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Mary rolled her eye slightly with regards to Kiera's lovebird comment with regards to Waverly and Demi, but she said nothing of it as she glanced at Demi. She was glad that the guy was still alive, even if he was someone who annoyed her to no end. "Try not to die," she commented to Demi, before following more over to where Leda and Kiera were a little ways away. Arthur seemed to be alright, for the moment anyway, as the kid had ran up to give some ambrosia, so that was a good thing. Based on him not freaking out aside from over Demi's injury made her think that odds were that Andy was alright too then.

She shrugged slightly with Kiera's comment, "Yeah, you can definitely say that again," she said to her, before looking at Leda with her own take on the Romans. "Personally, I don't know, but based on how much destruction was going on back there, I don't think it would be smart to attempt to take back that place for a while... That's just me though... Who knows, maybe the Romans will want to take back New Rome as soon as possible and after only a few weeks or something they'll go for it... We'll just have to wait and see."

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Jason was more or less somewhat ignoring the mob of people who were coming into the area. There were a lot of people on board of this small ship. Like, way more then the ship was probably meant for. Now a part of him was wondering how anyone was going to be able to sleep and then maybe moving around without stepping on someone else or something like that. This was not going to be a very comfortable flight back to Camp Half-Blood. He really hoped that this ship could fly faster and get them all there faster since it would be more convenient, but he doubted it.

He wondered if his sister would be back at the camp by the time the ship returned, but he figured that was partially him hoping that Janelle was alright even without having talked to her for a while. Maybe they got a little luckier and didn't have to deal with the chaos that had happened in New Rome, but based on what he knew about where that group had been headed they likely hadn't had an easy time with their quest. At the moment he just hoped that that entire group would be fine and make it back to camp too.

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Janelle didn't say anything quite yet, since Zeke and Kristin were having a slight conversation with regards to things. She wasn't too sure what they should do now, head back to camp maybe? Getting back there would be nice, and back to hopefully not getting chased around by monsters again like they were on their entire journey down to where they were now. Then again, from what she knew about things, that sort of thing was common for demigods, at least partially anyway. Janelle just wasn't too sure if she'd be able to keep up fighting more after that instance, she was a little bit tired.

With Zeke sort of teasing her slightly about flying, she turned her head slightly so that she was more or less facing him. "It was strange, flyin like dat... I 'ad no idea where I was, ahr if I 'ad mahved... Sence I mainly see usin me sense o' touch, suddenly naht bein ahn de ground made dat difficult," she said to him with a slight shrug, before paying attention to what it was that Kristin had said. "Out o' 'ere seems like a good way to start, we can figure out de rest as we go alahng," she said a bit happily, giving the two a bit of a smile.

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Madalyne sat in the largest tent that the Legion had created after the fall of New Rome they were given permission to stay in Camp Half-Blood for however long they needed to be. Madalyne and Alexandra were working on sorting through their records. She was looking over a map of Camp Jupiter thinking of a way to retake their home once they were able to Madalyne finished fixing her hair into a ponytail. The rest of the Legion were busy working on some drills and sparing as well.

Andy was glad to be back on her home soil, so to speak. She felt bad that they couldn't keep New Rome from falling and was glad that they had invited all of them to stay with them. It made things crowded, but they'd figure it out. She knew Arthur was devastated though since he had been hopeful that New Rome could have given them a chance at real life. Maybe whatever the Romans figured out they'd let them join. Speaking of the Romans. There was one, in particular, she wanted to talk about.

Andy gathered the book that Madalyne Crane had given her just as the Battle of New Rome had begun. It had information in it that Andy didn't know how to interpret. But Madalyne said she would help. So she, with the book, went to the tent that Madalyne was using as her base of operations. Andy wondered if they'd just stay there and have the Hephestus kids make new cabins. Would the two worlds merge? "Uh, knock, knock." Andy said outside the tent since she didn't see a way to knock on fabric.

Madalyne turned her attention she looked at Alexandra for a moment and nodded her that she was free to go for now, she gave a nod and decided to hit the Dining Pavilion that the Greeks were using for meals. "Hey, Andy was it right?" Madalyne asked, the time was rather busy and focused on setting up camp within the Greek's. "What's up?" She asked her.

"Hi, yeah." Andy said. Nodding as Alexandra left. "Andy. Uh. I have the book still. I thought maybe if you have time right now." She trailed off and held up the book. It was big and heavy for the small girl. "If it is a bad time though I can come back." She wanted to get this cleared up before the seventh. She wanted to know what Hecate had to tell her before her birthday.

Madalyne instantly remembered now the night that New Rome had fallen, she had been so busy with setting up everything for the Legion with Nancy and setting up shop in the Greek's camp that she had given Andy her family records. "We can do this now, just pull up a seat." She said gesturing to one of the many chairs that were in the tent.

"Thank you." Andy said taking a seat and awkwardly moving the chair with the book under one arm. She didn't know what to say really about the whole situation of Madalyne having to move here. As such she decided to avoid the situation. "So, what Hecate said was to look at the Crane family records, but I'm not sure how that'll help me." Andy took a deep breath. "See when I was a toddler I was left at a hospital. No one ever found who my parents were. When I found out I was a demi-god that made some sense. But everyone still has mortal parents right?"

Madalyne gently took the book and laid it out onto the table and opened it up, she decided to search through the last fifty years or so. She looked over at Andy for a moment. "Yeah just about everyone has a godly parent and a mortal parent as well too." She said as she looked at some family. "Though most of my mortal family members are probably dead by now, technically I'm in my fifties right now give or take." She said, as she thought for a moment. "Do you know of any documentation like where you were born or birth year?" She asked.

"Uh, you look good for being in your fifties?" Andy looked at her confused. Madalyne looked to be in her teens. How was she in her fifties? Did being a demi-god slow people's aging? If so she might be older. "Best guess is 2009 for when I was born. The system gave me the birthday of July Seventh." She looked down at her hands. It felt weird telling Madyalne her birthday because it was in so few days. Andy didn't like to think about her birthday much since it was another day for her. She hadn't had a proper birthday ever in her memory. "When I was found they guessed I was two. I wasn't old enough to remember much. I know my first name is Andy, but it could be short for something. I was in Pennsylvania. So I might have been born there." She answered.

Madalyne thought for a moment and knew that it probably needed some explanation why she was in her fifties. "Theres a place called The Lotus Hotel and Casino it's in Las Vegas Nevada. Time moves differently in there, a day could mean an actual year or something like that thats where I met Nancy she somehow got there to." She explained as she looked down, she knew that her parents were dead so she went to the closest family, her aunt and uncle who had taken her in. She remembered having two cousins, both of them were really young as she found two names, and looked over at Andy for a moment.

"So says here and I met them when I was younger I have two cousins named Sherri and Chase Crane." Madalyne said as she looked at the names seeing if they had any children, Chase didn't have any kids from the looks of it. However, Sherri did have a child and was also marked with a thunderbolt symbolling Jupiter but didn't have a name. "I think Sherri might be your mom." Madalyne said looking over at Andy.

Andy looked both horrified and a little relieved when Madalyn explained the Lotus Hotel. "Right." She shook her head pushing the thought of what the place was out of her mind for now. She'd have to digest that later. "Sherri Crane." She said. It was her mom's name, hopefully. "Do you know what happened to her?" In all her life Andy had never really craved answers as much as she did at this moment. "So we are related? How? Like I know Demi is my half-brother. And like I guess Arthur is sort of my cousin? But what does that make you?"

"I think this makes me your aunt?" Madalyne said, she was happy to know that she had family now as she looked back at the records and pointed to her mother's name and Andy's mother's name. "My mom and your mom were siblings." She said as she looked more at the record and looked at Andy sighing slightly. "Looks like the records said she died August 17th 2009." Madalyne said looking at Andy for a moment, which was during the second day during the Battle of Manhattan in the Second Olympian War.

"My Aunt." She smiled. But then frowned when Madalyne told her when her mother had died. She had been so young. Only a few weeks. What did that mean? She was somewhere and belonged to someone for a while. But who? "I wonder who was taking care of me then. That's almost two years unaccounted for." She shook her head.
"I know you don't know the answer just thinking aloud."

Madalyne thought for a moment, she wasn't sure either with that amount of time as she looked at Andy. "We could try and look into it, after this whole thing is said and done." She said, she just hoped that they would live through this after the fall of New Rome.

Andy nodded slowly. "Yeah, I think I want to know now. Before when I didn't know anything and just assumed I had been abandoned by my parents I didn't care. I didn't want to know. But now that I know my mom didn't abandon me I want to know who did. I want to know why." Her voice hitched. As far as Andy had been concerned her whole life had been bouncing between homes because she wasn't good enough.

Madalyne reached over and gently rested a hand on Andy's shoulder and gave her a smile, Andy was her family and she would make sure that she was going to be okay. "We'll look into it I promise you, and when we retake New Rome if you'd like you are more than welcome to live there with me if you choose to." Madalyne offered, she paused for a moment and looked at her arm for a moment where she had been bit by a werewolf a month ago she was contemplating on telling Andy about it.

"Thank you. I appreciate it. And I probably will take you up on that. I know that Arthur wants to live there someday too." She said smiling. It was a sudden burst of hope for the future that gave her that smile. Andy wasn't much of a hugger, she didn't care for physical contact because of her life up to this point had not made that a good experience. But she didn't pull away from Madalyne's touch. It was like with her brother. An instant bond formed for her and she trusted Madalyne.

Madalyne gave Andy a friendly smile as she gently rested a hand on her shoulder, she was glad that she had a relative now that she could actually talk to now. Niah and Nancy were like sisters to her, but sometimes they were busy with all of their other duties as well to when she didn't have anything to do. "You'll like it there once we reclaim it back from the Giants and Titans, we even have a university there too for when you are older too." Madalyne said to Andy.

"I've never given much thought to school. I honestly didn't expect to live long enough to get into a college." She told Madalyne honestly. "That was before I even knew I was a demi-god. I've got a lot of school to catch up on if I do go to college though." She'd have to ask Kristin to help her be smart enough for that sort of thing.

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Can't Spell Subtext Without…

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Demetri walked into the Infirmary, hands clasped in front of himself as he looked around. "Um, Is Zeke here?" He asked a bit meekly as another camper nodded to him and pointed Demetri in the right direction of where the blonde son of Apollo lay. Demetri's eye had been bandaged up and cleaned in order to help prevent any infections that may have occurred, but he still wanted Zeke to take a look at it. In part this was because he trusted Zeke to heal him and help keep it safe; however the other part was that he realised just how much he had enjoyed being healed and taken care of by him. It wasn't the same feeling as when they insulted each other. It felt different, good, almost...warm.

Demetri pointed awkwardly to the bandages wrapped around his eye. Giving a slight polite smile as he stood there in his awkward height before finally speaking. "Hi, heh, um, right, soooo I kinda got my eye clawed out by a harpy in the fight for New Rome." There was a long awkward pause before he continued. "I was kinda hoping you could do your thing and help me out? I uh, don't exactly trust anyone else to look at it." The nerves were killing him, his slight British accent becoming thick and pronounced when he spoke. "You know what? You're probably busy, I should just leave…"

Ezekiel was leaning against the counter top, book in hand as he was going over some information on medicinal plants. He was trying to figure out which ones would be better for healing poisons when he heard the awkward voice of Demitri. Ezekiel fought an eye roll and set his book down on the table so he wouldn’t lose his place.
”Zeus, Hera and Hades,” Ezekiel swore as he looked at Demetri and the obvious bandage that covered his eye and the story that went with it. He stood and rummaged in the cupboard behind him for a salve that would help with scarring and antibiotics. While he was doing this, Demetri was muttering but Zeke caught him saying he should leave.
”Sit,” Ezekiel ordered. When it came to Zeke being in the infirmary, his usual hostile attitude to anyone, especially Demetri and children of the big three, went out the door. There was no room for personal feelings in the Infirmary.

Demetri wasn't expecting such a short, concise, and strong command to come from Zeke. The single word caught him by surprise as his heart skipped a beat and his cheeks began to flush ever so slightly. He immediately quieted up, stopping any muttering he had been doing and finding a place to sit down before Zeke. There was something about this scenario that just sat right with him. Something about the way Zeke spoke that made him feel...different. He didn't say anything, just sitting there watching as Zeke rummaged through the cupboard in search for some healing tonics or whatever it was demigods used besides food.

Ezekiel set the items on the table Demetri sat on and he started to carefully unravel the bandages around Demetri’s eye. His touch was light and practiced. Ezekiel didn’t even comment on the blush that found Demetri’s pale cheeks. Ezekiel was a different person in the infirmary. He wasn’t the cocky, ignorant freshly turned sixteen year old but a professional with the desire to care for people.
As the bandages came free, Zeke saw what Demi’s eye looked like. He whistled appraisingly and felt around the bone to see how the eye was healing and if anything was broken.
”They really did a number on you. What even happened anyways?” Ezekiel continued with his examination, asking Demi if anything hurt on occasion. He palpated around the eye and examined how it was healing.

Demetri winced reflexively as Zeke went for the bandages. It didn't hurt but he thought it should. Part of him felt ashamed to even have the child of Apollo look at him in such an unflattering way. Though he supposed Zeke always did that. His shoulders relaxed, letting out a short sigh as he waited for the final examination, Zeke doing his best to keep the conversation flowing. It was weird seeing him so...different. He'd grown since he last saw him, matured, or perhaps he was always like this and Demetri hadn't even noticed until there was an absence of his presence.

He coughed slightly before answering his question. Clearing his throat for what could either sound as an epic tale or an embarrassing story. "Well, there was a girl trapped in The Labrynth, which apparently exists, and war was upon us as massive waves headed towards New Rome. We were asked to help with the battle, leave her beside and stop the fall of New Rome. I...I thought I could end it quickly, be an assured victory...I was wrong. I shifted into a dragon, flying overhead and taking out ground forces as I could. But the Harpies were vile and began to swipe at me as I defended others. Larger eyes make for a larger target it turns out. Her claws wrapped around the eye and under the socket, plopping it out and leaving me to tend to choose between tending my wounds or keeping the army at bay."

