Its Not Over

by SpitKill

The giants have been defeated. Percy is devastated over his friends deaths. None more than his Wise Girl's though. With his request to the Gods he will return to the legion and retake his place as Praetor. With Reyna by his side, they will bring prosperity to Camp Jupiter. But will it be enough to stop the final threat to Olympus. PercyxReyna.

4. A Rise To Power

Chapter 4

I had an idea. Was it a good one? Probably...Not. We were in the senate room as I stood before the senate to make a proposition. I was a little nervous to say the least. Reyna and I have been together for a little over a month now. We were happy, hell happier than I even thought possible after all the wars. But now I was doubting myself. I cleared my throat, "I am making a motion today. But first let me ask a few people in the senate a few questions. Octavion, yes or no, has the glorious Empire of Rome prospered since Reyna and I became Praetor?"

Even Octavion had to mutter, "Yes...Yes it has."

I smiled at even Octavion having to concede defeat, "I am glad you feel that way Augur. Gwen, would you say your skill as a fighter has improved since I started working with you and the the other cohorts?"

Gwen gave me a bright smile, "Of course Praetor."

Reyna looked at me questioningly, but I winked at her causing her to blush a bit, and a few of our friends to chuckle, "Dakota, has the recruit and their survival rate increased or steadily remained the same since Reyna and I took this positions of Praetor."

Dakota looked at me surprised, "Praetor recruitment rate is up 28% and the survival rate of our demigods is 98%. The odds of living a life as a demigod have never been higher in the history of Rome. Your leadership has brought prosperity to the Roman Empire."

Now it was my turn to smile widely. I reached in my back pocket and pulled out an envelope. I held it in the air, "This letter. Has been signed by the entire Olympian Council. I am making the motion to raise two new Praetors in-"

Shouting went out through the air Bobby leading the shouts, "You can't just abandon your position as Praetor after all the stats show that you are probably the best one's in the history of Rome!"

People shouted agreements, and I made a motion towards the floor and the whole room began to shake. People eyed me warily at my display of power. Reyna looked at me and she kind of looked pissed. I quickly shouted, "My designation is to indeed have my fellow Praetor and I step down from our seats of power, BUT, the Olympian council has agreed to raise the two of us... To council's of Rome!"

Reyna recoiled and the whole senate went dead silent. I smiled, "You see with the absence of Lupa, in order to spend more time with her pack, she decided to step down. The two positions are open. I would Reyna and I to take these positions and raise two new Praetors. Dakota son of Bacchus step forward."

The room was in dead silence. I said, "If you are willing. I have watched you grow. Your loyalty to Rome is unquestionable. Undeniable. You have gained my respect as a Centurion something that is not easy to do. If you will take it, I offer you my spot as Praetor."

One of the Lares stepped forward, "Jackson you are not allowed to simply hand your position of power down to a lower Roman. Nor do you have the right to take the council of Rome without proper senate election."

The humidity in the air began to rise the Lares were still breathing creatures and I stopped the air circulation around the Lares and he began to suffocate, "Ceaser! You have no right to interfere with my business. Do you dare question the order of the ENTIRE Olympian council!"

Suddenly a God flashed into the room. I knew immediately that this was one of the big three. And after about three seconds I knew it was my father by the way the Earth rumbled and the smell of the sea that was wafting through the room. After another moment two more Gods flashed into the room. The power in this room was immense. Neptune, Pluto, and Jupiter, now stood before the senate as they rose and bowed to the big 3. Pluto smiled fiendishly, "Hello Nephew! We heard that there were issues with you and the daughter of Bellona being raised to council of Rome! Which one is it?"

I bowed, "Its good to see you Lord Pluto. The Lares Ceaser was questioning the order of the council. I ask for his amnesty though, as he was just sticking to tradition."

Pluto scowled, "I will just this once! We are here to see and agree with you and the daughter of Bellona's choices as the new Praetor's as we will raise you to council of Rome personally! We already owe you once again for saving us in your fight against Tartarus. The House of Pluto is in your favor nephew!"

