To Return Home

The epilogue… Farewell to Gods and Friends to another time

All PJO characters belong to Rick Riordan. I own only my OCs

Jason overlooked the clean up around the camp as he adjusted into his new role as praetor. There will be a ceremony to make it official as the son of Jupiter replayed last night in his head. The Soldato forces had their sights on his Cohort and tried to have them slaughtered. When Jason took over, his voice bellowed out and he commanded the Legion to form barricades with the tables and benches. He acted as their powerhouse as he blasted Soldato's guys with lightning. When the smoke cleared, most hostiles were knocked out cold and any still standing quickly surrendered. They recognized his strength and his nomination for praetorship.

The fighting in the court of the mess hall had also been a success on their side. Bert had done well to protect everyone despite taking some wounds. He was currently bandaged up in the same building as Cary. 'Man, I hope they're okay,' Jason pondered. Sadly, the Legion had some casualties. For instance, Oz was killed trying to protect Leila. An emergency nomination for another centurion fell on Aldo's lap.

Jason was moved out of his thoughts by the presence of his guest in his barracks. "Cary, welcome back. I heard you fought bravely last night! Heard Reyna's offering a place here for you," he greeted. "Yeah, I got banged up, but I'm pretty much in good health," the bandages would need to stay on longer than it would on a demigod, "I'm going to need to find an explanation to my parents for this wound."

"You're going to visit them?" Jason asked, "It's a good idea after being away for so long. How long are you visiting them?"

"Actually, I'm going back home for the school year. I'm not going to stay here," Cary answered.

Flashback to Reyna's office in the Mess Hall

"No?" Reyna asked. She had expected Cary to accept the offer, but he simply brushed it off.

"Sorry, Reyna. But I don't think this place is for me. No matter what I do, people will still treat me as an outsider," Cary explained. He recalled the gossip in the showers and the barracks. "When Benito and Octavian took over, it was hell. You did everything you can, but without Sullivan, it was a terrible time for me and Amber."

Reyna nodded. It was true. Despite all her efforts, July was a terrible time for Amber and Cary. Thanks to Benito's and Octavian's machinations, Amber was unrecognized for her deeds on the Charleston quest. It was the window needed to break out of her probatio rank, and the damn conspirators kept her from being promoted. Not to mention, Primo and the others would have made her suffer more if Cary wasn't around. Cary didn't suffer as much. As he wasn't a legionnaire, he didn't feel the pressure of the Legion's responsibilities as much as Amber. Still, his status as a non-Roman meant the Legion didn't warm up to him as quickly as she had hoped, and he wasn't allowed to be left alone.

"So when do you plan to return home?" Reyna asked.

"Honestly, I prefer to leave today if that's possible. But before I do, I want to ask for something in return," Cary answered. Reyna recalled that during his first day in her office, they negotiated something to keep him here while he helped with Amber's training. Now that Amber is gone, there was nothing to keep him here. 'Then why did he come back the next day after leaving Mt. Tam? Amber was gone, so we had nothing that was worth staying for. Cary could just head home on his eagle. Did he want to return the eagle? Did he want to say goodbye?' Reyna chewed over the change in mindset from loyal to distant.

"Ummm…Reyna. Is something wrong?" Cary asked. The praetor quickly recovered from her thoughts after pondering a little longer than expected. "Nothing, Cary. I'll prepare an escort to send you home. I'm sorry you were unsatisfied with the last few days. What would you like in return?

Cary had to pause a bit before answering, "I guess I would ask in return…something to honor the auxiliary. Maybe a charity foundation to donate to their next of kin. Their families want closure and this camp should remember their names."

"You want to use this favor for those mortals?" Reyna asked, "I can restore your name back home. Give you my mother's blessing." She suggested those because those would be easier than what Cary was asking would be difficult. Noble, but difficult with the Senate not being all-friendly with the city.

"Yes. Another thing, I'm worried about retribution. I've told the Fifth Cohort my hometown and there are still Romans who share the same mindset as Benito or Primo. I don't want them to come after me and my home."