There was a pause as he stopped to remember, to recall the scene and the scents of fire, blood, and burnt flesh came riding back in waves. A recollection of the sudden scent of iron filling his nose as his own blood began to pour and drip and coat his left side. How worthless he felt having failed Waverly and failed New Rome. He snapped back as Zeke was palpating near his eye. "Clearly I didn't choose my wounds...though it also clearly didn't help much."

Ezekiel listened to the epic tale from Demetri as he continued about his task. It seemed a little drama filled to Ezekiel but it had been very real and probably felt that way to Demetri at the time. Turning into a dragon was pretty cool though.
”Huh, and I thought I was doing well with killing Echidna,” he noted. ”Injuries happen all the time Demi. It’s unfortunate it was your eye but better than an arm or a leg. Alright, I’m going to try and speed up the healing process for you. Nothing seems damaged and it’s healing well already but I’d like to speed it up to try and avoid infections.” Ezekiel pulled his hands away and rubbed them together. Soon they started to glow.
”You’ll feel an intense warmth and maybe some itching, try to sit still.” Ezekiel placed a hand over Demi’s eye socket and shut his eyes. The glowing intensified and Ezekiel started to feel the skin grow and knit rapidly together. He managed to heal the hole further but not as much as he may have liked. It was a dramatic thing to lose an eye.
After the glow faded, Ezekiel pulled his hand away and examined the hole again. ”Alright, here’s a salve that will help with the healing as well. Put it on twice a day, replacing the wrappings as needed. After about a week, you shouldn’t need to wrap it anymore. Maybe a kid from Hephaestus could make you a new eye,” Zeke said. This was usually the mild humor he would have in the Infirmary, other than that he was always rather serious behind the walls of the blue house.

Demetri’s eye went wide as Zeke mentioned felling Echidna. That must have been such a massive task, and yet here he stood fully intact. As he was instructed not to move, he wriggled in his seat, adjusting himself to get a bit more comfortable and straighten his posture as if he was at an actual doctor's office. He watched as Zekes hands began to glow and he closed his eye along with him, opening it partially only to see Zeke illuminated with light. A halo of energy seemingly surrounding him thanks to the perspective. He looked…"Beautiful…" The word barely a whisper as it left his awe struck lips. It was like being cared for by an angel, ones he previously dismissed as fairytales.

His touch was warm, and the itch went by largely unnoticed. It both lingered for eternity and lasted mere seconds to him. Finally having the glow drop before being handed a salve. He held up the container in acknowledgement as he looked to Zeke. "Right. Might bother you again for some help if that's ok." He cast his eye downwards, thinking. "I'm really glad that you're safe…"

Ezekiel smirked when he heard Demitri comment on the use of his power. Ezekiel was standing close enough and it was quiet enough for him to hear it. His father had been called such in stories but it was in Ezekiel’s knowledge that the gods called beautiful were often the most dangerous.
After Demetri took the salve, Ezekiel stepped back, leaning against the counter behind him and crossed his arms. He nodded when Demetri said he would probably come by again.
”Fine by me, I’m sure I’ll be here.” Ezekiel wasn’t planning on going on another Quest for awhile so he would be sticking around camp.
At the mention of Demetri saying he was glad Ezekiel was safe, he examined the evil eye bracelet on his wrist and smiled. He hadn’t seen the mystery girl anywhere and he had definitely looked. ”Ya, me too. Echidna had a Chimera that we had to fight plus her other goons. Rather eventful. I’m glad you guys are alright too. It sounded rough in New Rome.” Out of the fights, Ezekiel was grateful he went on the quest.

"It was rough, but we made it out which I guess is what matters in the end right? But a chimera?" Demetri whistled in amazement. "Now that sounds crazy. " Demetri almost hadn't noticed that Zeke was still wearing the bracelet if it wasn't for him inspecting it. He nodded towards the item on his wrist. "Oh hey, I've heard of those. Supposed to ward off evil or some supernatural stuff. Never been one in belief but kinda funny you have one and I lost an eye. How long you had it?"

Ezekiel rubbed the back of his neck when Demetri pointed the bracelet out. He felt rather embarrassed now that it had been pointed out.
”Ya, I don’t really believe in it either but the person who gave it to me believed in it enough for the both of us. I got banged up pretty bad a few times. Well we all did but I was able to heal them. I think it helped. Gods know my father wasn’t around to help,” Ezekiel said bitterly. ”It was given to me right before leaving for the quest.”

Demetri smiled at how Zeke spoke about the bracelet. "It sounds like you got it just in time then. I may not be the biggest believer in the gods but, I do believe in luck." He could hear the bitterness in his voice. Knowing full well how abandoned the kids of gods could feel. "I noticed the gods seldom get their own hands dirty. I think that's where we come in. But hey, as far as demi-children go...you're not half bad." He glanced back at the bracelet on his wrist. Tempted to tell him, or at the very least to say how he feels out loud.

Ezekiel rolled his eyes at Demetri’s half assed complement. ”And you’re not a half bad dragon,” Ezekiel poorly joked. He pushed away from the counter and grabbed a set of fresh bandages. ”Let me wrap that up for you before you go.” There was no real reason for Demi to be around anymore, unless he was just wanting to talk which wasn’t something the two of them normally did.

Once Zeke got close enough to wrap the bandages around Demetri’s eye, he reached out and gripped his wrist. Finally looking up and matching his gaze. "I really appreciate it. I mi-...I could've used you out there. You really are more than you let on, and...you let on a lot." Demetri let go of his wrist and gave him a playful jab in the arm. "For a dork I mean" The insult weak, and clearly not from the heart. Demi sitting there thinking about how Zeke looked when he saw the bracelet, how he glowed when he helped him, and how much he probably didn't reciprocate any of those feelings for him.

Ezekiel raised an eyebrow when Demetri grabbed onto his wrist, preventing Ezekiel from doing his job. If it was outside the infirmary, Ezekiel probably would have shoved Demi off of him but in here, Zeke was wondering if it was because Demi didn’t want Zeke to touch him or was afraid. He cocked his head to the side when Demetri switched gears in the middle of a sentence.
”I am certain Kristin would disagree with you. I missed several important shots out there. The ambrose did it’s job. I wouldn’t have been able to do much for you until you were off the battlefield anyways,” Ezekiel said. He smirked at Demi and started to wrap his eye. ”I won’t tell anyone that you almost said you missed me.”

Demetri’s face went bright red as Zeke finished his sentence. He hadn't meant to, he didn't mean. But of course he did, and ofcourse he wanted to say it but he didn't know how. He's never known how. He couldn't tell if the warmth from his cheeks was from the rush of blood, or the touch of Zekes hands, or both. His eye immediately looked down away from Zekes as he tried to think but all his mind could do was scream. His hands fidgeting with the edge of the table before he finally muttered out something. "Pfffft missed you? Who would do that? Not me that's for sure." The comment was loud, bordering Obnoxious and thick with his accent before it finally dulled down and softened back to a whisper only Zeke could hear. "But if I did...you know, miss you, thanks for keeping it between us."

Ezekiel smirked as Demetri tried to back track, rather loudly, before whispering his thanks.
”I’ll let you in on a secret Dem. Anything said to me in the Infirmary, stays in the Infirmary. Patient confidentiality and all that but if you slip outside the blue house, it’s fair game.” He finished wrapping the bandage and stepped back to examine the work. ”Get Andy or someone to help you wrap that securely everyday. If you want to come at the end of the week, I can look it over again, maybe try healing it further.”

The temptation of confidentiality was too great, but Demetri knew that not saying anything outside to others and treating him differently or avoiding him were two very different things. He contemplated joking about his appearance, or giving a sly comment about it, but he couldn't find a good way to mask it as an insult. So he let Zeke finish doing his thing, inspecting him as he inspected his work and just smiled and nodded towards his request. "I'm sure I can pester someone to help me tighten it off as the days go by. But be careful saying I can come back in a week or it'll be a date doc." Demetri reached up, gently feeling the bandages wrapped about his eye, threatening a smile knowing who had done them.

Ezekiel chuckled and shook his head. ”Not a doctor but thanks for the vote of confidence. You’re free to go, unless there’s something else you need.” Ezekiel leaned back against the counter, ready to get back to his book. As far as he could tell, there was nothing else Demi needed help with.

Demetri watched as Zeke once again leaned against the counter. He wasn't sure if the blonde demi-god was teasing him, or even aware of how good that made him look. Accentuating his torso and lifting his shirt ever so slightly so as to show a peak at skin, almost tempting someone to dare to look. His eye looked up, avoiding the obvious trap and he smiled at Zeke as he walked towards him. He did something he'd never done before, leaning into him and pulling him into a hug before giving him a peck on the cheek and letting him go. "Tell anyone and you're dead." He spoke through red cheeks.

Ezekiel eyed Demetri as he walked towards Ezekiel. What exactly was mini Zeus up to? Ezekiel had noted Demetri watching him after he leaned against the counter again. Ezekiel knew he looked good, he had filled out more after another year of training and aging but the poor boy was still single. He was focusing on his work in the Infirmary more than anything now but he still kept looking for the raven haired girl.
Demetri pulled him into a quick hug before kissing Zeke’s cheek. Zeke blinked as he was released. He leaned against the counter again, having nowhere else to go.
”I think I might already be dead,” Ezekiel noted. Demi had to know Zeke wasn’t on his team. Sure, Zeke flirted but he flirted with everyone. He glanced around the room but they were quite alone.

"Ok...sure...not exactly the words I expected for a reaction for my first kiss but sure." Demetri was just as stunned as Zeke was about what he had just done. Backing away a bit more from Zeke. "You uh...been working out? Ugh that's so dumb obviously you have i...pffft. I should go huh?" Demetri's eye looked anywhere but where Zekes gaze was. His face still red with embarrassment.

Despite Ezekiel not batting for the other team, his face started to flush. Ezekiel shook his head and ran a hand through his hair. ”I don’t think a kiss to the cheek counts as a first kiss,” Zeke defended. ”If you want a better reaction, I’d suggest kissing someone who isn’t straight. Not that I’m not flattered.” He shook his head and pulled down his pale green shirt and picked up his book.
”Remember to use the salve twice a day,” Ezekiel said, redirecting the conversation.

Demetri couldn't help but start pacing in place. Not moving more than four steps before turning about and doing so again. He didn't know what he expected, he didn't know why he even did it, but his heart and his mind were both racing and each had their very own opinions on what they should do. When Zeke finally spoke up Demi stopped and turned to him jaw slightly agape as he scoffed. "Well I couldn't bloody well of snogged ya on the lips now could I mate? I wasn't sure where exactly you lay and honestly you've any idea how terrifying any of this is." He began to pace once more, finally recalling the salve that had been in his hand this whole time. He recognized Zekes attempt to change subjects, something he was clearly more capable of doing at the moment than he. "Right. Yeah, twice a day got it." There was a cough in an attempt to cover up his awkward tone and eventual voice break that happened at the last two words.

Ezekiel nearly looked like a deer caught in the headlights as Demi started to pace back in forth and talk. His accent came out rather heavy as he spoke in what Zeke assumed to be nerves. Well, Ezekiel was rather nervous as well. What did Demi want from him exactly?
There was an awkward silence after Demetri’s voice crack and Ezekiel stood there awkwardly. He glanced down at his book before setting it back on the counter.
”Demi, I’m sorry if I did something to confuse you or… I don’t want to sound like an ass but, ya, I’m sorry. And if you tell anyone that, I will kill you. I have a reputation,” he joked poorly. ”I have a general idea on how terrifying it is. I have a crush on this one girl, she gave me this bracelet but I haven’t seen her anywhere. I’m starting to wonder if I imagined it. And there’s Janelle too,” he added. He had developed a bit of a crush on the red head when they went on their quest.

Demi waved his hand dismissively towards Zeke. "Bah, you're fine. You didn't confuse me mate I just. You can never know you know? Who likes who or what. I just. For a second. I." His eyes became misty as he sat back down on the table and let out a massive exhale. Zeke said he understood but it was different for him. He'd never have to wonder if they liked him. Sure he may get rejected but chances were high the girls he liked would be on the same spectrum as him. There wasn't a lot of gay fish in the sea, throw in that he can't even have a normal relationship unless he wants to invite a mortal into the world of monsters. His heart twisted and felt as if it was being torn apart and then finally stopped completely when Zeke had mentioned the girl who gave him the bracelet.

He hadn't expected for him to develop a crush. He never meant it to go this far. He just wanted a way to confess his feelings without repercussions and yet here they were blowing up in his face. Demetri tried to recall who Janelle was but his mind was so distracted by everything else it all was just a massive blank to him. He finally closed his eye and laid down on the table trying to slow his breath and halt the tears that wanted to be shed. He didn't bother sitting back up. Feeling a few drops escape and drip down. "I can't leave here. Not like this. People will have questions. So...talk me down. Tell me about these girls you like, bracelet chick and Janelle."

Ezekiel looked around the room again, looking for help when Demetri walked back to the table and laid down, like he wasn’t leaving anytime soon. Ezekiel sighed and looked up at the ceiling, praying to no one and rubbed his face and both hands through his hair. Demetri wanted him to tell him about the girls he had crushes on. Ezekiel wasn’t sure that would really help but what other options did he have?
”Um, well Janelle is the twin sister to Jason. She’s a daughter of Hypnos though. She’s blind too but she doesn’t let that stop her from doing anything. It’s beautiful really. Well, everything about her is beautiful.” Ezekiel rubbed the back of his neck, feeling how warm it was and how nervous he was talking about this. Ezekiel traditionally wasn’t a very open person. ”And this other girl. I know absolutely nothing about her other than I can’t get the image of her out of mind. She was so worried about me, desperate that I would come back to camp. It was so weird. I have never seen her before and I’m certain I would remember her. She was gorgeous, could definitely do way better than me and yet she was completely focused on me.”
Ezekiel shook his head out of the memory and looked for water to drink or something.

