As a child he learnt many life skills, as he had to survive his early adolescence begging on street corners. Samuel didn't like thinking about the past and always tried to bury the experiences, but at times he saw the struggle that other people deal with and Sam saw his own reflection in them. Today he could see a struggle for something as Talon seemed to lose his rationale, the tower shook and Samuel held fast nearly losing his grip.

All Samuel did was watch, he didn't think it was his place to intervene but it caused him to recall the year before he arrived at Camp Half-Blood. It was a dark lonely time with fear constantly gnawing at his conscious about people as he was kicked and beaten for being a beggar. Sam looked distracted and the crowds voices muffled as he breathed heavily but tried to keep his haunted expression hidden.

It was a time in his life that scarred him, he was broken and without anyone to protect him he was afraid of the world because to him the sun never shined at that time. Saving face to anyone nearby the upper to middle section of the tower he masked it with a fake smile but he visibly shivered for a few moments an expression of self-doubt and fear worn on his face an unusual thing for those who knew him but a sign of trouble for those especially close to the child of Helios.

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"Mom?" said the young boy as his mother slept...A cold long and endless sleep...Nicole had overdosed on sleeping pills and she left her son with only a short note apologizing for what she put him through and for leaving him like this but that she couldn't suffer any longer for the hell she had put her beloved little sunshine through...

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"Why..." Samuel muttered to himself, he was climbing slowly not paying attention anymore but trying to repress his thoughts. His face hidden and close to the wall of the tower his eyes were slightly teary, he took a deep breath and shook his head "It's all in the past and this is a brighter future." he didn't feel better but it made hiding the pain much easier as he resumed his slow arduous task of manoeuvring the tower. But he smiled a genuine smile remembering a glimpse of warmth like no other, something as a child he recalled as a vision of his father smiling at him.

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As he found himself falling, Talon growled. "Bitch!" It came out as a growl, but he didn't care. The force of the impact caused his breath to come out in a powerful 'oof', but he didn't let that stop him, gathering his strength once more and shoving his sister away from him. They all thought they knew, thought that it was just their fathers wrath. They were wrong. He knew that with every fibre of his being. It isn't. Oh, his mother might like to think that it was just that, just something he could have, potentially, grown out of. And his siblings evidently thought so to. And his brother, his fucking brother who thought that all he had to do was fucking talk.

the tower doesn't exist Of course it fucking existed. That was the whole fucking point. Used to "elevate" other campers above the other, as if it fucking mattered who climbed a tower faster. And they used it, they fucking used it to keep everyone in their place. Fucking bitch, prancing around as if winning the tower was meaningful. They didn't fucking know. He snarled, and for a brief moment a thrill went through him as he realized Elias was afraid- afraid there would be a fight. Afraid of him.

And then a sick feeling settled in his stomach as that thought took hold. He yanked himself away from Elias, even now, even fucking now, his brother treated it all like it was a game- like talking was actually going to fucking do anything. And doing it in front of everyone? It was already fucking humiliating being knocked down by Octavia. "You don't fucking get it." He snarled, hands curling into fists- not caring if he was injured or not, not caring much about anything. His nails, torn and raggered, still dug into the palms of his hands, but it didn't matter. None of it did. It didn't matter. It didn't matter, they were here because they couldn't work in the more mundane world. Nobody wanted them there. "There is no point fucking talking."

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Kalinda shifted awkwardly as her gaze moved towards katherine and Imani- the others weren't really of much importance for her. She looked away, hunkering down in her seat, forcing her gaze back towards the tower. She shouldn't feel like this- shouldn't feel hurt. She'd been the one to break things with Katherine. And Imani wasn't made for serious... neither was she...it was fucking pointless even thinking about it. So best to just ignore. Oh, she had to deal with Katherine daily- she wouldn't go back on her word there. She would figure out a way to not have to shove pills down her throat. One day.

She sighed, but her thoughts weren't troubled for long. As Octavia threw herself off the tower, to tackle her brother to the ground, Kalinda could practically feel the thump, what she could imagine were the aches, the injuries... she rose, looping Chao's leash around her hand, and began to move through the stands, rather conveniently using the path Elias carved himself. At least she wouldn't have to force her way through. Ignoring the boys, her gaze when to Octavia- she had no doubt the girl had taken the brunt of the fall, and that that would mean she had hurt herself.

"You're not going back on that tower, Octavia."

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Pierre didn't try to keep up with the banter of the others- he didn't even think one could call in banter. Was there any point to it, other than to try and make another camper fail? He didn't think so. He kept his attention on what he was doing, where he was going. Things in the tower could change at a moments notice- seconds. One second, a bar was there, the next it was gone. he climbed steadily, certain of his holds. As his body warmed, adjusted to the constant motion, Pierre leaped to grab a rope ladder, scurried up it with ease. Oh, Pierre well knew that he was seen as more thought, less action. But looks were deceiving. The obstacle tower was a challenge, but a satisfying one.

And with the commotion above... Pierre didn't let himself get distracted by it, but it seemed like things were getting a little out of control. He pressed himself against the tower as the building shook slightly, but didn't let that slow him down. Pulling himself onto the platform everyone else seemed to be on- or a majority of them- he didn't hesitate to continue to climb. Whatever was happening, he could do nothing about it.

