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

Ghosts

"So the Dirae and Lycaon back to back. You think we are going to run into more super powerful monsters on this trip?' Jason asked.

We were walking alongside a highway heading to Camp Jupiter. It was a beautiful day. The sun was high in the sky and pleasant winds helped us cool down. We had decided to leave Sonoma first thing in the morning. The Dirae, or better known as the furies, are creatures of the underworld.  No doubt they could regenerate faster then your average monster. We didn't want to stay put and find out.

I shrugged, "I don't know, hope not."

"Yeah." Jason said. "Let's hope not."

Jason walked ahead of me. I had him change his clothes and clean himself, since he smelled like a wet dog. He wasn't to happy that we stole from a super market in town, but I only had fifteen dollars and I wanted a burger at our next stop. I stole him a Superman T shirt and jean shorts. I got him some shoes too. He complained about how tight they felt on his feet, even though I got him shoes that were one size too big. I showed him how to tie his hair into a bun, because he had a LOT of hair. So now he looked more like a normal teenager and less like a homeless person. I also got a change in clothing. I wore a purple shirt and yoga pants. We also stole back packs full of supplies for our long journey ahead.

Jason began whistling like a bird, which was so convincing that the birds in the trees near by sang with him. It was almost enough to relax me. Despite how serene the day was, I was hyper aware of my surroundings. I checked every car that sped by. When the bushes next to us would shuffle, I'd grip my knife.

I have been traveling on foot for miles. I started in Seattle, separating from my sister to find my own way. To find a home that could be permanent. I fought many different creatures to get to this point. I even had to deal with other mortals too. Some who thought they could take advantage of me. I did this all alone.

So you would think I would be a little less stressed out now that I had Jason to watch my back. Wrong. Jason did not worry me, it was being around Jason that scared me. He is the son of Jupiter after all. The most powerful god there is. Jason would give off an aura so alluring that all monsters close enough will take notice. I feel like the Fates have it out for me. In less then a year I have had the misfortune of dealing with not one but two powerful demigods. I just hoped that Jason wouldn't ruin my life like the other one did.

We walked for miles, following the same highway as it curved and turned. Just before sunset we came to a bit of a cross roads. The highway we had been following broke off into two directions. I suggested we go right and continue to follow the highway after sunrise the next day. Jason had other ideas.

"Why don't we keep following the river?"

He mentioned this because the highway we were following ran somewhat parallel with Sonoma Creek. 

"No we are not following the river. We stick to the roads." I refuted.

"I thought we were following the river this whole time?"

"No. As you can see, we have been walking along the highway. Not the river. Now come on." I stomped off, expecting Jason to follow me. Instead Jason grabbed my shoulder, pulling me back. I instinctively turned and grabbed his arm. I kneed him in the gut and pushed him to the ground.

"Don't you dare touch me. Go follow the river for all I care." I turned again, this time stopping in my tracks.

A row of ghostly figures stood across the highway.  For a moment I was back in my old home. The ghost of my ancestors haunting me. A wave of fear crawled under my skin like ants.

"Stop following me." I begged.

Jason came to my side, wisely not touching me this time. "Reyna. We should leave."