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"No! No, no, no, NO!" The sound of a medium pitched tenor voice echoes from the storage room within the Infirmary of Camp Half-blood. "This one goes there, THAT one goes there right?!" Within the storage room the owner of the voice points his finger dramatically to the top of a storage box and then to the bottom. One of the more junior healers winces and nods before rapidly replacing his failed inventory. He gives a sheepish smile to the older boy and looks outside the door.

"Sorry about that Lukas, I always mess those up. No excuse though." The young camper states, still with that sheepish smile on his face. Lukas rolls his eyes and gestures his dismissal.

"It's fine Trevor, but I will point it out every time until you get it right. You're good to end your shift, but make sure to practice your bandaging. It was sloppy today, but I think you have a general idea. Enough to practice at least. Expect to be tested on it." Lukas gives the lad a wink and then pushes him off towards the door.

Now left alone, Lukas fixes a few other issues with the organization and then walks out, taking the familiar path into the room. He oversees the current patients and their respective treatments, meets with one of his Senior Healers, and then heals a more critical ankle fracture. Hours later the son of Apollo manages to enter his office and takes a breath of relief as he is finally able to relax. Upon the desk is a memo giving him the heads up of a quest being taken and that those chosen would need to pick a day for their screenings. Lukas raises an eyebrow and curiosity takes hold of him as he considers what kind of quest was given out.

Far too soon his break was over and he was back out into work mode. He stopped by every cot, sitting and talking with those wounded, giving some more pain medication and checking vitals. But mostly getting to know them more. His last ward, a son of Athena smiled up to him and nodded to a chess-board. Lukas chuckles and kneels down to take the boy's hand and checks how he was healing and nods to himself, content with the current treatment the boys healer was applying. "Afternoon Liam, looks like your healing up good. I would say another day here and then you can be released. Now, as for this game. I'm pretty sure I got this." Lukas moves his rook to check the opposing King and Liam gives a knowing smile before blocking the attack and check-mating Lukas. The healer just sat stunned and then laughs musically. "Alright, alright. 0 for 4 me. Set up the next game. I'm winning at least one." Liam laughs as well and begins setting the board back to its starting position as Lukas exits the main floor and heads outside.

He is greeted with a stretcher being led into the infirmary and Luke takes on the case himself. "Talk to me, what happened." The stretcher-bearer at the front huffs out through heavy breaths.

"15-year-old female camper fell from the top of the climbing tower after making it up. Blood pressure is way up, and Heart-rate is currently 190." Lukas nods a few times and takes a hold of the girl's hand, getting a list of her injuries and wincing a bit. He points to the reserve spot for heavy trauma and shrugged out of his coat.

He gestures for everyone to step back. "Not enough time for conventional treatment, the fall caused head trauma. There's a Bleed that I need to stop." He says nothing further but clasps his left hand upon the patient's left shoulder while his right continues to hold her hand. Lukas furrows his eyebrows as he enters a deep focus. After ten minutes of what looks like nothing on the surface, Lukas opens his eyes and looks to his second. "The bleed is secure. I'm going to start healing now, you go over the superficial wounds inferior while I focus on the superior injuries." The two medics go to work and the sound of Greek Hymns fills the area, Lukas humming and as he does so his skin begins to brighten just slightly and his eyes turn golden. It takes less time than one might think, using two healers and having one with Lukas' potency. The girl stirs and wakes just as they were moving her to a cot. Lukas glances up at his team and nods. "Not bad, make sure she's monitored for the next few days, but she should be fine. I'll check in later."

At his dismissal, everyone scatters to get busy once again. There was always some sort of healing going on, some emergency being handled and Lukas wouldn't have it any other way. It was just another day in Camp Half-Blood.

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Alina paused in thought for a moment starting to wonder how Damien was feeling about all of this. He likely was aware of his sister's situation by now. She ought to check on him later. Her attention returned to Jamie the moment she asked if she needed anything. Now she was speaking her language. Alina loved things and if she wasn't so neat she would have likely become some sort of hoarder. But what Alina liked more than things were things that weren't exactly easy to acquire. Jamie was known to be able to get her hands on almost anything. "Hmm. I don't have anything too particular in mind, but if your bags of goodies have anything rare or sweet in them I of course would love first dibs."

Alina then thought to herself that if she planned to see Damien later she might as well not do so empty-handed even if she was the best gift anyone could ask for. "Also, if you have one of the original Cocaine-Colas and a doggie bone or something that would be nice too." She wasn't exactly sure what his dog Onyx would like. She and the hound of baskerville weren't exactly close, but she wanted it at least known that she thought of him too.

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The dull boom, boom, boom of her fists smacking over and over against the canvas was lost on her; instead, she let the music playing from her phone and through the earphones fill her mind. Keeping her concentrated as she continued to pound hard, almost relentlessly so, on the punching bag that was suspended from the ceiling of the Ares cabin by chains. She wasn't sure just how long she'd been at it, but she knew that she'd been going at it long enough that her knuckles were now glistened red with her blood once more. Though all the while she kept her hands up. Protecting her face from the blows that weren't even coming her way; though after so long of having that particular lesson drummed into her over and over again, it had just simply become nothing more than habit. A natural instinct.

Protect yourself. Don't give your opponent an opening. Show no mercy.

Because in the end, they weren't going to show her any.

Chest heaving slightly with each breath that she took, a light sheen of sweat visible over her body; some even rolling slightly down the side of her face, Octavia shoved her fist as hard as she could into the bag. The sight of the seem splitting open, even slightly, causing her to pause for a moment. Her dark eyes flicking up to her brother who was holding it steady, she brought her attention back to the split. Watching as some of the sawdust trickled out and onto the floor before she shifted and began at it once again. Her blows landing at the bottom of the split; determined to either make it bigger... or to kill it altogether.

"Tavia... you're going to hurt yourself again. You can't keep pushing yourself like this. Seriously, you need to work on letting go of your pride."

Pride...

Octavia refrained from rolling her eyes. It wasn't the first time that her pride had been the topic of conversation, and beyond that, her brother wasn't the only one who had brought it up either. Everyone seemed to think that it was some kind of a problem; she didn't see it, and honestly..? It was getting pretty damn old, real fast. Hesitating though, Octavia nevertheless stood down. Her hands balling up tighter, and for only a few moments before she turned away from the bag and instead to her brother who had been holding it steady. Her fists uncurling.

Despite the fact that she wanted to keep going with the bag, he was right... He was always right. She couldn't risk injuring herself and throwing all her hard work and progress back, even a few weeks, "..pushing limits is the only way to progress... and father always said; show no mercy. Not even to the bag..."

"Tay... you started pushing your limits an hour ago."

This time, she couldn't help it. She actually did roll her eyes, "Just... go. Get out of here already." Despite it all, a gentle smile danced over her lips, and after having gotten one in return. Her brother's hand reaching out to give an encouraging squeeze of her shoulder; she watched him leave. Her green eyes lingering after him for a few moments later before she turned and headed off. Her arms swinging lightly at her sides, in time with her hips, she began off up the stairs and towards her bedroom. She was going to need to clean and tape her hands.

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"Yeah, let's start packing, they might not need it but, who knows what they will face while trying to find the dove. I do not want Erin and whoever she brings with her to be unprepared." Gods knows being prepared would have helped Zane in the past but, he does not want to think about those memories. Going down memory lane would not help Erin out and certainly not him. Zane had to focus and went moving around the infirmary, gathering medical supplies. Though now that he thinks about it, he has no idea of how many people will be going with Erin. Zane paused for a moment while holding pair of gauzes. That would be nice to know but, for now. Zane went about packing a basic amount for each pack. Making sure to not overpack and make everything nice and organized.

It was when he was done packing his first pack that the thought of who will be going with Erin came to mind. Probably not him then if Erin does plan on taking those that she trusts. Though Erin never leaves camp, Zane never really got to know her or talk to her much. Just the occasional hi then and there. So that means one less healer on the team, and he looked at Kalinda. As for Kalinda, Zane does not recall Erin and Kalinda being close or anything like that. So probably not her either, so that leaves out another healer. There is a good chance that this quest will be healer less, and that made Zane uneasy. Sure they may be packing medical supplies for Erin and her group, and they might not need them. But, if things go south, he would like to know that an actual healer was with them. Zane sighed heavily, so at least some there could help them if these supplies are not enough. Still, at least he can say he did help Erin in this way though a small part.

As he started packing his second pack, he turned his head towards Kalinda. "So how many do you think we sure pack? I am guessing Erin is not going to bring a big entourage for this quest but, I do not want to go too overboard."

"Don't' even worry abaut' it. No neid to apologiz'," he waved off the Son of Khione's apology, giving him a reassuring smile. The mention of Erin and her quest had his smile falter, but only just. The son of Poseidon reached up both hands and grasped the collar of his shirt, sighing heavily as his eyes met with Corvus' again.

"Honestly, it's probably best' to just' steir clear for now. She's got' a lot' of support', especially from thos' closest' to her. She's already getting peopl' together for the quest'. The best' way, I've faund, to show yaur support'... is just' be her' as backup. In cas' she neids the extra push, thaugh I highly daubt' she'll neid it. Brandon and Tyler alon' will get' her going. The Thanatos bois, as well. Dorian, especially. And Spencer, too, in his own way-" However forceful his hand was... he had a way of getting her to what he wanted/she needed to do.

