Capítulo 8: The Regiment is Chosen
I waited a few hours for Omoro to show. All I could think was how close I came to death, and how much being around Saturn affected me. I felt different when I entered that throne room. All the confidence, it was gone. And I didn't know who to choose, due to my training being solely with monsters. As far as who to choose, Omoro is currently the only solid choice. But maybe she can help choose. As soon as I thought this, the door opened. Standing before me, clad in red armor with gold spikes on each shoulder was Omoro.
"Not a word about the armor. I didn't have a choice thanks to dear old Dad. In fact, I don't know if it can be removed. But what did you need?" Her stance told me she had a lot of pent up anger. But that was normal, I could tell it was more than anger weighing her down, but I needed to get to the point quickly.
"Fine, at least you look the part I need you to." I started discussing my plan, along with the major drawback I've been dealt.
"Okay, bad news. Each member of this army trains a different way. So, you may have had solo training, but others are being dealt with differently. If you want to get through with a good force, you'll need to see each one firsthand. That's why Krios put you through your training, apparently. Also, I have two warriors who could help. One is training me. The other is known by most of the females as "the Vine". Both are incredibly useful in terms of combat, and from what I've seen my trainer can help with my problems involving overheating." So that's what she was hiding. Separate training for her fire-based powers could have drained her a lot more than necessary, especially now.
"I want this force to be small, but effective. If anything, your choices are great. But we need a healer and a backup in case 'the Vine' is taken out. I just don't know who to choose. We'll watch the training today, and by tonight choose who will join the Regiment." I knew we had a long shot at finding a suitable member, but, right now, it's all we had.
"We better go now, training begins in 15 minutes." I just needed to ready myself. So, I dismissed Omoro and checked the room. I need to look the part, and if Omoro had armor, I should, too. The only thing was finding it in the quarters. I looked around and found multiple panels inlaid throughout the main room. I guess each one had something needed, but to open them I needed to use something other than a key. My sword wouldn't work, so I tried to use some power. Immediately every panel opened. Each one held a separate piece of armor. They included a pure black Drakon visage helm, Stygian iron breastplate with black accents, greaves made from what looked like pure darkness, and boots made with Stygian iron and a heel of the same darkness metal. However, looking closely, the darkness was in a pattern. This is what Omoro meant, each of our suits had to have it. The darkness had the pattern of gears on it. Which means it was enchanted to amplify my powers, and Omoro's had to do the same. Despite her wishes to keep her powers under control, she was set up to increase them against her will. If they could be removed, I would choose sooner rather than later. Because the price of this armor was too high.
I ran to watch the training, and got there just in time to see two soldiers enter the arena. One wore armor the color of blood, and the other was dressed in jeans and had just a sword. Both looked like they've done this for a while. Immediately, the armored fighter charged. "An mistake, although he could gain an advantage by injuring his opponent early on. I wonder whether that son of Mars joined just to cause pain. At Camp Jupiter, he'd be renowned as a king." I turned to see an man in a suit walk in. He reached out for a handshake. "I am Prometheus, and I hear you're the Son of Saturn. Looking for recruits? I would have the one with no armor. Quite a powerful demigod, and a son of Neptune. I hear another of that god's children is giving much trouble for the rest of the army. But that will be dealt with soon."
"He's a son of Neptune? And who else would you have for my Regiment, because right now I'm clueless." I ahould not have said that. But Prometheus aura was harder to resist than anything I've felt before.
"Watch the next three matches, then decide. I am needed elsewhere. Though, if it were up to me, I would rather keep going on an advisory role. Tartarus knows Krios needs it."
With that, Prometheus left. The next three fights were steadily more difficult to watch. As far as I could tell, the winner wasn't clear at the beginning. And each loser was better in overall terms of strategy. I could even say the main reason they lost was due to the other fighter going berserk after seeing their plan. I found my four new soldiers. As each one left, they were given a sealed scroll. In it was their orders, made on my command after the arena fights concluded.
As I walked out, Omoro was rushing toward me. Her face looked beet red, but she was smiling. Not many things could have made this day better, but this was one. "Lucius!" she yelled, " I've found two more recruits! You'll want to see them now, since their about to spar. And each one is immensely powerful." She grabbed my hand, and we ran to see the match. As we got there, it looked like the earth itself was fighting the sky. This was indeed a spectacular fight. Both young women had complete control over their abilities, and clearly were battle hardened. I looked at Omoro. She smiled, "Amazing, right?"
I asked her, " What is the parentage? I can tell one is Pluto, but the other one?" It scared me to have too many overpowered fighters since the Titans would consider is a bigger threat.
"Daughter of Aeolus, and don't worry, you choose who you want, that was the deal you made, right?" Her eyes looked like she just hit the jackpot, and at that moment I knew what was coming. For better or worse, we had our Regiment.
"Okay, we have "the Vine", your trainer, a son of Neptune, a son of Mercury, and two sons of Apollo, along with these two. Equal opportunity, and from what I've seen equal level of powers in different ways. I just hope we're not seen as a threat." As soon as each one left, they too received scrolls.
Later that night, everyone showed up. I started simple, each one had to just say their name and abilities. After that, their training would change over the next few days.
"So we begin with "the Vine". What is your real name, and what abilities do you have?"
A little girl stepped to the front, and I looked at Omoro like she was playing a joke on me. "My name is Loretta Fin. I am a daughter of Bacchus, and my abilities include plant control and battle rage." Again, I doubted this little girl was that strong, but when she said battle rage after her father being Bacchus something popped.
"So, do you need something to have before a battle?" I knew where this was going...
"Kool-Aid!" And with that, I knew her sibling was at Camp Jupiter. The one with red-stained lips that I saw as I ran away with Jason. I doubt this girl knew that.
