Chapter One- Reunion
Percy couldn't help but grin as the Greek warship descended slowly to the ground. He kept his arms around Frank and Hazel, but only to prevent himself from running forward to see his old friends.
The ship finally landed. A door the size of a two car garage opened and demigods in armour and orange T-shirts poured out. Percy saw that a few of the Ares- Mars, whatever- kids had exited the ship first, weapons at the ready, including Clarisse. Percy felt Reyna's and Octavian's glares on the back of his head and decided to walk forward.
"Guys, take it easy- we don't want to fight." That's when a boy about Percy's height and age stepped out of the ship. Cheers and screams went up from the Romans. Percy looked at the boy- so this was Jason Grace. Jason narrowed his eyes at Percy.
"You're praetor." He said, almost bitterly. Percy fumbled with the clip on the purple praetor's cape. He managed to take it off and handed it to Jason.
"Not any more, dude." Jason blinked at him before gratefully accepting the praetor's cape, a friendly smile on his lips.
"Where is he?" A girl's voice shouted from the ship. Percy perked up instantly as Annabeth jumped out the ship, her stormy grey eyes scanning her surroundings. She locked eyes with Percy and started running towards him. Percy couldn't contain his relief and excitement and moved forward, meeting her half way. When Annabeth reached him, she nearly crushed the life out of him. "My gods Percy don't ever do that again!" Percy chuckled as Annabeth held him at arm's length. "Are you wearing a bed sheet?"
"Toga," Percy corrected, "I'll explain later." Annabeth shot him a studious look.
"Per-cy!" An excited bleat reached Percy's ears.
"G-man!"
Jason had already been surrounded by some of his Roman friends. It took a while, but his memories of them slowly faded back. Even Reyna… oh gods… Piper was so not going to be happy. Jason wasn't entirely sure how close- as in close- he had been to Reyna. He straightened his praetor's cape, grinning and shaking hands with the Roman demigods.
Piper, Leo and Chiron clambered out of the ship. A few Romans drew weapons at the sight of Chiron. Percy's mind clicked into action and he dashed in front of Chiron.
"Guys, hold it! He's a Greek centaur. A friendly! Put your weapons down!" After a few hesitant seconds, the Romans obeyed. Reyna cantered up to Percy on Scipio.
"So, Percy, we've accepted your graecus friends into our safety. What now?" Percy bit his lip and locked eyes with Annabeth.
"How about… war games?" Percy suggested, smiling innocently. Reyna narrowed her eyes at him, smiling slightly. "You know, just to get… ah… friendly and then we can talk about this trip to Rome." Reyna nodded and relayed her orders to the Romans.
Piper stood at Jason's side, her arm linked through his. Jason was glad she was there, but Reyna was keeping an eye on her fellow praetor, as if making sure he didn't disappear again.