Challenge

War Journal, July 13th, 2001

With the mission complete the time has come to return to base, my brothers and sisters in arms will likely be glad to hear of my success. No doubt it will bring glory and prestige to our cabin.

There is now only one more little chore to take care of.

The trio's return home was met with jubilation. Upon seeing Luke, Thalia launched herself into Luke's arms and Annabeth scampered forward hugging Luke tight, Luke returned Thalia's gesture warmly and ruffled up Annabeth's hair.

Allison found herself surrounded by the members of Hecate Cabin, ecstatic that one of their own had been on a quest and successfully completed it.

Ares Cabin greeted George in their own unique way, with Brock slamming his hand on George's back nearly knocking the wind out of him. "Well done soldier boy,' He said grinning, "you've made our father proud."

Others were crushing his hand in shakes and two of his sisters decided to dump a whole barrel of ice-cold water on him. "Congratulations Coach," they said as they did this. George couldn't help but laugh at the stunt.

Wearing Laurels, the trio burned the burial shrouds their cabins had made for them. Luke's shroud was dull brown embroidered with winged shoes, Allison's shroud was purple with a large torch in the center, and George's was a blood red cloak with a crudely sewn snarling dog's head.

That night a feast was held to commemorate the successful quest. But not everybody was joining at the celebration. Mario De La Torre and Gregory Pettigrew were at the table half-heartedly taking part in the toasts but were otherwise silent and glaring at George.

George's completion of his quest now left a question in the minds of his cabin regarding the one to succeed Brock. Normally the title went to the next eldest member of the cabin, which in this case would be Mario, but the rules state that if a younger camper has completed more quests, then they can challenge their elder sibling for the position, an George had a successful quest under his belt. Both Mario and Gregory had been given a quest when they were sixteen, but they had failed. George had chalked this up to them trying to complete the quests on their own instead of taking companions with them.

The next morning it was back to business as usual, George, returned to his daily routine of training, went to classes and hunted monsters in the forest. George's siblings were ecstatic about their new steeds, already George saw them taking the horses in pairs and hooking them up to their chariots. All the horses except for two, Old Red and Whiskey Rose.

Seeing George riding Old Red from time to time, his siblings foolishly believed that they would have as much success. Despite George's warnings, only Brock understood the danger Old Red posed.

Old Red threw off every one of George's siblings that tried to ride him. Other demigods even gave it a shot with the same amount of success. Many getting sent to the infirmary with broken bones and nasty bruises to show for their effort.

With no success for Old Red, George's siblings decided to try their luck with the Mare figuring that if they could tame Red's mate, he would be more susceptible to them. Unfortunately, despite being an 'aging mare' as Eurytion described her, Whiskey Rose proved to be as volatile as her mate. Her squeals were louder and though she didn't buck as hard they were quicker than Red's. Though not as many bones were broken, more pain was felt in the nether regions. Even George was unable to ride her.

Mario and Gregory were particularly determined to tame them and while they did last longer on the backs of Red and Whiskey than any other, the two horses were still able to throw them off. Every week they tried and each time they failed.

Gregory cursed after being bucked off Old Red again, "screw this, no one can tame those two, this is a pointless waste of time."

"We have to," one of the younger siblings argued, "the other horses will only follow their lead."

"George tamed Old Red," Another pointed out. "So, it isn't impossible."

Gregory scoffed, "he probably had Allison cast a spell so he could do it."

Mario glared at the blood-red steed, "I don't care, it doesn't mean anything." Mario then turned to Old Red, his eyes narrowed, "nothing at all."

That night Mario snuck out of the cabin and made his way to the stables, a few harpies tried to catch him, but he killed them with ease. "So, George rides Old Red," Mario growled, "we'll see about that."

Inside the stables, he crept to the stall where Old Red was sleeping. Stealth was not Mario's strong suit, and Old Red ended up roused and angry. He raised his head and glared at Mario with its burning eyes.

Mario shook his head, "you are a magnificent steed, it's a real pity to kill you. "But if I can't have you nobody will, especially George."

But just as, Mario thrust his spear forward, a pair of swords deflected his spear causing it to plunge into the dirt. Confused Mario looked up to see George, glaring at him and clutching the offending blades. "Back off soldier boy."

"Impudent brat," Mario snarled, "stand aside or you'll get the same as it."

George shook his head and raised his blades, "you are certainly welcome to try."

