I was planning to wait a few days to post this, but I've really gotten in the groove and wrote this in a couple of days. It's my longest chapter yet, almost 6k words, and I think it may be my favourite (along with the first chapter). A lot of stuff happens, so get ready! I won't extend this too much but please enjoy, and leave a review with any comments you have!

July 2007

Percy

The sun had just passed its highest point in the sky, and the heat was almost unbearable, but neither combatant showed any hints of hinderance or slowing down. Percy looked across as Jason, and his cousin's face was as expressionless as it had been when they started sparring, almost an hour ago. They had had to take two short breaks, and their shirts had come off a while ago, but Percy had to admit he was impressed with Jason's condition. Being a leader, it can be difficult to dedicate much time to fighting and training, but Jason, as he so often did, looked to have defied that stereotype. At fourteen, his cousin was already tall, his lithe frame showing defined muscles and a handful of battle-scars. For any other legionnaire at Camp Jupiter, Jason was an impossible challenge, but Percy wasn't any other legionnaire.

The son of Zeus surged forward, the strict and disciplined training of the legion apparent in his every movement. His thrusts were quick and precise, each showing a clear thought pattern and strategy. Percy stepped back, going on the defensive for the time being. His wooden gladius felt unbalanced and clumsy, but Percy knew they were designed to feel like that. After accustoming oneself to the heavy training swords, the real steel gladii felt as light as a feather. Percy parried and weaved, once again impressed at his cousin's skill and resilience. Most other fighters could not have lasted a fraction of what he had with Percy, even if it was just a lesson.

'Don't overextend, Jason', Percy said. 'Be more mindful when attacking a defensive opponent.'

Jason responded with a grunt, and continued his onslaught. He guessed Jason didn't appreciate the fact that he could speak in complete sentences and give him tips after an hour of fighting. In a real fight, Jason would not have much of a chance against his cousin, but when it came to straight sword-fighting skill, even though it wounded Percy's pride, Jason was his equal, if not his slight superior. Percy's godly speed, reflexes and endurance allowed him to compensate for that and some more, but he could scarcely imagine how strong his cousin would be with five or six years more training, once he truly filled out his frame.

Jason faked left and went right, a powerful strike aimed at Percy's ribs. Percy anticipated this however; it was the fourth time his cousin had tried this move. He quickly stepped into his guard, driving the tip of his wooden gladius into Jason's exposed solar plexus. Jason was pushed back a few feet by the force of the blow, bending over and wheezing. Percy took this chance, sweeping his cousin off his feet before he could recover. Jason landed with a heavy thud on the scalding sand, and Percy followed up with a whack to the ribs for good measure, before placing the tip of his sword under Jason's chin.

'Too slow, Superman.'

He chuckled at his joke for a second, then helped Jason up, who spat out a mouthful of red sand. Percy wasn't worried though. A sparring session was meant to simulate the battlefield, and they would learn anything if they didn't hurt each other. Nothing permanent, of course, but if you made a mistake, you paid for it. Percy clapped his cousin's bare shoulder, and they headed for a small bench in the corner of the arena. It was the only shade left, and after a heavy session, the pair appreciated it greatly. They were both covered with sweat, their chests heaving and breathing shallow. Jason's ribs were turning a slight shade of purple, while Percy had nothing more than a couple of bruises on his arms. He usually fought as a wolf, and whenever he decided to try as a human, he was constantly reminded how tough his fur really was. Nevertheless, Percy enjoyed the challenge. Other than Jason, there weren't many others in the camp that were willing or able to spar with him. A stocky son of Venus called Michael Kahale was one, and he was engaged with two smaller probatios in the corner of the arena. His eyes drifted over the fighters, and fixed on a particular engagement. Leila spun a long wooden spear in her hands, facing off against her larger opponent. She was fighting Hank, Centurion of the Fourth, her superior officer. Percy could see it was an uneven match. Hank was stronger and faster, and using both a gladius and a heavy wooden scutum. However, Leila was managing to hold her own, intelligently using the extra distance her weapon provided and making Hank miss. She was a skilled fighter, no doubt about it. Percy realised he wasn't the only one watching the fight. Marcus and Julia, the two praetors, sat together in the stands, their eyes also fixed on the engagements. Percy guessed they liked to examine the solo combat readiness of their officers every once in a while. He'd spent more time with Marcus that with Julia, and didn't know any of them that well, but they were capable leaders, that much was clear. From the few senate meetings he had attended, they had come across as level-headed and patient. A few bubbly laughs caught his attention, and Percy's head snapped to the arena entrance, where a group of teenage girls, not much older than Jason, were huddled together, obviously ogling him and his cousin and talking in hush voices.

