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"Tackled him off the tower, the Obstacle Tower?" "Well, that explains why there was a gathering at the base of the tower." A reminder that Zane should not mess with Octavia. The daughter of Ares can handle herself, and he would ask which brother was it. But, he did not feel like bring that subject back up. That and he had a guess of who could it be, which son of Ares could have lost their temper and warrant Octavia to tackling them off the Obstacle Tower. One name comes to mind, Talon with his famous temper. Zane should not assume but, who else could piss off like that, Octavia. Kinda made him wish he was there when it all went down. Try to stop it but, it is too late now, and the damage is done. Or in Octavia's care, healed.

Then Zane hears enter and watched as he started talking to Octavia. Giving a quick wave, "Hey, Arthur, and yeah, it is good news that they are both fine. Given with... what is happening." Putting his hands behind his head in a relaxed state. "A nice change of pace, really, and I hope that everything goes well for her sake." Zane sounding worried. Yeah, there was still the matter of Erin and this whole mess. For the moment, at least there are some good things.

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"Nope..!"

Samuel paused then, however. His head drawing to a light tilt as his eyes narrowed; his thoughts returning back to the orange ball of fur that awaited him back in the Hephaestus cabin. Well... at least he hoped that Riley was still in the cabin, and not running around with Lady and Lumi again. Sure they were all technically part of the canis family, and despite the varying breeds an odd-ball pack had been formed between them and some of the other canines in the camp. They had their own little family going. It was actually rather adorable to watch.

Forgetting just where it was that he was originally going with his thoughts, Samuel brought his attention back down to the woman he was walking with. Giving her a light shake of his head as his gaze turned to the path they were taking, "Well, I mean; sometimes he acts like a cat. Sits on the back of the couch and watches Ky preparing food in the kitchen... jumps on top of the kitchen table and Hayden's dresser for some reason. He really seems to like it up there. Pushes his hair products off the top of it with his nose."

Lifting his free hand up with a smirk, he tapped lightly against the tip of his nose a couple of times before settling again.

"But, nah... Riley is a warrigal-..." Blinking, Samuel looked back down at her as he clarified; using the other, and more well-known name for the creature, "A dingo. They're a wild dog that's native to Australia. An' despite what ya heard; I give my word, he don't eat no babies."

Niesha watched, a little bemused, as she waited for Samuel to figure out just what he was doing. He had confused her- she was certain that he had said cat, but she could have been wrong- and Niesha wasn't well-versed in that type of emotion. Oh, sure, reading when they were kids was confusing, but she generally knew things. This, however... Niesha was trying to figure out how a cat could not be a cat. It was like that meme she was certain someone had shown her in the camp of the guy looking a little blank trying to figure out complex problems.

His clarification of it was perhaps reasonable, although Niesha was still a bit bemused by it. Still, she could understand. Sometimes there was just so much in their minds, and everything wanted to come out at once. It did make for some wild choices in cooking, she had to admit, but there had been some fun results. Or in tactical designs... Michael was the better one out of them for buildings designs, but she'd played around too when ideas just wanted out.

"Warrigal. That's the proper term for dingos, I'm guessing." That was certainly interesting. "Do people really believe the baby thing?" she wondered, "Perhaps she just likes to annoy him?" She added, her mind stuck on the classic cat like move. She was certain that cats just liked to be bastards and knock things over for fun and because they knew it was annoying. If cute.

"Canis lupus dingo... or just Canis dingo- that's the actual scientific name for them." Nodding his head thoughtfully, a small, though nevertheless stupid smile playing over his lips, Samuel gave a gentle squeeze of her shoulders. Shooting a glance down at her, though his attention was drawn away as he caught movement in the corner of his eyes. His gorgeous blues flicking over and ahead of them, following the figure of one his best mates as he left cabin nine, only to then wander off towards his own.

Ah, Brandon... that bloke was never gunna learn...

Nope. That was wrong. He was gunna learn; but when he did. It was definitely going to be the hella hard way. Chuckling softly to himself at the thought that his best mate was just digging himself an early grave when it came to screwing over his cousin; Samuel shook his head. Coming back to the conversation he was having, "An' you'd be surprised 'bout the type of shit people believe. By the way... Riley's a boy. Jus' a heads up, beautiful."

Interested, Niesha made a note in her mind to write that down, somewhere. She might forget, and should probably do it now, but there wasn't really a reason to do so. Besides, it really didn't seem like Sam was about to let her go. Not that she really minded. He seemed distracted again- and she followed his gaze, not entirely sure what had distracted him.

"Hmmm?" Niesha looked back as he spoke, hurriedly trying to figure out what he had said, before she gave a soft laugh "Well, we are living examples of what some people believe" she said, before frowning. He had said he when speaking of the dingo. "Right... boy... I-" She stopped, looking back to him, tilting her head slightly. She tried to think if anyone had called her that- certainly not for a long time at least. She did, after all, tend to spend a lot of time either in books, or on the training grounds... more so the books.

"I'll try to remember that." She finished, trying to gather her thoughts.

She seemed... distracted. Lost in her own thoughts, and for a moment he had to wonder whether or not he looked like that when it happened to him. Nah, probably not. Neisha was a hell of a lot cuter than he was. Hands down.

Giving her shoulders another gentle squeeze, a soft though still rather stupid looking lop-sided smile cracking over his features, Samuel pulled ahead. His arm falling from around her shoulders, he took to the porch in a quick leap up. Skipping the step altogether. Reaching for the door once he'd gotten to it, he held it open. Motioning for her to go in ahead of him, though before either of them had the chance to do so; the blur of orange they'd been speaking about came shooting out. It's tail whipping back and forth as it bounded past them both.

Straightening up, his frown returning to his lips, Sam stared after the creature. Opening his mouth, shutting it, and opening it again before finally voicing the only thought that entered his mind.

"..well, shit."

Niesha couldn't help the laugh that escaped her as she turned towards Samuel, the orange blur that was evidently Riley passing them, the look on his face was just priceless. It was good to laugh, and that reaction... Niesha tried to sober up quickly, but it was evident that the emotion, while not really rare for her, was enjoying it's time out. She tried to draw in a deep breath, and to gather herself, after a moment somewhat succeeding as she cast a glance about for the dingo. "Do we chase him down? Or will he come home when he's tired?" she asked, suddenly wondering if Riley could get hurt, or hurt someone or something else. "Is he alright out by himself? "

Shaking his head lightly, the door closing behind him with a slight 'thud' as he let it go, Samuel folded his arms over his chest. His bright blues gazing out at the dingo as it ran back and forth, demanding attention from anyone it came across, "Ah... he'll be right. Lil' bugger's harmless unless there's a threat. Worst he does is cop an attitude an' toss his bowl 'round when he get hungry."

