Peasants! I admit that I am unsure about this chapter, and that frankly I think the dialogue especially needs work, but I humbly ask you for your opinion, even just a yes or no, because I really don't want to work on a filler chapter any more than I have to.

Theseus

The party was in full swing by the time I made my way back down to the city from my talk with Percy, and I found myself less overwhelmed by the chaos of it all than I had originally thought.

Sweet! They're playing Nickelback.

I pushed my way through the crowds, unsure of what to do. I still had Percy's words in my mind, about his plans for my new role within the roman camp.

Does he expect me to stay?

It was an important factor to keep in mind. I was a Greek, I knew that, now that I had my memories back. I had friends and family back home that I would return to once this… This clusterfuck was all over.

So why did I feel so gods-be-damned hesitant about the idea?

Lost in thought I had neglected to pay attention to where I was headed, and I ended up bumping into somebody without realising it.

'Fuck! Sorry.' I called out instinctively.

Then I saw who it was.

We hadn't spoken since our talk in her office days ago, and frankly I hadn't really been considering talking to her since I had been enlightened to the bloodthirstiness of these romans.

She reminded me of a deer caught in the headlights, unsure of what to do.

'Hi.' She said simply.

'Hey.' I responded.

Wow. Real smooth.

We stayed there for a moment, neither doing anything. The moment seemed to stretch on forever.

Before I knew what I was doing, I opened my mouth, words flowing as if they had been placed there by somebody else.

'Hey, can we talk, privately?' I asked.

Reyna considered it for a moment, seemingly calculating every possibility, before assenting jerkily.

'I know somewhere peaceful.' She said softly.

I followed her through an alleyway as the noise gradually grew fainter.

XIXI

Theseus

We made our way through the gardens of Bacchus, and I distinctly remembered the last time Reyna had brought me here, where she had introduced to most Roman customs, and my heritage as a son of Neptune.

Reyna took a seat on a bench in a small clearing, clearing her throat delicately.

I sat down beside her, while maintaining a respectful distance. It didn't feel right to ignore traditions here like I usually made a habit of doing.

'I assume you want to talk about Julius Caesar?' She asked, a nervous uptick to her voice.

I had never seen her like this. Sure, she always had seemed rather stressed out, and bearing in mind the fact that we were at war, I couldn't exactly blame her.

It affects us all, really. Some deal with it better than others. I thought. She had eyebags under her eyes. They seemed to be getting worse every time I looked at her.

And some just don't show it.

'I um… No, not really.' I said, pushing down the nervousness I felt in that moment.

Reyna seemed mildly surprised, although she seemed so jaded for the most part that I partly couldn't tell the difference.

'Well?' She said expectantly, crossing her arms over her chest.

Fuck. Well, I guess I'm really doing this. I thought to myself, deciding to bite the bullet.

'I… Don't want to leave things like this.' I said.

Reyna raised a delicate eyebrow in question.

'I don't exactly agree with what you did to Percy, but equally, I don't really understand much of anything, and…' I paused. This was the difficult bit.

'I care for you.' I choked out finally.

It was silent for a while after that. It was slightly unnerving, although I had more or less expected it from Reyna.

She had been hurt. Her trust broken. I knew it would take time, but hey, I could be patient when I wanted to be.

'And before you say anything about impropriety between a higher up and a legionnaire, Percy removed me from the legion. I'm to be the new Greek ambassador.' I continued on a whim, deciding to lay out all my cards on the table.

I thought I could detect a hint of a smile from Reyna as she stared out into the garden, her gaze currently fixed on a beautiful bush of californian lilac.

'I can't think of a worse person for the job.' She finally said, but at this point I could recognise her specific brand of humour, and I simply laughed.

As fireworks started to go off in the distance, I relaxed.

Things were starting to work out.

XIXI

Percy

I woke up calmly the next morning. Yawning as I stretched my arms out, I realised that I had never slept that well before in, well, ever, really.

I panicked for a moment, thinking I might have missed morning muster. Although it wasn't obligatory for praetors to be present, I still made the effort to attend almost every day, and it wouldn't do not to show up, especially only days after the battle.