"I can give an executive order or change the records so that you and Amber came from a different town. However, it would also be best to ask for a patron god for your town just in case."

"A patron god?" Cary asked.

"Yes, someone close to you. Someone you believe their presence will help. New Rome has families ask many gods to protect their city. We have Vesta, Terminus, etc."

Cary pondered her advice. He could pick any god that might be beneficial, but maybe something with a personal history with him is more ideal. In his time here, he has interacted with two goddesses: Vesta and Despoina. He was appreciative of the hearth goddess, and she was a warm presence around that kept him from giving up. He remembered seeing her on Temple Hill and in Charleston. However, Despoina is the one who has Amber in her custody and aided them against Coeus. He never told Reyna the truth about the battle and he felt that not telling her story would be disrespectful. It might be best to stay in touch with the Greek goddess. He could only choose one, but maybe…

"Is it too much to ask for two patron gods?" Cary asked.

Reyna raised her eyebrows, "Well, it's possible if the god you have in mind isn't too famous. Bigger ones tend to push out the worship of smaller gods. Who do you have in mind?"

Back with Jason

"So you've asked Reyna to help you prepare for the patronage from two goddesses?" Jason asked. They were currently chilling inside the Fifth Cohort barracks recapping the morning situation.

"So I hear Maylene's joining the Fourth Cohort?" Cary quickly changed the subject away from his departure from New Rome. He didn't want to feel ungrateful and telling Jason all the hang ups he had about New Rome would sour their friendship. Due to the losses of the First Cohort, there were plenty of open spots left. This resulted in multiple transfers and promotions amongst the other Cohorts, including the Fifth.

"That's right. It's nice to have her here, but she belongs with her buddies. Best to keep the set together," Jason answered, "I'll miss her, but she gets along with them better than Dakota or Gwen.

"So who's taking your centurion role?"

"I'm giving it to Dakota. Sure he may not look like it, but I think he'll grow into the role," answered Jason.

"I heard the First Cohort has a new centurion," Cary commented.

"Yeah, Michael Kahale. Kind of wish Octavian was kicked out. But don't tell anyone," Jason warned.

Cary nodded, "How's your augur still here?"

"Well despite his ties. Octavian's role as augur is important. No one can replace him. And he's been denying any wrongdoing or involvement with Benito's coup," Jason answered, "It's a smart idea asking for a god's protection. Octavian's patronship with Apollo may cause trouble if he's looking for you to blame."

"Here's to your first day as praetor, Jason," Cary saluted.

Reyna walked into the barracks after the last comment, "Speaking of which, aren't you supposed to be somewhere, Grace?"

"Oh shoot, right. Sorry, could you take care of my barracks for a few minutes. I got to get ready for the ceremony," Jason departed with Reyna dragging him away. Cary watched the fort and made sure the Fifth Cohort was ready for the ceremony later.

Camp Jupiter Courtyard

"Do you accept the duties and responsibilities of the Praetorship? Do you uphold the values and goals of our Roman brethren?" Will you stand for honor and pride yourself with great care as you lead?" Sully asked. The former praetor was well enough to be discharged by the nurse who was threatened to declare him sick by Octavian. After Benito had taken over, the nurse had been locked up in a jail cell in New Rome. Fortunately, she was freed after last night.

"I do!" Jason said yes to all his questions.

"Then it is with great pride that I now announce you, Jason Grace, as praetor of the Twelfth Legion Fulminata!" Sully announced to the Legion standing in the court. "Senatus Populusque Romanus!"

"Ave Roma!" The legion applauded. Cary joined the applause as well. 'I got to admit, he looks good in those robes,' he thought. The whole legion broke for lunch outside. It was a nice warm day. There were tents scattered to give shade to diners.

Cary looked around hoping to have a decent conversation outside his circle. However, many of the Romans brushed him off. They didn't even want to hear about Amber or Maria. 'Tough crowd.'