"He just wants to have fun. And attention." It was adorable, and Niesha watched the dingo with a smile, "Perhaps he got bored knocking over Hayden's things."

"Most likely." Nodding his head in agreement, Samuel paused. Shooting a glance back over his shoulder for a moment before turning back around and stepping down off the porch, pulling a look that said it all. He knew he was in trouble, "..which means I should probably piss off outta the area before Mufasa gets back and catches the mess."

Niesha shifted, deciding that that was probably a good idea, "Just tell him Scar came for a visit" she said as she followed him off the porch.

"Throw Ky under the bus... I like the way you think, Stevenson." Smirking, unable to stop himself from doing so, Samuel's hands made their way into the pockets of his brown leather jacket. His chuckle filling the air as he allowed his feet to lead the way. Not really paying attention to where they were taking them.

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Imogen watched the spectacle, a little uneasy as she listened to the accusations against Erin, wondering just what the hell the Gods had been drinking when they came up with that wild goose chase of an accusation- She couldn't believe they'd do this, again. And from the way everyone was reacting, they thought the same as her. Her gaze flicked back to Jack, not entirely sure what she was meant to do with him now. After this... She doubted anyone would have the presence of mind to do anything for a new camper...

Which probably meant that it was up to her.

Still, Imogen hesitated. As several people went after Erin, she glanced towards the Chiron and Dionysus, but doubted she'd get any answers from either of them. They had probably told all they knew, neither would want something like this to happen again... and she couldn't just unload the new guy on them right then. She bit her lip, thinking on what she could do.

"And who might we have here, miss Parsons..?" Arms falling to his side, his hooves kicking up small clouds of dust with each step he took, Chiron slowed as he reached the familiar face. His bright eyes turning to look over the new figure that stood at her side, "A new camper..? And one we were not expecting, no less. It's a pleasure, young man."

Relieved, Imogen turned her gaze to Chiron. At least she didn't have to feel guilty about dumping him on Chiron now... but she couldn't help but still feel guilty about it. Chiron probably had so much to do.... "Yes! I found him on the edge of camp. He found his way here." she said, "His name is Jack. And he said that he had a lightening bolt show up over his head before coming here."

"..a son of Zeus. I see." Nodding his head lightly, Chiron reached forward. His hand resting for a moment over the girls shoulder. Smiling softly as he gave it a gentle squeeze, "Well done, miss Parsons. I'll take it from here."

Spencer merely scoffed at Greyson's attempt to rile him up. As much as he hated the other children of the Big 3, he was still Erin's cousin like the rest of them and he was particularly close to her to boot. Despite how wrong it is to call him "kid" of all things, despite never having grown up normally so to speak, he needed to be the mature one and hold back. If these people were going to believe him when he said he was the most experienced, then the best way to do that was out in the field. Besides, he wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of retaliating at him like some kind of mad dog. No... instead, he merely got comfortable on the ottoman chair as he silently awaited Erin's response. The last thing she needed was getting more stressed out by the sight of him and dolphin-head bickering like a bunch of children.

After hearing her saying that she needed time to think, he saw Erin make her way upstairs, presumably shutting herself off from the rest of them, at least for a while. She probably needed some time alone as she must have been overwhelmed with just how many people showed up in support for her. While he was glad of the fact, he knew that there was wisdom in what some of the others said. Having this many people over when one is supposed to be an introvert can be draining, more so when there was a lot of stake.

With that said, Spencer did not dare follow after her. Doing so was smothering at this point and he knew to respect her boundaries. Instead, the group would see him disappear almost instantly after Erin was out of sight. There wasn't any more reason for him to stick around, after all other than earn the ire of dolphin head and speedy gonzales. The son of thanatos would rematerialize still on the same seated pose on a black wingback armchair in his room. Standing up, he approached the nightstand and opened one of its drawers revealing an ornate mahogany box with the seal of Hephaestus, the hammer, and his father's, the scythe, imprinted on the center along with the words " Talos Arms Weapons Manufacturing Group Ltd". Opening the box revealed two distinct handguns, one midnight black, the other the color of pure silver, as well as several stacks of magazines for each gun. He retrieved both guns as well as some of the mags before equipping a custom-made tactical jacket complete with numerous open-top magazine pouches and internal holsters for each gun.

After sorting out his equipment, he allowed Qrow to fly off before he summoned his scythe and cut through the space in front of him. A portal opened up from where he had made the cut, letting off the heat and the smell of burning sulfur into the room. Without any delay, Spencer stepped into the portal and he was transported to the place he had been imprisoned to until recently. The poison lingering in the air, the heat of the ever-burning river, and of course, the roars and screams of the monsters that called this place home. There is a certain nostalgia to all this since no matter how terrible one's living environment is, sooner or later, you just end up getting used to it.

Eyeing the monsters that have slowly began making their approach towards him, Spencer took a deep breath and relaxed his entire body. There's are two reasons why he chose to train here instead of back at camp. First and foremost, there are a lot more variety of monsters here rather than just the 3 he can usually summon. Besides, if he wants to prove how useful he can be in this quest, he needed to resort back to what he was when he was stuck down here for all these years. He was neither Spencer nor was he the Centurion of the Fifth Cohort. No... he had reduced himself to less than that... to something more primal.

While at the beginning, he was only trying desperately to survive, he had learned that being on the defensive would do him no good. They were just going to keep coming and coming, pouring in like ants that have smelled the scent of prey. No matter how much he killed and killed and killed, they would just keep coming back because this godsforsaken place was their home, their cradle, their birthright. He needed to become more than that sniveling, terrified kid that still couldn't get over the fact that he was betrayed by two of the people he was supposed to be closest with. Either he adapted or he died. Thus, after re-forging his broken weapon, he changed his tactics. Never again will he run or fear any of them. If they were after his life, no matter who are what they are, he will kill them over and over and over again until he burned the image of him to their fucking minds as someone they should never mess with. Erin didn't need the boy that returned from hell nor the Centurion of the Fifth Cohort. What she needed was the terror that plagued every monster that encountered him. They called him many names but one in particular stuck out... Φάντασμα... Fántasma... Spectre.