Wait. I blinked in surprise as a thought came to mind. How did I get back to my house?

I wracked my brain for answers as I relived the events of last night in rapid succession, beginning with Artemis's confrontation and ending with the two of us falling asleep in each other's arms.

Artemis must have brought me back here. I surmised.

How did she know where I live?

I quickly brushed that mildly thought-provoking question out of my mind as I rushed downstairs to my kitchen, quickly gulping down some water, which instantly revitalised me, before hastily fastening my armour, before finally turning to my praetor's cloak.

The smallest glimpse of indecision wormed its way into my heart, but before long I felt the feeling resolve into determination. Sometimes, you simply had to persevere through the tough bits in life, and once you made it through, you found that it hadn't been all that scary the entire time.

I smiled sadly as I recalled my old centurion telling me those words after my first battle. The familiarity gave me some sense of bearing.

I had made a decision last night, when I decided to stay with Artemis. And I would be damned if I backed out now.

It was with this renewed drive that I confidently strode out of my house, making my way down to muster in the fields of Mars.

When I arrived I found the centurions and their cohorts already in perfect formation, waiting patiently for muster to take place so that the day could go on.

I was mildly surprised to find Reyna hadn't arrived yet, even though it was only a couple of minutes to eight.

At least one of us is present. I thought in relief.

A part of me had been quite nervous at leaving my legion for the sake of the quest, but once again the familiarity of it all brought me right back to all my training, preparing myself to be in this exact position.

I surveyed the soldiers in front of me.

The Legion had not been overly affected by the last battle. After I had been filled in during the meeting directly after the battle, I found that a defensive footing had kept any of the cohorts from having any significant losses, bearing in mind that this was the first battle of the war.

The amazons had taken the brunt of the action, and my defeating of Polybotes with the help of Mars and Theseus left the monster army in disarray, which allowed the allied forces to overrun the remaining monster forces relatively quickly.

I checked my watch, seeing that it was a minute after eight.

I can't really delay any longer. I reasoned, reassuring myself that I had given Reyna more than enough time to get here.

Just as I was about to begin, Reyna stormed onto the podium, and I blinked as I realised she was in full battle regalia, Theo trailing behind her.

Full battle regalia. While I only wore my purple cape over jeans and a plain white shirt.

Something was up.

Reyna gave me a curt nod which I returned.

'Yesterday, we won a great victory in the name of Rome.' I began softly. I had been raucous in my announcements following immediately after the victory against the giant forces. Even yesterday, when the celebrations were still in full swing, there would have been families mourning the loss of parents, siblings, friends. That would only become more apparent as the day progressed. Yesterday had been a day for celebration, to remind us why we were alive.

But today we would honour the dead.

'But today we will begin the reconstruction of New Rome today. The giant Polybotes destroyed large portions of our city. Many have been left without homes, businesses destroyed. It is our duty as civil servants, sworn to protect the city and its inhabitants, to aid in the reconstruction effort however possible. All five cohorts are to be assigned to this duty over the following week.' I finished, saluting the assembled force in front of me.

Still around 300 fully armed legionnaires in total. I mused to myself. That weapons cache my brother found was massive. It will be invaluable in the future.

All the legionnaires and officers saluted back to me, before orders were called out, and they all started to file out of the space to whatever duties they had been assigned by their superior officers.

Just then, I heard the rapid scratching of shoes on ground as I turned to see who it was, identifying my brother as he walked up to me.

'Percy!' He called out, and I could distinctively make out the relief in his voice as he said this.

I noticed the surprise and suspicion of soldiers around me instantly, and I cursed my brother for his lack of adherence to decorum.

'That's Praetor Jackson to you, Ambassador Jackson.' I snapped, trying not to burst out laughing at the admittedly ridiculous honorifics we had.

I should probably find a way to circumvent using our surname in official occasions. I made a mental note to myself to follow up on that at some point.

I noticed Reyna tightening her fists at the exchange, and I frowned in confusion. I've missed something. The two have been cold ever since the battle, what's changed?

Theo instantly straightened up, tensing as he stood in the ready position of the legion when speaking to a superior.

