The Truth Behind The Myths

Southern Border

Nothing. Three days of researching and asking deities and medical professionals and Will still had nothing. It was driving him insane and he wanted to just throw the medical sheet against the wall and scream in frustration.

Percy seemed perfectly fine. As Will had promised, the shakiness and lack of coordination had gone away after a few days of practice with his sword. He was practically back to normal, other than the occasional migrane that Will had found a simple treatment for.

They'd been waiting for another attack from whatever had taken Percy the first time. Adrius had visited the day after Percy got out of bed for the first time, and he informed them that monsters were on the move outside the camp. His mother and her pack had been worrying at their numbers and trying to get a sense of where they planned to attack, but so far no one had found anything significant.

Just as he remembered what the wolf-goddess's son had said, Will saw the furry black shape rushing towards him, limping.

Adrius shifted to his human form, panting heavily. His arm was mangled almost beyond recognition.

"They're coming- South border-" Was all he could get out, and it was all Will needed to hear.

The Fourth Cohort was practicing on the Field of Mars. Will waved his arms to get their attention and cupped his hands over his mouth.

"ENEMIES APPROACHING THE SOUTH BORDER!"

The Cohort scrambled to attention and one of the smallest members shot off towards the center of the city.

"Let's get you into the infirmary so I can fix that arm." Will turned to Adrius. The man nodded, clutching his arm.

------------------

"Annabeth I'm going to fight." Percy said matter-of-factly. He was already halfway into the armor that had been provided to him.

His girlfriend sighed. "Percy, I don't want you to get hurt."

"I know what I'm doing. I'll be fine-"

"Last time there was a fight on the border you disappeared to Tartarus."

"That happened afterwards and I sniped my share of monsters beforehand." Percy shook his head. "Annabeth, this is their last stand. They've lost their secret weapon, they've been beat once already, and that big ugly god that's in Tartarus is probably asleep again."

Annabeth chewed her lip nervously. Percy walked across the room and gently kissed her forehead. "How about this, I'll fight alongside you the whole time. Like the Greek heroes of old."

She smiled a little at that. "As long as you don't do anything stupid and get killed."

"Oh never. Steve has all the stupid, remember." Percy grinned.

"Right. Get your armor on."

The couple quickly got ready, then checked each other over.

"Ready?" Percy offered her his hand. Annabeth grinned and took it.

"Lets do this."

They joined the assembled Cohorts at the Southern border, pushing to the front and standing by the Praetors.

"What are we looking at, Reyna?" Percy asked, peering into the forest. He could see creatures moving, but they stayed in the shadows and he couldn't see things clearly.

"We don't know yet." Reyna shook her head. "Nico's surgeon sounded the alarm."

"Adrius was with him." Nico put in. "His arm is just about completely destroyed. Will's looking after him now."

"Adrius knows what he's talking about." Percy nodded. "We need to be ready-"

Someone in one of the Cohorts screamed. Percy's head snapped around and he looked out at the forest.

A single figure walked into the open. She moved confidently, the silver wings and curled horns sparkling in the midday sun.

Percy heard Bucky swear under his breath.

"Language." Steve reprimanded jokingly.

Percy took a few steps forward, watching the creature from Tartarus as she flashed her ugly, sharpened teeth. He ignored Annabeth's hissing warning.

"You're a lot uglier in the sunlight." He finally called. A few people in the Legion snickered.

"Jacksssson... we meet again."

"And for the last time, Aesgeh."

The woman's face twisted into a horrible smile. "Clever boy. You did your ressssearch...."

"I always do." Percy drew Riptide. "You may be the daughter of Ophion, but your father is not as powerful as he once was. Kronos beat him, and I really don't see you as a challenge."

"Then we shall see how you measure up to my skills, boy." Aesgeh hissed. "Today is the day this ends."

"I quite agree." Percy spun to face the Legion. "Reyna?"

"Do what you need to."

"Legio paratae!" Percy shouted, thrusting Riptide into the air.

The Legion shouted with one voice, clashing weapons and shields.

"When did you learn Latin?" Annabeth asked as Percy stepped back over to her side.

"I speak thirty languages, Wise Girl, it's not that hard to pick up another."