Signaling the start of the oncoming battle several harpies started the attack, diving towards him with their razor-sharp claws. Merely side-stepping out of the way, Spencer casually retrieves Casull from its holster, turns off the safety, and fires at the Harpies' torsos. Each bullet had enough punch to obliterate the three assailants instantly. Hearing the shots attracted the attention of even more monsters as four cyclopes and a pack of hellhounds, followed by a squad of Scythian Dracaenae began making their way towards him.

Firing off the remaining three shots at the nearest 3 hellhounds, Spencer quickly readied Jackal as he reloaded the silver gun with a fresh mag. Before the nearest hound could attempt to close the remaining distance, the son of death had shadow travelled several feet in the air, both guns aimed at his aggressors. With a menacing grin, he began unleashing a hail of bullets at the monsters, taking out all but one of the hellhounds and injuring the rest. Without even letting the monsters recover, Spencer appeared in between of two of the dracaenae and shot them in the head point blank, their bodies crumbling into dust almost instantaneously after their heads were blown clean off. The rest of the dracaenae as well as the cyclopes tried to retaliate but the demigod was gone as soon as he had appeared.

By the time one of the cyclopes sensed his presence, Spencer had already teleported himself behind the giant. With a forceful swing of his scythe, the cyclops' foot was severed cleanly. Unable to maintain its balance, the cyclops stumbled and fell to the ground, alerting the other monsters.

As the one-eyed monster howled in pain, the son of Thanatos began chanting what seemed to be a mantra in his native tongue. "Yr wyf yn dywyllwch..."

Another slash cut off the fallen cyclops' arm cleanly from the shoulder. "Yr wyf yn marw." Despite the other monsters charging towards him, Spencer continued uttering his mantra in sync with the howls and cries of the monster he was standing unceremoniously on top off.

"Dod ar fy wynebu fydd eich gofid mwyaf!" As if he had read its death warrant, Spencer wrapped the blade of his scythe around the cyclops' neck. He waited until its brethren drew closer before he tugged his scythe violently, beheading the cyclops and returning it to dust.

Motivated by its anger towards what the young-looking demigod did to its kin, the largest of the cyclopes charged towards Spencer, club raised and ready to crush him as if he were an insect. In response, the young lad waited until the last second before jumping out of the way, and onto the giant's club, using it as a makeshift ramp to get closer to the giant's face. The son of Thanatos willed his scythe's blade to be enveloped with the flames of the Phlegethon as he jumped off the club and above the boss cyclops' head. before bringing down the scythe with as much force he could muster as if he was delivering pure divine retribution itself. His scythe slid effortlessly as it split apart the monster cleanly in half, much to the terror of the 4 other remaining cyclopes as well as the dracaenae.

"Teimlo fy dicter"

Turning his attention to the slithering women, Spencer used shadow travel to close the distance between them. He appeared upside down while in mid-air, twisted his body sideways, and forcibly swung his scythe around, chopping off 3 dracaenae's heads. The rest of the snake women tried to retaliate by simultaneously attacking him with their swords, but Spencer parried their attacks as he deftly twirled his weapon, broke the serpentine warriors' guard and sent a shockwave of death around him, instantly vaporizing the Scythian Dracaenae.

"Teimlo fy nghasineb"

Not letting the deaths of the snake women go to waste, both cyclopes attempted to crush the demigod as they swung their hammers towards him from either side. Their attempts were foiled when a cyclops taller than even their fallen boss appeared, catching both hammers mid-swing with its hands. The son of Thanatos transported himself on top of his summoned Cyclop's head. As he gripped his weapon tighter, the liquid flames wrapping the blade of his scythe burned even more fiercely. Setting his sights on one of the cyclops' he hurled the scythe towards the monster. The burning blade spun briefly in midair before reaching its target and lodging itself directly into the monster's single eye, ending its life right then and there. With a simple grasping motion, the scythe returned to its master's hand just as Spencer chanted the last line of his mantra.

"...gadewch i'm sgrechian gyflawni eich tynged!".

Spencer's summoned cyclop's suddenly pulled the enemy cyclop's hammer towards its direction. As it lost its footing, the friendly cyclops delivered a nasty uppercut to the hostile cyclops' jaw, staggering its opponent even further. As it was reeling from the attack, it failed to notice that the demigod was already midair, about to bring down his flaming scythe on top of the cyclop's skull until it was too late. The moment the scythe made contact, the giant enemy began fading back to dust.

Thinking that the demigod had already let down its guard, the final hellhound lunged towards him from where it was previously hiding. It opened its jaws in an attempt to bite off the half-blood's head, but it caught an unfamiliar, black object instead. Spencer stared at the mutt with pure hatred burning in his eyes before pulling Jackal's trigger, blowing the monster apart.

After dealing with all the monsters that initially attacked him, the demigod would continue scouring Tartarus for monsters to kill before taking a dip in the Phlegethon. Upon returning to his Cabin, time had barely passed since he left. Despite having spent an entire day fighting monsters in Tartarus, only one second had passed in the real world. The second reason he chose Tartarus as the place he would train is because of how time-efficient it is.

There was only one thing left to do while he waited for their departure and that is to prepare his gear, supplies, and equipment, starting with reloading bullets for his magazines. He would continue to work in silence until either it was time to leave, or somebody decides to interrupt him.

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Kalinda, with relief, waited for Vivian to relax somewhat before she did a thorough delve, searching for any injury. She wasn't about to play around with the way the day had been going so far, so Kalinda was as thorough as she could be. Relaxing after a few moments, Kalinda let out a soft breath. She hadn't expected to suddenly have a sister, or any other family. She still wasn't even sure how Vivian had managed to worm her way through her defenses.

Well, yes, she did. Kalinda's choices the last few years hadn't been easy ones, and whether she knew it or not, Vivian had made some of the darkness go away. Kalinda didn't want to lose her. "It's alright. We can figure it out later, at least you are okay." she said, before sighing as she asked what had happened. How to explain? Kalinda still wasn't sure just what kind of shit the Gods were pulling.

She shifted, moving a little closer to Vivian- and pushing the cup of water on her- she thought for a moment how best to respond to that question. "Wine-" She stopped, closed her eyes a moment before she corrected herself. It wasn't Dionysus or Chiron's fault what had happened. "The slut lost her dove. Bitch blamed Erin." She said, a little surprised at the anger that washed over her at that. It wasn't fair what had been done to Erin. Wasn't fair what was happening at all, and Kalinda... there were some wounds that couldn't be healed.

