A/N:This chapter is where the story takes a decidedly alternate path from anything resembling what could have occurred in a real Rick Riordan story. Inspiration for this giant plot jackalope came from a review from reader Xireene asking me to delve deeper into a couple of my characters. See, reviews are helpful peeps, so don't think that your comments go unnoticed!

Oh, for this chapter, regular type is present time, italics is flashback.

Chapter 11

Reyna

The world had disappeared. All that remained was the damp and the pain. For three days, she had walked in self-imposed silence, and every trace of brightness or goodness that was worth fighting for had faded until all that was left was grim determination and soggy socks. The rain had begun to fall around noon on their second day out, and at first she had welcomed it. The droplets pooling to form shivering rivulets down the secret spaces of her body had reminded her she was still alive. But as she became accustomed to the steady drizzle and sopping world around her, the origin of the rain seemed to shift to pour out from her shattered spirit. Reyna knew her companions were worried that she had fallen into melancholy, but that wasn't the problem. She wasn't depressed or angry; she no longer had the emotional capacity required for such feelings. She was just empty, except for the pain. The one thing she knew was real was the dull persistent ache that had overtaken her body. It permeated every moment of her life until she wondered if there were ever a time she hadn't hurt. How could she have overturned her life so completely in just two days? She'd replayed the events of those days in her mind ad nauseum looking for some detail, no matter how minute, that had been beyond her control. But every time she looked for blame, the finger pointed straight at her. As she burrowed deeper into her soul, she was forced to admit her follies had begun much earlier than her confession to Jason. It was over a year ago…

The room in the Senate building they'd given Reyna to recover from the ceremony was much more posh than anything she'd seen since before she'd been initiated. The sleigh bed she lay in was fashioned from dark cherry wood and the feather mattress was beyond soft. She remained under the satin sheets and quilted coverlet for several moments, taking in the rich potpourri permeating the room. Finally, she stirred, unwittingly aggravating the lingering soreness in her lower abdomen as she sat up. She remembered the events of the ceremony and quashed her involuntary moment of panic. It was over and done now and she had finally achieved her goal. She was an officer in the First Legion! Shame washed over her briefly as she reflected on the reason she had been promoted. Their first battle with the Titan army had been disastrous. They'd lost too many soldiers, too many friends. She wouldn't be here now if Jessica hadn't saved her from the Cyclops who'd cornered her, losing her own life in the process. She shook off the gloom and rose from the bed to dress and set about her new morning duties as Pilus Prior.

As she emerged out onto to the Senate commons, she was met by enthusiastic cheers from her new company. Her heart and pride swelled, but she knew she could not allow such undisciplined behavior, especially on her first day of command. She returned their exuberance with a stern glare, and though she used no magic, the company silenced and snapped to attention under her azure stare. She maintained her cold visage as she conducted her morning inspection. She was pleased to see her soldiers so well attended and found only one minor infraction. Bobby had dirtied his cape, probably attending to some animal problem or other. Despite their friendship and his silent objections, she assigned him extra devotions for the evening. The punishment would drive him nuts; everyone knew his inclinations towards the gods. There was no way she was going to appear soft or nepotistic. There were enough people who thought she was a poor choice for the position, why give them more ammunition?

After the inspection, she led the first company through their morning drills, mostly formations and weapons techniques. She drove them hard despite the pain it caused her to keep up. By the time she dismissed them for the mid-day meal, Reyna was the most winded member of the outfit. She didn't mind though, since it built trust and loyalty to see your commander push themselves harder than they drove you. It had certainly worked for Jason, no one worked harder then he, and everyone followed him religiously. She watched her soldiers disperse as she caught her breath. She'd almost succeeded when it was completely knocked out of her again with fright.

"Damn it, Dakota!" she gasped, trying to keep the smile out of her voice. It was hard with her two best friends rolling around on the ground in gales of mirthful laughter. Dakota and Jason had crept up behind her while she wheezed, and Dakota had smacked her on the ass with the flat of his gladius.

"Oh my gods, Rey, that was fantastic," Jason chortled, smiling broadly.

"With ups like that, you could join the Warriors if this demigod gig doesn't work out," Dakota joked, causing further giggles from the two boys. Reyna tried to remain stern as she glared at her jovial friends, but her own chuckles burst through. Eventually, the hilarity wore down to goodnatured smiles.

"We came by to congratulate you, but you were so intent, we couldn't resist the open shot," Jason explained.

"Yeah, well, watch your back," Reyna replied jokingly. "I'll return the favor when you least expect it."

"You wouldn't strike a superior officer!" Jason exclaimed in mock surprise.

