There she was.

As if heralded by her longtime friend, Jonas's little sister too emerged from behind his back, forgoing the simulated deathstrokes instead for a quiet huff and an inclined head. Her carefully cultivated air of stoic professionalism was ever-present, and would have most never even second-guessing her affability, but Danaye Harada couldn't hide from him when she was at least a little upset. It seemed he'd pushed it with the headpat after all.

"Hey." he greeted, favoring the slender girl with a knowing grin as he reached for her head. "Thought you'd never show."

But she would doubtlessly live.

Instead of attacking her perfectly arranged locks of black hair, he reached further, down to the furred collar of her bomber jacket (his bomber jacket, the cheeky little thing), and pulled her into a close, tight hug that lifted her off her feet. Dana could be upset all she wanted that she didn't get the privilege of first hair-ruffle, but she knew better than to for a second believe she was being ignored or passed over. That wasn't how her brother operated.

They were two of a preciously small kind, you know? Even in the face of the oncoming social storm that was his returning best friend, his own sister in tow and merrily extending his reunion to anyone that entered his field of view, Jonas wasn't gonna just abandon his imouto. To do so would have been truly heartless, let alone a surefire death-sentence by way of a five-finger retribution strike. If you knew Dana, you knew that she made up for being half her brother's weight with the ability to hit probably twice as hard when she wanted. What a messy scrap to get into, never worth it. She embodied her father's raw aggression and capacity for violence better than he ever could.

Then again, even for him, some worthless battles stood on the virtues of fun alone. How often did he really go as far as he could, anyway?

His time back home had been controlled in excess. Every waking moment, he would choke his strength, brake his speed, limit his entire athletic profile so as to remain within the understood bounds of humanity. He suspected it a bit easier for most of his peers than himself— even those of them that were sportsmen rarely had to pass the test of others feeling your exertion. It was one thing to simply stop lifting at a certain weight or change directions a little lazily on your feet, but it was altogether different to convincingly fail to muscle your way out of a collar tie or a keylock. Very annoying.

But there was certainly no need for either child of Ares to lie about their capabilities to one another. That alone changed the game quite a bit, and while he had long established his technique-first mindset to his peers as a large college-age everyman, in Olympus was where it could shine to its fullest extent, and potentially no brighter than against his dear sister.

And all that nonsense aside, he hated not having her around. Who else could critique his clothes long enough to convince him to take her to at least an H.M. and play pack mule?

"Y'know, I shoulda guessed you were the one who'd pilfered that damn thing." he spoke again, this time through wry laughter, after setting her down. Slipping in a friendly, acknowledging "yo, viv" to his adopted brother's half-sister, he then continued to pester his own. "Thought you hated my wardrobe. What gives? You go climb a mountain back in Japan?"

Translator's Note: What have you been up to lately?

Being approached by Kelsey, Dusty couldn't help but smile. She was thankful to see a friendly face. Her opening comment made Dustyn's mouth gape, "Don't say that! Knock on wood!" she knocked on her head playfully, knowing that her precious car didn't have much time left- no matter how often Kelsey had brought it back to life. "He works good though, I have to clean him out sometime this week- I spent pretty much the entire summer living there and it shows." she shook her head slightly embarrassed to admitting her situation. She didn't want to go home to her mother quite yet, knowing that if she got stuck in the trailer park she would stay in the trailer park.

The two chatted back and forth for a minute, Dustyn shaking her head, "It's fine! I figured I would just let you know I was on the way, in case you we're nervous or something. You should have seen the guy, his head was spinning around a hundred miles per hour, and he was spewing all over this place. Might as well had a bathing suit on, cause it felt like a water park in there. Couldn't even take a video in time, before I was carried away by the chunks." she overly exaggerated laughing, her hands moving along with the story to illustrate the important parts.

"Well, I got Cicily D anyways. She might be fun. I don't know her well enough. And you're right WE need to get fucked up tonight, make these new kids realize who they are dealing with." Dusty gleamed, she knew she enjoyed Kelsey's company for a reason. The girl knew how to have a good time, and she didn't complain about it along the way. Soon another joined them, a face she didn't recall but seemed familiar in a very odd way. He excused himself, charmingly. Dustyn without hesitation retorted, "Why? Did you fart or something?" she giggled, her eyes closing slightly in her own childish amusement. She really was immaturity at it's finest. Why did they pick her for this experiment again?

