It Wasn't My Fault | Hylla Fanfic Contest

● | T • H • R • E • E | ●

The Roman demigods parted as we walked through. There were so many people. Families, teenagers, babies, even old people. In Camp Half-Blood, I had only seen teens, but this was a whole community. Their sheer numbers surprised me. Had they been living here their whole life? That would explain the fact that we, the Greeks, had never met them. In front of us, the demigods moved aside for a black haired girl in full Roman armor. Her obsidian eyes studied us closely, her expression unreadable. She was gorgeous. And scary. But I guess that was every demigod girl. Annabeth and the girl consider each other. I hear the crowd whisper Jason's name in awe. Then, another boy appeared, and I saw Annabeth's eyes widen. He had black hair swept to one side and dazzling green eyes. The other girl turns her gaze to Jason.

"Jason Grace, my former colleague..." she begins, saying the word 'colleague' menacingly. "I welcome you home. And these, your friends-" Before the girl could finish, Annabeth rushes forward. I suck in a deep breath, as both the Roman and Greeks tense. The black-haired boy also rushes forward. They meet each other halfway, kissing passionately. Oh, so that's Percy. No wonder she was crazy about him. They pulled away, and Percy studied her face.

"Gods, I never thought-" he begins before Annabeth does something so stupid and thoughtless that even I wouldn't have done it. And that's saying something. Annabeth grabs Percy's wrist, flips him over, and places her knee on his chest. Romans surge forward, but a voice cuts them off.

"Hold! Stand down!" The leader girl calls out.

"If you ever leave me again," she says threateningly, "I swear to all the

gods-" she is cut off by Percy's laugh. Was he crazy? How could someone laugh when Annabeth just judo flipped them.

"Consider me warned," Percy says jokingly. "I missed you, too." Annabeth helps him up. Jason clears his throat nervously.

"So, yeah....It's good to be back." he says, then turns to Piper, introducing her to the girl, who I learn is Reyna. When he introduces me, I flash her a grin and a peace sign.

"And this is Annabeth," Jason states awkwardly. "Uh, normally she doesn't judo-flip people." I stifle a laugh, but Reyna's eyes sparkle impressedly.

"You sure you're not a Roman, Annabeth? Or an Amazon?" She says proudly. Annabeth looks miffed but holds out her hand.

"I only attack my boyfriend like that," she says with a smile. "Pleased to meet you." Reyna takes shakes hand firmly.

"It seems we have a lot to discuss. Centurions!" she says. A group of people step forward, along with two kids who stand on either side of Percy. One is an Asian kid with a strong build and a baby face. The other is a girl with amber eyes and chocolate brown skin. She stares at me, astonishment, pain, and surprise mixed in her expression. It made me uncomfortable. I felt as if she knew me. But I didn't remember seeing her before. Plus, I would have remembered someone that cute.

"You're letting these intruders into the camp?" A tall, blonde kid states furiously. We turn to look at him as he elbows himself into the crowd. "Reyna, the security risks-"

"We're not taking them to the camp, Octavian." Reyna says, shooting him a stern look. "We'll eat here, in the forum."

"Oh, much better," Octavian grumbles unhappily.

"These. Are. Our. Guests." Reyna says, enunciating each word. "We will welcome them, and we will talk to them. As augur, you should burn an offering to thank the gods for bringing Jason back to us safely." she says.

"Good idea," Percy says. "Go burn your bears, Octavian." I stifled the urge to yell out, "Burn!"

"You have my order. Go!" Reyna orders. The centurions move away, Octavian shooting Percy a venomous look. Percy takes Annabeth's hand and says something to her. Annabeth looks up at the Argo II. I guess I wasn't the only one who wanted to leave right now. Reyna turns to Jason, an almost hungry look in her eyes.

"Excellent. Let's talk, and we can have a proper reunion."