"You better believe she would," Dakota assured him with a smile. "She's a feisty one." Reyna's smile stiffened a bit at this comment. She wasn't quite sure what Dakota meant, but she shrugged it off a second later. She figured it was just that she was still emotionally raw from last night. Dakota must have seen her eyes darken, and moved on to change the subject. "How about some lunch? We have a surprise for you."

"I think I've had my fill of your surprises for the morning," Reyna replied warily.

"Don't worry," Jason interjected. "We promise you'll like this one." His blue eyes were sincere, though Dakota's brown ones still twinkled mischievously.

"Alright," she capitulated. Their luncheon surprise was much more enjoyable as Jason had assured her. They'd had Hazel bake her favorite cake, red velvet, for dessert. Normally, dessert was reserved for dinners, but the whole First Legion and much of Dakota's second joined in the celebration of her new rank. The ceremony last night had been very private with only a select group of attendees, so it was nice to have a moment to celebrate her ascension with the people she cared about. As always whenever they were all gathered, Reyna found his face through the crowd. He was deep in conversation with Hazel about something. His blonde hair was slightly mussed from his morning training and there was a bit of grime on his cheeks, which set off his sapphire eyes. Sensing her gaze, Jason looked around, finding Reyna's own indigo stare. He smiled bemusedly and waved before returning to his conversation. Reyna flushed at the thought of being caught staring. She turned her face and found her eyes locked with Dakotas. His strong jaw was tense and he'd lost all of his earlier mirth. She thought she knew what that stare was about. Dakota had always been a slave to duty, and being a Praetor, he knew what the ceremony last night had been and what it was supposed to teach to a new officer. Reyna's obvious fascination with Jason showed Dakota that she had not truly learned her lesson. She wanted to talk to him about it, but she was left with that cold expression as the trumpet sounded signifying the end of the noon meal.

Reyna set about her afternoon duties but found herself constantly distracted. Not only had Dakota reminded her of last night's events, but he'd managed to sow doubt in her mind that she had failed. A question she'd been desperately suppressing surfaced in the wake of that doubt, but it would have to wait. Her final task of the afternoon was pegasus training. By that point she was so flustered, her flight orders nearly resulted in a mid-air collision. She called a halt to their activities, and Bobby looked almost murderous as he stalked off to groom the pegasi. She knew he was much more concerned about what might have happened to the horses than to his fellow soldiers. She shook her head in consternation as he disappeared into the stables. She was left standing alone in the paddock for several moments before she heard a soft step behind her.

"You don't seem your usual self today," Hazel commented with a slight smirk. Despite the slight mockery in her tone, Reyna was glad to see her. She needed a girlfriend to talk to.

"Well, you of all people should understand," she replied. Hazel had been made Pilus Prior of the Third Legion over a year ago, though she'd been promoted to Praetor after the battle. She'd gone through the ceremony as well.

"Oh yes, I know perfectly well. But something tells me that's not all that's on your mind." Hazel always seemed to be able read her perfectly. Reyna never tried keeping secrets from her, though she thought about it now. She bit her lip as she pondered how to proceed.

"Zel, do you—do you know who it was? For you, I mean?" She instantly regretted the question. Hazel's face went rigid, her fists clenched at her sides. The ceremony had been extremely difficult for Hazel. Her depression had lasted for months and required counseling. The ceremony was secret, so no one really knew why she'd slipped into melancholy except for the officers who'd already undertaken the rite. Now that Reyna knew, she understood Hazel's reaction though she was of the opinion that Hazel had pretty much failed that final trial of leadership. She had always had a big heart, and it was hard for her to detach. Reyna was beginning to feel like she was following in Hazel's footsteps.

"I don't," Hazel whispered as she struggled with her own grief again. She looked up and saw something in Reyna's expression that made her sigh. "I tried for weeks to find out," she continued. "I thought it would make things better if I knew. I told myself I understood the purpose of the ceremony and that I would pass the trial, but I just needed to know first. But I realized after a while that the seeking that knowledge was what really held me back. Once I gave up, it became easier to get out of bed every morning. Easier to eat, train, live. You can't do this to yourself, Rey. Don't make my mistake. Detach yourself from it, that's what the rite is for."

"I-I know, Zel. I know. I guess I just needed to ask someone once." Reyna turned her gaze to the western sky where the sun was beginning to sink into the sea. It was just a ritual, it didn't mean anything, she told herself desperately.

"Well, you've asked, now put it behind you. You're an officer now! You've always wanted this!" Hazel attempted with exaggerated brightness. Reyna tried to smile, but it didn't feel genuine. "Look, none of us expect you to be perfect, only you do that. And the more you try, the worse it will be."

"I guess you're right," Reyna sighed. "But regardless of who it was, I'm pretty sure I failed. I still can't stop thinking about him, Zel." She wasn't sure what she expected from Hazel after that confession, but full on laughter wasn't it.