"I'm just fucking with ya buddy. What's up? I'm Dustyn and this hot piece of ass is Kelsey. Who did you get paired with?" she questioned, her eyes wide in endearment and content.

---

_{Location: Parking lot to Ares Colosseum
Interactions: Probably Correctly Spelled Taylor @SpicyMeatball}

---

Great, day one of the year and Wynter was already late. Not that this wasn't to be expected, Wynter's tardiness has gotten her into a bit of trouble the past years but what the young lost to time she got back through hard work and, admittedly, a bit of sucking up to the teachers by helping them. Not that sucking up was the main motive, she liked helping alongside a reason not to mix with the stuck-ups of her year, not that all of them were so, some were quite lovely but the young woman was really one to reach out first. Nonetheless, she wanted to work on her tardiness this year and this was a foul start to it. "Should have taken a flight last night and stayed in a motel nearby, stupid, stupid," she mumbled to herself, keeping her voice low enough the cab driver in the front wouldn't decipher the mumbles. This wasn't entirely her fault, right? It's not that she knew the flight would be delayed 20mins or that waiting for a cab would take forever but, then again, her dad had. She sighed, looking down at her phone. Timing didn't matter too much today but the faculty made a big deal about actually turning up by noon, Wynter wondered why.

By the time the cab pulled up the last of waves and waves of students were wandering into the Ares colosseum. As soon as the driver gave the price Wynter practically flung the notes at him, telling him to keep the change and jumped out of the car to grab her stuff. She slung the large duffel bag over her shoulder and yanked the case from the car before running for the colosseum in an awkward fashion. She reached there panting just after the headmaster's speech had begun. Looking around her she saw people in various states from bored to eager. Wynter wasn't sure how she felt about going back yet. She didn't like the idea of leaving her father alone back in Ireland but she was looking forward to catching up with her peers here and even learning more about her power. She was too lost in her thoughts, weighing the pros and cons and trying figure out how she felt coming back that she barely took notice of the speeches out front... that was until she heard her name. Snapped out of her trance she blinked the dreamy from her eyes and noted the next person who's name was called out when to join the small crowd and front and she followed suit.

Ariana, Marcy, Dallas... her eyes first gravitated toward the 'in' crowd, great, was she being punished for something? Had her tardiness gotten the better of her before the school year actually started? But looking around she noticed people like Vivian, maybe this wasn't all bad. As soon as she got the paper she glanced at it. Apartment? And there were 2 names by each room. Wynter sighed as she realised what was happening but had no chance to find her name before a yell came from 2 a couple of people to her left. “Who the hell is Wynter? I think they misspelled your name!” It didn't take long for Wynter to identify the voice as Taylor McLaughlin's. If she thought back hard enough it was likely the 2 shared a class at some point but Wynter knew her better for her reputation as one of the editors for the school paper, better than the in crowd.

After checking for her name, Wynter treaded behind Taylor and tapped her shoulder. "That'll be me," she replies softly in her strong Irish accent."'Nd you'd be mistaken there, they spelt it right,"

_{☠ Marcella Aveline Bonaparte ☠ 20, Fifth Year
Ψ Rhea Franky Psomas Ψ 19, Fourth Year}

---

Rhea’s hair was ruffled by the much taller man, inciting a small laugh from the diminutive earth-shaker. She roller her eyes a little, but nodded along with Jonas’ story. But before much more time could go by their glorious ray of sunshine himself returned and picked Rhea up, spinning her around before dropping her back down in front of him. His eyes shifted to Marcy and her shade changed just one nigh-unnoticeable hue.

“Not much babe.” Marcy shot back, the game had already begun. His hand played around with her hair as if he could even frazzle her general appearance, but even with some loose strands falling on either side of her face she looked great. “What did you manage to get up to with all that free time?” The question was rhetorical, judging by the look in Marcy's eyes.

Rhea laughed a little, his immediate return was felt. Glancing across the way she noticed Wynter eyeing the group of them with a bit of misplaced callousness, but that was fine – she was okay with people disliking them. They were loud, could be obnoxious, and Rhea was sure it would be difficult watching people as happy as them. She hadn’t always been this happy, but since running with the group she had been with, it was all peachy keen.

