I held Hazel's arm around my neck and helped carry her back towards the viewing area. We climbed the stairs slowly and carefully. The pain I felt in my knees and in my feet was rising as we took each step upwards. I couldn't even imagine how it felt for Hazel. Sweat was rolling down her face as she gritted her teeth. She was a tough cookie. Despite taking that explosion of pressurized water and shaken earth head-on, she didn't whine or complain at all. She did need some help climbing the stairs though, and I was happy to carry her upwards.

Once we reached the doors and opened them up, we were ambushed by almost everyone there. Annabeth and Piper greeted us. Piper was still hurt from yesterday as she had a small bandage on her arm. I'm guessing that was where Frank slashed her. Besides the arm, she seemed fine as she and Frank took Hazel and laid her down on the couches. Leo put his hand on my shoulders and helped me sit down. I also took a huge hit from that explosion. Thankfully, the water that hit me also protected me at the same time. Never throw a body of water my way. Ares learned that the hard way.

Rushing in to heal us was Will as well as a house ghost coming in. Annabeth said his name was Cassius. As long as it's not Vitellius then I'll be fine.

The adrenaline I was feeling went away instantly after I sat down. I slumped on the couches next to Hazel as Will dropped a warm towel on her head and Cassius fed her ambrosia. Annabeth dropped an unfolded towel on my head without any care whatsoever. It wasn't even warm. I wish Will tended to me first.

I pushed off the towel and watched Hazel timidly eat the ambrosia.

"We got to take you to the infirmary." Will interjected.

Cassius agreed. "There's no telling the number of injuries you gained in the last hour, young Hazel."

Hazel devoured the last bits of ambrosia. "I'm fine for now. Let me just eat my gumbo in peace."

"That's not—" I said before stopping myself. Both ambrosia and nectar didn't have a taste of their own, rather they mimicked the food you knew best. Your favorite food from home. It was no surprise that Hazel's favorite was gumbo, seeing that she was born in New Orleans.

Annabeth pulled Will off. "You should focus on your match later rather than just healing. You got Kahale to worry about in that arena."

Will shrugged. "Not in the arena it seems. Chiron said we're skipping some matches. My match against Kahale is happening outside of the arena. Same for Frank's fight against Kayla. It will take place on the Field of Mars with no audience."

I was shocked by this. I guess both Annabeth and I missed that bit of news during Chiron's speech. I understand though. There were too many matches just for one day.

Annabeth didn't have my level of understanding though.

"How is that fair?" She asked. "You and Frank may have lost but you deserve a chance to fight in front of that crowd. What about the third day?"

Frank butted in. "It was my idea. Both Chiron and I decided that the final day would be focused on the Top 8. We had this in mind since the beginning."

Frank frowned at his next words. "I didn't think I would be in losers this early, but I can't change the rules to further my own goals. Doing this instead is fair."

Will seemed to agree and Annabeth backed off. I felt bad for both of them. Frank worked hard enough and was beaten pretty badly by Piper in front of all the Romans. Will on the other hand has to fight Michael Kahale in the first round of losers with no one watching.

Kahale. I didn't know what to do with him after his fight with Reyna. It wasn't my place to do so, but I had to make my opinion known. He was still one of us at the end of the day. I can't forgive him for how he treated Reyna, but some of the stuff he was saying were things that I have thought about for years. The Gods tend to treat us like worker bees rather than actual flesh and blood. I fought two wars for them and even asked them to change. I gave up immortality so they could be better, and nothing has progressed from there. Maybe it was best to focus just on the legion instead of Gods and praetors. His intentions made sense, but his actions in the fight didn't. I couldn't support him there.

Leo sat down on the other couch. There were fewer motor oil stains on his clothes and face for the day. He hasn't started any tinkering yet.

"Frank's taking one for the team. Hey man, I'm in losers too so I feel you." Leo said.

Frank side-eyed him. "Your match is staying in the arena. How could you relate?"

Leo shrugged. "Oh, I can't. I was just trying to make you feel better."

