Chapter eight: De Triticum Statu

Disclaimer: I'm pretty sure Rick Riordan's life is not (mostly) an unending shitstorm. Also, he's much better at writing, so there's that.

Author's Note – Hey people! I know not too many of you are excited for my soulmate AU since it is a topic that seems to have been wrung dry, but I enjoy writing it and will continue to do so. I'll try to alternatively post chapters so that there's not a HUGE wait for either story. Also, the Jasercy fight will NOT happen in this chapter, as this chapter is kind of a filler (yes, again, please do not kill me). But it will happen in the next chapter. Promise on the Styx and all. As usual, please review!

"Feel the Wrath of Wheat!"

- Rick Riordan

They had reached Kansas rather uneventfully. Some venti had attacked once, but Jason had dealt with them, dispelling them back to Aeolus' domain while Percy had fended off the nymphs that Leo had managed to anger when he had stolen Narcissus' mirror.

Even a blind seer from Portland could've seen there was some tension between the son of Poseidon and the son of Jupiter. It was as if they were both embodiments of their fathers' most competitive and petty aspects when in each other's company. Even though both were independently excellent leaders and very amiable, put them together and you get something like Greek Fire.

For starters, Jason had always been the quintessential Roman – following orders, working in a cohort, being a stickler for the rules and most importantly, understanding the chain of command. After becoming praetor, when he said something, he expected to be obeyed, unquestioningly and unfailingly, because the lives of their Cohort mates might depend on it.

On the other hand was Percy – Just as, if not more, loyal, and fiercely protective of his friends. He was a born leader, not because he worked his way up the food chain being a good little soldier, but because he inspired others to join him.

He was also a consummate rebel, going so far as to smart mouthing not one, but two Olympian gods just because he chafed under the authority. (Talking bout Ares and Dionysius here guys.)

It was like mixing water and Potassium, Annabeth thought. Explosive, dangerous and highly unstable.

So, when they got to Kansas, both of them were itching for a fight, waiting to let out some of the adrenaline. Not only was the Greek-Roman divide playing havoc in their heads, Poseidon and Jupiter's natural dislike for each other was egging them on.

Since Piper had seen the vision, she, along with Jason, Percy and Annabeth were going to go to the wheat field in the hope of getting a clue on what to do next.

Leo spun the crazy Wii-controller/ helm and the Argo II landed. The four of them disembarked and started walking.

After trudging half a mile through hot fields, getting bitten by bloodsucking mosquitoes and getting hit in the face with scratchy sunflowers, they finally reached the road. An old billboard for Bubba's Gas 'n' Grub indicated they were still 40 miles out from the first Topeka exit.

"Correct me if I am wrong" Percy said, "but doesn't that mean we have to walk 8 more miles?" Jason peered down the road and muttered "No cars, but we wouldn't want to hitchhike anyway."

"No" Piper said. "The earth is Gaea's territory, we're already taking a risk by being here."

Annabeth nodded sagely "We don't want to face off against karpoi or the geggenes"

Percy's face scrunched up in confusion, trying to remember which one of the countless creatures of myth was being referred to. Annabeth decided to have mercy on Percy (did you sea what I did there?) and continued "grain spirits, we faced some on our quest and Earthborn."

Jason was in deep thought before his face brightened and he said, "I can call a ride." Percy grinned and said, "Oh yeah, so can I, let's see whose gets here first."

Jason whistled, not like a high pierced New York taxicab whistle, this one had a sort of lilt to it, as if he were speaking to the air itself. Piper took the time to appreciate his features.

Jason looked like Zeus, she decided. He exuded the same aura of quiet power, like a barely constrained storm and was used to bossing people around. He was an inch or so taller than Percy, with clear, electric blue eyes that somehow sparked like lightning and his blonde hair. Comparing him to Percy….she couldn't help but feel as if the son of Poseidon was…..unimpressive.

She knew Percy's reputation of course, in the three years she had known him, he had had completed more 'impossible' quests than most demigods did in their entire lifetimes.

Yet, looking at him, she couldn't help but think that her friend had messy, raven black hair, a slightly scrawny build, though years of training had done wonders for his physique and his eyes were always glinting mischievously, as if he was always planning his next prank or practicing his next retort.

She knew that the only people who were bigger pranksters than him were the Stoll brothers, and that was saying something.

Meanwhile, Percy simply closed his eyes and concentrated. The sky darkened, and rain clouds gathered. Jason smiled, "Soon." Percy threw another one of his carefree smirks and said "Too late" pointing to a black speck, spiraling towards the ground. Bigger and bigger it grew till the most beautiful black Pegasus stomped its hooves onto the ground.

Blackjack's mane was the purest shade of black and his body seemed to match Percy's raven black hair. He spread his wings wide, showing the sunlight glinting off of them before folding them. "Yeah, yeah you big show-off, we're all impressed." Percy muttered, before adding something about sugar cubes and donuts.

Then, the air pressure suddenly dropped, and our ears popped. A miniature cyclone tore across the tops of the sunflower fields like a scene from the Wizard of Oz and it landed beside Jason, revealing a misty steed with lightning flickering through its flank.

Jason grinned. "Tempest! Long time no see buddy." The horse snickered once, and it sounded like Tempest hadn't taken too kindly to being called "buddy." It snorted and gave Jason a glare before whinnying. Percy half-choked before bursting into laughter and saying, "I don't think I've heard anyone cuss like Tempest apart from Arion. Nice ride though Grace."

"Thanks, Tempest is a free spirit, literally. I helped Jupiter on an errand once and he allows me to call on him once in a while."

Percy frowned once, as if remembering something "When I was freeing Hera with Piper and Leo, we met a horse that looked a lot like Tempest." And Piper squinted, giving Tempest the once over before nodding in agreement.

"Anyway, let's get going." Annabeth said, cutting into the conversation with all the finesse of a meat cleaver.

Percy's POV:

We landed on the grass, spotting the mile marker a while back. Both the horses seemed frustrated at having to stop just as they were starting to find their stride. Tempest reared threateningly, almost dumping Jason and Piper to the ground while Blackjack shook his mane and snorted in dissatisfaction, much more gentle as Annabeth and I were on his back.

I was intensely aware of Annabeth's body pressed against mine, and when Blackjack had dived mid-air, forcing her to clasp her hands in front of my chest, I had blushed a deep red, sure Annabeth had seen me flustered. Thankfully, she refused to comment on it and quietly accepted my hand as I helped her down.

Blackjack whinnied once, I nodded and said, "You're right, no sign of the wine dude."

Of course, since the Fates were determined to prove me wrong at every juncture, we heard someone clear their throat once and say, "I beg your pardon."

Author's note: Aaaaannnddd that's a wrap. This chapter was mostly about integrating the main story with what would happen if the exchange had been Annabeth/ Reyna rather than Percy/Jason. I've tried to clear a few things, like how Jason meets Tempest and what Percy was doing when Annabeth was in Rome. I know it was slightly filler but come on guys. I practically screamed that with the name of this chapter. No, there are no Wheat karpoi involved, it's just that Kansas is called the wheat state. Next chapter will deal with the incredibly hilarious meeting with Bacchus and the Jasercy fight. So, please read this, don't hate me, and REVIEW!