---

---

Trick after fucking annoying as hell trick, Harvey just found himself getting angrier and angrier the more James continued. His annoyance was already high just by James looking or even speaking to him, but as the tricks came and came, Harvey found the fire inside him seemed to just get hotter and hotter. His blood was boiling to a point of a breaking point.

You better fucking stop.. And then came the flaming card trick. By then, Harvey had lost it. Even after James had made all of the cards disappear and the scarves on him, Harvey couldn’t take it anymore, especially with that comment of Harvey “supposedly” being a thief.

When James took a bow, Harvey kneed the Son of Hermes in the face, causing blood to draw from his smashed nose. As physics would take over, Harvey then took to a spear tackle that sent both him and James to the ground with Harvey on the top. Harvey’s eyes began to go red and his rage began to take over as the Son of Artemis began to wail on James’ chest and face. Some hits didn’t connect and instead with the hard concrete, but some did hit, causing even further damage to James’ face and shoulders and neck.

If someone didn’t step in soon, Harvey might do what he always had feared he would do when he entered this state.

"Hey, I can use this in here if I plan on buying it, right?"

Understandably, the cashier looked at the large, powerful young man as if he'd grown three heads.

...Could he? Rubbing his chin, the young man who looked to be all of three years older than the athletic and aesthetic beast he was talking to gave it a moment's thought, scowering his mind for any prior incidents.

"I... I guess so?" was the best he could come up with, which seemed to be exactly the answer Jonas was looking for.

"Fuckin' sweet." he thrust the charging cable into the cashier's hands. "Ring that bitch up for me, brah."

"Right..."

One half-jubilant, half-flummoxed exchange of money for goods later, and the giant was sitting at the wall of Best Buy, having somehow found an outlet waiting for someone to actually use it. Crazy world he lived in, that that could happen. Speaking of crazy,

Y A A A A A A A W N

--He hadn't gotten a good night's sleep for two nights in a row now. Like, technically he got about an hour last night, but he woke up at five and was wired anyway.

Thus why he was out here, off campus early in the morning.

...

Why was he out here, again?

Oooh, right, right, clothes. He should get on that.

Phone buzzing and charged enough, he idly flicked through a strange note from Dallas. "Spread this around"... huh. His sleep-deprivation-addled brain fumbling as it tried to properly compile the information, he eventually decided to go with the most elegant solution left to him. Stepping through the automatic doors of the next shop over (or at least that's where he thought he was), his thumb danced over the screen with impeccable accuracy, a testament to the fact that he was indeed still lucid.

>Contacts --> Brolaire Relo --> Call

...

"Hello?"

"Hey, whassup?"

---

---

She didn't know if giving flowers was a normal thing for brothers and sisters to do, but she took it anyways. She took the flower and tucked it over her ear, watching in amusement as the boys started to argue. James was pretty impressive, with his magic tricks, but Harvey didn't seem to think so. As James got more and more arrogant about it, Raven could tell that Harvey was ticked and James needed to stop before someone got hurt. But before she could say anything or do anything, there was a knee to James's nose and Harvey was on top of him. Raven swore under her breath and ran over to the two boys. Wave her hand, a dark blue web glided out of her hand and touched both boys in the head. It slowed Harvey's hits, but he wasn't quite out yet. James was already gone, whether it was from her powers or not.

"Go. To. Sleep!" Raven snarled, throwing more of the web Harvey's way. The big boy finally passed out and fell to the ground. Both boys were now on the ground, sleeping, or some other form of unconscious. Raven let out a sigh and saw down, crossing her legs, and sitting between their two heads. She knew she probably could have just left them there, but with a kidnapper going around, she knew it wasn't worth it. Lifting up both of their heads to where she held the point where the top of their neck and the base of their head connected, she took a deep breath in through her nose, and released her consciousness from the steady world.

Gliding in two separate paths into each of the boys' streams of sleep, Raven's mind was split between the two, an extremely painful and difficult thing she learned in the orphanage. Because it was so energy-taking, she would most likely have a disability in each consciousness.

Harvey's Dream
Taking a step through a darkened door, Raven leaned against the new cane she was now required to carry with being split between two minds. It was a dark room, not very much light got through. What light did was dim and despairing. It seemed like an empty expansion. Because Raven had knocked him out so fast, his mind hadn't had the time to wire up a stationary dream for her to enter. Most likely, when she found him, the scene would change.

She walked further down the reclusive room and saw the Artemis son lying on his back in the middle of it. Walking over to him, she prodding him with her cane and said, "Yo. Get up. We need to talk."

James's Dream
James's dream was a little bit more well formed, though it took place as more of a memory than a dream. When Raven entered through the door, this time carrying a staff, she noticed immediately the setting. It was a hillside, overlooking a freeway. She looked down toward the road and saw flashing police lights and backed up cars. It was a curious scene, but she needed to find James.

Turning to the left and heading more toward the crash, she saw James lying down, beginning to regain consciousness, a few yards away. Walking over to him, she sat down next to him and said, "You might not want to move. Even in dreams, physical pain can still haunt us.

---

---

As the bigger boy started whaling on him, all James could think was, this kid has issues. He did his best to redirect Harvey's attacks, but he didn't always succeed. Ah, well. He was no stranger to pain. Not everyone appreciated his lifting their wallets, and some managed to take him by surprise. If they attacked before he could persuade them, there was little he could do, other than run. The few times police had gotten involved, he had managed to convince them that he was completely innocent. One of the benefits of being Hermes's kid.

Then, for whatever reason, he felt himself getting sleepy. It wasn't like falling unconscious due to pain; he had a bit of experience with that. No, it was more like falling into bed after a long day, and he didn't fight it. After all, no matter what was causing this or way, he could spin it to his advantage later. What he wasn't expecting was to feel as if he was waking up mere moments later. Then he heard his sister's voice.

Opening his eyes, James disregarded Raven's instructions just a little. He wanted to see where he was was, so he turned his head to the side. Immediately, he regretted it; not for the flare of physical pain, but for the emotional pain that hit him like a stab through the heart. All these years, and I'm still not over it. He thought, closing his eyes again with a frown. There was no need to keep up his poker face, not here, not with Raven. "Where are we?" He asked, voice strained. "We can't be where I think we are, cause this happened 11 years ago."

---

---

“Wait, what are--”

Before Harvey knew it, a dark blue web soon surrounded his body. First, it slowed his fists, but not until a few more got out - none of them connected of course. After that, it took effect, with Harvey finding himself slowly fade into an unconscious state.

Harvey felt his eyelids start to get heavy. It was as if the sandman, or in this case the sandwoman was pouring her sand into his eyes and making them close by aided force. Then, as if following suit, Harvey’s arms became like dead weight. He tried his best to lift them up, but to no avail.

And then came the rest of his body.

Harvey’s legs gave out and eventually Harvey plopped beside James, his right arm over the little guy’s forehead and Harvey facedown in the dirt, head facing the direction of where James’ head was.
The inner-workings of Harvey’s mind has always been complex as he ‘s a complex fellow. Usually, it’s filled with dangerous scenarios like gang shootouts, wild races, night club parties, or a moshpit. However, if one were to enter Harvey’s mind at the moment, it would be the most serene, most beautiful sight of a forest that one would see. They would see a glistening light emit from the moon that lights up the center of the forest to reveal a beautiful, perfectly-round lake with the clearest and most bluest of waters ever imaginable; not even Mexico’s oceans were that blue.

And , who would be there? None other than an one Harvey Nathaniel Blake sitting beside a beautiful, white Tiger staring at the lake, sleeping soundly. Surely unexpected, but that’s what Harvey’s most peaceful and ideal dream is. Too bad the poor bastard was about to get awoken within the dream.

“Ow..” Harvey said, looking back.

Jace started to wake up and saw a threat hovering over Harvey. He poised for an attack.

“Jace, stand down.” Harvey ordered, “go back to sleep.” Harvey said, petting his Tiger.

Jace simply groaned and started to wiggle himself back into sleep.

“You know, that really hurt.” Harvey said as he got up, rubbing the top of his head, which was where he got poked from Raven’s cane. “So, you said something about us needing to talk? Does this finally mean you’re going to give in and let me have that date I wanted oh so long ago?” Harvey grinned and laughed.

Location: Parking Lot
Interacting With: Each Other

---

---

Clarissa looked at Jay with gentle yet curious eyes; wondering what was going through his mind. As she leaned against the car next to him, the seven minutes of silence felt like an eternity. Hearing his proposal off the road trip; her eyes widened slightly in surprise and bit of a shock. "Are you sure about this?....Is it just because of what's going on?" she asked him looking at him, trying to study his expression.

Jay looked at her, shaking his head. "No, it has nothing to do with that - at least, I don't think so." Jay said half-confident in what he was saying.

Maybe she was right and Jay wanted to take a breather from everything, or maybe there was this desire to want to get the hell out of dodge before anything bad happened. There were a number of possibilities as to why Jay wanted to leave with Clarissa as soon as he possibly could, but one thing he was sure of was that he just couldn't handle what was happening and he wanted to take a breather.

"As much as I'd love to go...I...I can't just leave Skye behind or...my friend Sam." She admitted. If she left, she would worry about her brother and her friend that had just came back after two years. What's worse, if anything would happen to either of them; she would feel guilty for getting up and leaving them to such fates. "What about your sister, Jay?" she asked him softly.