Moving faster now, Pierre grabbed bar after bar just before it disappeared- and then suddenly he didn't have any issues with the bars. He shifted, glancing down- he wasn't afraid of falling. He watched as Octavia and Talon flew through the air- or rather, fell through the air. He watched a moment, making sure that they weren't seriously hurt- they didn't seem to be- before he continued up, pulling himself onto the last top. No one seemed to realise that he had passed them. That he was up the top. Had they forgotten he was there? Or were they just too distracted?

Either way, with barely a seconds thought, Pierre reached out and grabbed the ring.

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Relieved that he wasn't crying out crazy, Imogen smiled once more. Oh, he had a lot to learn, she had no doubt about that- they all did. She glanced back to Aethusa, amused. "It's alright. You don't know much about this stuff, or really what you can do. Don't worry." she said, looking back to Jake. She wasn't sure where to begin- or even if she shouldn't just take him to Chiron. She didn't think he would do well with being introduced to Dionysus- Dionysus... could be for later. Chiron was patient. Still, she chouldn't just force him through the camp without answering his questions.

"Well, yeah. There are their Roman counterparts too, this is Camp-Half blood, the Romans have Camp Jupiter... nevermind, bringing them in just gets confusing to start with. The Greek gods often have halfling children. Like us. Posedion is my father." she said ,giving a small shrug, "For now, lets go to the camp proper."

She bit her lip, thoughtful before she continued. "The... the gods usually have to claim you. Generally there's a sign of some kind. Here, claiming is considered a great honor. Most of the time, we're claimed, but sometimes... well, some of the gods decided not to claim their kids, to keep them safe... things are different then what they were." She turned towards the camp, starting to walk. "Have you seen anything unusual, or a sign of some kind? A symbol? Have you shown any powers? I'm good with the horses- and the Pegasi, as you have seen. I've got other abilities, mainly with water. Have you done anything?"

Dorian and his cloaked father stood far off in a corner of the Judgment Pavillion. He had recently started to spend quite sometime with Thanatos whenever he wasn't busy with school or any other normal teenage activities. Admittedly he didn't do much of anything normal. But school was over and now he no longer had an excuse to get away from the normal world. He had to return to camp. Which he was honestly happy about. Camp was the only place he truly felt like he was at home even if he felt like a bit of an outcast at first. That changed once he started making friends and letting some people in especially his favorite daughter of the Underworld, Erin. It had been a while since he's seen her and he was wondering how she was doing.

In his train of thought he missed his father speaking to him. "Huh?"

"I said I feel like I will be busy this summer so I can't have you doing random pop ups. I want you to continue working hard at making friends and putting yourself out there. Fight and compete with the other godlings more. Nothing brings you all closer together than the thrill and passion of a healthy challenge."

"It's not much of a challenge for the others when you're up against the frailest of the demigods. I'm quite literally skin and bones." Dorian lifts his right arm revealing his ungloved skeletal hand. Down here he had no reason to keep it hidden. No one in the Underworld freaked out when they saw bones, because almost everyone there was dead in the first place.

Thanatos's laugh echoed through his robes. "Your physical strength isn't all that makes you or anyone else strong. You'll see what I mean in time. But for now, enjoy your summer my son."

Before Dorian could respond his father's hand was placed on his chest and he was swallowed up in the darkness of shadows. That jerk. He was sure that he sent him away just so he couldn't get the chance to call him a fortune cookie. He found himself appearing smack dab in the middle of the chaotic pit of the Obstacle Tower. Did his dad send him to this exact spot on purpose? He quickly placed his skeletal hand in his pocket as he looked around at the scene in front of him. The crowd was as loud as always and he saw a few faces he recognized. He looked up at the tower and saw that the competition was already well under way. But that wasn't all. He glanced down back at the ground and noticed the trio of Ares kids. Two of them were attempting to calm down one that he was sure was named Talon. He didn't really know much about him, but his anger was infamous at camp. Dorian immediately knew that wasn't a problem he wanted. Maybe he could walk away before he's noticed. Before he could make his first step back he hears the sound of thunder approaching overhead.



Zeru arrived at camp late the day before. He didn't want to risk being late on the first official day of camp. He also wanted to get a good night's rest before all the chaos and excitement of the summer would've prevented it. Unfortunately his rest would be anything but good. His subconscious drifted to his past painting an all too familiar picture. An eleven year old Zeru and an adult Satyr ran up the hill leading into camp. They were so close to the border, but their pursuer was even closer behind them. They had been traveling for days trying to escape the giant hound, but no matter what they did or how far they went it was close on their trail. Zeru had been told that it had something to do with his scent as a demigod. He knew he smelt good, but to monsters he smelt like a six-course meal slathered in bacon grease.

"Pantelis, we're not going to reach the camp before he reaches us. We have to make a stand."

"Are you crazy? He'd tear us apart and you are too important to die. I won't risk it."

"He's going to tear us apart either way and I'm still going to be dead. I'm a demigod, right? That means I have powers, right? Powers that can take him down?"

"Powers that you still don't understand, but yes." Pantelis sighed and came to a stop. He had a bad feeling, but he knew that the kid was right. Every fiber of his being was telling him to keep running, but even if he started back now it was too late. The decision was made and the predator found its prey. He stepped towards the beast and motioned for Zeru to get behind him. His safety was still the priority. He pulled his club from his side and held it out ready for battle. He whispered a silent prayer. "May the gods protect the young master." He charged forward pulling the club behind him before jumping into the air aiming for the left head. He had been close to clubbing it but was quickly swiped at by its right paw.