Greyson's gaze wandered around, catching a glimpse of Adeline and Michael Stevenson in the distance sitting on the Morpheus Cabin porch. A small smile returned to his features before he turned his eyes back to Corvus. "Hey, I'll catch up with yau later, mat'. I promised a certain someon' I'd find her again after I had a word with my cousin." The son of Poseidon clapped a half over Corvus' shoulder before letting his hand drop back to his side as he turned to walk in the direction of the Morpheus Cabin, calling over his shoulder to Corvus, "I heard they had a really great' pie up at' the Pavilion today! Mayb' go check it aut' and tell me how it is, yeah?"

With nothing else left to do, Spencer found himself walking with no destination in particular. He was absorbed in that one line of the quest... 'One soul shall be taken.' If this quest was a trap set by his father, then he knew exactly how to draw him out. The old bastard must have known that he wouldn't just sit idly by while Erin was in such a predicament.

"Still, I doubt he was the one solely behind this. For someone fiercely loyal to his boss, it's hard to imagine that he'd put his boss' kid in harm's way," he thought with a pensive expression on his face.

As he shook the thought of conspiracies against him, he found himself at the doorstep of the Hephaestus Cabin. It was perfect timing too since he figured it'd be rude not to at least say goodbye to the little firecracker before they left. Besides, if there really was a chance that the soul that would be taken in this quest belonged to him, then he really needed to say goodbye to her since he didn't want history repeating itself once more.

After a series of unanswered knocks and waiting a decent amount of time for anyone to answer the door, though, he gave up on the idea altogether.

"The little troublemaker must be down in her super-secret bunker. It's best not to disturb her." He mused. Despite how seemingly close the two were, not even Spencer was allowed entry to Bunker Nine. His best guess was that she was working on something very personal that she wouldn't even allow one of her best friends to see it.

Wandering aimlessly again, he found himself drawn to the Deimos Cabin this time around. A smile crossed his face when he thought about Dany. The two practically arrived in camp at the same time so he was particularly close to the daughter of Deimos. He had taken it upon himself to help her get the hang of Shadow Travel and they'd hung out on multiple occasions in the past. Heck, she even got him hooked with Lord of the Rings and had been actively introducing him to pop culture he'd missed for the last 80 years.

With a well-placed knock, he patiently awaited for Dany to answer the door... although her half-brother could do so as well.

Having spent the previous night up playing games much later than she knew she should have and gotten very little sleep due to her annoying brother waking her up at the crack of dawn to train; she'd been on the verge of falling asleep all morning. A nice hot shower with a cold finish had fixed that right up, having woken her up enough that she felt the need to seek out one of her friends to pester and hang out with. She'd definitely had enough of her brother for one day. It was still a little weird.. calling Ezra her brother.

She was still getting to know him, but she knew without a doubt that they were related through their father. Ezra wouldn't let her forget it. She was the "favorite". He hadn't even known who Deimos was, and yet he'd been there through nearly her entire life in the shadows. Always watching over her. She was Daddy's Little Girl, and Ezra constantly went on about it. He'd said previously that it was just poking fun, but as much as he talked about it, Dany felt otherwise. She didn't really care to play into that game, though. She just left it alone and ignored him when he tried bringing it up.

Speak of the devil. The daughter of Deimos could hear her half-brother yelling at her from the other side of the door and down the hall. Something about 'your boyfriend is here'. 'But.. why would Cameron be here? He's mortal.' Dany made a face and shook her head as she quickly pulled her pants on, zipping them up before walking to her door to yank it open. "What?"

"Your boy toy, that McKnight kid? He's at the door."

Dany rolled her eyes as soon as Ezra even spoke his name, shaking her head as she took her hair down from the old cotton shirt she had it up in. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction of offering a rebuttal. Instead, she simply stayed quiet and made her way through the hallway and down the stairs till she reached the door. Gently, she pulled it open and met Spencer's eyes with a soft smile. "Hey you. What's up?" Her eyes left his momentarily to scan the surrounding area, not seeing Corona in tow with him. "No Rona, today?"

Spencer chuckled at Dany's greeting. The fact that Corona wasn't with him struck her as strange but if she only knew how much trouble the she had already caused earlier today...

"Nope... Just me. She's probably in the bunker as we speak since she wasn't at her cabin when I swung by." Spencer said in a sort of awkward tone.

He knew that Corona and Dany were best friends and she must have known just how much the daughter of Hephaestus liked to involve him in her experiments ... Still, he found it strange that she was surprised to see him, given that she is Erin's cousin and... oh. Suddenly the thought had occurred to him - given how notoriously into gaming Dany was... she must have stayed up all night playing games and wasn't aware of the situation.

"So... in case you weren't aware of the situation, Erin is being blamed by Ares for stealing Aphrodite's dove. She only has a week to find it and return it to Olympus in order to prove her innocence. Otherwise, Ares is going to take her." He felt himself shaking at the thought of the God of War taking the person that meant the most to him. He could feel his anger rising, but he took a deep breath to calm himself down and regain his composure. It would be unbecoming of him to lose himself to his rage in front of Dany after all.

Dany smile quickly faded at the news Spencer had brought her. She didn't in fact know of the news. Part of her wondered if Ezra had already heard of it and hadn't told her. No. He would have told her if he'd known. With both of the Deimos siblings being close to Erin in their own ways, something that wouldn't be information they'd keep from one another. She made a mental note to go up and tell him when she had the chance.

Ares was... more or less her grandfather, in a sense. I mean, by the godly bloodlines, he was. Dany was still trying to learn more and more about the Greek gods and goddesses, but the most she knew about Ares was that he was the god of war and he was pretty much always pissed off. Why Aphrodite was so concerned about a dove still wasn't clear to Dany but she wasn't really in the mood to have a history lesson right then, instead she chose to place her attention back on Spencer. He seemed to be going over a conflict within himself. It had been clear since day one that Spencer had a thing for her cousin. How couldn't he? She, for lack of a better term, saved him from Tarth... Tart.. Pop Tarts R Us. Wherever the fuck. You get it.

"I... I hadn't been told about it." Her eyes moved past the boy before her and turned to stare down the walkway where the Hades cabin sat. Part of her wanted to go and see her cousin, but the other half knew better. She'd probably been bombarded by everyone, and talking about it would probably only make it all worse. Dany folded her arms over her chest as her eyes came back to meet Spencer's. It suddenly hit her why he was here. As much as she knew he would have delivered the news to her regardless, something in her gut told her there was more he had to tell her.

"Something tells me you've not yet told the full story, Spence.. what is it?..."

Spencer sighed exasperatedly when Dany confronted him. How was he supposed to tell her what he came here for? That a particular line from the prophecy given to her cousin gave him a bad feeling? He knew his fair share of prophecies back in the day, most, if not all of them, had one or two ominous lines in them. Still she wanted answers and he did actively seek her out...

"As with all quests, the Oracle issued a prophecy to Erin... '..six figures, tall, stand strong in the East... a land of Pisa, pasta, and much art none the least... while two might find love, one soul shall be taken... the Ladies dove shall be found, but what vengeance will it awaken..?' That's what she told us."

Letting Dany process what he had just said, Spencer remained silent for a few moments.

"As far as prophecies go, it's not that bad. Heck, it basically says we're gonna succeed. However, the third line has really got me bothered. The ones going besides Erin, of course, are Tyler, Carlos, Brandon, Zeru, and of course, me." He shakily takes out a cigarette from his pocket and lights it with his precious lighter.

"The thing is, Carlos, Bran, and Zeru... the people they love aren't in this quest so it's probably going to come down to me and Tyler... and I know just how much chemistry he has with your cousin. The way he makes her laugh, comforts her, and just the way he's there for her..." He pauses, as if reluctant to say the words stuck to his throat. But after puffing another whiff of his cigarette, he sighs and decides to face the truth head-on.

"I'm pretty sure they're the ones who are going to find love in each other... and for the most part, despite how much I want to be that guy for her... I'm willing to face the music and accept that I'm not going to be that person... If she's happy, then how could I not be happy for her?"

With his cigarette halfway done, he took a quick series of puffs before promptly disposing of it.

The oldest son of Thanatos felt a pang of jealousy and pain in his chest as he reflected on what he had just said. In the end, words are just... well, words. Was he really for that inevitable outcome? How would he take it when he was proven true all along? For a long time, while he was down there, he swore himself off of love... vowing never to repeat the same mistake he did with Madeline. He was certain that he had closed off his heart to people so much that he had given up on the idea of love altogether... but Erin Maree Chase shattered the walls he had put up as if they were made of fragile glass. That's why trying to accept that his love would remain unrequited hurt was worse than any wound inflicted on him by any monster he encountered in Tartarus... And no amount of fire water would make that pain go away, at least instantly. After taking another deep breath, he faced Dany's eyes once more.