Sam? Right, he's that guy that returned around the time Vivian was taken,

In all honesty, Jay didn't really know that Sam fellow all that well. Aside from the times where he would spot a hello and friendly hug to Clarissa, Jay didn't know much about him. All he knew was that Sam had left a few years before Jay even arrived at OA and that he returned. Still, Clarissa spoke highly of him, so Jay felt that if Sam was special to Clarissa, he wouldn't show any outward dislike for the guy. It wasn't like he was jealous or anything, but that's probably the case, whether Jay wanted to admit it or not.

That's when she could feel her phone buzzing. She sighed "Hold the thought, for a moment."

Clarissa took her phone from her pocket and she saw that she had a text message from Sam. She began to text her friend back.



On the mention of Jay's sister, he went from a worried look to a rather depressed, half-hearted smile as he looked down at the ground slightly. "What about her? I haven't really told Delilah about me yet — and I don't intend to, not yet anyways. " Jay admitted, probably to the shock of Clarissa.

Clarissa hit send. Sam and Clarissa had been friends for a few years; besides Skye, Sam had been the only guy she ever hung out with before she and Jay met. Sam was like an older brother to her; Clarissa knew Amelia as well. The girls didn't speak that often before but, after Sam left, they spent more time together and were on friendly terms.When Clarissa heard Jay say he didn't intend on telling Delilah about him, she sighed looking up at him. "Why not? I think she could use some good news, with everything that's been going on. Don't you think she wants to know her big brother is here?" she asked him.
If she was in his position; she would want to know.

As she spoke, Jay looked at Clarissa, listening to her reasoning why Jay should tell Delilah — and all of them were valid points. Jay's original motivation for coming to Olympus Academy was to find his sister and be a good big brother. However, it seemed that, after he finally found her, there was something in him that didn't want to tell her. Could it be him being nervous and/or anxious about telling her? Or maybe there's something else at play. Jay really didn't know, or maybe he did, but he didn't want to admit it to himself.

"Can we not talk about this right now?. " Jay asked as his eyes were forward, looking at the direction of the Parking Lot that led to the campus, "I promise I'll explain why later on." Jay told Clarissa, briefly looking at her before turning his attention back in front of him.

Glancing at his phone, Sam smiled slightly as he read the message. Of course she was with Jay. He hadn't talked with the guy all that much, beyond brief 'hello's' and 'goodbyes', but he seemed okay. Not usually the type for Clarissa; but then again, he didn't know much about the son of Demeter.

"C'mon Lia - she's in the parking lot." Sam told Amelia, removing his arm from her shoulders and instead taking her hand in his. Hopefully he didn't set fire to her or something accidentally.

It didn't take long for the pair to make their way towards the parking lot, finding Clarissa stood with Jay.

"Phew... am I glad to see you both not-kidnapped." Sam said as a welcome, smile upon his face - a smile which sobered ever so slightly as they came to a halt in front of the couple. "Wish I could say the same for Serafina though. The bastards took her."

Clarissa sighed slightly as she heard Jay and she just nodded in silence, biting her lower lip. If he didn't want to discuss it, she wouldn't force him. She could only hope and wonder if he would think about her advice.

Meanwhile by the benches, Amelia looked at Sam who seemed to be smiling about a text. As he took her hand softly, Amelia squeezed his hand gently following him to the parking lot, where she saw the Daughter of Aphrodite with the Son of Demeter. "Hey Rissa, Jay." she nodded at the couple with a soft, yet slightly sad smile; still worried about Serafina.

Clarissa looked up hearing Sam's voice and she smiled softly as she walked over and playfully punched his arm like she always did. "Well aren't you hilarious, Sammy-Yo." she teased him, but soon enough she looked serious as she rose a slight eyebrow "I am sorry...what did you just say? Clarissa sounded shocked and surprised that the daughter of Hera was one of the new students that got kidnapped. It didn't make sense...what would they want with her?

Amelia sighed softly as she showed Clarissa and Jay Serafina's earring that she found on the floor.

Even though the situation was dire about someone called Serafina got kidnapped(Jay didn't know her as close as the others did, so maybe that's why he didn't react as bad as they did), Jay's eyes never left Sam. Despite him obviously being nothing more than a brother to Clarissa, Jay looked at him as if he posed a threat to his relationship to Clarissa.

What are you doing Jay? You're not that kind of guy..

Or perhaps he was and it was in a dormant sleep. Or perhaps there was something else at play. Regardless of what it was, Jay had this feeling of distrust towards Sam. He would keep a close look on him until he proved to be otherwise.

Clarissa glanced over at Jay-seeing his non reaction to the news, but what made her stop was the way that Jay was watching Sam...as if Sam was some kind of prey or meat. Jay seemed rather jealous and distrusting towards Sam. She didn't know if it was because she and Sam went years back, before she and Jay met...or if something else was bothering him. She sighed softly.

The Daughter of Aphrodite didn't think of Sam in that way...he was her friend, a brother...never had she looked at Sam in that way. She knew how much Sam cared and loved Amelia, she wouldn't ruin that. Despite her personality back then, Sam and Amelia were her friends and she wanted them both to be happy. Just like she was. Clarissa made a mental note to herself, that she would need to speak to Jay about this situation later.

Sammy gave Clarissa a brief one-armed hug before prodding her in the ribs, as a counter for the arm punch. Her reaction to Serafina's kidnapping was expected - out of all the people to take, the mild-mannered and motherly daughter of Hera would be the least likely, one would assume. However... they didn't even know the motives of these people, so Gods only knew their reasoning behind who was taken.

Feeling a stare on him, Sammy's eyes darted to Jay's. Although not quite a glare, his look wasn't particularly a friendly one. His own eyes narrowing slightly, he offered up a smirk to Clarissa's boyfriend.

"Good job you're with Clarissa now - there's no way in hell someone would be dumb enough to go after her. You'll be safe and sound with this hellion at your side."
He said, his smirk turning into a grin as he looked back to Clarissa. Although this was typically just how he acted in bad situations, there was some smugness there at the obvious hit to Jay's ego.

Jay simply looked at Sam with the same glare as before, but it was slightly less jealous-filled, rather it was replaced with a curious aspect to it. "Thanks, I guess."

Hearing Sam, Clarissa smirked but she shook her head laughing slightly as he called her a Hellion "Gee, thanks for that Sammy. That was smooth." she teased him with a smile on her lips. Grinning back at her friend, she glanced between Jay and Sam; somewhat making sure that nothing would go down between the two of them. Having known Sam for years, she was more used to his behavior and jokes, than Jay was.

"So, were you guys heading out somewhere? I could go for a road-trip right now. Or a geek-a-thon. Shit, anything to take my mind off of this crappy situation." He said, glancing at Jay's car, and then back at the girls. "What do you say? Want to binge watch old movies back at my place? I have popcorn!" He said, the last three words said in a sing-song manner.

As Amelia and Clarissa heard Sam's offer's about getting away...or watching old movies and popcorn, the girls laughed slightly at his song-song voice. "You always have popcorn!" both of the girls said at the same time as they glanced at Sam.

"I was thinking of getting away from the academy for a while. With everything going on, I felt I needed a break; plus, there's a cabin my mother left for me about fifty miles north of here. It sits on a beautiful lake that has the perfect reflection of the moon at night. I usually go there to think and get away." Jay said, explaining the cabin that he was going to get away to.

And then he was just hit with a great idea - even though it was kind of sudden. "How about we all go?" Jay asked them, eyes falling to Clarissa. "And you can bring Skye too!" Jay said excitingly, his green eyes lighting up positively.

As Clarissa heard Jay's idea about them all getting away, she looked a bit surprised at his sudden change of attitude. "You want me to bring my blue eyed-flirtatious-half brother Skye-who insists, I share you with him?" she asked sounding a bit dramatic to make a point, that it might be strange having to battle with her brother for Jay's attention if Skye joined them.

Briefly, Jay looked at Clarissa smiling. "Didn't you say that you wouldn't come with me originally because you didn't know if Skye would be safe?" Jay said, "At least now you'll know that he's safe as he'll be among..."Jay looked to Sam and Amelia for a second, "..friends." He said with a smile.

Clarissa looked at Jay and she bit her lower lip "Well yes...." she trailed off for a bit, but soon enough she carried on speaking, with a slightly different trail of thought "I suppose you're right,.but don't blame me if he turns full Aphrodite on you, and there's an argument between me and him." she spoke with a teasing smile but her eyes were gentle. The Daughter of Aphrodite knew, that she would have to keep her brother in check if he came with them.

Amelia tried not to laugh at what Clarissa said about her brother Skye, but it was rather funny. "I bet, Skye has a nickname for Jay." she spoke, looking at Clarissa.

Clarissa let out a slight laugh but nodded "He does — and it's not even funny." Clarissa admitted. She wasn't sure if bringing Skye would be the best of ideas, even if it would keep him safe. It might cause some 'issues' per-say.

"Sam, you recently came back, so I'm assuming you have a car right?" Jay asked Sam. "Wait, something like this, we're going to need to pack." Jay thought about it, his mood going from hyper to calm in the span of a few seconds.