Sighing, Kalinda started again "Aphrodite said that her dove was stolen, and that it was Erin who did it. It's fucking bullshit. BUt she has seven days to clear her name- if she doesn't, Ares will kill her. If that happens... I don't think anyone in camp will just sit by and let it happen. It's fucked up, Viv. Whatever happens... we need to be ready to help everyone we can."

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Talon just couldn't understand what she was doing, why she was doing it. Why did she care? Why was she trying? Could she see he wasn't something that could be healed, that he was broken and couldn't be fixed? Why was she trying so desperately to help him? He stared at her, unable to comprehend her. She didn't want to hurt him- he could see that much. She was so insistent....

Talon sighed softly, struggling to think, struggling to work anything out. He looked away, unable to watch her any longer, his heart thumping hard as he stared over the lake. She wasn't going to stop, wasn't going to listen to what he had said- but she was doing it because she was concerned about him and if he had any injuries... she was instant, and trying... It wasn't her fault she didn't know...

Talon let his hands curl into fists once more, every instinct willing him to run, to flee, before she could hurt him, like everyone else. Every instinct but one. Talon could feel his muscles ready to run, and it took every ounce of strength he had to not do so, as he looked back to Valeria. He reached out carefully, to gently take the vial she had offered him so insistently. "I've had worse then being tossed off the tower... but if it will put your mind at ease... " He was sure she'd notice old injuries, that that would just lead to awkward questions.

It was what it was. He couldn't repay her kindness with... with anger, or offense. He had to be better... he just had to be. "You can do whatever it was you wanted to... "

When Erin ran to her room Dorian knew not to follow her. Not this time. He didn’t need Elias telling him that either. His brother had disappeared soon almost immediately as Erin retreated. He figured he should follow suit and depart as well, but decided to take the scenic room rather than shadow traveling. He turned to look at Greyson and Tyler who seemed to have decided to remain in the cabin and wait for her. He gave them a nod to acknowledge that he was leaving and stepped right back across the threshold and into the protected air of Camp Half-Blood.

He took a deep breath taking in the air along with everything that had happened so far. The summer had barely even started for them and it was already rough. He was worried about and for Erin. He was aware she could handle her own, but she wasn’t at her best right now. So if she couldn’t be strong, the people around her needed to add their strength to support her. He planned to be one of those people, now and forever. And forever wasn’t going to end in seven days.

Dorian finally released his breath and with it all the concerns that he had. Everything was going to be fine. He had no doubt about it. Part of him wished that he had gotten a chance to talk to Spencer before he left. Maybe he’d get the chance before the quest began. It would be best to clear the air. The walk to Cabin Eighteen seemed to take longer than normal as if the weight of the situation slowed down time or his own perception of it.

He felt an odd sensation when he reached the door to his cabin. Something dangerous was on the other side of the door. He reached down to his side and realized that his sword wasn’t there. That was right. For some idiotic reason he had left it last summer. He sighed and decided to face whatever danger head on. He opened the door expecting to see a god, a monster, or even one of Erin’s hellhounds, but instead he found nothing. Not in the main area of the cabin at least, but something or someone was there.

“Hello? Anyone there? I don’t have a sword, but I have a skeletal hand and I’m not afraid to use it.”

By now, Spencer had finished packing most of his stuff… which really wasn’t a lot. If by some miracle his old belongings were even kept intact, they would still be in his barracks back at Camp Jupiter. All he had for gear was a fresh change of clothes composed of an orange camp half-blood shirt, a pair of jeans, and a fresh pair of nikes he was given when he arrived. Other than sorting affairs back at his old home in Wales, he never really hadn’t left camp just to shop for clothes. A lot of things had changed in the 80 years he was gone so everything in the outside world was still pretty much a new experience for him.

Aside from some clothes, he also had a ziploc bag filled with several cubes of ambrosia and a half-liter bottle of ambrosia. Even if he could technically steal vitality from living things or use his scythe to produce the healing fires of the Phlegethon, using these last resort abilities left a bad taste in his mouth.

“I’m already out of that godsforsaken place. Better start acting like it.” He mused to himself.

Suddenly, he felt someone enter the cabin. He had been with Erin and Corona long enough to detect their presence almost automatically but this one felt foreign yet oddly enough… familiar. It was a bit strange to explain it but the presence felt like it was him but not exactly him. Whatever or whoever it was had the stench of death all over it.

There were only two people matching that description. If Erin had already been ruled out, then it could be none other than the sibling that he didn’t know of until he returned to the land of the living several months ago.

Exiting his room, he started towards the main hall of the Thanatos Cabin only to come face to face with him… Dorian Underwood… the other son of Thanatos. The one he didn’t condemn to Tartarus.

“Well well, if it isn’t my dear younger brother.” Spencer asked in a sickly sweet voice as he made his way down to the steps leading to the main hall. This boy was the one he favored. The one he loved. The one he didn’t think of as a mistake. Anger and jealousy burned in Spencer’s eyes as he stared down at Dorian’s own but still he maintained his composure.

“ Surprised to see me? Tell me, did you know I even existed before meeting me here today? Did father even tell you about me?” Each word was uttered with ever increasing pressure and anger as even Spencer had failed to restrain his tone. He had thought that what his father and Madeline Fisher committed 80 years ago was the ultimate form of betrayal… that was until he had met him here today in the flesh.

“Where are my manners, allow me to introduce myself.”The older demigod placed his right hand on his chest as he bowed as if introducing himself to nobility. “My name is Spencer Mortimer Severus McNight… First son of Thanatos.”

Dorian stopped himself from taking a step back in retreat. He could feel the venomous anger in Spencer’s tone. This conversation may not go as well as he had wished it would. He didn’t blame him for being angry. It was a byproduct of being in Tartarus. Even if you held onto your sanity the lace would forever change you. Especially for as long as he was down there. “Not entirely surprised, no. I did sense danger. I wasn’t too far off.” He tried to lighten the atmosphere while also speaking Spencer’s sarcastic language. “But no. Before today I thought I was his only son. Our father didn’t tell me. Neither did Chiron, though I’m not sure if he was aware himself.” He raised an eyebrow at Spencer’s introduction. One name caught his attention in particular. Severus. It wasn’t a common name, at least to his personal knowledge and Harry Potter certainly wasn’t around eighty years ago. “Umm, sorry. But I gotta ask. Are you by any chance related to any Rowling?”