It wasn't until Zeke mentioned Jason that it finally clicked who she was. He hadn't had much of a chance to meet her before they went off to their separate missions. It was no wonder he started crushing on her, trauma bonding is a serious thing. But the more he spoke of her the more he wished he would get to him, er, the other him. He debated on telling Zeke, laying there as the tears dried and he stared up at the ceiling. All he could think about was asking Zeke one question, but he was sure he'd know the answer and he didn't want to cross any lines. So he laid there, listening, and then he heard the way he spoke about him. His voice, that tone, he didn't even need to see his face to tell what it was doing. Demetri let out another sigh as he sat up to see Zeke going to get something.

"It’s not that weird. The girl showing up I mean. We're demi-gods and I'm pretty sure stuff like this happens all the time. People mystically appear out of thin air when needed most then are gone the next second. Maybe it was the fates intervening, or a child of them I don't know. And stop selling yourself short. You're hot and you know it so none of this self deprecation. It's weird when you do it and also it's kinda my thing." Demetri tried to joke. His voice dropped again, back to a whisper. A question struggling to worm its way out. "Listen, whatever is said in here is between us ok? And I'm not saying that for me, I'm saying that anything you say is safe with me too. And well...ugh no it's stupid I shouldn't even ask."

Ezekiel looked over when Demi sat back up again. He seemed a bit better now but Ezekiel couldn’t be sure. It seemed like Demi switched moods easily. Demetri’s words weren’t really encouraging. He was hoping it wasn’t a dream or the Fate intervening. Maybe he should find Rosie but she was never forthcoming with straight forward information.
”You know, you’re trying to be nice but telling me I probably did imagine it hasn’t really helped my already non existent inflated ego,” Ezekiel declared and took a sip of water. Ezekiel watched Demi switch again and he sighed, setting the water aside. ”Just ask me Demi, it’s going to bug you if you don’t.”

"Ok first of all, I didn't mean you imagined her. I'm saying maybe you're looking in the wrong places. Maybe a past camper or something I don't know I'm new to all this. But I'm sure she's out there watching out for you. And second...agh it might bug me even if I do ask but fine." Demetri walked over towards Zeke taking a breath to steady his nerves before finally mumbling out his question. "I know you don't roll that way now and it's cool and I get it but would it be ok if we just kissed and got it over with so my stupid mind can let it go? Hell I'll shift if I have to. I just need this thought out of my head." Demetri took Zeke's glass and downed the rest of the water out of nerves.

Demetri’s response was drowned out by his question. Ezekiel stood there in shock at Demetri’s request.
”Um….” He rubbed the back of his neck nervously and shifted his weight. The mention of Demetri shifting didn’t even clue into Zeke’s mind as he stood there. Time was starting to lengthen and Ezekiel knew he wasn’t helping the situation by not saying anything. If this was anywhere but the Infirmary, Zeke would refuse but here, he was in the business of helping people but this was a whole new level.
”Demitri, are you sure you want this? I mean, I know it’s just a kiss but wouldn’t you want this from someone who doesn’t treat you like shit outside of the Infirmary? I mean, I’m an ass to everyone but, are you sure?”

Ok so it wasn't an easy question. Demetri knew that. But did he have to take so long to answer? Every second felt like an hour, each tick that passed on by made his anxiety grow stronger and he thought he was going to hurl, or pass out, or both. But finally something came out of those beautiful lips. The question rang in his head like the bells of a church. It was loud, and abrasive, and he had no idea how best to answer it. So he did what he does best when nervous. He word vomited.

"Wow. Um, how do I put this? Yes. Yes I'm sure. And ya I know you treat me like garbage outside of here but I don't know how to explain it. Just moments ago you told me to sit and it made my heart skip a beat. The assertiveness just kinda drove me wild. And and yeah ok you can be an ass but for some stupid reason I find it extremely charming and it's kinda hot and I don't know why but evertime you insult me it just makes me wish you'd just grab me and kiss me already." The sentence ended in a gasp as he could even comprehend the words that had just left his mouth. What was he saying? Why was he speaking? Truly his life was a Greek tragedy.

Ezekiel was stunned once again as Demetri word vomited. How was one even supposed to respond to something like that. Ezekiel looked away from Demetri, staring at the wall that had charts on it but he couldn’t even comprehend what they said at the moment. Ezekiel felt flushed, he had never really been complimented like that before and he wasn’t sure how to feel about it.
”Well, that was a lot and thank you? I think,” he said lamely. ”I can’t give you what you need outside of this Demi but if you want a kiss, I’ll kiss you. Just remember it won’t be more than that.” Ezekiel felt like the worst kind of asshole. Not the type that makes jokes but the ones that used to call him names, call his mother names and beat him up at school.

"Trust me I was a compliment." Demetri seemed to almost deflate, thinking he would say no. And why wouldn't he? He had resigned himself to that fact until he offered him what he asked for. It meant nothing to Zeke, but it meant the world to Demetri. He didn't know about his past, the troubles this might bring up, he just knew how extraordinarily sweet he was being at this moment. Demetri moved in closer, placing his hands in Zekes as he rested his forehead on his. "I know you can't give me more than this, and I know I'm already asking for a lot. But...for what its worth? You're not the asshole I made you out to be at first. You're easily one of if not the kindest guy I've ever met. If you're more than ok with it then I'm ready...and thank you."

Ezekiel tensed when Demetri took his hands and leaned in close. The press of Demetri’s forehead against his wasn’t what he was expecting but Ezekiel was grateful for a few more moments to breathe. He tried to relax but his heart was pounding and he was sure his hands were sweating. Ezekiel laughed a little uncomfortably but nodded.
”Ya, well, maybe you can tell others that bit,” he joked. It actually did mean something that Demetri didn’t think he was being an asshole at this moment. One would see once they were out of the Infirmary though. Ezekiel took a breath and looked at how close Demetri was to his face before he stole what little courage he had for a situation like this and kissed Dimetri.
Ezekiel’s lips simply pressed against Demi’s unsure of how to continue this. He wasn’t about to make out with Demetri but if he needed more, he wasn’t sure and didn’t want to proceed if the simple kiss was good enough. It was a strange sensation but Ezekiel didn’t have a comparison but he was sure it wouldn’t be the same as kissing a girl.

Demetri could feel the rapid pulse in Zekes hands, the sweat beginning to form, and he started to wonder if he was just as nervous too. He didn't like him so why would he be? Unless...he was confused? Demetri pushed all thoughts aside however as soon as Zekes lips touched his. The world seemed to melt away and all he could feel was how soft his lips were, and in bliss he tightened his hold on Zeke's hands, pressing forward slightly as he now leaned partially on the counter behind them. Zeke had stopped it at a peck, but Demetri kept it going. Turning the kiss into a small make-out, but making sure he wasn't forcing it on him either. His right hand let go of Zekes and rested on his lower back as he anchored himself. Damn it, why did he have to be good at kissing?

Ezekiel felt Demetri deepen the kiss and responded in kind. He was very aware that it was Demetri’s hair brushing against his own and Demetri’s hand pressing onto the small of his back.
He tensed at the increase in touch but Ezekiel didn’t pull away. He was trying to relax but he was having a hard time of it, at least Demi didn’t seem to mind if Ezekiel was tense.
With his left hand free, Ezekiel rested it on Demetri’s cheek as they kissed and his lips shifted to match the change in pace. The kiss didn’t last much past that though as Ezekiel pulled back. His left hand slid from Demi’s cheek and touched his lips for a moment as he processed what happened. Ezekiel cleared his throat and scratched his ear.
”Was that, um, okay?”

Demetri felt Zeke's hand against his cheek, and it only made him love it more. He wanted it to last a moment longer, but he felt as their lips parted and watched the hand that was on his cheek now gently pressed against Zeke's lips. Demetri was trying to catch his breath, panting a bit as he looked at Zeke in awe. He looked so cute afterwards, and he honestly hoped he enjoyed it. "Was that ok? Fuck mate, I was really hoping you were a terrible kisser but...you're brilliant. It was...indescribably good." Demetri’s hand matched Zeke's, touching his own lips as he thought back on the kiss. His legs felt weak, as if they could collapse at any second, and his heart was pounding out of his chest. "Sorry if I was a bit of a let down there."

Ezekiel grinned despite himself then fought to clear his throat and get the smile off his face again. ”To be fair, you don’t have anyone to compare to,” he noted. ”I don’t think you were a let down but I knew I should probably end it.” Zeke didn’t want to be rude to him but he had been honest with Demi that it wouldn’t go further than that. At least Demi seemed to really enjoy it and that was the entire point.

"To be fair, I don't think I need anyone to compare it to to make that call. As much as I'd hate to admit it, you literally made my legs weak just by kissing me. I honestly don't know if I could move a step without falling. My hearts beating faster than I've ever felt, and I didn't know...I didn't think that's how it'd feel if I ever kissed anyone and yet...you seriously need to believe in yourself more cuz you're a damn catch." Demetri tried to take a step backwards and fumbled from his predicament. Catching himself slightly and leaning against a table.

”You’re inflating my ego,” Ezekiel declared. He rubbed the back of his neck again, sure he was missing a few layers of skin now from how often he was rubbing the skin there. When Demetri fumbled a step Ezekiel stepped forward to catch him if he truly did fall but Demi managed to catch himself before falling. Ezekiel stood straight again, relaxing from going back into healer mode.
Ezekiel appreciated Demetri’s words of encouragement but this year his priorities were shifting. His crush on Janelle was strong but he wasn’t going to overstep with her.
”You’ll find someone Demi. Someone else who will be weak in the knees because of you.”

"Thanks. I really appreciate that." It was bittersweet hearing those words. They meant alot, but it also meant that they could never happen. He looked at Zeke for a moment, admiring him, his smile, how he seemed to be glowing at this moment. He liked this side of Zeke. "Hey, listen. I know it may be different when you step out of these walls but...you're always welcome at Zeus cabin. There you can be anyone you want to be, an asshole, this sweetheart before me right now, we can just hang out and you can be yourself without the worries of others eyes on you. It's just me and Andy and she's usually off with Arthur so...it could be nice." Demetri cleared his throat. "If you want to that is."

Ezekiel gave Demetri a bit of a look when he invited Zeke to Zeus’s cabin. ”Dem, if I step foot in that cabin people will know something is seriously wrong. Like I’m either about to kill you or the Underworld froze over. You’re better off coming here,” Ezekiel said honestly.

Demetri’s form shrank as he heard his offer being turned down. Why would he think they could be friends? But then Zeke invited him back here. It isn't as if he couldn't come here already, but...this could be their spot. A place where they can both be unashamedly themselves. He smiled at the thought and gave Zeke a gentle punch in the arm. "That's fair. I forget you're kinda known for disliking me. But here could be nice." Demetri looked around the room, taking it all in before landing on Zeke once more. "It's quiet here. Maybe I'll bring a book over one day and we can just read."

”Like I said, I have a reputation to uphold,” Zeke said with a slight grin. He nodded when Demetri mentioned bringing a book to read. ”As long as it doesn’t interfere with my work, there shouldn’t be a problem.” Ezekiel wasn’t sure him and Demetri would ever be friends but companionable perhaps. At the very least there was an understanding between them now and a moment shared no one else would know about.

---

Keep it Secret, Keep it Safe

---

---

Demetri couldn't pay attention to the words that were on the page. Re-reading the same line over and over again as his hand fidgeted slightly in Zeke's. The small motion reminded him that they were holding hands, a slight smile creeping onto him as he was glad the child of Apollo didn't mind the minute gestures like this. Finally he leaned back and sighed as he closed his book with his free hand. "Do...do you wanna go on a picnic? I actually know a place, a secret grove shown to me by a woodland friend. No one's supposed to know about it and I've never seen a soul there as long as I've visited. It...could be nice."

He gave the blonde Adonis a cheeky smile, his dimples accenting it as if to make a point. He really hoped he would say yes, but he wouldn't be let down if they simply remained here in the infirmary reading to themselves. Any time they spent together was time well spent, and Demetri was beginning to realise this and cherish it.

Ezekiel sat in a chair with his feet resting on the bar under the examination table. His book was propped up on his knees and he was flipping pages with his free right hand. The first time Demi had coaxed Ezekiel to hold his hand was a little strange but now it had become a sort of comfort for them. Sometimes Ezekiel initiated the hand holding, most of the time it was Demetri.

Ezekiel was going over the medical properties of poppies when Demetri’s hand twitched. Ezekiel gave a reassuring squeeze but there seemed to be something else on the demi-gods mind when he sighed and leaned back. Ezekiel looked over at Demetri just before he spoke.
”A woodland friend? Since when do the children of Zeus talk to bunny rabbits? Unless you’re talking a wood nymph and then you might want to reconsider. They hate me.” Most of the nymphs did since Zeke harassed them often. It was rather easy to, in his defense.

The reassuring squeeze sent flutters through Demetris heart. Making his smile just that much wider. He chuckled at the joke about talking to rabbits when Zeke finally hit the nail on the head. "I'm sure she wouldn't hate you, besides this area is free of wood nymphs, she just helped me find it so I can have a place to call my own. It's such a nice day out I thought maybe...maybe we could enjoy it just us two. I can shift into someone else, grab us a basket of food from the Pavillion and we can sneak off and enjoy the afternoon. No one would know, of course I'd shift back once we reached the grove."

Ezekiel shut his book and set it on the table. He released Demetri’s hand and stood.
”You underestimate my powers of making people hate me,” he informed. Ezekiel shuffled around the room and started to clean things up. He could use the break from sitting in the infirmary and being cooped up inside. Besides, the smell of strawberries was starting to nauseate him.

”I’ll meet you at the trees then or something? I’m going to go change,” Ezekiel stated. He didn’t like wearing the neutral tones outside of his work in the infirmary.

Demetri took both of Zeke's hands in his, giddy with excitement and he stood up too. "Yes! Ok. You go get changed and I'll grab us some food. Meet me by the trees and I can lead us the rest of the way." Demetri wasn't the biggest fan of the orange camp shirt, but it did make shifting in and out much easier as it was unisex. He thought about a majority of the campers, turning himself into a brunette with long wavy hair that covered his missing eye. "How do I look?"