Amelia smiled gently "You know...this doesn't seem like such a bad idea. I could use a getaway trip. Might help us clear our heads." She replied, as she heard the offers; it seemed like a good idea, even if it was a spur of the moment thing. However as Jay talked more, he seemed unnaturally hyper about it. She glanced between Jay and Clarissa wondering what she would make of it.

Clarissa on the other hand, noticed Jay's changing moods and hyperness about the situation. But seeing him happy made her smile. leaning over she whispered "Are you feeling okay? You seem a bit hyper." she glanced at him slightly worried but gave him a smile.

"Oh yeah, I'm feeling great!" Jay said ecstatically, a smile as wide as his face would allow and a voice so high-pitched that it begged to question if he really was in a sound place.

His high-pitched voice caused Clarissa to look and feel concerned about Jay. Something was wrong...he didn't seem like himself for sure. But for his sake, she just smiled trying to seem happy that he was great. "Great..." she said softly, echoing him a little bit.

Amelia looked at Clarissa and Jay "Well if we're all in...we should pack. I mean, one pair of clothing won't do us any good if we're staying there a while." she said before she turned to Jay with a soft smile "It's nice of you to invite us all...this could be a fun trip." she commented. Hopefully it could give them all a chance to know each other and have some fun, away from all of this mess.

As the others conversed, Sammy couldn't help but raise one eyebrow at Jay's more than erratic behavior. Were Demeter kids usually this... weird? He vaguely knew Delilah, but from what he had seen, she was just sorta Disney-Princess in terms of weirdness. Seriously, the chick reminded him of a long-haired Snow White or something. But now her brother was acting like he was tripping or something.

However, a road trip to a seclusive cabin was one fine-ass idea.

"I do have a car, Groot-boy!" He said with a grin, taking another look at Jay's car. Jeez, for the son of a millionaire chef, you'd think he could afford better than that.

Groot Boy? Makes me sound like some sidekick.. Jay thought as he cracked a slight smile. Sam was definitely a clever one, that's for sure.

Clarissa rose a slight eyebrow as she heard Sam speak, she walked a bit closer to Sam as she tapped his cheek playfully with her finger "You know, you're my good friend and I love you...but." reaching around she tugged at his pants, giving him a wedgie as she gave him a playful glare "You're being a bad booooy Sammy!" she teased him with a laugh.

Sam darted a glare at Clarissa - not a genuine one, but a glare all the same as he untucked the wedgie.
"Reeealll mature, Lissa. Looks like somebody isn't getting any cocktails tonight."
Clarissa smirked looking slightly proud of herself "Reeeall mature, Lissa." she mocked Sam's voice. But then let out a whine and pouted at him. Sticking out her tongue at him playfully. Amelia was just giggling at their banter shaking her head.

Looking back at Jay after shoving Clarissa away playfully, Sam answered his question."We could all easily squeeze in there - along with some bags, some booze, and... probably more booze. Does Demeter promote underage drinking? He asked. "Because I definitely do." Pausing once again, he darted a grin at Amelia. Not that underage drinking would be a problem for the both of them, at the wonderful age of 22.

"I wouldn't know; mother and I don't exactly talk that often." Jay laughed but then stopped abruptly as he then thought about how he hasn't really reached out to Demeter. Jay might do something about that sometime soon, but for right now, Jay was focused on the trip to the cabin.

"So, if we are actually doing this, we should probably.. y'know, tell a teacher or something. Otherwise they'll think these kidnapping douchebags managed to snatch five of us at the same damn time."

Hearing Sam; Amelia shook her head giggling "You're such a bad influence on the teeny-love-birds, Sammy." she teased him with a smile as she nudged him playfully. She then looked at Sam "Why tell...when we can have fun and break rules?" she smiled cheekily. It seemed like she too was a bit mischievous.

"I wasn't really going to tell anyone," Jay commented rather bluntly. Truth was that Jay originally was just going to take off without notifying anyone.

Sam laughed at Amelia's comment, pushing a hand through his black hair, as was a habit of his.
"Yeah... I've totally corrupted their poor, innocent souls. Shame on me." He replied with a chuckle.. although it dried up at the comments of both Jay and Amelia. Sighing theatrically, Sammy rolled his eyes.

Clarissa rose a slight eyebrow at Sam "Who said I was innocent?" she scoffed and smirked playfully. She was up for a good time.

"Aw, jeez. I hate to be the grown up - no, seriously, I hate it - but it won't hurt to mention to a teacher that we're taking off somewhere for the weekend. It just saves our close friends and family worrying about the safety of our lives while we're off fuckin' around and getting drunk." He said with a shrug of his shoulders - but he then widened his eyes in realization of a vital question to be asked.

"Ah! Jay - important question: Do you have a hot-tub or a lake or something at this cabin? Because while I am all for skinny dipping, I feel most of the party would be more comfortable with my junk covered up by swimming shorts. He said, then paused. "Said people probably does not include Skye. Heh heh."

Clarissa made a face as he brought in her brother "Eww...Sammy! Gross.." she shivered at the mental picture, gagging. "I don't need to know about you...and my brother seeing your Junk." she pretended to look horrified. Taking out her phone, Clarissa started to text her brother;



"Well, there is a rather large lake near the cabin, if that counts.." Jay said in response to Sammy's question.

"Why, yes. yes it does." Sammy replied with a self-satisfied smile, glad to see he'd grossed out Clarissa.

Wandering around Campus, Skye felt his phone bleep with a text message. Seeing his sister saying something about a trip caused him to grin like an idiot. He practically sprinted over to the parking lot yelling "What trip? Where are we going? Tell me...tell me, tell me!" he didn't even get close enough to Clarissa yet and already he was bugging her with that over-excitedness.

Noticing Jay, he smirked at him before giving him a cheeky grin "Hey there, cutie-pie. he winked at him before he noticed Sammy."Ahh...hot stuff! Good to see you Bro!" he grinned as he bumped chests with Sam in their usual, hulk like greeting.

"How's it going, my small Venusian friend?" Sam asked Skye, silently laughing on the inside at his nickname for Jay. This poor guy wasn't getting any luck today, it seemed.

Jay nervously waved as Skye called him that ridiculous nickname. "Glad you could make it.." Jay hesitantly said, almost sounding like he wasn't that excited to see Skye.

He was already regretting his decision to invite him, but what other choice did he have? He wanted Clarissa to come and Skye tagging along was the only way she would.

Skye looked at Jay and he smirked slightly "Wouldn't miss it...thanks for the invite."

Amelia burst into laughter at Skye's rather exciting yet irritating entrance. "You sure this is Skye?" she teased, pretending he was someone else.
Clarissa rolled her eyes into the back of her head "Oh dear lord... she muttered to herself shaking her head at Skye. Sometimes being his sister was rather embarrassing-just like this moment right now.
Hearing Amelia, Skye pouted slightly "Oi!" he huffed at her.

"Yup, that's Skye alright. I don't think a shape-shifter could capture both his annoying nature and perfectly-rounded ass so... well, perfectly." Sam said to Amelia, with a mischevious grin directed at Skye. "Anyways, now that we're all here, shall we pack our bags and meet me back at my car? Might as well save petrol and take just the one car - I can easily fit us all in." He suggested.

Skye smirked as he heard Sam's words about his ass. The Son of Aphrodite glanced backwards at his own behind with a satisfied smirk. His ass was too good, to be copied by a shape-shifter.
Clarissa and Amelia just made a slight face at Skye checking out his own ass. Rolling their eyes. God why did Skye have to be such an idiot sometimes?

Looking at Sam, Amelia nodded lightly at his suggestion "I think, that would be a good idea. If we want to get going any time soon." she said with a soft smile.

After Skye had shown up, there was a brief conversation about how Skye’s personality as well as his “perfectly-rounded” ass was something that would be rather difficult for a shape-shifter to copy, even if said shape-shifter was the best of any other like it. Jay just couldn’t help but notice the annoyance and nigh-anger that Clarissa expressed on her face. Obviously hearing - and seeing - Sam and Skye exchange comments filled her with such annoyance that Jay noticed that she was probably about to whack him or something.

As Sam suggested that they use his car, Jay couldn’t help but feel a bit angry and disappointed that they wouldn’t be taking his car, it was, after all, his idea. This caused a narrow-eyed glare from Jay to Sam. However, Jay did have to admit that five people, PLUS their bags wouldn’t be able to fit into his little green sedan. A muscle car was definitely more ideal for that amount of people plus the bags.

“Fine, then let’s meet back in an hour.” Jay said as he waved by to Sam, Amelia, and Skye and hugged Clarissa as he would head to his apartment.

---

Eventually, after five or so minutes of walking across the large parking lot, Jay had made it to his apartment. He had about fifty minutes to get ready. Even though they were only going to be gone for a night, two maximum, Jay probably had to pack a good amount of clothes. He had to at least pack two changes of clothes, a pair of swimming shorts/trunks, his shampoo and other cleaning products, and that was probably it.

Okay, now time to shower. Jay thought, walking over to his bathroom.

The next ten, fifteen minutes would be spent cleaning himself, bathing his body with the fragrance of his shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Eventually, Jay found himself done and he stepped out soaked in water as it dripped down his bare-naked body. To prevent any excess water from getting on his bathroom floor tiles, Jay started to dry himself off. First came his legs, which all he had to do was wrap the towel around it and rub up and down a few times. He did this for a minute and then did his sides, front, arms, and back. His hair would be last as he would dry each strand of hair until it was silky smooth, and most importantly, dry.

