The Roman Avenger (Percy Jackson)

Chapter Sventeen

Chapter 17

The legion went into instant chatter and Jason and I stared at Darunia defiantly and confidently. I held a steady voice, my Roman General side coming out, "What is it that you want Darunia? You are no ally to Olympus, we will not serve you!"

There was shuffling behind me, clearly people were not overly whelmed with excitement on how I talked to this overly powerful deity. It didn't take a genius to tell that Darunia had a great power, he radiated it for goodness sake. Darunia gave me a wicked grin, "Now nephew can't we be civil? We are all family after all!"

I glared at Darunia, "We may be family, but that doesn't mean I have to like you! That just means I will respect you, and treat you fairly. Which is the only reason our archers are holding fire!"

Link looked at me darkly, "Be careful where you step Percy. My father could wipe out this whole camp in a blink of an eye. His temper is as sporadic as your fathers, and Jason's father. It runs in the family clearly, don't give him a reason!"

I looked at Link and shock and Darunia I could tell was trying not to smite him for being so insolent. His facade went back up though as he smiled, "It seems you have defeated yet another Titan tonight Perseus. The abilities of Neptune and Pluto makes you very powerful indeed. It is impressive, however, Link has not only Time on his side, but he also holds the power of the eldest Titans. You stand little to no chance against him. That brings to why you are here! You two are going to fight!"

I looked at Link with betrayal, "I thought you said we were family! I thought you said you wouldn't fight me!"

Link looked at his father expectantly, before Darunia corrected himself, "My apologies Perseus, I meant to use the word spar. However this spar will go until incapacitation. The moment the fight is over, you will be alive and we will go on our merry way. You see Link doesn't get very good challenges around the house. I thought I might bring him here so we could see who the most powerful demigod of the time is! Not to mention, I wanted to meet the rest of my family! I see all my living mortal nieces and nephews are here! A pleasant surprise! Even if some are of both...Cultures!"

Many people stirred at that statement clearly not knowing what he was talking about. My friends and I shifted uneasily at that, clearly worried Darunia was going to reveal our secret. He chuckled loudly while Link remained emotionless, "Don't worry children your secret is safe with me! Now Perseus Jackson, Link Adams has a challenge for you!"

With that Darunia shoved Linked forward with his hand and Link stumbled in front of me before removing a piece of his armor, "I challenge thee, Perseus Jackson to a battle until incapacitation. The winner will be the most powerful demigod to ever live! Do you accept my challenge?"

I looked at the gauntlet sadly. Link clearly did not want this as much as I did, "And if I refuse?"

Darunia snapped his fingers and Hazel appeared in his arms, a fresh sword was in his hands and across her throat, "Then your youngest sister dies!"

I glared harshly at Darunia, "As you wish." I walked to the gauntlet and picked up, "I Percy Jackson, Centurion of the First Cohort, accept this challenge to incapacitation!"

Link suddenly had a scythe in his hand and as I stepped forward I seemed to be slowed down in time. I looked at Link with apprehension as Ultor and Riptide were drawn into a fighting position. I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder, "Be careful Percy."

I relaxed slightly at the voice. I knew it was Reyna's, I never took my eyes off of my sad faced cousin, I said back, "Always Rey."

Darunia stood in between us and held his hand in the air and fired it forward, "Incipiam!"