Chapter Five: Reyna (Thalia vs Will Solace)

I sat at the commentary desk, basking in Hazel's victory. She was on the verge of tears and I couldn't look away. Her strength is our strength. When I said that this tournament would result in a full Roman triumph, I wasn't kidding. It seems giving her a title of the centurion was the right call.

But I'm not betting on Hazel winning it all for Rome. I'm betting on myself, because I know I can bring the results. This past year has weighed heavily on my mind. I made new friends and opened myself up to new people and ideas, but I was still the praetor of New Rome, and this contest was just another avenue I can use to showcase that.

I have to admit, winning for the sake of winning wasn't the only reason I entered. Many of my fellow Romans were outraged by my involvement, but I just had to enter. The reward for winning was a mystery even to me, but I knew it was worth it.

As I sat there looking at the arena being cleaned for the next match, my mind wandered back to three days ago, where the idea of this whole event was introduced to us.

Fellow praetor Frank Zhang and Camp Half-blood Leader Chiron were in the Principia with me at the time. We discussed at a table with the full map of the camp, every alley, street, cohort, and grass way were examined. Frank wanted the lay of the lands to ensure that there was no invasion of monsters that could take place. Chiron offered his wisdom as it seems Camp Half-blood had its fair share of invasions in the past. I was happy that they both took the security of the camp seriously. This weekend would harbor the largest number of demigods in centuries. Terminus would be putting in overtime on the Pomeranian Line, but the rest of the camp was in danger.

Frank sat back in his chair, slumped on ideas as an agonized look developed on his face.

"We might have to get a Senate meeting in order for the protection of the camp." Frank said. "I want to hear from the centurions on this. Everything outside the Pomeranian line is in danger.

Chiron and I did not have the same level of defeat on our faces, we've been leaders far longer than Zhang. Chiron was rustling his beard with a solemn face. Apparently, he has been doing these types of things for centuries. I thought I had the experience but he's a living legend.

"Most of the contests are over with," Chiron added. "If there is going to be an invasion then it would happen during the ending of the festival. Many demigods will be celebrating. A good time for an attack."

I shook my head at Chiron. "My camp has been through an invasion the past year and an accidental bombing the next day. Trust me when I say that Roman demigods are never lax." My words cut through as both Chiron and Frank went silent. It's good to know I can still command a room.

"I will position the third and second cohorts to maintain order this week and patrol the hills and Little Timber. Our tunnels are our weak spots and must be maintained."

Before I could finish my thought, a blinding light started to appear out of nowhere in the center of the room. I hid from the light with my cloak and braced for impact. I knew exactly what was coming and it seems that Chiron and Frank knew as well. Seconds before closing my eyes I saw Frank transform into a star-nosed mole, for reasons unknown to me at least. Chiron hid for cover the same as I did. What we were avoiding was the appearance of someone's godly form taking place. Whoever this god or goddess was, they decided to appear in a form that can vaporize anyone with a look.

When the lights dimmed down, I knew that it was safe to look. What I saw standing in the middle of our table was a goddess that I have never seen before. However, that didn't stop me from recognizing her just by her looks alone. Golden wings extended from her back and her hair was an auburn color. Her dress was blood red with gold plated armor over it. Her spear stood taller than her and was golden with a red tip. The expression on her face was pure terror. It was the Roman Goddess of Victory, Victoria.

I knelt as Chiron bowed in his wheelchair. Frank transformed back into himself was more hesitant in his kneeling. I knew he met her Greek counterpart last summer. It must have been a horrible experience.

Victoria's expression softly from hellish fury to stern indifference. "Stand. You're in the presence of victory made flesh."

I stood and tried to appear neutral. Gods tend to mess with one's emotions, I knew that the last time I met Venus. If you don't show it, they can't use it against you.

"I am grateful for your arrival, but why now Victoria?" I asked. "Most of the games are finished."

She sneered at me. "You are having a festival devoted to victory itself. Therefore, devoted to me. I will make my entrance known at any point. The start of the festival or the end. It is my right."

