The Veiled Legacy | PJO - Book Two

one

REUNIONS

Ariana walked to the ship with Percy's shoulders around her neck and Ariana's shoulders were hung around Hazels. Frank and Hazel held hands.

Ariana grinned the moment she saw her friends, Annabeth, Leo, Jason and Piper all stood on the Argo II talking to Termius.

Then, they jumped down and were stood in front of Reyna.

Ariana couldn't contain her smile. Demigods parted for the four of them, allowing them to get to their friends easily.

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

"Jason Grace, my former colleague." She spoke the word colleague like it was a dangerous thing. "I welcome you home. And these, your friends -"

Ariana knew Annabeth didnt mean to, but she surged forward. Percy rushed towards her at the same time. The crowd tensed. Some reached for swords that weren't there.

Percy threw his arms around her.

They kissed, and for a moment nothing else mattered. An asteroid could have hit the planet and wiped out all life, and Ariana knew Annabeth nor Percy wouldn't have cared.

Percy pulled away and studied her face. "Gods, I never thought -"

Annabeth grabbed his wrist and flipped him over her shoulder. He slammed into the paving stones.

Romans cried out. Some surged forward, but  Reyna shouted, "Hold! stand down!"

"Calm down." Ariana told the crowd.

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 flooding with tears, "I swear to all the gods -"

Percy had the nerve to laugh.

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

Annabeth rose and helped him to his feet. Then she turned to Ariana; tears freed freely.

The two tackled each other into a hug.

"I missed you." Ariana whispered, her voice trembling. "I'm so so so incredibly sorry. I had to find him, I had too."

"I was so worried." Annabeth cried. "First Percy and then you-"

"I know." Ariana told her, hugging her tightly. "I'm sorry."

Jason cleared his throat. "So, yeah.. Its good to be back."

The pair pulled away.

He introduced Reyna to Piper then to Leo, who grinned and flashed a peace sign. Ariana had forgotten how good Leo looked.

"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?"

Annabegh held out her hand. "I only attack my boyfriend like that," she promised. "Pleased to meet you."

Reyna clasped her hand firmly. "It seems we have a lot to discuss. Centurions!"

A few of the Roman campers hustled forward - apparently the senior officers. Frank and Hazel appeared at Percy and Ariana's side.

If Ariana wasn't mistaken, she noticed jealousy wave over Annabeths eyes. She smirked knowingly at her best friend.

Reyna was giving orders to her officers. "....tell the legion to stand down. Dakota, alert the spirits in the kitchen. Tell them to prepare a welcome feast. And, Octavian -"