Time skip 6 years (Perseus is 9)

Bailey POV

I was waiting patiently in my study. Now as a 26 year old, I have been retired from the Legion for almost five years. I served the people of Rome with great pride; as they were sad to see me retire and leave the power of the legion to Jack. But, I had realized that my adopted son, Perseus, needed his mother more so than the Legion of Rome needed me. After retiring from the Legion I had decided to begin a new chapter in my life as a student of the University of New Rome. I am a Civil Engineering student and am hoping to design a grand set of city walls to protect Camp Jupiter and New Rome from the war that Lord Thor spoke of. Young Perseus has been off with the Hunt for the past 6 months and he is supposed to be coming back this evening. Perseus loves Lady Diana and his prowess in battle seems to exponentially increase after every trip he takes with the Hunt. My graduation ceremony is tomorrow and I cannot wait to be reunited with Perseus. He only has three more months before he turns ten, which also happens to be the day that this years group of nine and ten year olds are formally inducted into the legion.

As I am pondering my thoughts, I notice a silver glow. I cover my eyes as I am well aware of my visitor. I drop to a knee as Lady Diana makes her presence.

"Rise daughter of Mars." Lady Diana commands.

"Mom I've missed you!" Perseus exclaims as he tackles me into a strong hug that would put a Cyclopes to shame.

"We went hunting last night and I got to battle my first monster!" "I killed a hellhound with Aunt Zoë's hunting knives!" Perseus exclaims joyfully. The expression on my face went to pure terror as I thought of my baby battling monsters at such a young age. Lady Diana noticed this and chuckled to herself. "He attacked the beast with great skill. He analyzed the situation in a way worth of Minerva herself and destroyed the creature with the might of one of my hunters." Lady Diana beamed with a sense of pride evident in her silver eyes.

"Well I am very pleased to see young Perseus becoming a true force to be reckoned with" I chuckle looking at Lady Diana. "I hope all of this practice with the Hunt helps you in your trials of acceptance into the legion" I say with a knowing smirk. "Milady, I actually have a gift for young Perseus if you would like to stick around a bit longer" as I say this, the goddess gives me a curious look and my son gives me an adorable lopsided grin.

I open the drawers of my desk and find the magical object that I was looking for. "Perseus" I say "this gift along with increased training over the next few months will help you make a lasting impression at your ceremony" my son gains a large grin at the mention of the ceremony that will make him a legionnaire. I pull out an old capped pen that causes Diana to look at me questionly and Perseus to frown. "Mom what am I supposed to do with an old pen?" Perseus says looking rather upset. "Well young one in a world full of magic and gods you should never question the significance of a gift" I state sternly. This comment causes the ever stoic goddess of the Hunt to slightly grin. As I hand off the pen to Perseus I say, "why not uncap the pen?" Perseus then proceeds to give me a yeah right look, but moved to uncap the pen.

As he uncapps the pen, something magical takes place. The pen transforms into a beautiful glowing bronze sword that extends to a length of approximately three feet. The weapon has beautiful and intricate designs running along the blade. The sword is obviously magical as it is the sharpest weapon that I have ever seen. "My my my, I haven't seen this blade in millenia" Diana exclaims. I glance at her funnily. "This is Anaklusmos or Riptide in English; this weapon has the immortal power of the seas running through it" Diana tells us as she smiles knowingly. Perseus's eyes bulge at the sight of the deadly weapon. "Mom thank you sooo muchhh!" Perseus exclaims. "Well that is a lovely weapon and you must show it to Zoë next time you visit Perseus. I must be off however as it is time for the Hunt to move out. Lord Jupiter has sent us on a mission to destroy a group of rouge centaurs that have been terrorizing a group of nymphs in Yellowstone" Diana exclaims with a mischievous smirk. She hugs Perseus on last time, whispers something in his ear which makes him smirk, and then vanishes in a flash of silver.

"What did your Aunt just whisper to you Perseus?" I ask with a questioning glace. "Ohh nothing mom, she just told me which cohort she wants me to join."

"And which one would that be, it better not be the first!" I say jokingly. There was a running rivalry between the first and second Cohorts as to which is the best. And as a former Centurion of the second, I obviously know which is the best.

"Of course not mom, I would never. Plus I'm pretty sure Jason is going to try and get into the first and we all know he's my rival!" Perseus jokes back. However, I'm not so sure it is a joke about the rivalry. Perseus and Jason have had a history of competing while training together and have even gotten into a few brawls. Jason has also been deemed the champion of Juno. So now with both the king and queen of the gods backing him, young Perseus may have a bit of a difficult time gaining his rightful spot as Praetor. You see, Praetors are typically one male and one female. There is no set rule about this as its whomever is best for the job, but the twelfth legion seems to always have one of each.

"Well my son, there is still two hours of daylight left, so why don't we go to the coliseum and see what you've learned during your time with the Hunt." As I say this a sly grin appears across both of our faces. "And, let's try out that new sword of yours." I say with a wink.