Pantelis was sent crashing into a nearby tree and Zeru ran over to him. The monster watched on not caring to attack either while one was nearly dead and the other had his back turned. Even a beast had honor.

Zeru looked down at his friend and his wounds and knew that this was the end for him. It was all his fault. If they had kept running maybe they would've made it. Maybe someone from the camp would've come out to help them if they were just a little bit closer. He looked up the hill and saw no sign of reinforcements. This was it. This was going to be his last stand. Droplets of tears trickled down his cheeks and onto the passing Satyr. "I'm sorry Pantelis. I'll make this right." He reached for the club and stood up to turn and face the two headed canine that had caused him so much pain and trouble. He could feel something change within him. Electricity cackled around him and surged around the club and when he spoke his voice was deeper and tinged with anger. "Hey, doggie. Fetch."

The dream shifted before it could continue and Zeru found himself having a bird's eye view of the camp. And not just any bird, his golden eagle Aquila. It was morning and the world below was bolstering with activity. Returned campers and newcomers were strolling into camp and getting settled in. The full-timers were already in the middle of their routines. Aquila continued to fly over camp coming close to a pit of an excitement. She viewed the Obstacle Tower and the challengers on it already trying their best to beat each other. Upon seeing this in his dream Zeru sprung up from his sleep realizing that he had overslept.

He looked around his empty cabin taking a second to fully wake up and adjust to his vision going from bird to human so quickly. He then leapt out of bed and scrambled to find some pants. He found a clean pair and fell over onto the floor as he tried to put them on. "I can't believe they started without me. They won't get away with this." While on the floor he wriggled into his pants and made a whistling noise. Zeru then jumped up from the floor, grabbed a mint and headed straight out of the door forgetting to wear a shirt and shoes.

Once Zeru made it outside he was met by his trusty storm steed. "There you are. Let's get going." He mounted Sylph and the two rode off into the sky. The sound of thunder roared over the normally weather-proofed Camp as she galloped across the sky above. While aboard flight Venti Zeru took the opportunity to take his mints and prepare for his landing. Once they hovered close to the pit that the Obstacle Tower stood tall he too stood atop her back as if he were a balancing circus act. As he approached he yelled down to the others to catch their attention even more. "I can't believe you all started without me. I heard Ky had a winning streak. I'm here to put an end to it."

As he said that Zeru jumped down from Sylph and used the wind to cushion his landing. He turned his back to the crowd revealing his the new eagle tattoo sprawled across his back. He looked up at the tower, ignoring what was going on with Talon and his siblings on the ground, and noticed how much of the competition he had managed to miss. His eyes widened as he noticed Pierre getting close to the ring. Could his victory be snatched before he had even the chance to compete for it?

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"Enough..!?"

The Gods voice ringing out through, not just the obstacle towers arena, but reaching out to majority of the camp as he called for the attention of the lazy and ungrateful little gits that called the camp their home; Dionysus let his dark gaze roam over the many faces that surrounded him the centaur, Chiron, as both made their way towards the tower. Calling for silence- for their attention. And if he had to do it by turning them all into minnows, then so be it, he would, "I have the unfortunate pleasure of calling my camp to meeting; and I want all ears on us..! Now..!"

Clearing his throat, and stepping forward so that he was able to stand side by side with the camp’s director, Chiron brought both his hands together in front of his body, his head held high and his tail flicking lightly behind him as the gravity of the whole situation seemed to weigh down on him, causing him to seem older than he actually was.

The situation was... unfortunate. History seemed doomed to repeat itself, though how it truly played out for these young campers was yet to be seen. A sadness flickering over his creased, yet still ever kind features, the centaur allowed his gaze to slowly glide over the crowd that was gathered over the area around them. Motioning for those still on the tower to make their way back down before he looked back towards the stands, and to the rather decently sized group of roudy demigods that lingered around them, “..what Lord Dionysus is trying to say is that we have received... grave news from Olympus... and as such, we request your full attention for the time being...”

Rolling his eyes at the politeness of the centaur, not even bothering to hide it as he had no need to do so, Dionysus folded his arms over the front of his chest. His dark eyes narrowing slightly towards the demigods before his attentin was pulled away. The bored expression upon his already weary features never changing as he knowingly, and oh so obviously chose to completely ignore the small group of Saytrs that hurried forward and towards him. Multiple cans of diet coke held high within their hands as they offered them up to the God himself. A scoff passing out through his lips, “..grave news... fucking bunch of morons up there, the lot of them...”

Pursing his lips at Dionysus' words, though not exactly disagreeing with them in this particular case; Chiron allowed time for his words to settle, and for the murmurs of the campers to come to a stop. Closing his eyes, awaiting the silence before he once more opened them, he then continued on further with his explanation of what was happening, “..the Lady Aphrodite’s dove - her Godly symbol - has been stolen from Mount Olympus. The Gods are in an uproar, and in Ares anger, he has named the one he believes to be the guilty party... and Zeus has given them seven days in order to clear their name. The one accused of such a crime is...”

Seeming to age another few years before their very eyes, Chiron dropped his arms back down to his sides, his head turning until he was able to look over them all.

“..Erin Chase; daughter of Hades...”

"That's bullshit." Michael didn't realise that he had spoken until the words were out of his mouth. He'd taken to his feet, and Moe leaned lightly against his side, his weight a soft comfort to him. He shifted, realising what he had done and he looked away, hands curling slightly against his sides, gripping the edge of his shirt. He had just drawn attention to himself- not something he really liked doing... why, why had he spoken out? Because it was bullshit. The gods just seemed to get bored, wanted to play with them, but this... Michael sighed, "I.... I... I ap-puh-puh-p-" He couldn't get the words out, his stutter returning in full force. He closed his eyes, swallowing around a suddenly dry throat.