"So if I'm not going to be the one that finds love, there's a really high chance that it's my soul who's going to be taken... I'm not going to pretend that I know exactly what that means since prophecies leave a lot of room for interpretation... but if there's a chance that I'm not going to make it back from this quest, then I want to say goodbye to the people who would care if I suddenly disappeared off the face of the earth. I don't have any family... not anymore... My mom is long gone... as far as I'm concerned, dear old dad still wants me dead... so that leaves you, Rona, Addie, and Arthur the only ones left.."

Gingerly, Spencer took Dany's hand and placed his most prized possession - the lighter, his old best friend - right in the palm of her hand, enclosing her fingers over it.

"In case I really don't make it back, can you give this to Corona? It belonged to a dear friend which she really reminds me of. But if I do return alive, I'd like you to hold on to this for me... please. It may not look much but it's actually my most prized possession."

The daughter of Deimos stood absentmindedly staring off at the ground, really at nothing in particular, as she thought about what Spencer was saying. It wasn't till she heard the all-familiar sound of the lighter flicking to life. She quickly stepped out from the cabin and shut the door behind her so the smell of the smoke wouldn't get into the cabin. Normally, she'd complain about the smell, but the boy standing before her looked unhinged. Instead, she kept her opinion of the terrible scent to herself, chewing on her lip as she listened to Spencer talk more.

Dany was about to reply in regards to Bran being bunched up in with Carlos and Zeru in being people who have no one they love on the quest, but Spencer continued on without so much as giving her time to respond. She'd grown used to it in the months she'd gotten to know him, and didn't mind it much. Dany knew he always had a lot on his mind, and she let him get it out without interruption. Something that came with trial and error the first few months of their blossoming friendship. Soon she learned to just stay quiet till there was an extensive amount of silence in the air, or he gave her a certain look that told her it was her turn to talk.

She knew that what Spence said was a lie, not that Spencer would be aware of that, but she surely was. Dany knew Bran loved Erin, the depth of that love she wasn't one-hundred percent on, but it was potentially more than he ever let on. That was for sure. Erin could deny it all she wanted, but after having known him for so long and having seen their friendship from an outsider's point of view, it was hard to overlook. The Brandon that Dany had come to see the last months she'd been around him was definitely a different person than she knew back then, but one thing still remained the same. He'd drop anything to help Erin and was always at her side to defend her.

Then there was the subject of Tyler Rumancek that Spencer brought up that had Dany rubbing the back of her neck nervously. She knew more than she would care to admit, at least to Spencer. He seemed to really care for Erin, and as much as she wanted to root for him, she knew he'd already lost that race long before he'd even arrived at camp. Tyler was good for her in more ways than even he or she knew, and as much as she was happy for the two and their hush-hush relationship, she couldn't help for feel bad for Spencer.

At the mention of his soul being taken, Dany frowned slightly at him, crossing her arms over her chest as she searched his eyes. She continued to let him talk freely to get everything off of his chest, furrowing her brows slightly when he took her hand and placed his lighter in it. The girl closed her fingers around it and looked back up from it to his eyes. He was really being serious about this not coming back nonsense. Dany responded to his asked favor with a simple nod, waiting for him to finish before speaking up softly.

"You know... if you don't return, we're going to hunt your ass down and drag you back.. right? There's no way in hell we're letting you just disappear off the face of the earth."

Dany hesitated a moment before closing the distance between them, wrapping her arms around her friend's neck to pull him into a firm hug. She sighed heavily, looking over him as she spoke a bit muffled into it his shoulder.

"Just... come back, okay? Like you said," she pulled away from the hug slowly, stepping back a bit before looking up at him as she twisted the lighter around absentmindedly in her hand. "It basically states you guys will succeed with the quest. Even if.. it doesn't go your way with that, you still have us..yeah? Or..or are you saying we aren't good enough, hm?" She raised a playful brow at the eldest son of Thanatos, smirking.

The sudden sensation of Dany hugging him caught Spencer completely off guard. It brought back memories that he thought he had long buried or forgotten. The hugs he used to receive from his mom were one of them. Not a single night passes by that Regina McNight hasn't given her son the most heartfelt hug she could give, specially when she didn't know when it would be her last.

The next memory that was brought up was that of his ex. Despite the betrayal that he suffered under Madeline Fisher, there was no denying that what love he felt with her was genuine and he truly loved the daughter of Venus. He would get a certain sense of comfort, safety, and relief whenever she embraced him in the past and truth be told, it was one of the few memories he didn't regret after what happened.

Ever since then, he hasn't let anyone do that to him . The two people that did left him and hurt him in entirely different ways after all. Letting somebody embrace him like that made him look and feel vulnerable... more than he would like to admit. Thus, even the ever impulsive Corona learned not to push it when it came to the subject and hasn't made any attempts of hugging him since.

When Dany hugged him, however, he didn't seem to dislike it. He had thought that he wouldn't feel the same way he did when his mom and Madeline hugged him but the daughter of Deimos, for some unexplainable reason, managed to illicit those same feelings within him as well.

As a result, the eldest son of Thanatos felt his cheeks burning red as he felt himself awkwardly wrapping his own arms around Dany's body. Fortunately, her playful attempts of threatening him managed to crawl its way back into his thoughts and snapped him out of the euphoric trance that he found himself in.

"I'd like to see how you'd hunt me down when there's a possibility that I don't make it out alive of this quest... but I do prefer being alive than dead despite how shitty the Fates have been to me so far."
After Dany separated herself from him, he sighed in relief internally. With physical touch being his love language, it doesn't do wonders for his heart when someone as attractive as the brunette in front of him suddenly hugs him without any prior warning.

"Oh you guys are plenty good enough. Seriously, I would have been long gone if it weren't for you lot. "

Smiling at Dany, an idea suddenly pops in his head, prompting said smile to turn into a more mischievous grin.

"Although you could sweeten the deal for me and make me a nice homemade meal when I come back. Gives me a little more motivation to come back... you know... without my soul being taken?" Spencer told Dany playfully followed by an equally playful wink.

Dany rolled her eyes at Spencer, smiling genuinely at the boy. "I promise you, I'll make you whatever your little heart desires, Spence. Just promise me that you'll come back so that I can keep my promise." She suddenly remembered the lighter in her hand that she'd still been fidgeting with, holding it up between them. "I'll be sure to hold onto this for you till then."

The girl crossed her arms back over her chest, holding on tightly to the item in her hand. Her eyes turned towards the direction she knew the Thanatos kids' cabin was, lost in thought only a moment before turning her eyes back to Spencer. "You should probably get packing if you haven't done so already. I imagine my cousin's already done, herself. I'm sure she wants to get this over with as soon as possible."

With a contented sigh, Spencer looked at Dany in the eye and smirked at her. Ever since he heard Erin talk about Dany's cooking, he had always wanted to sample her dishes for himself. At least now, he had something to look forward to when he came back, even if it meant suffering heartache in the process.

"Deal. No take-backs, okay? And just so you have a clear idea of what I'd like to try, all I can say is... surprise me."

His expression softened a bit more upon realizing that Dany would really take care of his old keepsake. Honestly, it couldn't be in safer hands while he's away for an entire week looking for that damn bird.

As he started towards the direction of his cabin, Spencer held out his hand in the air and casually waved at the brown-haired girl. "See you in 7 days, Dany..."

As he drew farther and farther from the Deimos cabin, he suddenly remembered that he was watching The Ring with the daughter of Deimos the other night. Hopefully, his parting words didn't sound so ominous to her.

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Zeru left the Apollo Cabin feeling fresh and satisfied after his shower with Fiamma. It almost helped him forget that they were about to be separated again, but he knew it wouldn't be long this time. He had more incentive to return home as soon as they could. If they were lucky they might not even take the full seven days.

The two cabins weren't far from each other and it took him no time at all to arrive at the steps of the cabin of his underworldly uncle and cousins. He was less nervous walking up the steps of the Hades cabin than he was Apollo's.

Once he reached the door he knocked and waited. As he did he looked down at himself and realized that he probably should have grabbed a shirt from his cabin first or at least picked up one of the hoodies he let Fiamma "borrow" last summer. It honestly had slipped his mind until now. He just wanted to talk to Erin as soon as possible so he could stop sneezing. It almost ruined his shower.

"Salem..."

A few seconds... but apparently that's all it took. She'd turned her back on her bag for just those few brief seconds, and once she'd brought her attention back to it, there he was. A black ball of fur nestled comfortably along with the rest of the belongings she was taking with her on her quest- Gods, it still didn't feel real... she didn't want it to be real. There was still some small part of her that hoped it was a joke. Placing the charging cords for her phone and her kindle - argh... kindle... she hated not being able to hold actual books - down beside her bag, she instead reached into it. Her hold gentle as she wrapped her arms around the feline, and it was only a moment later that she was hoisting him up, "..you can't come with me this time..."

Normally, she wouldn't have an issue... the Underworld was as much his home as it was hers, but this was different. This wasn't just some spur of the moment trip to go and spend time with her father or her brother. The soft sound of someone knocking on her cabin door catching her ear, Erin's gaze was drawn towards the hall leading to the stairs. Hesitating, unsure if she wanted to leave it or answer it considering how the day had gone so far, she eventually sighed. And putting her cat down on the bed, quickly shoving the cords into her bag, she left the room. Her arms swinging lightly down by her sides as she took the stairs.