"Hey, Cary! Over here!" Maylene yelled out. Cary joined her along with Aldo and her buddies in the Fourth. "Man is it good to be together again! So, I was wondering if we can steal you from Jason for the rest of your time here?"

Cary shook his head, "Sorry, I'm leaving today." They all turned around, "I'm going back home. It's where I belong"

"You're not coming back?" Darren asked. Cary shook his head.

"We're going to miss you, Cary," Fern ran to give him a hug. The rest of the guys joined up to say their farewells.

"When are you leaving?" Aldo asked. "Probably before tonight, but after lunch," Cary answered.

"You want to say your goodbyes to everyone else," suggested Darren. Cary shook his head, "I doubt most of these guys care about me. I've already told the praetors."

"Cary, over here," Reyna called out. He waved back to Aldo and the others and joined the praetor, "What's up, Reyna?"

"I wanted to finish up arrangements for your departure and your reward," Reyna answered.

"That's great. Umm…who'll be escorting me?" Cary asked.

"I am," Reyna explained, "After what you said, I prefer to send you off personally then pass it down to someone else. Don't worry about the camp, Jason can hold down the fort."

"How are we traveling?" Cary asked.

"By pegasi," answered Reyna, "I'll have Scipio get ready. First, I need you to follow me to Temple Hill. We can get started there to begin the protection ceremony for your town."

Mt Olympus, Manhattan

Despoina walked past the gardens and courtyards of the Olympians' domain. "Can't believe the damage done here," she told herself. She had heard about the terrible battle that ravaged New York. While the fighting was fierce, Orpheus and Hecate made sure that the mortals stayed out of harm's way, enabling the Kronos' to have free rein over the city had it not been for the intervention of demigods who stood against him. The goddess of mystery now walked on the paths leading to the throne room. When the war started, she had left her family on shaky terms. She started to get cold feet. She could leave without facing her family. It wasn't like there was anyone waiting for…

"SISTER! Is that you?!" Despoina tensed up as she recognized that voice. She turned around to face the Queen of the Underworld. "Persephone…I…," Despoina didn't finish as she was pulled into a hug.

"Oh Desi! It's been so long! Hang on, where were you?! Mother's been worried sick," Persephone rambled.

'Mother…worried about me?' Despoina was shocked. She figured her absence wouldn't cause Demeter grief since her sister was the favorite sibling. Arion and others were usually to the sidelines.

"Indeed, I wish you were here to help," Persephone's smile faded as she faced the destruction, "We're going to build better than ever. Zeus and the others gave the order to rebuild the palace and make some changes. You got to hear about this. I wasn't there, so here it goes."

The Queen of the Underworld mentioned how Kronos entered the domain and Typhon almost ravaged them all until she, her husband, Hades, and her uncle, Poseidon, showed up to save the day. Despoina rolled her eyes as her sister exaggerated her role. She also mentions how after their victory, Zeus made promises that all their children -minor and major gods- must be claimed before the age of thirteen. And no more pacts. Despoina was impressed that someone could get her uncle to budge. When she tried to make reforms before, she was rebutted and dismissed. She wanted to meet the demigod who convinced him.

"Anyways, sorry we didn't leave any fight for you," she apologized.

"It's fine, Persephone," Despoina answered, "I was running an errand and Mt. Olympus was on the way back west. Anyways…I better get going. I shouldn't-OOF!"

"Nonsense!" Persephone gripped her arm, "Why don't you join me and my husband in the temple court. The demigods are giving their tribute right now! No buts!"

Despoina groaned. She knew her sister could be stubborn. She relented and followed along to the temples. The Olympians there received tribute from their children. Hestia would distribute the food that was sacrificed by demigods in a manner that satisfied all. Despoina wondered if she wouldn't mind another mouth to feed.

"Despoina," the hearth goddess walked up to her with a smile.

"Aunt Hestia, hi," she awkwardly waved back.