Percy nudged Jason and gestured with his head. 'You didn't tell me about your little fan group.'

Jason laughed, shaking his head. 'They're looking at you, bro. The son of Jupiter is old news by now.'

Percy chuckled, turning his attention back to the fight. He had just turned seventeen, and had topped out at around 6 foot 4. He basically dedicated himself to running and fighting, and his body clearly reflected the fact. While not overly muscular, he had wide shoulders and thick arms, veins and scars alike criss-crossing his body. A toned six-pack adorned his midsection, and his neck was thick and strong from tossing monsters around as a wolf. He'd grown accustomed to female attention each time he visited the camp, but he never cared enough to reciprocate. His mind constantly drifted to another. This particular one had just lost her spear.

Leila

Leila hurried behind Hank, her centurion, as they raced through the streets of New Rome. They were last for the senate, again. The praetors would not be happy. She was only the optio, so Hank would take the majority of the blame, but she still liked being her superior's good books. Not that she enjoyed senate meetings, quite the opposite actually. She found them long and boring, with lots of redundant conversation and interruptions. She would be Centurion of the Fourth one day, and the knowledge that she would have to be more vocal in the senate filled her with dread. Leila wasn't known for being a particularly patient person, and she honestly didn't know how she would be able to handle a crowd of rowdy senators. They slipped in through the back entrance and swiftly took their seats. Marcus was addressing the senators, so he paid them no mind, but they got a glare from Julia. Leila guessed they would talk in the Principia later. The senate was organised as a semicircle, with the praetors on an elevated stand in the middle and the rest seated in the stands. The centurions sat to the right of the praetors, with their respective optios at their feet. Given his rank as optio of the Fifth, Leila sat next to Jason, and he whispered to her as they sat down.

'What took you so long?'

Leila waited a moment before answering in a hushed voice. 'We lost track of time in the arena. We barely got out of there in time to shower and get ready.'

Jason nodded, turning back his attention to Marcus, who was updating the senate on the situation regarding monster activity in the Bay Area. It was steadily increasing, especially around Mount Tam. Leila heard Marcus talk about the legion's plans to send out the cohorts on hunting missions to try to bring monster numbers under control. He went on about rotations, and exercises, and marches, and Leila's mind drifted off. One or two senators piped up to ask questions, but for the most part everybody just listened intently. She looked around, admiring the architecture of the building for what felt like the millionth time. No matter how many meetings she attended, the senate building itself was often the most interesting part of the sessions. It was a beautiful feat of engineering, with broad marble columns leading up to a massive dome, full of depictions of the gods and their children. She saw Jupiter charging up Mount Olympus in the first Titan War, Mars right by his side. Pluto closing the doors to the Underworld. Apollo riding his chariot, Vulcan striking a red-hot blade with his hammer. Depictions of Juno were also prevalent, as well as Venus. Neptune and Minerva were seldom seen, a few small images on the edge of the dome. Leila guessed they had been included to not incur the gods' wrath, not because the legion or the senate actually wanted to.

Marcus had stopped talking, and Julia had taken over, covering domestic issues of New Rome and the legion. Fights in the Forum, war games, building renovations… Once Leila lost track of the words, it was difficult for her to get back in. Jason, she noted, looked to be concentrated intently on what he she was saying, his sky blue eyes forward and focused.

'He can't possibly be interested in this stuff', thought Leila. 'Part of his duties as a son of Jupiter, I guess. One day it'll be him up there.'

