HORIZON ⸺ jason grace

iv. violet almost becomes doggy chow

AS SCARY as Reyna and her metal dogs were, Violet had to admit that she'd rather be with them than Percy at the current moment.

See, she once had this wonderful hope that Percy would find out about Jason and Violet's relationship very slowly, so that by the time he realized that they were actually together, it'd be no big deal. But, of course, Leo lets-make-it-a-big-deal Valdez had to open his mouth.

She was worried about leaving the two of them alone without her or Annabeth to supervise, but she'd made Piper swear to charmspeak Percy into cooperation if he tried to beat Jason with a baguette or something.

Despite her nerves, Violet couldn't help admiring the terraced gardens, the fountains and temples, the winding cobblestone streets and gleaming white villas that made up New Rome. This must've been like heaven to her blonde friend.

"We have the best architects and builders in the world," Reyna said, mostly likely for Annabeth. "Rome always did, in the ancient times. Many demigods stay on to live here after their time in the legion. They go to our university. They settle down to raise families. Percy seemed interested in this fact."

The daughter of Athena scowled fiercely, which made Reyna laugh. "You're a warrior, all right," the praetor said. "You've got fire in your eyes."

"Sorry." Annabeth shook her head.

"Don't be. I'm the daughter of Bellona."

"Roman goddess of war?" Violet asked, remembering stories from her mother.

Reyna nodded. She turned and whistled like she was hailing a cab. A moment later, two metal dogs raced toward them—automaton greyhounds, one silver and one gold. They brushed against Reyna's legs and regarded the two Greek demigods with glistening ruby eyes.

"My pets," Reyna explained. "Aurum and Argentum. You don't mind if they walk with us?"

Violet would have minded, given that the greyhounds had teeth like steel arrowheads, but—once again—she didn't actually have a choice.

Reyna led them to an outdoor cafe, where the waiter clearly knew her. He smiled and handed her a to-go cup, before offering one to Annabeth and Violet each.

"Would you like some?" Reyna asked. "They make wonderful hot chocolate. Not really a Roman drink—"

"But chocolate is universal," Annabeth finished.

"Exactly."

It was a warm June afternoon, but Violet accepted the cup with thanks. The three of them walked on, Reyna's gold and silver dogs roaming nearby.

"In our camp," Reyna said, "Athena is Minerva. Are you familiar with how her Roman form is different?"

Annabeth thought for a second as Violet sipped her drink. It was very good hot chocolate. "I take it Minerva isn't...uh, quite as respected here?"

Reyna blew steam from her cup. "We respect Minerva. She's the goddess of crafts and wisdom...but she isn't really a goddess of war. Not for Romans. She's also a maiden goddess, like Diana...the one you call Artemis. You won't find any children of Minerva here. The idea that Minerva would have children..."

"It's shocking to you," Violet guessed. Reyna nodded in confirmation.

"Oh." Annabeth blushed.

Violet thought back to the story of her friend's birth, straight from the mind of the goddess, just as Athena herself had sprung from the head of Zeus. She remembered once asking if Annabeth had a belly button, and had received confirmation that, yes, she did. The memory made her chuckle softly, earning a nudge from the blonde.