Reaching out as she drew close enough to the front door, Erin pulled it open. Her lips parting slightly at the seam as her gaze met with that of her cousin, "..Sparky..."

Zeru's eyes met his cousin's once she opened the door. He could tell that she had been crying, likely a lot, since she was accused this morning. He hated that the gods were putting her through this.

"Sup, Specter. I heard you were looking for me. Are you gonna let me inside so we can talk about this quest?" Zeru decided he rather not beat around the bush with her. She had likely had to repeat the conversation they were about to have quite a few times so he decided to make things a bit easier for her.

"..I just know I'm going to regret this..." Rolling her eyes, unable to help herself, Erin's hand slipped from the door. Back turning to her cousin as she began back up the stairs towards her bedroom. Already she had a sinking feeling that she was making the wrong choice, but it was too late now. There was no going back, and her mind was too clouded to even begin thinking about a possible replacement at this stage.

Zeru shook his head in response and followed his cousin inside closing the door behind him. He followed behind her and rubbed the back of his head. He felt a bit awkward now that they were inside the cabin. They were cousins, but they weren't exactly super close. Not like the posse that had managed to break through different layers of her shell. But he still cared about her and knew this was all incredibly hard on her, but he didn't want to spit out words that sounded like the cliches she likely had her so many times today.

"Hey, cous? I'm sorry this happened to you... It shouldn't have, but I promise you won't regret bringing me along. We're two of the most stubborn people I know. And in my experience stubbornness trumps fate. So don't let Ares looming over you or whatever the prophecy said get too deep in your head. We just have to do what we do best, survive." Zeru admittedly wasn't sure where he was going with this impromptu motivational speech but he hoped she got the message. That they were going to be fine and they were going to survive this.

"..survive... yeah..."

Voice soft as she repeated the word, mostly to herself, Erin rounded into her room once she'd hit the landing. Her feet carrying her back across to her bed, it was a few moments later that she was once more sitting on the edge of it. The dark feline resting in her lap, it's yellow eyes staring up at her cousin while behind her, the combined total of three hounds - two of her own, and one belonging to her brother - lounged over her sheets, "..what do you want to know..?"

Zeru followed Erin into her room that made him feel like he had stepped into the movie Hotel for Dogs. His blue eyes glancing over each hound, two from hell and one pit before they met the eyes of her cat Salem. It likely possessed his soul now. His attention returned to his cousin and he focused on the matter at hand. "You know, the basics. The prophecy, who's all coming, where we're going, and when do we leave?"

He didn't need convincing. He made up his mind about going on the quest the moment he was told she was looking for him.

The prophecy... right. How many times now would she have had to repeat the words given to her by the Oracle..? Repeat the names of the people she was dragging along with her into such a dangerous situation..? This was a conversation she'd already had countless of times that morning alone, and really the thought of having to have it again wasn't the most appealing, but it wasn't as though she really had a choice in the matter.

"..six figures, tall, stand strong in the East... a land of Pisa, pasta, and much art none the least... while two might find love, one soul shall be taken... the Ladies dove shall be found, but what vengeance will it awaken..?" A frown making it to her lips, Erin's fingers ran gently through Salem's black fur as she spoke to her cousin. Starting to give him the answers that he was currently looking to her for, "..that's the prophecy... we're going to Rome..."

Zeru listened to the prophecy and tried to analyze it as he did so to see what conclusions he could come up with based on each line. Most were fairly obvious. The amount of heroes going on the quest and the location being Rome. His ears twitched at the next two lines. He wasn't surprised that there'd be romance on a quest, let alone one for Aphrodite. The gods had ways of manipulating people based on their abilities. Rumor has it that Aphrodite was the reason Paris fell for the married Helen. But that was a story for another time.

He glanced down once again towards Salem at the mention of a soul being taken. He hoped his was safe in the hands of his cousin's familiar. But what did that mean for the other five, including her? He also had to worry about what Fi was going to think when he told her the prophecy. The next line revealed that Aphrodite's dove would be find but vengeance will awaken with it. Great. Aphrodite gets her dove and all they were going to get is a lost soul, vengeance, and two people in love as a consolation prize. He was starting to question his taste in his crush.

When Erin confirmed that they were going Zee nodded as to say he understood. "Right. Pretty standard prophecy of doom and gloom. But hey, all roads lead to Rome. Speaking of... Have you decided how we're going to get there? I know Underworld kids aren't the safest in the skies but I could call up my mom and get us a private plane ready to go and dear old dad would never attack us while I'm there." He was going to mention that it offered them comfort and the time to relax and come up with a plan but he didn't want to sound like he was a plane salesman.

"..no." Shaking her head lightly, her hand came to a brief stop on Salem before she continued to pet him, "..no sea... no sky..."

No sea. No sky. That only left one thing. He nearly shuddered at the thought. It wasn't the subway, but he wasn't entirely a fan of shadow travel either. "... Shadows?"

"..yes."

Zee saw no sense in fighting it and decided to take this loss for today. "And I see you're set on that so is there anything else I should know?"

"..some of the others think it best that we leave as soon as we finish packing."

"I agree. We may have seven days, but still. But what do you think? About any of this? You've had a lot thrown at you this morning. And I... uhh, I noticed you've been crying. Are you sure you're ready for this?"

Her body stiffened at his words. He could tell that she'd been crying..? Fuck. Even after having washed her face, it was still so obvious. Clearly. Would the humiliation of the day never cease..? Or was she just doomed to have it thrown back at her again and again..? Hand once more stilling against the feline who took the opportunity to slip out of her arms, causing her to lower her hands back down to her lap. Fingers curling slightly as she tried to think of just how to answer his questions.

"..no."

She knew it wasn't the answer he was looking for- hell, it wasn't the answer she wanted to be able to give. But the both of them knew that it was truth. Plain and simple as that, "..I'm not ready for this... and I'm far from being okay, either; not that you bothered to actually ask for my current state of mind... I didn't ask for this- and I want nothing to do with it either, if I'm being completely candid. I might not particularly look it, but I'm already fighting... just with myself. I haven't stopped trembling since I was in Mr. D's office. And it's taking everything I have to simply pack this bag without breaking down into a mess right here on my bedroom floor..."

He felt that he had to choose his next words carefully. It already seemed that he made a blunder by not asking if she was okay. He just thought she had heard that question enough and was tired of answering it. He knew that he would have. But that was the thing. Most people would have lied or put on a brave front to show that they were okay, but Erin Chase wasn't most people. While everyone else was facing mythical monsters she faced ones that you couldn't just simply slay with a sword or crush it in darkness. It was the darkness. He didn't know too much about her past. He never wanted to push her to open up, but he knew it was something she was still facing within these borders.

"Then break down." He gave his words a moment to settle in before he continued. "Contrary to popular belief demigods don't have to be strong all the time. You're in your cabin, in your room, surrounded by your pets of comfort so break down. But you can't carry that fight with yourself when you're fighting out there. That's how you die and I know you don't want to die because you haven't really gotten the chance to live yet. You can start by telling Aphrodite where she can shove her bird once we finish this quest."

Her lips parting slightly at the seam, Erin found herself able to do little else other than stare up at her cousin from where she was sat. Her dark gaze holding fast to his; seeming to search them, though for what she just wasn't quite sure. Permission..? He'd already given it to her. He'd laid it out bare for her- told her to go ahead and let her emotions get the better of her now that she was faced with a situation she had almost absolutely no control over.

"..I can't..."

Her voice soft as she responded, she turned her head away from him. If she did- if she allowed herself to come crashing down now, then there was going to be no quest. At least not one that she would go on anyway. Then she'd just be right back where she started at square one. Shutting herself away in her cabin and waiting for the day when Ares came to deliver his judgement, "..what else did you want to know..?"

Zeru didn't need his ability to know that was a lie. She could. She just wouldn't and he wasn't going to force her. He'd just have to trust that when it came down to it she'd be ready to fight.

He shrugged his shoulders taking a second to think. There was only one thing left, well maybe two. "Just who else is coming and where you want to meet up to leave."

It was more than clear that he wanted to push the point, but just wouldn't. Despite his bluntness, he'd never once attempted to force her into having conversations that she didn't want to, and though she'd never admit it, for that she was rather grateful. Hands breaking away from her lap, she instead let them rest on either side of her body. Her fingers curled lightly over the sheets, "..Brandon, Spencer, Carlos, and Tyler... they have all agreed to come with me."

Pausing, Erin looked away from him. Her gaze drawing out the window of her bedroom. Where to meet though... that was something she'd never really discussed with any of them, "..just meet in front of my cabin when you're ready..."

He listened to the names as she called them out. The team was interesting enough. Brandon as the son of Ares was another rather capable fighter. Carlos was cool and he had a feeling they'd need his luck, especially if a god was manipulating things behind the scene. Tyler being there put one of the lines of the prophecy into perspective. He didn't really know anything about Spencer. All he knew was that he was the son of Thanatos and he arrived at camp sometime over the school year. But if Erin brought him over Dorian he was sure that he brought a lot to the table.