“Alright, now to pack,” Jay made a mental note, going over to his dresser as he left the bathroom.

As he went through his clothes, Jay decided to bring a green T-shirt and a gray, long-sleeve shirt. For the shirt that he was going to wear on the way there, Jay simply chose a white T-shirt that had sleeves stopping at the elbows. He picked out a pair of royal blue cargo shorts to wear on the ride there and back would probably be the same colored-jeans(long). For shoes, Jay simply chose gray loafers. He also packed the necessary amount of socks as well as a green pair of swimming trunks in case the group - or Jay specifically - wanted to go swimming in the lake. Lastly, Jay got his arm deodorant and his body spray. All of that was packed into a green duffle bag.

“Hm, alright, that seems to be it.” Jay said, pulling out his phone and going to Clarissa.



After he pressed send, Jay hauled the bag over his shoulder and left his apartment. Locking the door behind him, Jay began walking to the parking lot. It would only take him ten minutes to get to it; though, he didn’t necessarily know what car was Sam’s. Perhaps he should have asked beforehand.

As Jay was outside and in the parking lot area, he pulled out his phone.



Jay had pressed send as he waited outside in the entrance to the parking lot from the direction of the apartments for one of two things to happen: Clarissa getting back to him or seeing any of the others arriving in the parking lot. Either way, it wouldn’t be that much longer - or at least, Jay hoped it wouldn’t be.

---

---

As the scene unfolded; she could spot the slight annoyance in Jay's look at the mention of taking Sam's car. She just tried to ignore her brother being an idiot in the moment; presumably proud of his butt. Hugging Jay back lightly, Clarissa placed a soft kiss to his cheek as she gave him a smile "See you all, in an hour." she echoed as she waved to Amelia, and gave Sam a pat on the back.
Clarissa made her way over to her apartment, taking two stairs at a time; she was rather excited about spending time away from the academy with her friends and her boyfriend. Even though her brother was tugging along, she still hoped it would be rather fun. As the Daughter of Aphrodite got to her apartment; she unlocked the door allowing herself in before she closed the door once again. The key in the lock.

Walking over to her closet; Clarissa took out a blue-striped duffle bag setting it on the bed open. She then began to look through her clothes packing a summer dress, a pair of jeans, a tank-tee-shirt, her orange bikini, pair of flip-flops, two pairs of socks and underwear. Some light night-clothes and a jumper in case it got bit colder in the night time. Walking into the bathroom for a moment; Clarissa took her perfume, hairbrush, shower gel and shampoo with build in conditioner, as well as her blue towel. Once she had packed everything she needed; she zipped up her bag. Feeling her phone buzz she smiled as she saw a text from Jay.

Hitting send, Clarissa set her bag over her shoulder putting her phone into her handbag. After she excited her apartment locking it up; she set the key in her hand bag and started to make her way down the stairs. Feeling in a rather good and happy mood; she was humming to herself. She was almost out of the apartment building when her phone buzzed again; stopping to look at her phone she smiled at the second message from Jay. Shaking her head smiling; she walked out of the building seeing him in the parking lot.

"Hey, you." she smiled gently as she kissed his cheek, giving him a hug. Clarissa then took a few seconds to point Sam's black and large car which was about 150 feet away from where they were standing. Glancing around, she knew that the others would be there soon.

---

---

Amelia just rolled her eyes at Skye; ignoring the banter between him and Sam. She was used to Sam's comments by now, it didn't really bother her. Skye just seemed to amuse her. As she heard the plan on when they'd be meeting she nodded "Sounds good to me. I'll be here in an hour." she said softly. Waving bye to Clarissa, Skye and Jay. Amelia then ruffled Sam's dark locks playfully hugging him before they all went their separate directions to their apartments.

Once Amelia got to her cozy and warm apartment; she grabbed her white bag leaving it open. Looking through her clothes; she packed a pair of skinny jeans, two tank tops, a jumper, her white and black bikini, a pair of night clothes, two sets of socks and underwear. Amelia also packed in her purple towel, sunscreen, shower-gel, hairbrush and shampoo. She took time to double check she had everything she would need before she closed up her bag. Amelia took out her phone from her pocket, her bag slung over her other shoulder as she flipped through her phone landing on Sam's name.

Amelia then flipped through her contacts once again and sent a text to Clarissa.

After Amelia sent both texts she set her phone back into her pocket, walking out of her apartment she locked it. Soon making her way out of the building to meet up with her friends so they could get the show on the road, as they say.

Meanwhile at the Parking Lot; Clarissa felt her phone buzz and she saw a message from Amelia, she smiled softly. "Amelia's on her way...that just leaves Sam and my idiot of a brother." she spoke, with a slight cheeky smile at the talk of Skye. It wasn't long before Clarissa saw the blonde hair as the Daughter of Dionysus joined the couple. She smiled, as the girls greeted each other with a hug. Amelia wrapped her arm around Clarissa's shoulder.

"Hey guys. You excited to go?" she smiled at them with a bright smile. But soon enough she saw Skye making their way towards them all. Amelia rose a slight eyebrow as she saw how Skye's bag was packed...it seemed way to full, so full that the zipper didn't close properly. Sharing a look with Clarissa. Clarissa narrowed her eyes at her brother; shaking her head.

"What?!" Skye asked with a pout, seeing how Amelia and Clarissa looked at him and his bag. His blue eyes staring at them innocently.

"How much did you pack Skye?" Amelia questioned, raising a slight eyebrow. That's when Clarissa's brother started to list all of the clothes and hair products, cleaning products he was bringing. It seemed like he was packed for a month...not two days. Amelia looked rather amused "Oh dear good God." she spoke in a slight teasing tone. Before she glanced over at Clarissa, wondering what she had to say about it.

Clarissa just rolled her eyes into the back of her head; Skye was such a Diva sometimes. He was worse than any girl when it came to packing. She just simple shook her hands, putting her hands in the air "No comment...absolutely no comment." she breathed out. Amelia couldn't help but laugh lightly, giving her a hug trying to ease Clarissa's nerves when it came to her brother Skye.

---

---

"Aw, Jesus Skye. I hope that's all booze and porn mags or something. If there's more than one bottle of hairspray in that body bag of yours, I may just have to tie you to the roof of the damn car to make room." Sammy alerted the others to his presence with an immediate complaint about Skye's suitcase. Jeez, he knew the kid was bad for overpacking, but this was taking it to a whole new level.
"Anyhoo, sorry I'm late, Ladies and Gentlemen. Had some very important business to attend to." He said with a grin, shaking one of his two bags gently, throwing forth the clinking together of glass bottles. Oh yeah. Did he know how to supply a party.

As soon as he'd reached his apartment, he hadn't taken long in showering and throwing some stuff into a duffel bag. Spare black jeans, some t-shirts of various neutral colours, a navy blue sweatshirt in case it got particularly cold, swimming gear, toiletries, and his pyjama bottoms. They were black with little bears in biker gear on them.
And yes, they were GODDAMN COOL.
Either way, the girls would get a laugh out of them. And they hugged his butt nicely. Happiness all round.

Second port of call was dropping his sister a phone call. Because of the whole blindness thing, he couldn't compose a perfectly set out text for her. However, at least with talking he got some emotion into his message - it was amazing how the blandness of texts messages could lead you to ruin by misconceived notions. As Ever didn't pick up, he just left her a voicemail, not wanting to particularly trouble her. No doubt she heard about Seraphina's disappearance by now.

"Ev... hey, it's Sammy. Not sure if you've heard or not, but Seraphina went missing today. Amelia was pretty freaked out about it - shit, I am too. Anyhow, we're heading up to this fancy-ass cabin Jay has with him and the Love twins for the weekend. I didn't want you thinking I'd been taken or... y'know, that I'd taken off again. So... call me if you need anything. And maybe spend the night with a friend. That big-ass Athena boy of yours should keep you company tonight - just tell him to keep his mitts off if he wants to keep them." Pausing for a moment, he ran a hand through his hair, wondering what else to say. "Stay safe, okay? Love you Ev."

With that out of the way and him all stocked up for the weekend, Sammy threw on his leather jacket, locked up his apartment, and made his way to the staff living areas.
Thankfully, the first teacher to come to the door when he knocked on it was the Power Use and Control teacher, Professor Neelson - or Miguel, as he preferred. Sammy had always gotten on well with the guy, despite not knowing too much about him... like what species he was or whatever.

"Samael. You leavin' again?" The older man asked, forehead creasing slightly in... shit, either concern or disappointment. Probably the latter.

"Nope. Well... technically, yes. I'm just telling you about it first. Me and a couple of others are heading up to a cabin somewhere for the weekend. Didn't want you thinking these assholes had somehow got the drop on me and I'd been whisked off to tortureland - impossible as that sounds." Sammy countered with a cocky grin, which Miguel returned.

"Well, those bottles I hear clinkin' away in your bag had better be filled with soda - especially if you're running off with minors." He said with a shake of his head. After giving the details of who was going - and the promise of not dying and/or doing anything stupid - Sammy had made his way to the parking lot - hence the lateness.