Spencer grinned when his younger brother admitted that he found him dangerous. But that soon changed into a frown when it was revealed that Thanatos never mentioned him once to the young lad. Was he really that adamant in sweeping him under the rug? Would he keep the truth from Dorian just to hide what he did to his firstborn all those years ago.

“I’m not surprised you aren’t aware until now. It seems our father was adamant in keeping his sin a secret even from you. You see, in that naivety of yours, you must think that Thanatos is a great father. That he loves his son and that he would do anything for his precious little boy... “ The older sibling casually walked to a nearby armchair as he talked to Dorian. After he took a seat, he motioned the younger son of Thanatos to take a seat on the armchair directly across from him. “...I’m certain you aren’t aware of this so let’s have an impromptu history lesson. Long ago, before the Big 3 made their pact, they decided that it was too dangerous for Thanatos to have any kids, so they made him swear on the Styx not to produce any heirs with mortals. He actually did a good job at keeping that promise until he met my mum that is.”

Spencer paused for a moment, a bitter expression evident on his face as he tried to recall the precious few memories he had left of his mother. Her youthful, energetic smile, her comforting and encouraging voice, her protective and loving touch. She prayed to the fates that Regina McNight had chosen rebirth rather than to stay in Elysium. He knew just how much his mother loved Thanatos so it would have broken her heart if she found out what Thanatos did to her son.

“As soon as he got mum pregnant, he left. When I was 12, mum died but she left me a note that led me to a “safe haven for kids like me.” In all my years there, never once did Dad claim me.” If Dorian had been paying careful attention, he would catch a bit of sadness and longing in Spencer’s tone in that single moment before it was replaced with the same anger he was showing him before.

“On my 16th birthday, he revealed himself to me for the first and only time since apparently he conspired with my girlfriend to kill me and he sent me to Tartarusjust to be on the safe side. All that just so he could conveniently erase his sin in the process. All this time, I’ve been stuck there until recently. Luckily just as I found a way to escape, Erin Maree Chase condemned someone to Tartarus but ended up helping me get out of that shit hole. And now we’re here. Consider yourself caught up.”

It felt like a weight had been taken off Spencer’s chest as he finished revealing what Thanatos had kept hidden from Dorian for so long. The kid must have loved the bastard if Dorian doesn’t feel the same way Spencer does. But perhaps his revelation had at the very least shaken his younger brother’s trust on Thanatos. For as much as he didn’t like Dorian, he would never wish upon anybody what he experienced in Tartarus… except his father.

“And don’t blame the old centaur, I wasn’t originally from this camp. No. Before father decided that my existence was a mistake, I was the centurion of the Fifth Cohort in Camp Jupiter. That was 80 years ago.” Spencer explained in a calm yet stern tone.

He was taken aback when Dorian suddenly asked if he was related to any Rowling. He really didn’t recognize the name but at the same time, he really wasn’t that interested in the McNight family’s business partners and contracts so there really was no way for him to remember any Rowling. He did remember the family line quite well but couldn’t recall anyone that had married into any family called Rowling before.

“Can’t say I am related to anybody by that name. Even if I was, why do you care?”

Dorian sat attentively in the seat across from Spencer and listening to his tale. Tale may have been the wrong word for it as it certainly did happen, but he didn’t recognize this villainous father that his older brother had the mispleasure of barely being acquainted with. But it was wrong to discount his own experience. He had been sent to Tartarus, but he wasn’t so sure it was as black as white as it appeared to Spencer. To him Thanatos was the villain, but the events of today proved it was always another god causing problems with another one’s kid. He wouldn’t voice any of this. Not now at least. It wouldn’t benefit either of them or help create a relationship between the two. Dorian did feel like he understood his elder brother better than he did a few minutes ago.

“This may not mean much coming from me, but I am sorry that, that happened to you. No one deserves that kind of fate. I’m just glad you didn’t turn out to be some kind of villain.” Dorian may not have had Troy’s ability to detect the truth, but he could tell that Spencer was telling the truth. “If I had known about you I would’ve forced him to release you or created my own quest to free you. But Erin beat me to that. I’m glad she did, because with her you found someone that’ll never give up on you or let you suffer alone.” He realized that Spencer had suffered a lot through his life. He lost his mom, practically disowned by his dad likely out of fear, and his own girlfriend helped send him to Tartarus. That one definitely hurt. But still, he was here and ready to put his life on the line for someone he just met. At least his life journey hadn’t completely destroyed his trust in others.

“And about Rowling. There’s this series about a magical school and this character named Severus Snape is practically you as a middle-aged man. It’s uncanny.”

Spencer wanted to get angry at the young lad, he wanted to lash out at him, ask him why he didn’t suffer as he did… ask Dorian why he was the one their father loved while Spencer was the one he discarded like an unwanted piece of trash. But listening to the boy express his sincerest apologies for their father’s actions, even professing a quest to rescue him if he did find out about having an older brother sooner melted his harsh expression and changed the way he looked at Dorian. Sure there was still jealousy and resentment there but not as much as he initially had for his younger brother.

“Ohhh if I had come across the power they feared I would possess, I probably would have become a villain. The only reason I didn’t immediately go after our father when I was freed was because it’s pointless picking a fight with immortals.” Whatever prophecy the gods may have feared did not happen. Even though he was a son of death, he didn’t get the power to deal Absolute Death, a rumored ability that could kill even immortal beings.

“I figured the best vengeance I could deal to him was living my new life as best as I can... show him that what he did was a mistake that stemmed from fear.” He looked back to what his life had been like ever since he started living at camp. Although he hadn’t exactly been the same person as he was back then, it was inevitable that he’d found people that meant a lot to him… people he would start to care about more than himself.

“Some piece of advice, no matter what he says, no matter what he does, and no matter how much he shows or claims that he loves you, if you don’t want to end up like me, then don’t trust our father completely. You never know when he’ll turn his back against you just as he did to me.” Having said all he wanted to say to Dorian, Spencer went back to his room to finish his preparations. He needed to stay focused and make sure that he has done everything he could to ensure the success of this quest.

In the back of his mind, Spencer made a mental note to chastise Corona later for keeping the meaning of the nickname “Snape” from him all this time.

Dorian watched as Spencer returned to his room while absorbing what he said about their father. He didn’t want to believe that he couldn’t trust him, but thinking back to how quickly he sent him away this morning and how he told him he’d be super busy this summer. Was the latter just an excuse he gave to prevent Dorian from seeking him out and asking about Spencer? The thought lingered in his mind before he sighed and went to his own room. He didn’t know what he needed to pack, but he was going to make sure he didn’t forget his sword.