Can't argue with a goddess, so I dropped it there. Victoria may not be at the same level as Jupiter or Juno, but Gods thrive and grow stronger in their own environment. Mars in the heat of battle or Jupiter in the skies. Victoria could be at her strongest at the camp now since we were having a festival all about competition.

However, Frank didn't seem to care. "What do you want? The last time I met you, all you brought was a disaster."

"What I brought was a victory against the giants. You cannot deny my involvement." Victoria added. "You and your friends got hurt in the process? So what? Your sorrow does nothing for me."

Frank looked like he was about to transform into something less regal. I appreciated his aptitude for battle but now was not the time. Thankfully, Chiron acted as mediator.

"And what can we do for you, my lady? Surely there is a reason for your arrival other than this?" Chiron asked.

Victoria looked far calmer after his question. I wondered if Chiron and Victoria go way back.

"I came to usher in a final challenge for the children of the Gods," Victoria spoke. "There will be a tournament in the final days of the festival, and it will be a one-on-one affair. The rules of the said challenge are up to you. I only wish for a champion to be crowned and for them to be rewarded.

This confused all of us and was upsetting. Frank was the first to speak up and I wished I stopped him before he started.

"We can't set up a whole tournament for you this late in the festival! Our campers have worked hard enough." Frank shouted in defiance. He turned his head towards Chiron and me. "Why are we talking orders from her?" he asked.

Frank was blasted across the room in a span of a second. It happened out of nowhere. It was as if the light itself was hurling towards Frank at a blistering speed. It hit him square in the chest and he went flying in the direction of the back staircase.

"FRANK!" I cried out for him.

He morphed into something smaller to take the impact midflight and disappeared., I didn't know if he was ok and had to make sure. After the blast, I ran to the far corner of the room and saw a single ant that slowly morphed back into Frank. He was knocked out cold but was all right. Thank the gods.

I turned back at the goddess; her hand extended after the attack. Her palm burning purple flames. The hand was set at Frank at first, but it slowly turned back towards me.

Her sadistic eyes and the ear-to-ear grin were sickening. She was happy about blasting Frank. She saw it as another victory.

"Take that as an example of those who cross me," Victoria said. "I'm far more convincing in my Roman counterpart compared to my Greek." She turned away as if she were about to exit the room.

"Now, do as I say."

I had no other option. Either she was always this strong or was empowered just by being in the camp. She was too much for either of us. Chiron started to bow, and I did the same.

"We will carry out your task at once," Chiron said with his head towards the floor. Chiron knew what was at stake just like me. Getting a tournament started was the least of worries compared to getting vaporized. I didn't like it, but it had to be done.

"Don't worry about the protection of the camp," Victoria added. "I will aid the borders and keep monsters out."

I may have been overstepping, but I asked her one last question. "What is the reward for winning?"

Victoria didn't look in our direction. "I'll tell you all at another time." She turned her head back slowly and all I saw were empty eyes and an empty grin. As if she didn't have teeth or a tongue. Pure void.

"Just know that it is more than a prize, it's a game-changer. Enter yourself in the tournament, I believe that it is something everyone desires."

With those final words, she made her exit, and it was the last I saw of her.

After that, we all promise to keep the encounter a secret. Frank knew that many of the seven would not want to enter if they knew it was created by her and I agreed. For now, the tournament has nothing to do with Victoria. I never feared the gods, I respected them and tried to follow them. However, I can't help but fear her next appearance.

What I don't fear is the reward. Victoria said it was a game-changer and if that is true, then that means it can help not one but many. Whatever it is, I intend to share it with all of Camp Jupiter as that is my duty as one of the Praetors of this camp.

All these events have stuck to the back of my mind for so long, but it was all in the past. For now, I must commentate and facilitate the tournament.

By the time I finished my thought, the arena had already been cleared of any wreckage from the last match. I looked towards the arena and saw Thalia Grace and Will Solace in the center. Ready to battle.