"S-s-sorry." His voice was a whisper, but he managed to get that one word out.

Could he just sink down into his chair once more, hide behind the rest of the crowd? No, it was too late for that. Michael cleared his throat- or tried to, and turned from his chair, glancing around at the others and tugged lightly on Moe's leash. His gaze moved to Niesha's, just at the bottom of the tower- he was certain for one moment she had a smile on her features before it was gone. Was she... did she approve of the words he'd shouted out, so hastily, without thought? Part of him thought she did. Moe kept his weight against him, and Michael dropped a hand to lay it on the dogs head as if that would give him strength.

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Bitch.

The word stung; worse than she thought it would, and it only served to add fuel to the ever growing fire that she could feel burning furiously inside of her. The pure, unadulterated white rage spreading out from her core, to the very tips of her fingers was like a deadly poison; sweeping over her in furious waves, demanding to be released, and it was only for the briefest of moments that the thought that her older brother, Brandon, having something to do with it flickered across her mind. But as quickly as it came, it was gone again. Leaving her blinded in her anger.

Catching her footing as she was shoved back, keeping herself upright, and simply letting her natural and almost animalistic instincts take over, Octavia balled her hands up down at her sides. Knuckles turning white from having perhaps over tightening her fists, jaw set and clenching in a pointed effort to keep herself from saying something she might regret; her already dark gaze seemed to grow even more so. The tension and animosity built up between herself and Talon thick enough to cut through with a blade; it wasn't until she felt the calm and steady hand of their other brother on her shoulder that she snapped. The hands of others that had joined them taking a tight grip over her in almost any way they could; attempting to keep the daughter of Ares from lashing out and attacking her younger brother.

"You got something to say to me- say it to my face, you fucking coward..!?"

"Tavia..! No..!" Having taken a slightly safer path back down the side of the tower, far too preoccupied with what had going on below on the ground to finish what she'd started, though nevertheless managing to get a swift kick in towards Brandon who had been hanging there and grinning like the fucking Cheshire cat as she descended; Ky' vie skid to a stop behind the girl. Her arms shooting forward, hooking them under Octavia's until she had enough of a hold over her that she was able to begin to drag her back. Putting distance between the children of Ares, despite the almost violent struggling against her.

Features scrunching up in concentration, it was only when the familiar clash in natural temperatures hit her that Ky' vie lifted her gaze. Watching on as she daughter of Khione slid to a smooth stop in front of the both of them; the cold radiating off of Isaura's hands as she pressed them into Octavia's chest. Helping to force her back, even as more people rushed foward towards the commotion. And briefly, the sound of Valeria's voice hit Ky's ears; causing her to shoot the quickest of glances towards her, though before she could answer, another voice spoke up.

"Talon started throwing a fit; so Tavia yeeted herself off the tower and took him out."

"Yeah... an' now she fuckin' wants ta take on the world- you're bleeding..! Cut this shit, an' let them take care of you already..!"

Both girls - Isaura and Ky' vie - looking over towards Kalinda as she arrived and spoke up; once again, Ky was cut off before she could speak. The booming voice of the camps director rumbling over the area causing all three of the them to stop struggling against one another. Octavia's chest heaving, she took a moment to spit a mouthful of blood towards the ground as all three of them looked towards the God and Chiron. Listening to what was being said, and exchanging glances amongst themselves and those around them with the news.

Keeping her hold over the daughter of Ares; Ky straightened up. Motioning over towards Michael as she too spoke up, "No..! Don't be sorry- I agree. This is bullshit..! She doesn't even leave the camp..! So, how could she steal that stupid bird..?"

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Greyson's eyes widened as the scene before him unfolded, his body tensing up as he fought the urge to jump down there and try helping break up the scene. Octavia seemed to be handling it, but the sight of blood pouring over her face had him only slightly worried for his friend. He knew she was a tough son-of-a-bish but even still, it was like second nature to him to be worried about his friends. The son of Poseidon sighed heavily, shaking his head as he tightened his grip on Addie's hand just a little more, leaning in to speak to her over all the commotion.

"That Ares kid, Talon, he's making a scene. Looks as though Elias and Octavia are trying to calm him down." Greyson noticed how the other present son of Ares was just holding onto the side of the obstacle half-way up smirking at the whole scene before him, not even trying to help. Greyson understood that they rather enjoyed violence, but the fact he wasn't coming to help his own brother from hurting innocence in his blind rage rubbed him the wrong way.

Another shake of his head as he moved his eyes up, seeing Pierre on the opposite side climbing his way up and up, slipping past the girls who were obviously distracted to snag the ring on the level above them. Greyson chuckled and sat back a bit, "I'll admit, didn' see that coming. Pierre got the idol, luv." With that being all said and done, the young man turned his attention back to the scene with the Ares kids, noticing medic help had been called and were there to take care of any wounded.

Pierre..?

The sound of her brother's name being spoken cutting through the worry that had built up inside of her, Adeline couldn't help the way her heart seemed to swell with pride. Pierre had won..? She hadn't even been aware that he had been competing; at least, he hadn't told her that he was planning to. No. After dinner, the night before had consisted of her heading to bed at a semi-decent time, and her older brother hitting the books and no doubt staying up half the night again like he seemed to be doing a lot recently. Though she wasn't quite sure why... not past the fact that he just seemed to really enjoy learning about new things.

