Chapter 12.
When they arrived, Chiron settled into his chair behind his desk while Artemis took a seat across from him. "So, how's training the demigods?" Artemis inquired. Chiron sighed wearily before responding, "We're doing the best we can, but they are still children and young teenagers. Their older siblings are doing what they can to train them, but their knowledge only goes so far."
Artemis nodded understandingly, ready to offer a reply, when she heard a noise at the window. Curious, she stood up and walked over, a smile spreading across her face as she realized Percy was perched on the outside windowsill, attempting to get in.
Opening the window, Percy cawed before fluttering inside and onto her waiting outstretched arm as she closed the window. Sitting back down, she looked amusingly at Chiron's perplexed expression.
"Why do you have a pet eagle the size of a falcon, and black?" he inquired, clearly puzzled. Artemis smiled casually as she replied, "This is Percy. He's a friend." She continued stroking Percy's neck gently, eliciting a contented chirp from him.
Chiron nodded before returning to the conversation they were having prior to Percy's unexpected appearance. "If we had someone to train the demigods, it would be much better for them. I can instruct them in archery and physical conditioning, but swordplay is not my strong suit."
Artemis acknowledged his point with a nod before suggesting, "I can ask Father if he knows of anyone who can assist with that." Chiron agreed with a nod before turning his attention to Percy, who was observing him with his head tilted curiously.
"Percy asks how you've managed to remain alive for thousands of years," Artemis conveyed. Chiron's expression softened with a sad smile as he responded, "The gods granted me immortality to continue training their heroes."
Artemis smiled as she continued to stroke Percy's neck affectionately. "He's quite clever, isn't he?" Chiron remarked. Artemis nodded in agreement. "Yes, he is," she replied with a fond smile. Percy cawed at her, prompting her to focus her attention on him as she sensed his presence in her mind.
"I'm going to check on an old friend, I'll be back," Percy conveyed telepathically to Artemis. She nodded in acknowledgment as Percy hopped off her arm and flew to a corner of the room before disappearing into the wall.
Appearing in New Rome, he flew around the city until he spotted Reyna and Jason. He quickly dived down until he located a spot to land.
Perched on a nearby pipe, Percy observed Reyna and Jason as they conversed by Reyna's favorite fountain. "It's fine Reyna, we'll figure it out," Jason reassured her. Reyna nodded, her fingers absently tracing the familiar contours of her bracelets—a gesture Percy knew as her comfort giver.
"I wish Percy was here," Jason confessed. Reyna's expression softened with longing. "You have no idea," she replied, her voice tinged with sadness. Jason regarded her thoughtfully before gently probing, "You like him, don't you?" Reyna met his gaze, her eyes reflecting a depth of emotion. "I don't just like him, he's mine," she confessed quietly.
Jason's eyes widened with realization. "Oh. Well, I'm sure he would be here for you if he could," he offered, his tone sympathetic. Reyna nodded in acknowledgment, her gaze lingering on the ground as she processed her longing.
Hearing enough, Percy screeched loudly, catching the attention of Reyna and Jason. Startled, they looked around until Jason spotted Percy perched nearby. Recognizing him, Jason grinned and nudged Reyna, directing her attention to where Percy was sitting.
As Reyna locked eyes with Percy, a rush of emotions flooded through her mind. Happiness, surprise, anger, and love mingled together as she gazed at him. Percy could feel the intensity of her feelings even from his perch, a silent exchange of understanding passing between them.
Coating himself in shadows, he jumped off the perch, and landed on the ground in his sixteen year old human form. He grinned as Reyna stood up and slowly walked towards him.
When she reached him he opened his mouth to say something, only to get punched really hard in the stomach. He groaned before falling over.
"Where have you been for the past year?" She said angrily. "I've been training and taking care of things my mother has told me to do," Percy said, winded.
Reyna glared at him before crossing her arms over her chest, clearly not satisfied. Percy looked over at Jason, who was busy laughing at the interaction. Percy rolled his eyes before getting his breath back and standing back up.
"Good to see you Percy," Jason said laughing. Reyna's glare softened slightly as Percy stood up, her arms still crossed in a defensive stance. Meanwhile, Jason's laughter filled the air, drawing Percy's annoyance. Ignoring Jason's jovial greeting, Percy focused on Reyna, detecting the lingering anger behind her seemingly happy expression.
With a sigh, Percy waved casually at Jason before taking a step towards Reyna, pulling her into a tight embrace before shadow traveling them both away from the city.
As they materialized in Reyna's home, Percy released her from the embrace, studying her expression carefully. Despite the initial happiness, he sensed an undercurrent of distress and anger in her eyes.
"What's wrong, Reyna?" he inquired, concern evident in his voice. Reyna met his gaze before releasing a heavy sigh. "I can't do this, Percy," she admitted, her voice tinged with sadness. Percy's heart sank at her words, prompting him to ask, "What do you mean?"
Tears welled up in Reyna's eyes as she struggled to express her feelings. "I can't go without seeing you for a year or two," she confessed. "I know you're busy with the war, and I understand that, but I need you too."