Ezekiel smirked and shook his head at Demetri’s enthusiasm over him agreeing to go on a picnic. Ezekiel didn’t mind the bonding, it was just easier when Zeke hated on him and cared less. Being friends with people was difficult and draining. He put a piece of paper in his book and slipped it into a drawer once he was done cleaning and sanitizing everything. Ezekiel turned around when Demi addressed him. He froze for a moment, still not used to Demi shifting genders and nodded several times.

”That works,” he agreed. The girl could be easily mistaken for any camper. There were a lot of them of that average type. Her eyes, or rather eye, stood out more than the average camper though. It was just the colouring of it. He turned and headed for the door, reminding himself that it was Demetri.

Demetri waited a moment before he left the infirmary. Not wanting the two of them to be seen leaving together. His heart was racing with excitement as he thought about what was to come. He doubted there would be another kiss, but he would settle for holding hands and cuddling. He headed over to the Zeus Cabin, looking around to make sure no one was watching as he went to grab a basket he had weaved earlier that month in anticipation for this.

Snagging a spare change of clothes and stuffing it in the basket before making his way over to the dining pavillion, Demetri grabbed an assortment of food for them. Table grapes, cheeses, meats, and two bottles of sparkling grape juice. No matter how hard he tried he wasn't able to get any wine. Satisfied he made his way towards the treeline and sat behind one waiting for Zeke.

Ezekiel headed into the Apollo cabin, nodding to a few of his siblings lounging around before he pulled some clothes out of the trunk and changed. He pulled on his usual dark wash jeans, the camp t-shirt along with his orange and white high-tops before pairing it with a black beanie and gray shirt that he left unbuttoned and pushed the sleeves up. Ezekiel fixed the evil eye bracelet and checked that he had everything before he left to meet Demi. He had debated on bringing his guitar but thought better safe than sorry. He didn’t want Demetri thinking this was a date anymore than he probably already was.

Zeke made his way to the tree line, ignoring people as he usually did so no one paid him much more attention. He glanced along the tree line, searching for Demi and stood there a moment, thinking that they really should come up with a code word or something.

Demetri heard footsteps approaching, breaking the quiet sound of the chirping birds and rustle of rabbits nearby. He peaked around the tree trunk, rolling his eyes as he saw Zeke in the orange camper shirt but glad he had the brains to drown it out with a splash of grey. He stood up, looking for something to throw when he finally grabbed a grape off the vine and chucked it at Zekes head. Waving for him to hurry up in.

Ezekiel flinched when he felt something hit his head, he followed the direction of the throw and frowned at Demi before walking over to meet him. He glanced around before stepping into the tree line with Demetri.

”We need a code word,” he declared. ”That was a waste of a grape by the way. So, where are we going?” Ezekiel felt he was staring at Demetri too much as a girl and looked away, glancing at the trees and bushing, trying to see if he recognized anything from his textbooks.

"Well then I suppose we'll have to think of one. Until then" Demi jabbed Zeke on the side with a smile. "Jerk" He grabbed Zeke's hand and began to trek inwards into the woods. He'd been through the path so many times, making sure he knew the way. The scenery was breathtaking, the wildlife alone adding a flare of magic to this place. They hadn't reached the grove yet, but something told Demetri that Zeke wasn't looking around for its beauty.

He stopped in his tracks, still holding Zeke's hand as he turned around to face him. "Alright spill, what's got your mind so preoccupied? If you're nervous about us getting caught don't be, I'm telling you no one knows about this place ok so no worrying." He offered him a smile, feeling the lack of dimple on his cheek and remembering he was currently shifted.

Ezekiel rolled his eyes before he responded in kind ”Bitch.” Demi took his hand and pulled him along through the trees. Ezekiel was looking at the trees but he was very aware of the feminine hand within his. Demetri’s hands were softer as well but this was completely different and a very obvious difference. He was just looking back at him when Demi stopped completely and turned to face him. Ezekiel felt the colour drain from his face and started to tap his fingers nervously along his leg. Ezekiel was usually drumming out some sort of tune on his leg or any surface, whether it was a song he knew or one he was writing.

”I’m not worried about being caught,” Zeke declared. He hesitated to answer truthfully. Sometimes sarcasm and ignoring a question was so much better. Ezekiel sighed, looking at their joined hands before speaking. ”It’s just weird. You shifting like this all the time,” he said.

Demetri’s smile faltered for a second. It was weird hearing someone say that to him. He had been so worried for so long that because he was able to shift no one would ever truly want the real him. Always looking to see what he can become for them instead of just enjoying how he looked already. His smile grew a bit more as he tucked some of the hair behind his ear and looked at Zeke. "Sorry. It's just a natural part of me. I don't really think about how others might see it. But once we're cleared out and in the grove I'll change back no worries."

He gave Zeke a reassuring squeeze of the hand. Flashing him another smile before turning back around and following his path towards the grove. They reached a section of the forest that had a thick hedged wall. A small pathway beneath they'd have to crawl through. "So either I can go upfront and you follow behind me, or you can go upfront and I'll follow behind you, but the wedge is only big enough to go single file." Truthfully Demetri wanted Zeke to go first, just so he can get a nice view.

Ezekiel nodded a bit and was dragged along again. He tried to focus on where they were going. He hadn’t seen this part of the woods before and was steadily becoming intrigued by where they were going. They were in these woods a lot for capture the flag and other war games but this looked brand new. They reached an area that Demetri stopped in front of. Zeke didn’t even see the hidden pathway until he crouched down. Which was saying something since he was a tracker as well. Ezekiel glanced up when Demetri said they would have to crawl in one at a time.

”Mhmm, convenient,” he noted, giving Demi a bit of an annoyed look before he crawled forward. He adjusted his beanie so it wouldn’t get pulled off from a bush or branch.

Demetri just gave Zeke a smile before he finally went through, following up behind him with a grin. Once they were both clear of the rather thick hedge they had view of a large expansive grove. Trees near the edge seemed to collect and form a circle enclosing the area, bright vibrant flowers bloomed from scattered about places and the grass was lush and inviting for them to lay on. Demetri tucked the hair behind his ear once more before going up behind Zeke and resting his head on his shoulder. "So? What do you think?"

Ezekiel crawled through, very aware of eyes on his backside while he moved. Ezekiel wiggled out from the bushes into the open grove and stood. He wiped his hands and pants, fixing his beanie before looking around. The brightness of flowers is what really intrigued him. He wondered if any of these were in his book or what hidden properties plants like these could have. Zeke was always interested in finding natural ways to help heal people these days.

He felt a head on his shoulder, bringing Zeke back to reality a little. He looked around the grove again, noting how the trees bent in a sort of circle to enclose the area and protect it.

”It’s beautiful,” Ezekiel said truthfully. He wished he had a notebook so he could make rough sketches of the flowers to look up. Ezekiel looked down at the girl resting her head on his shoulder and resisted the urge to touch her. It was just Demetri, Zeke reminded himself.

Demetri smiled at the response. Stepping back so that they had full view of each other. "I'm glad you like it, now I think it's time I changed." He gripped the bottom of his orange camp shirt and began lifting it upwards, exposing the skin underneath until it hit just below the chest. Before anything was actually shown Demetri shifted back towards himself, fully removing the shirt and placing on a white and black striped shirt, tying off his black denim jacket around his waist.

He walked up closer to Zeke, playfully grabbing one of his hands before using the other to snatch the beanie off his head and hold it up high. "Ya look cute in it but I think it suits me a bit better don't ya think? Being that it is black and all." He gave the blonde boy another cheeky smile before placing it on his own head.

Ezekiel looked over at Demetri when he backed away, fully expecting that he was going to request his help to set up the picnic, not start lifting his shirt. Her shirt? Ezekiel’s brain momentarily shut off while the girl in front of him exposed smooth skin. His eyes tracked her movements shamelessly until the point of no return and then he was looking at a male chest rather than female. Ezekiel’s face turned red and a spout of anger coursed through him. Not so much that he didn’t get to see what he thought was going to happen but that he had been taken advantage of and teased. To add further insult to the injury, Demi swiped Ezekiel’s beanie.

”It just looks like you have more hair on the top of your head and less on the sides. It at least stands out on me,” Ezekiel said, annoyance in his voice. ”Give it back. Don’t make me shift the light and blind you,” Zeke threatened.

Demetri hadn't expected either of those reactions from Zeke. Sensing the sudden shift in tone and feeling the words sting him. His smile twitched for a second before dropping completely. His head now downcast as he removed the beanie off his head and extended it out towards Zeke, his heart a little broken. "Here. I...I was just trying to have a little fun. Didn't mean to upset you or anything." His voice trembled a little as he spoke. Waiting for Zeke to grab the beanie, not daring to look him in the eyes. His hand shook slightly, his mind racing a million thoughts a second. Had he messed up? Had this simple act ruined what good he'd had for months? Was this it?

Ezekiel swiped the beanie back from Demetri’s outstretched hand and fixed it before placing it back on his head. Ezekiel didn’t like the way Demi instantly crumbled from his words but he didn’t speak up right away either. Ezekiel crossed his arms in frustration before looking at Demi.

”You’re not making this easy Demi. That little stunt you just pulled, you knew exactly how I would react. That’s not fair to me. You want me to be okay with you shifting forms? Then you can’t pull shit like that on me.” He looked away from Demetri again, shaking his head before he took the basket and opened it up to take the blanket and laid it out.

Demetri flinched as he felt the beanie leave his hands. "I'm sorry. You're right. I need to think it through more when I'm shifting around you. I genuinely forget sometimes until I feel things like the way it might tug on my chest as I lift, or when I look at my hands. It just feels like me so I can be a bit...abrasive with it. I'm sorry...I'll try harder next time."

Demetri went to reach for the basket, his movement's sluggish from the torn up feelings he was having. Noticing it was now gone and finally looking up to see Zeke setting out the blanket for them. He wanted to smile, but it didn't feel like it was ok for him to be happy after what he'd done. "I really don't deserve you you know."

Ezekiel set the basket on one corner of the blanket while Demi explained what happened. It didn’t exactly comfort Zeke, it just told him it was probably going to happen again. What was he even doing here? Demi was confusing and frustrating and even more so when he shifted like that.

Ezekiel stepped onto the blanket and sat down. He opened the basket again and started pulling the food out. He glanced at Demetri, noting the defeated expression.

”No, you don’t,” Ezekiel agreed. He patted the empty space next to him. ”Why do you feel the need to shift so much? Why can’t you just stay like this,” Zeke asked and gestured to the form Demi wore now. Was that even him, or just the form he felt most comfortable in?

Demi made his way over to the empty spot and sat down. His hands resting behind him as he leaned back to look up at the sky. He hadn't expected Zeke to agree, but then again he probably should have. He thought hard on Zeke's question, finding no true answer to it, or at the very least not one he was ready to face at this moment. He gulped down before giving out a frustrated sigh.

"I don't know. Sometimes it just feels easier to be someone else, to not be me. I feel like I can't be myself or speak out as myself. Hell I shift everyday when I wake up just to make sure my eyes aren't bright blue. But...I'd never wanted to ask myself why I do it so much. Part of me is afraid of what I might find." He looked down before turning to look at Zeke. He thought he could never understand, he was always so perfect how could he?

"Sometimes wearing a mask helps. Helps me fit in, helps me make friends, helps me say the right things. When I'm me, truly me, I just annoy people, or frustrate them and push them away." His left hand lifted to gesture at Zeke, as if to make his point about how infuriating he could be. As it landed back down it moved closer towards Zeke, hoping that he would take it and give him a comforting squeeze he had learned to love.

”You aren’t annoying when you are yourself. At least not to me. It’s when you’re trying to be something you’re not that you annoy the hell out of me. The mask is a temporary band aid. Don’t mistake it for a fix to whatever is going on in that head of yours.” Ezekiel ate a couple of grapes before he allowed himself to take Demetri’s hand.

Ezekiel had been playing a part his entire life and it changed frequently based on the situation but he always knew who he was. Deep down, Zeke knew what he was and where he had come from to get to where he was today.

”You seem lost Demi. You need to figure out why before you lose yourself completely.”

Demetri listened to what Zeke had to say. Thinking on every word and knowing deep down that he was right. His fingers curled on the blanket, feeling the absence of Zeke's hand before stretching out again just before he took it in his. The corner of his lips stretched up, a smile finally pulling through.

His body began to relax, muscles he hadn't even realized he was tensing, and a breath he didn't know he held. Demetri closed his eye for a moment, listening to the world around them, focusing on the feeling of Zeke's hand and the warmth that came with it. "Its funny. It seems ever since I came to this camp I've been trying to find out who I am but...whenever I'm with you, alone, and myself. I feel like I found where I belong. I don't feel so lost with you by my side, I just feel...happy."

He shifted his weight, now facing Zeke with a large dimpled smile. Hardly anyone made him smile the way the son of Apollo did. Genuinely grinning from ear to ear. He tensed his grip slightly, making sure this wasn't a dream. "Pass me a grape will ya? Don't go hogging all the food for yourself."

Ezekiel handed the grapes to Demetri and moved the basket to the middle so they could grab what they wanted. Only having one hand made things a little difficult to grab but Ezekiel managed to wrap some meat around a piece of cheese and ate it. As he chewed, he shifted on the blanket, bending a leg and rested his free arm on his knee. Ezekiel was staring at a particularly bright blue flower when he decided to talk again.

”I think everyone who comes here is lost to an extent. We all come here shortly after discovering a power that shouldn’t exist and then learn one of our parents is a god or goddess. We are in a unique position of all having something similar that we are going through. I shouldn’t be the only one you feel happy around,” Ezekiel noted and looked over at Demetri. ”What about your siblings?

Demetri plopped another grape into his mouth, feeling the tension as he slowly bit down onto it before there was the final gush. He hadn't expected Zeke to get all philosophical on them while out here, but that was just another mystery to add to who this blonde boy was.

"Of course I'm happy with them. But it's different. With you...I feel weightless. Like every step is on a cloud. As if I'm being carried by a fluttering sensation from inside, and I just can't help but smile. With them, there is no fluttering or weightlessness. I'm grounded, happy, but grounded. I want them to have room to grow, to have the chance I didn't and find themselves early on."

