple of their divisions are traveling with you. Not really more cohorts but more soldiers." Trajan cleared up.
"You ready for this Aurelian?" Jason asked. We'll be staying in the barracks tonight and leaving in the morning." J
"I'm ready, don't worry Jason. Let's get this done quickly." We headed over to the briefing room. It was a large auditorium and we stepped on stage. The place was close to full.
"As you all know we will be heading into the Sierra's. We've lost every scout regiment we've sent out there. Not even being able to retrieve their bodies. Some of you may have known those scouts. They may have been your brother, your sister, your father, your mother, your lover. Tomorrow we avenge them. Tomorrow we head out into the mountains and whatever that's there killing our scouts we bring them in chains to Rome!" A roar of approval from the crowd. "Now for specific details. Your two commanding officers will be myself, Augustus Aurelianus and Chief Daizus." The Chief rose from the crowd. He was an older man with scars on his face. His light green eyes staring in determination. "The Dacian force will be led by their Chief and the fifth cohort will be led by me. Along with my Ordines Centurion Baniston." The girl that was with Dakota when I first arrived stood up. How nice. "Augustus Aurelianus will also be a commanding officer but he will be taking a more passive role. He will mainly be focusing on the construction of a small fort and any combat we get engaged in. Any questions?"
Nobody spoke. That was a pretty good speech. "Alright rest of the day is yours feel free to visit your families or have a drink." Trajan spoke. People began getting up and going out the doors. The ones who remained were us three on the stage. "Well I'll be heading out. Me and The Major will see you both off tomorrow." With that it was me and Jason.
"What do you think is happening out there?" I asked Jason.
"In the Sierra's I'm guessing monster infestation. They've been coming down from the North. It shouldn't be too much of a problem. But the Sierra's are an important region we need to keep clear." I nodded.
"Alright then. I'll be going back to my place really quickly. I'll be back in a bit. I left a couple things."
"Take your time. We still got some time to waste." I walked out of the room and went into my car. Shit I'm getting nervous. Should I be getting nervous? It's a simple mission right? I shouldn't be getting that nervous. I drove out the base. The sun was setting, turning the sky a purple and orange color. This place is beautiful. I should take Bea out here. It would be a great place for a date.
I reached the entrance of New Rome and rolled down my window. "Terminus, how are you?"
"Doing what I've always been doing. Did you forget something?" Terminus responded.
"Yeah, just a few minor things. I'll be back in a bit."
"Well, have a goodnight."
"You too Terminus." I drove back into the city. The bright lights of the city slowly lighting up as the Sun falls lower. I entered my house and went to grab my bag. In my bedroom was my diary. I had recently started writing in it. Apparently it's good to put your thoughts down on paper. I tossed into my bag and drove off.
I drove back to the base and dropped my bag in the cargo truck. I walked into my personal Barrack where I began to write in my diary.
I did a lot of work today. Well kind of. I still want to get stronger. And everyday I remember more and more about my past. I haven't tried using any of my other powers yet. Like the voice and the thing where I can create clones of people. I remembered that clone thing the other day. When I remembered waking up with Rin on my bed. That was weird. With every memory I get back I start feeling this sort of homesickness.
I love New Rome. But I miss the Camp. I miss my friends. Lou, Cee, Jules, Carnus and Beck. I miss the date nights with Bea. I miss the pranks with the Stoll brothers. I miss the late night parties. I miss a lot from there.
What pisses me off is that I know I'm here in New Rome for a reason. But I can't remember what. I remember I received dreams in Camp but I don't remember what they were. I remember I swore on the styx. But I don't remember why.
It's really strange. The people of both places are different. The Camp doesn't have anyone that old. Over here it feels like there's more elderly than children.
I just can't wait to get all my memories back.
I stopped writing and turned off the lights.
The morning was hectic. I woke up early to eat breakfast with the legionaries. Jason barked orders before we were herded into large RVs. I was staying in a RV with Dakota, Baniston and two other legionaries. One of which spent his time driving.
"So Augustus what's your favorite drink?" Dakota asked
"That's the first thing you're going to say to him since we've seen him outside the walls?" Baniston scolded him.
"You can learn a lot about someone by their favorite drink." Dakota defended himself.
"Well I don't really drink. But if I were to say it would have to be…" They don't have nectar here. "Wine. I really like wine."
"I see. I prefer Kool Aid myself." What? That's what he meant?
Seeing any confusion Baniston asked me "So have you gained all your memories back?"
"No, not all of them. I remember a lot from before I met Lupa. But my childhood, what happened right before I was with Lupa and other key things I don't remember anything about them." I answered.
"If you don't mind me asking. Who were you before you were with Lupa." I shouldn't tell them about camp.
