Percy
Percy knew that he might die in battle. But, when he got to Camp Half-Blood, he was afraid his Pegasus would trample him to death.
As soon as Blackjack's hooves touched the pavement, he cantered right up to Percy and nudged him with his nose so enthusiastically, Percy almost fell over.
"Boss!" Blackjack spoke in his mind. "You're not dead!"
Percy laughed. "Blackjack! Nah, of course I'm not dead. Though, to be honest, I came close quite a few times."
Piper, Leo, and Jason looked at Percy a bit funnily.
"Since Poseidon created horses, I can speak to them in my mind," Percy explained.
"Dude, that is cool!" Leo exclaimed, and even Piper and Jason looked a bit impressed.
"How did those Romans treat you?" Blackjack wondered. He looked at Hazel and Frank curiously. "Who're those people? Romans? Did they give you any doughnuts?"
Percy laughed. "No to the doughnuts, they're my friends Frank and Hazel, yes they're Romans, and most of the Romans treated me well."
Blackjack made a whinnying sound. "Which of the Romans was stupid enough to be rude to you? Come on, let me trample them! And they didn't give you doughnuts? That proves they're crazy!"
Percy shook his head, smiling. "Blackjack, no trampling any Romans, least of all Frank and Hazel. And just because they don't give you doughnuts doesn't mean they're evil. Oh, and by the way, I still owe you some. Sorry I didn't bring them with me."
Blackjack shook his head. "Nah, you don't owe me any doughnuts. You saved me on—on that ship, remember? But I wouldn't say no to doughnuts… or, for that matter, sugar cubes either."
Percy laughed again. "Same old Blackjack," he muttered.
"Come on, let's go for a ride! It's been a long time! Please, Boss?" Blackjack pleaded.
"Blackjack, how many times do I have to tell you not to call me Boss? Sorry, but I think we have to have a meeting to, you know, discuss the fate of the world and stuff. Maybe we can go for a ride around camp after that."
Blackjack whinnied. "Sounds good, Boss. But I'm coming with you. No one's going to kidnap you with Blackjack on duty!" Blackjack looked at Hazel, who was staring at him, wide-eyed.
"Why is she looking at me funny? My coat's groomed, isn't it?" Blackjack asked.
Percy laughed. "Nah, she just likes horses a lot. And, you know, 'cause you're so breathtakingly magnificent and all."
Blackjack whinnied and arched his back, trying to look as magnificent as he could. "Thanks, Boss. Now let's go get some doughnuts to take to the meeting."