Demetri turned, moving their hands onto Zeke's lap before wrapping a grape in a bit of cheese and holding it near Zeke for him to open his mouth.

Ezekiel looked at Demetri while he explained further what he was referring to. The demi-god felt a strange twisting sensation in his stomach and he shifted a bit, his hand involuntarily twitching around Demi’s. He eyed the offering placed in front of his mouth.

”Are you seriously trying to feed me?” He eyed the item again before taking it with his free hand and popped it into his mouth. ”You know you’re not supposed to have a crush on me right?” Their relationship was already complicated enough and Ezekiel had been very clear about everything from the beginning.

Demetri watched as he plucked the offering from his hands. He expected as much and just gave him a wider smile. "I figured you wouldn't let me but that's fine." He shrugged, before bursting into laughter at his comment. "Pfffft. I don't have a crush on you. I just genuinely enjoy our time together. And I don't know, something about hiding it makes it feel all the more fun."

He wasn't sure how to feel about the twitching. Wasn't sure if he struck a chord. But he tried to reassure the blonde mini-god. Rubbing his thumb over Zeke's with their held hands that rest on his lap.

”Ya huh,” Ezekiel said, not believing Demetri at all. A hidden friendship was rather strange but it was true. Their relationship was complicated but Ezekiel also found he didn’t mind being a confidant to Demetri. He never shared much about himself but Zeke was used to people telling him all sorts of things. Although, it usually happened in the infirmary.

Demetri cocked an eyebrow at Zeke, wondering what that was all about. Were the feelings he had finally come to accept and develop more than just friendship? Or was Zeke just being Zeke? He decided that was a problem for later Demi, letting go of Zeke's hand and moving the basket a bit higher up to make room for him to lay down. He didn't say anything, nor ask, he just laid his head down on Zeke's lap and took the hand he had held, placing it on his hair hoping Zeke would play with it.

The warmth of the rays of sun, that cut through the canopy above and peppered his face with light, made Demi feel more relaxed, like he could nap at this very instance. "Well, I don't think I have a crush on you, but then again I've never been in a relationship so who knows. But even if I did, I'm more than happy to have you as a friend than to waste it by trying to be with you. This…this is enough for me, and it's more than I've ever had."

Ezekiel grabbed some more cheese and meat while Demi rearranged himself. The act of him laying his head on Zeke’s lap didn’t bother him. There wasn’t much Demi did these days when they were alone that bothered him. Zeke had gotten used to it by this point. He smirked when Demetri redirected his hand and to rest on top of his head.

”Right,” he said and obliged Demi by running fingers through his black hair. The sun shifted through the leaves of the trees, throwing its light in every which way. ”Are you warm enough?” It was a simple question but Zeke could shift the light if Demi wasn’t warm enough. Zeke pulled more food out of the basket and continued eating. He should have brought a book with him.

Demetri let out a soft pleased moan as he felt Zeke's hands running through his hair. It was a habit he had picked up from childhood, having had his mother constantly play with his hair, it was an easy way to bring in comfort. When Zeke asked him if he was warm enough, Demi simply turned his head slightly, shifting it so that it was still in his lap, but part of his face was resting against Zeke's stomach.

He smelled...good. He almost always smelled good. It was one of the traits he'd grown to love about him, whether he wore cologne or this was his natural scent, Demi never had the courage to ask. But he cuddled up in that lap, took it in and simply answered "Yeah. I'm plenty warm, thanks." Part of him wanted to plant a kiss on his stomach, another part wanted to ruin the mood and blow raspberries on it. But for now he chose to listen to neither, and just relax.

Ezekiel paused a moment when he heard the slight moan escape from Demetri. It was subtle but it still gave him pause before he continued on. He took another few grapes when Demetri turned his head and he smirked.

”You’re going to fall asleep on me aren’t you?” He definitely wished he brought a book now.


Demetri chuckled at the observation, definitely feeling the wave of sleep threatening to wash in. He couldn't help it, on days like this he simply wanted to rest in the grass and fall asleep. He flashed a cheeky smile before answering him. "I'd sure hope not, but then again I'm certain there's a way for you to wake me up." Demi gave the son of Apollo a look, raising his eyebrows before miming a small kiss.

"I wasn't sure what all you'd like to do while out, there isn't much to do out here unless you're into sketching, art, or just relaxing. But it's better with company. Especially one that knows how to really play with one's hair."

Ezekiel rolled his eyes and shook his head when Demetri puckered his lips for a kiss. He lightly flicked Demetri’s nose before playing with his hair again. It was a nice afternoon and Ezekiel supposed he could just sit here for a little bit before making Demetri wake up. He fell silent for a moment, watching his fingers in Demetri’s dark hair. His mothers was blonde but his mind went far away for a moment. Ezekiel used to help his mother with her hair when he was younger. Oftentimes she was too tired to change it from one job to another so Ezekiel would brush it and braid it for her. It was as much of a comfort to him as it was to his mother.

”It is a rare talent,” Ezekiel joked as he came back to present.

Demi winced as his nose got flicked, turning his face away into his stomach so that he couldn't do so again. He was going to speak out in protest when he noticed the lingering silence. He couldn't see Zeke's face from this angle, his periphery lost on the left side. Whether he was in thought, enjoying the view, or just simply quiet, Demetri didn't want to interrupt him.

He fought himself on if he should speak, if he should say something, but then Zeke finally spoke out. Just making the son of Zeus smile and instinctively kiss Zeke's stomach through his shirt. "It really is. You're going to make a great boyfriend someday. Anyone should be so lucky." He nestled in further, one arm now wrapped about Zeke's waist as he only got more comfortable. "I'm sure you've had plenty of people throwing themselves at you."

Ezekiel flinched when Demetri kissed his stomach as it tickled a bit. He seriously hoped Demetri was going to ignore that flinch and not use it against him. Ezekiel rolled his eyes and looked up at the sky a moment.

”Oh yes, my sparkling personality has made me desired by many.” Zeke’s voice dripped in sarcasm as he spoke. ”You keep forgetting I am one of the least like people at camp Dem. Much to my own doing, keeping people at arm’s length is a lot easier than having to be friendly with everyone.”

"Don't be sarcastic with me jerk. You have an amazing personality when you actually let people see it. As for keeping people at arm's length." Demi spoke in a mumble as his face was still partially buried into Zeke, punctuating his final point as he tightened his grip with his arm around Zeke's waist. "I prefer our arms length stay this close. It's more pleasant and fun. And you just smell...so good." He hadn't meant for the final thought to come out, but in his lazy state it did. His cheeks blushed, and he hoped Zeke ignored it, but then again he wished he would notice.

”Ah, but if I wasn’t a jerk to everyone else this wouldn’t feel as pleasant and fun now would it? Maybe I’ll start bringing all of my many friends here to play with their hair,” Ezekiel teased. ”And I do smell good. It’s called proper hygiene.” Zeke showered every day, sometimes twice a day, especially if it was a long day at the infirmary or an intense training session.

Demi shot up as soon as Zeke mentioned bringing others here to play with their hair. His eye almost pleading for him not to before he realised that he was being teased and his face went red with embarrassment. "Not funny…" He pouted as he jabbed him in the arm. Demetri stared at Zeke for a moment, deciding what to do next before he simply plopped a kiss on his cheek. "I'd tell you to stop teasing me, but we both know I like it so there's no point in saying that. But I guess you're right, maybe it's better that I can keep you mostly to myself instead of having all of Camp HalfBlood swooning over your amazing body, and gorgeous hair, and piercing eyes."

Ezekiel grinned when Demetri shot up in protest and laughed as realization crossed his face that he had just fallen for Ezekiel teasing him. He smirked at the jab and kiss to his cheek. Ezekiel pulled his hand back, reaching around Demi to grab a bottle of sparkling juice from the basket. Their faces ended up being close but Ezekiel didn’t do a single thing, teasing Demetri further. It wasn’t his fault the child of Zeus made it so easy and Zeke was so good at it.

”Perhaps you’re right,” Ezekiel said and opened the bottle before taking a long sip from it.

Demetri’s eye went wide as Zeke closed in on him. His breath stopped, his heart raced, and he could feel a lump in his throat as he got closer and closer. He expected a kiss, just a small peck, to feel the softness of his lips again, to feel that rush. But then, he grabbed the bottle behind him and began to take a sip. The breath rushed out of him as his face grew even more red. His hand wringing the bottom of his shirt in some new form of frustration that didn't seem to stem from anger.

He watched as the golden boy grinned and simply melted at the sight. He began to feel a little warm, pulling on his shirt collar a bit to try and get some air in. "It's uh, little warm now huh?" Demetri cleared his throat in the middle of the sentence, his eye looking down at his own lap before finally trailing back up Zeke’s body to meet his gaze, trying to focus on his eyes but constantly wandering back towards his lips that came so close just moments before.

"Oh? I hadn't noticed." Zeke couldn't help but find Demetri's fidgeting and discomfort entertaining. If only because it was proving his thought of Demi having a crush on him more realistic. He offered Demi the bottle of sparkling juice with one hand and leaned back on his other.

Demetri grabbed the bottle and took a long swig from it. Hoping the cold liquid would help to cool him down. But the more Zeke spoke the warmer he felt and the weaker his knees went. Luckily they were sitting down. "Youu...hmmm. you're such a tease you know that?" Demi moved in closer to Zeke, sitting hip to hip as he placed the opened bottle into Zekes lap. He wrapped his arm around him once more and nuzzle in. "You're having fun with this aren't you?"

Ezekiel watched Demetri try to settle but the demigod just ended up moving closer to Zeke once again. Instinctively, Ezekiel wrapped his own arm around Demi and the pair of them sat together, enjoying the glow of the sun. He smirked at Demi's comment.

"You have no idea," Zeke stated. He was enjoying teasing Demi. Before things had shifted, Zeke used to flirt and tease Demi often in-between well placed insults. That dynamic hadn't changed.

Demetri just kept on smiling, feeling Zeke's arm wrap around him, feeling him just there. He nestled his head back onto Zekes shoulder, giving him a soft kiss on the neck before settling down. "I think I have some idea." The sun was beautiful in its glow, but as Demi looked up he noted that his son was even more beautiful. If this was a dream, he didn't want to wake up from it.

Ezekiel felt his skin raise on his neck from the brush of Demi's lips. It was like his body had a different idea for this relationship than Zeke did. Ezekiel looked around at the wind in the trees before he felt eyes on him again.

"You're staring," Ezekiel noted. He looked back at Demetri, meeting his intense gaze. "And you look like you are looking at a god."

Demetri’s expression softened once his gaze was met by Zeke's. His words hitting him like sweet honey. He shook his head at the blonde. "Not quite, but you certainly come close at times. I may not be their biggest fan but… you're one creation I can certainly get behind. " They were so close, and he just wished Zeke would make the first move in, to kiss him. The mood felt right, the setting, all of it. He inched in closer to Zeke, practically daring him to make a move.

"I don't think I like being compared to a god." Sure some normal human might like it but Ezekiel didn't have the taste for that. Apollo may have claimed, giving Ezekiel an extended family and better life here but other than that, there was nothing. His life was constantly in danger for the Olympians screw ups and rivalries. It was idiotic.

Demetri seemed locked on Ezekiel and was giving him eyes he had seen before. The temptation to flick Demetri on the nose was great but Ezekiel didn't. He sighed, not really sure why he was doing this or why he was here anymore. Zeke slid the arm that was wrapped around Demi up, resting his hand on his spine.

"You're going to be the death of me," Ezekiel concluded before giving Demetri what he wanted. His lips connected with the boy's more easily than the first time and it seemed less hesitate. Ezekiel lifted his free hand to his head, pulling off the beanie and placed it on Demi's head. Ezekiel pulled away shortly after, looking at the hat on his friend's head. He had another black one he could use.

"Don't say I never gave you anything."

As Zeke went in for the kiss, it was as if time stood still. Demetris heart stopped as he waited in anticipation, closing his eye and leaning into the kiss as well. He felt the arm sliding up his back, felt how different this kiss was, like he wasn't holding back as much. It was more natural. He was so enraptured by the kiss that he didn't notice the hat on his head until Zeke mentioned it. Demi felt the beanie on his head, smiling and leaning in stealing another quick kiss from Zeke. "I love it." His hand remained on the beanie for a moment longer, wondering if it carried the scent of Zeke's shampoo.

He laid down on the blanket, tugging on Zeke's shirt inviting him to lay with him and cuddle as the sun continued to light their beautiful day.

---

---

Andy had woken up early and gotten food. She hadn't told anyone but Madalyne what today was. She hated her birthday. It marked another year of her abandonment. It was to her another day, but when foster parents had tried to make a big deal of it it always felt fake. She preferred to spend the day just doing something she liked. Hopefully, Madalyne didn't tell anyone. She hadn't even told her half-brother. So technically only her aunt knew, which was super odd to think. Her family had grown so much over this summer. She had half-siblings and a dad, and an aunt. Anyone related to Trivia was her family in a way now, which made the loss of Rebecca a bit harder. Rebecca was family and she never knew. Just ran away. Andy ate her muffin, she never tried to eat bagels anymore, thinking about what she wanted to do that day.

Arthur was a lot better now, having been removed from the tides of war and set back into a much more peaceful and calm place. Camp Halfblood had a mess of feelings in his heart; it was where he lost his sister and where he met Andy, it was a reminder of his duality as a demigod, and yet also a safe haven. He was working through his emotions over everything more now, but things still felt messy. At the very least, he was able to make it days at a time without bursting into tears, and he marked that as a success. Trauma had left its mark on the boy, but between Andy and the others, he at least felt somewhat stable, like he wasn't going to shatter into a million pieces at the faintest hit. Entering the mess hall, Arthur quickly grabbed an apple, and sat down across from Andy, taking a bite into it, and saying, "Morning Andy, how're you today? Any plans?" Arthur hadn't quite come up with anything he wanted to do yet, but he was sure between the two of them, they could come up with something fun.