“Viv, so good to see you too.” Marcy said, her eyes scanning the daughter of Apollo in a quick microsecond glance. She was about how Marcy remembered her, a little tired perhaps. But Marcy was quick to move on. She glanced over at Dana, now being rustled up by Jonas, the two struck imposing figures for completely different yet altogether similar reasons. Jonas loved fighting, it wasn’t too long ago now that Marcy and him had spent an evening together watching some UFC. It wasn’t at all what Marcy was expecting, much more technical and artful. Jonas was enthralled by every strong performance and for every weak one knew exactly what had gone wrong.

Dana on the other hand was a walking fashion icon that could kick your ass from Sunday through to next week in Louboutin heels. Marcy approached her. She made sure to walk closely past Dal, brushing past him and messing his own hair up. When she got to Dana she gave her a small squeeze on the wrist. “Hey you little spitfire,” she said, her eyes practically aglow. “How are you?” Her sincerity a bit of a departure from her regular demeanor.

Rhea nodded at Dal as Marcy fluttered over to the daughter of Ares. “That drive up was fucking killer, I really appreciate you driving me out again.” Rhea said, a cheerful dancing across her lips. She continued to look around, she saw some familiar faces. Among them, Ariana. Her mind briefly flashed back to a party from first year and foggy, drunken memory but she attempted to look away before making eye contact. Glancing back at Dal she could tell from his general demeanor and energy that his excitement from the year had just hit him or he was planning something. On the drive up Dal was as calm as ever. He had picked Rhea up as they both lived part time in the West Coast. She glanced over at him and now at Marcy who had moved to the Ares kids. She couldn't help but laugh to herself with a bit of nervous energy.

She was rooming with Marcy now. Frankly speaking, every day she entered that room there was a 10% chance Marcy and Dal would be using it. She shuddered and stuffed that thought to the back of her mind. Noting to herself to make an investment in sound-cancelling headphones.

“So, fourth verse same as the first?” Rhea asked. “Should I expect a ‘study-session’ tonight?”

Ms. Fart Joke?

Who this man think he was!? Dustyn's mouth curved into a devious smile, she liked this Avem already. He was unique in a mysterious way. He could take a jab, and deal them back just as quickly. Learning that this was Kelsey's room mate- Dustyn could not help but feel a tinge of excitement for her friend- the troubles she- THEY could get him into... Hopefully he knew what he was getting into. Hopefully he could keep up.

A friendly hip check from Kelsey meant to turn down the antics slightly as they figured the boy out, she nodded and smiled as he offered the helping hand to move in his room mates items. Dusty laughed, "She's right you know, I had to bury the last person who took her shit." she leaned in closer and made her voice close to a whisper, "I might show you where that is, if you can show that you hang with us." she winked pulling back to line up her body with Kelsey's, slightly nudging her with her elbow. Kelsey had several inches Dustyn, as she rest her head on her arm for a moment, her eyes looking up with a slight tilt of her chin. "That's if K doesn't kill me too." she puckered her lips and making a playful kissing noise towards Kelsey.

Straightening up for a moment, Dusty made another comment, "Plus once you help her, then both of you will be free to help me move MY things in." she joked, she would not most likely be bringing anything in to her room, unless her room mate turned out to be good pick. She might even like to be in her dorm room now and again if that was the case. Speaking of which, which one of these characters were meant to be hers? She looked in front of her, from face to face- as people matched to their new friends and caught up with old friends alike.

A lot happened at once It wasn't that hard to process for her.

"Good to see you too, Bonaparte."Marcy went in for the hug after a moment of hesitation, both things that amused the daughter of Athena. She let her go after a moment, and acknowledged Jonas' followup to her tap with a wry quirk of the mouth. "And you, Highwind."

"Relo." She greeted, after a fashion. The human whirlwind had arrived, his sister in tow, and at this juncture didn't warrant more than a cursory hello. If she stayed out of his way, she could keep her peace. A little longer. Maybe. Potentially. ... Probably not. This was normal, now, until summer came again. But if she were truthful, something she would never admit out loud... She preferred this. She missed it when she was home. This mismatched, incongruous, baffling, bickering handful of people that she had come to enjoy. Or had come to enjoy her, in rare cases. Even more baffling. But welcome. "Any summer work you failed to do has to be in my mailbox by nine. Otherwise I start getting you Bs again."

That was a good enough greeting.

To her left, however, she could sense discontent. Quelled in large part by her brother, but present nevertheless. Rebekah absently bumped Dana's shoulder with her own and leaned a little, a light constant pressure. Anything else was delayed for a moment by the vibration of her phone. Her brother, by the faint tone that accompanied it. The only person on campus that could genuinely be called family by genetics, rather than choice. In a way? Genetics was a somewhat ambiguous area when it came to godly parents. But he was family regardless, even if it wasn't a clear cut matter. It would be good to visit a little, now that they were both back on campus.