"Alrighty then, let's throw these puppies in the boot - hopefully yours will fit," Sammy said, opening up the trunk of his car and darting Skye a glare. "And lets get this show on the road! Sit wherever, just know that this is my car and my stereo. If y'all don't like the music, y'all can stay where you are." He said with a grin, turning back to the others. Thankfully, the trunk was pretty big. Out of all the muscle cars in the world, the 1967 Chevy Impala was, and always would be, in his opinion, the best one ever.

---

---

When Clarissa pointed out Sam's car, Jay shook his head as if he was expecting anything less.

"Of course he would have that car." Jay commented, walking with Clarissa over to the Impala.

As they were, Jay couldn't help but get flashbacks to that cult following show. Yeah, the one about the two brothers who were hunters of the supernatural. He remembered one of them had a similar make of that car that Jay wondered that if Sam was obsessed with that show as most are or if it was just some kind of weird coincidence. It surely seemed more than the latter. For Sam, to be named after one of the brothers and have a car that the other brother had, was oddly coincidental.

Ah whatever. Not like it matters anyways. Jay thought, shrugging off that thought about Sam's car and his name and all of it being coincidental.

When they reached the car, Jay noticed that he and Clarissa were the only ones who had arrived. Perhaps that was a good thing. Jay usually liked being early, but he hated that awkward wait. He wanted to leave as soon as he could, but he couldn't due to the fact that the owner of the car that they were taking hadn't even arrived yet. However, as fate would have it, someone else arrived - well, not just one person, but two people.

"Amelia, he--" Jay's sentence was cut off midway as he saw Skye. It wasn't because he saw Skye specifically, but rather what was in his hand. It was a suitcase. There was nothing really extraordinary about that. Well, aside from the fact that it seemed that he packed nearly all of his belongings. The two ladies definitely had a reaction that seemed fitting - and Jay had the same one. "Um, Skye, don't you think that's a little much? We're only going away for the weekend." Jay commented awkwardly, gauging out Skye's face to see what logical explanation could be given for such a large suitcase. "I mean, you sure that it'll even fit." Jay thoguht aloud, directing it towards Skye.

When Jay began to worry that the awkwardness and the case of Skye and his Suitcase would last, Sam showed up just in the nick of time. And he didn't waste any time as he commanded everyone to stuff their dufflebags into the trunk. Surprisingly, it all fit. Jay was amazed at how much space the trunk of the Impala had. Truly, America hit its stride when it made that make. Jay pouted slightly when he thought about his little, tiny, green Sedan.

Maybe I should trade up some Jay thought as he caught the glimpse of Clarissa's face when she was looking at the Impala. Perhaps it was due to the excitement of the trip or the car itself, but odds are the former was the case and not the latter.

Whichever the case, they all got into the Impala. As Jay had predicted, Amelia would ride shotgun due to the closeness that she and Sam seemed to have; though Jay wasn't exactly sure how close that was. With that being the case, that left Skye, Clarissa, and Jay in the backseat. Jay somehow got the feeling that Skye would want to inject himself between Clarissa and Jay, seeing as how he still had it in his mind that Clarissa would share Jay. That thought made Jay shiver in fright, but he shrugged at the seating arrangements. It was whatever to him.

When they all got in, all that they had to look forward to for the next two and a half hours was the sweet bliss and peaceful serenity of the open road.

---

---

Clarissa noticed the look on Jay's face when she pointed out the Impala. She wasn't sure if Jay was jealous about Sam's car...or if he was simply trying to figure out why her friend had that car. It wasn't long before Sam joined the crowd, he too commenting on Skye and his horrific packing abilities. "Sorry, Sammy. I am pretty sure, my brother doesn't know the meaning of those two words." Clarissa smirked over at her brother Skye, giving him a slight annoyed look. "I am pretty sure, he packed his entire closet and bathroom. We're just lucky, he hasn't tried to pack his kitchen, living room and bed." Her voice filled with heavy sarcasm, another annoyed look aimed towards her oh-so-dear-and-stupid-brother Skye.

Hearing the comments; Skye glanced at everyone a bit confused. He pouted as he heard Jay, shooting him a slight glare. "Why is everyone, jealous of my packing skills?" he whined, as he glanced at Sam before he looked over at Jay. "It'll fit!" he grumbled, sounding bit more determined than the rest of them, who thought it wouldn't.

"You call...that....packing skills? You can't even close the darn thing." Amelia commented, with a shake of her head and she then sighed in defeat. "If you say so...you better hope, it fits. Or'll I'll stuff you in the back of the car for the entire ride. Amelia warned Skye with an irritated look. It was rather easy for Skye to get on everyone's nerves. Amelia was no exception.
Skye faked a glare towards Amelia and stuck out his tongue at her. Which earned him a slap on the back of the head from Clarissa. It wasn't long before the 5 of them, set their bags in the back of the Impala; to everyone's surprise and relief, Skye's over-packed suitcase fitted perfectly along with their bags. Whilst Amelia sat in the front, Clarissa looked at the car for a few moments with a soft smile on her lips. Sammy's car had many fond memories for both Amelia and Clarissa, over the years before Sam left the Academy. They both lose count, how many times they sat in the car...and went on a little trip, even to town to get some pizza or nando's etc.

After a 5 minute debate between Clarissa and her brother Skye; she managed to sit between him and Jay in the back of the Impala. Something told her, that Jay was scared of the fact that Skye might sit next to him and Clarissa wasn't going to risk that type of Drama. Skye seemed to be sulking, as he was pouting with his arms crossed over his chest due to his sister sitting next to him; in aid of keeping him away from Jay.

Amelia was sitting in the front as she kept a slight eye on the three in the back-especially Clarissa and Skye. Who knew what would happen if Clarissa tried to keep Skye away from Jay. Somehow, she had a feeling that scenario could go a lot of ways...not that she cared to start listing any. She just hoped, that Skye could be mature enough to handle the 2 and half hour ride, without acting like a monkey. One could only hope for that. Sometimes, she wasn't even sure how Clarissa could with-stand being related to Skye. If she was in Clarissa's place, Skye would have driven her up the wall by now. Although, she knew that Skye was not always so bad. He had his moments, when he was capable of being a semi-good-brother towards Clarissa and a good friend. But most of the time, he drove everyone in this car nuts.

---

Skye was feeling a bit irritated by the ride and having to sit next to his sister, instead of Jay. "Why can't you just share?" Skye whined looking at Clarissa.

Hearing her brother; Clarissa closed her eyes clenching her jaw slightly. Dear God...she hoped she wouldn't have to knock him out if he kept at this. "I already told you! Jay is not some kind of a toy! He's not for sharing...it's not how it works, Skye! If you're lonely, ask someone out yourself!" The two broke out into a full blown argument over Jay, the relationship and What Skye wanted.

Hearing Skye and Clarissa in the back; Amelia let out a slight groan as she muttered to herself "Oh Dear God...Please No!" she was pretty sure, most of them including Jay and Clarissa herself did not want to hear this conversation, let alone part-take in it. Right now, she felt sorry for the two love-birds in the back having to deal with Skye and his ridiculous proposal of sharing Skye.

Hearing his sister; Skye glared slightly but it wasn't long before he tried to climb over her. Doing his best to force Clarissa into his side of the car. The Daughter of Aphrodite let out a grunt, as Skye tried to climb over her trying to make them switch seats. Using all of her strength, she tried to wrestle Skye to keep her place in the middle of them. She was straining slightly with a groan of pain as Skye was bit stronger.
Amelia looked over her shoulder and she reached across to the back off the car...yanking Skye back with force as she gripped onto his shirt with an annoyed hiss. "Calm down Skye! Now! God...you're supposed to be more Mature than this. Act like your age...and not like a monkey!" she told him with a frown. Keeping an eye on him, seeing him move an inch she pointed back to his corner "Don't even think about it...or you'll end up in the car trunk." she warned him. It seemed like the threat had worked, as Skye slumped in his corner, pouting in protest.

Amelia glanced over at Jay and Clarissa with a worried look. "Are you both okay?" she asked softly, giving Jay a sympathetic smile. It probably wasn't easy for him as it was.

---

---

To begin with, the car journey was a peaceful one. Decent tunes, some conversations, and plenty of laughter. It reminded him of a few years ago when he’d go on road trips with Amelia and Clarissa, sometimes even Skye and Seraphina joining them despite Seraphina not particularly enjoying the company of the Aphrodite kids. Those had been good times – most of the time they’d just head to the nearby town for a night out, a meal, or just to blow off some steam. When they chose to go further out, Salt Lake City and the nearby Lakes were always a favourite destination. Whenever they had a week off, they’d take turns in driving to head to the sunny coast of California. Good days... good days indeed.
However, these were the days before Clarissa’s new steady boyfriend, and of course, Skye had to ruin the mood by getting all jealous.

As the ruckus in the backseat grew louder and louder, Sam felt his grip on the steering wheel becoming tighter as the struggle in the back continued. Even when Amelia defused the situation – somewhat – turning slightly in the car to look in the backseat, he switched on his irritated face; giving a forced smile of obvious suppressed anger at Skye.