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Zeru started his training on regular dummies, but when your weapon of choice was a sword that could slice through things like it was nothing that got boring quick and it became very evident that this camp was in need of better training targets. He'd have to bring that up to the old horse one of these days. But for now he was in need of a new training partner. Random Camper Number 5. He couldn't be assed to remember his name. Which was fine because for all this camper knew his name was Troy. The only thing that mattered is if this kid could put up a good fight. He looked the part at least. He was tall, almost as tall as himself. His arms were bigger than his and stacked with muscle as if his job was to smash things with a giant hammer. He didn't skip leg day either, but everyone knows the hammer swings are really all in your base.

Zeru was disappointed when his opponent didn't bring out a hammer to fight him with. Instead he had a two handed greatsword. With all the context considered he took one final look down at his opponent. "Overcompensating for something?"

That triggered it. Camper Number 5 rushed towards Zeru, every one of his steps crushing the ground in anger. Zeru took that as a yes and was glad that he got this kind of response. He didn't want his opponent being scared to go all out against him. He wanted a passionate brawl or it wouldn't be worth anything. He'd apologize after he beat him. Zeru prepared a defensive stance and focused. Camper 5 had the strength to wield that sword and the reach over his own blade. But due to the size his swings should be slower and he had to use both hands to wield it. Scratch that. Never assume anything about your opponent. You don't even know 5's name. For all Zeru knew the guy could wield it at any time with just one of those massive arms.

The first swing of Camper 5's blade came diagonally down aiming to slice the son of Zeus in two. Zeru had let him get closer than he intended but he wasn't worried. He parried the sword causing his own to hum and clang as they clashed. He pushed up with his strength just enough to lift Camper 5's blade and used the temporary relief to jump back. Camper 5 didn't hesitate to close the distance and swing his blade aiming to horizontally bisect our hero. Zeru's eyes widened in a brief second of shock before he brought the face of Skyslicer in the path of the greatsword. He placed his left hand on the back of it for added protection, but all it did was prevent him from being sliced in two. Instead Camper 5 pushed through with his strength and sent Zeru tumbling backwards.

He came to a stop and spit on the ground. "Maybe I should learn your name after this." Zeru pushed himself up and dusted off his pants. "Now, whe---achoo." What the hell was that? Was he getting sick?

Everything happened so fast. Suddenly, and without warning, Erin thrust the cup of tea back into Tyler's hands. Luckily enough for him, he'd had his eyes on her when she sat forward and did so. Catch it before she let go, he quickly stood to his feet and moved out of her way, watching her go.

^{"...I just-... I think I need a moment... I'm sorry..."}

Tyler started off after Erin as she went up the stairs two at a time, a familiar voice catching his ears and forcing him to stop in his tracks.

^{"You shouldn't go after her, none of you... Have trust in Erin that she'll do the right thing,"}

Jaw clenching, Tyler pivoted and turned to walk into the kitchen. Elias was right. As much as he hated to admit it and wanted to go console her, she clearly needed space, not to be smothered even more. With a heavy sigh, he poured her tea out into the sink and took up the sponge, dispensing a bit of soup to it before washing the mug out. Rinsing it off, he hung the thing on the drying rack on the counter before picking up his own mug to finish off his, now, cold tea. Once he downed the last of what remained in his cup, he stepped over to the stove where the pot still sat and poured himself a fresh, hot cup of tea.

Setting the pot back to the burner, Tyler turned and pulled out a chair to sit in, dropping down into the seat and set the mug down on the table. Tyler clasped his hands behind his head as he dropped his head down, groaning to himself. It wasn't long before he found hear footsteps approaching him, lifting his head to find Greyson bringing the chair back into the kitchen. The two shared a long, black stare for a moment before Greyson finally spoke up as he slid the chair back into it's place.

"Listen, mate. I'm going to head back to my cabin and giv' her som' spaiss. I know yau've got' it from her'. Just' be patient' with her, yeah?" Greyson clapped his hands over Tyler's shoulders and gave them a firm squeeze before walking out of the cabin, Tyler watching him disappear out of sight. Tyler spent a bit longer sitting at the table before the thought occurred to him, suddenly wondering who else was in the cabin waiting for her to come back down. With that thought in mind, Tyler pushed his way up from the table and stepped into the living area where the couch was located. With no one in sight, Tyler's gaze turned to stare up at where her bedroom was located. Where she was located.

Chewing on his lower lip a moment, Elias' words playing back in his head, he quickly shook them away. Time had gone by, everyone had gone. He was free to at least go up and check in on her, he didn't have to pry at her. Just to see if she maybe needed him. Sighing softly, Tyler took the stairs two at a time. Once at the top, he noticed her door had been left open, stepping up to peek his head in.

"Erin, are you alright?"

His eyes quickly scanned the room and realized she wasn't even in there, his brow narrowing. 'Where in Tartarus did she go?' he thought to himself. He stood there a moment, eyes scanning the room again as if he didn't believe it that she'd just up and disappeared on them. Why not, though? Hell, if Tyler had the ability to Shadow Travel, he'd port his way out of situations, too. He couldn't blame her. Frowning slightly, Tyler gently shut Erin's bedroom door and turned back to the stairs, slowly taking them one at a time till he reached the floor level. Ty reached an arm over his head and into the back of his shirt, itching a spot that itched on his back as he wandered back into the kitchen. The boy froze in his tracks at the sight before him, reaching his hand up to rub forcefully across his face, clearly annoyed. The black cat was on top of the table lapping at the warm liquid within Tyler's mug.

"Salem, dammit," said with a slightly irritated tone, glaring at the cat.

Browr.

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"Not at the expense of your own safety, no. I swear, the next time you get seriously hurt from your little stunts, I'll have Spencer give you a healing bath out of Phlegethon fire water."

It was an involuntary response- she retched. Her hand leaving its place down at her side long enough that she could partially cover her mouth, though the meaning behind the action was clear enough. That was not an option that she was a fan of; even so much as thinking of it had her wanting to barf up her breakfast. The mere idea of vomiting itself was disgusting, but even still, she'd rather that than deal with the stench of bathing in the waters that ran deep through the very depths of Tartarus. There was seriously nothing at all appealing about the idea, "..argh... please don't. I'd rather go swimming in the river Styx, than bathing in that crap."

