Titans Wrath

Percy: Chapter 15

"BEGIN!" Chirons shout filled the arena, following the galloping of hooves as he ran back to the stands. Annabeth and I stalked out at the same time. She held her drakon bone sword in her hand.

I raised an eyebrow, flipping Riptide between my hands. Annabeth wasn't a front line fighter, and we both knew she couldn't match me with the sword. She preferred to strike from invisibility at an important targets weak points before disappearing just as fast as she appeared so the fact that she was coming at me, sword raised in an offensive Greek stance made me think she had something up her sleeve.

We circled eachother slowly, making 2 clockwise turns before she took a testing strike at my hip. I flicked my wrist and parried her blade away, sending a blinding slash towards her shoulder. My speed surprised even me, and I had to tighten my grip on Riptide to stop myself from accidently throwing the bronze blade across the arena.

My surprise caused me to miss, and I had to retreat a few steps to avoid the pale flash of her own blade.

My speed and strength surprised me, I was far faster and stronger than I'd ever been as a mortal. I made a mental note to practice more so I could fully utilize my newfound abilities.

While I retreated and regained my composure, Annabeth charged. While she may not be the best swordsman, her sheer aggression and speed made her formidable. Not to mention every single strike was calculating and for a reason, so while she wasn't doing anything complicated, her moves were strung into refined patterns designed to crash through her opponents guard.

She smirked at me as I parried and dodged her strikes. I blocked an overhand strike and our blades locked, causing me to smirk back at her. She knew it was coming but couldn't retreat before I twisted Riptide down her blade, flicking her guard up and sending her sword spinning into the dirt, using the same move Luke taught me all those years ago.

Her dagger was in her hand before her sword even hit the ground, partnered with a short jerk of her head.

I watched in surprise as her helmet morphed into a familiar Yankees cap, before Annabeth disappeared in front of me.

"Shit..." I muttered. The crowd had been aflame in roars and cheers as the fight pulled on, but everyone held their breath in tense silence as I slowly spun around, my eyes darting across the dirt looking for her footprints, but it was no use.

I heated and felt the whistle of her dagger through the air, coming straight for the pit of my sword arm. I jumped back, making a slash at where she would be, but got nothing but air.

Sweat beaded my brow, and anxiety twisted through me. Annabeth was a dangerous opponent, especially when you can't see her.

I spun around, deflecting another strike directed at my back. This time, her strike was followed by a dozen more, and I was stuck defending against stab and slash after stab and slash, all invisible. My senses alone were the only reason I'd survived so far, and the demigods watching stared in awe.

Finally after more than 2 dozen blows, the air stilled. I panted hoarsely, our exchange having dragged on for over 7 minutes.

I spun around, desperately listening for any sign of my wife, but Annabeth stayed quiet. I spun again, before I felt it.

As cold as ice, I felt the razor thin edge of Annabeths dagger press into my throat.

I froze, and she materialized. She was crouched in front of me, displaying a level of flexibility even Artemis would be proud of, her arm extended up to hold the tip of her knife to my Adam's apple. Before I could react, she jerked her wrist up, leaving a thin gash across my cheek.

The crowd was silent, staring in wonder, before they exploded in cheers and roars of excitement. Annabeth and I held eachothers gaze, her smirking slightly, and me finding I was more in love with her now than I'd ever been before, and surprisingly turned on.

She winked and stood straight before turning and strutting her way out of the arena. Chiron appeared at my shoulder and rested a hand there, my eyes still glued to Annabeths back.

"IT seems you've lot my boy." He commented, raising an eyebrow at me. He looked at me for a second and broke into laughter, seeming to understand my thoughts, causing me to flush red.

"IT seems, you two have much to er, 'discuss'. You should go with your wife."

I nodded, even more red than before, and sprinted after Annabeth.