Percy Jackson: The Wolf Curse

Chapter 9: The First Wolf Praetor

[Percy's POV:]

What was less than a second, felt like hours passing by as we sprung at each other. My senses heightened not only by my wolf instincts, but by the adrenaline filling my veins. The anticipation drew me in. I assumed my battle eagerness was a product of Lupa adopting me, my wolf instincts craving the battle for the alpha position.

We clashed powerfully, her imperial gold spear thrust out at me, with power strong to pieces my metallic hide without any doubt. I get hit by an attack like that and I'd be done for. I had to wait, time it right to the moment when she could no longer alter her line of attack and then duck underneath to her non-dominant side. Just as planned her blade was centimetres away from impaleling my snout before I suddenly ducked my head down and dashed past her. It was this action that made me realise one problem, I'd been shrunk far too long and it was beginning to take its toll on me. The discomfort growing to unignorable amounts making my actions sluggish costing me a viable opportunity to attack. I decided to grow a little to ease the stress, it would hinder my agility a little, but not much. It would, however, prevent me doing certain actions effectively such as quick dodges and spin based attacks. Which worked well with a small body but not so much a big one. I turned towards her, a murderous look in my eyes with my lips curled in a vicious growl. The arena and its crowd no longer existed, just Reyna and I trapped in battle.

Once I had recomposed myself, I began to reassess her fighting style, she used a lot of solid foundation moves and the footwork was flawless. Finding an opening would be just as difficult as making one in her solid defence, I needed a new approach to win this so I decided to get wild. Attacking with raw speed rather than agility, doing my best to avoid each sweep and thrust of her spear. I just needed to close the gap, get in close enough to bring the advantage to me. Running at her once more I got low to the ground positioning my body as if I were about to pounce, she took the bait positioning herself ready for an aerial attack. Instead, I remained low, running straight into her legs, my bronze fur slicing the skin as it passed by. I didn't stop there, I had finally closed the gap presenting me with the advantage. It didn't work out that way however, I managed to knock her down, but she had also unexpectedly turned her spear into a sword holding it at my throat while my jaws at hers. A tie. Something I oddly felt satisfied with and I could tell Reyna felt the same.

"It is a tie! And as such I will still offer you the seat of co-praetor beside myself. Does anyone object? Speak now or do not speak at all" silence confirmed no one was opposed to me taking such an important role and I would be mad to refuse.

"I ACCEPT!" I barked out loud forcing my hoarse voice to be heard by all. I was their praetor, and they my legionnaires. I would lead them to strength and power alongside Reyna. Together I believed we could survive anything.

The audience cheered at my acceptance, excited to once more have two praetors like they should have for so long.

"Damian, follow me, we have much to discuss about your new position and its responsibilities. I also must get you fitted for an outfit even if you are a wolf, decency is a must." I huffed at her words disliking the idea of clothes, especially since I'm technically wearing some already and it's just part of me right now. We began walking together towards what I think was the barracks.

"You will be staying in the praetor house alongside me. It's a place built recently that acts as both a meeting hall for important discussions and a place for us to live." Wait wait, we were going to live together? Isn't that like a post dating thing? Oh yeah I'm a wolf she probably imagines I'll just laze around like a pet or something. We walked silently through the campus grounds, passing the occasional légionnaire. Couldn't help, but think about what my purpose here really was, about the supposed plan Juno was 'repeating' for me and more importantly, why me?