"Gods, Rey," she guffawed. "Is that really what's got your panties in a twist? Please, if the ceremony was supposed to rid us of our hormones, they've failed miserably. If anything, it encourages them. Why the hell do you think I hang around the stables so much?" Reyna's wide-eyed expression stopped Hazel in her tracks as she blushed furiously. "Oh, wow! That didn't sound right at all! You know what I mean, Rey. Speaking of which, could you put in a good word for me with a certain curly haired boy in your company?"

"Zel, you know he's with Gwen." Hazel's expression dimmed for a moment, then took on a certain determination.

"Well, technically he's not with anyone. No dating, remember? So he's fair game, as far as I'm concerned," she countered.

"Fine," Reyna sighed, still despondent, "I'll see what I can do."

"As for you, relax; you didn't fail. Lust isn't bad, attachment is. It's dangerous in our lives, especially for the leaders. You get attached to your company and you can't focus on your job when they're in jeopardy." She didn't continue, but they both knew she was thinking of Jessica. She and Reyna had been good friends, and she'd been killed because she couldn't let go. "Now, let's go get cleaned up for dinner. I made another one of your favorites for tonight, lemon bars!"

Dinner passed in a daze for Reyna. The Council had formally announced her and the two other new officers to the Legions, which was accompanied by a toast. The wine, which they were only offered on special occasions, flowed freely after that. Being inexperienced with alcohol, Reyna probably had more than was good for her, but it certainly helped her mood. She spent a good portion of the meal starring up at Jason. He met her eyes a few times, but gave no indication that he noticed or cared. Stupid boy. At one point while she was feeling pretty mellow, she noticed Dakota again giving her the evil eye. She mimicked his expression and pointed her tongue at him. He scowled and turned away. Who the fuck is he to judge?

When dinner ended, tipsy as she was, she still noticed Bobby attempting to sneak away from the mess area toward the barracks. She circled around the pavilion—a bit unsteadily—to cut him off at the portico.

"And just where do you think you're goin', Buster?" she slurred. "I believe you have a punishment to perform." At least that's what she thought she said. He got the gist of it anyway.

"Damn it, Rey, you know how I feel about this shit," he protested.

"Yeah, I do. That's why it's called 'a punishment'," she rebutted. At that moment, the trumpet sounded announcing devotions. "Perfect timing! March, Bucko!" Tipsy as she was, Reyna had the fortitude to perform extra offerings that evening. She offered green fire to her mother Trivia as usual, white to lady Minerva for the wisdom to guide her company, and gold to lord Jupiter for the strength to lead. After her offerings she knelt and prayed to lady Vesta in thanks for the gift of her home here and her friends. When she finished and opened her eyes to stand, she found the temple empty and it was full dark outside. She must have drifted off to sleep, how embarrassing. She rose gingerly, still somewhat foggy from her earlier consumption. As she walked towards the exit, she noticed she wasn't alone, as she'd thought. There was another person kneeling along the far wall in front of the altar of Vulcan. She was about to leave them be in peace, but as she reached the doorway, he spoke.

"Reyna," Dakota's voice drifted softly across the temple, "can we talk?" She stopped short at the doorway, tense as she awaited the drubbing she was about to receive. Dakota had been one of her best friends for years now, but he was not exactly what one would describe as a diplomatic person. Being a son of Vulcan, he had a greater affinity for machines and weapons than he did for people or their feelings. Reyna and Jason had always been able to see through his gruff social awkwardness, but she braced herself now for the full brunt of it.

"Sure," she responded tentatively as she turned to face him. He was standing now, and across the temple, dark as it was, his face was cloaked in shadow. "What about?" She tried to keep the waiver from her voice, but didn't think she was too successful. Dakota took a few steps forward until his face was illuminated by a stray moonbeam. Reyna blanched as she tried to understand what she was seeing. She'd expected anger or disdain, something harsh. What she saw took her breath away and left her stock still in shock. Dakota was crying. Brusque, terse, stoic Dakota, the rock of the Second Legion, the boy with no fear was standing in front of her, weeping like a child. As she recovered from her initial shock, a dozen different scenarios of what might make this stony man break flashed through her mind, each more preposterous than the last. Reyna had never seen him so much as frown at what would make others scream for their mothers.

"K-Kota, what's wrong?" she queried more shrilly than she planned. "Is it your mom? Is she ok?" She regretted the question instantly. Technically, contact with one's mortal family was forbidden, and Dakota lived for technicalities. She'd only ever heard him talk about his mother and sister once, and that had been at Lupa's command. From that conversation, she knew that he, like everyone else, kept abreast of his family's lives, but he felt shameful at his broach of army regulations. In his current state, mention of one of his perceived indiscretions probably wasn't the wisest choice. Normally this question would have generated a dangerous scowl or more likely a serious row, but he just shook his head and looked to the floor.

