Woohoo! We made it to Chapter 50! This is such a landmark, you guys. I never thought I would make it this far, but here we are! Now, I don't want to get all sappy on you guys, but seriously, this is amazing! Your support has been endless and I appreciate all the reviews I have been getting recently. Again, please make sure you vote in the poll, and continue to vote. Sorry for the long wait! I had a very busy month. Anyway, here you go! (Quickly, though, what are you guys thinking of the new PJO TV show? I love it!)
Reviews:
IsItReallyTho: A girlfriend?! Congrats! I guess my little donation of rizz worked! Seriously, though, I'm excited for you!
Jaycen (Guest): You read it at midnight? Wow, I would be too tired, lol. But I love the dedication!
Zoe Nightshade (Guest): Man, I didn't think my cliffhangers were THAT bad. Also, sorry for the slow updates. I am in my school's dance company, choir, and orchestra, so I have a lot of commitments. Thanks for the review!
And to 7moons (guest): I am so sorry about being gone for so long! I'm not dead, I promise, and I saw all your reviews. Thank you!
(Disclaimer: Don't own. All right to Rick Riordan.)
Reyna's POV
Tears were shed, gods were praised, and food was eaten. But, even after the ceremony honoring the fallen, Reyna was shoved back inside the infirmary. Shoved. You'd think that she'd have a little more leniency from the healers, being a praetor and all, but apparently not.
Just because she had a little bit of potentially fatal poison in her system didn't mean that she had to be practically locked away in an infirmary!
Okay, maybe she was being a bit dramatic. But, Reyna hated being contained, especially in a place like the infirmary. Now that she thought about it, she would have to put some funds into improving the infirmary. It was… boring to say the least. Pale walls with almost empty rooms, a wood floor, and a little room in the back that held supplies and storage.
There was nothing to do. Other than sitting and staring at the wall…
This whole battle was giving her some serious deja vu from the Battle Of the Feild of Mars. First, she got attacked by a hellhound. Twice. Second, Percy escorts her to the infirmary. Twice. And last, she was stuck in the infirmary.
Reyna hated being cooped up. As a leader, she loved… well, leading. Especially with Percy as one of her co-praetors. (Though she wouldn't admit it.)
Possibly the worst thing was that she couldn't go out and check on the legion. Even when she went to the ceremony for the dead, she hadn't seen who had or hadn't died. All she saw was a lot of crying, a lot of wounds, and a smaller legion.
Reyna knew that there had been 22 deaths. She had heard Jason saying as much as he was leading the whole thing. (Percy had been sitting off to the side, looking solemn with Annabeth clutching to him like he was her life support.)
Reyna grieved for every last demigod who had died. She had even heard that one of the fallen warriors had been a mere 13 years old. The thought made her feel sick.
Of course, it didn't help that she was still in serious pain from the gash on her arm that had yet to stop spewing puss. And, she hadn't seen or talked to Percy since he'd left her side to go help fight.
She had demanded that he leave, but once he had, Reyna had felt lonely. She didn't understand what the difference was between sitting on a bed in here and sitting on a bed in her cabin. It beat staring at pale walls.
And, at least she would be able to see Percy. Currently, she was allowed no visitors. Why? Reyna didn't know. But if she could see anybody right now, she wanted to see Percy.
Which is where her plan started. Reyna was going to escape the infirmary.
She realized that it sounded immature, but she didn't know how much longer she could take cooped up with the healers as her only company. Not that she didn't like the healers, but they were very… stubborn.
Reyna could appreciate their determination to keep her safe and try to make her better, but she was a praetor. She could take care of herself.
Her plan included Aurum and Argentum. She would use them to distract the healers, and then she would escape.
Yes, unfortunately, Reyna had gotten that desperate. She had tried simply asking the healers if she could leave, even just for a little bit. But alas, they had insisted she stay in the infirmary.
Reyna knew she was being dramatic. Maybe all the medicine she had taken was getting to her head. Regardless, she needed out of the stuffy room.
Now.
As if on cue, Aurum and Argentum appeared at the foot of her bed, looking confused. Maybe her thoughts had summoned them there, and they had been pulled away from whatever they had been previously doing.
Nevertheless, they were here.
Reyna exhaled. "Aurum, Argentum."
The dogs sniffed her injured arm tentatively. Reyna caressed their metal heads, trying to console them.
"It's alright. I'm going to be fine."
Reyna bit back the small hesitation she had. She would be fine. She had to be.
The dogs whined, seemingly unconvinced.
Reyna ignored it, then told them what she wanted them to do. They may have been metal dogs, but they were smart, and she knew they would do what she needed them to.
She slowly stepped out of the cot, minding her arm, before she pushed the door to her private room open. Aurum and Argentum lurched forward, bounding down the halls and barking.
While they caused that distraction, Reyna ran for the doorway at the end of the hall, checking behind her to make sure no one saw her. Luckily for her, all the healers seemed intent on controlling the dogs.