'Sorry, Praetor Jackson.' Theo complied, although I could detect a hint of hurt in his tone.

'That's alright, ambassador, walk with me.' I said, turning to make my way down the street to the city proper, ignoring the glare Reyna sent my way as I left.

XIXI

Percy

We walked through town, and I made sure to direct him so that we were making our way through the damaged parts of the city.

The destruction was visible on every surface, from the walls to the cities, and even to the people.

It reached its lowest point as we passed the forum, where the refugees had been gathered.

I followed Theo's shocked gaze as I saw him staring at a little boy crying, a blood-soaked bandage tied around his left eye as his mother tried desperately to console him.

This scene stood out to him particularly, among hundreds more, repeating the same scenes.

I felt nothing as I watched it all. Too much ha transpired for this to affect me anymore.

All it made was my blood boil. For our inaction. For the carelessness and incessant cruelty of our enemies, for the thickheadedness of our allies.

Fuck. All of it. It sickened me.

'So, I understand someone has made you aware of your responsibilities ahead of time?' I asked, attempting to shake Theo out of his stupor.

'Yes, Praetor Reyna has briefed me on my role, although the specifics are still not too, well, specific.' Theo explained sheepishly.

I nodded in understanding, coming to stop before a wall where members of the fifth were carrying pieces of stone to a pulley, which then hoisted the slabs of stone up to their place on the wall.

So they had made up.

It had only barely come to my attention that there was something amiss between Reyna and Theo, as I overheard a couple of legionnaires gossiping about them not speaking to each other anymore like many had become accustomed to.

'Go help them.' I said abruptly.

Theo turned sharply, looking at me surprised. 'What?' He said.

'Go help. No better first impression than reminding your own cohort that you haven't turned into one of those wizened old senators who don't understand the realities of war.' I continued firmly.

Theo seemed to consider it, before nodding. 'I think I get it.' He said determinedly. The scenes he had witnessed before no doubt added to his resolution. 'I guess I'll catch up with you later?' He said uncertainly.

I nodded with a small smile, reminding myself to avoid my signature emotional carelessness.

If I alienate him in less than a week that'll be a new record for me.

'There's a meeting this evening, a status report. I want you to be there.' I said. Theo nodded in understanding as he made his way to a crew he seemed to be familiar with.

'Trying to keep him from alienating himself from my cohort. I appreciate it. And it's smart, too. He'll need all the support he can get by the time the next senate meeting rolls around.' A voice commented behind me.

Gwen was certainly a sight to behold.

I remembered distinctly from the meeting after the battle where it had been shown that the fifth cohort had had significantly higher losses than other cohorts due to their unfortunate positioning, where they were targeted way more than the rest of the legion.

I knew it had affected Gwen, as she was very attached to her cohort, even more so than even myself, but evidently I hadn't quite realised just how much.

Gone was her usually happy and upbeat personality, and she started to remind more and more of, well, myself.

I nodded appreciatively. 'You're a smart one. Been holding out on me this entire time?'

'You never noticed.'

I grimaced. In fairness, I did that to myself.

'But I know it hasn't exactly been easy for you these last months, so I don't hold it against you.' She concluded.

I knew I had to say something, it was my responsibility to deal with these sorts of issues with my command. I could always spout some motivational nonsense, inspiring her to continue her work, but as I noticed the crows feet under Gwen's eyes, her sunken eyes, I felt guilt worm its way into my chest at the mere thought of manipulating her into continuing this torture with blind fath in me.

'I suppose I didn't realise just how much I had come to rely on Jason until he was gone.' I admitted softly.

Gwen nodded. 'I knew he was the lifeblood of our command, but I agree it's been a pretty bumpy ride so far, beyond what I expected.'

I nodded, unsure of what to say.

And anyways, I couldn't exactly spread the notion that Jason had been a part of the leadership that had stagnated the city's military.

Gwen smiled melancholically. 'I appreciate the honesty, though. At least I'm not the only one slowly going insane with this gods-be-damned war.'

I blinked in surprise. She almost looked… Cheered up.

All I had done was admit to weakness, though.

