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

The War: It's Time

Inspite of the sheer adversity ahead of us, my heart warmed to see both Camp Jupiter and Camp Half-Blood working together. Both sides used Camp Jupiter's primary fort as its base of operations. Campers from both sides moved the injured into makeshift tents going North, farthest from the action. I could see Gwen and Michael, senior healers, commanding their peers on how to utilize their space and who to prioritize for care.

On the front, pushing back against Saturn's forces, Clarisse led the charge alongside Sam. Using the two rock formations on either side of them as cover, the camps managed to funnel Saturn's forces into the rocky terrain. Ever hear of the movie 300? Two camps that would have been destroyed on their own held their ground against Saturns overwhelmingly army like the Spartans of old.

Speaking of Saturn's forces, they were nurmerous and out numbered us ten to one. Monster of all kinds made up the majority of the forces. They crashed against our defenses, pushing against the Roman's line of defense.

A smaller group of demigods comprised the rest of Saturns army. They attempted to flank or weave themselves into our ranks. Luckily, our greek friends did their best to push them out. Camp half-blood was a lot more disorganized when it came to fighting, but their flexibility protected our camps from would be flankers.

Even though our camps held strong, in due time, we would eventually be overwhelmed. I could see from up here Clarisse and Sam struggle to keep the campers resolve. Partially due to the sheer challenge of holding our ground, but primarily due to the titan in the garden.

The titan Epithemus cast a large shadow over the war, literally. An aura of sadness and pain cascaded over the battlefield. His aura was so powerful, it was almost tangible. Shadows darkened and gravity felt stronger. This overwhelming feeling of abandonment invaded my mind like a parasite, trying to tear down my resolve.

The only reason Epithemus hadn't crushed our forces was thanks to a crazy demigod with the will to fight him alone. Now that I was closer to the action, I could see Percy on the back of Scipio zipping around Epithemus like an angry wasp. Percy used the rain from the sky above to his advantage, sending waves of water into Epithemus eyes. While he was blinded, Percy dashed in to cut and slash the titan. Golden Ichor, the blood of the immortals, spilled onto the battlefield.

"ARRRRAAAAH. ONCE I CATCH YOU, SON OF THE SEA GOD. I WILL CRUSH YOU!" Epithemus roared.

Epithemus swiped wildly, roaring at another blast of water slammed into his eyes. Percy dodged expertly on the back of Scipio and slashed the titan's ear.

"I let this happen." Jason said, his blue eyes bathed in shame.

I tapped his forehead. "Knock it off. Not everything is your fault. Now, lets get you checked out"

I glided towards Gwen, who marched into a purple tent with Michael, shouting at someone inside. I slid to a stop, still holding Jason up with all my strength. "Gods, Jason." I groaned. "You can at least try to help me."

Jason ignored me, staring at the rows of bodies covered in white sheets towards the right side of the tent. I marched on into the tent, trying to break Jason's line of sight. We stopped near the entrance, a group of medics blocking our view from the commotion going on towards the back of the tent.

"Get back on the table!" Gwen shouted. "Your in no shape to stand. Much less fight."

Michael Yew grunted. "Stop fighting us. Your going to break the stiches!"

I could hear Grover bleat ahead of us. "C'mon! Please listen to them!"

Other medics encouraged this camper to stay put, but whoever rested on that table refused to listen. The crowd backed away, allowing space for......