Child of the Moon

The Greeks

YN POV

A sea of hastily assembled demigods parted for Calypso as she walked through the forum.  Some looked tense, some nervous.  Some were bandaged from our recent battle with the giant, but nobody was armed.  No one attacked.  Entire families had gathered to see the newcomers.  There were couples with babies, toddlers clinging to their parents' legs, even some elderly folks in a combination of Roman robes and modern clothes.  I spotted Julia staring up at the flying trireme in awe, her jaw hanging open and showing off her missing teeth.  At the far end of the crowd, Tyson stood with Mrs. O'Leary.  They looked excited.  Tyson waved and grinned.  He was wearing an SPQR banner like a giant bib.  In front of Calypso, the demigods made way for Reyna.  Her dark hair tumbled across her shoulders.  Her eyes were as black as obsidian.  Reyna.  Even without her purple robes, it was obvious she was the leader.  Medals decorated her armor.  She carried herself with such confidence that the other demigods backed away and averted their gaze.  But looking at her, it was obvious she was forcing a look of courage, while holding back a mixture of hopefulness and worry and fear that she couldn't show in public.  The two girls considered each other.  The others from Camp Half-Blood fanned out on either side.  Annabeth grinned at me.  The Romans murmured Jason's name, staring at him in awe.  Then someone else appeared from the crowd.  Percy, grinning at Calypso.  She stared at him, frozen.  Reyna straightened.  With apparent reluctance, she turned toward Jason.

Reyna: Jason Grace, my former colleague...

She said the word colleague like it was a dangerous thing.

Reyna: I welcome you home.  And these, your friends-

Calypso suddenly 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 and they kissed.  After a few seconds, Percy pulled away and studied her face.

Percy: Gods, I never thought-

Calypso grabbed his wrist and flipped him over her shoulder.  He slammed into the stone pavement.  Romans cried out.  Some surged forward.

Reyna: Hold!  Stand down!

Calypso's eyes glowed a bit as she pushed her forearm against his throat.

Calypso: If you ever leave me again, I swear to all the gods-

Percy laughed.

Percy: Consider me warned.  I missed you, too.

Calypso rose and helped him to his feet.  Jason cleared his throat.

Jason: So, yeah... it's good to be back.

Jason introduced the Greek demigods to Reyna, as I walked over and grabbed Annabeth by the waist.  She squeaked as I kissed her, but melted into it.  I pulled away and found a number of Romans staring at me.

YN: What?

They all suddenly found the ground, their shoes, and the Greek demigods a lot more interesting.

Jason: And this is Calypso.  Uh, normally she doesn't judo flip people.

Reyna's eyes sparkled.

Reyna: You sure you're not a Roman, Calypso?  Or an Amazon?

Calypso held out her hand, smiling.

Annabeth: I only attack my boyfriend like that.  Pleased to meet you.

Reyna clasped her hand firmly.

Reyna: It seems we have a lot to discuss.  Centurions!

Said campers ran forward.  Zoe, Hazel, and Frank appeared at Percy's side.  Calypso studied them, specifically Zoe, before turning her attention back to Reyna.  I noticed Hazel was staring at Leo, who looked almost identical to Sammy, the boy in the photo at Hazel's house.

Reyna: Tell the legion to stand down.  Dakota, alert the spirits in the kitchen.  Tell them to prepare a welcome feast.  And, Octavian-

Octavian: You're letting these intruders into the camp?  Reyna, the security risks-

Reyna: We're not taking them to the camp, Octavian.  We'll eat here, in the forum.

Octavian: Oh, much better.  You want us to relax in the shadow of their warship-

Reyna: These are our guests.  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.

Percy: Good idea.  Go burn your bears, Octavian.

YN: Maybe take your food with you, so we don't have to look at you anymore.

Reyna looked like she was trying not to smile.

Reyna: You have my orders.  Go.

YN: One more thing, Octavian.  You make one more comment about the Greeks, especially, my girlfriend, and I will personally have you trampled by Hannibal.

The officers dispersed.  Octavian shot me a look of absolute loathing.  Then he gave Calypso a suspicious look and scurried away.  I kissed Annabeth on the cheek and we walked over to Calypso.

YN: Good to see you again, Calypso.

She smiled and hugged me, before grabbing Percy's hand.

Percy: Don't worry about Octavian.  Most of the Romans are good people.  Like Frank and Hazel, and Reyna.  We'll be fine.

YN: Still, I'd like to mess with the weasel a bit more before we go.

Reyna: Excellent.

She turned to Jason, and I thought there was a hungry sort of gleam in her eyes.

Reyna: Let's talk, and we can have a proper reunion.