The confusion didn't do anything to help my current predicament, so I put it to the side for now.

No use worrying over this now.

Gwen turned to me suddenly. 'Look, I know we haven't talked much outside of our duties, but for what it's worth, I think you've been given a microscopically short straw.' She put a hand on my forearm, smiling warmly at me. 'You're a good man, Percy, I trust you'll do what's right.'

I tried for a smile in return, but the muscles in my face felt stiff and taught.

I excused myself from Gwen and made my way back to my villa, intent on catching a quick nap and getting through some of the paperwork sitting on my desk before the meeting this afternoon.

XIXI

Percy

Michael was the last of the command to arrive, and as he took his seat, Reyna stood up from the opposite side of the long table in the conference room.

There were eight of us in total, the five centurions as well as myself, Reyna and Theo being present for this meeting.

'Since our last meeting we were able to gather much more data on the battle.' Reyna began, wasting no time on pleasantries.

Although as I looked at the ashen faces around me, I didn't think it would have been much appreciated anyways.

'Losses were most prominent in rookies, with less armament and training, as well as frontline units.' Mutters were heard around the table about the lack of weapons being produced for the military.

'But, a son of Trivia was able to figure out that there was actually a chronic lack of fighters in general, as there weren't enough men to hold any front or position, which put a massive strain on our manpower.'

'Praetor, sorry for interrupting,' Hank began, 'shouldn't we do something about this? We're at war. The senate is literally destroying us from within. We don't have enough weapons or soldiers. I don't pretend to have any answers, but frankly I'm at a loss as to what to do with my cohort.'

Reyna shook her head. 'This is not a dictatorship.' I could have sworn she glanced at me. 'We will not abuse the power of the legion. This is a government based on the roman republic, you would do well to remember that.'

Oh, I will.

'But we do need more manpower.' I interjected. 'The truth is that we can't sustain even our limited current operations with what we had prior to the battle, let alone now. Even reintegrating the auxiliary cohort into the legion wouldn't be enough.' I argued. 'We're wide open for another attack from an enemy with a lot more resources, who uses them with much more impunity.'

Reyna nodded. 'And contingencies are being made. I trust you have looked through the recruitment campaign file I had sent to your office.'

I snorted, remembering the pitiful excuse for a campaign that had been sitting on my desk this morning. 'Yeah, I remember it. I'll humour you and say it could be effective, but it's still nowhere near the scale that we need it to-'

'Damnit Jackson!' Reyna slammed her fist down on the table. 'We are not a dictatorship. This is a free country, despite whatever delusions you may have. This is a voluntary army.'

I stood up abruptly, my chair clanging against the ground as I matched her. 'We have to serve ten years anyways. What are trying to prove? The people rely on our protection, but the legion can't exist in a vacuum! We need support from the cityt!' I shot back.

'Okay, let's just take some deep breaths here.' Larry jumped out of his seat. 'Look, we still have time to come up with more ideas, but for now I say we implement the recruitment campaign, and then we can go from there.' Larry reasoned.

The centurions all voiced their agreement, and reluctantly both I and Reyna took our seats.

'Perhaps we should reconvene another time.' Leila suggested diplomatically.

Reyna stood up suddenly, stalking out the door.

'Dismissed.' Was all she said as she exited.

An awkward silence formed as myself and the rest of the centurions were left there. Clearly they weren't sure whether to follow Reyna's orders and spite me.

I sighed in defeat. 'If anyone has any queries I'll be in my office.' I announced before also making my own exit.

Perhaps I still had more work to do than I thought.

XIXI

Apollo

I sipped on my coffee as I lounged about in my seat on the terrace of a small cafe just off the Bosphorus strait. Coffee always helped me wake up in the mornings.

A cargo ship blew its horn as it passed.

In the key of E minor. Hm. Haven't heard that in a while.

I looked up to the sun, as I realised I was going to be late if I didn't hurry up.

I left some change on the table and made my way through the winding streets, deeper into the urban sprawl.

Crossing the Galata Köprüsü, I finally spotted my destination, the Cistern of Theodosius.