"It's so good to see you. I was wondering if you could stay a bit as we pass out offerings. I have some news for you," the little goddess warmly asked.

Temple Hill, New Rome

Cary finished praying near a shrine for Vesta, the goddess of the hearth. It was the same tiny shrine near Jupiter's temple. After the prayer, the praetor escorted him to the lake outside New Rome where Reyna had prepared some food and candles to send over the water. "May you enjoy this humble offering," he prayed. He was going to send prayers in the Temple of Pluto, but Reyna suggested holding it off until nightfall.

"Now Cary, ask for the blessing over your home," Reyna had told Cary about how certain gods and goddesses can provide divine protection as they did in the ancient times. A priest would usually continue the practice, but since no one really practiced like the Romans, those blessings remain exclusive to the demigods. That's where Cary would come in.

"Lady Vesta. I ask for your blessing of protection over the town of China Ridge. Please accept my meager offer and the heart of a simple mortal," Cary hoped Vesta was a god that needed very little upkeep to satisfy. A calming breeze passed through but did not blow out the fire.

"She accepts this duty, Cary," Reyna informed him, "You have finished the process. She now protects your home." Cary nodded.

"So I repeat the same thing after I depart. I can't do it for Despoina here?" Cary asked.

Reyna shook her head, "Sorry, but Despoina is a Greek form that many Romans find ehhh…un-Roman. We don't have any proper place to worship here. As soon as you're off the grounds, you can follow the process back home. For Amber."

Cary recalled the explanation she gave Reyna. Vesta was his patron, while Despoina would be Amber's. He hadn't told Reyna where Amber really was, and he wanted to keep it that way.

"Let's say our last farewells before we head out," Reyna and Cary departed back to Camp Jupiter. Lunch was wrapping up. Cary once again said goodbye to Jason, Aldo, Bert, Fern, Darren, Norman, and Maylene. Even Sullivan, Gwen, Dakota, and Bert joined.

"We'll see each other again someday, right?" Jason asked.

"I mean, I'm going out of the country next summer. Heading to China," Cary reminded him, "Maybe you and Sully can join me down south before then. It's only a few hours away by Pegasi."

"True, I'm going to be studying in Berkeley. But I'm going to be busy with classes," Sully answered.

"That's why you're borrowing Sulla for a bit, big guy," teased Jason. The new praetor decided to loan the pegasi to Sully. Something about helping with the move and giving him a reminder of home in New Rome. "He could stay in a local stable, hang out with the lady horses outside."

"Get your head out of the gutter, Jason," smirked Reyna as she elbowed Jason in the ribs, "Anyways, time to go, Cary."

"Right, ohh!" Cary pulled out his Memory Orb, "I guess I should return this to you."

"Keep it," Reyna declined, "As a way to keep in touch or as a souvenir."

Cary followed Reyna to Scipio, the same pegasi that he traveled with to Charleston. Only this time, it was just him and Reyna.

"Scipio, Hya!" The pegasi took off and made its way south to China Ridge.

"Could we stop by Oakland first? I want to say goodbye!" Cary quickly amended.

Mt. Olympus.

Despoina accepted the offerings that Hestia passed around. It was the first time she ever received Olympian tributes from their children since she accompanied her parents way back in the days. It was a small offering, but it was special in a way for her. The entire Olympian pantheon then returned to the throne room to converse and clean their own thrones. Despoina wandered around as she observed her cousins trying to get their parents' attention. Speaking of parents, it was a cordial but embarrassing experience to meet them again. Demeter was very motherly to her and kept asking to stay with her during the winter as she would be separated from Persephone. Her father-in-law, Hades, was rather curt, but polite.

The awkwardness came with seeing her father, Poseidon, again. The last time they had talk, it ended up with Despoina running away to leave the Olympians to fend for themselves. Nevertheless, her father embraced her in a bear hug. "You still love me?" she asked.