"No—no, it's me," he replied after several seconds. Reyna waited to see if he would continue, but it became obvious he was reluctant to speak. She couldn't believe this was the same Dakota she'd known for most of her life. It was like he'd been possessed.

"Dakota, what are you talking about? What have you done? This isn't like you at all," Reyna urged, hoping to press him into speech. When he looked up again, he seemed to have gained some measure of control. He didn't speak right away; instead he began walking forward, closing the distance between them. He stopped a few paces away from her, and she could finally see his features clearly. The set of his body, all of his facial features spoke of a man in the depths of personal crisis. But in Dakota's eyes lived a desperate sense of hope. He looked hungry, and he seemed to think Reyna could provide whatever it was he needed. A terrible sense of dread began rising up in her gut as she waited for what seemed like hours for him to speak.

"It's not what I have done, it's what I haven't," he whispered into the pregnant silence. "Reyna, we've known each other for a long time. You and Jason have been like family to me, and I wouldn't trade even a second of it. You know I don't really get along with people. People just don't make sense, except for Jason…a-and you. I thought… Well, I thought it was enough. But it's different now, everything's different now." Reyna watched as his eyes searched her face for some sort of understanding, but she was completely lost. What did he mean, 'it wasn't enough?' A small glimmer of light shone in her consciousness as she realized what he was saying. She pushed it away, hoping it was just her imagination.

"What do you mean, 'everything's different now'? Kota, you're not making any sense." She watched the hopeful glimmer in his eyes begin to dim.

"You really don't see?" he pleaded. "I can't live with what happened last night, Rey. It's not right. I—"

"Dakota, there's nothing to talk about," she cut him off. "You know as well as I that last night didn't mean anything. It was just a ritual. You went through it yourself over two years ago! I don't know who it was and I don't care. Nothing has to change between the three of us, Kota.

"No, Reyna, everything changes," he retorted, his voice filled with hurt. "Reyna, I-I love you. I always have. Can't you under—"

"No…No, Dakota, you can't do this to me." She shook her head desperately looking at the floor. Her own tears began to well as she felt her world tearing apart. There was no way she could return his feelings. She'd never looked at him as more than a friend. Jason had always had her heart, and now out of the blue, Dakota was forcing her to make a choice that only had one possible outcome. Damn him! she thought.

"I'm sorry, Rey, I thought I could do my duty and let last night go. But I'm not strong enough. I've failed. Two years since my own rite, and I'm just now realizing I failed. My whole life's been a lie since then." The anguish in his voice almost broke Reyna's heart, but she couldn't afford his failure.

"Don't call me that," she whispered in despair. "Please, don't. You don't get to call me that anymore!" She buried her face in her hands, her tears flowing freely now. "How could you do this to us? HOW COULD YOU?" she shouted. She looked up into his stricken face, all hope erased from his eyes. She'd demanded an answer, but she couldn't bear to hear it. Before he could gather the courage to speak, her own left her, and she spun on her heel to run.

"Reyna!" Dakota called from behind her as she opened the door to escape. His voice had completely changed, forcing her to stop, though every ounce of her begged for flight. He no longer sounded desperate or weak; his voice was cold, calculating. She knew, just in the way he said her name, she'd lost one of her best friends for good. She didn't turn back to face him, she wouldn't give that voice the satisfaction, but neither could she force her traitorous feet to flee. She heard him step slowly and deliberately closer until his face was right next to her ear. Then as he moved to exit past her out the temple doorway, he whispered three words she would remember with horror for the rest of her life. "It was me."

She dropped to her knees in the middle of the wet pine forest. The soggy bed of needles braced her fall, but soaked the knees of her jeans. Reyna didn't care; the memory of her shame had brought the world and all its ills crashing back into reality. She wept for the first time since they'd left the base, yet her tears brought no sense of healing like all the psychology books say they should. She felt arms surround her shoulders trying to offer comfort, but the thought of someone touching her, especially a boy, only made her feel like wretching. She pulled free of the offending embrace violently, falling fully prone in the process. She didn't even try to push herself up, what was the point? Thankfully, neither of her companions attempted assistance. She didn't know how long she lay like that, unable to stop crying.

She was brought back to reality, by Bobby's gasp of horror and what sounded like him tackling and dragging Percy away. It was just as well, she figured. They would do better to simply leave her to rot. Then she heard the soft sound of something other than rain hitting the needle-lined forest floor. Reyna lifted her head to the sound of cloven hooves, expecting to see a deer or maybe even a faun, though why Bobby would have run away from either was beyond her. The irony of the animal she did see was so deep, she began to laugh hysterically. It didn't take long for her laughter to return to sobs of despair.

"WHY ARE YOU MOCKING ME?" she screamed at the animal, but the unicorn before her merely stood and stared.