Zeru followed her gaze out the window to see if she was actually looking at anything. When she gave him the location he gave a nod. "Front of your cabin. Got it. Well, I have to go pack, but we're gonna get you through this, cous." He turned back towards the door and was about to step out when a thought suddenly entered his mind. "Oh yeah. Why'd you pick me?"

"..because despite everything... I think you're the one I need right now..."

The answer slipping from her lips before she really took a moment to think on whether she wanted to admit that to him or not, it was another moment or two before Erin let her attention draw back around to him. Her dark gaze once more meeting with his, "..besides... you can fly, and we're after a bird..."

Shrugging her shoulders lightly as she slipped that last little bit of information in, not wanting him to get a big head after the semi-compliment that she'd just inadvertently given him, Erin once more looked back out her bedroom widow, "..and cousin... just my own personal observation, but... you would do better keeping the prophecy to yourself rather than telling certain others what it is... it will only make things harder in the long run, if you catch my drift..."

His eyes widened at her words. He was glad that he turned away before then because for a brief moment his brown cheeks flashed red. He turned back towards her and found himself feeling a little guilty. Before today he hadn't really been there for his cousin and yeah he could blame his mortal life but no one prevented him from visiting camp over the breaks. He just didn't. But he no longer planned to use his mortal life as an excuse. He already considered starting to stay at camp full-time, but his cousin's words cemented the decision. He needed to be around for his friends, his family. He was going to start with this quest.

He laughed at her next reason. "I'll be your wingless hero. Your electric knight."

But her next words hit him like a brick and reality set in once again. Zeru knew the certain other was Fi and in a way she was right, but he also knew keeping it from her would be worse. "I catch it and I know... But I know keeping it from her would make her worry more. And honestly I can't lie to her."

"..then don't lie, but telling her the whole truth will just cause trouble... and you and I both know why..."

Zeru sighed. "I know. You'd think I would've outgrown this crush by now."

"..it's not so easy to do... trust me..." Fingers curling tighter, Erin let out a gentle sigh. Staying silent for a few minutes before finally she brought her attention back to his figure in her doorway, "..you should pack... we'll be leaving as soon as we can..."

He trusted her, but he knew sooner or later he would have to move on from it. It wasn't like he actually loved Aphrodite and part of him wasn't sure that he ever could. It was just a celebrity crush that just developed over the years.

Erin's voice freed him from his mind causing him to realize that he had just been simply standing there in her doorway. "Right. Pack. I'll see you in 0-Whatever hours." And with that he made a quick half spin to face the hall and walked out of Erin's room and down the stairs.

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Pierre still wasn't certain such a lofty design would be possible- but he was more than willing to admit that schmatics and metal work were two skills he couldn't compete with with the children of Athena, and Hepatus. They simply had more gifts in that area then he did. He listened to Corona's words, but still couldn't see how the machine would transform, like... well, a transformer. There was a reason why such things were left to the movies, or TV. Fantasy... Still, perhaps in a few years they could have such things. Technology, after all, was advancing in a sometimes frightening amount these days.

Pierre wasn't one to tear people down. This project was, quite obviously, something important to Corona, and that was enough for him to at least try and help. Even if he couldn't add much input, well, he'd still do his best. He flicked a glance to Brynn, wondering what she thought of it, before glancing back to the schematics. Corona would have to deal with a lot of issues coming up, not to mention a lot of work- but she always did seem energetic.

"Does it reposition automatically, or do yuou have to do it? How would it reposition automatically? You want it to, I assume, reassamble quickly." He said, looking back up to Corona and Brynn.

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Jamie couldn't help but smile- it was easy to find out what the others campers liked, and easy enough to grab what they might want. Jamie enjoyed slipping things to the other campers here and there, it made her happy in a world where not much seemed to do so anymore. Jamie grabbed ahold to anything they could to keep from sinking into the darkness that often seemed to plague them, the tiredness, the lack of energy to do anything they enjoyed. Jamie chuckled at her words, "There's enough dogs or dog like creatures here that I always grab a few treats for them on my trips out." Jamie shifted, and began to search their way through the saddle bags, coming out with some bones.

"The coke cokes are getting hard to find. Been toying with the idea of actually stealing the original receipe. It's in some vault in the company somewhere, I heard." Jamie said, rumaging through the bags some more before coming out with a can, somewhat faded- showing its age. "Got plenty of sweets. Some other goodies." Jamie could keep on taking things out, but it would probably be easier for Alina to come search through.

"Here, come have a look, see what you want. Avoid the pet bag, it's got a variety of things..,, none you'd want to eat."

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Shit. Shit shit shit shit shit!

Talon nearly skidded on the saw dust on the bag- and had no doubt who it was from. He had to hope that he could still get in and out... Someone would have heard the door shutting- it was too late to turn back. He was not a coward. Really? a part of him thought as he tried to climb the stairs as quietly as possible, so why are you sneaking about, then?. He tried to ignore That part, but it twinged at him. He seemed to hover at the top of the stairs a moment, before starting to turn towards his bedroom. He could escape...

The time with Valeria, although not really much... It had brought him a sembelance of peace, something he didn't have often... And he didn't want to hurt anyone. As he shoved his hands further into his pockets, slouching some more, he once more brushed the balm Valeria had given him. She had healed him... she hadn't said anything about the old injuries... she'd just smiled. How the fuck could any smile... ? Could anyone be cheerful like t his, in this fucked up world? She been excited about skipping rocks.

And had gave him some healing ointment, purely because she had been worried about him. And he could, grudingly, say that she hadn't expected anything in return. He bit his lip, pulling out the healing balm. If the bag was anything to go by... Talon gritted his teeth, sighing heavily. He hated himself. There was no changing that. But he'd hate himself more if he didn't do it. Still, he stood at the top of the stairs for a few moments, before he turned towards Octavia's door, hesitating still.

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It was a semblance of control, and one Kalinda knew was false. Yet having it gave her something to focus on, besides worry for her sister, or for what might happen to the camp if Erin and those going on the quest with her failed. It helped keep her together, instead of seeking to hunt up things she shouldn't. She'd been down the spiral road before- she wasn't going to again. She seized what she could hold on to- and let her mind focus on it. it would be fun. it always was, until she ended up hating herself even worse.

She sighed softly, staring at what she had gathered. It didn't seem enough. Oh, most quests or jobs ended up with very little injury- the campers had gotten better the more they had gone out- but something like this, something major? Kalinda doubted they could prepare them for all of what could happen. And that was what had her staring at the items, the salves, bandages, pain killers and other various drugs she had access to, the other various bindings.

"I... don't know, Zane." she said wearily as she looked over her shoulder to him. "I don't even know if they'll take any supplies we give them." she sighed again, before shrugging "We organise what we can. What kits we normally give out, but add more of each item. And hope for the best."

Dany had stood on the porch watching Spencer leave, staying a few moments longer even after he'd gone out of sight. With a soft sigh, the brunette turned herself back towards her cabin and pushed her way through the front door with a gasp as she saw a flash of grey ran past her feet. She growled to herself as she whipped around and glared at the large cat that stood a few feet away, sitting pretty in the dirt as he just simply stared back at her.

"Heimdall, damn you." The cat turned his nose up at her and stood on all fours, flicking his tail at her before padding off around the side of the cabin. Dany pinched the bridge of her nose a moment before throwing her hand up in defeat, shutting the door as she mumbled, _{"I don't have time for this."}

Turning on her heels, Dany began making her way up the staircase that led to her and Ezra's rooms. She not only had to tell him about what was going on with Erin, but she'd also have to admit to letting Heimdall out. Great. The daughter of Deimos came to a slow halt at the top of the stairs, seeing Heathcliff laying at the end of the hall in the doorway to her room, head on his paws just staring at Dany. She smirked slightly but shook her head, holding her hand up in a silent command as she took the last couple steps up the stairs and crossed the distance to her brother's door before knocking.

"Hey, I need to talk to you."

The son of Deimos sat at his desk blankly staring at his journal, jaw clenched as the words he'd heard Spencer say while eavesdropping at the top of the stairs replayed in his mind. No, he hadn't intentionally eavesdropped. There was no reason for him to listen in on the two, though when he'd exited his room to head for the kitchen downstairs, the mention of Erin and a prophecy caught his attention and stopped the young man in his tracks. When the front door had shut behind Dany, Ezra had retreated into his bedroom and shut his own door.

So many thoughts went through his head in the minutes following. Without so much as knowing he was doing it, Ezra had grabbed a bag and had started stuffing things into it before he caught himself and stopped. What had he been doing? Who knew. As much as Ezra wanted to help, deep down he knew there wasn't really much that he could bring to the quest. Other better-suited people would be picked to go with Erin to retrieve the stupid pigeon- dove. Whatever.

It wasn't till he heard a knock at the door that he was brought back to the present, sighing heavily as he eyed his closed door. His sister being on the other end of it. Ezra thought about teleporting out of the room right then and there but ultimately canned the idea altogether. He couldn't avoid her forever. Not only was she his sister on their father's side, but she was also Erin's cousin. Actual blood cousin. He didn't really see any way to be friends with Erin and not be at least remotely friendly with his own sister. His jaw clenched at the sound of her voice on the other side of the door, taking a deep breath before huffing it out softly.