"Of course," answered Poseidon, "I may not show it, but I love my daughter." Despoina nodded, "I overheard that a demigod made Zeus and the others claim all their children and provide amnesty to the minor gods who stayed away or sided against the Olympians. Your son."

"Yes, have you met him?" asked Poseidon, "he reminds me a bit of you."

Despoina shook her head, "Is he around?"

"No, he's busy back on Long Island with his friends in camp. He's plenty of good people to have with him. You should find some too."

"Yeah…sure," Despoina huffed. Before she could return to Hestia, Posiedon held his daughter on her shoulder.

"Desi, words cannot express how deeply sorry I am for not coming to your aid. I know I haven't done more for you and your family."

"I struggled to find my own domain. Persephone is mother's favorite, Khione steals the aspect of winter from me," Despoina rambled on, "And I, your daughter, am left with nothing. I thought about joining Kronos. I trekked across the country hoping to find Kronos. I was close until…

"Until you saw your own daughter," Poseidon finished the sentence for her, "I heard gossip from the cupbearers that you had one when you left Olympus. How is she?"

"Better than those that joined Kronos, worse than those like the ones in Long Island," she sighed. "I never thought I would see her again when I gave her up. It was bad enough she was related to me and her father's family heritage didn't make it easier. I wanted to take her away, but at her last moment she chose to fight to protect me from Koios."

"So, will I see my granddaughter?" asked Poseidon.

Despoina shook her head, "No, she doesn't know I'm her mother. I've sent her to Brooklyn to be with her father's family.

"Understood, you gave her a beautiful name."

"Yes, Amber was a decent name," Despoina answered.

On descent into China Ridge

After making his peace with the Wu family, Cary announced to them that Jason Grace would be replacing Sullivan Richards. He also mentioned the possibility of having a foundation that raises money to help the families who contributed. It was a gesture they appreciated and hoped would bear fruit.

Currently, Skippy was making good time back home. Reyna was at the front, while Cary hugged from behind. It was a rather silent and awkward trip. There wasn't much to discuss as Cary said everything he needed to Reyna and the other Romans.

Besides it was just going to be more reason to keep in touch with Camp Jupiter. There were good times, but people like Primo and Octavian soured those memories.

"We're here," Reyna called out, "What street do you live on?" Cary pointed it out for her. "Okay, but why don't we stop by that pond in that park over there so we can do the summoning?"

"Cold Springs Park, but what about the need for discretion and secrecy? We can't just do it in the open," he pointed out

"Sure we can, the Mist?" Reyna reminded him.

"Right," Cary mentally slapped himself for forgetting about that. "So just like Temple Hill?"

"Yep," Reyna landed the wagon, "Let's head to that near that pond."

Cary followed Reyna and repeated the same thing as he did back in Temple Hill and the New Rome Lake. He sent a prayer to Despoina and asked for her protection over his town. "Are we done?" Reyna nodded to answer yes. Before they departed, Reyna had to ask, "I never got an answer from you on why you wanted a Greek goddess to protect this town. Surely, any other Roman god could do the job. You said you would explain it."

Cary hesitated to answer. Should he tell the truth, or should he leave something out? Cary decided to give the most satisfactory response he could come up with.

"You see… Despoina crossed paths with Amber and me when we were alone. She and Amber had formed a connection after the goddess saved her life. Amber owed her life to her, and I want to honor Despoina by having her as the patron god," Cary told half-heartedly.

"So you have Vesta as your patron, and Amber had Despoina as her patron?" Reyna had suspicion that there was more to this and wanted to pry, "The fact that a Greek goddess contacted a Roman demigod can be blasphemy. Please keep that to yourself. If the other Romans find out, there may be war."

Cary's eyes widened as Reyna leaned in, "Romans and Greeks don't go together. When did you meet her?"

Cary was close to sweating bullets, "Ummm…back when she was still in the Legion."

"I've been meaning to ask you. What happened to Amber? You were up there to find her. Maria told me that Coeus killed Octavian's soldiers, but she couldn't tell me where Amber was. Where is she? She is not among the dead," Reyna pressed on.

