Reyna and Jason: The Praetor's of New Rome - Sacrifice

Final Warning

I attempted to fly off not long after learning Max's fate, but the others managed to convince me to tag along with them. Especially at the mention of this "surprise".

"It's a good one." Sam said while we walked out of Mr. Parkers home. "Trust me."

We were now less then a mile away from Camp Jupiter. Gwen and Sam walked ahead, while Reyna stayed right beside me. Matching my pace.

Reyna bumped me with her shoulder. "What's on your mind?"

I shrugged. "A lot..... And sometimes, nothing at all. Just a constant ach. My head hurts."

Reyna nodded, smirking. "Yeah, I guess that's what happens when you suffer multiple concussions in a given year."

I smirked, but my smile quickly faded. "I'm sorry about Max."

Reyna pointed her gaze towards Camp Jupiter. "It wasn't your fault."

"It kind of was." I countered.

Reyna stopped in her tracks, grabbing my arm in the process. "Hey, look at me."

I pointed my gaze towards the ground, but she grabbed my chin. Forcing me to look at her. "Enough. I know how your feeling right now. Understand that I do NOT blame you for any of this. We will get through this, together. Understand?"

I took a deep breath and pulled my gaze away from her, staring at the sun high above the sky. "Yeah." I said.

She patted my chest. "Believe me, we have a lot of work to do. Between the camp and between us. One step at a time."

"Hey love birds!" Sam called ahead of us. "Your going to kiss or what?"

Reyna and I blushed, staring at each other. Then, in a move that took me out of left field, Reyna kissed me on the cheek. She winked at me and turned her attention back to Sam. "How about you mind your business!"

I started floating, literally. Reyna had to turn back and pull me done. "Come on airhead. Consider that a bonus to your surprise."

********************************

Annabeth practically strangled Jason. She pulled away, grabbing his face. "Your okay!" She exclaimed. "Just in time for the big ceremony!"

We finally arrived at the Principia building, the entire camp bustling with activity for my coronation as Praetor. Legionnaires saluted and shouted their congratulations to me as we passed by.

But Jason? He was the star of the show. Campers rushed him nearly one by one. Everyone trying to see if he was okay and expressing their appreciation. Jason's many months of hard work in building trust within the camp paid off. Everyone revered him.

Percy jogged down the stairs of the Principia. Wearing a similar outfit as Annabeth. Purple shirt, cargo shorts and sneakers. He gave Jason a huge high five and then a hug. "Gods it's good to see you man. We were worried sick."

Jason gazed at the Principia building. The campers of Camp Halfblooded that stayed in New Rome had made the Principia their temporary home. Many of them waved hello as they walked by. Most joined the legion in making preparations for the big after party. From the corner of my eye I could see the Stoll brothers attempting to pick pocket Rebecca while she shouted orders to her cohort.

I decided to let it happen, knowing-

"Ow! We're sorry! We're sorry!" The brothers yelped as Rebecca twisted their hands. Prompting the third cohort to laugh in unison.

Knowing she would do that, as a descendant of Mercury.

Jason smiled, no doubt relieved to see Percy and Annabeth. "I'm glad to see both of you are okay. What about Nico, Grover, and Rachel? Are they okay?"