"What's up, D?" he asked gruffly.

Dany leaned into the door, hand hovering over the knob. "Mind if I come in?"

There were several moments of silence on the other side of the door before Dany just pushed her way into her brother's room without his answer that he clearly wasn't going to give. She knew he'd been up a few hours and there was no chance of running into him the way she, unfortunately, had a few months back one day when she'd decided she was going to wake him up for breakfast. Nowadays, she just let Ezra sleep in. No amount of money could get Dany to walk into Ezra's room in the morning hours before he made a clothed appearance first.

Dany swung his door wide open and passed through the threshold, standing just inside his room with her arms folded over her chest. Ezra sat across the room at his desk staring at her over his shoulder, his dark eyes seemed cold as always. She knew he didn't care too much for her, and that was fine - she didn't need him to like her. Just to listen to her. The daughter of Deimos eyed her brother a moment or two longer before speaking.

"It's my cousin. Erin's been-"

"I know," he cut Dany off, turning himself in his desk chair to face her now. "Overheard you and him talking. She's been accused of stealing Aphrodike's damn bird."

Dany began to try reciting the prophecy Spence had provided to her but was definitely butchering it, Ezra shook his head and waved a dismissive hand at her. "I-I heard that too. I don't need to hear your fucked up version of it, D."

Dany's jaw clenched when Ezra spoke up over and interrupted her, making a face at him and shook her head as her eyes fell from his, falling onto the bag that had items spilling out from it. Looked as though they were things one might take on a trip... maybe a quest. Her eyes found her brother's again as she raised a brow at him.

"Thought you were gonna just insert yourself in the roster, huh? Don't worry, Spencer already has that covered. She doesn't need another lovestruck idiot getting in the way, Ez. She's gonna have enough of a time just leaving camp."

Though Erin had never mentioned it to Dany, herself, Dany knew just why Erin was so afraid of leaving camp. There was nothing that their mother's kept from each other, they shared everything and there wasn't a secret between them. Dany's mom hadn't exactly told her, either. She just happened to overhear her mother telling her stepfather Steven. There was no reason for Dany to have confronted her cousin about it all, but she kept the information fresh at the back of her mind any time she caught her cousin being especially quiet and closed off.

Another lovestruck idiot.

Ezra's brow furrowed slightly at that, tilting his head as he stared at his sister. Sure, he harbored feelings for the daughter of Hades but he'd go to Tartarus and back again for any of his friends. Erin wasn't on some special pedestal the way Dany made it seem. He shook her words from his head as he stood up, he closed a bit of the distance between them, towering over his sister. Without realizing it, he mirrored her stance with his arms crossed over his chest, chewing on his lip a moment before addressing what Dany had said.

"May have thought about it, but after thinking about it more it was clear I wouldn't be needed. There's plenty of people who would be better choices for her. Even if she asked me to go..." his voice trailed off, as did his gaze. He'd refuse. Wouldn't he? He'd like to think he would, though the idea of seeing the quest through personally was tempting in itself. Ezra knew he wasn't fit to be on the quest. Not this one, anyway.

"Even if she asked me, I'd tell her there were plenty of other people who would be able to help better than I ever could."

_{"Well I ain't here ta' fuck spiders,"} she smirked to herself, recalling the time she'd heard the bearded son of Hephaestus say the phrase. Of course, back then she hadn't known what it had meant, but seeing Dany's extremely confused expression, Hayden had been nice enough to elaborate and put the phrase into American terms. 'Well I ain't here ta' fuck spiders' being the Aussie equivalent to the American phrase 'No shit sherlock'. The saying which Dany hadn't realized she had spoken out loud till she saw her brother's own bewildered expression, shaking her head quickly.

"Nevermind. Speaking of 'better-suited people', though... if one of us is to go see her, it should be you. She's gonna need your help, Ez. You should go see her off."

Standing there a few moments, all he could do was manage to blink at her in silence as he mulled over what she'd said. Ezra reached up and scratched at the stubble on his face a second before folding his arm back in place across his chest. Dany was right. He could help her. At least help her let go of some of that fear he knew she had over leaving the camp. He hadn't been working on bettering his abilities the last 2 years for nothing. If he was looking to make himself useful, even the slightest bit, this was the perfect opportunity.

"I think I will." Ezra glanced behind Dany's legs as a furry face appeared at the bottom of the doorway, seeing her pet creeping on the two in his room. He eyed the hellhound a moment or two longer before pulling his eyes back up to Dany's. "Keep your mutt out of my room while I'm gone." With that, Ezra closed his eyes and concentrated on the image of Erin's room in his mind, leaving Dany standing in his room alone as he teleported himself out of it.

The mention of her own pet forcing her to remember the other thing she'd meant to tell Ezra while she spoke with him. As soon as she saw Ezra close his eyes she knew he was going to teleport. It was a Now or Never situation. "By the way, Heim got out again!" she called at him hurriedly as he vanished before her eyes.

At least she wouldn't have to deal with the cold shoulder and the 'I fuckin hate you' look he always gave her any time she accidentally let Heimdall out. If she saw that look again, she might just start letting the furball out on purpose. Turning to face her own furry friend, she nudged the hound back as she shut the door behind her and wandered back down the stairs with Heath in tow. Not having eaten all that morning, the fridge was calling her name.

^{'By the way, Heim got out again.'} ...dammit, Dany. He'd deal with that bullshit later.

Upon opening his eyes, Ezra found himself standing in the darkest corner of the daughter of Hades' bedroom. Not far from him stood the very girl in question, going about her business of what looked to be packing the last items into her bag. The son of Deimos eyed her a moment longer before speaking up, his tone soft and a little on the playful side.

"I knew you were Ärger when we first met. Stealing a goddess' symbol? Mm... not very becoming of you, Erin Maree Chase."

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Alina's opinion of Jamie was steadily increasing by the second. Her ears twitched at what would be the heist of the century and it was one that intrigued her. Now that was her kind of quest. Not only that but she'd be able to give Damien something he'd truly love. Why pay for the cow when you have the recipe to its milk? Alina was good with her words, but not when it came to expressing how she felt. She cared about Damien, but would never admit to it. At least not vocally. She showed him with her actions and gifts and she hoped that he really understood that about her.

She finally stood up from her chair not bothering to stretch as she walked down the steps to Jamie. She eyed the bones and picked up the biggest one and then the can in their hand. "You're a godsent, Jamie. Thank you. Also, if you need a wingperson for that Coke Heist I'd love to join you." She'd listen for their response but would continue on her way to the bag for humans or humanesque people. She placed the can and bone in the pockets of her robe making a note to wash it later. She produced a small orb of light at the tip of her index finger and used it to help her search through the bag. When she found something that caught her attention her eyes widened. Jamie was now officially her friend. She took out the bar of chocolate that had her eyes gleaming and her stomach's mouth watering. "This small delicious bar of chocolate is like an orgasm in the mouth. Thank you, thank you, thank you! What do I owe you?"

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The ever familiar thud of her skates hitting the floor of her bedroom, Isaura turned her attention away and to the rest of the room. Her bright blues gliding slowly over her bedroom for what felt like the millionth time since she'd returned to camp. The large stone wall... the wooden paneling and beams... the large open window in front of the bed which had been littered with the warmest of furs... the chandelier, hand-crafted from steel and deer antlers... Honestly, she still had a hard time believing that this was hers- that it was the same room she'd left behind when she'd fled the camp over a year and a half ago; scared of what her heart had been trying to tell her about Hayden. And yet... he'd gone out of his way to do this for her... to renovate her bedroom and give her that little piece of home, right here in the middle of Long Island Sound, New York.

And that wasn't to mention the fact that every week, like clockwork, he took it upon himself to refill the woodpile for the fireplace he'd installed.

Boy was that a sight to see...

Unable to stop it- the small smirk that danced across her lips, or even the gentle blush that crept out across her cheeks at the very thought of the love of her life, shirtless, and muscles flexing with each and every swing of the axe. The sheer force behind the blade driving it into the wood, and causing it to split. Sending each half tumbling in separate directions. She bit her lip. Her eyes inadvertently drawing towards the fireplace to check the level of the wood pile. Speaking of which... it was getting to that time of the week again...

Hand lifting, her fingers ran gently across her forehead; and collecting up any stray strands of hair that had fallen from her usual braids, she took a moment to tuck them back and behind her ear. A slight frown drawing to her lips as her eyes picked up on something- or, to be more specific, the lack of something. Actually... somethings. There were multiple little things that were different from when she'd left her room that morning. The pillows were placed differently on her bed... the remote for her TV was no longer beside her bed, but on top of her DVD system... her laptop was closed on her desk, headphones sat on top of it, and-... Turning on the spot, her attention was drawn over to her wardrobe and the armchair she had close to it. The jacket she'd tried on before settling for the one Imani had given to her was gone from where she'd left it. No doubt hung up once more.

Clenching her jaw slightly, Isaura closed her eyes. Corvus. It had to be. Her sister knew better than to go into her room uninvited; especially after a fight like they'd had the night before. Their older brother, however, still hadn't exactly learnt where the boundaries were when it came to cleaning the cabin. She appreciated it, of course, but... she liked things the way she liked them. And the idea of having someone come into her room without permission-..? Her bedroom was her sanctuary- a place she was free to do as she pleased. And family or not; she just didn't like it. It wasn't messy to begin with, but if she wanted it to be cleaner, she would have just done so herself.