I strode over confidently, as people seemed to instinctively move out of my way as I advanced through the throngs of locals and tourists alike.

I passed a line of people queuing for tickets without so much as a second glance at the security or the mortals, and likewise they seemed to ignore me as I entered the ancient catacombs, navigating my way down into a large space, used for worship in the days of old.

I found 22 individuals waiting, separated into two groups on opposite sides of the room.

After the preliminary negotiations between the two pantheons as a consequence of yours truly, I had managed to convince both councils to meet in a neutral spot to finally finalise the alliance, and formally begin it.

I groaned internally at the suspicious glances and obvious divide between the two groups.

Well, that's what I'm here for. I thought tiredly.

'Gentlemen!' I called out happily. 'What a wonderfully momentous occasion this is.'

'Wonderful isn't exactly how I would describe it.' Zeus grumbled.

I smiled apologetically. 'Come on pops, this is great for inter-pantheon relations.' I tried to reason.

'In spite of my better judgement I must agree with Apollo.' The rumbling voice of Jupiter announced. 'I know we have had our issues in the past, but we are facing a common enemy, it is prudent that we have all the help we can get against the earth itself.' He said, addressing Zeus.

'And how are we being guaranteed? The Greeks could simply back out of the alliance whenever they like.' Mars bellowed from where he stood at Jupiter's right.

'How dare you accuse us of such treachery!' Zeus replied immediately, the air starting to smell of ozone very slightly.

'Brother. Peace.' Poseidon intoned calmy, putting a hand on Zeus's shoulder.

'We would be willing to offer an exchange program of sorts.' Hera announced, nodding towards Juno.

'Why should we listen to either of you? You stole my son away from me and sent across the country to the romans.' Poseidon asked suspiciously.

'Because the Romans will need training. They are the only formal military we have, and will soon have to recruit new soldiers whatever way possible.' Juno explained. 'I nominate Artemis and her hunters to be sent to the Romans as an envoy, to help improve strategies and prepare both parties for the war.'

There was quiet for a while, as many of the Greeks turned to Artemis questioningly.

She leaned against a pillar close to the back of the group, and hardly even appeared to be listening as she restrung her bow, lost in thought and oblivious to what was happening.

'I second the plan.' Hera said. 'She is the only goddess able to circumvent the ancient laws.'

Zeus seemed deep in thought, as did Jupiter.

'I feel it would be a boon to camp jupiter. It would also be important to have the protection of an Olympian while they rebuild their military.' He decided.

Zeus nodded. 'Then it is decided. Artemis, you are to travel with your hunters to New Rome as a diplomatic envoy.'

Artemis's eyes shot up in surprise. 'Wha-'

I laughed. 'Gonna start wishing you were listening to the council meetings, aren't you lil' sis?' I asked teasingly.

Artemis shook her head, her bow disappearing. 'Right.'

I frowned. It was like Artemis to just let me call her his little sister. I also noticed in the corner of my eye Aphrodite staring at Artemis with a strange expression on her face.

Artemis seemed to notice as well, as her eyes widened before she glared menacingly.

'I will prepare immediately.' She grit out through clenched teeth before promptly flashing out.

I clapped my hands happily. 'So! I believe that is all, I believe we all have duties to get back to,' I nodded towards Mercury, 'so I won't keep you all waiting.'

And hopefully you can all leave before you tear each other's throats out. I thought drily.

One by one the gods and goddesses flashed out until I was the only one remaining.

I sighed as I made my way back out, conscious that it was almost night.

Maybe if I'm quick about it I can see Eos.

AN:

I'm so tired.

Reviews:

PetrogradAN: I know, frankly I'm starting to think so too. Maybe I should delay for further down the line? I don't know.

7MOONS: I can really answer both of your questions here, because they're intrinsically linked. So Theseus is pretty obviously being teased to be the love interest for Reyna, and his… unique relationship with Percy as his last mortal family is going to be pretty crucial, which is my long-winded way of saying yeah, I do have a plan for that.

Azure Mane: Thanks for the encouragement man, it's people like you that give me the motivation to keep going.

And that's about it for now.

Slán, Murph