"I was a normal guy. I had a girlfriend. I had friends. I had fun. I partied. I wasn't any different from anyone else." I want to say it all. I want to tell them everything.
"I see. I'm sorry but we just never actually talked to any of the Augustuses. You're the first. And I was curious to see what you were like before you became you." Baniston clarified.
"It's okay. How about you two? How did you two end up here?"
"I was born in New Rome. Towards the end of the Civil war. I saw as a boy Crassus and Lepidus lead their legions. That made me want to join them. I worked my way up from Probatio to Centurion. I still want to become Legate or Primus Pilus but I am happy where I am." Civil War? I haven't heard anything about that.
"I wasn't born in New Rome. I was born in San Fran. Not too far away but I was brought here after my parents were killed. Then just like Dakota I moved up the ranks to Centurion. I am fine where I am. I might retire in a few years and become a senator." San Francisco. I know someone from there. I don't remember who.
"Can you tell me more about the Civil War? I don't really hear much about it." I asked.
"Well, New Rome has been weakening for a long time. Before we had control over the entire United States. Then the American Civil War, plagues, earthquakes, fires and finally culminating in the Roman Civil war. Crassus and Lepidus were Praetors. The Consuls were Veron and Parson. Veron and Parson sent Crassus and Lepidus to retrieve the Wolf Standard all the way near Toronto. While they were gone New Rome fell into Chaos. The entirety of the Thracian people were slaughtered practically killing off their line after it survived the massacre of Attila. As you know Marcus is the last of Thrace. That sent the city in a spiral. Martial Law was put in place and forced enrollment into legions. The money Rome gained from previous conquest was spent on themselves. They sent inexperienced legionaries into hordes of monsters. Crippling the population. Word got out to Crassus and Lepidus and they turned back from Toronto to fight outside Rome. Where the Arena now lays. Despite what Veron and Parson did they still had legions fighting for them. Crassus and Lepidus won the battle decisively. Killing Veron and Parson with an attack from the right flank. In a final act of defiance they started an earthquake destroying a good part of the city. Since then Crassus and Lepidus have been Consul." I didn't know those two fought. It's like nobody speaks about it.
"I didn't know that. Is it taboo to talk about?" I asked.
"No it's just that Crassus and Lepidus don't like it when people talk about it. They say it's a stain on Rome and they are ashamed they had to kill Romans." That makes sense.
"Why don't we talk about something less depressing shall we. Tell us about your girlfriend. If you don't mind of course." Baniston said.
"Well she's extremely cute. She's very shy. Even if she won't ever admit it. She used to scold me quite a bit. But I love her. Because everytime you tease she blushes. And she really enjoys romantic things. I remember one day we were at a dance and I asked her where she wanted to go. She told me she just wanted a candlelit dinner. So I made that happen."
"You loved her a lot huh." Dakota asked.
"I still do."
"Do you think you'll see her again?" He asked again.
"I'll make sure I will." I was going to bring her to New Rome no doubt about it. By then the city will be practically perfect with all of the Slums being renovated. "I never asked. But I know your name Dakota but I only know you as Baniston."
"I'm Gwendolyn. Just call me Gwen."
"Well then I might as well tell you my name as well. My name is Jaxson Morrigan. Jaxson with an X."
"Thank you for telling us Augustus. It is an honor." Gwen said.
"Don't worry about it. We're all human after all."
"We're 3 hours away! We got reports from the first RV there's a crash so we might have to be on the road longer!" The legionary called from the passenger seat.
The Sierra's
It had taken an extra hour before we arrived at the rendezvous point. We got off and stretched our legs. The sun was still out. "Alright Augustus, can you begin construction on the fortress? We need to get everything ready ASAP. The sooner we have walls the better." I nodded and began to think. 'Welcome to your first test, Godling. I do hope you make my husband proud.' That voice. It's back. Don't listen to the voice. Concentrate. Concentrate. It must be large enough for everyone. An outer wall. A killzone behind it. A second wall. Ten barracks. Three small huts. A large building. An armory. I felt all my energy sap away from me as I fell to the ground.
"Wow you good there? You didn't have to make it all at once. Take The Augustus for some rest. He just saved you all days of work.
I was carried off back into the RV. Where they laid me down and left me. Fuck that shit really drained me. That might've been the most I've made at one time. Man. How would I do against Carnus now? I might be able to beat him hand to hand now. I could build cabins for the unclaimed and children of minor cabins. I could build them so easily now. I could do so much now. I haven't even used my other powers. I should start practicing them like I did before. Shit I forgot to build an infirmary. I'll build it once I can walk again. I heard rattling and out cane Jason. "Do you think you could crutches or will you need a wheelchair?"
Well at least I'll be able to move around. "I'll take the crutches." I held on to the wall and slowly walked myself out. Then Jason helped me with the crutches. "Where's the fort?"