“Skye...sweetcheeks...my little cherub... there are enough flammable items in that oversized handbag of yours in the trunk, that if I were to set fire to it in your apartment back home, the subsequent explosion would quite easily wipe out every over-priced hair product you own – along with every other possession you have.” He said in a cool tone, still smiling that sinister grin. “So shut the hell up. Also, if yours and Clarissa’s little wrestling match ripped my seats, I’ll attach a chain to your ankles and drag you the rest of the way." Turning back around in his seat, he gave himself a rather self-satisfied smile. Judging by the look on Skye’s face, he’d done enough to scare the kid.

Ooh, he could be scary when he wanted to be.

”Allllrighty then... Jay-Jay, how much further is this cabin of yours? As my patience wears down, my need for alcohol and lake-parties goes up.” He said with a grin, looking at Jay in the rearview mirror.

---

---

Back and forth they went and Jay was trying his best not to feel awkward and uncomfortable(failing miserably by the way).

Each time Skye would make some kind of comment about wanting to share him with Clarissa, Jay tried not to look at him. Each time Jay did, Skye would give him a weird look. It wasn’t a kind of look that Jay particularly liked. It was that kind of look that the a rather creepy person gives to some celebrity that they are stalking. It was that kind of look that a predator gave its prey before it pounce. Quite simply? It was the kind of look that gave Jay the thought of just bailing out of the car, but he couldn’t because he valued his life and he didn’t necessarily want to leave Clarissa in the nearly-unbearable company of Skye.

Just remember that he’s just one person. Jay thought to himself, trying to reassure himself that Skye wouldn’t be a problem, but he’d be damned if he didn’t see Skye as a potential problem.

Sweating bullets, Jay heard Amelia try to calm down things between Skye and Clarissa. For whatever reason, it seemed to work for all of two seconds.

That was when Skye started it up again.

Jay stayed silent, not saying anything. He did give a nod to Amelia to make sure that she knew that he was alright with the situation. However, that smile went away just as Sam had intervened - and boy did he shut up Skye dead in his tracks. Jay couldn’t help but chuckle just slightly as Sam, very scarily might one add, told Skye that, if he didn’t shut up, he wouldn’t hesitate to blow him up with all of his hair products.

When Sam finished, he would address Jay by that godawful nickname, Jay-Jay, and asked him about the cabin, citing the need for booze.

Jay sighed and laughed.

Looking out his window, head out the window halfway, and his hair flying in his face, Jay tried to gauge how far exactly it was. To his surprise, they had actually been making better time than he originally thought. What he had it in his mind as only an hour passing, it seemed like half of that plus another one had passed.

“It’s really close.” Jay said rather excitingly, “if you look off to the distance, you can see it” Jay said, pointing to the medium-sized square cabin-like house.

As the car would come closer to it, the little square of a cabin would become increasingly larger and the notion of it being a cabin would fade quickly. In his sight, Jay saw it. Though it was a bit off in view since they were still a few hundred yards away, Jay saw the cabin - well, calling it a cabin was a bit of a stretch. In truth, Demeter’s Cabin was actually a rather large, spacious house that was isolated from all of society. It had its own separate dock, a little farm with cows and the like, several motorboats, and all the while being surrounded by beautiful, green trees, a mountain that had golden and green grass, and even the lake was green. That wasn’t a sign of it being polluted, but rather the lake has the essence of Demeter in it. As such, the lake has an unnatural, forest green color to it.

When they would arrive, the two gals and two gals would no doubt be surprised at the monstrous size of Jay’s cabin. “Well, here we are.” Jay modestly said, trying not to boast at all about his own little paradise.

---

---

As the situation progressed; Clarissa saw Amelia and Sammy trying to step in. A smirk formed on her lips as she heard Sammy's threat's towards Skye. The thought of Skye's hair-products blowing up, or Sammy signing Skye's hair with slight fire, made her happy. Maybe that might teach Skye to back off, in the future and not bother everyone with his idiocy. One could only hope. Either that, or she'd have to get revenge on her darling brother herself. Hearing Sam complaining about his car seats-Clarissa flashed him a reassuring smile. "Your precious, leather seats are fine Sammy. Although, you do have my permission to set Skye and his horde of hair-products on fire, or drag him for the rest of the way with chains." she said with a smirk. It was clear that Skye had gotten on her bad side-and she wasn't in the mood to place nicey-nice with her twin brother, or defend him.

Sinking in his seat; Skye swallowed feeling uneasy and he looked even more shocked at Clarissa's response-looking at his sister. He nudged her, poking her arm slightly. "You heard, what he just said...right?" he breathed out, thinking she heard Sam wrong.

"Oh! I heard him bright and clear!" Clarissa smirked at her brother, giving him an annoyed look with her jaw clenching. Her nostrils were still slightly flaring towards Skye. "If you don't shut up. I swear to God, I'll ask Sam to burn you and your junk...or better yet. You better watch out in your sleep...or that platinum hair of yours...will no longer be so luscious and blonde!" she hissed out. With her threat in the open, Clarissa simply leaned against Jay slightly calming down in his presence as she could soon see the Cabin in the distance. It looked more like a house...it could easily house more than 5 people. The scenery was rather calm and serene. She could almost feel the magic working it's tricks on her, calming down her wrath and temper towards her irritating twin brother.

Hearing Clarissa's threats, Skye let out a yelp holding his hands over his hair ducking out of her way. "You're not touching my gorg...hair." he whined, like a little fool. Which caused Clarissa to smirk, looking satisfied with her threats. Once they reached the Cabin, Clarissa just stared at it in awe for a few moments; it looked so much larger. "Wow...you sure, it's a Cabin? It looks massive." She smiled at Jay, the change of scenery made her somewhat calmer and the place was truly beautiful and calming. The fresh air and the nature around them, was doing her some good. Hopefully it would last for a while.

---

---

---

Glancing at Sam, she could see that his knuckles were turning a bit white in anger as he threatened Skye. Reaching out gently, her hand touched Sam's on the steering wheel and she gave his hand a gentle squeeze as she gave him a soft smile. As if she was helping him calm down.

Amelia just laughed a bit at Skye and his cowarding behind Sam's seat. "Oh, I wouldn't be so sure about that Skye. I am sure...Clarissa could get her hands on you...if she wanted to. And she just might." she smirked at him. She could tell and see that Skye had hit a nerve...or several and that Clarissa was not kidding...when she was this angered. Seeing Jay nodding at her; Amelia gave him a sympathetic smile and she nodded softly.
In the back seat; Skye just let out a slight whimper at the threats...before sulking with a pout. His arms crossed over his chest. He was giving everyone the evil eyes when they glanced at him, or seen him in the rear-view mirror.

As she heard Jay say, it was close by. Amelia squinted her eyes slightly seeing the Cabin in the background, which looked considerably larger the closer they got to it. When saw it up-close her eyes widened in surprise. It looked massive. It could have been a house, in the middle of nowhere than just a cabin. "Wow...that's impressive. Not to mention how beautiful and peaceful it looks here." Amelia breathed out smiling. She could definitely see why Jay liked coming here. It could do some wonders on the nerves, and make one escape reality and feel calm and peaceful for sure.
Once they all got out of the car-Amelia stretched out her muscles and legs breathing in the fresh air as she and Clarissa admired the green lake water. It didn't seem contaminated...just mystical and magical. It definitely was Demeter's work for sure....or resembled her in a way.

Once outside near the cabin, Skye just titled his head at the water confused, as he was standing near the dock. "What's wrong with the water?....It looks...Arhhhhhhhhhhhhh....uff" Skye pipped up, but was soon caught off as Clarissa shoved him so hard...he went flying into the lake water screaming as he landed in the green water with a big splash. Coming out to the surface-Skye coughed spitting out water. Soaked and his hair was plastered to his forehead.

Amelia couldn't help but laugh as Clarissa shoved her brother into the lake. Patting her back "Feel better, there chicka?" she asked with a smirk as she looked at Skye. "You should be careful, or someone might toss your suitcase next."

Clarissa smirked and let out a laugh as she nodded "I do...actually much better." she smirked and laughed, sticking her tongue out at her brother.

---

---

As Roze was heading towards the café, several questions were running through her mind. Had Dallas told the teachers? Or was he just keeping it among students? Shit, who could they trust or not trust? If the Headmistress was over 'On the Dark Side' who knew just how many others were?
"Ugh. This is a freakin' James Bond movie." She muttered to herself as she reached the café, heading straight towards Cori.
"Hey. Did you get this text from Dallas?" Roze asked as soon as she threw herself into the chair beside her friend, blowing a windswept curl away from her face and handing over her phone so Cori could look. The soothing aroma of the coffee shop was already calming her nerves. Although she hated the taste of coffee, the smell always ironically put her in a good mood. Maybe she'd indulge in a hot chocolate or something before swimming.

Cori smiled at Roze's response. oh dear.
She opened the café door with one hand, while texting Roze back, with the other.
"one americano please." She told the guy behind the bar. He looked like he was probably a student here as well. Which was weird, since most of the demigods were probably taken care for financially. ...right? But her thoughts didn't linger on that very long. Because halfway the composition of her reply to Roze, she already got a new text. Reading about her friends plan for Zeke at the lake, Cori laughed out loud. The glance of the bar guy made her shut up immediately again.





