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

The War: Setting the Stage

"Stop! Right there!" Annabeth yelled over the wind.

Using the winds, I slowly lowered us on a roof of a lavish home located on a hill overlooking a two lane road. From here, the garden of the gods was in clear view too our right. The rock formations towering over this part of the region like great walls that had crumbled a millennia ago. Just beyond the formations, I could hear the battle rage on. Black smoke flowed up into the sky, my father's domain.

I wonder if he was even paying attention up there, while the two camps slaughtered each other.

"The wars already started." Sam said, disheartened.

"And we should be there to stop them." I noted. "Chase, why stop here?"

Annabeth pointed her attention to our left. "Sphinx told us that an attack would soon follow once the dust settle between our camps. Luke's army has to be on standby somewhere." Annabeth pointed towards a large complex building. "You see that over there? If my memories right, that should be the Garden's trading post. A big tourist gift shop."

Sam whistled. "Your like a living google search bar, Chase. Can you tell me what this weird mole on butt cheek means? I've have this feeling that-"

Annabeth cut him off. "Shut it, Martinez." A small smirk on her face. "I have a near photographic memory. Perk of being Athena's daughter. You see the foot traffic coming in and out of that place? Something's off."

"Its a tourist shop." Sam pointed out. "Isn't it supposed to have a lot of foot traffic?"

"No." I answered. "Section 3 in New Rome's rules of engagement. A barrier of mist preventing mortal intervention must be set and maintained in a 3 mile radius for the duration of the battle at ALL cost. The battles is little over a mile away, we're within the mists range."

Grover, who had remained mostly quiet since Pan's passing, leaned over the edge. "Jason, winds coming from our backs. You think you can change that?"

"Done." I answered, raising my left hand so the winds would follow its direction. The winds were... easier to manipulate then usual. Usually, it would take a little more effort to re-direct them.

Maybe my old man was taking pity on me. I guess I'm still-

"Ow!" Sam called out, putting his finger in his mouth. "Watch it Jason. Your sparking." He said while flicking his hand.

I unclenched my right hand and took a deep breath. My body was extremely tense and I hadn't noticed. I glanced at Annabeth, who stared back, concerned.

"Sorry, Sam." I finally said.

Grover sat against the side of the roof, still staring at the trading post. "Yup. It reeks of monsters and demigods. The place is definitely a stronghold."

Annabeth bit her thumb. "How to handle this...." She muttered to herself.

I cracked my knuckles. " I could blow off some steam."

Sam pushed past us. "No, you all need to stop our camps from killing each other. I will keep them occupied."

"Stop with the hero stuff." I said, adjusting the straps in my armor. "We need to be smart about this."

"Jason, we need to stop our friends." Sam responded with a grim expression. He pointed his finger at the garden, where black smoke rose higher and faster. "Stopping Saturn's army won't matter if our camps destroy each other. Besides, Chase?"

"Yeah." She muttered, staring at the trade post below.

Sam spread his arms out. "Has the great daughter of Athena, thought of a better plan?"