<I think that half of these people will kill each other within a month, if they think they can get away with it. Or if they can't. Whoever designed these pairings picked names out of a hat. The other half will be sleeping with their roommate in the same span. This experiment is destined to implode.>

After a brief pause, thumb actually rising off of the screen, she sent a second message.

<I was fortunate. My best friend is my roommate. I hope you've been well over the summer, brother.>

Then she slipped the phone back into her pocket. Gray eyes flicked to her left, head cocked slightly in inquiry, though she actually directed her comments to the others.

"I could probably use a small loan from the Bank of Bonaparte at some point, Marcella. If it's not inconvenient. I'm sure Relo plans for us all to be busy tonight, though."

Leo looked down at his watch and rolled his eyes realising just how late he was. The fuel pump in front of him chugged along slowly as it dribbled fuel at a snails pace into his motorcycle. A childs water pistol would do a better job that the rust covered pump before him. He could see the station owner peering out of the window at him, one hundred percent expecting Leo to fill up and run away. Leo tipped an imaginary cap in the mans direction to try and put him at ease, but in return the young lad received a look of anger.

What's this guys problem?

The thought in Leo's head lingered as he turned from the unwelcoming station owner. He had mostly found welcoming faces and smiles as he had travelled back to the Academy. No matter, he was almost there even if he was considerably late. With a forceful click the pump stopped and Leo closed his fuel tank. He headed towards the window to pay while struggling to understand how the building hadn't been condemned. The roof looked like it was going to collapse at any moment, the front of the building was caked in dirt and the colour of choice for all the metal on show as rust orange.

"Here you go mate...keep the change."

Leo handed the man several banknotes to cover the cost of the fuel before turning to walk away. He could hear the man exhale frustratingly as he walked back to his bike.

Don't say anything, just get on your bike. You're late enough already.

Leo donned his motorcycle helmet and jumped onto the bike to continue onto the academy. He had overslept in the morning and then frustratingly ran out of fuel a few miles away. Tardiness wasn't something he was known for but he fully expected to get some stick from those who knew him.

Within half an hour Leo was entering the grounds to find them pretty much deserted. Usually there would be the occassional group of demigods hanging out but this time there was barely a soul in sight. That only ever meant that everyone was either in class or at the Colosseum. Given it was the first day back it could only be the latter option so he accelerated towards the large arena.

Almost leaping from the bike as it was still moving Leo launched his helmet from his head and began to run towards the doors. He had parked much further away that he needed to but was in such a rush he took the wrong turning. Charging towards the doors he barreled through them shoulder first causing them to fling open with force. He carried on through as fast as his legs could carry him. He almost lost his footing several times on the smooth floor as his footwear lost grip. He finally rounded the corner to the main assembly area to catch sight of those he had best known in his time at the arena. Coming to a stop he arched over gasping for air as he rested his hands on his knees. He took in one final deep breath before straightening out his back. He forced a smile and did his best to hide his clear exhaustion. Not talking to anyone specifically he simply called out.

"Hey guys. What's up?"

---

"Open up your mind and let me step inside,
Rest your weary head and let your heart decide,
It's so easy,
When you know the rules
It's so easy,
All you have to do
Is fall in love
Play the game..."

The under-appreciated song Play the Game by Queen echoed from a pair of over-sized headphones. It was an old pair, about 7 years old, it still had a few star stickers on one of the ears from when Azura was a child. She smiled fondly at the memory. Remembering that she had placed them there when she first listened to Vincent by Don McLean.
She walked down the sidewalk casually, unaware or just not caring that she was running late. It was a beautiful day, and she would be damned if she spent most of it inside. After the tragic death of her father Azuras world turned upside-down. The crushing event in her life caused her to see no use in following someone elses rules. The only happiness that mattered was her own. The demigoddess looked up to see sunlight reflecting through the leaves like stained glass.
Colorado had been very different from the small town in Michigan where she grew up. She loved the splendor of Colorado. Having always been a fan of nature, she really appreciated how the residents put forth the effort to preserve its lands habitat. In her hometown she would often sneak into the middle of the forest at night to stargaze. Trees definitely helped when practicing spell-casting. In fact, if you really listen you can hear them speak to you. Pocahontas and other Native Americans definitely knew what they were talking about. Since her mother was goddess of a lot of things, that which included partial rule over Earth, a gift Hecate had received from her parents. It was assumed that because of that nature was used to enhance magical ability.