I bowed before my uncle again. I turned back to Dakota, "Do you wish to accept the spot as Praetor, Centurion?"

He stammered, "Why me Percy?"

I clapped him on the shoulder, "I trust you son of Bacchus. I believe with my guidance we will be able to bring further peace and prosperity to the glory of Rome! Should you choose to accept it, I will be with you every step of the way!"

Dakota smiled happily at me, "I accept your position as Praetor graciously!"

I shouted, "Ave the newest Praetor of the Twelfth Legion, Dakota son of Bacchus!"

I turned to Reyna who had finally stepped out of shock. I walked over to Reyna, "What say you mi'lady. How does ruling Rome together sound from a higher position. I will explain my reasoning to you later. If you wish to rule by my side more though, choose a worthy new Praetor!"

Her smile widened at my words. She looked out into the senate before saying, "I would like Gwen Daughter of Apollo to take my position as Praetor. She was a Centurion for many years, very experienced, I trust her judgment and leadership ability. If she is to accept it?"

We all looked to Gwen and she blushed, "Shouldn't Hazel take it? I retired nearly three years ago. I am out of practice and everything. Plus I was about to start a family and settle down. I expect the council to keep this to themselves, but Bobby proposed to me on our anniversary just a few nights ago. So I must respectfully deny Praetor, my deepest apologies!"

Many people congradulated Gwen, many had grown up with her and were very happy for. Gwen was such a nice person I felt happy for her that her and the son of Mars had found happiness after the long wars. Reyna waved it off, "No good for you Gwen, I am so happy for you! You know not many demigods get this chance!"

I swear I could see jealousy in her eyes as I watched her say that. I decided I was going to in time offer Reyna immortality with me. Not anytime to soon, but I will offer it to her, even if we break up, she deserves immortality in more than just the eyes of the Roman legends! I looked at Hazel and after so long we were easily able to have silent communication. She could see what I was asking her. She nodded her head, but her face clearly said she wanted an explanation at a later time. I said, "Praetor, perhaps Centurion Hazel would be a fit choice. A child of the big three. A Heroine of Olympus, who else be more fit besides you of course mi'lady!"

She blushed for about a second and then she just smiled at me. She then turned her attention back to formalities and said, "Centurion Hazel, I offer you the spot of Praetor. Do you accept it!"

Hazel stood up, looked at me, then back at Reyna, "I accept this great responsibility and honor proudly. The house of Pluto will be revered in Rome for the first time in hundreds of years!"

I stood up, "Ave Hazel and Dakota Praetor's of the twelth legion!"

Lord Pluto who had watched the entire thing between me and Hazel grinned at me thankfully. Pluto was easily my favorite uncle as he always treated me fairly and in honestly has never tried to kill me. Jupiter then shot Reyna and I with tiny bolts of lightning and he boomed, "All hail the New councils of Rome. The first demigods to take this position in hundreds of years. Hail Reyna Cato, daughter of Bellona, Heroine of Olympus. Hail Perseus Jackson, Son of Poseidon, Champion of Olympus and slayer of Titans and Giants alike!"

The room went into an explosion of cheers. The gongs on top of the buildings were being rung. Gongs that I have only heard ring once when I took my spot as Praetor. But now the gongs were ringing over and over again. Jupiter cleared his throat, "Lord Bacchus and the other Olympians will be back tonight for a party in New Rome. One that will be completely comped and cleaned by the Gods. This is a big moment for the history of Rome!"

Neptune walked over to me and held his arms out for a hug. For the first time since I saved Olympus I embraced my dad! Many people were shocked by the site, but Pluto and Jupiter actually walked over and shook my hands in congratulations as well. Neptune then gave Reyna a hug to which almost caused her to faint with surprise. I tried not to laugh as Neptune whispered something in her ear and she turned a bright red! I told my uncles, "Make sure my brainless cousins are here tonight my lords! Its been a while since we all partied as a family!"