There was one other person who seemed equally lost, and that was Percy, sitting in the citizens' section. He was looking around, his eyes scanning around the room, surely taking note of the guards, their weapons, exit strategies and whatnot. He surely had at least three different plans in his mind it they got attacked. Leila noticed a shadow of a beard on his face, making his jawline even more prominent.

'When did he start leaving his beard like that?'

His eyes suddenly met hers, and he flashed her a quick grin. She smiled back, but rapidly broke eye contact and stared at the wall, her face surely going red. He had caught her staring again, and she doubted he would let her forget it. Percy had been at camp for a week now, and she was really enjoying the company. Sure, Jason was like her little brother, and she had plenty of friends, but she had a special connection with Percy. She was a natural extrovert, and had no difficulty getting along with everybody, but with Percy it was effortless. She didn't see him much, but he had recently started showing up more, probably due to the monster activity in the area, and gods was she grateful. He was funny, entertaining, goofy, but at the same time Leila felt she could talk to him about anything, no matter how serious. She had told him stuff she'd never told anybody, and he had confided in her as well. And gods, that boy was good-looking. Seriously. Not that she'd ever told him that.

'Senator Green, we do not feel walls are the answer to our problem. Dedicating half the legion to a year-long project when we need the legion to be protecting the citizens of New Rome is not, we feel, in the best interests of the city, nor the legion itself. That will be the end of it.'

The senator sat down, slightly frustrated at the harsh rejection of his proposal. Julia was nice enough, but she could be a stern leader when she had to. It didn't mean she belittled the senators; on the other hand, she went out of her way not to, but the wishes of the praetors were only second to those of Olympus, and she had to make sure the senators understood that. It was one of the misconceptions mortal legacies had when they started living in New Rome. It was Rome that served the legion, not the other way around. They still valued and considered the wishes of the people, but the senate had no executive power. They ran everyday affairs in New Rome, but under the supervision of the legion, and only with their approval. The duty of the legion was to protect the best interests of New Rome and her citizens, and they needed power to do that.

'We will now open the floor to questions', announced Marcus, his voice booming across the chamber. 'Please maintain civility and-'

That was the end of it, as the senate floor exploded with dozens of different voices. Leila saw Julia roll her eyes slightly, and she slammed her fist on the armrest of her chair.

'SILENCE!' She cried.

The voices died down. 'Senator Russell, you had a question?'

A woman in her early thirties stood up. She was fairly tall with shoulder-length brown hair. She was a third generation legacy of Apollo, and one of Octavian's most fervent supporters. Leila especially disliked her.

'Thank you, praetor. I know much the legion respects this chamber and its views, and we are all grateful for your continued respect', she began. Leila saw Julia frown, but nodded in acknowledgement nonetheless. 'However, I cannot help but point out we have an unexpected member, one who is neither a senator, legionnaire nor citizen of New Rome.'

Leila saw Percy shift in his chair to look at the senator, who met his eyes. Percy raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. Leila felt a rush of anger course through her, and she saw Jason tense up in the chair next to her.

'How can we be sure he carries the best interests of our city in his heart? We live in dangerous times, and further danger may reach us still. We should safeguard ourselves from outside influence potential-'

'I seriously advise you don't finish your question, Senator Russell.' Marcus' voice was colder than she'd ever heard it. 'If you are about to suggest what I think you are, that Percy is somehow here to spy on the legion, that is an incredibly bold, and an incredibly stupid accusation. I doubt Lady Lupa would take kindly to her son being insulted in this manner.'

Leila saw the colour drain from the senator's face. 'Lady Lupa? I didn't kn-'

Julia held up her hand, her eyes alight with anger.

'You should have. Perseus serves the gods, and his loyalty to them and to New Rome is unquestionable. You will issue a public apology in the Forum after this session is concluded, then another on the Field of Mars. The only reason I don't demand your immediate resignation is we need stability in the senate in these troubled times. However, if this incident is repeated, I will personally have you paying a visit to the Wolf House. Have I made myself clear?'

Percy had stayed perfectly still throughout the whole ordeal, his expression neutral. Leila though he could see hints of a smile around his eyes. She guessed he was imagining what would happen if Lupa found out what the senator had just said. That's what she was thinking, anyway.

