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CHAPTER TWENTY xx. in the shadow of their warship _______
The warship was hovering above Rome but all Sebastian could think about was Percy's arm around his shoulder. It was stupid, really, but Percy had been there to comfort him and that meant a lot to Sebastian.
Sebastian could tell how excited Percy was to see Annabeth. From what Percy had told him, they'd been best friends for five years, along with the satyr, Grover. She had been an immense part of his life, helping through the transition into being a demigod. So seeing her meant a lot to Percy.
Annabeth and three others climbed down a ladder, leaving the warship hovering above the city limit, probably a result of arguing with Terminus. Sebastian recognised Jason, wearing his praetor clothing, and he assumed the other two were Leo and Piper.
A sea of hastily assembled demigods parted for Annabeth as she walked through the forum, followed by the other three. A lot of the Romans were tense and nervous but no one was armed. No one attacked.
Reyna made her way towards Annabeth, clad in her full armour and purple cape. She was forcing a look a courage, holding back a mixture of hopefulness and worry and fear. As she and Annabeth studied each other, the other Romans staring at Jason Grace in awe, Percy and Sebastian made their way through the crowd.
Percy smiled at her at Annabeth looked utterly stunned. With a small chuckle, Sebastian stepped aside, giving Percy an encouraging pat on the back.
Reyna turned towards Jason. "Jason Grace, my former colleague... I welcome you home. And these, your friends-"
Annabeth surged forward. Percy rushed toward her at the same time. The crowd tensed. Some reached for swords that weren't there. But the two just hugged like their life depended on it. Sebastian smiled a little but the scene made him miss Lucia.
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 stone pavement. Romans cried out. Some surged forward, but Sebastian shouted, "Hold! Stand down!"
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 stinging, "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.
Jason cleared his throat. "So, yeah... It's good to be back."
He introduced Reyna to Piper, then to Leo, who grinned and flashed a peace sign.
"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?"