The tightening of Greyson's hand around her own, her attention was pulled from her thoughts and back up to where he was. Her free arm lifting- she crossed over the front of her body. Her touch gentle as she curled her hand over his forearm. Using it almost like an anchor as she shuffled closer; her body pressing against his, and the worry once more hitting her like a ton of bricks until the sound of the camp directors voice thundering over the already loud noise hit her ears. The shout causing her to flinch. Her head turning to hide her face against the son of Poseidon's shoulder; her hold over his arm tightening slightly.

Greyson felt her flinch away from Dionysus' booming voice, placing his free hand securely over the side of her head and held her close. His expression switched from his usual happy-go-lucky self to a more serious one, his eyes and brows narrowed at the news the god and camp director were giving to everyone. At the mention of Ares, Greyson snorted softly. 'Of course,' he thought to himself, shaking his head.

It wasn't until the mention of Erin's name that Greyson was otherwise uninterested. Just another shitstorm the gods had put themselves in that they expected their children to fix for them. Soon as his friend's name was mentioned, his head shot up quickly. Had it not been for Michael speaking up before him, he probably would have called something out. Sure, Greyson was a nice guy but when his friends were accused of, as Michael put it; bullshit, he didn't hold back.

"Bollocks," he uttered under his breath. He knew Erin was innocent. Girl hardly ever left camp, when the hell did she find the time to go steal the dove? No. This was just history repeating itself, again.

Dorian couldn't believe his ears and it seemed that everyone was sharing the same thoughts. The gods were likely getting played with once again and instead of trying to solve it themselves they decided to point fingers. This finger was pointed at his best friend and he wasn't going to allow anyone, not even the gods to besmirch Erin's name and accuse her of something that she didn't do. He stepped more into view and aimed his words directly through the messengers as if he were speaking to the Olympians themselves. "I'm in agreeance with the others. That is utter bullshit. Erin would never do that. You can't expect anyone to believe that she would. What happens if the true culprit isn't discovered in seven days?" It wasn't that he doubted that Erin was capable of proving her innocence and he would follow her to the depths of Tartarus to help her, but the gods weren't known to be the forgiving type. Especially when they themselves were in the wrong.

Zeru was disappointment in missing out on the chance to climb the tower disappeared in response to the sudden turn of events. Someone had done the unspeakable. They stole a bird, but not just any bird. Aphrodite's dove. Much like the others he didn't doubt Erin's innocence. Ares was an idiot and it seemed that a requirement for being a child of the big three was to get blamed for something you very clearly didn't do. But that wasn't the important thing here. Zeru had seen an opportunity in this. He had to insert himself into this quest. Helping return her most sacred dove would put him in his goddess Aphrodite's good graces. And if he were truly lucky he may have the chance to fight Ares. He had to stop his inner excitement from leaking at the thought. He heard of a previous quest where the son of Poseidon, Percy, was able to fight him and even managed to drive the god of war off.

Zeru's attention came back to the conversation at Dorian's question. This was his moment. He stepped forward and said, "That's a good question. As I'm sure you agree, Mr. D, the gods in all their power tend to be all-ignorant and can hold eternal grudges." He motioned to the diet cokes. "Erin's one of us and with Ares against her the stakes are considerably high."

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After the booming voice of Dionysus called everyones attention, Samuel got a grip of himself and took a deep breath as he descended the tower quickly. Halfway down he jumped to the ground nearby the two children of Ares whom had been fighting, shaking his head as he passed them as well as everyone else without a glance.

Samuel made his way over to Dionysus and the centaur Chiron, he was a little miffed at the accusation that was made. He couldn't believe that Erin was capable of stealing Aphrodites symbol or why she would do something like that, Samuel stood before the god and the centaur with crossed arms as he stared at them both. He didn't speak but clearly he wasn't really enthusiastic about what he heard.

Sam looked at Chiron "Is there any proof against Erin?" he asked the centaur arching an eyebrow inquisitively with an expression of doubt "I don't believe she'd even do anything like that!" Sam looked at Erin with concern.

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Jake usually would have called this girl out for being crazy and he might have done it if he hadn't been hearing the wind telling him what to do. That and the fact that the camp that didn't exist was right in front of him. "So, I ain't crazy? I was confused is all on that part. Most folks don't listen to the wind for life advice." He joked as they started walking farther into the camp.

Despite his confusion, it was clear that he was listening to everything she was telling him. "So there are more gods too. Let's file that away for later. I don't want to ask too many questions too quickly. Wait, your dad is Posideon? Oh right... Horses are part of his thing and the ocean of course. I mean, who doesn't love the ocean?" He asked as he thought for a second. She did bring up a good point about strange things.

Jake followed after her and fished his new sword out of its carrying case. "I just had someone push this sword into hands at Grand Central? Apparently, it was shipped from the Empire State Building? I mean that was odd but I think you mean the storms and my strength? I mean I could always tell when the storms were coming. Oh, and there was a lightning bolt. It just hovered over my head a few days ago. Not sure what it means?" He asked as they walked towards what looked like a meeting of some kind.

"What's the deal with that? Some sort of camp thing? Never been to a camp before." He admitted as he figured she would know what ever was going on with this.