Senator Russell's face was as white as a sheet of paper, and Leila saw her ball her hands up, probably to keep them from shaking. 'Perfectly, praetor. My sincerest apologies', she said shakily towards Percy, then silently sat down.

Percy

He waited for most of the senate to file out, then got up and walked through the wide entrance once the crowd had thinned, and he made his way towards Jason and Leila, who had stayed behind to wait for him. He had grown accustomed to people and big cities, but Percy still spent most of his time hunting in the wilderness. Large crowds and loud noises didn't especially agree with him. Leila gave him a small smile as he approached, which he returned as he fell in stride with them.

'That was rough', said Jason as they started to head back to camp.

Leila looked at Percy in silent agreement, and he simply shrugged. 'I'm not going to do anything to her for speaking her mind, but I was impressed with how Marcus and Julia handled her. She's been stirring up trouble lately, has she not?'

Jason bit her lip. 'She follows Octavian, as do many of the senators. They're basically his puppets, doing and saying whatever he tells them to. Being augur, no one is going to accuse him without proof, but everybody knows whose words those were.'

Percy already knew this, of course. Octavian was optio of the First, and would probably inherit the position of Primus Pilus, or first file centurion, somewhere in the next two years. From there, the slimy legacy of Apollo would make his bid at praetor. If Percy was a betting man, he'd put money on the fact that Jason would be the other demigod up for the position, and he could just hope his cousin was up to the task. Having someone like Octavian at the head of the legion would be, frankly, catastrophic.

'Make way!'

A voice boomed around the Forum, and the crowd in front of the trio parted immediately, a chorus of hushes filling the afternoon air. Michael Kahale marched through the masses of gossiping citizens, the fact his scabbard was empty making him no less of a presence. He carried a girl by the arm, who was dwarfed by the massive legionnaire. She had long black hair, and was dressed in rags, her arms and face full of scratches. Her eyes however, were black as onyx, and shone with ferocity. Percy concentrated on her smell, and the memories came rushing back. He saw a sleek white wolf, and a mean-looking one with a scarred snout. He saw his mother, sitting on her rock as she supervised the latest trainees. This girl had come from the Wolf House.

Julia was standing a few feet away from the trio, having a conversation with a couple of the centurions, and her head snapped towards the commotion. 'Legionary Kahale', she said. 'Who is this?'

Michael looked at the girl and gestured towards Julia, and she shook him off and locked eyes with the unfazed praetor. 'My name is Reyna. I'm a daughter of Bellona', she announced with her chin held high.

Julia held her stare for a second, before nodding slowly. 'Very well, Reyna, daughter of Bellona. The legion will gather on the Field of Mars, and you will be assigned a cohort and a commanding officer. We must welcome any and all recruits in these trying times.'

The gathered crowd cheered, clearly happy to have new additions to the legion. New recruits were always celebrated, but they had become increasingly rare. Percy guessed less and less were reaching the Wolf House every year. Michael tapped her on the shoulder and grunted something, then spun on his heel and started striding away from the Forum. Reyna hesitated to follow, still looking around at the gawking strangers. Scanning the crowd, she locked eyes with Percy, and he noticed something, a strange scent he hadn't discerned before. His eyes narrowed.

Reyna

She was making her way back from the baths, her long hair still wet on her shoulders, but she didn't really mind. After nearly three months at the Wolf House, the warm bath and relaxed atmosphere hadn't seemed real. She massaged her left shoulder, which was still sore from her final test Lupa had put her through. The night was quiet and peaceful, summer now over and the paved ground starting to fill up with the leaves of autumn. She played around with her probatio tablet, which hung on a cord around her neck. Reyna had been here just a couple of days, and she was already fitting in remarkably well. She guessed it was her kind of place. She'd been accepted into the Second Cohort, which she gathered bode well for her future. Still, some of the people in her cohort were entitled, looking down on what they called the 'lower' cohorts. Despite this, she'd made friends with Jason Grace, optio of the Fifth, and son of Jupiter. With all the mocking that went around her barracks about the Fifth, none seemed to land on Jason. Most just seemed amazed that a son of Jupiter had ended up there. Reyna guessed they were afraid of offending the King of Olympus.

