Nemesism

15)

"Reyna," I called as we all started dispersing.

She turned to me. She had a cold look in her eyes when she looked at me. "Alister."

"We need to talk," I said and for some reason, I played with my ring. I was anxious.

"I'm sure I'm the least of your worries right now," her eyes darted to Leo.

Maybe she saw the way my eyes filled with emotions as I looked at Leo. "You're my sister."

"Yes, as is Hylla. She will not be as happy to know that you are somewhat related to us."

I shrug. "I didn't mean to do what I did then. I was just trying to survive."

Reyna nods. "I know. You were just doing what we all are doing."

I smiled at her. "Is this like a 'I forgive you' but in a roman way?"

She smiled as she rolled her eyes. "Sure."

I winked at her. "I'll take it." I held onto her arm and pulled her farther away from everyone. "Annabeth told me that you told her that mother was going to take away my powers."

Reyna sighs. "Yes. Mother is very...determined to make sure camp Jupiter doesn't get destroyed."

"I don't blame her. You guys are the only ones that recognize her as her. We just pushed her away." I muttered.

"No, not you, the gods. Not everything is your fault. You're a good person Alister. You have done everything you can and you will continue doing so. You are braver than you think. I'm—" she hesitated for a moment. "I'm proud of you. You have taken on a quest that is to save us all. I'm proud of you."

My mouth was slightly open from how shocked I was. I never expected Reyna to say this. "I—" maybe it was from all the emotions I was feeling, but my words got stuck in my throat. "Thank you."

Reyna's eyes soften. "You got this, brother. Believe in yourself and you will fly like an eagle."

A minute later, Reyna and Coach Hedge arrived in full armor with packs over their shoulders. Reyna looked grim and ready for combat. Coach Hedge grinned like he was expecting a surprise party.

Reyna gave Annabeth a hug. "We will succeed," she promised.

"I know you will," Annabeth said.

Reyna walked over to me and gave me a hug. I smiled and hugged her back. My chin rested on the top of her head. She pulled away.

Coach Hedge shouldered his baseball bat. "Yeah, don't worry. I'm going to get to camp and see my baby! Uh, I mean I'm going to get this baby to camp!" He patted the leg of the Athena Parthenos.

"All right," said Nico. "Grab the ropes, please. Here we go."

Reyna and Hedge took hold. The air darkened. The Athena Parthenos collapsed into its own shadow and disappeared, along with its three escorts.

The Argo II sailed after nightfall.

We veered southwest until we reached the coast, then splashed down in the Ionian Sea.

Fourteen days to reach Athens. Then one way or another, the war would be decided.

Over in the bow, Leo whistled happily as he tinkered with Festus's mechanical brain, muttering something about a crystal and an astrolabe. Amidships, Piper and Hazel practiced their swordplay, gold and bronze blades ringing in the night. Jason and Frank stood at the helm, talking in low tones— maybe telling stories of the legion, or sharing thoughts on being praetor.