As we arrive at the coliseum I find that there are very few people here sparring. There are actually only four people that I can see. As we get closer I notice the four. Lacy who was recently promoted to Praetor was sparring with her best friend Cassie. Which of course they were sparring, it seems as if that's all they do in their free time. And as I look across to the other side I see Jack, ugh, and he is practicing with the young son of Jupiter. Jason has idolized Jack ever since he could walk. Jack was instructing Jason on gladius techniques. The gladius being wielded by the small boy is most interesting indeed. On his ninth birthday that passed around eight months ago, Juno and Jupiter gifted him with a golden coin that can transform into either a imperial gold spear or gladius depending on the side the coin lands on when it is flipped. As these four are busy, I turn to Perseus and ask if he's ready.

Perseus gives me a wolf like grin and pulls the moon charm on his necklace. His beautiful set of armor molds around his body and he looks the part of a powerful legionnaire. He then uncaps his pen and Riptide expands to all of her glory. As the sword shines, the four others all notice it and turn their heads. They all walk over with Cassie and Lacy having curious looks. Jack and Jason seem rather annoyed. "That's not even a gladius idiot" Jason sneers. Jack laughs at this with agreement evident in his eyes. "Well I bet I could still kick your lousy butt, boy" Perseus returns, saying boy as if it's a poison. Well, he did just spend six months with Diana. "Well why don't we have a little mock fight between the son of almighty Jupiter and the little legacy!" Jack bellows with a hidden glee in his eyes. I'm about to intervene as Perseus has yet to even attempt to use his new weapon, when I hear two simple words spoken by my son. "Bring it."

Cassie volunteers to referee the match as she is the most neutral party present while Lacy, Jack, and myself sit on a bench to observe the fight. I can't stand Jack but after working with him for so long I can tolerate being near him. Jack is twenty six the same age as me, but he is still Praetor of the legion and I don't know if he'll ever retire. Most legionnaires tend to retire by the time they turn twenty five, which in most cases marks fifteen years of service in the legion. However, there is no law that one must retire. As long as they are fit to do their duty to Rome, a legionnaire can serve as long as they wish.

Jason and Perseus were glaring at one another. Perseus was wearing his armor he got as a gift from Lady Diana and wielding Riptide, the sword that his father left him yet he has no idea about that. While Jason was wearing what seemed to be standard legion armor and was wielding his gladius which was blessed by Jupiter. As the tension grew, Cassie started the match. Jason being quick to anger immediately rushes at Perseus with a swing at his neck. Oh my gods he's trying to kill him. Perseus with lightning fast reflexes blocks the blade and head butts Jason. The boys stagger back from each other a little bit. Perseus slashes at Jason's legs as Jason has to jump to avoid becoming handicapped. As he lands he reaches to stab Perseus who in turn hits the gladius with a powerful strike. They go back and forth slashing, stabbing, rolling and jumping. They go on like this for over thirty minutes neither giving an inch. Lacy looks over and says, "It appears that they are evenly matched." Jack seems annoyed and has a smirk and goes on to say, "it's not over yet, there's no way a puny legacy can defeat a son of Jupiter." This arrogant comment by Jack infuriates me but I hold my tongue. I think to myself how is Perseus doing this well with a brand new sword. However, it seems the sword is made for him. As the two break apart Jason goes into a sprint and leaps into the air going much higher than he should be able to, is he controlling the winds? Jack gets a smug look on his face. Jason comes down and hammers out a powerful overhead strike that causes Riptide to fly out of Perseus's hand. I begin to worry when Perseus does something that surprises me. He backs off with a graceful flip before twisting a ring on his finger. Silver hunting knives appear in his hands along with a murderous glare. Jason gains a look of determination on his face before charging once more. As the two clash they lock blades, but Perseus has one knife free and hits Jason in the helmet with the handle of the blade. Jason drops his gladius and punches Perseus in the nose. Perseus staggers back a bit and drops one knife as blood trickles down his face. Perseus advances on a now weaponless son of Jupiter. Just as Perseus is about to end the fight, he uses the knife handle as a hammer across Jason's head, something very unsettling takes place. Jason's eyes flash with a glow and lighting strikes down hitting Perseus which throws him back, knocked out. This usage of power should not be possible from a nine year old as Jason falls over unconscious from over exertion. With both boys passed out, Cassie calls the match over, as I rush to Perseus's side. He has a lighting burn across his arm, his clothes under his armor are in tatters, along with a nose bleed. But, other than that he is fine.

Lacy, Jack, Cassie and I decide it's a good idea to call it a night as Cassie comes with me to help carry Perseus to our home. Cassie utilizes her gift of healing as a daughter of Apollo and says Perseus will wake up good as new in the morning. As she leaves I look back down at my little soldier. Perseus will have lightning powers too I tell myself. Jason's have just developed quicker because he knows of his heritage. I pray to Thor begging him to visit his son while he is asleep. I also pray to my father, Perseus's grandfather, Mars on how best to prepare my son for his upcoming trials of the Legion. As I look down at the blood from Perseus's nose bleed I notice something. There are little golden specks in his blood. What the heck does that mean I question myself? I tuck Perseus in and turn to leave.