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Yes, of course, on the first day of summer, I frickin hurt my wrist. So trying that move against it is a bad idea unless I want to get hurt. Zane thought as he cradled his right wrist while watching some campers practice and was leaning against a nearby tree. Maybe it was the fact the Ares's camper he was practicing with was a little too aggressive this time around. Maybe hoping to avenge herself after the last time they practiced. Not his fault, he managed to disarm her. Hopefully, now she will be fighting normally next time.

His wrist was nothing a little magic could fix it, at least. Zane was not in any rush to heal it, and it did not hurt too much. It is not the first time he hurt himself while training, and it probably will not be the last. It made him glad that he chose to learn healing magic so he could just heal it himself without anyone worrying over him. That is the last thing he wanted from the other healers at camp. He can handle himself fine, and he is more concerned with others getting hurt than himself. Zane is both a fighter and a healer, after all.

With a single flick of his unhurt wrist, his right wrist no longer felt pain. Zane went through some motions with his wrist to make sure his spell worked. He smiled as he was satisfied that the spell worked."Maybe I should commission another set of gear for him from a Hephaestus camper." He said under his breath."maybe some gauntlets." He considered the idea for a while before putting it to the back of his mind. That will be for later, and for now, maybe I should just enjoy the rest of the day. It is the first day of summer. He thought as he stretched in the light of the sun reached him while under the tree. "Time to see what the other campers are going," Saying it to himself as he got off the tree and walked around the camp.

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Later Zane would arrive at the tower to see that his fellow campers were gathered around the tower. Apparently, watching those competing to get to the ring first. It made Zane grin, so they are at it again. Well, I might as well see who will win it this time. He thought as he walked to the stands but, as he was halfway there. Dionysus's sudden "enough" and Chiron calling for a camp meeting. That is sudden, what is this about, Zane wondered.

"What? How... how could she have done this? Zane stared with disbelief at Dionysus and Chiron. There is no way it could have been Erin that stole the dove, and why would she even want to steal it. She does not even leave camp, so how could have she have done it? This makes no sense, as Zane crossed his arms, annoyed. Watching as others spoke and said what was on his mind. What evidence do they even have, and she has only a week to clear her name? Zane had a look of disgust on his face. This is just history repeating itself again.

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The taste of alcohol and Imani's lips still fresh against her own, Katherine shot up from her louged position. Back straightening as she sat up, she slid her legs further apart. The muscles in her arms flexing as she began to get just a little more agressive- dominant with the daughter of Aphrodite; she snaked her arms around her from behind. Hands sliding over the front of the young womans dress, slowly, almost antagonizingly so, it wasn't until she'd placed them flat - one over the flat of her stomach, and the other against her sturnum- that she gave the girl a rough tug. Pulling her down from her comfortable perch so that she was instead resting in the space she'd made between her legs. A rather seductive smirk playing over her lips creeping up, causing a particularly mischievious glint to sparkle behind her eyes.

"..I'll fuckin' root you, bloody tease..."

Sliding the hand on her sturnum further up, taking the chance to simply... enjoy herself while doing so, Kate eventually took a firm, though gentle enough hold of the girl's jaw. Being mindful not to do so much that it would leave behind physical marks, she forced Imani's head to come to a tilt away from her. Leaning in, she let her warm lips brush lightly over the girls flesh- trailing them leisurly up the natural curve of her neck... across her jaw... before finally, she took a playful nip at her earlobe, "..kitten my ass; you're a little minx..."

The sudden burst of cold air rushing from beside her causing a shiver to run up the length of her spine, Katherine let her gaze flick across. Her head drawing back enough that she was able to watch as Isaura shot forward; racing down the stands as though someone had lit a pack of firecrackers under her ass. Following after the daughter of Khione with a slight interest at what might have got her riled up so quickly; it wasn't too much longer after that, that her father's familiar voice filled the arena. Demanding attention. Scoffing, the sound morphing into a soft chuckle against the shell of Imani's ear, Kate settled herself.

Arms tightening; holding her closer as she listened to whatever it was important enough that her father was delivering the news himself. Though the more she heard, the quicker her smirk faded and her demeanor shifted. Jaw clenching and relaxing in quick succession, she shifted. Sitting up a little straighter before, eventually, she extracted herself from behind the daughter of Aphrodite. Getting to her feet and meeting her father's gaze over the crowd, "Μπαμπά, αυτό είναι χάλια και το ξέρεις..!"

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Brynn watched as the scene with Talon and Octavia unfolded, others coming into the picture to get involved. The Athena girl nearly doing the same when she saw Octavia had blood pouring from her head but stood her ground, knowing all too well the girl was capable of handling her own. Without warning, Brynn had her feet pulled out from under her with a force gripping one of her ankles in a vice grip. While struggling to stand she could just see Brandon staring back at her with a fire in his gaze. 'Oh shit,' she thought to herself as she quickly flipped over on her stomach and tried grabbing onto something to help her escape his grip that he seemed to be trying to get better hold of. Brandon cried out in anger as Brynn's free foot connected with Brandon's free hand, snarling at the girl as he shook it off and continued to pull her closer to the edge.

"Murphy, stop. It's not that serious dude, chill!"

"Fuck you, you little shit! I would have had it, had it not been for you. Talon's right. You think you're better than the rest of us, and for what? Because you can bat your eyes and get away with shit? I'm about as tired of it as he is!"

