Thank you, thank you, thank you! We reached over 20,300 views, and I am soo happy! :D I owe this all to you guys, so thank you times 100! Shout out to Greekflower and the guest Malosi06 for leaving such sweet reviews! Poll update: Preyna is still in the lead. Next are Percabeth and Pertemis. Third is a tie between Frazel, Perzoe, Perlypso, and Perlia. Lastly is Thaluke, Jeyna, and Charlena. There are others that have not been voted on yet, so make sure to cast your vote before it closes, which might be at the end of March, or sometime earlier. It depends on how many voters I get from here to then. Anyway, on with the chapter! But, I have to do this disclaimer first: I don't own Percy Jackson or Heroes of Olympus, and this makes me sad. :c But you guys make me happy, so it's all OK! c:
Reyna's POV
Reyna raced over to find Jason. She found him with Piper among a crowd in the mess hall. As Reyna passed various groups, she heard them talking about the returned group of half-bloods. That was what Reyna needed to talk to Jason about. He hadn't been there at the Caldecott Tunnel when they had arrived, or in the infirmary talking to Saul about what had happened. She thought it best that her fellow praetor got caught up.
"Jason, there you are," Reyna said, walking up to the couple.
"I would've gone to see for myself, but I figured the crowd was big enough," Jason muttered.
Piper rolled her eyes. "So, what happened?" She asked in place of her boyfriend. Reyna still was a tad bit jealous of the lucky daughter of Aphrodite.
Reyna relayed the story that Saul had told her. Everything from the eidolons to the escape. When she was finished, Piper said, "eidolons. I swear I've heard of them before. They sound familiar. Though, it's troubling to know that they are inhabiting 'the good guys'."
"Yes. I don't like the fact that the giant army has so many demons and monsters allied among them, and that all we have are demigods and legacies," Reyna agreed.
"Hey, we don't just have demigods and legacies. We have other friendly monsters and creatures on our side. Not to mention we have a good cause," Jason replied, jumping into the conversation.
"That may be true, but the odds are not in our favor," Reyna pointed out.
"Hey, not to mention we have the gods!" Piper chipped.
"Hey, I'm all about looking on the bright side, but who said the gods were in?" Jason said, changing his attitude. "Especially in this schizophrenic state. What, with the two camps practically at war."
"That's why we are here as the ambassadors," Piper said, trying to lighten the mood.
"Well, I'd better get going," Reyna said. The truth was, she couldn't stand to be alone with the two, even though there were several others in the vicinity. She felt like a third-wheeler. Reyna was sure that Piper knew of the feelings Reyna... felt... for Jason. Not to mention that Reyna still didn't know what tense to put felt into. Past or present? Either way, Reyna felt like an intruder. This was the same situation with Percy and Annabeth when they were visiting Saul earlier. Though something inside Reyna told her that Percy would rather be with Reyna than Annabeth. This didn't make any sense. They had just returned from a date! It wasn't Reyna and Percy going on a date, so Reyna had no proof that this was the case. Though, she still couldn't shake the fact that when Percy should've been thinking about Annabeth, Reyna replaced those thoughts. The prospect of this made her giddy but in a dreadful sort of way.
The crowd had simmered down just enough that she could squeeze through to the front of the mess hall. She thought it best to set everyone back on track. "Legionnaires!" She shouted. "Centurions! Return to your posts and normal schedule. I know that this is an interruption, but that doesn't mean you have to sit around here. Go back to your assignments. Now!"
The group heeded her command and thinned out, resuming their day. Reyna wished she could go see the four demigods that had just returned from their quest, but she knew that even with her authority, the healers wouldn't allow visitors until they were ready. So, with nothing more to do, she decided to go to the arena and check on the training probatios. It was crucial that they knew how to defend themselves and fight or they would never be fully accepted into the legion. Sometimes she would assign centurions to do it or even experienced legionnaires, but most of the time she did it. Maybe she should get Percy to do it sometime? Though, she knew that likely wasn't going to happen with his preparation to leave on his quest. He probably wouldn't have time to teach probatios. But, then why did he have time to take Annabeth on a date?
She headed towards the arena and found a group of probatios stumbling with swords and gladii. A centurion from the Fourth Cohort, Amelia, was teaching the hoard basic moves since most of them had never picked up a Roman weapon since coming to Camp Jupiter. With practice, hopefully, they would become great.
"How are things going?" Reyna asked Amelia. The tall blond girl, gave her a polite shrug, shifting her gladius from hand to hand.
"They're fast learners, praetor," Amelia answered. "They should be somewhat ready to actually scrimmage in the next few days."
Reyna replied, "good. They'll need to defend themselves with the coming war."
Amelia nodded in agreement. "Hey, we're practicing on dummies, not each other!" She shouted at a thin boy who was cornering a girl that was noticeably taller and stronger than him. The boy stopped and sighed.
"When will we get to really test ourselves?" He whined.