"Anyways, I'm glad you two are fine. With the mood at camp right now, a bit of good news is quite refreshing to be honest."

"Hey, Arthur, and yeah, it is good news that they are both fine. Given with... what is happening. A nice change of pace, really, and I hope that everything goes well for her sake."

Right. There was that too. The frown etching itself into her features as all hint of amusement disappeared, Octavia fell silent. Her arms coming together, crossing over the front of her chest as she once more seemed to lose herself in thought. Erin Chase... She knew the girl, sure; as well as she might have liked..? Not really. The daughter of Hades was one of those few in the camp that she hadn't quite worked out how to deal with, even after living in the same place for so many years. She was one who liked her solitary life, and those who had managed to crack through the hardened walls she put up, she couldn't deny she had respect for them. They'd figured it out where she herself couldn't; but even still, it didn't change anything. Was she capable of committing the crime her father had accused her of..? Most definitely. Had she..?

That answer remained to be seen.

A heavy sigh passing out through her nostrils, eyes closing as she allowed herself to dwell on the situation now she her head was clear of her anger; she eventually shifted. Her arms falling back down to her sides after a time, and her gaze returning to the two men in front of her. It wasn't in her place to lay judgement on the girl they were placing faith in, all she could do was trust that the culprit, whoever it was, would eventually be brought to justice.

The brush of fur against the side of her neck catching her attention, Octavia shot a glance out the corner of her eyes. The sight of the creature she'd almost completely forgotten about still perched on her shoulder causing her frown to deepen. There were things she needed to think on... she couldn't do that with the threat of an Apollo child chasing after the fuzz-ball. Reaching across, once more picking it up by the scruff of its neck, letting it dangle in the air for a moment, she handed it over. Placing it into Zane's hands with a nod, "..look after this. I have things I need to do. And again, you have my gratitude for healing me."

Nodding her head towards him first, doing the same to the son of Selene, both out of respect; Octavia began her retreat. Back turning to them after a few steps, and once it had, she made her way out the building and into the fresh air of the camp. Fuck, she needed a damn shower....

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The sound of a light snore could be heard emanating from the bed of Alina Kim. First day of the summer, first day of the year. Neither mattered to her so she had no intentions of joining in this morning's early game of knock your fellow idiots off a Tower. If she could she would've slept through the entire day, but someone with a possible death wish decided to interrupt her slumber. Alina could feel her body being nudged and a pestering voice repeating the phrase, "Wake up."

Alina let out an exaggerated groan showing she was displeased with this sudden wake up call. She stretched out her body before bringing it back to a relaxed state. She scratched the top of her satin bonnet and looked in the eyes of her alarm clock. "What is it that you want?"

"You said to wake you up if you overslept." Said the young Julie Sanders. She was a blonde fourteen year old daughter of Hermes who for some odd reason had taken a liking to Alina and treated her like a big sister despite them not having the same godly parent. Alina tolerated her and used her on occasion as a personal assistant. But the kid honestly wasn't half bad. Except during moments like this.

"I said no such thing."

"Yes, you did."

Alina was going to start a back and forth with the girl, but realized it and paused before saying, "Well, I changed my mind. Don't ever wake me up. I don't care if you think I'm dead. Just don't do it. Are they done with the Obstacle Tower?"

Julie nodded showing that she understood as well as answering Alina's question. "Yes, Pierre won."

"Pierre? What'd he do? Put the rest of the competition to sleep?"

"No, everyone else got distracted by the Ares Cabin. But you missed something important. Erin has a quest. She was accused of stealing Aphrodite's Dove and must prove her innocence or else she'll be handed over to Ares."

"Oh."

"Oh?"

"You said important. I kind of expected more."

"More than a quest? You're not worried about Erin?"

"More than the incompetency of the gods and of course not. Erin's a big girl. She can take care of herself. Plus the princess has a whole entourage of people willing to protect and die for her. She'll be fine."

"You don't want to go on the quest? I'd love to go on one... get the chance to be a hero and see the world."

"Put my life on the line for a stupid dove? I don't think so. And no you don't. They're overrated and are just a way for our parents to get us to solve their problems for them."

"Oh..." Julie dropped her head in disappointment. She heard about all the different stories about quests and the heroes of the past and she wanted so much to be like them. She thought Alina was like them.

Alina couldn't stand to see her like that. She didn't want to crush the kid's spirit. This is why she shouldn't be awakened in the morning. or in the afternoon or---well, you get the picture. She lifted her hand to Julie's chin and gave it a light push so she could look at her. "What I mean is if you're going to go on a quest make sure it's one that's worth it. Not a mission of lost and found. Now go. Now that I'm up I'll have to get dressed." Julie smiled and Alina smiled in return before she watched the young camper run out of her room and shut the door behind her.

As soon as the door closed Alina's smile faded. She reached for the brim of her comforter and pulled it over her head before collapsing back onto her pillow.

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Talon tried his best to ignore what Valeria was doing, turning his gaze back over the water, seeking to turn his thoughts off- or at the very least force them away. His heart was beating fast and he coudln't quite slow his breathing down. She would know. How could she not? Thev various injuries, healed from time, of abuse... he couldn't quite cover the panic, couldn't quite soothe himself. She wasn't going to hurt him- at least physically. She didn't ask questions, just pulled away with that smile.

And then she was going... leaving, just like they all did. Clenching his jaw, he nodded. "Thank you." he said softly, not entirely sure what else he could say. She didn't ask any questions, yet surely she must know. He hesitated, opening his mouth to speak but stopped, looking away again. "ALright. See you later." He couldn't avoid returning back to the cabin forever, he supposed.

He turned to leave, reluctant to do so. Oh, he was sure eventually Elias or Octavia would find him. He didn't particularly want either of them to do so. He could still feel a spark of anger at Octavia- she'd probably demand an apology. It wasn't going to happen. Talon wasn't ever going to apologise for just being every again. Not when it hadn't been his fault. And Elias... he'd want to talk. Talon had, so far, managed to keep his secrets from his siblings at the very least. He would not put himself in a position to be hurt again. Just because they were his siblings, didn't mean he had to trust them.

His gaze, unbidden, moved back to Valeria. He had, grudgingly, given her a little bit of trust. Healed his wounds, without turning what she must have found against him. Could he trust that? Or would she use it against him, later? He watched a moment, before sighing and starting to walk away from the lake, back towards the cabins.

Perhaps he could sneak in, check on Ciscely... and then sneak back out.