Mario narrowed his eyes and smirked, "actually I was hoping you would say that."

Mario then swung his spear around striking George on the temple with the butte of his spear. George hit the ground with a grunt before scrambling to his feet. The sons of Ares aimed their weapons at each other before attacking. The brief clash that followed woke several people who rushed over to investigate the commotion. Then there was screaming, and Mario came rushing out with his left leg of his trousers ablaze. Just as he was able to pat out the flames, George tackled him and the two began wrestling on the ground. Thanks to his size and bulk, Mario was able to gain the upper hand and began choking George who kneed him in the groin a couple of times. Finally, Brock came over and put the brothers in an arm lock and banged their heads together.

"KNOCK IT OFF," Brock roared, "BOTH OF YOU!"

"He started it," Mario said accusingly rubbing his head.

"Like hell I did," George snapped rubbing his neck.

"I don't care who started it, I'll finish it." Brock dragged them both back to the cabin where their siblings were now aroused and angry ad their interrupted rest. Brock demanded an explanation, reprimanding them for being out at night, and when he learned why he lashed out at Mario.

"These horses belong to father, his gift to us, they're not yours to kill."

Mario remained silent his face contorted with rage.

Brock turned to George, "why didn't you come to me, instead of trying to handle it yourself."

"Old Red chose me to be his rider," George replied, "that makes him my responsibility." He turned to Mario, "besides this was going to happen eventually, I figured I best get it over with."

Brock studied him "are you saying-"

George nodded and stood up with his arms behind his back, "when you retire I intent to challenge Mario for the position of Head Counselor."

This caused murmurings among the rest of the cabin, Brock rubbed his chin and Gregory laughed out loud, "How amusing, you as head counselor, over your older brothers," he turned to Brock. "Can you believe the nerve of this punk-"

"So be it," Brock said grimly, "but we might as well settle this matter once and for all."

More murmurings followed and Gregory whirled around gaping at him, "you..you can't be serious. He's not fit to lead us."

Brock cocked an eyebrow, "are you sure? The fact the George rides the leader of the steeds father bestowed on us could be seen as a sign."

"THIS IS AN OUTRAGE BROCK!" Mario roared, "he's only twelve and I've been here for seven years. How can you choose him over the rest of us!"

"He is a bit young," Brock agreed, "but I am not 'choosing' anyone, George is issuing the right of challenge. Which he now has the right to do."

"Just because be completed a quest doesn't mean he's fit to lead," Mario growled.

"That is still more that you can say," Brock snapped. "And he did it at the age of twelve, not many of us can say they did that."

"Beginner's luck," Gregory scoffed, "besides, he only won because he had help, we took our quests alone."

"Did Leonidas hold off the Persians at Thermopylae alone?" George retorted, "a spartan that fights alone is one that dies first." That silenced the Cabin for Father's admiration for Sparta was well known.

"Achilles didn't need anyone," Mario pointed out. "He practically took on the whole trojan army and would have succeeded had the Gods not intervened."

George rolled his eyes, 'I had forgotten that too many people admire that jackass,' He thought "last time I checked brother, you aren't Achilles, so unless you took a dip in the Styx recently, you should not be following his example."

"He's right," Brock granted as he turned to Mario, "you and Gregory's arrogance caused you to lose your quests. Your failures embarrassed our father and brought shame to our cabin."

"If Father would only give me another chance-' Mario objected, but Brock cut him off.

"You should be grateful that you were given one at all. One is usually the most any of us get. You wasted yours, George did not."

Mario slammed his fists down, "Unacceptable, no little boy is going to play lord over me. Ares Cabin should be led by our best fighter."

Brock nodded, "that's fair enough so you know there is one way to settle this, The only way in Ares Cabin."

The others nodded and at once chanted the two words raising their fists into the air, "SINGLE COMBAT."

Brock turned to Mario and George, "do all parties agree."

George nodded, "Very well, I'll play the odds."

Mario grinned, "I accept, it's high time I put you in your place."

Brock sighed, "then it's settled, tomorrow at two o'clock the duel will begin. I suggest the two of you get some rest" With that the meeting was disbanded and everyone returned to their beds.

The next day, the whole camp knew something was up with Ares Cabin. They were being unusually quiet and strangely subdued. When George told Luke and Thalia what was going to happen, they grew concerned.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Luke asked. "I think you should wait a couple of years before, challenging Mario."