Cary tried to resist blurting out, so Reyna instead conjectured, "Do you know what I think? I think Despoina showed up and saved your life. Then, she helped kill Coeus and you gave the credit to Maria so that you can draw attention away from Amber's disappearance. And you're trying to hide it, aren't you?"

"Fine, fine! I did hide the fact that Amber ran away," Cary relented, "Look, I felt like she belonged somewhere more inclusive, more inviting. Sure Amber made friends, but you didn't make it easy for someone with her lineage to adapt.

"So, you lied to me," Reyna frowned, "Cary, this is bad. I can't keep this wrapped up. I have to inform the Senate that Amber deserted again. She'll be stripped of rank-probatio or not- and blacklisted."

"No, you have to keep the truth hidden," Cary pleaded, "Amber doesn't deserve to have her name dragged through the mud more than it already has. She should still have a spot with you when she returns."

"IF she returns," Reyna sighed, "I'm sorry Cary. My decision is made." She shook her head, "Let's just take you home."

Chang Residence

Since it was a short way ahead, Reyna rode Scipio on the ground and into Cary's neighborhood.

"Well, home sweet home, do you want to come in? Cary asked.

"Sorry, duty calls. Tell you family I bless them," Reyna waved away to which Cary responded in kind.

"Yeah, Good luck with Jason!" Cary gave last farewell before Reyna called out one last time, "Take care of yourself. I'll tell New Rome that Amber deserted, but I won't implicate you as an accessory. That's fair after you saved us. If you hadn't, I don't think I would still be here. My camp needs a leader who thinks more than just ordering people around. It needs someone who's willing to bring something new to camp. Someone willing to protect traditions, but also challenge it. It needs someone who could find balance between diplomacy and war. Benito only magnified the more…problematic aspects…of our culture. Goodbye!" She rode off. When she was out of sight, Cary went over to enter the code to enter the garage.

"Guys! I'm home!" His family ran out to greet. After being gone for the whole summer, the whole family was happy to see him. "Cary, how are you?" his mother pestered him. "Did you make new friends? How did you get back home?"

His siblings, Kenny and Kelly were just as intrusive. "Easy, easy. I can explain everything later.

The whole afternoon, Cary explained how leadership camp was an experience. They provided all the amenities and helped him prepare for the next school year and so on.

"It's a good learning experience to stay out of home," his father commented, "So will we see them again?"

"I'm not sure. It's a rather tough time trying to keep in touch," Cary made sure to protect Camp Jupiter secret.

That night, Cary finished unpacking and washed up for tonight. He took out the Memory Orb he carried with him and saw what appeared to be a message notification. He opened it up to see that it was Vesta and Despoina. Vesta had sent a message: Thank you for the offer, I will grant you the blessing of the hearth. Your home is considered sacred ground and protected from monsters.

Cary nodded. He didn't want another Germani incident again. The second message from Despoina was available: Thank you for the offer. I accept your prayers. I want to inform you that Amber has settled in Brooklyn. Here is her number.

Cary typed in the number hoping to chat with Amber. "Hello," a female voice answered.

"Amber! It's Cary. Are you okay? Where are you?!" He would have asked more until Amber scolded him. "Calm down, Cary! I'm fine. Do you know what time it is in Brooklyn?!" Amber reminded him that it was just around midnight on the East Coast.

Cary sighed, "So, what did I miss?"

Amber chuckled, "I should be asking you the same thing."

Cary and Amber exchanged their side of their stories. Cary mentioned how he had sent Haidan off back home while he returned to Camp Jupiter. "And apparently, Primo's uncle tried to stage a coup, which failed thankfully. And Jason's in charge," he summed up.

"Where is Sully?" Amber asked. "Fine, banged up, in college now I think," Cary answered in bits.

Amber nodded. She didn't recall much after passing out on Mt. Tam. All she remembered was waking up in Brooklyn in a mansion training Egyptian magic. "How are they treating you?"

