Chapter 3
It had been two mortal years since Percy had set foot on Earth. During that time, he had dedicated himself to rigorous training alongside his parents, honing his skills until he could face both of them in combat without being overwhelmed.
Now, Percy sat upon his throne, his gaze sweeping across the various camps and settlements. He felt a sense of pride as he watched Zoe flourish as a huntress, eventually earning the esteemed position of Artemis's lieutenant. Meanwhile, Reyna had journeyed to Rome shortly after Percy's departure, where she had ascended through the ranks until she reached the status of Praetor.
Nyx entered the throne room, a gentle smile gracing her lips as she observed Percy lost in thought, his focus lingering on his friend's lives, particularly Reyna's. "Percy," she called softly, stepping closer to him and drawing him out of his reverie.
"Hi Mom, what can I do for you?" Percy responded, turning his attention to Nyx with a mix of curiosity and warmth. Nyx's smile widened as she replied, her tone gentle yet knowing, "You should go visit her. I can tell you miss her."
Percy's eyes widened in surprise, ready to interject, but Nyx continued before he could speak. "I used to watch Erebus the same way when I couldn't see him. I know that look of longing all too well."
A sense of resignation washed over Percy as he realized the truth in his mother's words. "Alright, you got me. I do miss her," he admitted, a hint of vulnerability in his tone. Nyx's smile softened, and she reached out to pat him gently on the head. "What are you still doing here then?"
With a playful roll of his eyes, Percy vanished into the shadows, eliciting a chuckle from Nyx as she watched him go, amused by her son's antics.
As he emerged from the shadows in New Rome, Percy found himself standing in an office, leaning casually against a door. A smile played on his lips as he observed Reyna, now fourteen years old, absorbed in studying a piece of paper on her desk, her lips moving silently as she muttered to herself.
"You know, if you keep staring at that paper, you might give it PTSD," Percy quipped, a chuckle escaping him. Reyna's head snapped up at the sound of his voice, her eyes widening in disbelief as she recognized him.
"Percy, is that really you?" she asked, her voice tinged with both shock and joy. Percy nodded with a grin. "The one and only."
Reyna jumped up with excitement before rushing over and tackling Percy in a tight hug, her joy evident. "Percy, it's really you!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with disbelief and happiness. Percy chuckled, returning her hug warmly before she helped him to his feet. "Hi Reyna, how have you been?"
"I've been good, I have a mountain of paperwork to do though," Reyna grumbled, glancing back at her desk with a sigh. Percy couldn't help but laugh, waving his hand casually to make the papers magically fill themselves out before neatly stacking themselves into a pile.
"What paperwork?" he asked with a grin, teasing her gently. Reyna's smile widened at the sight before she hugged him again. "So, how's being Praetor of Rome?" Percy inquired as they walked back to her desk before he took a seat across from her in an empty chair.
"It's hard. Running the camp and the military at the same time is a difficult job, which is why there are two praetors," Reyna explained with a hint of exhaustion in her voice. Percy nodded in understanding. "So where's the other one?" he asked curiously.
Reyna gestured towards the door. "Probably out training or teaching. It's what he normally does in his spare time." Percy chuckled before turning his attention back to Reyna. "So, what was being in the void like for two years?" she asked, genuinely curious.
Percy looked thoughtful for a moment before a smile spread across his face. "Time is faster in the void, so it felt like I brought you to the Wolf House not too long ago," he explained. Reyna's eyes widened in surprise at the revelation. "I'm glad I made it here. It's been an experience for sure though," she said, laughing softly.
Percy nodded in agreement. "Oh, I'm sure," he replied with a grin. Reyna smiled warmly before standing up. "Do you want to see the city?" she offered. Percy shrugged before getting to his feet as well. "Sure, I'd love to," he said with genuine enthusiasm. Reyna smiled before leading the way out of the office, ready to show Percy around New Rome.
They explored different parts of the city throughout the early afternoon, with Reyna enthusiastically pointing out her favorite spots. Eventually, they found themselves at a water fountain, where Reyna insisted he try the hot chocolate she deemed "the best in the universe."
"Damn, Reyna, you weren't kidding about this hot cocoa. This is better than any I've ever had," Percy remarked, savoring every sip. Reyna laughed in agreement as she enjoyed her own drink.
Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of a boy. Reyna looked up in surprise and addressed him first. "Jason, what are you doing here?" she asked, puzzled. Jason glanced at her before turning to Percy. "Who are you, demigod?" he inquired.
"My name is Percy," he replied with annoyance creeping into his voice. Jason turned to look at Percy, his expression hardening. "Why did you call me 'boy'? I have a name," he retorted sharply.
Percy shrugged nonchalantly before replying, "I forgot your name, and I didn't think it was right to call you 'girl' seeing as you're a guy."
Jason's anger flared as he glared at Percy, then turned to Reyna. "Keep your demigod under control, Reyna. He needs to learn to respect the camp Prae–" His words were abruptly cut off as shadows enveloped his body, restraining him in place, and then wrapped around his mouth to silence him.
"Listen to me, and listen well, child. I am not a demigod who can be pushed around, and I will not tolerate any disrespect. Is that clear?" Percy's tone was firm as he addressed Jason. When Jason attempted to respond, Percy tightened the restraints around him until he nodded in understanding.
With a satisfied smile, Percy released Jason and returned his attention to his hot cocoa. Reyna observed the interaction with an amused expression.
"I'm sorry, Percy. I didn't mean to offend you. Having an ego unfortunately comes with being a son of Jupiter," Jason apologized, rubbing his head sheepishly.
Percy waved his hand dismissively in response. "Don't worry about it. I don't get offended easily. I'm not going to hurt you over a bruised ego."
Jason nodded, relieved that he hadn't angered Reyna's friend. Turning to Reyna, he spoke warmly, "Is this the friend who helped you reach the Wolf House you talk about all the time?"
Percy choked on his cocoa before turning to look at Reyna with a raised eyebrow. Reyna blushed slightly before hiding her face in her hands and nodding.
"Yeah, this is him. Jason, meet Percy. Percy, meet Jason, my co-Praetor of New Rome."
Jason grinned before extending his forearm, which Percy grasped tightly before they let go.
"Jason Grace, son of Jupiter at your service," Jason introduced himself with a grin.
Percy returned the grin to Reyna before replying, "Perseus, son of Nox and Erebus. Pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Jason's eyes widened at his statement before looking at Reyna, who was laughing at his expression.
"You're a primordial?" Jason stammered out.
Percy laughed before replying, "Demi-primordial, but close enough."
Jason nodded slowly before quickly dropping into a bow. Percy rolled his eyes before using shadows to lift him out of it. "Do not bow to me, I am not an arrogant Olympian."
Jason nodded before straightening up. "Why are you here Percy? I can't imagine you are visiting New Rome for sightseeing."
Percy nodded before turning to Reyna. "Do you have a place we can talk in private?" Reyna nodded before standing up and leading the way back to the offices.
When they reached their office, Reyna sat in the chair she did before, while Jason and Percy took the two seats opposite her.
"This discussion remains between us three, is that clear?" Percy said calmly. Reyna and Jason nodded their heads.
"You're not gonna have us swear on the Styx?" Jason asked, surprised. Percy shook his head. "I trust you guys. If you break that trust, you will wish you broke an oath to the Styx," he finished coldly, to which Jason nodded, wide-eyed.
"Great. So, the Titans are attempting to rise again. I'm here to help with the war effort to make sure we win, as my parents are not interested in a potential primordial war down the line," Percy said, his disinterest in a war evident in his tone.
The praetors' eyes widened at his explanation. "We've heard through the grapevine that the Titans were attempting to rise but we haven't heard anything conclusive yet," Reyna stated.
Percy nodded before replying, "Their attempt is still in its early stages. None of the Titans are free yet, although my mother suspects that won't be the case for long."
Jason looked at Percy with confusion on his face. "Who's almost free?" Percy shrugged in response. "I don't know yet, the only thing I do is it's not Saturn."
Reyna let out a sigh of relief Percy didn't realize she was holding. "Well, that's good news for now at least," she said, Jason nodding in agreement.
"For now, yes, but we must prepare for his eventual return as well. The Titans aren't aware of my existence yet, so you have me as a wild card," Percy replied warmly.
Reyna smiled, thankful that Percy would fight with them to protect their home. Jason was grinning as well, excited to have a primordial on their side
"So what kind of things can you do Percy?" Jason asked.