Jason had given her a small tour of the city, and she'd met Leila, a daughter of Ceres, who she'd grown to like as well. They had sparred together in the morning, and the girl was no pushover. Reyna had thought that with all her training in the Wolf House, she would be considered a competent fighter at camp, but she'd been wrong. Leila wielded her spear like an extension of her arm, keeping Reyna at a distance and punishing her for her sloppiness. Rather than being discouraged, she felt a fire in her, a competitive spirit fuelled by her mother's nature. Reyna would train, train until she could beat the daughter of Ceres with her eyes closed. Until she could beat Jason, Michael, or anybody that stepped on her toes. She smiled at this thought, then yawned slightly, covering her mouth with the back of her hand. She was almost at the border of the city, and then it was a five-minute trek to her barracks. However, thoughts of her warm bed are interrupted by a voice that rang out from the darkness to her left.

'Would you mind if I ask you something?'

Reyna skidded to a stop, her eyes snapping in the direction the voice had come from. Her senses were screaming, and her heart was pounding in her chest.

'Who are you?' She demanded. 'If you want to say something to me, come out where I can see you. Otherwise, get lost.'

A boy seemed to materialise from the shadows, and she recognised him immediately. She'd spotted him in the Forum, then again in the arena sparring with Leila. He was tall, much taller than her, with broad, stocky shoulders and shaggy black hair. Even in the darkness of the narrow alley, Reyna had to admit he was very handsome, with high regal cheekbones and a prominent jawline. His eyes shone like flashlights, an intense light blue irises ringed with fiery red. His posture was relaxed and calm, but her time at the Wolf House had taught her to see through body language. She could see the readiness in his shoulders, his arms, the way his feet were positioned. Even unarmed, this man was dangerous.

'My name is Percy', he said, stepping closer to her. 'I want to know more about you.'

Reyna backed up a little. 'What do you mean?'

Percy's eyes bored into hers, unfazed and unnerving. 'Consider me a concerned citizen. I smell something on you, a scent you shouldn't have. So, I'll ask you this once. Where did you come from?'

Reyna balled her fists up. 'My scent?', she thought. 'What is this guy's problem?'

'The Wolf House', she responded finally, looking at him defiantly.

Percy clicked his tongue. 'I know that. Where were you before?'

Reyna's nostrils flared. She wasn't going to tell this guy anything. 'I don't have to tell you. According to my centurion, we have the right to keep our private lives priva-'

Percy closed his eyes, and Reyna held in a gasp as hair started to grow from his face. His neck muscles bulged, and thick black fur started to cover his bare arms. He grew, much taller than he already was, his bones creaking and shifting as he did. His nose elongated into a snout, razor-sharp canines as big as her thumb gleaming in the night. Where ten seconds ago had been a seemingly normal man, a massive black wolf now towered before her, its eyes shining even brighter. They were still Percy's eyes, but they seemed less blue and more red. His front paws must have been the size of Reyna's head, and she didn't doubt he could slice her in half with a single swipe of his claws. The wolf took a step forward, and he ever so slightly bared his teeth at her, a low growl escaping between them.

Reyna had never understood when people said they were 'paralysed by fear'. She'd always thought those people were cowards. After this, she would find each and every one of those people and apologise to them personally. She was frozen in the spot, her eyes fixed on the monstrous beast in front of her. She wanted nothing more than to run, to scream for help, to do anything other than stay where she was, but her voice failed her. Her legs refused to obey, her hands violently shaking. Then, the feeling seemed to subside slightly, and she managed to back up against the opposing wall, wanting to get as far away from the wolf as she could.

'I don't often ask twice, daughter of Bellona.' The voice was Percy's, no doubt about it, but at the same time it was entirely different. The words were nothing more than a low whisper, but they reverberated in her skull, the sheer force behind them leaving here shocked. 'Where did you come from?'

Her instincts screamed at her to keep her mouth closed, but she heard herself answer anyway. 'Circe's Island.'

