Disclaimer: I do not own or Percy Jackson or Heroes of Olympus. They are property of Rick Riordan.
A/N: Ok, ok, I know this isn't my usual five prompt update. Truthfully, I have a massive case of writer's block. I've written three out of the five, all planned in the AU where Reyna and Annabeth were switched. I just can't get the last two exactly right and I wanted to update since it's winter break right now. Please prove to me there are still readers, especially for this ship. I love Jeyna to death. Also, can someone recommend to me some Jeyna or Reyna-centric fics? I need something to get me out of this writing funk. Thank you for the reviews, favorites and follows like always.
In other news: I got a tumblr. I won't be posting fics on it but if you want to see silly things or random post from me. I'm bookedforever. :)
Alpha 31 – 35
31. Home
As the door of the Principia closed shut, Jason Grace allowed his shoulders to slum and a tired sigh to escape his mouth. Aurum and Argentum eyed and whined at their temporary owner. Jason looked at the two metal dogs with weary blue eyes. "I know guys," he said as he unclipped his purple cape. Instead of allowing it to fall on the ground like usual, Jason hung in on the hook, frowning at the empty space beside it. He placed his hand against the smooth wood. Nothing felt right without Reyna around. "I miss her." Jason ran his fingers over Aurum's ear, looking at the new pile of paperwork and steeling himself for another late night.
The son of Jupiter slowly peeled off his armor, massaging his shoulders as the literal weight left them but the mental weight returned ten folds. So much has changed since Reyna mysteriously disappeared three months ago. Worried and uncertainty ripped through Camp Jupiter. There was a present tension between Jason and the Senate. The small group of elected officials was micromanaging Jason and questioning every single one of his decisions. It was like they didn't trust Jason completely, despite electing him as Praetor of Camp Jupiter. It was like without Reyna around, he was unstable and violate. Jason clenched his fists, remembering a heated argument with the Senate when he accepted a new member of the legion under uncertain circumstances.
Jason walked over, running his fingers absentmindedly over the pile of papers before pulling the top one off. Reyna's signature yellow sticky note was stuck to the top and Jason won't deny it but his heart ached. Instead of Reyna's loopy cursive, Gwen's neat girly handwriting was there.
These need your signatures. Keep your head up, Jason. She's fine. We know it. – Gwen
Jason pocketed the note and read the proposal as he circled around the huge desk. He settled in the comfy chair and leaned his head against the side, recalling how months ago he used to loathe paperwork. Despite being a praetor for a year, Jason would always try everything to drag Reyna away from the endless piles of papers to go flying or a quick sparring match. Jason smiled and closed his eyes, remembering the girl with long dark hair and bright onyx eyes.
Get back to work, Praetor Grace. She would say, giving him a half-glare and playfully toss a jellybean at him. Jason would always catch it in his mouth like a dog and wink teasingly back. Despite her serious nature, she would always smile at him and they would take a break a few minutes after. Jason opened his eyes, half expecting the girl he grew up with to be beside him, munching on a handful of bright-colored jellybeans. He sighed at the empty spot before grabbing his reading glasses and quickly signing the paper. She probably won't recognize me now.
A prompt knock woke up Jason from the world of words and various Roman codes. "Come in," Jason called out, squinting at the clock on the wall and finally noticing how late it was. A pretty girl with large gray eyes and her blonde hair tied into a high ponytail poked her head in and smiled at Jason. "Hey there." He greeted, setting a current document down to give her his full attention. "Are things ok, Annabeth?"
Annabeth Chase looked perfectly fine despite her lack of memories. The girl was dressed in Camp Jupiter signature purple t-shirt with a pair of jeans. Gwen and Dakota stumbled around an unconscious Annabeth just outside of Camp while they were about to extend their search for Reyna. The only thing the young blonde could remember was her name and another name. "Things are just peachy." Annabeth replied as she entered the room, glancing at the huge bookshelves. She seemed to be adjusting to the Roman life style fine, falling into training and various chores easily. After arguing with the Senate about Annabeth, Jason has made it his personal mission to keep her safe.
"You're not used to all this responsibility." She wasn't asking a question. Jason was pretty sure it was a statement. Annabeth was sharp, perspective about everything around her despite not remembering anything from her past. Jason sat there before the girl turned around, studying him with wise gray eyes. "There are always two praetors but now there's only one. People talk." Jason rested his forehead against his hand, massaging the bridge of his nose with his fingers.