Thalia didn't look different from the last time I saw her. She still wore her silver circlet on top of her head that signified her as Artemis's lieutenant. You would think she would be regal, but her loud leather jacket with black studs and her Death to Barbie T-Shirt would say otherwise. To be honest, I missed her. She and I tangled for a bit when I was on the run from Orion and we would exchange messages after Gaea's defeat.

Tangled meaning we fought each other on the battlefield. My mind was in the gutter.

When the day is done, I look forward to chatting with her in person. She looked confident and knowing her opponent, this wouldn't take too long. Would it?

Will Solace stood across from Thalia with nervous energy. It wasn't noticeable by any means, but I like to think of myself as an excellent judge of character. While he didn't show it in his face, his whole body had micro stutters and he kicked his foot off the ground rhythmically. As if it would keep his mind off what was coming next. I knew nothing about the kid beside his interest in Nico. If Nico approves of him, then so do I.

Terminus reared his ugly head back to the crowd. "Well, I don't get to start the match anymore, but I can do this. Thalia Grace and Will Solace of Camp Half-blood. Are you ready?"

Both combatants nodded in agreement.

I stood up strong as the crowd waited for me. "Then, you may begin."

Thalia brought her shield up to protect herself and it proved to be a wise decision as Will notched three arrows and let them loose. Aegis was strong enough to block each arrow and none stuck to the shield either. A fine weapon. Thalia knew the initial advantage distance fighters had in this tournament, so putting up her shield was a premeditated action. She has been in the heat of battle plenty of times before.

"Having someone on the defensive is the best-case scenario as an archer!" Terminus bragged.

I watched on in fascination. Sure, Thalia was on the defensive, but one look at her face and you can see that it didn't bother her. She was smiling. This was a warrior through and through.

Thalia blocked two more arrows as she lunged with her spear towards the chest of Will. It looked to be a fatal blow before a loud piercing sound could be heard across the arena. I clutched my ears and clasps my hands around them. It hurt at first but there wasn't any lingering pain. I took a look at the arena and saw Thalia dazed with an arrow stuck in her leg and Will on the other side of the entire arena. The perfect distance for an archer.

Thalia yelled with all her breath. "What the hell was that?"

Will looked back at her sheepishly. "That was me saving my neck. Watch where you point that spear."

It seems I was not the only one bewildered as everyone else in the arena was affected by the sound and didn't know what transpired.

Except for one man, or should I say God.

"What a cheap reversal by Solace. I guess he got all the gifts of Apollo." He added.

I was beyond confused. "What happened? Thalia was right next to him, wasn't she?" I asked.

Terminus gave me a side look. "You didn't see that? And you call yourself a Praetor."

He ignored me right after. Gods, I knew commentating with him would be a chore. I did not let that faze me as the fight continued on. Thalia was lightly grazed by the arrow, but it still limited her mobility. Will stood tall and looked back at Thalia.

"You know, normally I would be the one healing that wound, not causing it." He said boldly.

Thalia looked at him with an almost feral smile. "Well don't you do your job and heal it then. Just need to come closer."

"Oh, I'm fine right here, thank you very much."

With that Will took even more distance, and Thalia tried to race towards him. With each stride from Thalia, Will shot as many arrows as possible. Thalia did a good job defending herself, but it was only a matter of time before Will had the upper hand. It was another minute before Thalia was again at the edge of the arena and Will was on the other side.

"I can do this all day, princess," Will said. "Just say uncle for me. I'm trying to impress my boyfriend here."

I just had to look towards the viewing arena and see Nico's reaction to Will's comment. Seems all his friends did the same. Thank the Gods that Nico had pale skin. The rosy blushes on his cheeks are noticeable by a mile. He shadow traveled away immediately. How cute.

I transferred my gaze back towards the arena. Thalia now had two arrows to her shins. It wasn't looking good. She could protect her body well with her shield, but Will had the aim of Apollo and took to her feet instead.

Will whistled at his handiwork. "So, are you going to rely on your lighting now? I wouldn't blame you. I got no defenses for that.

Thalia brandished her spear. "I don't need my dad's powers to fight an arrowhead like you."