I was about to laugh before my eyes encountered hers.

Reyna exited the infirmary and made it straight down the stairs without talking to a single soul. Everyone seemed to miss it. Only Annabeth and I would see her pass. Annabeth gave me a look that said Give her some space before continuing her conversation with Piper.

Before I could do anything, I heard Chiron's horn blasting throughout the entire arena. With that in mind, I ran towards the balcony to watch the fight begin.

One side of the arena was Thalia. I didn't see her go down, so she must have used the other stairway. Her wounds were virtually gone around her shins. The amount of nectar she was drinking yesterday really put in the work. With Aegis on her back and a spear in hand. She looked in tip-top shape for the fight. Her silver circlet met with the morning sun and shined brightly. Can't say the same for the rest of her outfit as she rocked the ACDC shirt and all-black attire.

The sun didn't seem to touch Reyna. She stood in the shadows on the other side of the arena. No golden armor to speak of as she wore lighter armor around her torso. Her weapon was a gladius with no knives to speak of. I couldn't believe it was the same Reyna. She still had her praetor's cape and braided hair, but all the regal elegance she carried was gone.

In the balcony alongside me were both Frank and Annabeth. They both had faces of concern when it came to Reyna. They definitely knew more about her condition but didn't talk about it. I was left in the dark here.

Chiron sat at the former commentary desk. Ugh, the memories of soft drinks and fries gushing over my head were enough to make me puke.

"Are both of you ready?" Chiron asked.

Thalia nodded and Reyna did the same reluctantly.

"Then, you may fight!" Chiron screamed.

Thalia ran up and shield bashed Reyna instantly. Man, I thought I was fast when it came to summoning Riptide, but I can't compare to Thalia.

I thought Reyna would land on her feet, but she fell down harshly. She had scrapes on her arms and legs and barely got up. Were her injuries from yesterday that bad? If they were, then Will would never clear her for a fight.

Thalia didn't give her much time to mount an offensive as she went low, and shield bashed her legs from under her. Reyna bellied over and fell with a thud. Another time where I thought she could land on her feet. Thalia stood with her shield in hand. The Medusa head sticking out of the shield was unnerving to all. Everyone in the stands seemed to squirm in their seats with just one sight of it.

However, Reyna didn't even flinch, and she was up close and personal with it. That's when I knew that Reyna's spirit was still there. Lingering with doubt, but still lingering. Reyna stood up but didn't even pull out her sword. Her only weapon. What is going on?

Thalia was infuriated by this. "Annabeth told me what's going on and I can't accept it. You insult me by pulling this type of bull crap."

Reyna didn't answer back at all.

I looked towards Annabeth and Frank with no clue of what was going on.

"What is Reyna doing? This isn't like her at all."

Before Annabeth could answer, Frank butted in.

"Reyna is throwing the match. She thinks she can help the camp more by just running it rather than participate in the fight. She tried to forfeit but Chiron and I denied her."

"You denied her?" I said in a rising voice."

Frank didn't back down as he stood his ground. "Yes, I denied her, she was in good shape and we disagreed. Think about all the legionaries witnessing their own praetor forfeiting. You think that's going to go over well with them?"

"Who cares about them? What about Reyna and her choices? You should respect that!" I yelled.

Annabeth separated us for a bit. Frank and I never fought like this before, so I'm glad she pulled us apart before things got ugly.

"Listen, your both right. Reyna is a praetor and can't just think for herself, but we have to support her. I left it all to Thalia, ok? I told her Reyna needed help and she's going to give her that."

Frank chimed in. "You sure your friend is helping?"

With Frank pointing to the arena, I turned around and saw Thalia beat Reyna senseless. She punched her up and down. Shield bashed her in the back and sent her flying and followed up with a kick to the gut. She was relentless. Thalia had always been more hands-on, but she was never cruel in a fight. What was she thinking pulling this stunt?

Thalia picked her up and slammed her down. Every time, Reyna got up again but didn't put up a fight. This only pissed Thalia off more as she picked up her spear and slashed at Reyna's armor. Scratching it off slash by slash before the entire armor piece came off her chest. She stabbed at her legs as Reyna let out a scream.