Percy stayed silent for a moment, as if listening for something. 'I was there with my sister. The island got destroyed, and we were separated. I was taken away to the Wolf House, and then came here.'

Words seemed to flow out once she started. It seemed like only yesterday she was training as a sorceress beside her sister, bringing demigods for Circe to turn into guinea pigs. She remembered the day the island was destroyed, how pretty the blonde girl had been, the stereotypical California surfer girl. Her grey eyes ruined the image though. Then her and her other stupid demigod friend had ruined everything.

'Circe?' Percy said, his tone surprised. 'How did the island get destroyed?'

Reyna breathed in, very much aware of how still Percy was. 'Two demigods were drawn to the island, a blonde girl and a black-haired boy. They released a group of prisoners, and they took over and enslaved us.'

Percy got closer to Reyna, his eyes seemingly penetrating into her very soul. 'These demigods. Do you remember their names? Where they came from?'

Reyna took a slow breath, trying to calm herself down. 'The girl's name was Annabeth. She had grey eyes. I don't remember the boy's name, but he seemed strong as well.'

Percy suddenly bared his teeth, showing a row of massive incisors and canines. Reyna tensed, then tilted her head. He was smiling, she realised. Percy shook his huge head slightly, then started to shrink. The whole process happened again, in reverse, the fur disappearing and the muscle condensing and packing away into nothingness. The boy was stood in front of her again, the blue in his eyes now more apparent. Reyna felt a moment of relief, but she was still fully aware of the danger.

'You don't remember where they came from?' His tone was softer, but still carried a certain edge.

Reyna shook her head. 'I guess they were lost. Lupa told me the ones that don't find the Wolf House often just wander around from one bad situation to the next, until their luck runs out. The gods can always have more children.'

A pang of anger shone in Percy's eyes, but it quickly disappeared. He gestured down the alley, where an outline of one of the statues of Terminus could be seen, the ramparts of Camp Jupiter beyond.

'Go, but don't tell anyone what you just told me. Your centurion is right: private lives should remain private. Nobody else will ask, I'll make sure of that.'

Reyna was slightly taken aback, but saw the sincerity in Percy's eyes. She took her chance and set off towards the camp, her stride a little faster than it had been before. When she got to the statue of Terminus, Reyna looked back. The street was empty, the boy seemingly having gone back into the shadows.

Percy

Percy closed his eyes and breathed in the night air, trying to remember the smells that filling his nostrils. He had been in New Rome for almost two weeks, and he knew he would have to leave soon. He was sitting in the Gardens of Bacchus, his favourite spot in the city. They'd been built halfway up Temple Hill, and overlooked the whole city, with the Oakland Hills rising in the distance. The domed senate building towered over the rest of the city, proud and mighty. Percy had loved Camp Half-Blood, but New Rome was undeniably beautiful. The gardens themselves were not too big, with interspersed stone benches and thick grapevines curling up a maze of columns, proving a sort of natural roof. The moon was almost full, and he imagined his mother and half-brothers at the Wolf House, getting ready to turn in for the night, a day of hunting and training ahead of them. The arrival of Reyna had brought back all sorts of memories Percy had stored away for a long time. Maybe he had been a little rough with her, but it had been a close call. Reyna was a Roman demigod, as was her sister, and they had come into contact with Annabeth, a Greek demigod. That violated one of Olympus' strictest rules, and Zeus would smite Reyna in a second if she was aware of where Annabeth had come from. He guessed the other dark-haired boy was Alex Jackson. Percy had heard of their quest into the Sea of Monsters, and some strange rumours regarding Thalia's tree. As much as it pained him, he had to leave, he had to see for himself.

'Not yet', Percy thought. 'You can't go on her birthday, and not while you still haven't talked to her.'