All the while, Cori was blisfully unaware of the things going on on campus. Bar-guy just got her her coffee when Roze rushed in to change that.
"Heyhey waterwitch, you seem in a hurry to go for a swi.. "
Cori did not like to be interrupted, but Roze was one of her best friends so she had some credits.
"No, why?"
There were some questions running trough Cori's mind. Which wasn't strange, given the situation. Her friend acted stressed out. And what was worse, probably for a good reason. She decided to keep the questions for herself until she had heard that recording that Roze was playing for her. Maybe it would explain something.

And it did.
"Hell.." Cori wasn't one to curse often. Not out loud at least. But this was absurd. She took Roze's by the shoulders and shook her fiercely. "What do we do, Roze?"
She took a deep breath. "We have to do sómething. right?"

---

---

Meanwhile, Zeke had just received Cori's text about meeting up with her and Roze. He smirked; they wanted to go swimming at a time like this? He knew for sure that Roze had already gotten the text from Dallas. And while he was not really in the mood to swim, he felt somewhat obligated to go with them so he could protect them from whoever was out there. The lake was a bit away from campus and a good spot for kidnappers to... do their kidnapping thing.



He texted her back quickly and made his way to Coffee Station. He got there as fast as he could without using his super speed and soon found them. They were listening to something? After hearing Cori swear from a distance, he figured they were listening to the recording from Dallas. "Hey guys," he greeted them as he approached. "Hope I didn't make you wait too long?"

He decided not to talk about the incident with the Headmistress. There was a time and a place for that and this was not the time nor the place. Maybe when they reach the lake and are in a more private area of the campus. If the Headmistress was out to get them, who knows who else will be part of the "other side".

"Jesus H Christ girl, calm your magnet hands!" Roze yelped as Cori shook her in a panic. "And we don't do shit all! Not until we've had a chance to talk with the others. She added in a somewhat calmer voice, removing Cori's hands from her shoulders, and turning to look at Zeke as he sat with them.

"Hey Hercules - you're all good. I just got here." She said with a chipper smile - odd, considering the situation they now found themselves in. "We're just having a good ol' chat about the itch-bay eadmistress-hay we all of a sudden have to deal with. She added in a somewhat sour tone.

Cori let go of her friend. "You're right Roze. Sorry."
She calmed down and retreated into her thoughts for a moment when Roze and Zeke started their conversation. She didn't like the fact that she seemed to be the only one to lose her cool. And the fact that apparently everybody already knew about this before her. Why did she still feel like she was so new to this world of gods and demigods? She sighed. "Hey Z, good to see you." She gave him a soft smile. It seemed like her cursing hadn't gone unnoticed. Bar-guy was glancing with a weird look on his face. Maybe that was his thing, but nevertheless it made Cori feel uneasy right now.
"Maybe it's a good idea to move on right away." She said while trying to subtly signal with her eyes that people where listening around them. She cleared her throat. "I reeeally want to go swimming." She raised her eyebrows somewhat. Hopefully the others got that she actually meant she'd rather talked to them alone and somewhere else.

Zeke held back something between a chuckle and a groan. Cori's acting was horrible as usual, but no one in the cafe seemed to bat an eye. "Alright, alright. Let's go!" he said, playing along.

The trio left the cafe and made their way to the lake. However, upon arriving, Zeke realized that he did not bring his swim trunks. He knew] there was something that he had forgotten. He rubbed the back of his head, slightly embarrassed. "So, are we really going swimming or are we going to talk about what's going on here. Because I kind of left my swim trunks at home but I can get them really quick if we are swimming," he said, once he knew that there was no one around to eavesdrop on them.

Roze couldn't help but grin at Cori's more-than-obvious way of telling them to get away from the creepy bar guy (Cori's text had a good point; was this guy a Demi-God? Confused mortal? Weird-ass creature? God of Coffee doing overtime? Who knew...)
Upon reaching the lake, Roze groaned dramatically and nudged Zeke in the ribs.
"Damn Z, do you have storm clouds between those ears of yours?" She asked with a grin, rolling her eyes as she dumped her bag on the floor. Inside were her usual things - fantasy novel, earphones, snacks - and yet no towels. One fine attribute of controlling water was that you could tell it to get the heck off of you. Not her preferred way of drying, but it sure was quick.

"And yes, we are swimming. Cori needs to get one last swim in before that delicate butt of hers can't stand anymore cold." She said firmly, beginning to pull off her clothes to reveal a blue swimsuit beneath. "Don't be running back to your dorm though - we do have some important shit to be talking about. Just jump in in your boxers - or jeans, if that makes you more comfortable - and I'll tell the water to keep away from your down-under area. She added with a quick chuckle, before slipping into the cool water of the lake.

Cori was well prepared as well and was in her black bikini within 20 seconds after arriving at the lake. At the wave of her hand, her bracelet and earings unfastened from her ears and wrist, to gently float to a place on top of her clothes. She pretended to not hear the conversation about Zeke's down under area.
She dived into the lake. When she reappeared from under the surface, she saw Zeke still on the side. "Come on Z, don't leave us hanging here." She laughed her clear laugh.
"Hey mermaid, do that trick again you did last time!"

Now it was as if she hadn't just heard that their headmaster had been killed and that there was a conspiracy against all demigods and that their lives were in danger. It was just three friends having fun at the lake, as if everything was normal. As if live was great. And maybe it was. For now. A little window in time without worries. It would all soon change though.

Zeke might of blush if he wasn't so crude himself. "It would only have taken a few seconds, literally, but as you wish," he shrugged. He casually took off his shirt and pulled off his pants, stripping to his boxers. He jumped into the water, hoping to splash the girls.

The water felt nice against his skin and though he was not as good with water as Rozie over there, he still enjoyed swimming. He began to swim laps around the lake; might as well get some work out in, right? It was a good stress reliever after everything that has been happening. He almost forgot that he had arrived with Roze and Cori.

Although severly tempted to let Zeke's panties get absolutely drowned, Roze kept her word and created a little bubble around his butt-area.

"You got it, Magneto." Roze said with a laugh at Cori's request, and then indeed did her 'trick'. It was a little something she'd begun practicing when she stayed in California. With a secluded beach and the occasional merperson popping up to give her tips, Roze had developed her hydrokinesis pretty well. Her first attempt was to try and imitate Squirtle's Water Cannon, but it didn't particularly work too well. It was more of a water sploosh than a cannon. However, she had developed some other things.

Concentrating on the water beneath her, she began building up the pressure below her legs until she was rising up slowly on a thick pillar of water, the water coming up, spilling voer the top to create a waterfall effect, all with her sat atop with a somewhat smug grin.
"Haha! Guess I put the 'High' in Hydro! Eyyyyyyyy." Roze fell about laughing - for all she demanded to be seen as an adult and not the 14-year-old girl she looked like, she had such an immature sense of humour. Especially when it came to puns. As she looked out and saw how far Zeke had gone, she cupped her hands around her mouth to yell at him.

"Hey Zeke! Don't be going too far dude - there could be piranhas in here or something!"

Cori applauded Roze's rise on her water pillar like the majestic demigod that she was. The illusion was broken when she opened her mouth. "oh dear" Cori chuckled.

---

---

Sammy let a low whistle of admiration as the cabin - well... ski lodge minus the snow was more of an apt description - came into view.
"Damn. Jay, you've been holding out on us man! If this is a cabin, I can't wait to see what you call a bed." He said with a chuckle, glancing back to give Jay a grin. This was one hell of a place to detox from their current situation. Even despite the isolation, it just looked so damn safe. He didn't think he'd have to worry about kidnappings here. Or anything, really. It was like Demeter herself had put a soothing, motherly, protective charm over the place.

Or maybe it was just his Mommy issues surfacing.

Either way, it was awesomely cool. Definitely a place fit for the children of Gods.
Upon pulling up the drive in his car, Sammy inhaled deeply as he stepped out. Ah. Fresh air, pine needles, and the outdoors. Nice. During his two year stint on the road, he'd unfortunately not gotten to bask in nature like this. Asphalt and cities do have a certain charm, but they were nothing on Mother Nature. Also, they didn't had rad lakes like this - all the better for pushing annoying kids into.

Sam doubled over laughing as Clarissa barrelled into Skye, who then went flying into the "funny-looking, green" water.

"Hahahah... ah.. easy there Tiger. You're still living in the same house as him for a weekend." He said through his chuckles to Clarissa, squeezing her against him in a one-armed hug before going over the edge of the lake and holding an arm out to a spluttering Skye - who wasted no time in clinging onto it for dear life as he was dragged away from the water.

"Clarissa, you are FREAKING DEAD ME-"

"Skye, calm down." Sammy butted in and cut the younger boy off. "You know you'd do the same thing were the roles were reversed. If it's any consolation, you'd easily win any wet t-shirt competition now." Sam said with a smirk at Skye, who darted him a glare, and then a roll of the eyes, and then a teeny smug smirk, at the acknowledgement that Sammy was, in fact, correct.

"Fine. But there will be revenge, dear sister." He said with a dark look at Clarissa, and he then retrieved his overweight bag before looking back at the group, with a flip of his wet hair. Jeez, even humiliated and soggy, the guy looked like a supermodel. Damn Aphrodite kids.
“Oh... and I now get first dibs on the bath. Have fun not getting a wash for three hours guys.” Skye added with a grin, then struggling with his over-sized bag into the cabin.
Sammy shook his head in amusement as he looked at the remaining three of them.
“So... now that the child is having his bath-time, how about we crack open some drinks and get this party goin’, huh?” He said with a grin, holding his hands out in appeal.