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Kalinda shrugged and sighed, "I don't think the Gods really care about whether or not they can do a thing, they just do it. It's gonna be apart of their games- they have to use catspaws to harm each other, I guess." she said, wearily, her gaze flicking to Octavia as she started to leave. Well, she couldn't keep her here, as much as she wanted to at least make sure the other girl was alright.

She had to trust the other healers, she couldn't always be there for everyone. Even if it did send a stab of guilt through her. She returned her gaze to her sister. "We need to be watchful for visions. And even if they seem insignificant, we can't ignore them. The smallest thing could be important." She well knew that. Vivian might be more skilled in the area of visions- certianly she received more than Kalinda. That was okay- Kalinda was more skilled in the healing arts and that was the way she liked it.

And yet... she knew what ignoring a vision could lead to. "I'm tempted to get more supplies organised. The ones going with Erin will need them. I doubt I'll be going- but it would be good if a healer could go... ". Kalinda had no doubt that those going with Erin would need medical treatment, and she wished she could protect them all. She sighed again, running a hand through her black hair. "We can do stuff for them, before they go. I expect it will be soon, if the others can convince her." Convincing Erin, she suspected, would be next to impossible.

She rose from the bed, shaking her head. "Well, we should get started." She stepped over to grab Chaos from Zane's hands, "Thanks." She absently took out the leash and got Chaos set up, the ferret pleased to be able to explore even slightly. "Bandages, antiseptic, numbing salve stitches... " The fucking Gods had to be laughing at them. Her gaze went over the others in the infirmary. It wouldn't be the first time Kalinda was making a pack for those going on quests... but this one seemed more important. Those that went wouldn't have time for hospitals or to get back to camp for help.

"Any thoughts?"."

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The sound of a very familiar giggle traveled through the air until it reached Zeru's ears causing them to twitch with alertness. He scanned the area looking for the source and there she was. His Flamebird was back. He hoped she would've gotten to camp the day before but she didn't and his bed was lonely without her. He couldn't wait to hold her in his arms again. The knowledge that she was there reinvigorated his desire to win this and fueled his strength. Camper Number 5 was now in trouble.

Zeru responded to Fiamma's wave with a wink and turned his attention back to his massive opponent. "I'm done feeling you out now. It's time to get a little serious. I do hope you can still entertain me a bit."



Zeru twirled his blade around as both as a taunt and as a dramatic lead up to what he was about to say. "Names are important to me. They hold both meaning and power. It's why not everyone at camp knows my name. Now this sword here is called SkySlicer, for multiple reasons. When I finish explaining why this fight will be achoo-over." A look of annoyance crept onto Zeru's face. When this fight was over he was going to get to the bottom of these poorly timed sneezes. But for now he had to focus. He tightened his grip around the hilt of his sword and rushed towards Camper Number 5. Before he could get the chance to swing his giant sword Zeru beat him to it causing the camper to parry Zeru's blade. But that didn't stop or slow down Zeru. He corrected himself and swung SkySlicer once again causing another clash of blades. A hum could be heard as a dim blue glow surrounded Zeru's blade.

A smirk formed from his lips and faded just as quickly as he sped up his swings and drew his arm further back with each swing. At first glance it would seem like Zeru was sloppily swinging hoping to gain some kind of edge and it would seem that he was gaining that edge. Because with every swing of his blade he pushed Camper Number 5 back and forced him on the defensive. "Reason number one."

Zee jumped backwards finally giving the Camper the space he needed to recollect himself, but he wouldn't have long because as soon as he landed on the ground he swung his sword releasing a crescent wave of wind speeding directly at his opponent. "It can slice with the power of the sky."

Five's eyes widened in shock, but something like this was to be expected of the son of the sky wielding a blade named as such. But he wouldn't have cared if he was the son of Ouranos. None of that meant anything in this fight. He gripped the hilt of his greatsword with both hands before lifting it above his head and slicing the projected air in half. He managed to save himself from any threatening damage, but the split pressure of the wind cut his cheek causing blood to trickle from the wound. He touched the blood with his hand almost in disbelief. He couldn't get hit with that directly.

"Reason number two." Zeru intended to speed things up a bit more now. He made another dash towards Five, but once he was halfway he threw his sword into the air and continued to charge without a care in the world. Was he mad? Suicidal? Both or neither? Five didn't have time to think about it. He just knew that he needed to beat him now before he had the chance to enact any plan of his.

When Zeru was within his range he brought the sword down aiming to slice the unarmed prince, but Zeru dodged it with almost no effort on his part. He anticipated where he would swing and knew just how to react in order not to die. He had to if he was brave and foolish enough to get this close without a weapon.

Five tried to swing again before Zeru could close the gap even further but his blade was met with SkySlicer that was seemingly moving on its own. But in reality it was riding on the wind that was being controlled by Zeru's will. "It can ride the currents of the air. And reason number three."

It was time to end this. SkySlicer dropped from the sky into Zeru's grip. He swung the blade horizontally at Five knowing he'd have to block it and not parry. This time when the giant sword clashed with Zeru's the humming intensified and cut straight through Five's signature weapon and continued until Zeru stopped his swing just short of bisecting his fellow demigod. "It can slice through anything. Even the sky. Anyway, I win." Zeru's seriousness faded and he smiled before double tapping his hilt causing it to transform back into a necklace pendant.

Camper Five sighed and dropped to the floor. Not only had he lost, but his sword was cut in half like it was nothing. Feelings of anger started to surface, but he forced himself to remain calm. It wasn't like he couldn't get an even better one made. The better fighter had won and he was just lucky that his sword was the only casualty. "You wanted to know my name, right? It's Dave."

Zeru raised an eyebrow at the revelation. Dave? Seriously? He did not look like a Dave at all. A Luther or Luke, maybe. "Well, Dave. Unfitting name by the way, but I'm Troy. This was fun. We should do this again sometime, but for now I have to see the sun about a goddess."

Dave had a look of clear confusion on his face, but shrugged it off. He took his broken blade and left the grounds to head to the forges.

Zeru watched him walk away without even saying goodbye. It didn't matter. They talked better with their blades than anything else. He turned in the other direction following Fiamma's path to the Apollo Cabin. He hoped her sisters weren't around. As much as he liked them he wanted some alone time with his little Strawberry. When he reached the steps of the cabin he felt his nerves building up. He fought a giant armed maniac with no issues, but seeing his girlfriend after all this time filled his stomach with butterflies. He overcame the sensation, walked up to the door, and knocked.