The whole crowd started to boo as the Romans were either screaming at Reyna to fight back or condemning Thalia for her brutal ways.

Frank barely knew her and didn't like what was going on. He turned to Annabeth with fury in his eyes.

"What is she doing? This is almost as bad as her fight against Kahale! I thought you talked to her?"

Annabeth was in shock. I haven't seen her like this since we dropped in you know where. She didn't anticipate this at all.

"I-I don't know what's going through their heads. Thalia is beating her senseless until Reyna is forced to fight back." Annabeth said to herself.

I wasn't as shocked as her as I tried to jump off the balcony. "Reyna isn't going to fight back, we need to call off this match now!" I said quickly.

Before I could jump off, both Annabeth and Frank pulled me back in as I landed straight on my butt.

"Hey, what's the deal?"

"We can't interfere. This match has to go on. No matter how brutal it is." Frank said. He looked as mad as me, but he kept his cool."

"Trust in Thalia. She knows what she's doing." Annabeth added. I didn't trust Thalia but I trust Annabeth at the least.

I got up in a grumpy state. This wasn't a good start to the day and everyone was feeling it. I look back to Thalia and saw Reyna back on the ground. She was battered and broken. Her knees were scratched up, her legs were bleeding, and her armor was completely off. It wasn't as bloody as the fight against Kahale, but it was just as brutal.

Thalia was losing breath bit by bit. I hope she was proud of her handiwork.

Just before Thalia could walk away. Reyna got back up. She stood there with her body motionless before falling back on her knees. Only her mouth moved as she tried to suck up as much oxygen as she could before exhaling. She was beaten and she wanted to lose. Her sword was untouched.

Thalia almost popped a forehead vein before screaming.

"Why don't you fight back? You keep getting up, so you have the spirit. How much longer can you stay a punching bag before you come to your senses?"

Reyna didn't answer back. It was clear to Thalia that she was just yelling towards the abyss. Beating her to a pulp wasn't the answer to the problem.

Thalia looked down and dropped her spear. She then looked towards the skies as it started to rain as if she was frowning at the sight of her father's domain. I could relate to that.

Thalia looked back at Reyna and spoke.

"I had a couple of friends I loved. Some I could rely on, you know? Many of them are growing up while I stay fifteen. Some of them are already dead, and one of them I thought was dead for a long time. I have to take care of the few friends and family I got left." Thalia added before looking at us on the balcony.

She turned back to Reyna. "I can't compare to you though. You have to take care of an entire legion of demigods. Some who got your back, and some who don't. All those friends and foes are your family. You have more responsibility on your shoulders than any Olympian sitting on their butts back in Manhattan."

The whole crowd fell silent as thunderstruck. The thunderclap could be heard across the entire valley."

"Shut it, dad. I'm in the middle of a speech here." Thalia sneered.

Reyna was set aback by Thalia's boldness. It was the first time she let out some emotion.

Thalia continued. "My point is, I understand why you want to forfeit. You bit more than you can chew, and some jerk called you out on it, but look at the crowd."

Reyna looked up to all the legionaries in the stands all chanting her name. I couldn't see Reyna's face from where I was standing, but she had to be shocked by this.

"They love you," Thalia added with rain falling on her face. "They believe in you. So, believe in them. Pick up your sword and end this fight."

Reyna didn't move still. Thalia went to her and extended a hand.

"If you want to help the legion, then fight for the legion. From a lieutenant of Artemis to a praetor, let's lead, the both of us."

Reyna didn't move instantly, but as the crowd grew in support, she slowly let her hair down and pulled her sword from her sheath.

"Last night, I asked my friends for forgiveness instead of listening to them. I thought I had no one to relate to here. No one who knew my struggle. I should've come to you first." Reyna said.

Reyna looked towards Thalia. Accepting her hand and getting up. Saying thank you with a smile.

"We wasted enough time. I'm willing to fight if you are."