During this entire struggle between the two, Pierre had managed to slip past the both of them but not without Brynn noticing him as he made his way onto the next level. "ALLEZ, PIERRE!" It wasn't until Brynn yelled out that Brandon had noticed as the boy's shoes disappeared up onto the next level, growling to himself as he shoved the girl with so much force she nearly went toppling over the ledge. The boy jumped down from where he was, landing on the ground to join the rest surrounding his brothers and sister. Elias, of course, always trying to talk things out. Brandon rolled his eyes and simply crossed his arms, watching from a safe distance away knowing all too well this wouldn't get anywhere.

Brynn pushed herself to her feet and dusted herself off, shaking her head as she looked over the edge of the platform she was on down towards where Brandon stood, glaring at him. "Asshole," she muttered to herself, turning her attention up to Pierre who had obviously gotten the idol, smiling a bit. "Espèce de petit serpent sournois. Bon travail."

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When the booming voice echoed out throughout the camp, both demigods stopped and turned their attention to the owner of said voice. The news of Erin being named bringing two very different reactions from the two. Brandon having shook his head saying something about "the princess of darkness was at it again", while Brynn became increasingly worried for her _sort-of friend. There was no way in Hades that Erin was the true culprit. The uproar of people in agreement with her eased her mind, but only just. Was there nothing the gods had to say in the matter, of course they knew nothing really when it came to other gods kids, let alone their own most of the time.. but this was beyond her. This, really, was beyond any of them. What were they gonna do that the gods themselves couldn't? Well, Percy had done it with Zeus' master bolt. What's finding one little dove..right?

Translations:
ALLEZ, PIERRE! = "GO, PIERRE!"
Espèce de petit serpent sournois. Bon travail. = "You sneaky little snake. Nice work."

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Coward.

A locked door. A darkened room- no light, the globe taken long ago, the windows tinted so dark it was virtually impossible to see out of. A small boy, curled up in the corner, shaking, hands over his ears. Yelling. Screaming. Hatred. A small boy, trying to ignore the shadows in the dark. He was cold, hungry... he hurt from the blows... Talon wrenched himself away from the memory, shaking violently as if he were scrawny, cold and scared once more. The man who had, supposedly, been his father yelling at him as he struggled to withstand the blows- telling him to be a man, to fight back, to not be a... a...

Coward.

His heart beat fast as if he were that terrified little kid again. Never. Never again. There was Elais, wanting them to talk things out ,as if that would fucking help. As if that would fucking change everything. He shook his head, not caring about anything, not caring about whatever the fuck crusty old Mr D was talking about. It didn't matter to him. Nothing did. He tore his gaze away from Elias's once more- why the fuck the older boy wanted to fucking force him into spilling his guts, he didn't know.

"You don't care. You just don't want to lose the stupid counsellor position." He was tired. He turned away, not entirely sure if he was injured or not. Not really caring. He'd had worse. "NO one fucking cares- it's all about fucking power. That's all everyone fucking cares about." He shook his head, clenching his hands. He didn't want to be there- but he knew Elias would just follow him. There wasn't anywhere else to go.

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Kalinda barely spared a glance for Dioynsus or Chiron. Their announcement wouldn't help Octavia- or Talon, but she doubted the latter would let her do anything for some time. And the former might not either. There was blood- she knew there would have been. Scooping up Chaos, she plopped the ferret into a pocket so she couldn't get up to any mischief- the damn ferret would be red for ages if she played around in the blood. Shifting, Kalinda let her gaze roam over Octavia. Everything else could wait- she needed to make sure the girl hadn't done serious damage to her back. It was a pretty decent fall, and add Talon's weight to it... Kalinda sighed, her gaze flicking over to Chiron and Dionysus. That stupid dove. And Erin? That was laughable. The girl rarely left her cabin.

Sighing once more, Kalinda turned her attention back to the injured girl. "You really think Aphrodite gives a shit about a little thing as a camper not leaving the camp? They've chosen their victim. Erin has seven days, there isn't any fucking point arguing about it with Mr D and Chiron. They know it's bullshit. Let me do my job, so we can get this shit sorted."

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He hadn't given it a thought. He'd just snatched the ring, taken the chance when it had been given to him. Was it a smart decision? Pierre wasn't so sure. He didn't mind being underestimated- didn't mind being seen as a bit of an underdog. Perhaps the best thing to be in the camp, and indeed around the Gods was incompetent. Oh, he liked showing what he could do, but... keeping a little bit back... He sighed. Too late to change anything. And he wasn't sure if he would if it were possible. Either way... His gaze drifted to Brynn as she spoke to him. A smile drifted across his features, and he shrugged- until his attention was torn to Dionysus and Chiron. Frowning slightly, he climbed down the tower, leaping down to the next platform, and the next until he could climb down the rope ladder to the bottom.

Idly, he glanced around, his gaze moving through the crowd, unable to help but feel a sense of foreboding. Whatever was happening... he doubted things would be the same.

At the uproar, Pierre's gaze moved to those that were more vocal then the others. He shifted, not entirely sure what they were meant to do. But there was no point being angry at Chiron or Dioynsus. Neither were responsible- they were the messengers. That was all. He had no doubt that they had fought for Erin's innocence. "What are the stipulations of the quest?" He asked, shifting towards Chiron and Dionysus. "Or... does she not know yet? How... how can we help her?" Questions. Questions were important- they'd get more out of questions then anger, then outbursts.

Quests always had requirements. Restrictions on who could help and who couldn't. That was what they needed to know. And just because some couldn't go on the quests, didn't mean they couldn't do anything. If they had answers... they could do something.