"Behind you." I turned and saw it. It was definitely the most I built at a time. The walls were at least fifteen feet tall. I could already see they began moving supplies inside the walls. It was definitely large enough for all the legionaries.
"I didn't make an infirmary. And I didn't furnish the rooms."
"Don't worry about it. You have to let us do some work. Baniston! Send a squad to get some wood. We need to furnish some of the base." Jason called out.
"On it!" Gwen yelled. I could see her ordering a group of Dacians and legionaries into the woods.
"Dakota! Take care of The Augustus for me please." Jason ordered.
"C'mon now Augustus show me which one is your quarters." I led him to where I had envisioned my quarters and he sat me down. "How did you learn how to build things like this?"
"It came to me one day. Since then I have been practicing. I started off extremely small like little figurines. Then it grew to the point it is now." I answered. Can I tell them about Camp? I feel like I shouldn't.
"How about that thing where your hair and face change?" Dakota asked.
"That's because I can change the way I look. Wait a second please." I closed my eyes imagining Dakota. Concentrate.
"Whoa. Now that's weird. You're like an identical clone." Switch back.
"Yeah I remember the first time I tried it. I freaked out my sister."
"Does your sister know where you are?" Dakota asked.
"No… No she doesn't."
"Another reason for you to go home huh."
"Yeah. I might go once Octavian returns. Just let them see me. I might bring them to New Rome."
"Does your sister have powers?" Do I just let him know about Camp. Fuck it.
"Dakota, can you promise me something?" I asked. He looked at me skeptically.
"Sure."
"Well on the East Coast there's this camp. Where demigods live and train. Like New Rome but only demigods and it's not a city more like a summer camp. Well I stayed there for a bit. That's where my half sister is. Along with my girlfriend."
"Why should I keep this a secret? There's more demigods for us to bring to New Rome. To serve in the legions and live in the city."
"Because they're not Roman. They're Greek."
"Greek? Like Zeus and Hades Greek?"
"Yeah. Like Jason is the son of Jupiter. There's a guy in the Camp that's a son of Poseidon."
"Do you think Lupa knows?" Dakota asked.
"I'm not sure. But we can bring them to New Rome or at least have them work with us."
"Definitely."
"But I will bring it up to my fellow Augustuses. So keep it a secret till then."
"When will you tell them?"
"I'm not sure. Whenever the time is right."
Later That Night
Dakota left a little later. My room had become furnished and Jason had decided to call it a night. I still needed to use the crutches as I was still feeling weak. I was going to begin writing today's entry in my diary when I heard commotion from outside. I got up and grabbed my crutches and went outside. It was pitch black with the only lights coming from the buildings and legionaries with flashlights. I legionary ran past me. "Hey! What's going on?"
"The night watch has gone missing!" What? I began to make my way toward the outer wall. There was Jason organizing a search party.
"Groups of ten. Each group takes a Centurion. Augustus, can you fight?"
"If I break the limiter then yes."
"Ok Augustus you'll be going with the group of Dacians on the left. Alright let's move out!" We spread out across the woods with flashlights.
"Let the wolves run." One of the Dacians ordered and the wolves ran off searching for the body. We continued slowly behind them. The flashlights didn't help much. It was still hard to see. But we continued on. Then a flare flew across the sky.
"Someone found them." They whistled for their wolves and they arrived a little while later. We made our way over to where the flare was shot from. When we arrived there was already a large group there staring up at the trees. Hanging in the tree were two legionaries. Their stomachs were sliced open with their guts laying on the floor. Their faces stuck in a constant state of terror. Blood painted the surrounding trees.
"May they rest with Sol." The Dacians behind me muttered. The smell started to hit me. The smell of iron. I could see various bugs began flocking to their bodies.
"Fuck! The first goddamn night!" I could feel the anger and fear begin to bubble in the crowd.
Jason arrived soon after. "May Sol bless their souls. The others. Did you find the others?"
"You won't find the others." The Dacian Chief spoke.
"What do you mean?" A Centurion questioned.
"This is just a warning. The others are dead as well. But are most likely in the monster's home. This is just to show what will happen to us if we overstay our welcome." The Chief explained.
"Double the guard. Rotate every two hours. Don't go into the woods alone." Jason ordered. After what we all saw here. I'm not sure any of us will.
A little bit of mystery huh. I can't wait to write this part. After this I'll probably be going on to the Sea of Monsters.
Crassus and Lepidus have some history. While writing that part I didn't even think about how I could introduce a key character in the original books. I'm pretty sure you all know who it is. Since there's only a few of the main characters missing from the story.
Now as you can tell Jaxson is getting his memories back. Now I do have something planned when he gets them all back. But I won't be saying anything else.
Remember criticism and ideas are appreciated and with that Cesar or Tempest out.