Hecate seemed okay enough... Azura barely saw her since her father died but she did send her to school in a limousine. The Goddess had wanted her only daughter to feel welcome at the institution that she had assisted in protecting. Apparently she built a magical barrier that helped protect the important students that lay inside. Even though the demigoddess was appreciative, being the Wallflower she was she definitely did not want to bring any attention to herself. Ever since she could remember Azura had been somewhat of a loner, an introvert. She must have gotten that from her fathers side because her mother seemed to be very confident and sure of herself.
Michael was kind enough to pull over just a little ways from the Academy's front driveway. After thanking her chauffeur Azura climbed out of the expensive luxury vehicle figuring the walk would ease her nerves and calm her down.

Her father had taught her a lot about reincarnation and how death is inevitable. That if anything were to happen to him she shouldn't take it too hard. That it was in his belief that he would come back for another adventure in his next life.
Keeping her chin up was one of the hardest things she has had to do... but she had to go on. She could not mope around forever in the middle of nowhere. James stressed on the importance of positivity. Reminding her that life is not worth living unless you make it grand.

Her emerald green gaze flicked up as she neared the building.
"woah..." She gasped, startled enough to almost drop her bags.

She had expected a red brick building, possibly a location made of marble, but nothing like this. Olympus Academy was a freaking castle. Her head tilted back as she whistled. This place put Buckingham Palace to shame. As she meandered around the village area she noticed a town within the city gates. Various shops, cafe's, townsfolk, etc. busied themselves as they carried on with their day to day lives.

A crumpled piece of paper had suddenly appeared in her palm. As if by...
"...magic." She whispered finishing her though aloud.
In haste she straightened out the lined document, placing it against the side of a nearby bookstore so she could read it clearer:

Azura,

You are late.
They have called every student to the Ares Colleseum, I assume since you are a new student you will need to attend.
Ask for Hector.
You are in my thoughts.

Love,
Your Mother~

Azura thinned her lips, unsure how to handle the unexpected affection. How had the note gotten to her in the first place? She folded the letter carefully and put it in her back pocket. Today she wore her long auburn hair in a braid that hung over her right shoulder. Loose tendrils of wavy hair framed her face. A long sleeved black v-neck clung deliciously to her hourglass figure. Even though it was after Labor Day she wore comfortable white skinny jeans with strategically placed tears. Followed by a pair of old brown combat boots with white and yellow daisies painted on its side.
She carried with her three bags; a canvas messenger bag for all of her textbooks, her toiletries, and a rather large purple suitcase containing her entire wardrobe and important treasures that reminded her of home.

"Now the real question is, how do I find the arena?" Upon speaking those words a black cat with yellow eyes appeared by her ankle. The feline purred rubbing its side against her leg. She crouched over to pet him and read the turquoise collar that hung around his neck. Figaro After walking around her legs a few times the cat leaped forward before looking back for just a moment. As if beckoning her forward the cat met her gaze once more. Azura followed close behind once the animal resumed its sure stride.
Remembering a quote from her Book of Shadows:
Animals are our familiars. When nature speaks to you, listen.

After a few twists and turns she saw it, a large sign that clearly stated in big bold letters: "Welcome to the Ares Colosseum!"
The demigoddess turned to thank the cat that had showed her the way, but just like he had mysteriously appeared, the cat had also strangely vanished.

Azura shrugged her shoulders assuming he went to chase a mouse or something and entered the arena. A group of students had already gathered. A few of them have obviously studied here before due to the fact that they all seemed to know each other. This being her first year Zu-Zu felt her stomach churn as her nerves threatened her emotional state once more. At the front of the arena was a large platform where a few adults stood. Seeing them as the authority figure for this assembly she approached the middle aged man standing in the center with a slight tan and dark goatee. His aura seemed friendly, engaging even.

"Excuse me?" She spoke before clearing her throat.
"This is my first year and I was told to speak to... Hector?"