Jupiter and Pluto nodded at me and flashed out of the room! I looked to Dakota who was now wearing the purple cape and had the tattoos emblazoned on his arm by Octavion. I could see the hatred on Octavion's face, and I chuckled to myself. Hazel got her tattoos from one her friends from the fifth cohort whose name I honestly do not know! I then motioned for Dakota to wrap up this meeting and he did so, dismissing the senate. I turned back to Neptune and bowed, "Thank you for coming to my aid father. I know you and your brother's are very busy, so appreciate your assistance."

Neptune's smile lit up half the room. But then he frowned a bit, "Are you sure this was the right thing to do?"

I nodded and used a form of telepathy he had tought me. The same we talk to creatures of the sea we can talk to each other, "This is the only way father. I fear a new war is coming. This was the only way I could convince Reyna to be able to travel with me. Dakota and Hazel are more than capable of leading the legion. Of course I will be the war council and Reyna will be the politician. We won't be needed in camp as much, but yes father I do believe this was the only way."

My father nodded and smiled at me, "I am very proud of you son. You have brought a good name to the house of Neptune!"

He put his hand on my shoulder and then disappeared in a sea green mist. All that was left in the room now was Hazel, Dakota, and Reyna. I eyed me three friends knowing I was in deepest shit with Reyna. I said, "So whose hungry?"

They all rolled their eyes and Dakota was the first to ask, "So are you going to tell what all this was about? I have come to know you pretty well Perce, you don't crave power. You now hold more power than most minor gods...Why?"

Reyna crossed her arms and looked at me. She clearly was not happy with me at the moment. I could obviously see part of her was grateful that I got us promoted to the highest position possible in the Roman Empire, but the fact I didn't consult with her first was clearly the thing that she wasn't happy about. I grimaced before saying, "Dakota, I will tell you, but first you must swear on the river Styx not to tell anyone, as well as I need to IM Nico before I tell you, for I am bound to the Styx as well."

Dakota looked at me questioningly, "Aren't you going to tell them too? I mean don't they need to swear on the river Styx to?"

I sighed this was getting complicated, "Dakota I need you to trust me for a moment. First give me literally two minutes for me to IM Nico, I can't risk breaking this oath, I don't want to be spending any more time in Tartarus then I already have."

Dakota nodded his head but Hazel and Reyna both looked confused. Sure Reyna looked less confused, but that doesn't mean I was off the hook or anything close to that!"

I walked away from the group a bit and focused on the water vapor in the air creating a rainbow, yeah I know new trick, "Oh Iris Goddess of the Rainbow, show me Nico Di Angelo God of Shadows!"

First Iris responded, "Evening Council, your call will be dispatched immediately and congratulations!"

The rainbow then changed into Nico who was in the underworld palace speaking to his father. I cleared my throat, "Nico, I need your permission to break the oath."

He immediately looked at me knowingly. He then looked at his father, but his father had clearly not chosen to question what was being discussed. But he did watch us with great interest. Nico asked, "For who?"

I grinned, "The new Praetors of the twelfth legion I am sure your father has informed you?"

Nico looked back to his dad and he shurgged, "I was getting to that!"

Nico face palmed himself, "I want an explanation later Percy! But yes you have permission to tell the new Praetors, who are they and why do you want to tell them?"

I sighed, "I know you both know and trust these people. One is your sister Hazel and the other is the son of Bacchus Dakota. You remember him I am sure!"

Nico grinned the memory before I had regained my own memory and all of our time together before the war games. He then nodded his head, "I give Perseus Jackson to relay information to people he see's fit. Under the condition they to swear on the Styx of our original agreement!"

Thunder boomed and I nodded thankfully at Nico, "Thanks Cuz I will see you tonight!"