---

---

---

---

---

Roze was still chuckling away to herself as she sank back down to the regular water level. Swimming closer to Cori, the pair watched Zeke as he made his way to the furthest point of lake, and began making his way back to them.
“So... now that Wonder Boy is out of earshot... you plannin’ on doing anything with him? Because an “emergency” can always occur for me to leave in a hurry. Like I left cookies in the oven. Or... I forgot to feed my imaginary pet snake. Or that Supernatural is on and I’m missing it.” Roze shrugged with a grin at her friend. “Take your pick.”

---

---

Oww, my head. Chloroform was never a pleasant thing to experience; unfortunately, Serafina had a bit of experience with it. She hadn't been kidnapped that often, but it had happened before, usually by business rivals of her father. What with the recent happenings at the Academy, she wasn't sure why she had been taken, or by who, but it couldn't be good. Kidnapping never was. This time was no different.

Keeping her eyes closed, she attempted to work out her surroundings. She was seated, hands tied to the sides of a chair, legs free. There wasn't anyone nearby that she could hear, so Serafina risked opening her eyes. Where is this...? It looks like a dungeon. Indeed, the walls were roughly-hewn stone, and a single torch was the only source of light. There was no door before her, nor to the side, so she guessed that there was a door behind her; a suspicion that was confirmed when she heard the creak of aged hinges.

"Miss Lewison. You are awake at last." The voice was masculine, accented, cultured... and familiar. "Good. I was beginning to fear that my men had been incautious in procuring you. I assure you, they would have been thoroughly punished, if that was so." A chuckle. "And that would have been a shame, eh, Miss Lewison?" The man moved just barely into her peripheral vision. "After all, such a delicate flower must be handled carefully."

"I am no flower." Serafina frowned, refusing to look at the man. "No? Perhaps songbird would fit better. Small, beautiful... and fragile." On that last word, he moved in front of her, fingers under her chin, forcing her eyes to meet his. "So very fragile. I'd hate to have to clip your wings, pretty bird."

"Moreau." The demigoddess met her captor's eyes fearlessly. "I should have known." Jonathon Moreau, her father's foremost rival, son of the infamous Damian Moreau. Completely ruthless, cunning, and untouchable; with several high-ranking police officers in his pocket, any investigations on him were shut down before they were even started. "What do you want?"

"What do I want?" Moreau grinned, menacing, like a shark. "Simple. I want your father's cooperation. And what better way to get it than through you, pretty bird?" He raised one hand, trailed his fingers lightly along her cheek. Serafina jerked away from him as though his hands were on fire.

"Your touch is poison." She said coldly. "Stay away from me." Moreau took a step back, still grinning. "Very well, Miss Lewison. I will return." He walked around her, and she heard the hinges creak again, but could not ensure that he had departed. The cell returned to silence.

Then the silence was broken by the sound of a girl trying not to cry.

---

---

In the midst of praise and astonishment of how gigantic his cabin was, Jay couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle at the sight of Skye being shoved into the water by Clarissa. The guy kept on bugging her. Not only did he do so on the car ride, but even after everyone had gotten their bags out, he kept on bugging her. So, of course. Once Skye had gotten out and declared he would be taking bath time, Jay simply shook his head and turned his attention to the others.

“Sorry if it’s too big,” Jay said, scratching his head as his eyes went away from everyone’s gaze.

Jay happened to look upon the green lake. He forgot how peaceful it was just simply gazing at it. It had been a few months since Jay was here last, but the feelings of inner-peace hadn’t left. He remembered the last time he was here, he actually had the pleasure of talking with Demeter herself. Even though it was only for a short while, Jay felt a little close to her. They bonded over food and how Jay actually turned out to be just like his father. Despite his previous - shall we say qualms - that he had about his father, they truly are alike. Added to the fact that Jay’s natural gift for food as a whole runs in his veins on both sides of his family, being a gifted cook was inevitable for Jay.

Smiling, Jay turned around and heard Sam suggest that they start getting the fun started.

“Sounds good.” Jay said, keeping on smiling. “but I think we should at least get these bags into the cabin.” Jay said to Sam, “Amelia, Clarissa, you two just relax and let us handle the heavy lifting.” There he went trying to sound macho. Jay probably had less physical strength than Skye had boundaries.

With Skye in the water; Clarissa smirked seeing him spluttering and clearly failing at getting out of the water by himself. She just giggled, giving Sam a squeeze as he hugged her. "You know, someone would have done it sooner or later." she pointed out. It just happened to be her, that showed her brother hell for annoying her so much for the last few hours. She couldn't help but pout at his comment about living with Skye for the next two days. "If you think, living with Skye for the next two days is going to be a nightmare. Then try being his sibling." she retorted-before flashing Skye a slight glare.

Skye may have been her brother...but she hated his guts. She loved and hated him. At times, he was a freaking child...but at times he was a great brother.

Amelia was just giggling at the scene-when she heard Skye yelling at Clarissa and she just shot Skye a smirk. Staying close to her friend...she rose a slight eyebrow as Sam managed to shut Skye up once again. "Hah! Clarissa might get you again, before you can even blink Skye." she giggled-wondering which of the Aphrodite Kids would win this war.

Hearing her brother-Clarissa feigned a scared expression "Oooooh! I am so scared...the big...mean Brat's going to get me!" she mocked-yelling after Skye as he walked of, hauling his heavy bag inside of the Cabin. She just rolled her eyes into the back of her head with a smirk. Skye wanted his revenge huh?...Clarissa wondered if she would even get her oh-so-not-dear-at-the-moment brother once again.

As Amelia watched, Skye leave she just laughed as he struggled with his own bag. "Who has a bath for 3 hours?" she asked with a shake of her head.

"Skye does, he spends an hour and a half with his hair and two more hours picking out his clothes. And in the shops, he spends 5 hours digging through each section...he's a nightmare." Clarissa spoke, clearly exaggerating and mocking her brother. That caused Amelia to just laugh, shaking her head at the information. She didn't know how Clarissa could put up with her brother sometimes. As Witnessed, it was not easy. If she was, in her place. She'd probably want to rip Skye's head off as well.

As Sam mentioned starting to fun and Drinks. Both of the girls' faces lit up with bright smiles of excitement and joy. "I am so in.Let's Party it up...good and cool! After all, we're all awesome!" Amelia spoke first, nodding as she leaned her arm on Sam's shoulder for a few moments smiling. Clarissa nodded along after Amelia and spoke. "I think, I could use a drink or two...if I have to survive Skye and his brattiness for the next few hours. So I am totally in." she announced, looking at Sam with a smile. Amelia let out a slight giggle at what Clarissa said before she smirked grinning cheekily. "Shall...I dare you to a drink off? Who drinks most wins..."

Clarissa smirked as she heard Amelia, before she smiled and nodded "You're so on! Loser skinny dips." Clarissa added, to make the bet a little more interesting. Amelia and Clarissa shook hands on the deal-both smirking like they were determined to win over each other. "Deal...this should be interesting." The girls seemed to agree, it was going t be one show-down. It seemed like the girls were always mischievous together....especially if they were with Sam. It had always been that way. This trip was no different.

Hearing Jay, the girls looked at each other. Amelia and Clarissa just smiled. "If you're sure. We don't mind helping you boys." they said softly. It was sweet that Jay was trying to be Macho. But Sam seemed to have a bit more muscle. But Clarissa found it sweet, he was being a gentleman. Yet the girls were more than happy to offer a helping hand.

---

---

As Jay started to remove the bags one-by-one out of the spacious trunk of Sam’s Impala, and setting them on the ground beside the car, he couldn’t help but overhear the conversation that Clarissa and Amelia were having. It seemed that they were just chatting about how outrageous that Skye was. Jay laughed lightly and as quietly as he could, but somehow it didn’t come off as quietly as he would had hoped. He found it quite impossible to believe that one guy - A GUY - could be in the bathroom for three hours. Jay took less than a tenth of that time to get ready in any morning. Then again, Jay wasn’t the son of Aphrodite. There’s also the fact that Jay wasn’t that worried about his outward appearance; the inside was what counted most.

“I can’t believe Skye would take that long,” Jay commented in a low tone, aiming it at Sam’s ears only.

As Jay and Sam continued, the next topic of Amelia and Clarissa’s discussion caused a complete stop of movement of Jay’s body. Did she just say what I think she said? Jay thought, trying to hear more clearly.

As he tried to listen closely, Jay heard some kind of bet - it was a drinking bet. This drinking bet had the stakes of the loser having to skinny dip. Hearing that, Jay unknowingly picked up a bag — one of Skye’s heavy-ass bags — and had dropped it on his foot, causing a slight grunt of pain to escape from his mouth. Something of a fluid stream of curse words came under his breath, and Jay picked up the bag and set it next to the others. And that came just in time when the ladies asked if Jay was sure that they didn’t need their help. In response, Jay gave a thumbs up and forced a smile despite how much pain his left foot was at the moment.

Tugging Sam’s shirt, he looked at the dark, brooding male. “Help me into the cabin…please.” Jay pleaded with Sam, urging him to help him at once.