Race Against Time - Percy Jackson

Chapter Five

-Chapter Five-

Percy gasped in shock, gasping for air. It felt like he was being submerged underwater then being pulled back outright as he was about to drown. He took quick and heavy breaths as if all the air in his lungs suddenly disappeared. He dropped to the ground on all fours, his energy disappearing almost instantly. His heartbeat was racing, his breaths were ragged. It was as if he ran several marathons then decided to swim a whole ocean.

Percy could only stare at the grass in front of him as he tried to steady his heartbeat. He tried to control his breathing, taking in slow but huge breaths of air.

"Fuck me," Percy said with displeasure. Feeling like he hadn't slept for a whole month. Percy turned to his side, seeing Yorath laying on the ground, his eyes shut, an uncomfortable look etched across his face.

"That was very unpleasant," Yorath stated. Percy tilted his head, giving a small nod of agreement.

"Imagine how I feel," Percy said in an uneasy voice, feeling as if he was about to pass out at any moment. Percy felt tired beyond compare. He was so tired, he knew that if he lied down on the grass, he would pass out from pure exhaustion.

Yorath stood up, shaking his head from the daze of a time jump. He walked towards Percy, extending a hand out. Percy gladly accepted, hoisting himself up and trying not to fall once he did get his bearings.

"You okay?" Yorath asked, Percy shook his head.

"Hell no!" Percy exclaimed. "But that's not the important part."

"We still need to find out where we are, and when," Percy called out. Yorath gave a slight nod, looking around the area. They were smack dab in the middle of a huge city. There were multiple buildings that were either homes or shops. People were bustling on the pathways, paying the two time travelers no mind. Some guards were clad in armour, matching it was helmets that had red plumes. They had red knee-length tunics that matched their garb perfectly.

Percy took note of it as he continued to look around, trying to identify the time period. In the middle of the city was a huge coliseum that had hundreds upon hundreds of people wandering around, trying to place bets on who would win. Percy could identify some people selling armour for the gladiators, some were just about to enter the coliseum. He could spot multiple guards on the entrance, guarding it with a stern face. Percy immediately knew what era they were in.

Percy tapped Yorath on the shoulder, the son of Chronos turning to Percy with a raised eyebrow. Percy merely pointed at the coliseum. Yorath seemed to widen his eyes, the pieces seeming to click together. The two shared a look as if they were trying to confirm their suspicions.

"Is that the Coliseum?" Yorath asked, emphasizing the word 'the'. Percy shrugged, not knowing if it was the coliseum that was part of the seven wonders of the world.

"No way we're in Rome," Yorath said with disbelief, once again Percy shrugged not really knowing what and how to reply to that.

"I have no idea. That's just my guess." Percy said with a slight shrug. Yorath sighed and rolled his eyes.

"Romans speak Latin right?" Yorath asked, trying to get confirmation. Percy gave a nod as Yorath approached a passerby, intending to figure out where they were.

"Hello!" Yorath called out. The person looked at him with confusion, wondering why Yorath called.

"May I ask where and what exactly is this place?" Yorath asked in fluent Latin. The passerby nodded, opening his mouth to answer.

"Well, this is Rome. Are you perhaps a traveler?" He asked. Yorath smiled a bit.

"Well you could say that," Yorath answered.