Percy shrugged in response." Pretty much everything my parents can do other than change other beings bodies, or change mine for the most part. I can change into a couple animals though and I can change my age but I prefer to be between sixteen and eighteen."
Jason nodded before turning to Reyna, who was eyeing Percy in a way Jason had never seen her eye someone before.
He smirked before turning back to Percy, who was looking at the clock, not noticing Reyna's expression. "What animals can you turn into?"
Percy's smile widened as shadows enveloped him, transforming him first into a wolf with his hair color. The wolf let out a bark before the shadows shifted once more, revealing an black eagle in his place.
With a graceful flight, the eagle soared across the room before morphing into a black stag. The stag spun in a circle before reverting back to Percy, who chuckled at the stunned expressions of the demigods.
"Tada," Percy announced, his laughter echoing in the room. "That's so cool," Jason exclaimed.
"Yeah, it's pretty cool. The stag is my favorite because nobody ever expects a stag."
Jason nodded in agreement. "Can you change the size of the animals?" Percy pondered for a moment before responding, "Potentially. Truthfully, I've never tried."
Reyna observed the exchange silently, a growing sense of unease settling in her stomach. Pushing the feeling aside, she turned to Percy.
"What should we do to prepare for the upcoming war?"
Percy's expression darkened as he considered her question. "Train. That's all we can do for now. Once we have more information, I'll let you all know what steps to take."
Jason nodded before turning his attention to Reyna. He sensed her desire to speak with Percy privately but didn't want to impose.
With a friendly smile, Jason rose from his seat and glanced at the clock. "Well, I have soldiers
to train, so I'm going to get going. Nice meeting you, Percy. Keep in touch." Percy acknowledged him with a nod as Jason exited the room.
Turning back to Reyna, Percy noticed her preoccupation with her bracelet, her fingers tracing its surface absentmindedly. Percy's smile softened, and he approached her, taking a seat in front of her. He waved his hand gently in front of her face, attempting to draw her attention away from her thoughts.
She jumped at the sudden distraction, her eyes reflecting the stress of Percy's explanation about the war. The weight of responsibility seemed to hang heavily on her shoulders.
"What's wrong, Reyna?" Percy asked, his voice laced with concern.
"I've only been a praetor for a year. How am I supposed to lead them against the Titans?" she replied, her gaze fixed on her desk.
Percy smiled reassuringly before reaching across the desk and gently taking her hand, prompting her to look up at him. "Because my mother believes in you, and I believe in you."
Reyna smiled slightly at his words, finding a glimmer of reassurance in them, but she didn't release his hand. They sat there in comfortable silence for a few moments until Percy suddenly looked around in alarm, disappearing into the shadows without another word.
Reyna sat there in shock for a moment until a flash of light appeared before her, prompting her to avert her eyes. When she turned back, she gasped, immediately bowing in respect. "Lord Mars, what can I do for you?"
"Rise, Praetor. I came to inform you that Jupiter's bolt has been stolen. We need you to keep a closer watch on Othrys to ensure it doesn't end up there," Mars stated firmly.
"Of course, my lord," Reyna replied with a sense of duty. Mars nodded before disappearing in a flash of light. Reyna stood back up and sat down, still reeling from the news, until a few seconds later, the shadows began to warp and Percy stepped out.
"Sorry about that, bit of a close call," Percy said, trying to lighten the mood with a laugh, but his smile faded as he noticed Reyna's expression. "Reyna, what's wrong?"
Reyna looked up, fear evident in her eyes. "Lord Jupiter's bolt has been stolen. Lord Mars wants us to keep a close watch on the ruins of Othrys."
Percy's eyes widened in alarm at the news. "I need to inform my mother," he said with a nod, his mind already racing with the implications. Reyna nodded in understanding, her disappointment evident as Percy prepared to leave.
Percy smiled softly, sensing Reyna's distress, and walked over to her. Gently, he pulled her out of her chair and enveloped her in a warm hug, offering her comfort in the face of uncertainty.
They stayed in that comforting embrace, finding comfort in each other's presence. When Percy finally pulled back, he tilted Reyna's chin up to look her in the eyes. "Be safe," he whispered, his voice filled with genuine concern and care.
Reyna nodded softly, feeling reassured by Percy's words and his comforting presence. As he smiled at her, he faded into the shadows.