Yeah, I'm back with another chapter! Yep, Greeks-Drool Romans-Rule was right; the names are for the 5 stages of depression. YAY!

April 3

Flashback; January 8

"I am sorry to announce that Reyna will be taking a short leave of absence to sort out her emotions. She will be back as soon as possible. Her duties as praetor will be distributed among the people…" Octavian's voice droned on and on.

The crowd was silent, acknowledging Octavian's words with a nod. They were battle hardened veterans, and knew that many cracked under the pressure, but they never thought Reyna would. The Reyna they knew was a fearless leader… because of Jason.

Reyna watched the proceedings from an overhanging hill, tears streaming down her cheeks. Cassandra caught her eye and pushed through the crowds of people, but Reyna was already gone.

April 4

I could see Camp Jupiter in the distance, a few minutes walk away. The closer I got, the more confused I was. Did I really want to go back? I had loved the time spent alone, and it had helped me figure out some important things. But I had to stop running away from my fears, and face what was coming. If I didn't, Jason would never speak to me again, even in the Underworld.

I reached the banks of the Little Tiber, and stepped in, letting the water cleanse me of the layer of dirt I had aquired. I had made the right decision. Even if the people there didn't care, Camp Jupiter was my home. Is my home.

I let my nose lead me to the lunch room where they were serving what smelled like fried chicken. Camp Jupiter isn't known for their food, but I hadn't had a hot meal in weeks and it smelled delicious.

In hindsight, I suppose I should have arrived a bit more… discreetly. When I stepped into the lunchroom, all conversation ceased. Everyone's eyes were trained on me. I guess I must have been a sight; wild, untamed hair, ripped clothes and dirtied skin. I had even lost a few pounds. Octavian made a noise that was a mix between a squeal and a scream, and then promptly fell over. It would have been funny had everyone not been so serious.

"REYNA!" Cassandra forced he way to the front and held my arms as if she were afraid I would run away.

"I'm not going anywhere," I said, looking pointedly at my arms and grining. She snorted but made no move to release my arms.

"Where have you been? Did you realize you've been gone for almost 2 MONTHS?" she yelled, causing some of the people to snicker. Two months? I figured I'd been gone for several weeks, but not two months! She pulled me off to the side, and I promised the fried chicken I would see it again soon.

Cassandra led me back to my room and sat me down on my bed. "Explain." She said pointedly.

"Err… Can I take a shower or something?" I asked.

"Of course," she said and then blushed. "I'll, uhh, get you some chicken."

"That would be great," I said, and then went into the bathroom. Half an hour and 5 chicken legs later, we were sitting in my room, and she was ready to start asking questions.

"Why did you do it?" she asked, catching me off guard. Why did I do it? I had no idea. Unless…

"Well, I did it for myself, but… I think I was also looking for Jason." She looked at me and opened her mouth, about to cut in. "No, no," I said hurriedly. "I knew I wouldn't actually find him, especially not in the state of California. I just needed to find him in me, and have some alone time to figure things out. I needed… I needed Jason."

"Do you know what happened here at camp?" Cassandra asked, her voice cold. "The same thing that happened with Jason. You're being selfish Reyna. We sent out search parties and Octavian made speeches and all the while we were falling apart inside. You mean a lot to this camp. More than you know. Think about that." Cassandra turned on her heel and walked out the door, leaving me sitting stunned in my room.

April 5

"I would like to ask for forgiveness from the council. I regret my actions, and I feel that I am ready to take the post of praetor again. I have changed for the better." Reyna stood in front of the council, holding her breath.

"All in favor?" asked Octavian. 9 hands went up. All but Octavian's. "Very well," Octavian said, but it was clear that he was miffed. "I bestow the honor of praetor upon you again. Use it well." The praetor badge was pinned to my uniform, and I left to my room after thanking the council. Things were right again.

April 6

Jason,

I'm sorry. I acted wrongly and have shamed your memory. I only hope that you can find it in your heart and forgive me. The scary thing was, when I had my outbursts, I wasn't even thinking about you. I was thinking about myself, and I realize now that that was wrong. This isn't about me, it's about you.

Even after reaching this conclusion, I am still haunted with the thoughts of what if. What if I had asked you out beforehand? Would I have been there to help stop whoever kidnapped you? What if I had realized Octavian had stopped the search efforts? Would they have found you? What if I would have looked for you as soon as I realized you were missing?

All that I can think of is what I should have done. I blame myself for that, and for leaving the people of New Rome when they needed me. I just can't let it go.

Reyna

April 7

I can't believe that the council voted Reyna as praetor again! They are blind fools; she left before, and she may leave again, this time in a position where people actually need her. The council believes in second chances though, and I cannot argue with them. I just think that this will be the biggest mistake of their lives. I was so close to becoming praetor, but that brat Reyna came at just the wrong time. Now, I must start my plans all over. I must get revenge.

Octavian, Auger for Camp Jupiter

So! Review! Tell me the date of your favorite 'segment', I'll try to write more like it. Just 2 more chapters and an epilogue! REVIEW!