As Percy nodded in understanding, he felt a pang of guilt wash over him. While the time apart seemed fleeting to him within the Void, he hadn't fully grasped the impact it had on Reyna. Memories of a similar conversation with Annabeth resurfaced in his mind from their quest, and he cursed himself for not realizing sooner.
"You're right, I'm sorry Reyna," Percy replied, his voice filled with sincerity. "I should've been making more of an effort to see you. I'll do better. I really don't want to lose you," he finished, leaning down and taking her face in his hands before resting his forehead gently against hers.
Reyna nodded in understanding, her hands mirroring Percy's gesture on his face. The silence between them spoke volumes, conveying emotions too complex for words. They remained like that for a few moments until Reyna lowered her arms, prompting Percy to raise his head slightly, enough for Reyna to lightly press her lips onto his.
He softly returned the gesture before breaking apart and pulling her close, burying his face in her shoulder and hair. Reyna sighed contentedly as they held each other until Percy pulled away and looked at her.
"You know, pretty soon I might have to take you to meet my mom," he said teasingly. Reyna's eyes widened in surprise, a hint of fear flashing in them at the mere thought of meeting the primordial goddess of night.
He laughed before continuing, "It's fine, she's a lovely lady. My dad is super relaxed as well so you've got nothing to worry about." Reyna nodded slowly, but Percy could tell she was still worried. "Anyway, what were you and Jason stressing out about when I found you guys at the fountain?" he asked.
Reyna sighed before leaning her head on his chest and replied, "Just about what to do with Othrys. The senators want us to consider storming the titan palace when Saturn eventually goes to attack Olympus."
Percy looked down at her in shock before replying, "That's suicide if he decides to retreat." Reyna nodded her head before continuing, "Yeah, that's what Jason said, but they are determined. The praetors have a lot of power, but we can't overrule the senate. As long as they continue to push for that, when the time comes, we don't have a choice."
Percy nodded before gently taking her face in his hands and turning her head so he could look her in the eyes. "If they push for that plan and the titans retreat to protect the castle, I will come and take you and Jason away from the fight. I will not lose you to a pointless slaughter."
Reyna's eyes widened before she shook her head and replied,"I won't abandon my forces Percy. I can't leave them to fight alone without their praetors." Percy looked like he wanted to argue, but he knew he wouldn't change her mind so he sighed in resignation.
"Alright. But you better be careful. I don't feel like having to murder my way through the underworld to retrieve you," Percy said teasingly but with a hint of seriousness.
Reyna smiled and nodded, appreciating Percy's protective nature of her. "So, what does your mom have you doing now?" she asked.
Percy grinned before responding, "Well, I was with the hunters before I came to visit you. I was with Artemis, helping to figure out war preparations."
Reyna's eyes widened in surprise before she replied, "You were with Lady Diana?" Percy nodded in confirmation. "Then why did you come to visit me if you were working on such an important task?" she asked, disbelief evident in her tone.
"Because I care about you and I missed you," he replied simply. She looked at him for a moment before pulling him into a deep kiss, their love evident in the intensity of the moment. They broke away, both needing to catch their breath.
"Thank you for visiting me, Percy, but you need to focus on the war. Just make sure you visit me more often," Reyna said, smiling at his flustered expression. He nodded before melting into the shadows, ready to resume his war efforts with Artemis.
Arriving back at camp, he swiftly transformed into his smaller eagle form before taking off to search for the hunters. After scanning the camp for a few minutes, he spotted them at the archery range. Diving down, he landed gracefully next to Zoe, whose initial surprise turned into a warm smile.
"Hi, Percy," she greeted. "Artemis just left for an emergency meeting on Olympus. You're welcome to stay here with us though while you wait." Percy cawed before fluttering to an unoccupied stand and settled down to watch the hunters train.
After about an hour, Artemis reappeared. She walked over to the hunters, who noticed her return and hurried over. "What's going on, my lady?" asked Zoe, her tone tinged with concern. Artemis turned to her before replying gravely, "Hermes has gone missing." The hunters looked at her in shock, their expressions reflecting their disbelief.
"How is that possible?" one of the hunters asked incredulously. Artemis shook her head, her expression troubled. "I don't know, but if they've caught Hermes, who knows who else they could target," she replied somberly. "Has anyone seen Percy?" she asked, concern evident in her voice.
Zoe nodded before pointing to the stand where Percy was perched. He cawed before fluttering over to rest on Artemis's arm. Relief washed over Artemis as she saw him land. "Thank the gods," she murmured. "Alright, hunters, let's get ready for evening activities and dinner. Tomorrow, we head out to look for Hermes."
The hunters nodded solemnly before they dispersed, heading back to the cabin to prepare for dinner. Artemis, her fingers absentmindedly stroking Percy's feathers, turned to him with a tilt of her head. "Do you have any idea where Hermes could be?" she inquired.
Percy chirped softly in response, tilting his head, his gaze thoughtful. Artemis nodded in understanding. "Yeah, that's a possibility, but let's hope we're wrong," she murmured. With that thought lingering in their minds, they made their way towards the cabin.
A.N Out of curiosity, what do you guys think about a story with Percy being with Piper? Im looking for a pairing for another story but I can't decide on who yet. feel free to let me know your thoughts on that!
-Rift