"Okay, we'll stock up on that. But we'll also work on having you switch to other things during combat."
"And, the next, son of Neptune?"
"I'm not his son. Just a legacy with pretty good genes. My name is Jeremy Nel. And my abilities include water control and that includes everything tied to it."
"As in?" I liked where this was going, but needed a full demonstration. Since I saw very little of his fight.
"It's easier to show you. Just don't blame me for anything getting wet." He raised his hands, and it started raining in the room. As he moved them, the rain intensified. And, when he put them down, it stopped.
"Storms? I like that. And since we're on an island, you'll be great! Though, we may have to work on more secretive motions."
"Next is the son of Mercury."
"My name is Larry James. Another legacy, although my ancestor is famous. My powers include theft, sneaking, and sabotage. Though I also am very good with a dagger."
"Let me guess, you're descended from Jessie James? And by good with a dagger what do you mean?" This guy seemed a bit off.
"Point me to something not easily opened. And everyone move back." He then pulled out a basic Imperial Gold dagger.
I then pointed to an empty armor panel. At least, with him, I hoped it was. He tossed the dagger at it, and immediately, and shockingly, it opened. Thank Othrys, it was empty!
"It also works on armor chinks, and most mechanical devices. Just so you know, those are a lot different."
I knew he was a liability, but better to keep watch on him rather than let him run around and do what he wants.
"Sons of Apollo?" I could tell each one was built to be an archer, but they fought differently in the arena, and that could mean something.
The older one stepped forward. "I'm Billy Jade. My abilities include perfect aim with any projectile, and a blinding flash. And yes, I'm actually a child of Apollo."
The younger one stayed back, but spoke firmly. "I'm Harry Welch. If you don't recognize the name, my father is in a band. I have healing abilities and an innate ability related to sound."
"What innate ability? There are multiple, so could you specify it?"
"I can track objects by sound, and judge things based on sounds. Basically, I can be both a liar detector and sonar/radar tracking system."
"Music has its uses, huh?" I was smiling.
"Of course." He smirked.
"Okay, daughter of Pluto? Haven't seen many Underworld children around..."
She stepped up, the exact opposite of her battle outfit on. While that one was meant to inspire fear, this one seemed made for laughs. "My name is Beverly Jones. I'm not like my dad, but I do have abilities that make me good in combat. I have complete control over the earth in a certain radius of me, and can shadow-travel. Also, you need more color."
I didn't know how to take the last part, but if she can control metal then we might be able to have better armor. "I'll leave you to do some designs. But first, we finish the list. Daughter of Aeolus?"
"Over here!" she seemed to have more energy, and easily looked the most at ease among the group. "My name is Skylar Nimbus, and I can control the weather, too. Plus, I can summon gusts with a wave of my hand." Then, with a flourish, she did it.
"Well, try to keep the flashiness down. But you're definitely doing a good job." I saw the last name on the list. "Daughter of Vulcan?" How did Omoro get past that technicality?
"Right here, and my name is Lucy, Lucy Rose. I can create and control flames, also I'm known for making mechanical beast and armor. Also, you and Omoro's armor, is top notch, but comes with a cost."
I started sweating, but asked, " What is the cost?"
In a deadpan, "Using the enhancements inflicts damage, and for each use the damage increases. Also, it fades into regular clothes rather than being removed."
"How do you know this?" Though I knew the answer already.
"I made them. I didn't know it was for you two, but Krios said it was either that or death. Now, I can make it right. Give me three days, and I can find something to reverse it."
Omoro looked scared, "In three days, they attack."
I thought I misheard her, "What do you mean they attack? What are you hiding now?"
She broke down immediately, "The Roman Legion is going to attack at dawn in 3 days according to Reyna. At least, before the wipe..."
These kids didn't need to see their leaders like this. "That means we train harder, and we lead. Krios won't know, and that means we gain honor. Omoro gave us a deadline for teamwork training, we will do work on it until nightfall in two days. I do have several groups in mind. But that can wait until tomorrow, for tonight, you receive you're orders. Show them to you're higher ups, and they will let you come to me each day until otherwise said by myself. Omoro, the scrolls?"
I knew she would need time, and a change of subject always helps. "Here are your orders, starting tomorrow, you report to this same room for special training, for at this moment, you all are a part of the First Titan Special Forces Unit. Welcome to the Regiment." I knew she made up some of it to impress them, but, by Styx, we needed it with how things just turned.
Immediately, Beverly raised her hand. I knew what was coming, but decided to let her have her moment. "Do we have our own flag, or even a symbol to show who we are? I know I can make one if we don't." The smile got me, and I answered, "If you want, make one. But it needs a gear. And make it unique. If anyone wants to make anything else, you have until sunrise to do it. Since the orders stated I needed you until then. Good luck."
Lucy was next to dampen the mood, "If we get seen without you, we break the orders and die for it."
The panels may be a good thing after all. I turned to Larry, "Open them all, and then you guys can start."
Larry looked like I gave him the code to a vault. "On it, Captain." And within 3 minutes we had two forges, four extra rooms to train in, and mutiple panels full of metals and weapons for both.
"Let's start Regiment! And Beverly, for tonight, you get your own room to make our flag. Remember, we need a gear."
And the night went smoothly after that. By morning, we each had our own sets of custom armor, emblazoned with a gear, alongside weapons with enchantments to enhance and control our powers. But my favorite is the flag. I don't know how she knew the exact symbol, but she got me nostalgic for home. A gear with each jutted edge a different color, and the inner portion completely golden all surrounded by white. It was a symbol of the Saeculi, and now reborn.
"Okay, Regiment. Head on to you're bunks. Today, training will be light. Tomorrow we train for war."...
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