"In a few days, but only if you practice on the appropriate material!" Amelia scolded. " I like your enthusiasm, but do you want to be a probatio even longer?" She turned to Reyna as the probatios continued to practice. "I'm sorry about that, praetor. These guys are feisty."
"That's good," Reyna said. We need that kind of resilience in the legion."
Amelia nodded and continued to stroll around her trainees, correcting them as necessary. Reyna walked away, towards the equine stables. She needed to check on how the First Cohort was following through on their punishment. The First Cohort had rigged the Fourth's shields, so Reyna had given them the punishment of cleaning the stables. She wanted to see if they were actually following through with this command.
When she arrived, everything looked in check, which surprised her. The First Cohort wasn't one to defy a praetor's orders, but she had thought that they would slack on this job. To her shock, however, everything looked clean. The stalls were mucked, the animals were fed, and all the tack and equipment had been cleaned and put away. Reyna couldn't say that she wasn't skeptical, because she was. But, she would get what she could take, so there were no complaints there.
Reyna spotted her pegasus, Scipio, and walked over to him. She caressed his head, and he nickered in response. "I'm sorry I couldn't ride you much this week," she said. "I've been busy." Reyna always felt that she could be herself around her pegasus. He comforted her, and even though she knew he couldn't speak to her, he always listened. He reminded Reyna of her sister, Hylla in a way, though of course, Hylla could talk.
"How about we go for a quick fly before dinner, huh?" She cooed.
Scipio snorted in response.
Reyna quickly tacked up her mount and brushed his mane for good luck. She grabbed his reins and led him outside. Once she was in an area where he could take off, she swung her right leg over his back and squeezed his sides. Scipio ascended and once he reached a high enough altitude, started to glide. "Good boy, Skippy," Reyna muttered, petting his strong neck. He threw his head back in the delight of being free from his confinement and continued to climb higher still. Reyna's braid whipped in the wind, but she felt amazing. Based on Scipio's happy whinny, he felt amazing, too.
After about thirty minutes, Reyna returned to the ground near the stables. She could hear the unicorns inside, and she could tell they wanted to be out, too. Reyna would make sure Hazel rode them later. Along with Arion, of course.
Reyna looked to her left and saw a figure jogging toward her. Percy. Reyna remained mounted, just in case. When he caught up to her, he said, "are you ok?"
"Um... yes," Reyna replied, confused. What would give him the idea that she wasn't alright?
"Well, me being the Son of Poseidon I am, I heard one of the horses practically screaming that you needed me," Percy explained. He suddenly cringed. "Geez, Skippy, I get it! You're not a horse!"
Reyna glared at her mount. Scipio turned his head to gaze at her through a deep brown eye. He snorted like he was laughing. Reyna's own pegasus was trying to hook her up with Percy! The Fates were cruel. Well, since Percy was here...
"Well despite what my pegasus told you, I'm fine," Reyna said. "Care for a ride?"
Percy's eyes lit up like he had been waiting for this all day. "I'd love one."
Percy's POV
Percy hopped up behind Reyna and shifted in the saddle. "You know what?" Reyna asked. "I'll take this off. It'll be more comfortable."
Percy and Reyna dismounted, and Reyna got to work taking off Scipio's saddle. Percy watched her, and her fluid, graceful movements. Gods, she was even beautiful taking off horse tack! Wait, that's a weird thought.
Once Reyna had put up the saddle, she got back on Scipio, who was nickering impatiently, no doubt ready to get back in the air. Percy sidled up behind her once more, and Reyna kicked Scipio into flight. Again, Percy instinctively wrapped his arms around Reyna's slim waist. She didn't flinch this time but actually settled into it, as if she enjoyed it. This set Percy's heart a flutter. He decided to keep his arms there, you know, since she seemed to like it.
Scipio glided through the sky, occasionally flapping his peanut butter-colored wings so that they didn't fall.
In a way, this fulfilled Percy's wishes of going on a "date" with Reyna. Sure, they were just flying together, but it sure felt like a date. Percy could've sworn he felt Reyna lean into him. Percy leaned into her as well, so his chest was pressed flat against her shoulder blades. This was the closest he had ever been to Reyna. Besides kissing of course. He really wanted to kiss her right then.
"This reminds me of my pegasus back at Camp Half-Blood, Blackjack," Percy said over the wind, breaking the silence.
"Pegasi are amazing creatures, aren't they?" Reyna sighed, stroking Scipio's mane.
"Yep. But then again, you've never heard them talk," Percy replied.
Reyna laughed. A melodic sound that filled Percy's ears and made him smile internally. He might've blushed externally, too.
Percy knew that dinner was drawing near and two praetors absent might cause a disturbance, but he didn't care. Being up here with Reyna Avila Ramirez Arellano was amazing. He felt like he could do anything with her by his side, no matter what. He felt free. He felt happy. He felt like he was truly in love. And gods had he fallen hard. Percy realized that he had never felt this way- this rush of adrenaline and excitement- with Annabeth. This thought made him feel a tad guilty, but he was too consumed with the gorgeous half-goddess sitting in his arms.
