The hidden passenger

2.

A sea of hastily assembled demigods parted for the group coming down from the Argo II as they walked through the forum, Annabeth leading them. Some looked tense, some nervous. Some were bandaged from their recent battle with the giants, but no one was armed. No one attacked.

Entire families had gathered to see the newcomers. Delta saw Annabeth look at couples with babies, toddlers by their parents sides, and at the elderly folks. Delta wasn't surprised at how curious Annabeth was, at Camp Half-Blood, most demigods were teens.

At the far end of the crowd, Tyson and Mrs. O'Leary—who had been the first scouting party from Camp Half-Blood to reach Camp Jupiter—could be seen. They looked to be in good spirits. Tyson waved and grinned. He was wearing an SPQR banner like a giant bib. Delta laughed quietly at the sight, making a small noise in the sea of silence.

In front of them, the demigods separated to reveal Reyna. Delta smiled, and gave a small wave to Reyna as her eyes flashed over Delta for a few seconds.

Leo, Piper, Jason, and Delta fanned our behind Annabeth. The Romans murmured Jason's name, staring at him in awe.

Percy came in to view, he smiled at Annabeth. He had a more Roman like body type now—more lean and muscular.

Reyna straightened. With apparent reluctance, she turned toward Jason.

"Jason Grace, my former colleague..." She said, the air somewhat awkward. "I welcome you home. And these, your friends—"

Annabeth surged forward. Percy rushed toward her at the same time. The crowd tensed. Some reached for swords that weren't there.

Percy threw his arms around her, they kissed.

Delta hit Leo on the shoulder, "Watch, she's going to flip him." She said with a large grin.

Percy pulled away from the kiss. "Gods, I never thought—"

Annabeth grabbed his wrist and flipped him over her shoulder. He slammed into the stone pavement. Delta bursted our laughing, holding onto Leo's arm for balance. Some Romans cried out. Others surged forward, but Reyna shouted, "Hold! Stand down!"

Annabeth put her knee on Percy's chest. She pushed her forearm against his throat.

"If you ever leave me again," she said, her eyes stinging, "I swear to all the gods—"

Percy gave a laugh.

"Consider me warned," Percy said. "I missed you, too."

As Annabeth rose and helped him to his feet as Delta finished laughing, tears at the edges of his eyes, "Oh my gods," Delta breathed out, "I know I've see her do that a million times during training, but it just keeps getting funnier every time." Percy flipped the girl off.

    "That's what I get, you flipping me off? I want a hug." Delta pouted, Percy looked at her pointedly. "Please?" she almost whispered. Percy smiled and came toward her giving her a hug which gave her a feeling that could only be described as safe before he went back over to Annabeth.

Jason cleared his throat. "So, yeah. ...It's good to be back."

He introduced Reyna to Piper, who looked a little miffed that she hadn't gotten to say the lines she'd been practicing, then to Leo, who grinned and flashed a peace sign, Delta then pulled his hand down.

"And this is Annabeth," Jason said. "Uh, normally she doesn't judo-flip people."

Reyna's eyes sparkled. "You sure you're not a Roman, Annabeth? Or an Amazon?"