"Rhea, it is my solemn hope that the fourth verse is going to be as legendary as the first three. I want those verses to leave the kind of imprint on your soul that old people get from Stairway to Heaven or Free Bird. Those old songs that go on forever and ever and they love to play at each other's funerals. I want tonight - it's tonight by the way, so fucking some fucking beer...er, pens - to be like the Revolution 9 of study sessions. With a whole lot," Dallas said, gravely placing his hand over his vainglorious heart, "of fucking revolution...and ideally, some revolutionary fucking."

Dallas seemed to snap out of his reverie and he looked around at the assembled demigods, blinking twice as he craned his head past Jonas to look at the crowd they'd found themselves near the middle of. He recognized some of the campus' other top-tier party animals: there was Dustyn! She could puke longer and further than anyone else on campus, except for when Dal got some tequila in him by mistake. And there was...



Kentucky Fried Dustyn!

But some of the others, people Viv probably knew, looked like ten year olds and he was not fucking here for it. Dallas had never been very good with the faces of boring people. Some of them looked like they still belonged in his fifth grade yearbook.

"Who else is going to be in our building this year, anyway?" he asked. "They must have fucking skipped me when I was getting the paper. Or Jonas took mine. Whatever. Something must have happened to it."



Ah, good. Here was the attention she deserved.

"You accidentally bought something cute, niichan," she told her older brother with a dutiful bow, low enough that she could appreciate him playing with her hair. "I had to repossess it. It was wasted on you, as am I."

She felt a bump on her shoulder; Rebekah was warning her about the approach of another admirer. This one was richer than Jonas was, though. She was happier to fund shopping trips. This was a valuable quality in a friend that Rebekah had yet to learn.

“Hey you little spitfire. How are you?”

"Marcchiiiiiin." She dragged the last syllable out with a smile, wrapping herself around the French girl in a tight hug. "I am very..."

Longing? Amped? Excited? Jonas had taught her most of her English; he had not gotten around to discovering a word that would capture the scope of her anticipation for the coming year.

"Powerful," she said with a forceful nod, a fierce grin spreading across her face. "I am very powerful."

_{☠ Marcella Aveline Bonaparte ☠ 20, Fifth Year
Ψ Rhea Franky Psomas Ψ 19, Fourth Year}

---

"Well, just about who you'd expect honestly." Rhea said, sizing up Dallas' disposition. It had been Beats 1 from the time he picked Rhea up to their arrival at the academy, his energy generally ebbing and flowing through each song that came on. She was more of a Billy Joel fan than a Billie Eilish, but it was a nice break from the familiar. "Let's see, we've got about two kids per parent, generally speaking." Rhea said sizing up the group of them. "Save for me, no half-brothers or sisters as far as I can tell." Uneasiness flashed through Rhea's eyes before her smile retook its place on her lips.

"I don't think there should be any big surprises, although seeing how the group is trending, we seem to have a large number of fuckers on our hands." The Daughter of Poseidon giggled through the words, her eyes scanning all the future hangovers in the room. "Should make for quite a bit of fun." Her gaze returned to Dallas just in time to issue him a patented Psomas wink.

She scanned out once more into the crowd, noting Bekah and Dana speaking to Marcy, Jonas was with them as well. They were reunited this year certainly in a much stranger way than what was the usual more casual friendship. Now they found themselves at the beginning of a whole new crossroads. Surely, they'd be tested and perhaps in ways none of them would've expected to be.

However, Rhea found herself wholly unconcerned with what kinds of tests they would be given, or how they would be challenged. Rather, her dread came from an uninspired group of potential fun nights. Her gaze didn't return anyone she wanted to chase, perhaps someone would surprise her. No doubt she'd walk in on Marcy and Dallas going at it like...

"Anyway Dal, I think we should start making sure the word is clear insofar as your party. BYOB or are we buying a keg?"

Marcy whipped her hair out of her face as she pulled away from Dana's hug after a few seconds, throwing her hazel stare towards Bekah.

"Darling, I would be honoured to make a contribution to whatever small war fund you've started up. It would be my pleasure," Marcy's eyes lingered on Bekah's frame but also flitted over to Dana. "I know that this one can't wait to go shopping, if I remember a single thing about this school."

Marcy stifled a small laugh to avoid people thinking she made a habit of laughing at her own observations. Her eyes quickly sharpened however, critically examining those in her surroundings. Word had already started to spread about the yearly welcoming that Dal liked to organize. She wanted to let loose and have some fun for the first time in months tonight. She was scanning the crowd to see if there was anyone that she needed to weed out to make sure that could happen. There were a few kids who would've have considered themselves outsiders, her brother dearest came to mind. However, no one that couldn't use a good loosening up. Placated with tequila most of the group seemed like they would adequately misbehave.