Percy must've got so consumed within the moment, that he leaned into Reyna's braid and whispered something like, "I love you," into her hair. Though, looking back, Percy couldn't be sure. Reyna turned around.
"What was that?" Reyna asked, color filling her cheeks.
"Uh, nothing," Percy said. "As you were."
The two continued to fly on Skippy the pegasus for a good fifteen minutes more, cuddling ever-so-slightly. They didn't talk the rest of the ride, and soon they landed near the stables once more. Percy swiftly dismounted, and Reyna hopped off as well. She quickly took off Scipio's bridle and fed him an apple. Percy watched as she worked. He didn't know why he was suddenly so enthralled with Reyna, but she certainly was one to behold. With her cloak swirling along with her movements and her attractive features, she looked nothing short of a goddess. And yes, Percy had met several so it was a fair comparison.
Percy realized that Reyna had never been so... relaxed around him. Or anyone for that matter. She had let him hold her and cuddle her. This was a new side that Percy had never seen in Reyna. He didn't know whether to get used to this or not. Reyna was so fierce and unpredictable- as a warrior should be. But Percy couldn't know if she would one day open up to him, and the next suddenly have the urge to kill him.
Reyna's POV
Reyna hung up Scipio's bridle with Percy watching behind her. Did this make her a little uncomfortable? Maybe a little but she couldn't be mad if an attractive boy wanted to stare at her. She knew this was unfair to herself- letting her guard down. She felt so vulnerable right then, but it felt nice not to be as uptight as she normally was.
The thing that kept racking her brain was how she was definitely breaking her promise to herself. Reyna knew that this could and would only be a hopeless romance. She was fighting a losing game. Percy would leave her to go on his quest and would fall back in love with Annabeth again. She didn't have to be a child of Athena to know this was true. Part of her was looking forward to the day when Percy would leave. She could forget about him and his smile and his amazing kisses, and focus on the legion again. Her legion. She would prove Venus wrong and make her mom proud. Isn't that what she had wanted to do from the moment Venus had spoken with her? But is that really what she wanted? She didn't know, but thinking about all this made her head spin.
"That's everything," Reyna said, turning to face Percy who was standing a couple of yards away, leaning against the doorway of the stable. "I'll put up Skippy, and then we'd better get to the mess hall."
"Yeah, you're right," Percy agreed. "My sudden disappearance probably has Annabeth going crazy... again."
The guilt on Percy's face was beyond noticeable, and it didn't help Reyna's guilt either. She knew this would break Annabeth if she found out that Percy was attracted to Reyna instead. Reyna wanted to tell Annabeth that she didn't like it either, but that would be a lie.
Reyna lead Scipio to his stall and latched the door. Percy stepped forward and gave the pegasus an apple that he had found in a tub containing many. Scipio whinnied in thanks. "Glad you like it," Percy laughed, no doubt hearing the pegasus talk. "Oh, ok."
"What did he say?" Reyna asked, curious. It was times like these when you wished you could speak to horses.
"He, uh," Percy said. He looked flustered. What had Skippy said? "He says that he would be happy to do this again if, you know, you wanted to."
"Um..." Reyna trailed off. She had enjoyed it. "Why not?"
Percy grinned his adorable, playful grin.
If Reyna knew her pegasus as well as she thought, Scipio was probably just happy to see her happy for once. Of course, Reyna was always happy when she was riding Scipio, but the pegasus must've sensed how at ease Reyna had felt around Percy. She sure did love good ol' Skippy.
"You know what would finish off this day pretty well?" Percy implied, smiling impishly. "A kiss."
Reyna smirked, amazed at how easily Percy could play off that line. "You're right," Reyna agreed.
Percy wrapped her in a passionate embrace. To Reyna's own, and Percy's apparent surprise, she did the same. She placed a hand in his dark hair, tugging at it ever so slightly. The two shared a fervent but sweet kiss. Percy let go of her for air. "You're good at that," he smiled.
"I'll take that as a compliment," Reyna said shyly, dropping her arms. She couldn't believe what this had come to. She wasn't even uncomfortable when Percy kissed her anymore. In fact, she enjoyed it. Argh, but there was always regret.
"Uh, we'd better get going," Reyna said, interrupting the loud silence. "I think dinner is about to start."
Percy sighed, rubbing his neck. "You're right. Annabeth might just kill me."
This chapter was super fun to right, and I hope you liked it! Yes, it was kind of a fluffy chapter, and I know some of you are more into action but don't worry. It's only going to get better from here. There will be more action and tons more Preyna in the next chapters. Emphasis on tons more Preyna! So, buckle up. (Again, those of you who like action, don't despair! I'm planning lots more in upcoming chapters. I'm talking battles, angst- all the good stuff.) I hope you guys are looking forward to the upcoming chapters, because I am, too! Again, please review and vote in the poll. Also, have I ever told you guys how much you mean to me? I never would've gotten this far or improved as I did without your help and support! So, thank you!