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

The War: Thunder

"You all know your roles." Annabeth said while overlooking the war table. "I want casualties at an absolute minimum. Any suggestions before we break?"

The entire Athena cabin remained silent. Annabeth nodded. "Good. I love you all. Be safe. Stay smart. Everyone is dismissed except for Jason."

The cabin filed out, with Malcolm taking point. "Alright! You heard the boss lady. Let's get it done!"

The Athena cabin roared in approval, leaving Annabeth and I alone in the war tent standing directly opposite of each other over the table.

"Jason, your not going to find anything new on that war map." She said, leaning forward.

I blinked, still avoiding her gaze. I began pulling at my armor straps. "I'm fine, Chase. If that's what your asking. We have to get to work."

I began turning towards the exit, but Annabeth called after me. "Jason!"

I stopped, my back still facing her. Annabeth came from around the table and stood behind me. "When you first told me you were Thalia's brother on the mortal side, I couldn't believe it. You both are almost nothing alike."

She placed her hand on my shoulder. "But now I'm starting to see some of the similarities. The way your mouths involuntary move when your both frustrated. The constant pulling and tugging on your clothing. The random sparks of electricity that pop from your hair."

She spun me around. "Look at me." She said.

I did, trying my best not to cry.

" I don't know what happened on that island. "Annabeth continued. "But we need you here and now. Not lost in the clouds. And when this is over, I'm going to do everything in my power to reunite you with Thalia. Alright? Now come here, you big dork, you can wipe your boogers on my shirt."

We hugged, thankful she allowed me to empty my remaining boogers on her shoulder. "As far as I'm concerned," Annabeth said. "Your family. We have your back, no matter what."

***************
The winds propelled me into the air as high and as fast as they could. A sonic boom echoed below me. Within seconds, I was in the clouds watching Apollo drive the sun over the horizon and leave darkness in his wake.

I steadied myself, trying to control my breathing. Annabeth's pep talk did more for me then I  could admit to her. I needed to hear that. Maybe I was being to harsh on myself. Letting my fathers words and actions get the best of me.  I had made my choices and yet, my friends still believed in me. I had to succeeded, for their sakes. The dark abyss within my mind was still there, but its pull loosened. I felt more myself then I had in a long time.

Inhaling and exhaling, every breath I took called the winds towards me, the clouds to shape themselves around me and thunder to brew within them. The plan was simple, Athena's cabin would try to stop the northern and southern flanks. While Annabeth and I would put a stop to the main assault.

And what better way to do that then a storm.

Soon, black clouds swirled around me. Lightning crackled within them and around me. I flipped my coin, catching my javelin. I was ready.

I commanded the winds to build up above me. "I believe in them." I said aloud. "All of them. Including........ Including myself."

That last part felt weird to say, maybe even wrong to say. But I had to believe I could make things right. If not, what was the point in all this?

I spun myself in the air, so that my head was facing downwards and used the winds to propel me back to earth, storm clouds following behind me like a tornado.