Here I am with Chapter 11, my current longest chapter! In this chapter, I will move forward with the plot a bit more, considering how I have been focusing a lot on the characters' backgrounds, lately. I have had some very helpful recommendations from ramencat67, so a big shout-out to them for all their continuous support! Thanks to everyone reading this in general, for being awesome! :) Make sure to review, as always, if you would like to be shouted out, and if you want your recommendations heard and featured in some of my chapters! Disclaimer: All rights to the AMAZING Rick Riordan!

Percy's POV

Percy was exhausted. His morning had consisted of a short bath, a small shower, and a lot of combat training, due to Annabeth's strong insistence. She wanted to reach the training arena before many other half-bloods did, giving the two more space and freedom to duel. Percy definitely had experienced his fair share of being worn out. Over the past few years, he had faced many more monsters than he could count, not to mention the many long, tiring hours of training at Camp Half-Blood.

Percy had just finished a long session of combat with Annabeth, which he eventually won. He had to admit that Annabeth had become a more experienced fighter. She would've had a lot of time to practice while Percy was missing. Percy could understand why fighting would be a good way to release stress, frustration, and anger. After all, he did take out a lot of anger on various monsters and demons. And he had a lot of anger at times.

Annabeth was currently using the bathroom, so Percy was taking a quick break. He looked out over the wide expanse. Seven other demigods were in the training arena. One was jabbing a dummy with a spear, while the other six half-bloods were fighting in pairs. Percy took a double take and saw that the person slashing at the dummy was actually Reyna. He looked closely at her combat movements and grinned. She was using the Greek moves that he had taught her the morning prior. That morning, he thought.

His thoughts skipped to yesterday afternoon when he had said that he "Didn't not" like spending time with her. He cringed internally. He was actually stupid enough to say that! He wanted to face-palm himself.

Percy continued to watch Reyna attack the dummy. He knew that Annabeth would take a little bit, considering how far away the nearest restrooms were from the arena. They really needed to install closer bathrooms. Suddenly, Reyna stopped practicing and she gripped her spear tightly. She turned towards Percy and started to walk towards where he was, probably because he was standing right next to the water. He instantly felt awkward and hoped that Reyna wouldn't bring up the talk that they had yesterday afternoon. He really hoped that she wouldn't bring up what he had said to her.

Reyna's long, dark brown braid swayed back and forth as she walked. Her praetor cape fluttered in the wind, while her imperial gold armor glistened in the sunlight. Her charcoal eyes seemed to glitter, mesmerizingly. Now, Percy really REALLY hoped that she wouldn't bring up what he had said yesterday. Stop thinking about it, Jackson, he scolded himself mentally.

When Reyna had reached him, she nodded in his direction and grabbed a plastic water bottle from a little pile on one of the benches. It was a very dry, hot San Francisco day. Percy deeply missed New York. Even Alaska would suffice right then. And he had been to Alaska before.

When Reyna set down the water and screwed back on the lid, she glanced at Percy. "I've been meaning to talk to you," she said, as her spear transformed into a silver ring, which she slid onto her finger. Percy instantly knew what was coming next. She was definitely going to bring up what he had said yesterday afternoon. "Octavian pointed out to me yesterday evening, that we can't have three active praetors of the legion," Reyna said instead.

Percy nodded slightly. He was internally relieved that Reyna had not said what Percy was sure she would. Awkward moment avoided, he thought. "I suppose... I can step aside for Jason," Percy replied. The truth was, Percy had been thinking about this for a while. At first, he would've been reluctant to let Jason back into office. Especially how everything was going with Jason and Reyna. Mostly because of how he rejected her when she admitted her feelings to him. Percy still didn't know why anyone in their right mind would reject Reyna Avila Ramirez Arellano. Percy knew that Reyna didn't want nor need his pity toward her, and he didn't know why he felt such pity toward her, but he did.