George nodded in agreement, "admittedly I would like wait until I'm better prepared, but life doesn't wait for you to be ready."

"Do you think it would really be so bad under him?" Thalia asked.

George sighed, "you know how he is, trust me he will only get worse once Brock is no longer around to restrain him."

Thalia and Luke nodded remembering how many times they ended up shielding Annabeth from Mario and Gregory's bullying. More often than not they would get tossed aside and only were able to beat them back when the trio worked together. Brock was not the only one leaving Camp, Henry Smith, Cindy Granger and Merida Tell would also be leaving that year along with two of Cindy's sisters Velma next year, leaving Annabeth as the next oldest and thus poised to become the Head counselor of Athena Cabin. That meant it would be up to her to lead her younger siblings against Ares cabin, but as bright as she was Annabeth was still only 9 and Mario was almost twice her age, size and weight. It wouldn't be easier for Apollo Cabin either since their successor Remy Adams was a better healer than Merida, but she wasn't the great archer Merida is. Henry's successor was Charles Beckendorf and Gregory's favorite target, 'Beckendork' he usually called him. Due to his size, he could probably stand up to him if he had the ferocity, but Charles was quiet and shy.

"Do you think you can win?" Thalia asked after a moment.

George was not going to mince words about this, "It won't be easy, he does have five years over me after all. As brutish and evil tempered as he was, Mario was still one of Ares cabin's best fighters being the deadliest spear wielder after Cindy only winning 2 out of 5 times in his matches against her. Still, Menelaus was willing to fight Hector even though the odds were stacked against him. So, I will follow his example, I have to do this, if I don't. Ares Cabin will lose what little respect in Camp Brock was able to keep for us. Mario will lead us down a path I cannot and will not follow."

Luke sighed deeply and put a hand on his shoulder, "just...be careful okay. I don't want you to kill yourself over this."

George shrugged, "well, after fighting Geryon, taking Mario on doesn't seem so bad."

George and Mario spend the morning preparing for their duel, sharpening their weapons, and cleaning their armour. They both had similar gear, Greaves, Vambraces, breastplate, helmet and combat boots. While they both armed themselves with sword, spear and shield, there were still a few key differences. Like George's swords, Mario's spear was specialized. Seven feet long, with a thick heavy shaft, the leaf-shaped head was twice the size of a standard dory and had wings below it. On the butt end was a bronze boulbous head no doubt for clubbing. Mario had a standard kopis while George had a standard spear. Both also had knives in their backs George with his trusty bowie and Mario with a sica. They also had a second spear for throwing.

The pair were led to the arena by the rest of their cabin as they took their positions on opposite ends of the field. It seemed that word had spread for a good number of their fellow campers had gathered to see the excitement. Once they were in position, they turned to each other and bowed before Brock stood between them, "this duel is a matter of honour and so you will both conduct it honourably, no crippling and no killing. Victory will be the one who yields or is unable to continue."

"Agreed" George and Mario said at once. Brock backed away and clapped his hands signaling the start.

The younger boy moves first positioning his spear Raising it above his shoulder and taking a run up hurled it with all his might. It sailed through the air and towards Mario. Mario smirked and raised his shield. The spear dug into Mario's shield but didn't quite go all the way through, Mario noted the slight dent where the spear had pushed through. He lowered the shield and eyed the spear that was embedded in his shield before prying it off and tossing it aside. The head of the spear had been flattened by the impact.

Now it was Mario's turn, eyeing his target he launched the spear into the air. Georges kept his eye on the deadly missile and took a knee positioning his shield at an angle, The spear deflected off George's shield and ended up sticking to the wall behind George. George turned back to Mario who was charging him with his main spear. Taking his second spear George braced himself. Both boys kept their shields up as they thrusted at each other, with Mario aiming for the head and George aiming low towards the feet. Despite his best efforts, every attack George made was easily swatted aside by his opponent's weapon. Until Mario used his shield to redirect George's spear down causing it to stick to the ground. Mario then used his shield to pin it there and slammed his foot down on the shaft snapping off the head. George withdrew and twirled the remains of his spear around to use the butt spike. But without its length, George's weapon might as well have been a club that Mario was able to easily block and counter against. Frustrated, George tossed the broken spear aside and drew his xiphos.