It was uncanny and Marcy would be lying if she hadn't considered that grouping so many ne'er do wells together might've been part of the test. She just didn't give a fuck. She was here for a good time, and quite potentially for all eternity.

But whatever, it was a block party not a riot.

"I need to be on my A-Game tonight." Marcy said confidently towards the other women. Bekah and Dana were damn near the living embodiment of a power move, so Marcy assumed that they always were on their own respective shit. "It's been too long since I let my hair down." Marcy said with a characteristic devilish grin.

---

After having received her semester schedule as well as her dormitory assignments, the young goddess thought it would be best if she placed her belongings in her room. There was no sense in carrying them everywhere she went. With purpose in her stride she made her way towards the ornate buildings she had passed earlier upon arriving in Colorado. Compared to the small town she had come from, the student housing looked as if it were made for the extremely wealthy. Matching the schools' marble facade, its very presence represented everything Olympus Academy stood for. Magic, Wisdom, and of coarse, Power.

She straightened her shoulders with her head held high. It was time that she took hold of her destiny. No longer was she a child finding her way through life, now she needed to be herself and shine. Being brought up around mortals her entire life had caused her to be quite humble when it came to her abilities. At school she would do her best as to try and act "normal" around others. This led to purposefully ostracizing herself and becoming a loner. Now it was if she could breathe, spread her wings a little. She could truly be herself and she wouldn't have to hide a thing. Other students that attended this institution knew exactly what she was going through. Maybe they could give her a few pointers along the way.

Her emerald gaze muddled as her feelings shifted. The center of her eyes now a metallic gold glinted against the bright lights in the lobby. Too much change had happened too quickly. She missed her home in Michigan. She missed her father and their cozy home in town. She even missed her bedroom ceiling at home with her glow in the dark star stickers. Glancing down she noted her room number committing it to memory.
Room 2N, Apartment Building Omega

The brunette entered the lobby and gasped, amazed at the first thing she saw. A chandelier. She had never seen one before, it was as if a jar of diamonds hung from the ceiling and had trapped thousands of little lightening bugs. After she was able to move her attention elsewhere she noticed the rest of the room. A welcoming/security station sat desolate near the entrance. Shelves were organized neatly around the counter containing bits of information about the campus and the town around it. Upon further inspection she picked up a brochure that had a map of the entire area on it.

This will come in handy. She thought as she folded the piece of paper storing it in the front pocket of her jeans.

Next to the unoccupied desk was a wall of golden mailboxes. Each box had a room number and was divided into two slots. Each one was labeled with a name tag for the respected individual who would receive its' contents. There was also a golden elevator with glass paneling and a doorway that was presumed to have led to a stairwell in case the elevator was out of order. Her combat boots thudded and echoed with each step. Since she was carrying three heavy bags she decided to take the elevator to the second floor. As she meandered down the hallway she watched the letters on each doorway change and sang the alphabet in her head as if to accompany it.

"Room N. Here we are." Azura murmured as she slowly opened the cherry wood door careful not to smack it into the wall on the opposite side.

If she had a roommate they had not arrived yet. Probably stranded in the morning rush or reminiscing with old friends. It looked as if the apartment consisted of a private bedroom for each resident and a shared kitchen, bathroom, and common area. The kitchen was modern and up to date allowing advanced cooking for whomever desired to dine in. While the living room had a small couch, coffee table, and plasma screen on the wall. She chose the bedroom on the right and placed her mere belongings on the plush king sized mattress in the center of the living space. A quick look around showed that she also had a walk in closet, desk, and a large window overlooking a beautiful garden area.

Normally Azura would have settled in, maybe read a good book and fall asleep before starting classes. However, after having to sit in an airport all day and then ride in a plane she needed to explore. Stretch her legs and observe her surroundings. If possible she could find a secluded area where she could practice a few tricks she had learned. Her eyes lit up while she immediately pulled out the pamphlet she had picked up in the lobby. The map depicted a few interesting things. Just beyond the towns perimeter was a blob of green marked "Mystic Forest." Finally she would get to see and experience some of the nature Colorado had to offer.

