Chapter 2 – Annabeth

Annabeth thanked Terminus and then turned towards the ship again. "Let me and Jason get down first. Once we make sure the Romans understand that we come in peace, we'll signal you and you guys can come down. Alright?" she said. Not all were happy about it, but the fact was they didn't trust the Romans either. So they nodded in agreement.

As she descended the ladder, Annabeth heard the bustle of footsteps hurrying towards them. She thought she felt Jason was being a bit nervous too. What did he have to be nervous about? This was his territory!

There was Percy! Her heart gave a jolt, she smiled. He exclaimed "Annabeth! You are for real!".The next thing they knew, they were crying, hugging and kissing each other with no memory of where they were and why they were there. A few seconds of complete bliss!

But then a voice brought them to their senses and Percy hated it. "Jason Grace. Welcome back to Camp Jupiter" said Octavian.

Percy and Annabeth parted and Annabeth saw the girl standing next to Percy. She was dressed in full Imperial Gold armor, over a purple toga just like Jason's. Her long dark hair was braided over her shoulder and her dark eyes were gleaming, but Annabeth thought they had a glazed look. Then she noticed the guy who had spoken and had even more bitterness in her mouth than she had when she looked at Jason.

"Octavian" said Jason, nodding. "Hello Reyna", Jason said to the girl. Then he turned to the rest of the gathering. "Romans", he said in a voice loud and clear. "I present to you our friends from another camp."

There were nervous murmurs and somebody called out "They are Greeks Jason! What are you doing with them? "

Jason raised his hand to calm them and said "They come here in peace and mean no harm to this camp. I am sure we all have a lot of questions. I and Annabeth here", he gestured towards her and continued "would like to talk with the senate first and the praetors can fill you all in later. Until we arrive at a conclusion no one else from the ship Argo II shall descend." Then he looked at Reyna and Percy and asked "Do we have an agreement?"

That's when Annabeth noticed Percy was wearing the purple toga and cloak too. She was surprised and felt a surge of pride towards him. Well done, seaweed brain! She thought.

Reyna cleared her throat and spoke "Yes Jaon, we have an agreement. Romans, hold your fire. No one shall attack the ship unless I say so ." Then she smiled and ushered them to the senate hall.

Jason didn't need leading. He seemed to remember the way. He kept glancing towards Reyna uncertainly. Percy noticed it too and held out his hand saying "Hello Jason, I am Percy Jackson. Nice to meet you".

Jason shook it and said "Likewise".