All's Fair in Love and War

As Jason sealed the last box up he took a final look around the cavernous emptiness of his office. He’d held his rank since he was 18, and this office had been nearly as much a home as the city that surrounded it. But now, much like New Rome itself, it was hollow, empty, and uninviting. He’d already packed his apartment, and the office had been the last thing to do before he left the city with all of the exiled Greeks. A knock on the door startled him out of his reverie. “The office of the Pontifex is permanently closed.” He called out, stacking the final box, “Whatever your spiritual problems are, figure them out yourself. I’m leaving.”

Maia had been struggling to reconcile her past interactions with Jason and what she’d been doing to atone for what she’d done. But, after she’d been driven to the point of collapse from overwork... She’d realized that she couldn’t just beat herself up forever. Which was why she’d wanted to speak to Jason in the first place. To tell him that he’d been wrong. That she wasn’t just another Roman. When she saw him packing up his things, she tilted her head in surprise. “Leaving? To go with the Greeks?” She asked, digging around in her backpack as she spoke.

Frowning, Percy sighed. “I can’t make you take my offer and I’d never dream of that, but, you don’t have to do this stuff alone…” shrugging gently, he ran a hand over his hair, his nails scratching at his scalp. “Just because you’re a Roman and I’m a Greek, that stuff doesn’t matter to me. I just want to help you if I can.” 

“I know. But I personally... I need to.” She replied. “You haven’t done anything wrong, which is why you don’t have to help me and why you shouldn’t. I have and I need to make up for it. It’s that simple.” Maia sighed.

Caspian had been literally whistling whilst he walked. The only issue is that he’d forget not to whistle in the higher frequency and he’d cause a whole bunch of dogs to bark and even run after him. With a coffee in his hand, which despite trying over and over to like, he did not, he run and ducked into an alley, avoiding the dogs. Catching his breath he looked around him and his eyes fell on Maia. He remembered her from his early days at camp.

“Centurion Maia.” He addressed before handing her the coffee.” “It seems that you need this more than I do? What is the issue?”  

Maia’s stomach flip-flopped at the scent of the coffee-- shaking her head, she did her best to smile politely. “No, thnaks. Coffee makes me jittery. Not really what I want right now. But thank you. I just need to rest, eventually.” She said, peering at him curiously. He seemed familiar. Hm... “You’re Caspian, right? The Atlantean?”

At the mention of her mother, Blossom looked over at her and sighed. She understood what Maia was going through. Wanting to help your parent as much as you possibly could, she was like that with her dad when they moved to New York. It was stressful, and exhausting. Maia was clearly exhausted. “Think of it this way. If you keep going the way you’re going, you’ll burn out. Once you burn out, you won’t be able to help her, your cohort, anyone. Trust me, burn out sucks. You don’t want that. You have to help yourself before you can help others. If you’re passed out from exhaustion and starvation, you’re not really much help to anyone, are you?” She asked. she hoped she was getting to Maia, getting her to understand. Finally they made it to the shop and Blossom lead Maia over to a table. “Sit. I’ll be right back, and don’t you dare try to go off and do anything else. Don’t even lift a finger.” She teased, but also was a bit serious. She knew Maia was a workaholic. With that, she went up to the counter and ordered Maia some food, returning a few minutes later with it and the energy shot she promised. She placed it in front of Maia and sat next to her. “Here you go, here’s some fuel for you.”

“I guess.” Maia said, shrugging. She knew what Blossom meant, but she just couldn’t turn off the worries that cycled through her head the way others could. There would always be some part of her, a nagging doubt in the back of her mind that she wasn’t doing enough. That she should be doing more. And it was why she worked as hard as she did. So that she could make that voice stop. Before Maia even noticed, Blossom had already returned with a small glass of dubious looking liquid. “What exactly is in this… thing?”

“Organic energy shot. They make it with natural ingredients that give you energy, that way you’re not fueling your body with unhealthy things like caffeine. And, since its all natural, you don’t get addicted to it. Back home there was a place that sold them too, and whenever I had to work all day at my dad’s yoga shop I would go there and get one. They work great.” She explained, looking over to her. Most people didn’t even think to use anything else other than caffeine for energy. “I understand that there’s a lot to do. But if you don’t take care of yourself first, then you can’t possibly do everything you need to do.” She said, hoping that Maia really understood that. She knew Maia had a lot to do, but self care was key in order for her to succeed, and of course Blossom wanted to see her succeed. “Of course I see you as a friend.” She said, also flashing her a smile. “Now, why exactly did you think it was a good idea to neglect self care? I don’t want to baby you or go on for hours, which I easily could, but self care is essential to daily functioning.”