"Much better. I have some new friends." She answered.

"You have friends at home," Cary added, "Will you come back?"

Amber flinched, "I-I don't know. I'll see you again soon. When things get settled. These Egyptian magicians treat me better. You didn't tell Reyna what happened to me?"

Cary nodded his head, "Sorry, I broke and told Reyna that Despoina took you away. She's labeling you as a deserter."

"It's okay," Amber sighed, "I don't think I'll ever return. Tell Maylene I'm sorry."

"What are they having you do over there?"

"Magic lessons. Better than whatever Reyna could teach. No offense."

"It's fine. So what now? Sunshine and rainbows." Cary teased.

"Let's hope. I've overheard the magicians saying they need to prepare against some rogue magician faction. But the leaders... said they'll handle that together. No sending out kids into the wild like the Romans. But we'll be fine here. Take care good night," Amber answered.

"Wait," Cary had something to ask, "Do you think..." He wanted to continue what he commented on Mt. Tam about needing her.

"Yeah. What's up?" Amber yawned.

"N-nothing," Cary shook his head. It was late and he thought Amber didn't need any more drama in her life, "We should call it a night." On that note, Cary and Amber called it a night and hung up. Cary smiled knowing Amber was doing well.

Brooklyn

Amber prepared for bed and got dressed in her sleepwear. She recapped her first encounter in her head.

When she first regained consciousness, she found herself in a guest bed inside a mansion. An attendant resembling an Egyptian servant called in the host of the house.

"Good morning, Amber. My name is Amos Kane Do you know where you are?" the dark-coated magician asked.

Amber shook her head. "You're in the Brooklyn Nome of the House of Life. We're magicians who act as the gatekeepers to the gate of the Egyptian afterlife. We usually go around the country fighting demons or recruiting magicians," Amos explained, "However, having someone bring one to us is a first. Let alone one with the Blood of the Pharaohs."

Amber tensed up, but Amos sprang in to comfort her, "Don't worry. You're not in trouble, it means you just need to stay close and we can provide you the lessons you need."

"You should know that I have Isis running in my head. She's been guiding me, but she's kind of enigmatic" Amber explained.

"Don't worry," Amos assured her, "Zia can get you settled with her."

"Thank you. That means so much. So what will the lessons be?"

Amber had pretty good success that day. She picked up the use of Egyptian magic easier than she did with Roman swordplay. Even borrowing a khopesh was easier than a gladius.

"Sorry, Cary," she murmured to herself, "But I think I'll be staying in New York a little longer.

September

The next school year had just started. Cary was currently in the eighth grade and enrolled in a special class dedicated to student leadership. The same one that Amber had been enrolled with last year before her disappearance. Speaking of that, Sully's family had pulled some strings with local authorities to close this case. Amber had been seen out of state and is believed to have run away, rather than have been kidnapped. It wasn't the most satisfying story for her adoptive parents, but it was enough to 'exonerate' Cary and let him rebuild his relationships with others.

"Can anyone give me the unit for acceleration?" asked the physics teacher, Mr. Boone.

"Meters per second squared," Cary answered correctly. The teen had adjusted back home well. No more gods, no more Romans, no more monsters. It should be good. It should be like this. Plain and simple. 'If only everyone else had that luxury,' he pondered. Cary had used his time back home to review his scribbles and writings he made in camp. It was full of good and bad memories. He preferred not to return up north or have to deal with Romans again. Except maybe Jason or Reyna.

Amber was fitting in Brooklyn. She mentioned that she would stay there until she finally settled in. The plan would be to return next summer.

Hope things are well.

The End

Well, Cary has finally returned home. With the Titan threats over, things should be over…or maybe…

Potentially, a new story down the line.

EDIT: Changed out Amber's interactions with the Kane Siblings She's talking to Amos instead. I don't think the Red Pyramid may have occurred yet. So I'm trying to make her ending vague.