The Glory That Is Rome (a Percy Jackson AU)

A Phoenix

      Leo was proud of what he had accomplished. Like a phoenix, he had risen from the ashes, stronger than ever. He had worked his way up from a to an apprentice of a blacksmith to a blacksmith himself. Everyday, Leo felt a sense of pride as he stood by his forge. He liked to joke that it was just like him: smoldering hot.

     Leo decided to visit the Forum. He was done working for the day and he could go shopping. He needed to buy himself a new pair of sandals, as his current ones were peppered with holes that allowed sharp stones to graze his feet even through his socks as he walked.

      He washed his face and did his best to wipe the grime off of his clothes before he put on some socks and a cloak to keep away the chill of the evening air of early spring. He laced up his sandals and made sure his forge was idle before he left. The last thing he needed was another fire.

     Leo swallowed the ball of bitter grief swelling in his throat. Sometimes, he wondered why h had become a blacksmith when his mother had died in a fire. As a poor freedwoman, she had lived in a cramped apartment that was kindling waiting to be lit. Leo had been playing in the streets with other kids his age when the fire started. He ran towards the flames, but someone held him back. 

      At seven years old, Leo was an orphan. He wandered the streets for months, feeding himself by begging and stealing. Sometimes other beggars stole his food, but they often left him with some scraps because of his sense of humor. Now that was what kept Leo going more than anything. His humor kept him alive and had won Tyson over, convincing him to make Leo his apprentice.

       Leo shoved these thoughts away and tried to focus on something else. The streets of Rome were the same as ever. Stray dogs avoided the feet of people of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Graffiti added splashes of color against the stone and wooden structures. On his way to the Forum Romanum, Leo saw something, or rather someone, who caught his eye.

     She was wearing a finely woven tunic and a fur-trimmed cloak. Her caramel-colored hair framed a face that looked like that of a goddess and her lack of a pallas revealed that she was no matron. Leo found himself staring at her pale skin, pouty lips, and cute freckles.

     The woman caught him staring and demanded, "What are you looking at"

      "I am merely admiring your beauty," he said. "May I ask you for your name?"

      "No you may not!" the woman snarled and she stormed away.

     Leo's eyes followed her figure until she disappeared from his sight. He was smitten. As he bought a new pair of sandals and then turned to walk home, he thought of how her eyes had flashed as she spoke to him. She was a spirited, beautiful maiden who wanted nothing to do with Leo: just his type.

     As he thought of the beautiful stranger, he heard shouting and looked up to see her being cornered by three guys. They were all as burly as bears, but Leo strode forward and threw back his chest. He could see them appraising his scrawny build, curly hair, and mischievous features.

     "What are you doing messing with this fair maiden?" Leo demanded.

      The three men hesitated, but the largest just laughed and said, "Get away, you little dwarf."

     "I'm no dwarf!" Leo said and at the same time, a dog barked loudly.

      "Unhand her!" Leo said and the dog barked again, sounding closer this time.

      The three men hesitated and Leo stepped forward and said, "I said unhand her. Now!"

     The barking was definitely closer now and Leo saw the three burly idiots exchange glances and take off. Leo turned around to see a massive, golden dog bearing down upon him. Calypso yelped, but Leo merely crouched down and scratched the dog behind his ears. The dog's tongue lolled out of its mouth and it wagged its fluffy tail.

    "Festus," Leo said. "I'm happy to meet you."

    The dog seemed to like his name.

    "I guess I should thank you," the girl with caramel-colored hair said. "My name is Calypso. Thank you for rescuing me twice, but I could have handled it myself."   

    She turned around and left. One again, Leo was left staring at her. Festus barked and Leo looked down and told him, "That woman sure is something."

    From Festus's barks, Leo figured he agreed.