Maia let Blossom talk, not really understanding too much of what she was saying. Her level of fatigue was just getting to her and it was difficult for her to grasp the rapid fire English. So, she just nodded non-comittally with what Blossom said. That is, until she heard the word “friend” and “self-care.” Self care. Just the words felt foreign in her mind. She’d grown up fending for herself, half afraid of her mom and half afraid for her. Self-care had never been a priority, survival had been. And that way of thinking had worked for her so far. “I... I have to help my mom. And I can’t leave New Rome to make sure she’s okay, so the least I can do is make sure she’s got rent.” She mumbled, rubbing her face tiredly.

“I know that things are hard for everyone now, and that is why it is important that we are all in this together. So I guess what can I do that will help you?” he asked curiously. Kindness was something that they so rarely got to see nowadays. He wasn’t going to stop being who he was because of a situation that they had no control over. “Even if you just need someone to make you some food. Let me help.”

Maia blinked-- she didn’t want Percy’s help. Not that she didn’t appreciate the offer or that she was too proud. It was just her burden to bear. "I’m okay, I promise. I appreciate the thought, though.” Maia said with a firm nod. She didn’t want a... a handout. She’d had enough of those. No, she was capable of making it through this on her own.

Dear Maia Cruz,

We recognise you as a Centurion of the Second Cohort. This letter officially summons you to attend the military tribunal and court marshal of the Praetors Reyna Ramirez-Arellano and Frank Zhang. The court marshal will decide whether the Praetors are responsible for the charges of treason, conspiracy to arm a foreign army and conspiracy to aid and abet enemies of Rome.

The tribunal will take place on the 31st of January. We require your attendance as a witness for the defence. You will be required in the Bank of New Rome at 0800 hours. Should you believe that your life is in danger due to your testimony security will be provided for you. Should you require accommodation ahead of the tribunal, this will also be provided.

Any questions, queries, objections or other problems can be addressed to the office of the Senate.

Otherwise we look forward to seeing you on the 31st of January 2018.

Regards,

Frowning, he shook his head. “I know, and you are helping, but at the same time if you drive yourself to a point where you can’t help them then you’re not helping anyone then. I’m not telling you to stop. I’m just saying be careful, be sensible about this. We need all the help we can get.”

“It’s not just about the Greeks.” Maia said, shaking her head. “I have to help the other Centurions. The Romans who I know are on the fence. And I have to... to help my mom.” Maia admitted, her voice cracking a bit from stress and fatigue. “Because she can’t help herself. I can’t stop now.”

Raising an eyebrow, Percy slipped his hands into his pockets and leaned gently against the wall. “I’m sure you’re fine for the moment, but there is only so long that you can actually manage to keep up with this pace you seem to be keeping…” he sighed and shrugged. “You’re an adult and I am sure that you know exactly what you’re doing. Just don’t wear yourself out. Then you’re no good for anyone.” 

Maia frowned-- she didn’t need him to tell her these things and she certainly didn’t want to hear it either. She had to keep going, she had to keep working to make things better. If she didn’t do all these things, she’d be right back to where she was after the raid. Alone. “I have to help people, Percy. I can’t not do something. Not again.” She said.

Nodding gently, Percy shrugged. “It’s a bottle of water Maia, don’t worry about it.” He paused for a second and looked her up and down. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but you look really burnt out.” He paused for a moment. “When was the last time you took a break? Are you getting enough sleep?”

Maia fidgeted with the label on the water bottle, peeling it off as she listened to him. “I meditated this morning.” Technically, she’d been working on focusing her invisibility, but meditating made it sound a lot more restful than it really was. “And, I don’t think anyone is getting enough sleep nowadays.” She deflected before offering a small smile. “I’m fine, Percy.”

He raised a single eyebrow in her direction, as if she was testing him. “It’s just a piece of ambrosia. If I didn’t want you to have it, I wouldn’t have offered it.” Jax held the piece of godly food a bit closer to her, as if he was willing her to take it. Her words about a job had him wondering though. “An extra job?” Being well aware of his own privileged state when it came to wealth, Jax felt it would be insensitive to ask after why she would need another job. “Well does it pay you decently enough? I hope this exhaustion is worth it. Not to mention the time you’ve had to spend away from your Cohort.” Perhaps it was a bit of an awkward question, but it was better than asking after her motives.

“Thanks.” Maia said, accepting the ambrosia. She popped it in her mouth and the taste of her mom’s homemade tamales filled her mouth, the kind her mom would make when she was having a good day around the holidays. The godly food eased some of the exhaustion that had filled her and she could breathe a bit easier. Gods, what a life saver. “Its okay. I make a little commission but... yeah.” She squirmed at his mention of her cohort and Maia couldn’t help but feel a bit defensive. “I’m doing everything I can for everyone, my cohort included.”