Letting out a sigh; eyes rolling as she shook her head lightly, she moved over to her wardrobe door. And sliding it open, she took out the very jacket that her brother had seen to putting away without so much as a second thought, let alone a first one. Pulling it on, her hands drawing back behind her neck in order to gather up her long white locks, she pulled them across and over her shoulder. Her hands making their way into her pockets as she left her room and headed back down the stairs. Slowing only once she had made it out and onto the porch, she eventually drew to a stop. Her body falling gently until she was resting against one of the posts.

Really... it was such a beautiful day. Even if the Gods were trying to spoil it.

---

---

"Yeah, I guess that is all we can do", sounding disappointed. As he went back to packing, Zane could not help but feel anxious about this. This is an important quest for Erin, and not only would she be considered a theft which honestly does not seem like a big thing given the situation. More importantly, What Ares will do to her which he does not want to imagine that. Knowing that chances are he will not be coming just made him feel powerless. Like he can only watch and hope that Erin's quest goes well from the sidelines. That she recovers the dove, and her name is cleared. That and everyone returns home safe and sound. Zane wants to help Erin with this but, the only thing he can do is pack medical supplies for them. This seems small if nothing goes wrong but, the supplies might be helpful if anything happens. Still, he would rather be with Erin on this but, that is not his call. That is Erin's and hers alone. He is not going to force the issue, Erin is dealing with a lot right now, and more pressure is not needed.

As Zane went to gather some medical supplies, a thought came to him. Who in the gods' name stole the dove in the first place? Why go through the trouble of stealing a dove from Aphrodite? It is a symbol of power, sure but not a weapon like Zeus's Master Bolt or armor like Hades's Helm of Darkness. What godly power can be done with a bird? Unless there is some ulterior motive which who knows what that could be. Maybe sticking it to the gods or something. Though chances Erin and her group will be the ones find out that. Zane had a small smile at the thought, Erin getting revenge on whoever stole the dove in the first place. That will be good to see but, seeing that is not going to happen. Just a tale the Erin and the group might share once they recover the dove. If things go well, that is, and boy does, he hopes everything goes well. Zane is not sure what to do if they fail.

Getting his mind off the fact they might fail, Zane focused on packing the rest of the packs. It gives him something to do, at least during this mess."Well, Kalinda, if you need anything, just say something. You too, Vivian," Turning his head briefly to Kalinda before focusing back on the pack. "Otherwise, we got meds to supply, and who knows when Erin is going to head out."

^{"I imagine the location of the engine might be an issue. It would need to be functional in both positions... and everything would need to be perfect so that nothing shatters in both forms."}

Brynn nodded in silent agreement with Pierre, the gears in the child of Athena's head as she looked over the blueprints and photos that Corona had provided. The girl sighed heavily as she flipped back and forth between the two, occasionally looking up at the incomplete structure before the three demigods. If this was even possible, this wasn't going to be easy. Brynn knew about as well as anyone that the Athena kids; most, if not all, suffered from hubris - as she also knew the daughter of Hephaestus had been picked by her own mother, Athena. It seemed as though the girl had the unfortunate luck of receiving said flaw from her godly Legacy. As much as Brynn didn't want to crush the poor girl's hopes and dreams, she couldn't lie to her. Lying just wasn't something Brynn could manage doing. Not even a little one. As much as it would hurt the girl's feelings to hear, she had to be honest with her.

^{"The actual core is still under development. Since this is a rather large machine, it's gonna need a lot of oomf to make sure it doesn't drop out of the sky while it's airborne. However, the core is meant to be compact and can be repositioned within several points of the machine to ensure that it is constantly safe from attacks."}

The brunette girl was still overlooking the blueprints while listening in to what Pierre and Corona were saying, eyes only lifting when the daughter of Hephaestus grabbed her hands in her own. The uncertainty in the girl's tone and the way she wouldn't meet Brynn's gaze broke her heart. This project meant a lot to her, that fact was as clear to see as the freckles that painted the curly-haired girl's face.

^{"I need help on the more... techie side of things, Brynn. I'm wondering if you can help me develop an A.I. for the ship I'm building. I have a detailed list on the specifications of what she'd need to be like... since I am modeling her after my twin sister, but I'm not really that confident with my coding and developing skills."}

An A.I. Brynn bit down on her lower lip nervously, watching the girl let go of her hands to wander back over to her prized project. Taking a quick glance over at Pierre, Brynn slowly closed the distance between herself and Corona, wrapping an arm over her shoulders with a soft grin.

"Corona, I will do whatever I can to help you with what you're looking for. Creating the A.I. shouldn't be a problem. I just..." The brunette gently squeezed the red-head's shoulder, sighing softly before continuing. Her eyes focused up at the skeletal structure. "I fear we may be in over our heads with this, hun. I know you mentioned you are wanting to model this after your sister, and that's very sweet of you to do this in memory of her... really, but I think it's also what's keeping you from seeing just how-" Brynn paused a moment, thinking of the right word to use. "-difficult this is going to be to complete, if it's something that can even be done."

The daughter of Athena's smile faltered slightly, turning her gaze to Corona's as she continued. "Just don't want you getting to a point down the road halfway through and get stuck on something you can't get passed, then beat yourself up over it cause you can't figure this masterpiece out. You know? I can definitely spend some time with you and maybe help figure out another project you could do in memorium to your twin. Would... would you think that would be something you're interested in, 'Rona? I-If not-" The girl paused again, eyes turning back up to the frame of the airship, chewing on her lip a moment. "I'll stay down here with you as long as you need me, and I will personally help see you through as much as we can get done for this. And if by some crazy miracle we manage to make it work, then..." Brynn nodded, her eyes finding the Heph girl once more. "Then it'll be done... so, what say you, hun?"

Brynn gently dropped her arm from around Corona's shoulder, instead pulling it forward in front of the both of them holding it out to the redhead's to shake on the proposal with a small grin.

Crossing the threshold into the large cabin Tyler had come to call home over the last four years of his life, he couldn't help but immediately notice the mess around the place. What was it with the Hermes kids and the lost, unclaimed souls; did none of them know how to clean up after themselves... or make their beds? To a certain extent, he understood. He used to sleep on the floor beside his siblings before he was granted the rank of Master. Well, Cabin Councellor, but it was basically the same thing. Master Jedi. Cabin Councellor. Whatever. Same difference. He knew what not having any privacy was like, and the constant reminder that your belongings weren't safe. Not with a cabin full of thieves. But the sleeping bags, blankets and pillows; not to mention the clothing that littered the cabin floors. Tyler had to force himself to ignore it, knowing he didn't have time to start playing Cinderella around the cabin.

Turning, Tyler pushed himself up the stairs two at a time, gently pushing past a few of his siblings as he kept his eye out for one in particular. Miles. Alex Miles Morrison. Of course, he could easily ask Sawyer for his help but Tyler just wasn't in the mood to go searching the camp for his satyr friend. Miles was much easier to find. Just look for the scrawny blond kid sitting in a corner with his nose in a book. Out of the many siblings he had, Jaime, Anzu, and Miles were the ones he tolerated the most. "Tolerated" being used in the most affectionate way possible. Tyler had never really been a people person before camp, but especially after coming here and finding out his godly parent just so happened to father quite a few kids of his own as well as taking about a bajillion kids under his proverbial wing that he had to share a cabin floor with... it didn't exactly help his displeasure for being around too many people at once.

It didn't take long for Tyler to locate his brother doing exactly what he knew he'd be doing, in the same exact corner of the house he always read in. It was one of the quietest places in the entire cabin besides Tyler's bedroom. Tyler had told Miles several times that he was more than welcome to go up into his room and read to get away from their rowdy housemates, but Miles was one of the few who refused to enter Tyler's room without him being in there as well. Something that made Tyler admire the boy all the more. It was nice to know at least one of his siblings acknowledged personal space. As Tyler approached his fair-haired brother, he hooked his thumbs in his front pockets and came to a stop just in front of Miles, rocking back and forth on his feet.

"Hey Alex, I need a favor, man." The look Miles shot Tyler with the use of the name Ty knew he didn't care too much for _{(though it was his actual first name)} forced a chuckle from the boy, motioning back over his shoulder in the direction of his bedroom. "I need you to keep an eye on the reps for me while I'm gone. I'd have asked Sawyer but I'm kind of on a time crunch and don't have any to go searching for him. If you can't, or don't want to, just let him know and he'll do it."

Miles shut the book he was reading, holding his place with his index finger firmly placed between the pages, eyes trained upon his brother's. The boy didn't have to ask where he was going. With the news spreading around camp quickly, Miles already had a lead on what was going on and knew that Tyler would inevitably be apart of the quest party one way or another. "So, a week, huh?"

"Gonna be gone for a week, yeah, and they're due for a feed. Though Clyde might not eat cause his eyes have been looking kinda cloudy the last few days, I think he's due for a shed. Might give him a warm bath or something in a few days to help him out, if you could manage it...?"