As I sit in my living room with a cup of hot chocolate, I see a golden glow. Closing my eyes and dropping into a bow as I could sense a god paying me a visit. As I opened my eyes I saw my father, Mars Ultor. "Rise my daughter" Mars whispered, knowing Perseus is asleep. "You have done your duty to Rome and served the Legion with great honor. You have done the people of Rome a great service by raising this child. I know his father is mighty proud of you and Perseus." I look up to my father with a skeptical look. "How do you know of Perseus's father" I question. "I am well aware of the dealings of my daughter Sally. I know he is the son of Thor. I also know that Thor has blessed you with extra physical strength my daughter" Mars tells me with a glowing twinkle in his eyes. "Will you be telling this to Lord Jupiter?" I ask my dad. "Of course I will not speak of this to my father, he would smite Perseus even though he is of Roman blood! My blood!" The god of War growls. "What I have come to share with you is that you must train Perseus to wield that sword with great precision and power. His sword play will be a keen factor in his development. Also, he will need to be instructed in his powers as the son of arguably the most mighty of the Æsir! Once young Perseus learns of his heritage he will grow greatly in strength as well as rapidly developing his powers over the sky!" My father shouts joyfully. "But father how will I be able to teach him of his lightning powers?" I ask uncertain. "No need to worry his father will instruct him in his dreams and he will learn on his own. All you must do in this aspect is find a place where he can practice without being seen. Now I have to leave before Jupiter notices I'm here. I'm proud of you Bailey and I am quite excited to see that wall you plan to build for my people. No, for our people." And with that he was gone. That's the most caring I had ever seen my father. To be honest that was only the second time I have been in his presence, the other being when he gifted me my gladius after my first quest. I've had an eventful day so I think it's time to go to sleep.

Perseus POV

As I drifted off in a dreamless sleep I felt a powerful presence come into being. An image of a throne room began to form in my head. Two people were in this vision. A man with a patch over one eye who seems to radiate knowledge and contained power and another man being large with seemingly unlimited power rolling off of him in waves. He had reddish hair and bulging muscles, but what was most interesting was the fact he had a large war hammer in his hand. How odd of a weapon. Not very Roman like if you ask me, because he's definitely not Vulcan. As if these men can hear my thoughts they begin to chuckle. "Hello young Perseus" the old man speaks. "I am your grandfather, oh my how you've grown, battling sons of Jupiter." Wait what? I thought my grandfather was Mars and this dude is definitely NOT Mars. Then the younger man began to speak. "No this is not Mars young one. This is your grandfather on your father's side. He is Odin the Allfather! The god of Wisdom, Poetry, War, Death, Divination, and Magic! The king of mighty Asgard!" The muscular dude bellows with pride. Woah, that cool these dudes seem like they may be as powerful if not more powerful than Jupiter himself. "And who are you?" I ask the younger man whom I presume to be a god. At this Odin chuckles with a gleam in his eye. "Well Perseus that's what I've come to tell you. Perseus, I am your father. I am Thor the god of Thunder, Lightning, Storms, Strength, Fertility, and Consecration!"

Dream me just went wide eyed at this revelation. Then I got angry. "Why didn't you protect my mom! Why have you never spoken to me! Why now!" At this Odin looked at Thor sadly before disappearing. My father sighed before saying, "Perseus, I have been at war for the past ten years. Loki and Hela have waged war on Asgard. I have just defeated them within the past month. If I would have come to save your mother or come to you beforehand, Loki would have killed you while I was in battle with giants. I did all of this to protect you my son." At the genuine sound of his voice I knew he was speaking the truth and that he was saddened at this fact. "I am sorry father. I did not know of this. I forgive you, dad." At this Thor seemed to grin. "Perseus, I loved your mother and I love you too my son. Now that you know of your lineage, you must begin to train with a new vigor. Bailey knows of this as well as I passed on Anuklomous for her to give to you. Wield it as that sword will save your life. If you lose it, the pen will always reappear in your pocket. Train with your powers over lightning and storms. I now claim you as my son! Over these next couple months you will grow in size and stature, strength and power! Show that son of Jupiter what a son of the true god of thunder can do! However, remember that your duty is to Rome. For there are very few Nordic demigods on Earth and no place like Camp Jupiter to call home. Know that you are of the Norse gods but also know that your are of the Roman gods and have the blood of two powerful pantheons and histories coursing through your veins!"

And with those last words of encouragement and wisdom from my father I began to awake.

A.N.

So sense this is a Roman based story, I figured it would be more realistic to have Percy referred to as Perseus. More formal and militaristic. Also what do y'all think the golden specks in Percy's blood mean?