Jax hadn’t seen Maia much around since they’re last encounter. But perhaps it was better that way. It was disconcerting the way she seemed to get under his skin and poke at his ideals and thoughts. Now, her wave looked rather limp compared to her usual greeting. “A little tried?” he questioned, giving her a rather skeptical look as his eyes roamed her. “You look more that a little tired.” Taking the smallest nugget of ambrosia from his pocket, he offered it to Maia. Certainly she wasn’t injured, but every now and then it didn’t hurt to sneak some of the the godly food to use as an energy boost. “You also look like you could use this.” 

Maia had been startled when Jax had appeared-- he wasn’t really someone she saw much of. And after their last run-in, she wasn’t entirely sure what to make of him. But, the morsel of ambrosia was tempting and she knew it would help her in ways that food couldn’t. “It’s just what happens when you take an extra job.” She said and gestured to the ambrosia. “Are you sure? I don’t want to be a bother.”

Once Maia said that she wasn’t sure if she ate, Blossom actually frowned. That wasn’t good, that Maia didn’t know if she ate. It was concerning, and now Blossom started to worry a bit. “Lets go.” She said, grabbing Maia’s hand and tugging on her slightly, leading the way through New Rome. “You need energy, you need food. I know a place, it sells organic stuff. We can get you food and an organic energy shot.” She said and once she knew Maia was following her, she let go of her hand. “You need to take care of yourself Maia. If you won’t, then I’ll try and help you take care of yourself. It’s what friends are for.”

Maia was startled when Blossom pulled her gently, confused for a moment. What was going on? “Organic energy shot?” She echoed, uncertain of what to make of that. It honestly sounded like some vegan was going to inject her with like... carrot juice. “There’s just a lot I have to do, a lot I have to-- to keep on top of.” She said, struggling to find the right words. But, she managed a weak smile at Blossom’s words. “Thanks. I’m glad you think of me as a friend.”

Returning from the library, Percy had paused at The Cornucopia to buy some stuff to make dinner with as well as stock up on Nectar and Ambrosia. But when he’d seen Maia leaning against the wall he couldn’t help but worry. With everything going the way that it was going he didn’t want to make things worse for her than they already were. Help people in anyway you can. That was something his mother had always been firm on. “Do you want a drink? To be honest you look like you could do with some food and something to eat.” Reaching into his rucksack he pulled out a bottle of water and handed it to her.

Maia glanced at the offered water bottle, her brain a bit fuzzy from the sudden rush of fatigue that had washed over her and nodded in thanks as she accepted it. Gulping some down, the water slaked her thirst, a thirst she hadn’t really been aware of until she started drinking. Soon, the bottle of water was empty. “S-sorry.” Maia stammered, sheepish. “I didn’t realize I was that thirsty.” Her stomach flip flopped at the idea of food though and she shook her head. “No thanks. I think that would make me sick...”

The second Blossom saw Maia she knew something was up. Something was just off. It was clear she was exhausted, but something else was wrong too and she just couldn’t figure it out. She quickly walked over and opened her mouth to ask if she was okay, but Maia had read her mind and answered the question before she even asked it. “Are you sure you’re just not tired? Did you eat today? You know, you get your energy partially from food. So, if you haven’t ate much today that may be why you feel tired right now. I’d be willing to go get food with you, if you don’t want to go alone. I don’t really have much to do these days anyway.” She explained and then sighed. Talking a lot was  abad habit, and she was talking way too much right now. “I’m sorry, that was a lot. I just want to make sure you’re okay.” She admitted with a smile.

Maia was honestly a little boggled by all the words that came out of Blossom’s mouth. Between the fatigue, her general anxiety about the state of New Rome, and the rapid fire English, Maia was having  tough time figuring out exactly what Blossom was saying. Mierda. She really was out of it. Blinking, she shook her head. “Don’t apologize. I don’t know if I ate? It’s been... a day.” She sighed, “I’ve been losing track of that sort of thing. A bit more than I should, honestly.”

Out of the corner of her eye, she became aware of the other person staring at her and she waved weakly. “Hey. I’m good, I promise.” She said with a thin smile, “Just a little tired, that’s all.”

Maia,

A dove holding out an olive branch is an international symbol for peace and so far you’re one of the only Centurions that is trying to accomplish that, so I feel this necklace is very appropriate for you. Keep trying, Maia. Be brave and don’t let anyone tell you that you’re wrong. 

I hope you also enjoy the quiver. I figured a skilled archer such as yourself deserves a good and durable one.

Have a merry Christmas! 

Love,