Andy smiled brightly as Arthur joined her. She decided it didn't matter what she did that day. As long as she got to spend the day with Arthur. "Well I didn't have much in mind yet. I was considering climbing the rock wall. Or going for a walk. I like the beach, so I thought maybe a walk there. Would you like to join me on any of that?" She asked seeing what he wanted to do, making sure that whatever it was they did was something he wanted to do too.

Arthur took a bite out of his apple and swallowed. The beach was nice, though, depending on when they went, maybe a bit crowded. Arthur didn't not like people now, or anything, but he would appreciate quiet alone time with his friend. Still, it sounded really nice. "A nice walk sounds good, maybe through the forest and onto the beach? That sounds like it could be really pleasant." The shade of the forest and serenity of the Long Island Sound was exactly what he needed.

It sounded perfect. "We should pack a picnic." It was like from a movie. Spending the day with one of her favorite people taking a nice walk just enjoying each other's presence. It would be the best birthday ever. "I have to grab something from the cabin. Meet me back here. We'll pack the picnic and then go for the walk?"

Arthur grinned at the idea of the picnic. "Right, I'll raid some food from here, and meet you out front, maybe grab a bag from your cabin while you're there?" And with that, he went to grab some picnic food. Sandwiches, drinks, and something sweet, a few danishes of different fruit varieties. Arthur had never actually gone on a picnic before, but food that could be eaten anywhere seemed like the thing to go with. When he was done, he waited with his bounty out near the front of the mess hall.

Andy dashed to her cabin and grabbed her bag. The bag part was helpful, but the important part was what was in the bag. She double-checked that the two small boxes were in there. The first item was from some random bar. The matches had been given to Andy when she was at a homeless camp, by someone. The other item was older. It was still in its box with the price sticker. Well beat up from years of being buried under stuff, but unbroken. A wax number five. Stolen. For a cake she never got.

She dashed back to the pavilion to meet Arthur. "Okay, got my bag." She said holding it open for him to dump the food into it. "Looks like you got some good stuff."

Arthur quickly dumped the food into the bag and was absolutely beaming, "Yeah, hopefully, this can be nice, I'm really glad we're doing this together." It was, dare he think, normal. He'd be spending a day with his friend having lunch and a walk. It was just, lovely. It made him feel excited and happy and with a kind of peace flowing through him. "Alright, if you're all set, let's go then."

And with that, Arthur walked away towards the forest with Andy, leading them up to the entrance of the main path, before saying, "You know, things have been kinda crazy and just... I'm glad you've stuck with me through everything, you know? I don't know how I'd be here without you." Arthur felt sappy saying something like that, but it was true, and he wanted her to know how important she was to him.

Andy had a lot she wanted to say in response to Arthur but had no idea how to say any of it. Everything culminated to, "I wouldn't be here without you." She said. It was true. She wouldn't have stayed. Between Arthur and her brother she stayed. And now she supposed she wanted to learn magic. She stepped into the woods. It was a beautiful July day. And she was going to spend the day with her best friend. Her only friend.

Melancholy, that was the word. There was a kind of softness in their being together, but the fact that it was by its nature a reprieve and not the default state of things that made it sad. It felt to Arthur that they only had calms before neverending oncoming storms. Still, it was a nice day with a close friend, and he wasn't going to let anything get in the way of him enjoying it. As far as he was concerned, they were two normal kids today, spending an afternoon at a summer camp. Arthur followed Andy into the woods, taking in the shade happily, not having much to say in response to Andy, just happy to be there with her.

They walked for a while together in the soothing quiet of the woods. Andy found a small clearing that looked perfect for their picnic. She stepped into it and sat on the grass. It didn't bother her it was a little dewy. "This looks beautiful." It was a peaceful spot. "Perfect spot for a perfect day." She smiled.

Coming upon the clearing, Arthur followed Andy's suit, and sat down next to her, looking up at the sky. "Right?" The sense of ease was nice to bask in, and as he did, he turned to Andy and asked, "So, How've you been dealing with everything? I... I think I've been getting better, but our first adventure was a lot." He was still having nightmares of watching Des die, and the reanimated corpse of his sister liked to show up sometimes too, but he'd managed a few restful nights since returning to camp

She looked at Arthur, tilting her head. Considering how best to put it into words. "Our first adventure was a lot." She nodded in agreement. "For me though it's been like..." She trailed off. "Like I was in a dark room with no lights for so long, and then coming here turned on the light switch. I had stumbled along and found the shape of things in the dark, but I didn't know what any of the things were. Now that the light is on I understand it better." It was the best metaphor she could come up with. And it accurately depicted what she had felt before coming to camp. "I have answers." There was more to it. But Andy didn't have the words to express what she was feeling. "Yeah it hasn't been pleasant getting those answers. But now that I know. I can use it."

Andy was endlessly more eloquent than Arthur was, or at least, that was how it felt to him. In a way, it made sense, they'd been living with this existence their entire lives, but only now did they have the chance to wrap their heads around the actual size of what it all meant. That was the big thing, they had an identity now. They're weren't just weird, or different, or anything that anybody might call them, they were demigods. Even if he'd rather be a 'normal' kid, it didn't change the fact that now, at least he knew what he was. "That's... a really good way to put it." He agreed, "I feel like, all my life, I didn't have a real place. I never felt at home with my family, and the school so many of us were at before was terrible. At least now, everything here is in the same boat, and people actually care about one another. I feel like I have a real family here." He hoped that made sense, it seemed to be the best way for him to vocalize his feelings.

Andy nodded in agreement. She didn't know much about Arthur's school, or much of his life before camp. She did know that he hadn't known anything was weird before he had come to camp. "I never had a family before here. It was all...Fake." Arthur was like family, but not like a brother. It was different. She didn't know how to explain it to him. Andy wrapped her arms around her knees and rested her chin on them. "I haven't been to school in a long time. What was it like?"

Arthur paused at the question, "Well... It wasn't great." He said honestly, "It wasn't as bad as monsters or anything, but as far as schools go. I have trouble imagining a worse school." He tried to explain, "The camp on it's own is a much nicer place. I'm glad to be here. It's just.... The strings that come along with it that make me feel icky." He said, before asking, "What do you think of camp? All this?"

Andy nodded as Arthur spoke listening closely. She paused before responding. "It is nice to have people I can trust to have my back. You, my brother, and now my aunt." Her eyes went wide. "I haven't told you yet. The Preator Madalyne she's my aunt. The book she got before the battle at New Rome. We looked at it on the first. We found out that my mom was her cousin. And it gets weird from there. So my mom died the same year I was born only a few weeks after I was born. But I wasn't in the system until I was two. So someone had me for a couple of years before leaving me at the hospital." She was rambling a bit, which was rather unlike her.

Arthur nodded along with Andy, before asking, "Your mom died after giving birth to you? You don't think it had something to do with you being a demigod, do you?" That sounded like it would be hard on her. He could only imagine that a lot of demigods didn't even make it out of diapers, with how monsters seemed to swarm on the unprotected. If not monsters, maybe somebody wanted a child of Zeus for something? "It all sounds messy, are you going to leave it alone, or look into it more?" He was worried about what Andy would find if she pried, but he'd be there with her if she needed him.

"It was a few weeks." Her cheeks warmed a bit, she hadn't told him today was her birthday yet. "Uh. She died on August 17th." She paused and looked at her hands. "Madalyne and I might look into it. Someone was taking care of me. I want to know why they stopped. I don't remember anything from that long ago."

Arthur's ears perked up at the date, and quickly did the math. "Wait wait, so like, your birthday is coming up? When is it?" He asked excitedly, before pausing. It occurred to him that it wasn't unlikely that Andy had never had a birthday party. "Do you wanna do something for it? I get it if you don't, but-" He then realized he was barraging her with questions and stopped, giving her a chance to respond.

Her face got warmer. Arthur cut himself off. "I want to spend my birthday with you." She said. Then from the bag she pulled out the candle, it was a sad-looking box she held in her hand, and she produced out of it a small number five. It had melted in a few places and was a little chipped, but overall it hadn't broken in the five...six years she had carried it. She put it on one of the pastries he had grabbed. "I already am, it is the best birthday I've ever had."

"O-oh." Arthur said, as his expression dropped to surprise and found himself smiling a big, dumb smile, before grabbing her into a hug. He was glad she trusted him, and cared about him like this. Squeezing her, he said, "I'm so glad I pushed you out of that tree." Before letting her go, and looking her in the eyes. "Now, let's make this your best year ever."

Andy giggled hugging him back tightly. It felt good. She loved the warmth of his hug and didn't want the hug to end. "I'm glad you pushed me out too." She said with a crooked smile. Returning the look. "Same for you. Alright. When is your birthday? This is going to the best year for both of us."

Arthur smiled. A part of him really believed that they could do that together, make this a good year, even with the monsters and scary things they'd have to do. He thought they could really do it. "September 12th, two whole months away." Arthur didn't really have much in the way of feelings about his birthday, but he'd be looking forward to spending it with her. "Now, pastries!" He said, grabbing one of them, and taking a big bite out of it.

---

---

Ezekiel stood in the archery range, blessedly grateful that it was winter and he didn't have to deal with the noxious smell of strawberries. He wasn't sure what it was with strawberries but after moving into camp, he absolutely detested them. The smell, the colour, the taste. It was probably due to his work in the infirmary. The smell of strawberries mixed with the smell of blood daily and lives lost that he couldn't stand the smell.

As Ezekiel counted his blessings, he fired arrows into the targets, waiting for his half-sister from New Rome to show up for her archery lesson. He was still getting to know Nancy and what to make of her but so far she seemed kind enough. Ezekiel got along with most of his cabin mates it was just the other students, his cousins, that he had a hard time with. Ezekiel walked over to the targets and pulled arrows out, whistling a tune that had been stuck in his head.

Nancy walked into the entrance of the archery range, clad in denim overalls and a Rocky Horror t-shirt. Her hair was done into two braids as to keep it out of the way, and if it hadn't been for the expression on her face, she could have passed for a Greek demigod. She had a tendency to look a little bit angry at all times - she had a strong case of resting bitch face in other words. Slung over her shoulder was a magnificent glowing bow. Despite being half siblings, Nancy and Zeke didn't really look anything alike. "Earworm?" Nancy greeted.

Ezekiel glanced back when he heard a female voice but it didn't match the persons expression. Ezekiel always wondered if it was a Roman thing to be angry looking all the time or maybe it was just Nancy. He smirked at the comment and turned back to pull the last arrow out.
"Something like that. Whoa! Is that thing glowing?" Ezekiel dropped the arrows back at the line and went around to examine Nancy's bow with a child-like fascination. It was absolutely stunning and Ezekiel was completely jealous.

"Oh, yeah," Nancy smiled a little bit pridefully. She didn't know how to use it yet, but she was determined to become great at it - it was one of the reasons she had reached out to her half sibling for archery lessons. She wanted to prove herself worthy of the bow and Diana's interest. "It was a gift from Diana. It was Kallisto's bow."

"Wow, they must really like you. I meet Auntie Artemis on the last quest. She doesn't joke a lot," he noted and turned to face the targets. He led Nancy over to the line and had her line up sideways with it.
"Alright, do you know how to hold it?" He wasn't sure how basic the lessons needed to start but Ezekiel planned on go over everything with her. If this really was a gift from Artemis, then she needed to know how to wield it properly. Ezekiel knew all too well about that desire to prove ones ability.

Nancy shrugged her shoulders a bit awkwardly. She liked the idea that Diana really liked her - especially since Nancy wanted to join the Hunt once she had fulfilled her duties to the Legion. "I think so - which would be super very of her," Nancy admitted. "Although I think if I said that myself, it'd sound just a touch grody." She then walked with her half-brother over to the line and she lined up sideways, raising a bit of an eyebrow as he asked her if she knew how to hold a bow. She knew what he meant, but it still sounded a bit silly. "I've never shot a bow before, so no."

Nancy had an interesting way of talking. It amused Ezekiel and he smirked at her slang terms. He grinned at her when she said she didn't. Starting from scratch wasn't a terrible thing, just meant they would have to have more lessons. Then again, she was a child of Apollo and a demi-god. Her speed of learning and understanding was vastly different.
"Just wanted to check. All right so you will be shooting your arrow with your dominant hand so you need to hold the shaft of your bow with the other," Ezekiel said, pointing to the shaft of her bow as well as his before he demonstrated how to hold a bow.
"Oh, and here. This is a leather guard. It'll help protect your fingers and wrist from the arrows and give more support as well." Ezekiel handed her an old, worn leather glove to put on to her dominate hand. "Once you get comfortable with shooting, you can have one custom glove made for yourself. We also have braces for the bow hand if you want but the glove is usually the standard."

Nancy was used to seeing people make faces when they heard her talk. She narrowed her eyes slightly, debating whether or not to let out a little bit of her anger and rage, or let it go. She doubted that he knew what had happened to her, so she decided to let it go - this time. Besides, he was helping her to learn this skill and she didn't want to be taking archery classes for beginners with Chiron. That would have been embarrassing. "Right, got it," Nancy said, changing the hand she was using to hold the bow as she slid on the wrist guard. In the process, Zeke would be able to catch a glimpse at her tattoo - the words SPQR below the symbol of Apollo, with five thick black lines. "What next?" she then asked. An arrow had appeared already notched on the bow - another feature of the magic item.

Ezekiel notched an arrow onto his bow as he waited for Nancy to put on the glove. He caught a glimpse of the tattoo and eyed it curiously. He bore his own tattoos as well, Apollo's sun on his right upper arm and the moon on his left. The moon represented his mother.
"What does your tattoo mean," he asked curiously. "I have Apollo's sun on my right arm," he added and showed her. He grabbed an arrow for her but saw she didn't need it and grinned. That was a marvelous magical item
"Does it never run out or arrows?"

"Oh, this?" Nancy said, pulling up her sleeve more so Zeke could get a better look. She didn't mind showing it. "Everyone in the Legion has one. It's like our version of dog tags. It means I'm a member of the Twelfth Legion, a daughter of Apollo, and that I've served for five years," she explained. She then rolled her sleeve back down and turned her attention back to the target. "I don't know. I haven't used it yet. It felt wrong to just... play with it. Like I'd rather gag myself with a spoon than disrespect this bow."