Today was October 11th, and it was Leila's birthday. They had been allowed to have a small celebration after hours, with Jason, Percy and a few other close friends attending. Reyna had also been invited, and she gave Percy a wide berth. They had surprised Leila in her barracks, and when everybody had gone to sleep, Percy had come up here to think. He liked her, and Percy thought she knew that, but he wasn't sure if she saw anything else than a friend when she looked at him. He knew he shouldn't say anything, because even if she liked him back, Percy still had to leave, and it would break her heart. He doubted Zeus would be moved by a teenage crush. Still, he found himself thinking about her. She grew more and more beautiful every time he came to Camp Jupiter, and every time he left wishing he had talked to her. Wishing he could one day come up with the courage to tell her what he felt. Percy was so deep in thought he didn't notice a figure climbing up Temple Hill until she had already entered the garden. He turned towards her and she gave him a small wave and a smile, which he returned, then gestured for her to join him. Leila looked amazing in the faint moonlight.

She strode over, her hand ghosting over his arm as she sat down. She met his eyes and turned her head slightly, her green eyes bright with amusement. 'Am I interrupting something?'

Percy chuckled, shaking his head. 'I thought you guys had all gone to sleep.'

Leila leaned back, her weight on her arms, still smiling at Percy. 'Do wolves not sleep? I mean, don't get me wrong, you're one tough guy, but you must enjoy a bit of rest every now and again.'

Percy snorted. 'Every week or so, I'll lay down for a couple of hours. Otherwise, I'm good. Like really good.'

Leila laughed, then broke eye contact to look down at the city. Her eyes slightly lost their mirth, and her face got serious.

'You have to leave again, don't you?'

Her voice sounded hurt, and Percy wanted nothing more than to reassure her she could stay, but he couldn't lie to her. Not her.

'Yeah', he replied, his eyes fixed on the horizon. They stayed silent for a moment, their breathing syncing after a while. 'You know, this has been the longest I've stayed in one place for almost seven years.' Percy turned around to look at her, both now laying on their sides. 'It couldn't hurt to stay a couple days longer.'

That got a smile out of Leila. 'Besides', Percy continued, his eyes straying down to the grass. 'There's a couple of things I still need to do.'

Leila raised an eyebrow at him, her smile lopsided. Their faces seemed closer than they were before, and Percy's palms had started to sweat. Why was his heart beating so fast?

'Do? Or say?' She asked in a teasing voice.

Percy grasped for words. In the light of the moon, Leila looked a lot like Artemis. 'Well… both, I suppose.'

Leila didn't answer, just looked at him with a knowing smile. Gods, Percy wasn't good at this. 'There's someone I've wanted to talk to for a long time', started Percy, his eyes drifting towards the city. 'I really know what I want to say, but I've never known how to say it, or found the right moment to-'

Percy felt Leila shudder, and he realised she was laughing. Percy felt a blush come up to his cheeks, and he thought Leila's face got a little red too. Maybe it was just his imagination.

'You're laughing at me', Percy pouted. Their faces were really close.

'Was I?' Asked Leila teasingly.

Percy huffed. 'I'm really not good at this. And you're not making it easy either.'

Leila cracked a huge grin, her slender hand snaking her way to the back of his neck. 'I'm never going to make things easy for you, Wolf Boy. Get used to it.'

When she kissed him, Percy felt his brain melt right through his body. Her lips were soft and full, and the kiss was everything he always imagined it would be. Her hand wondered through his hair and pulled him closer. In that moment, Percy felt full, complete. His life and future was uncertain, but nobody, not even the gods, could take this moment away from them.

'Fuck Zeus', he thought. 'Fuck the fates. I'll live my life my way.'

There we go. Percy and Leila finally got together. I think I built the relationship up quite well along the story, but tell me what you thought of it. This was the first big chapter in Camp Jupiter, and I'm planning for a lot more of them. I always liked the Roman side, and I'll be diving deeper into life and politics in New Rome, and weaving Percy, Jason and the rest into them.

For those of you that may be wondering, a gladius was the standard issue sword for the Roman legionnaire, a straight two-foot blade. The scutum were the large shields used by the legionnaires, and the Primus Pilus is the latin name for the Centurion of the First Cohort, or First File centurion. He is the highest ranked officer in the Twelfth, second only to the praetors. The rank goes down the cohorts, with the Fifth Cohort Centurion, or Hastatus Posterior. I'll be introducing more ranks as the story develops. Please leave a good review if you liked it!