"Who accused her?" Pierre's gaze flickered to Niesha as the daughter of Athena spoke. The question could be dangerous, and they might not get an answer to it, but it was a good question. Perhaps if they knew that, they could figure out who might want to undermine Hades power.

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Imogen couldn't help but smile and give a soft laugh- not at Jake, just at the whole situation. Sometimes the way campers came here was just downright uncanny. And yet, she was sure that they had all, at one point or another, thought they were crazy before coming here, before finding answers- and perhaps even after finding them. Knowing what you were... knowing you had a godly parent... it didn't come with all the answers, sadly.

"No, you aren't crazy. You're as sane as the rest of us." She said softly, "I don't mind questions. I like being able to help people." She said quite truthfully, before smiling once more."The ocean is, perhaps, the most interesting place on earth. To me, at least. I don't think that's just because of my father... it's just who I am." She said, before frowning as he spoke of the sword,"I.. perhaps Mr D or Chiron will have answers to that. But... " Her voice trailed off, and she stopped walking, staring at him.

"A lightening bolt." Imogen paused a moment, processing. "I'd say that means your father has claimed you. Congratulations, Son of Zeus." Her attention was drawn towards the tower, to the commotion going on there, and for a moment she grew stiff, listening intensely . "That is the shit hitting the fan." She said softly, starting to walk again. "You'll have to speak with Mister Dionysus, and Chiron about things... but perhaps after this meeting is dealt with... "

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Listening to others voice their opinions and internally cursing at himself for blurting shit out, why couldn't he just be quiet sometimes? Samuel shrugged letting the other demigods say their peace and went to lean against the Obstacle Tower, he wondered how his kitten Whiskers was fareing. Hopefully the little calico wasn't playing in the forges again, that wasn't fun in the slightest.

Samuel smiled at the memory and sighed, he loved his cat and she was his little ball of fur. It was a nice distraction from the whole situation that seemed to be unfolding but demigods like him were always ignored in favor of the 'more important' demigods. His father isn't even alive to most peoples knowledge and he always wished to see him like the other demigods got to sometimes but he knew that would be impossible.

Being ignored was upsetting to Sam but especially since he always feared that not being related to an 'important' god made him less of a priority than a demigod whose lineage was connected to the Big Three or any of the other major Greek gods and goddesses. It was bullshit to say the least that he wasn't as important than any other demigod here at Camp. Sam had been here full-time since he was fifteen years old but he always had this nagging doubt lingering about the fact that this place had accommodated him and others, giving even the children of minor deities a place to stay but it always felt like he was never treated equally by others even if they were his friends or not.

Looking around at everyone he looked outwardly friendly and smiled at anyone he made eye contact with but internally Samuel was frustrated that even his friends may think less of him but he thought equally of them, again it was bullshit. His thoughts drifted to the scuffle between Octavia and Talon which shook him out of his funk as he wondered where they were now as apparently they slipped away during the announcement or sometime after. Those two sure had their differences but hopefully they'd work things out.

For now the child of Helios sighed and warmed himself using his natural ability to produce heat yet he emanated only enough so he wouldn't bother anyone else, Sam smiled as he believed every time he used his abilities that he felt his fathers presence.

At the very least it gave him hope; a hope he might see his father someday.

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"That's a good question-..."




"Who accused her?"

Outrage. Questions- there were so many of both, and it was hard to keep up. Each new voice chiming in only added another of layer stress to his already heavy heart as Chiron lifted his hand up. Rubbing lightly at his temple where he could feel the beginnings of a headache coming on stong. His other hand lifting up above his head as he called for the camp to quieten down so that he could attempt to provide them with the answer that they were all so desperate to find out.

"..the Gods have no proof that Erin was the theif, Mr. Clementine; at least not that we have yet been made aware of. However, questioning the workings of the Olympian council is not going to help the cause in any way. Even we are unsure as to why Lord Ares and Lady Aphrodite have chosen to accuse Ms. Chase of such a crime..." Sighing softly, Chiron took a moment to himself before he dropped his hand back down, his gaze meeting with that of Neisha to let her know that was her answer before he moved on. His weary gaze drawing next to the son of Morpheus as he worked his way through the questions posed, “Lord Zeus has decreed that she will have one week to find, and to return the dove to Mount Olympus, wherein she shall then be acquitted of all charges laid against her. It is the consenses of the council that if Percy Jackson was able to prove his innoccence of a similar crime in far less time... then she should have no issues doing the same.”

Pausing a moment, his frown deepened, seemingly causing the centaur to look even older than before, "The stipulations are that she must do so personally- though that is not to say that others may help her along the way. As we stand here now, Ms. Chase is speaking with the Oracle. Only then will we know more of what we are truly dealing with."

Falling silent for a moment, only one question left to answer, Chiron wasn't sure whether he even wished to touch on the subject. Though many were already thinking it... he didn't wish to put the burden on any of them to voice it outloud. He would never admit it aloud; he was angry- furious at the Gods decree that a child of their own blood would have to suffer such torment thanks to an accusation that just wasn’t true in any way. His voice soft however, and full of bereavement as he turned his gaze towards the young son of Thanatos, he spoke the answer that was already playing on everyone's mind...

“Then I’m afraid, dear boy... that she will be subject to the wrath of Lord Ares...”

The camp was supposed to be a safe haven for young demigods; a place where they could both learn and train in peace- to hoist such a mighty charge on one of them without proof, and at the penalty of pain and torture… he just couldn’t fathom their choice…

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