Miles simply nodded, shaking a bit of hair out from over his eyes. The boy had always been one of few words ever since Tyler knew him, it was kind of nice. So they were in agreement, then. Cool. Tyler began to take steps back towards his room as Miles reopened his book to read again, clearing his throat before talking again.

"The prophecy mentioned a soul being taken... so, if it just so happens it's me, and I don't come back... save the reps for Carlos when he gets back. With his luck, he's not not coming back. He's the only one besides Erin to take care of them."

"You and I both know Erin wouldn't let that happen. I'll see you in a week, brother." Well, he wasn't wrong. Even Tyler knew that. Erin was very adamant about reminding the boy that she'd travel to the Underworld and pull him back by his ear if he ever thought about leaving her, that he was too important to her to lose him. Even if she was the one who put him there herself, she'd inevitably drag him back to the land of the living. Tyler Rumancek wasn't going to get out of this life so easily if Erin Maree Chase had a say in the matter.

As if closing out their conversation, Miles turned his attention back to the pages of the novel laid out in his lap. Tyler quickly picked up the hint and swung around, pivoting on his heels, and walked off towards his room. There wasn't much else for him to pack into his go-bag, maybe exchange a pair of pants or two for some shorts and he was set. Once he reached his room, he didn't bother to close the door behind him knowing it'd be a quick in-and-out trip. Tyler reached under his bed and tugged the pre-packed bag out from beneath it, tossing it up onto his bed before going to his dresser to grab out a couple of pairs of cargo shorts for the road. His eyes caught movement in the tank atop his dresser, smiling as he saw the black pine snake poked his head out from beneath its hide, flicking its tongue out at Tyler.

"Hey bud." Tyler stared down at his pet snake a few moments longer, giving him a faint smile before turning away to fold up and pack away the shorts he'd pulled from the dresser. The next things Tyler grabbed were his weapons and shoebox with the custom winged chuck taylors his father had given to him a couple of years prior for his birthday. He knew Zeru was more than likely to come on the quest, though to Tyler it wasn't yet confirmed... how would Zeru say no to Erin asking for his help? He knew well enough that the two weren't exactly close, but even still, Erin wasn't one to ask for help. She never was, but for her to ask for his help, Tyler felt Zeru would understand the importance of his inclusion in the roster. Even with Zeru going, the shoes could potentially come in handy.

Carefully taking them out of the box, Tyler stuffed the shoes into his bag and tied them down by the laces at the bottom, topping them with some of his folded clothes. He zipped the bag up after stuffing his two daggers down on top of everything, grabbing a hoodie from his closet to throw on on his way back to the Hades Cabin, snatching up his shortsword before walking around his bed towards his bedroom door. Before he could cross through the doorway Tyler came to a slow stop, taking one last look over his shoulder that lasted a few moments as he got lost in thought. Coming to, he shook the lesser thoughts from his head. 'I'm coming back,' he told himself, grabbing the doorknob and shutting the door behind him.

---

---

It was in the forest that he could truly breathe... that he could just be himself without consequence.

With the light from the sun streaming through the boughs in brilliant yet shadowy beams; it was in the forest that he felt a deep sense of kinship running through the flora and right into his core. Stretching out across the Earth, and touching everything that lived; and he could feel it. This strange life force. Filling his lungs... his brain; his very soul. It was in everything... the mountains, the undergrowth, the rivers and creeks, the trees and animals- everything that surrounded him and made the Earth they all called home as beautiful as it was. It was as though the forest itself was its own unique sentient being. Whispering softly to the purest of hearts with its wisdom. And really, it kind of was.

Adjusing the straps of his pack on his shoulders, Kepano's eyes closed. Head tilting back as the warm rays of a sun born to rise each morning streamed in through the canopy above him, washing over him. Each one seeping into his skin, and with them, he couldn't help but feel alive. How couldn't he..? Wrapped in the blessing provided to them by his mother... his half-sister, Persphone... Apollo... Pan- he opened his eyes. And doing so, took another look around his person.

Aside from the usual underbrush, the forest floor was littered with roots. Weaving in and out of the Earth which thanks to the morning dew that still clung almost desperately to the foliage, even now that the sun hung almost directly above him in the sky, emmited the strong scent of petrichor. Musky, fresh- it was really the only way that he could describe it without going into scientific detail. And honestly, it was still way too early for that sort of thinking. Normally he waited at least until early or late afternoon to bust out the botany and herbology, and even then, he tried to avoid boring people by yapping their ears off with all of the plant talk. It just wasn't something that everyone was into, and he wasn't exactly willing to go about forcing it on anyone.

That just wasn't who he was.

Letting out a sigh; gentle and relaxing. A sense of calm seemed to wash over him as he cast his gaze out to the scene lain out in front of him. From where he was stood, he had the perfect view of the horizon and the crest of mountains that encircled the area like a magnificent painting cast and held within a golden frame for all to stand and admire. The sky was blue. But then, when you looked deeper, it was so much more than that. A soft smile dancing over his features, it was a few moments longer of simply admiring the work that only Apollo could produce before he turned his back to the horizon. The ground crunching under his feet with each step that he took- the path nonexistent, though his destination was more than clear. It was time that he headed home. He'd already been gone for almost a week on his little impromptu camping trip, and if he was being honest with himself, he'd be more than surprised if he wasn't bombarded as soon as he got back by campers whining about having almost starved during his absence.

Gods, they could be so dramatic at times; but then, it was just who they were.

He wouldn't have them any other way.

Chuckling softly to himself, Kepano shoved his hands down into the pockets of his jacket. Giving a light shake of his head as he trudged along, winding his way through the trees until, finally, after having hiked for quite some time, he broke though the line and into the familiar open space of the camp. His dark brown gaze gliding slowly over the area as he slowed to a stop, taking a moment to try and get his bearings, they eventually fell to his phone as he drew it out from his pocket. His thumb pressing down into the power button, he waited for it to flash to life before he allowed himself to get distracted again. Glancing around at just where it was he'd ended up.

The training grounds. Huh...

He must have really gotten further off his normal track than he first thought. The buzzing vibration of his phone in his hand pulling his thoughts back down to the divice, he couldn't help but blink. Once... twice- he wasn't really sure how many times he did so before he let out a nervous laugh. Twelve new messages. If he was being completely honest, he was surprised it wasn't more. And-... Oh Gods... he wasn't looking forward to checking his email. How many orders had been put in while he was away..? Shaking his head lightly, pushing forward, Kep let his feet be his guide as he wandered back towards the main part of camp. Thumb moving over the screen as he began going through and responding to the messages he'd recieved during his little hiatus.

Ahh... getting back into his routine was going to be fun.

---

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---

---

For an infirmary to run effectively, it needed communication. Not just with the various shifts of Healers, but also with those that could make medicine, provide ambrosia, bandages, and most of Lukas's day after second rounds were spent doing inventory requests and supply management. He had exactly five i-pads open on his desk and each of them had almost ten tabs of inventory and what supplies they were critically short on. He was unsure what was being given to the quest goers, but he was playing on the safe side and assuming everything those in the supply room could spare. It was a fight Lukas wasn't willing to get into, the use of supplies in that manner. They -would- need them, but it was Lukas's responsibility to ensure they could be replaced. It was a thankless job for sure, and he was unsure anyone else knew just how important it was.

But it was done for the day at least, and now he could mostly relax. He closed his office door and locked it, testing it to ensure that it was good and then turning around, almost running directly into another Camper. The other Camper, not paying as much attention softly ran into Lukas and the Son of Apollo had to brace against his office door to stay upright. Lukas was just about to give a lecture when he noticed who it was.

If there was any other camper within Camp Half-Blood that was as busy as Lukas it was Mikhael. The son of Asclepius was a seasoned Healer and a good creator of Medications which meant he was also one of Lukas's favorite people and his one of four administration. "Extremely busy as always. That's not a bad idea, or perhaps another Infirmary that we could staff with our better trauma Healers near the course itself? Run me down a list of pros and cons for both ideas? We'll talk about it in our next admin meeting. Oh, and with the quest, I have us drastically short on a few medications, namely azithromycin and antiviral medicines like ribavirin. Is it possible for you to make some of those? Or should I order more in bulk?"

Lukas was in full admin mode and as such when Elias came up to him and Mikhael the boy didn't even notice him until the Son of Ares spoke and Lukas had to take a deep breath and swallowed to keep from blushing. Of course, it was this guy. Elias was that sort of boy that Lukas watched from afar, which sounded much creepier than it really was. Elias just had that vibe about him that he was hard to get and Lukas didn't think he had much of a shot, plus Lukas currently had his eyes dead-set on someone else so he just looked from a distance, admiring the confidence and strength of the Son of Ares.

Eventually, Lukas managed to find his voice and maneuvered one of the five i-pads up from the bottom. He began pressing a few buttons and then frowned. "If she was here, I don't have her charts uploaded yet so she either is still here or JUST left and the Healer hasn't had time to input the interaction yet. Sorry, don't seem to be much help to you. I could help you look?" He raised an eyebrow, eyes darting to Mikhael to let the boy know he hadn't forgotten about him either.