Before Nico could question I swiped my hand through the mist. I walked back over to the three most powerful people in Roman Empire and smiled. I said, "First lets talk about this in the praetor house, Reyna and I will pack our stuff, so we ask you'll remain I the fifth cohort for just one more night!"

They both nodded as we all headed out towards the city of New Rome. As soon as we stepped back into the light roars of applause filled the air! The entire population of the Roman Empire was here! Minor gods of Rome including Reyna's mom were here. Even Mars Ultor was here. He may not be my favorite Roman God, but he saved my life once during the giant war so we are cool. He is certainly no Ares.

As soon as the applause died down our friends and family bowed before the new leadership in Rome. For the except of Mars who just grinned at me. I had saved Frank's life several times and helped him find peace before he left us. I would consider him a friend if I ever needed him. I raised my hands in the air, "The praetors and my fellow council of Rome must have a word in private! Speeches and toast will be given tonight at the party. The Olympians will be here and it will be a party! For now rest I give everyone the day off, to prepare and get dressed up, this will be a night to remember!"

Cheers went up again and people went off in celebration for the day off. Lady Bellona gave me this death glare and some of the other minor gods looked at me in approval of taking this leap forward for Rome. I held out my arm and Reyna took it as we walked towards the Praetor houses. We walked in silence as we still heard congratulations ring the air as we walked through the camp. Finally after several minutes we made it to my Praetor house. There isn't much sleeping in there anymore so Reyna and I use it for meetings and such. Reyna and I have shared a bed even before we got together we never did anything, but after Tartarus my nightmares were... Horrible. She has helped me through some very rough times.

We took seats in the living room of my house and my friends stared at me expectantly. I sighed, "I don't crave power, you guys know that!"

Dakota nodded his head, "That is why I am so confused as to why you did it!"

Reyna's hand was on the table and I placed my hand on her's and smiled at her. She still glared but he features softened. Without taking my eyes off her I said, "I did for her. Reyna. I did it for you."

Hazel and Dakota both looked at me confused and I continued, "A new war is coming. The hardest, but we believe the shortest war is coming. My fight with Tartarus was only the beginning. The Primordial are rising. But we have time."

Hazel and Dakota gasped while Reyna just looked sad. Dakota said, "Then in a time of crisis you stepped up to a higher seat of power I still don't understand?"

Hazel the chimed in, "As Council he can go around the world, collect allies, travel, leave camp as he chooses and pleases."

Reyna's eyes lit up at the idea of what I had now done. I smiled, "Perceptive as always Hazel. Yes, I have fought and won two wars now. I wanted a break, a chance to travel and see the world. This isn't like the Titan or Giant war where we had little hope of winning. We have good chances of winning this war, I on the other hand have much smaller chances. I beautiful women once told me after the second giant war, that she hoped I would fall in love again, find happiness, peace. I may have just found that, but if I have 6 months or a year or five years I plan to spend every night like it could be my last. Hazel you have been going in or out of Elysium for the past year, so I don't feel remorse for asking you of this task. Dakota...You on the other hand, if you wish to step down, I will hold nothing against you. You are a true Roman my friend, with this information you can go off in camp find love and move on yourself live your last few months or years in camp peacefully. But that is your choice!"

Dakota thought for a moment and no one said a word giving hi some time to think. Minutes passed before he spoke up, "Percy. If anyone in this world God, Goddess, mortal, immortal, deserves peace its you. I don't have a girlfriend, I have friends, but they are all here at Camp Jupiter. Percy I will proudly lead the Romans in these final times of peace. I will serve the house of Bacchus proudly. I wish you the best of happiness Percy. How often will you be at Camp?"

I smiled, "I am going to ask my cousin for his blessing tonight. Hopefully he will be able to give the skill of Shadow Traveling. With that ability we will be able to come back and fourth to Camp Rome as fast as we please."

Hazel and Dakota both grinned, but Reyna was still in a shock. I cleared my throat, "Praetors please return to your barracks for now, by tomorrow night Reyna and I will have moved into the council house that the legion can build in one day. But that can all be done after the celebrations tonight. I need to have a few words in private with my fellow council before the party tonight, so if you will excuse us."