"Annabeth, Annabeth, has anyone told you; you're too smart for your own good?" Jason asked as the girl gave him a bright smile that basically said 'yes'. She moved to the chair beside him, Reyna's chair, giving him her full attention. "I don't want to worry you about this. You have enough on your plate."
"So do you. Gwen's worried about you. Dakota and Bobby want to help but they don't know where. Everyone is worried about her." Annabeth hesitated for a second. "It's a her, right?"
"Reyna," Jason supplied automatically. His words were soft and fond as he spoke. "She's really something. So strong, she can seem almost untouchable. So passionate, she seems single-minded. So unique, she seems unreal. Reyna… she always puts Camp Jupiter and New Rome before everything else, even her own well-being. There are times where I had to drag her away from this desk to take a breather." Jason's eyes wandered around the room, remembering little memories that seem insignificant then but now seemed like huge gaps in his life. "Reyna is such a huge part of New Rome."
"And you." Jason turned at the sound of Annabeth's voice, being dragged out of memories. "I can hear it in your voice, your words, your eyes… Jason, this girl is a huge part of your life, not just Camp Jupiter." Jason chuckled, feeling like things were falling into place. He knew Reyna was special to him but now that she's gone, his whole world seems to be falling apart. "I hope I'm special to someone like how Reyna is to you." Jason reached out and touched her hands, giving them a reassuring squeeze. The pretty blonde looked up at him with confused gray eyes.
"Annabeth, you are special. To the camp, to us and to this Percy guy you remember. Don't doubt that." Annabeth nodded her head and pulled some papers over, trying to busy herself. Jason smiled; it almost felt like Reyna was there. Almost, but not exactly home.
32. Confusion
Jason stepped out of his father's temple, feeling the warm breeze fanned his face like a greeting. He overlooked his camp like a general, noting the cohorts marching in line, going through drills. There was a tension in the air, lingering from the giant's attack, and the impending possibility of battle. The Graecus. He thought, reaching into his pocket and rolling his Ivlivs between his fingers. Jason's dream of Juno was disorienting. She told him the Graecus were approaching, landing in the next few days. When he told the Senate about his dream, they were weary. The camp was still recovering from the attack, repairing various buildings, tending to the wounded, and burying the dead. Jason frowned at the last thought, thankful his close friends came out relatively unscathed. With Annabeth, as newly elected praetor, backing up his stance, the Senate agreed to greet the Graecus peacefully. Jason just hoped this is the correct course of actions.
"GRACE!" Jason felt a strong hand grabbed his shoulder, swinging him around. He stared into a pair of familiar dark eyes and for a second, Jason thought Reyna was in front of him. The girl in front of him grabbed the front of his purple toga and painfully slammed him against the pillar. The air was forced out of his lungs and Jason instinctively gasped, reaching up to pry the fingers away. Dressed in all black jumpsuit, the Queen of the Amazons, Reyna's older sister, scowled at the male praetor. He lowered his gaze, unable to look at the older girl because of the staggering similarities between the sisters. Looking at Hylla, Jason was reminded that Reyna wasn't there. They shared the same dark hair and eyes and sun-kissed skin. But Reyna's mocha eyes had a softer quality behind the steeliness. Hylla's onyx orbs were piercing and intimating especially while she glowered at Jason. Her pretty face was twisted into an ugly scowl. Even without her weapons, Jason could feel the strength as she held him.
Hylla didn't say anything for a full minute as she tried to gather her thoughts. Jason knew the leader of the Amazons were in New Rome after running into Annabeth, Frank and Hazel on their quest. They help protect the city during the attack. The Graecus girl explained to Hylla where her sister could possibly be. The older girl connected her own dots. "My sister…" She murmured through clenched teeth as her eyes shot daggers at him. "She's gone because of you, Grace." Jason flinched, the words actually hurt more when spoken aloud. No one in New Rome would say it to his face. "A goddess plucked her from her home, leaving her somewhere without her memory, possibly dead because of you! And now you've replaced her with a blonde Greek!"