Reyna pushed open the doors with her good arm, still running so she wouldn't be caught.
After she was far enough down the Via Praetoria, she slowed her pace to a walk.
A shock of black hair caught her eye. She saw Percy standing in front of the bathhouse, talking to a legionnaire with blue hair. Jaxon.
"Percy!" She shouted.
He turned, confused. His eyes widened when he saw her pass.
Bacchus, she mouthed, hoping he would catch the reference.
After she was passed, Reyna walked towards her favorite place, the Garden of Bacchus. She realized with shock that she hadn't been there for a while. A very long while.
She needed to be alone with Percy. They hadn't had a chance to talk since after the battle, and she needed details on everything.
Reyna kept at her constant pace as she walked towards the Hill of Bacchus. Once she got to the top where her favorite fountain was, she sat, enjoying the smell of flowers.
This was exactly what she needed. Fresh air. If the healers got mad at her, that would be her excuse. Besides, she was a praetor. They didn't have a right to boss her around.
After sitting for a little bit, she saw Percy jogging up the hill hadn't been sure Percy would understand her when she'd mouthed Bacchus, or if he was a good lip reader at all.
"You came," Reyna said softly. She had her injured arm tucked against her chest, still in bandages, but that was the first thing Percy's eyes went to.
"Of course I did. Though, I'm wondering why you're here. Aren't you supposed to be in the infirmary?" He sat down next to her in the lush grass, cautiously throwing an arm around her. It was a casual gesture, but it made Reyna's cheeks warm.
Reyna exhaled. "Well... I sort of escaped."
"Escaped? You mean-" Percy's face dawned with realization. "You broke out of the infirmary?"
"You could say that," Reyna said slowly.
Percy kissed her forehead. "That's my girl."
The comment made Reyna's nerves go wild. Not only that but the intimate forehead kiss. It was as if Percy knew what to say to make her feel good.
She could hear a low hum come from Percy's throat. "Good to know. You like forehead kisses."
Reyna grinned and shook her head, her hair catching in the wind. She had taken out her braid because lying down on a pillow with a braid stabbing into her neck was not comfortable. Therefore, her hair was free.
Percy caught a strand of Reyna's hair. "Your hair's out."
She blushed. "Yeah… I should probably put it back in the braid."
Percy chuckled. "I think it's cute. It frames your face in this way…"
Reyna felt her cheeks get warm again, so she changed the subject.
"So… how did the battle go?"
Percy held out a hand. "Wait. We still need to talk about you sneaking out of the infirmary. How did you do it?"
Reyna almost laughed at his enthusiasm. He was proud of her? "Well, I summoned Aurum and Argentum to cause a distraction, and then I ran out. Simple."
Percy shook his head, his long, inky hair falling across his eyebrows. "I can't believe it. You have a rebellious streak?"
Reyna narrowed her eyes. "There is a lot you don't know about me."
Percy smiled that mischievous smile. "We'll see."
Reyna stared out at the blue sky. It seemed so peaceful. Too peaceful. A war had just taken place. Why was the sky happy?
She frowned. Maybe she was going crazy. Thinking this about the sky.
"So, back to my question. How'd the battle go?" She asked.
Percy rubbed his jaw with his knuckle. "Well, we won. Was else is there to say?"
Reyna exhaled, looking out over the valley. "I need details, Percy."
He just looked around. "To be honest… I was with you most of the time. I couldn't tear myself away from you… especially when you were in such a fragile state."
Reyna caught her breath. "Percy, I'm not fragile. You've got to give me some credit."
He held up his hands defensively. "I do, I do. Don't get me wrong. I just- I feel very protective of you."
Reyna scoffed. "Percy! I'm not helpless."
"Okay. Whatever I say, you'll find something against it, so I'll just shut up."
She opened her mouth to protest but closed it. She decided to let the matter go.
The two sat in silence for a while, the sounds of the legion below ringing in her ears. Reyna didn't know if they were out looking for her or not. Probably not, because if they truly wanted to find her, they would've looked up here first. Everyone knew she loved the Garden of Bacchus.
Reyna was glad they weren't searching for her. She needed to be alone, and out of that stuffy infirmary. Well, alone being with Percy. He was her current peace of mind.
Before too long, he started staring at Reyna as if he were inspecting a painting he wanted to buy. The look made her self-conscious, and she started to fidget under his gaze. He kept opening his mouth as if he wanted to speak, but no words came out.
"Excuse me?" Reyna asked, raising an eyebrow at him. "Can I help you?"
Percy just looked away, exhaled loudly, and shook his head in disbelief. "I still don't believe you escaped the infirmary. Like, made a run for it."
Reyna didn't see how hard this was to believe. "Why not? It's something you would do."
"Yes." Percy leaned in closer to Reyna. Close enough that she could feel his warm breath on her neck. "But, it's not something you would do." He poked her arm with his pointer finger to emphasize his point.
Reyna rolled her eyes. "I can break the rules, too, you know."