"Arrowhead?" Will responded to the weak insult.

Thalia dashed with her shield in hand. Her injuries were slowing her down, but she was gaining a good amount of distance before Will got the chance to notch an arrow. Will stumbled for the first time when pulling from his quiver, but he notched an arrow the moment she was at a mid-range.

Thalia threw her spear at Will as he shot his arrow. The spear and the arrow collided in mid-air. The spear tore through the arrow easily and didn't lose any speed as it was heading for Will. At the same time, Thalia was closing the distance.

Things looked to be over until Will put his fingers towards his lips. This time, I was ready as he whistled and stun Thalia and many campers in their place. It was strong beyond belief. Was this his ace in the hole? I held my ears with my hands and braced myself after the impact. Thalia stopped in her tracks as Will dodged the spear at the last second. It whizzed past his shoulder with a blistering speed and sharpness. If she was aiming at his vitals, then things would be bloody.

The match was again at a stalemate. Thalia was closer but retained more wounds. Will had a defensive option with the whistle and excelled so far offensively.

"It's a gift of Apollo I imagine." I added. "He is a God of Music on his Greek side."

Terminus didn't share my enthusiasm. "All these Greeks fight dishonorably. Fight with a sword or spear! Or your face! Only yours truly can pull that off."

I ignored him as I watched Thalia scrunched up her nose. She was running out of options. She looked mad, but not at her situation. Rather, she was mad at herself. I can recognize that look anywhere. I wore it well during the war.

Will was one smiling now. Going against a child of Jupiter isn't easy and he was doing a good job.

"You could end it with some lighting? Why hold back." Will said.

Thalia lowered her shield and looked straight towards Will. "I will not use my powers. I will use the skills and teachings from the greatest goddess to ever bless a battlefield."

She then did an unimaginable tactic. She pulled every single arrow from her wounds. At her shins, in her calf. Her legs were bleeding out profusely. Will looked concerned at first and may have lost his edge. He was a healer first and foremost. However, he returned to a defensive stance. He knew just as well as I knew. This was the endgame for her. Whatever her plan of attack was, she had to act now. This was her final gambit.

With that, she charged in front with her shield. Aegis brimming with fury. She was running faster than before. Blood dripping from her legs and painting the battlefield. This put the fear of Jupiter in Will's eyes as he did not have time to notch another arrow, however, he did have time to whistle as his fingers were about to reach the far reaches of his mouth.

Thalia didn't let him as she jumped in the air almost 10 feet. She was quite the jumper. Was this something she learned from Diana? Will saw this as an opportunity and stopped with his whistle. Instead, he tried notching three arrows in one. He was trying to end it all. She was stuck in the air. It was all over.

Thalia on her descent, pulled out her own bow and notched an arrow ten times faster than Will, and shot it at a blinding speed. Will took the arrow straight in the shoulder and fell with a thud. He was wrenching in pain as he held the arrow and tried to heal himself. His screaming stopped the moment he was staring down Aegis, as Thalia had it hanging over his head. Landing on his torso.

"Say Uncle or I swear to Zeus I will break you." Thalia said coldly.

Will put his hands up in defeat and a sheepish smile. "Don't need to tell me twice."

I stood up and was proud a second time today. "The winner is Thalia. Daughter of Jupiter, Lieutenant of Diana."

Everyone clapped at her victory. The hunters were celebrating their leader. The viewing arena was more mixed as these were two combatants that they were rooting for Nico was nowhere to be found.

I was impressed by Thalia. That last gambit borrowed a little from Hazel, but it was born from emotion. I don't know much about her relationship with Jupiter, nor did I care, but I related to it. Thalia wasn't too happy from her victory as Will was healing her wounds. He was smiling and laughing harder than her despite losing. He was a healer through and through.

It was time to announce the next match, I looked towards my notes and beamed with anticipation. I stood from my desk and announced it to the campers.

"Praetor Reyna vs Centurion Michael Kahale." I spoke.

It was time to show everyone the power of Rome.

Thalia is scary. Next up, ROMAN VS ROMAN.