"I didn't not replace her!" Jason's blue eyes flashed dangerous at the last comment. Unable to control his temper, a huge gust of wind was summoned, cutting through the temple and between the pair. Hylla jumped, pushed back by the wind and released the son of Jupiter. Her boots scraped against the marble floor as she kept her balance. Jason turned towards her, his cool calm composure crumbling. "You think I don't know that, Hylla. You think I'm blind and ignorant. Juno took Reyna away. My patron took my best friend, swapped her for a Graecus girl, to teach me a lesson." He turned towards the pillar and slammed his fist against the stone. The pain helped cleared his head as he spoke. "Reyna has nothing to do with the prophecy of the seven. I'm one of the seven. I should have been the one who disappeared. But I wasn't." He thought of Juno and her words.
"There are lessons one can only learn while leading alone." Jason looked up when Hylla spoke. She straightened up, brushing the dust off of her clothes. She stood tall and regal like Amazon Queen she is. Her words echoed one of Juno's. "Being praetor is a partnership but there are lessons only a sole leader can learn. Being a leader is a blessing and a curse. It's heavy, many crumble under the pressure." She looked at him with wise eyes. "I may not know you personally, Jason Grace, but I know about you. The son of Jupiter. Member of the Legion for twelve years. But you rely on Reyna too much. You are a leader, Jason. As a leader, there's loneliness you have to endure. There's an understanding that every single one of your decisions will impact hundreds of lives. Can you send your fellow Romans into battle, knowing many may not return? Can you live with the guilt, bone-crushing guilt, of it? You were not ready, Jason."
"Am I ready now, Hylla?" Jason asked, wanting an answer. Hylla looked at him for a while, trying to search for what Reyna saw was so special in the blond young man.
"Gods, I hope so." The older girl whispered as she looked down at her fingers, twisting the silver ring on her left hand. Jason recognized the ring was Reyna's. "I knew you were trouble when we first arrived." Hylla spoke in a casual tone like all the anger from before seemed to seep away. She walked idly into Jupiter's temple, glaring defiantly at the huge statue of the god of the skies. "It was something, maybe the scar on your lip or that glint in your blue eyes, but you practically screamed trouble. I wanted to pull Reyna away, shelter her from you and the Romans. Maybe if I did, all of this could have been avoided. But she wouldn't be happy." Hylla had remorseful expression on her face. "She loved the Camp as soon as we stepped through the tunnel. I knew it in her eyes. Maybe it was the structure, the drills or the people, but she loves New Rome and Camp Jupiter. Do you love her?"
Blinded sided by the question, Jason could only gape at the older girl. He was Roman to the bone and putting feelings to words was difficult. He could he tell Hylla how much he relies on Reyna? Not only with work but with everything. How could he explain how colorless and blank his life seemed to be since she disappeared? Are there words to describe how much his heart ached and how frantic his thoughts were wondering where she was, if she's safe? She has to be safe. Everything at Camp Jupiter held a memory of Reyna. "Would I be this frantic about finding her if I didn't?" He answered, unable to look at the older sister's eyes.
Before Hylla could reply, heavy steps against the marble stairs interrupted them. Frank rushed up and through the entrance, panting as he tried to catch his breath. "Jason," he breathed, looking at the pair of leaders with dark brown eyes. "A ship… there's a ship coming down the river, towards New Rome." Jason frowned as Hylla stepped up.
"That's not possible. How is it so close? What kind of defense do you Romans have?" Hylla demanded. Frank looked at Jason who nodded, ordering him to answer the Amazon Queen's question. He has a idea, a hope really.
"They were flying a white flag and there's Latin written on the side." Jason turned, feeling his heart beat against his chest. Frank straightened up to his full height. A small smile on his lips as he repeated the words. "Dulcis domus." He recited, recognizing the look on Jason's face. Sweet home. Jason's mind translated and a huge smile grew on his lips, twisting his scar up.
34. Lightning/Thunder
Reyna leaned her head against the wall, listening to the sound of the pattering rain against the metal roof of the Athena Cabin. The sound was oddly soothing to the girl. Rain always had a cleansing quality like it was trying to wash the gloomy away from the camp after Percy, Leo and Piper left on their quest. Malcolm accepted Reyna into the Athena Cabin, agreeing she would fit in with the more studious athletic kids than the buff metal-loving aggressive children of Ares. Reyna was grateful, savoring the peace and quiet as she studied her surroundings.