Hazel and Dakota clearly took the message and began to depart. Hazel kissed me on the cheek and said her thanks and Dakota slapped his hand on my shoulder in clear appreciation. I heard the door to the house close behind them and I sighed. Reyna looked at me with an emotion I couldn't read. I decided now would be the time to begin profusely apologizing, "Look Reyna. I am sorry I didn't tell you. I thought you might want this to. I thought you would want to travel the world a bit, I am not the only one who fought two wars."

Suddenly Reyna stood from her chair and then paced the room, I was about to start another apology, but she cut me off with a smooth kiss. It was passionate and heavy kiss. I could feel appreciation shoot through this kiss. She broke the kiss and kissed me several times on the head and on the cheek. I smiled at her now, "What was that for?"

When she smiled back at me, my heart fluttered with happiness. She exclaimed, "Percy, you are one of the bravest, nicest, most loyal people I have ever met. You could've chosen any girl in the entire demigod army. You could've chosen most of the goddesses and they would've taken your offer in a heart beat. Yet you chose me. You chose a girl who has only known you for a few years, a girl who wanted to kill you in vengeance when you first arrived at Camp Jupiter. You cho-"

I cut her off with a peck on the lips just to keep her quiet, "I chose a girl who has been there for me in one of the hardest times of my life. I chose a girl who has become apart of my family. A girl who helped...Who helped mend my shattered heart. A girl who was there for me in the night when I woke up crying. A girl who was there for me when I felt like I had lost all hope. Reyna I wouldn't have taken Aphrodite herself over you. I never thought I was say these three little words to another girl, but Reyna...I love you."

She had a mouth splitting smile that was worn on her face, it could've lit up the darkest caves, in the darkest hours. This smile was one I hope I would never forget, because it was beautiful beyond the explainable words. She made her way to my lap where we just continued our kiss. We didn't need words or to go any further than this right here. Finally she broke the kiss and buried her face in the crook of my neck. She whispered in my ear, "Where do you want to go first?"

I began to play with her hair slowly twirling it in my fingers. I said quietly into her ear, "Anywhere. Anywhere in the world you want to go. Land Beyond the Gods or not, I will protect you no matter where we go. The first choice is yours though my lady I will pick second."

I could feel her smile even though I couldn't see it. She said, "I want to go see my sister. Before we start our travels. Then the great wall of China. From there we can go where you want. I would really like to see the terracotta warriors and the wall that the Romans admired for many centuries. Something I never thought I would see, but I would really like to."

I smiled at the intelligence of my girlfriend. Strong like a good Roman warrior should be, smart as any of the generals or centurions. She had the brain and the bronze. Fearless, cunning, and loyal. The perfect combinations to make a good girlfriend for me. I kissed her on top of the head, "I want to go to Athens, see what this whole family feud has been caused for. Athena and Poseidon, I have always just wanted to see the glory of this supposed amazing city. From there back to Rome, I would like to go back to the Coliseum and see it as a tourist instead of a contestant this time."

She chuckled lightly remembering the story I had told her. One of my frequent nightmares though. Seeing those final moments before I fell into Tartarus. I kissed her on the head again and carried her bridal style to my bed. I could tell she was tired, "Lets get some rest before the party tonight."

I laid her on the bed and wrapped my arms around her. This was the most peaceful I could be, I felt safe and protected. My last thoughts before I drifted off to sleep was, "I may just be the luckiest man alive."

(A/N) Sorry this chapter took so long to write. Been a little busy, I will have the next chapter up tomorrow night or the day after at the latest. What do you think of the moves I made in this chapter? I am going to put up a poll on my profile, would you like see Percy and Reyna travel the world for several chapters, a few chapters, or do a time skip? I could write all of these things pretty well so just let me know what the readers think! Please Review and I hope you enjoyed!