Ezekiel examined the tattoo closer when she showed it to him and smiled. It was a neat tattoo with a story, Ezekiel liked that but it found it interesting that New Rome required them to be marked. New Rome was a lot more disciplined than Camp Half-Blood was. He leaned away from her when she rolled her sleeve back down and Ezekiel had her raise her bow with the notched arrow.
"I know what you mean," he said when Nancy spoke of disrespecting the bow by using it before she knew how. Ezekiel examined his own bow. It was wooden and older, well worn but well loved. Next to Ezekiel's guitar, this bow was his best friend and always reliable. "Alright so keep the bow up eye level, elbow straight and pull the string and arrow back with your pointer and middle finger. The arrow should be close to the side of your eye. Think of the arrow as an extension of your line of sight." As Ezekiel spoke, he did all the moves so Nancy could hear as well as see what he was speaking of. "You want to line up with the red as straight as possible before you tilt the bow up a bit. I find with my bow if I have it straight, the arrows will angle down. You also have to account for wind but there isn't much today, so we won't worry about that right now. When you feel comfortable, release your fingers and the arrow will fly. Let's get you used to simply firing the bow and see how many arrows that thing has." Ezekiel was also curious to see what happened to the arrows once they were fired.

"Got it. Elbow straight, arrow by the eye, tilt up slightly once aligned," Nancy summarized. She extended her left arm, keeping the bow steady as she pulled back on the string with her index and middle fingers. She kept her elbow straight as Zeke had instructed, the arrow near the side of her eye as she aimed at the target. She instinctively closed her left eye, and then aimed up ever so slightly, before releasing. The glowing arrow flew from the bow, embedding itself into the yellow ring of the target - a near perfect shot.

"Ah! Perfect Nancy. Auntie A would be proud," he encouraged her. "Load another and get comfortable with the idea of shooting. Watch the arrow as it leaves the bow and see how it shifts, then account for the movement so you can hit the center of the target. In a combat situation that likely would have been a kill shot still. In the red it would have been a serious wound but beyond that, just minor," he explained to Nancy.

"When you're using a bow in combat, what distance to you usually have?" Nancy asked, a rather practical question. Romans didn't usually use bows and arrows when it came to combat - only the children of Apollo at Camp Jupiter had been allowed to train with them and Nancy hadn't pursued that option when the opportunity had been available to her. Another arrow had magically appeared, already attached to her bow. She drew back, aimed, and fired - this time, the arrow ended up in the blue area and her left eye twitched ever so slightly in disappointment.

"On average about 150 yards. You could go up to 180 but 150 is a guarantee you'll hit the target," he explained to her. "Right now I'd prefer you just get comfortable to shooting but we can try from 150 if you'd like." Ezekiel knew better than to hold a woman back and if she wanted to try from further, he would let her try. Her arrow landed in the blue this time but Ezekiel didn't look at it as a bad thing.

She nodded, letting another arrow fly - they kept on magically appearing, seemingly not needing Nancy to do anything but want to shoot in order for one to appear. This arrow missed the target completely, instead hitting the tarp that served as a backdrop. Nancy narrowed her eyes and shot again, another miss. Her temper was starting to flare up slightly as she let another arrow go, this time hitting in the outer blue. "Goddamnit. What am I doing wrong?" she asked Zeke, her nostrils flaring slightly.

Ezekiel started watching Nancy miss and could see her temper flaring. He found her temper amusing which probably wasn't the best thing to say but he did have to tell her that the temper was getting in the way.
"Thinking too much, getting frustrated. As your temper flares, the bow will waver and therefore the arrow will miss fire. Try taking a deep breath, center yourself and your intention. You don't want to force the arrow to the target, you simply want to guide it. The bow is magical, I'm sure it wants to hit the target but your frustration is fighting it. Either that, or we can take a bit of a break."

Nancy's anger had always fueled her powers - the more the rage bubbled up inside of her, the more energy she could release in a scream. Being told to calm down and push away those feelings wasn't exactly something she had a lot of experience with - but she was willing to try. She took a breath, breathing in through her nose, as she let another arrow go. This one landed in the back. Her left eye twitched again, as Nancy then let two more fly, both of them missing. She could only deny her nature for so long. "Fututus et mori in igni!!" Nancy shouted at the target, cursing in Latin.

Ezekiel flinched when Nancy yelled out in a language he didn't know. He blinked a couple of times before he walked to the targets and pulled arrows out. He decided giving her a bit of space may be the best thing for a moment. He walked back over to her, examining the arrows for another moment.
"Let's take a break," he decided and set the arrows aside. Ezekiel didn't mind anger; it had served him well when he was younger and there were times at camp that it came out but overall, he had settled.
"Anger works for a lot of things but not for archery. At least not in my experience. Maybe try praying to dad about it. He might be more helpful to you."

Nancy snorted. "You really think he'd answer my prayers?" she scoffed, rolling her eyes. "He didn't even notice when I was trapped in a grody ass hellhole for over forty years. He cursed me. And his way of making up for it? Writing me a letter for the Legion, as if that changes anything. The only prayers he cares about are the ones stroking his ego. I guess it's different for you. Seems like he hasn't abandoned you yet."

"Ah, on the contrary. I am younger than you so it may seem like he hasn't but he has. The only thing Apollo has ever done for me was send me on two missions to fulfill his glory. Trust me, I have no love for him." Sure, he wished he was good enough to be loved by his father but all the gods were the same as far as Ezekiel was concerned. "What hell hole were you trapped in?" He asked curiously. And for forty years? Nancy looked to be about his age. Just how old was she?

She couldn't help but be surprised, hearing Zeke explain that he didn't love their father. She had assumed that he did with the tattoo he had. From what she knew, Greeks didn't have to have the symbol of their godly parent burned into their skin. It was comforting to know that he had an experience similar to hers - it was validating, especially after Leandra's campaign to point out Nancy's 'privilege' from being a child of Apollo. "...It's called the Lotus Hotel and Casino," she said, opening up to him. "Bad things happened to me there. Things that I'm not ready to talk to you about. And if you mention the existence of these things to other people, I'll scream your brains out."

Ezekiel smirked at the threat but it didn't mean he didn't believe Nancy wouldn't hold back. She had fire in her that was rather obvious and hard to ignore.
"I've heard of that place. It's in Vegas I think and like a day out here is a week in there. Forty years? Wow. Dad really is an ass." Ezekiel shook his head and looked over the archery range. "The only thing I'll ever thank him for is this. I was a scrawny ass kid who was beat up daily before getting my powers. Being here and having my mom safe, is all that really matters to me." It wasn't hard for Ezekiel when he made the decision to become a full-time camper. There was nothing out there for him and at least here he was something.

Nancy was a little bit surprised to hear Zeke talk about his mother. She hadn't thought about her own mother in a while. She imagined her mother was dead by now - Nancy herself was supposed to be in her fifties at this point, her mother would have been well into grandmother territory. Yet at the same time, she also couldn't help but feel slightly jealous of him. He sounded content, happy with his lot in life. Nancy was still searching for something to make her feel whole. She intentionally didn't continue the part of the conversation about Vegas. That was a place she never wanted to return to. "That's a healthy way to look at it," she said honestly. "But whatever strength you have, that's your own. It isn't our father's."

Ezekiel looked over at Nancy and smiled. He was starting to feel a kinship form between the two of them and he hoped that lasted. Ezekiel didn't exactly have any friends here, his own doing but it was nice to have someone who could relate a bit better.
"Thanks Nancy. Same to you. It sounds like you got a lot done without him. I know you want help with archery but I play guitar and write poetry sometimes if you do any of that," Ezekiel added. He didn't talk about his poetry much outside the Apollo cabin.

"That'd be rad, actually - I'm a singer," she added. She usually only sang to destroy monsters, finding that she could manipulate the sound waves to cause horrific explosions. She had blown up more than a few werewolves' brains that way. "If you know any songs from the 80's, that could be fun - I know some modern stuff, but those songs aren't as much my jam."

"I know a few Billy Idol and Cory Heart. My mother is obsessed but if you have the chords to any songs you like, I could learn them," Ezekiel offered. "I tend to gravitate to more of the Indy sound of today's music but I'm all for any excuse to have a jam session."

"Nah, that's alright. You don't need to learn the stuff from the 80's, although the fact that you didn't list Joan Jett there is actually a crime against humanity that must be answered in blood," she joked. She put her bow back over her shoulder, figuring they were more or less done with archery for the day. "How about you show me your favorite song and then I can ask you why it isn't Bad Reputation?"

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It had nearly been a month since Camp Jupiter had fallen to the army of monsters, the surviving members of the Legion had regrouped and were allowed to have a place to stay at Camp Half-Blood by Chiron. The Legion set up an encampment just outside where the Camp Half-Blood cabins were, Madalyne had been more or less focused on finishing setting things up for her fellow legionnaires.

She totally had forgotten about the werewolf bite that she had gotten moments before the battle had taken place. She sat in a chair in the largest tent that they would act as their temporary Senate Building, Madalyne was looking over the chains that some children of Vulcan had requested to make that way she wouldn't hurt anyone when she would turn.

Nancy hadn't taken the events of the fall of New Rome lightly. She spent all of her time working for the Legion, and when there wasn't anything else to do there, she trained at the archery range. She rose with the sun each day, gripped with guilt over how spectacularly she had failed Camp Jupiter. She hadn't taken the vow to join the Hunt yet, as she couldn't just turn her back on the Legion, not when they were at their weakest point they had been in years.

Nancy came into the tent, carrying three sack lunches. She tossed one of the bags to Mads - the other she was saving for Niah. "Do you want to talk about it or is it more a brooding mood?" she asked Mads.

Niah hadn't taken the fall quite as badly. But she hadn't been the one in charge. It hurt though. New Rome had been her home for years. It had been the only home other than her Father's. She wished they could have done more and sometimes she stayed up late thinking of how they could have done things differently. However, today was not about Camp Jupiter or New Rome. Today was about one of her best friends. They hadn't been able to help her. Tonight she would turn and all Niah could do was watch.

She made her way to the tent that was Mads. Entering and smiling upon seeing that Nancy had beat her there. The smile carried a lot in it. There was a lot of pain and worry. She took a seat. Deciding to not say anything. For now her presence was there and that was what she could offer.

Madalyne jumped slightly when the bag of lunch was tossed in front of her, she was more focused on what was going to happen tonight that she hadnt heard Nancy or Niah came in. "I'm not brooding, just thinking really.." She said softly as Madalyne thought for a moment, she wanted to get outside for a bit. "Could find somewhere private and eat there and we could talk about things?" She asked, the whole Legion knew at this point after it was pointed out loud to everyone when they debriefed the Senate on what had happened back at Mount Othrys.

Nancy tossed Niah her bag of food next. She didn't try to return the smile. She really wished that there was a way to fix things, to restore New Rome and Camp Jupiter and remove Madalyne's curse. It wasn't fair that she would have to live her life as a monster. It was cruel and unjust. Madalyne had done so much for so many people and when she died, her soul would go to the Pit... "Sounds radical. I'd suggest the forest, or if you want seating, no one seems to go into the Diana and Juno temples - erm, cabins."

"Whichever works for me." Niah said catching the lunch. She wasn't surprised by Nancy's lack of a return of a smile. Though a part of her didn't mind the forest since there was a river there. It gave her a good feeling to be near rivers. She was for whichever Mads wanted.

"I dont think Juno or Diana would appreciate us eating in their cabins honestly." Madalyne said with a slight laugh as she set the chains down on the table grabbing the bag of lunch. "Somewhere in he forest would be nice though." Madalyne said, and figured she would have to get used to the woods soon every night during the full moon. "What did you make anyway?" She asked getting up and headed out of the large tent.

"Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches," Nancy said, following Madalyne out of the tent. "There's also a box of raisins and a small bag of peanuts, and a water bottle," she added. She did like the idea of eating in the forest. She wanted to explore it more. If she didn't need to sleep, that would be what she'd spend her nights doing - learning every tree, every bird, every rock and creek.

"Forest sounds good then." Niah said stepping out of the tent. "Thank you for lunch." Peanut butter was still weird to her, but she liked it. There were a lot of people bustling around Camp Half-blood. So many people misplaced. It hurt to know why.

"PP&J is always the best." Madalyne said smiling as she watched a mix of Legionnaires and Greeks both geting along by he looks of it, she made her way into the forest and eventually found a small creek nearby as well and shaded. "This looks like a good spot." She said as she sat down next to a tree, hearing the birds singing in the background and the moving water was actually pretty soothing.

"Don't worry about it," Nancy told Niah, forcing herself to smile. She relaxed slightly as they left the campgrounds and went into the forest. She always felt calmer amongst the trees. She could step away from the role of praetor here and just be Nancy Parker, rather than the demigod child of Apollo who failed to save New Rome. When Mads found a spot she liked, Nancy couldn't help but agree. It was so peaceful and calm here. It was hard to imagine that titans and giants were awake and moving in the world here. She took a seat on the ground, and in a moment of being spontaneous, Nancy took off her shoes and socks, letting herself feel the dirt and twigs and grass beneath her feet.

Niah sat down with her best friends. She thought about the time she first really interacted with the pair of them. The tension and sadness were palpable. She could only be there for them. Niah took a sip of her water. "I have an idea." Niah stood up and went to the side of the river and started searching for something that could be transformed into three beads to add to their bracelets.

Madalyne watched as Niah got up and headed over towards the creek wondering what she was looking for there, as she unwrapped the sandwich and looked down at it. It was relaxing to just step away from being a Praetor, as she leaned back resting the back of her head against the tree letting out a slight sigh. She started to rub her arm slightly it was healed but there was still the scar from the bite as well, she didnt really want to talk about it but she knew that Nancy probably did.

Nancy glanced up, seeing that Niah had gone over to the creek. She would have thought it was a little random, but Niah's mom was a river goddess, so she figured it checked out. The thought caused Nancy to turn her gaze upwards, looking at the sky and wondering if her father was watching her. A small part of her hoped that he was looking out for her, but she doubted it. He hadn't noticed when she had been trapped in the Lotus Hotel, there was no reason for him to notice now.