He shrugs. "It's just… you're always so orderly and organized. And, you always make sure others follow the rules. Why would you break the rules?"
"Okay." She huffed. "First of all, I didn't make the rules. Second of all, where does it say that someone can't escape the infirmary if they're not even injured?"
Percy gave her an "Are you serious?" look. He gestures to her arm. "Not even injured? What do you call the poison running through you right now? A minor problem? Seriously, Reyna."
"Percy," she said curtly. "I feel fine."
"I seriously think you should go back to the infirmary. Just to be safe." Reyna could tell that he was being cautious with his words, probably afraid of making her angry.
"I'm a big girl. If I feel sick, I'll go back. Okay?"
"Reyna." Percy gazed at her with his sea-green eyes. "Please."
She clenched her fists tightly. She didn't like Percy, or anyone, treating her like she couldn't take care of herself.
Reyna stood up, being mindful of her left arm. "I thought you of all people would understand. I guess not."
She started to trudge down the hill, angry. Angry at herself for being too vulnerable, angry at Percy for being so worried about her, and angry about the whole situation with Gaea.
"Reyna, wait!" Percy called. She could hear him standing up and walking after her, but she ignored him. "I'm sorry! I still want to talk!"
Reyna almost hesitated. She did want to talk to Percy, too, but she had to be firm. That was all she could hold onto now. Her confidence.
And that was when she collapsed and the world went black.
Spots danced beneath Reyna's eyelids as she slowly gained consciousness. Her muscles were screaming at her in pain, and she felt as if her head had been hit by a ceiling fan.
Reyna knew she was in the infirmary again because she could feel the scratchy linen sheets on her skin, and the indistinct stench in the air. It smelled like cleaning solvent and….something else she couldn't quite put a name to.
And then, she heard voices.
"-Worried for her… she was acting strange earlier."
Reyna immediately recognized the voice as Percy's, and her heart rate picked up. She needed to apologize to him!
She opened her eyes, which turned out to be blurred. She blinked away the haze, then tried to find Percy and whoever he was talking to, but she couldn't crane her neck that far without sitting up.
Besides, she found it best to act like she was still unconscious. Just so she could hear what they were saying about her.
"I think it's the venom. Or poison. Or whatever it is," Reyna heard Lucas speaking.
"She was being snappy at me," Percy said. "And when I told her to go back to the infirmary, she got mad."
"She's in a lot of pain." A pause. "She's just… independent," Lucas replied.
"I know," Percy sighed. "She's the 'suffer it in silence' type."
Reyna chose this moment to cough, alerting the boys that she was awake.
"Reyna!" Percy asked, scurrying over to her side. "Thank the Gods."
"I'm not dead, Percy," Reyna said, realizing how scratchy her voice was. She coughed again, trying to clear it.
"How do you feel?" Lucas asks, reaching into his medical bag.
"Fine. Just… a little sore."
"Sore? How so?" Lucas looked up from his bag, suddenly interested.
"All my muscles… hurt," Reyna answered. She tried sitting up just then, but Lucas and Percy both stretched out their arms, signaling for her to stay on the cot.
"That seems like a common side effect," Lucas mumbled under his breath.
"Common? What do you mean?" Reyna looked at both Percy to Lucas, confused.
"You're not the only one who has the poison in their system, Praetor," the healer elaborated.
Reyna exhaled. She should've known that others would be affected by it too. "Right."
"What you need right now is rest," Lucas said. "And before you can complain, I'm serious. No sneaking away like before. Those dogs were a good distraction, though."
Reyna couldn't help but smile. She found that even that hurt, too, however. "Look at you, bossing the senior praetor around."
Lucas smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Only because I have to."
Then, he turned and walked out the door with a wave, leaving Percy and Reyna alone again.
"I'm sorry," Reyna said softly. "About earlier. I don't know why I got so mad."
Percy knelt next to her, placing his hand on her forehead, and started stroking her hair. This calmed her, and she looked into his eyes.
"It's okay. I understand. You're mad at yourself for getting hurt. It's not your fault," Percy said, reassuring her. He continued to run his fingers through her hair. It was a small gesture but made her calmer.
"How did you know how I feel? That I was mad at myself?" She asked.
He laughed. "Annabeth. You two are too similar."
Reyna wanted to smile, but couldn't bring herself to. The mention of Annabeth made her already downcast spirits fall even more. She hated that she was jealous of Annabeth.
"Would you feel better if I left you alone?" Percy asked, dropping her hair and standing up.
"No!" Reyna yelped, pulling him back down to her.
He smiled, and Reyna's heart fluttered. Percy leaned down to kiss her.
And that's when Piper walked in.
I'M SO SORRY FOR NOT POSTING IN OVER 2 MONTHS. I feel like a horrible person, and I apologize! The holidays really messed up my posting schedule, and I promise I will get back to it. Seriously, I'm so sorry. I'm not dead guys, I promise! Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this long awaited chapter, and the cliffhanger at the end! A new chapter coming hopefully soon. Please review and vote in the poll. Love you guys!