Thalia ran back to pick up her spear and let loose as thunder came down from the sky and hit her spear full on. I just realized that she was the one who summoned the rain.

"Now, this is the bout I was waiting for." Thalia said before rushing into battle.

Thalia threw her spear. Lightning crackling as it flew towards Reyna at a ridiculous speed. Reyna didn't have time to dodge it, but she did something better than that.

With full strength, she cut through the entire spear, both spearhead, and shaft. The left-over electricity ran through her. I knew how that felt and it was never a good feeling, but Reyna shrugged it off. Either she was blasted by Jason in the past, or she had push through the pain with willpower alone.

Reyna ran towards Thalia who was picking up her shield. The medusa head didn't shock Reyna at all as she stabbed at Thalia's shield with continuous strikes. Bit by bit, Thalia was losing her edge. Reyna may have taken a beating before, but Thalia was still breathing heavily from giving out that beating in the first place.

Thalia went for a shield bash and was side-stepped. Reyna kicked Thalia in the shins, and she fell to a knee. Reyna had the upper hand. Thalia has gotta regret that speech by now. Thalia still smiled ghoulishly as she punched Reyna in the gut. It must have been some punch as Reyna bellied over and fell to a knee as well.

With both on their knees facing one another, they both punched each other in the face. They continued punching each other. Taking turns with each hit. No blood came out yet, but bruises were starting to form after each punch. The crowd screamed yes when Reyna got a punch in and screamed no when Thalia got a punch in. Reyna's comeback really set the Romans on fire as their screams took over the arena. The arena has never been so loud.

With one final punch, Reyna won the exchange as Thalia was punched backward. The crowd soared as Thalia landed on the ground turned to mud.

Reyna got up and wiped some mud off her own face. She wasn't the same regal praetor we knew. Smiling viciously. She was actually enjoying the fight.

Thalia had the same smile as she got back up. She had a busted-up lip that was going to be swollen in an hour at best.

Reyna picked up the discarded shield and threw it back at Thalia which shocked everyone.

"I had my fun; last shot ends it.?" Reyna replied.

Thalia started to laugh. "Oh, you're gonna regret sending this back to me."

Thalia put her shield in the air before thunder struck it again. This time, the shield was fully golden with blue lightning crackling and floating around it. Now that was bad news.

"All right, the last hit wins it. You better dodge this!" Thalia screamed.

With all her might, she extended her shield arm back and sent the shield flying towards Reyna. I never saw her throw that thing in my life. She really thought she was Captain America with that shield.

The speed of it was blistering. Ten times faster than her spear beforehand, but that didn't matter to Reyna. She could dodge this. I could see her do it. Not only that, but this was a last-ditch effort by Thalia. If she missed, then she had no weapon to spare.

Reyna ran up, only a few feet away from the shield. I don't know if I was the only one focusing on her, but I saw it. Reyna's face betrayed her. The last few moments of the fight had been her forgetting everything and just letting loose. The face she had before returned.

The shield wasn't losing any speed. Reyna had a chance to dodge but missed her timing. She got hit by the shield and was sent flying towards the wall. The blast from the shield created a small explosion of rubble and concrete. I covered my face as a huge amount of debris dust washed over the arena.

When the smoke settled, we all saw Reyna in the center of the crater knocked out. Small sparks of electricity rolled off the crater and the shield. Thalia ran up and picked up her weapon and looked towards Reyna.

"You still had doubt in your heart, huh." Thalia said as she picked Reyna off the wall.

The crowd was silent as Will rushed towards the arena to pick Reyna up. Thalia stopped him and took Reyna up the stairs herself. Before heading out, Thalia raised Reyna's hand in the air and everyone in the arena gave both of them an ovation.

Sorry for the late chapter drop. Hopefully, the wait was worth it!

Also, if you like this story then please follow and favorite it! I would really appreciate that.

Tell me what your favorite fight was so fair in a review! Also, what fight you're looking forward to seeing next!

Next fight is Jason vs Piper….shiiiiit