She felt like she was in a library as she peeked at a few Athena children hunched over their desk, lost in their own world. Rows of bookshelves created mini-halls through the cabins with beds pushed to the walls. Annabeth was one of the lucky few who had a single bed, hidden behind her own personal bookshelf. There were models of half-finished buildings and columns. Reyna felt like she seen the columns before, possibly Roman influenced. The missing head counselor's bookshelf was overflowing with books of various genres but a large amount was dedicated to architecture. Reyna pushed herself off the bed and wandered to the other side. In the middle of the cabin was a huge table with layers and layers of old war maps protected behind pane of glass. Reyna ran her fingers over the glass, tracing the lines. Somehow her mind could easily translate the pictures despite being unable to read the Ancient Greek writing. I can understand war like it's a second language. Reyna thought. Daughter of Bellona. Chiron told her as he slide a picture of crossed swords and a glowing torch. She ran her fingers over her left forearm like she could feel the letters, bars and brand underneath the layers. Her memory was still unclear.
"Hey," Reyna spun around, instinctively reaching for her dagger, but stopped herself when she realized it was only Malcolm. The current head of Athena looked unfazed by her reaction as he walked up to stand next to her. "You know, I may be the son of Athena but whenever I look at these maps, my head just spins. Hot chocolate?" Reyna cradled the cup, savoring the warmth, but her eyes were still focused on the yellow wrinkled papers. "They seem to entice you."
"It's because I can understand them." Reyna stated plainly. Reyna felt disorientated so far as a Roman thrown into the unorganized Greek life style. But the maps just stated things so plainly to her, revealing vast amount of information. "Like this one, you Greeks rely on your chariots, speed and unpredictability. With control of the high ground, and bottling your enemy into the valley, this is an easy victory." Reyna tapped the map, frowning. "But that is under completely ideal situation and in war, nothing is ideal." She could think of two ways to debunk the plan in front of her. Malcolm smiled, tucking his hand in his pockets, observing the girl. "What?" Reyna asked, feeling his wise gray eyes on her.
"Spoken like a true daughter of war. If I didn't know any better, I would say you're a daughter of Athena." Malcolm complimented as he smiled at the girl. Reyna looked up, a little surprised by his words. Malcolm was very handsome in a subtle way. Unlike Percy, who naturally drew attention, Malcolm was content with being in the background but willing to step up if needed. Reyna shook her head and tucked a piece of her dark hair behind her ear, looking away.
"I'm pretty sure Bellona isn't the Roman equivalent of Athena." Reyna replied, chuckling at him. Malcolm nodded his head, pulling out a leather-bound book he was holding. Reyna leaned in out of curiosity, recognizing the writing on the cover as Latin. Malcolm placed the book between them, flipping through the pages skillfully. Reyna couldn't help but lean in, absorbing the pictures and diagrams of various Roman structures and lifestyle.
"Minerva is the Roman equivalent of Athena." He read, pausing at the page. Reyna tried to ignore how his breath tickled her cheek as she looked at the ink drawing of the goddess. "Sadly, Bellona doesn't have a Greek counterpart. That means you're special." Reyna bit her lip and focused on flipping through the pages and not the jump in her stomach. Malcolm was unexpectedly smooth. She didn't like how he made her feel, like her heart was pounding painfully against her chest from running miles at full sprint. "I thought this would help jog your memory, maybe help with the homesickness." She was speechless; the gesture was sweet and uncalled for. Reyna looked up into his deep gray eyes, feeling like the distance between them shrinking.
A giant flash of lightning streaked through the air and Malcolm jumped, banging his arm on the table and nearly spilling the hot chocolate if Reyna didn't grab it. A huge rumble of thunder followed and Reyna felt her heart pounding again but for an entirely different reason. She looked towards the window, watching the storm before laughing a full body shoulder-shaking laugh. Malcolm studied the girl, worried for her state of mind as he watched her slowly approach the window. Are you watching over me somehow? She wondered, searching through the mist rain. For a second, she thought she saw a figure clad in deep purple and messy golden hair. "Oh Jason," she whispered, nearly inaudible, but soft and tender. "You always were the jealous type."