His mother and stepfather had trained him as best they could, but while they were experts in hand-to-hand combat, the best they could do in terms of sword play was knife fighting from Joseph. But they were able to teach him to trust his instincts and at Camp George understood what that truly meant. George learned that he did better when he didn't put too much thought into his moves and relied on instinct. "Thinking is dangerous," Hilde had said, "it's distracting, it causes hesitation, disrupts focus. Don't think Just Do." Now he got it, instinct was the key to Ares Cabin's martial prowess.

Unfortunately, many of his siblings tended to mistake Impulse for instinct. Instinct was driven by nature while impulse was driven by emotion. Brock relied on instincts, and this was what made him a good counselor, while Mario and Gregory were impulsive.

For an hour he two boys went back and forth, George used his smaller size to evade his larger opponent who opted for a more ominous approach. so far, they had both been able to lands several hits, but these were mere flesh wounds. Right now, Mario's spear outranged George's sword giving him the advantage. George's shield was able to keep Mario's spear at bay, but Mario was relentless. His attacks were powerful and aggressive as George blocked and dodged.

Frustrated by how long this was taking Mario dropped his shield grabbed George by his sword arm and pulled him in for a headbutt. Dazed, George stumbled back and landed on his rear. Mario leaped forward his spear angled down. He landed on George's torso, pinning him down as he drove his spear down, George brought his shield up, but the spear went right through digging into the ground by George's stomach, tearing his breastplate and grazing his side. George slipped his right arm out of his shield as Mario lifted it up to pry his spear from the shield. George then drew his Kopis and slashed Mario's right thigh. Mario cried out the stumbled back allowing George to get up, now with both swords drawn. George raised his blades while Mario grasped his spear in both hands, and they continued their deadly dance.

Both deprived of their shields, they now moved faster than ever. Mario was able to do much more with his spear now that he could wield it with both hands, while George used the versatility of dual swords to his advantage as well as one other advantage, he had over Mario. Mario's thrusts were now faster and less predictable, aiming for the brachium, thigh and neck. He was also twirling it around to attack with the blunt end, He also knew to protect his center so he never overswung. More wounds were dealt, but he was starting to tire and the wound on his leg was taking a toll.

George got in close, the head of Mario's spear grazing his neck. He redirected it with the curve of his kopis while striking with the Xiphos, cutting Mario in his left arm, he then spun around avoiding a jab from Mario's spear to deliver cuts to Mario's left thigh. Mario made a reverse thrust that got George in the groin. twirling his spear around he thrust down the spear going into George's own right hand causing him to drop his kopis ad Mario slammed his shoulder into him sending him flying to the ground a few feet away. Mario then looked at his leg and punched it several times to numb the pain before advancing on George.

George was about to reach out his hand to summon his kopis back when he saw something out of the corner of his eye much closer to his hand. Mario made to knock him out with the butt of his spear. George grabbed it and swung it at Mario, the butt of the broken spear connected with Mario's injured right leg, forcing him onto one knee. George then kicked his other injured leg. Mario screamed in pain as George used his now unsteady legs to sweep one of them which cause Mario to land face first to the ground.

George quickly got up and got behind Mario and threading his arms under Mario's chin put him in an arm lock. Mario tried to pry him off, but George's arms were pressed tightly on his neck preventing Mario's thick fingers from digging in. Mario got up lifting George into the air, and back up slamming George into the walls of the arena. If not for the armour George was wearing, his skull would have caved in. But George did not relent and only tightened his grip. In desperation Mario even fell back several times trying to crush George between himself and the ground. He bucked and flayed violently trying to throw off the younger boy from his back. Slowly Mario's struggles began to slow until finally Mario's body slumped down. Panting heavily, George cautiously relaxed his arms and pulled himself out from under Mario's body. George took his brother's helmet off and checked his pulse. He sighed in relief when he felt it and with, he found the broken spear and great effort pulled himself to his feet.

Brock regarded him for a moment before he started clapping slowly, the others soon joined in as the clapping became steady as all of Ares Cabin applauded. Exhausted, George dragged himself towards Brock picking up his swords as he did this. Brock stepped forward until the two were mere feet apart, they locked eyes for a moment, before Brock gave him a curt nod and taking George's left arm and thrusting it into the air.

"Father has made his will known," Brock declared. "George Grant, I hereby name you my successor of Ares Cabin." Brock then turned to Mario's unconscious body, "take our brother to the infirmary."

But George heard none of this as exhaustion and fatigue finally overcame him and he collapsed. All he knew was. At last, it was over, he had won. Mission Accomplished.