But now that Percy saw that Jason really had good intentions and that he was truly a good guy, Percy would give up his spot of praetor to Jason. If Jason wanted it back, that is.

"But I don't even know if Octavian will accept you or Jason to continue to be one of our praetors. In his eyes, you both have too much "Greek", if you will," Reyna said, biting her lower lip.

Percy shook his head and sighed. "He would much rather have himself elected as praetor," Percy guessed.

"Exactly," Reyna said. "But believe me, he would not be as good of a praetor as he thinks he would be. I would much rather have you or... or Jason in office." Reyna's voice caught on Jason's name. Maybe she would rather have Percy as praetor over Jason and Octavian alike. It would probably be really awkward for Reyna to have to run a camp with Jason all over again. The thought almost made him smile and Percy didn't know why.

"We'll have to talk about this with the Senate," Reyna sighed. "Maybe they can come up with a decent idea. Hoping that Octavian doesn't sway them."

Percy nodded, and the two sat in silence for a long awkward moment. Percy looked out over the arena and saw that two of the demigods had left, leaving himself, Reyna, and the four others.

"I saw you using the moves I taught you yesterday," Percy said, grinning at Reyna. She looked up, met his eyes, and blushed.

"Yesterday..." she said in a daze. "I- I mean, yeah, those are really helpful, uh, combat skills." She hesitated. "The sword ones, not the tripping ones. Though, I guess that might be helpful in some cases," she said.

Percy looked at the floor. He still didn't know why he had tripped her. He just felt compelled. Like Aphrodite was messing with him, or something.

The two stared at the ground for a little while longer, until finally, Percy heard footsteps behind him. He turned and saw Annabeth returning. She was sporting an orange Camp Half-Blood t-shirt and denim shorts. Her way blond hair was pulled up into a ponytail. "Holy Hera, those bathrooms are far. They really need to install some closer to the arena," she said.

Percy uncapped his pen, Riptide, and straightened his spine. "It's about time, Annabeth," he joked. Annabeth punched his arm playfully as she walked over to the water. Reyna stepped aside for her as Annabeth got a bottle and took a drink.

"Uh, I better check up on the legionnaires," she said, walking away. "See ya, Percy. Annabeth."

Annabeth capped her bottle and set it down. "What were you two talking about?" She questioned, walking back over to where Percy was standing.

"Octavian wants there to be two praetors, instead of the current three that we have," Percy said. "And he wants to be one of them."

Annabeth nodded. "Are you gonna step down for Jason?"

"If he wants his spot back, then yeah," Percy replied, shrugging. "Octavian's going to put up a fight no matter if it's me or Jason."

Annabeth shrugged. "Are you excited to go back home?" She asked, wistfully. "When the war is over, anyway."

"I haven't seen Camp Half-Blood in what seems like forever," Percy said. He paused. "Are my mom and stepdad OK?"

Annabeth nodded. "There just fine. I told them where we thought you were, right before we set sail on the Argo ll."

Percy nodded. "That's good."

"Your mom and I were sometimes our only sources of each other's comfort when you were gone. I would check on her a lot to see how she was doing. But the truth was, I needed her as much as she needed me," Annabeth said.

"I'm sorry I made you guys so anxious. I can't wait to see my mom again."

"Percy," Annabeth sighed as she walked over to him and gripped his sword-free hand. "It's not your fault. Really, I know. I was angry, but not at you."

Percy smiled weakly. "What would I do without a girl like you?"

Annabeth let go of Percy's hand and unsheathed her dagger, her stormy grey eyes gleaming. "I really have no idea, Seaweed Brain."

So, I admit that I didn't move the plot forward all that much today, but I am starting to incorporate Octavian into the picture, making the Legion a bit more of a mess. I also added a small amount of Preyna today, but there will be another significant Preyna moment coming up soon. (Tehehe.) I still hoped you liked it, though! Make sure to review, like always! Thanks again for reading!

-Bookish77