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It took her a good 15 minutes to hike to the woods entrance but here she was. Instantly she felt her muscles relax and began to breath in the forests earthy scent. She read somewhere that Pagans would walk the forest floor barefoot to cleanse themselves of toxins and absorb the great mothers healing properties. Without a moments hesitation she peeled off her combat boots and revealed her beloved Garfield socks. The orange overweight tabby was obviously upset because he had a piece of broccoli in his food bowl. What nonsense. After removing those as well she looked down and smiled for the first time in weeks. Her black painted toenails were chipped as they dug in the dirt. She was happy. She was home.

Having left her other possessions at the apartment she was glad that she had the foresight to bring her canvas messenger bag with her. She placed her footwear right next to the spell tome her mother had given her a month ago.
She watched the sun sink into the skys horizon along with the watercolor sunset that resulted from it. Night would be upon them soon and her ritual still required water and sand. Two ingredients she did not have on her. A rookie mistake for a demigoddess who specialized in spell casting. Thankfully she had noted earlier that there was a body of water within the center of the magical woods.

Her feet led her as she danced in and out of the line of tree trunks blocking her path. She twirled singing softly a few Latin hymns she had memorized from her magic tome. Her voice lilted above the lowest branches sounding as if it had a Celtic background. She felt the power of the Lake pull her ever closer to its shore. Closing her eyes she felt the moon begin to peak out of its hiding spot as it began its ascent.
At last she arrived. She stood still, appreciating the moment for what it was. The calm waters lapping over and over, the wind gently rustling the leaves. Her hair shifted in the breeze and tickled her nose. She could feel her powers growing stronger as nightfall drew nearer.

The corners of her lips were turned up in a smirk, her head tipped back as the energy of life around her caressed her cheek.
Azura was about to kneel down and collect her ingredients when she felt it. The presence of two other immortals. Her head snapped to attention, eyes falling on a pair of students trekking across the sand. They looked similar, possibly related. Both had the same skin tone, moonlit pale.
The woman had dark raven hair and was thin in stature. With Azura being plump for most of her life she had to struggle and bite back the jealous monster that was rearing her ugly head. Even though she wore clothes that were slightly plain, her beauty shone through... but in an eerie fashion. Something troubling was etched into her haunted expression that seemed to be weighing the poor girl down. This made the daughter of Hecate immediately want to comfort and coddle the life like porcelain doll before her but of coarse, society dictated that she show some restraint.

It was the man next to her that caused Azura to sway. She grew slightly dizzy as her vision began to fade while a striking realization flooded her senses. He was tall with a lean muscular build. His style was obviously rebellious and his hair shone in beautiful golden strands. But it was the eyes. Eyes that were as blue as the Lapis Lazuli stones she wore around her wrist.
About a month before she arrived at Olympus Academy Azura had a dream... well more of a nightmare. She couldn't remember the entire dream but she KNEW that he had been in it. She knew she had seen those eyes before. Only in her dream, they belonged to a dark shadowy figure with spikes growing out of its' skin. An angry force whose rage was about to wipe out everything in existence.

It was when she saw him in person that she knew for sure. The dream she had had been too real. It had effected her so severely that it was not just a mere hallucination... but a premonition.

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The pairing arrangements weren't that bad, actually. People tried to act like the experiment was a bad idea, but from Cicilys stand point, it was a great idea. Then again, maybe the others weren't as lucky as she when it came to their pairing. Dustyn seemed to be the perfect roommate, not to mention she was a cutie, but whatever. The day was shaping up to be a tad bit boring for the young woman, so she settled for taking a long shower after she got back from picking up her schedule.

Right on time, her phone dinged signalling that she had received a message. Picking up her phone, she would see that the message was from her good friend Asher.


Well. Maybe today wasn't going to be so boring after all. Looking across the bedroo, she flashed a smile at her new partner in crime. "Hey Dustyn. Rumor has it there's a party at the lake. Wanna come with?"

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Ashers day had been spent playing video games while waiting to go to the party. Grand Theft Auto five would be his game of choice. He was currently running over pedestrians who wouldn't get out of his way. "Shoulda walked faster," he said in response to their screams. Pausing the game to save it, he realized what time it was. Picking up his phone he sent a message to Cicily, then Ariana.



He gave himself a glance over in the mirror. White dress shirt, his collar unbuttoned a few notches and his sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He had settled on khaki shorts for his pants selection. Not the best, but eh. It was good enough. It didn't matter what he wore anyway, really. Asher Alcott was known to be the life of the party. Taking a deep breath and walking out the door, he began his journey to the lake.