Niah found what she was looking for. Three shiny smooth pebbles. Just the right size. "I was looking for this." She held out her hand with her prize. "You guys are my rocks. Without you, as my friends, I don't know where I'd be. I'm going to add these to our bracelets." She moved away from the river and sat back down near Nancy and Mads. She put the rocks her pocket. She'd add them later with some string. Maybe the Hephestus kids had something she could use to make the pebbles into beads. That seemed likely.

Madalyne watched as Niah managed to find something in the stream and leaned forward to get a better look at them seeing three pebbles that looked really pretty actually and smiled. She played with the bracelet that they made together for a moment when they were on the quest together as well. "I really like that, and I'll always be there for the both of you." Madalyne said giving Niah and Nancy a slight smile. It was a bit ironic now that she had the curse now and their bracelets had some werewolf teeth added to them. "How are you two doing?" She decided to ask.

Nancy's eyes actually teared up slightly as Niah held up the rocks, and she turned her head away so that way Mads and Niah couldn't see. She blinked her eyes aggressively until it stopped. "Aww, that's too sweet of you, I swear you're going to give us cavities at this rate," Nancy said, looking at them both. "I'm fine. Not entirely in love with Bacchus being so near, but that's life, isn't it? A bunch of things we aren't comfortable with."

Niah laughed at Nancy's joke about her giving them cavities. It made her feel a bit better. She was able to give her friends a bit of the love that she felt for them. "I'm doing alright." She had a lot of feelings about being around the Greeks, but she wasn't going to go into it. She really didn't like how disorganized they were. Niah was used to being in a military unit and the Greeks were more a free for all.

Madalyne smiled slightly as she played around with her bracelet on her wrist for a moment, she felt like she could be more herself when she is around Niah and Nancy. Though she was a bit scared of changing and hurting either one of them turning to look at the two of them for a moment, and sighed slightly. "I'm a bit nervous and scared that I might hurt someone tonight though honestly.." She said as she shook slightly a lot of things could go wrong, the chains could break, or a greek or legionaire could get hurt if they stumbled into her changing.

"Well, if it was a Greek that got hurt, you might be doing the world a service - teach them all to toughen up a bit," Nancy joked, trying to get Mads to smile. These two people were the ones she was the most comfortable with in the entire world, the only ones she could loosen up and just exist with. "But you don't really need to worry about any of that - Niah and I won't let any of that happen. You're going to be fine. And in the morning, when you're back to yourself again, we'll see about borrowing the van and we can go get Dairy Queen or something."

Niah snorted a bit at Nancy's comment about the Greeks. They were frustratingly disorganized and had poor tactical training. It felt like their fights were free-for-all with little coordination. "We'll stay up all night watching over you." Niah said. She liked the idea of getting DQ the next day. Hopefully, they had coffee if that's what they did. Niah reached over and touched Mads gently on the shoulder. She wasn't much of a toucher, usually letting them initiate contact if they wanted it, but she wanted Mads to know how much she meant to her.

Madadlyne laughed slightly at Nancy's joke which made her smile a bit towards her and nodded, though she was grateful that they allowed the Legion to stay here for as long as they needed. But the Greeks she had to agree that they werent trained well enough she didnt even see a single camper who was an adult either. She leaned slightly against Niah as she gently touched her shoulder feeling comfortable that her friends would be able to watch over her. "DQ sounds actually really good." Madalyne said, she always ended up getting their chicken tenders, fries and toast combo that was always really good in her opinion. "Though if you guys can just keep the whole wolf thing a secret from the Greeks, i'm not sure how they would react."

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Seven months have passed since the Fall of New Rome, the survivors of the Legion regrouped at Camp Half-Blood much to the dismay of Mr. D, he allowed them to settle in Camp Half-Blood. Chiron provided the Legion with tents and any supplies that they needed to, he contemplated on offering them to split the cabins, but thought that it would lead to a lot of drama to the campers and legionnaires. The Romans ended up settling in the woods not to far from where the Greeks had their cabins. The Greeks were asked to remain in camp due to heightened monster activity across the US, as Satyrs brought some new campers, while others never came nor their wards that they were assigned to protect. Camp Jupiter and Camp Half-Blood also had been working on doing some joint War Games together, and the Romans participating in the Greek's events like Capture the Flag and Chariot Races so that they could try and work together with mixed results.

The Legionaires reserves were also put on standby the ones who had fulfilled their service to New Rome and Camp Jupiter as well, and would come to Camp Half-Blood on request. One Probatio Waverly Watts had chosen to leave the Legion in their most desperate time of need, and branded as a deserter and exiled from the Legion and any and all services to Legion were revoked and cut off from her.

During the Winter Solstice where the Greeks were allowed to go to Olympus, however tensions between Zeus, Hades and Poseidon werent good at all really as the three brothers. There wasnt a reason why they were arguing but the visit ended up being cut short, weather started to become much worse blizzards across the east coast, and wild fires over in the west coast as well. It was now the dead of winter in Camp Half-Blood, inside the camps barrier a light snow was coming down unlike the outside as it snowed heavily thanks to the camps protective barrier from Thalia's Tree, the Golden Fleece and Athena Parthenos keeping the harsher weather and monsters out of camp.

It was the early morning as the sun was barely rising as well, a Satyr and a young girl were running through the snow some roars could be heard from the distance but couldnt see due to the heavy snow outside of the barrier. "Just a little bit further you'll be safe here." The Satyr told Stella as they could see the boarder of the camp coming into view now.

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Kiera slowly yawned and stretched out slightly as she looked up in her cabin, one of the perks of being the only kid of Poseidon she had gotten the whole place to herself. And her girlfriend could sneak in or crash anytime she wanted to as well, and enjoyed the company as well to. She had a thicker blanket with her as well as some warmer PJs, there was a small fire place going on as well keeping her warm due to it being cold.

Seeing the sun slowly coming through the windows Kiera walked over towards it, seeing a light snow coming down it did make the scenery rather pretty as well to. Kiera went to her trunk and pulled out her clothes for the day as well as her jacket, slipping them on as Kiera was getting ready for her day. The camp had been pretty busy the last seven months since the Romans had been crashing at the camp, not that she really minded either as well, they needed somewhere to stay after they lost their home. Kiera headed into her bathroom and brush her teeth before heading out.

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Kristin slowly woke up looking over at her brothers and sisters, some of them were just waking up, while others were sleeping in some and while others were working on various things like any kind of school work they had. Or even working on some designs and whatnot, as she stretched out, Alannah was just coming out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around her forehead to dry out her hair somewhat. "Good morning." She said as Kristin smiled and nodded as she stretched slightly, and got out of her bunk sharing it with a younger camper. "Morning." She said as Kristin opened up her chest pulling out her clothes for the day and headed into the bathroom getting changed, deciding to take a shower later, Kristin went to brush her teeth.

"Wanna head to breakfast?" Kristin asked looking at her half sister and nodded giving her a smile. "Sure thing." She said as they both left their cabin, Kristin putting on her jacket and hat making her way towards the dining pavilion. Seeing some other campers there as well as some legionnaires who were sitting in their own designated spot. Kristin started to grab herself a plate and glass, some toast, scrambled eggs and bacon appeared as well as a glass of water. She sat down in the Athena table, wondering what she wanted to do today, as Kristin started to eat Alannah joining her with a plate of pancakes and bacon and a glass of orange juice.

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To say the last seven months werent very easy for Madalyne dealing with the Fall of New Rome, as well as dealing with her curse and having to shift during every full moon was never fun at all really in her opinion which was really hard. She managed to get some control and able to shift at will but always having a hard time controlling it. Though she did like the small perks of having heightened strength and senses as well were helpful to.

She slowly woke up and stretched out slightly, she and Nancy shared a tent while the cohorts had to stay in one large tent together Madalyne cracked her neck slightly looking over at Nancy, her pet dragon was curled up just above Nancy's head. An occasional puff of smoke coming out of it's nose. "You up Nanc?" Madalyne asked as she stretched out and cracked her neck slightly, luckily everyone had beds in the tents as well to make them comfortable. The Greeks had offered some clothes for the Legionaires as well to Madalyne looked at the hideous orange shirt that the Greeks wore and cringed slightly. She really did prefer wearing the Camp Jupiter shirt way more as she went to get herself ready and check on their fellow legionnaires.

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Demetri lay in bed, still asleep, giggling to himself about the dream he was having. He rolled over his bed, grabbing his pillow and cuddling it as he nuzzled his face against it. Demi rolled over in his sleep, hitting his head against a book he was reading before bed and waking him up at the better part of his dream. His hand reaching up to feel his lips before smiling and sitting up to get ready for the day. He reached over and opened up the book on medicinal properties of flowers. He didn't quite understand it but if it was important to Zeke then he figured he could give it a shot. Demetri opened up to the back page, a golden yellow flower pressed there to preserve it from their day at the grove. He smiled, got up, and put on his winter ware wasn't unlike the rest of his clothing, a long black jacket that he buttoned up to the top, his classic black denim jeans being paired with black Doc Martin's. He reached over and grabbed his favorite possession, a black beanie given to him that he has worn everyday since. The scent had long faded away, but the memory was fresh in his mind. Demetri sang to himself as he got ready, for once using his own voice. He didn't bother trying to mimic the artist or be someone else, he just wanted to be unashamedly himself.



As he finished getting ready, he looked out from within the cabin, watching the gentle snow fall and thinking of future possibilities. He tugged onto the beanie, pulling it down over his ears as his cheeks already began to glow a soft pink from the cold air outside. Demetri had found himself smiling a lot more lately, enjoying camp more, even sent a letter to his parents asking if he could stay the year instead of only summer. For once he enjoyed himself with others, not choosing to be alone, and for this first time in a while he hadn't shifted for the past month or so. He stepped out of the cabin and heard the crunch of snow beneath his heel. Looking towards thr pavillion and wondering who he might find there. He continued his song as he walked, singing to himself, and hoping that it would be true.

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Camp had been overcrowded these days, which would be fine if one didn’t hate people. Ezekiel was regretting his decision not to go on anymore quests. Not that it would matter with the lock down anyways. Ezekiel had kept himself as busy as he could. Training with his Roman half-sister Nancy, tending to minor wounds from all the combat training and games they were now playing with New Rome. The first time Zeke had to treat a Camp Jupiter member was fun. Plus, he had developed this weird thing with Demetri and so mini Zeus was always around. Like literally, always around.
Zeke pushed the blankets off his face and stared up, contemplating how long he could stay here without eating. His stomach grumbled and Zeke determined that it would not be long. He sighed and shoved the covers back, shivering a little from the temperature change as he sat up. The big three were fighting again. No surprise there but it was having a worldwide affect now. Winters were usually mild on the coast but it was constantly storming these days. Luckily, the camp was a little more protected with the barrier but that didn’t mean the mornings were any less cold.
Ezekiel shuffled his way to the bathrooms to shower and prepare himself mentally for the day. Maybe he would get to run into Janelle today and have a conversation with her instead. Things had progressed some in the terms of friendship between Zeke and Janelle. He flirted some, always tried to make her laugh but he gave her space too. Ezekiel didn’t want to push so much on her. She and her brother had been there for several months now but Zeke was actually trying to be a decent human being with her.
After he was showered, Ezekiel dressed into some dark wash jeans, a sweater, his dark grey winter blazer and paired it with his green beanie (since his black was currently gone) and high tops. Once dressed, Ezekiel stepped outside and breathed in the crisp air and felt the instant urge to go for a run. He wasn’t sure what it was with running in the cold. Maybe it was the burn in the lungs but he always felt great after.
Ezekiel followed the tracks in the snow towards the dining pavilion.

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Andy smiled listening to her brother sing. He was in a good mood. She got ready for the day, pulling on a jacket that seemed to have shrunk over the winter. She was used to wearing layers of clothing. And while her brother had given her some clothing they all seemed a little small for her now. Even her shoes were small. She didn't say anything. That was the part of her that didn't like to take up space and didn't know how to ask for help in charge there. But she was warm and for her, that was what mattered.

When she was done getting ready she made her way to the Pavilion and got a muffin. She sat at Zeus' table, but knew that as soon as Arthur arrived she'd either move to sit with him or he would join her. Her brother was so happy it was cute and it made her happy. She got a muffin and her cup filled with apple juice. "You seem extra happy today." She told Demi smiling up at him.



The bustle of Legionnaires waking up and starting their day woke Niah. She hadn't slept that well. Not that she had had a nightmare or anything, just she hadn't been sleeping well at all since they had come to Camp Half-Blood. It wasn't her home and she knew it. She sighed and got up and ready for the day.

Niah suddenly missed the cafe and meeting Nancy and Mads for coffee, even if she never drank coffee. Though watching Nancy test the human body's limits on how much sugar it can intake in one drink was always amusing. It was a simple desire, but for something long gone. Hiraeth. The only Welsh word Niah knew. It meant to have longing or nostalgia, an earnest longing or desire, or a sense of regret. The feeling of longing for a home that no longer exists or never was. A deep and irrational bond felt with a time, era, place or person.

If there was a better word for how she felt, and probably most of the Legion felt, she'd be surprised. When she finished getting ready she started making sure her cohort got their morning tasks done. There was always something to do.

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Leda only spent about half of her time actually sleeping in the Iris Cabin - the rest of the time, she was in the Poseidon Cabin with her girlfriend, although she could've sworn everything in there smelled subtly like seafood. It was a very different experience. Waking up in the Poseidon Cabin felt like waking up in a sea bunker, whereas in the Iris Cabin, it was an explosion of rainbows and colors. Artwork adorned practically every surface, some of them breathtaking and others were the scrawls of little kids, but Leda loved them all - especially the glittery 'TASTE THE RAINBOW' someone had written on the main door.

She changed out of her unicorn onesie and got into a pair of jeans, tie-dyed Camp Half-blood t-shirt, and then put on a denim jacket lined with wool on top to keep her from freezing. She didn't always do her makeup, but today she took the extra time to do it, making a rainbow effect on her eye and then something similar for her lips. A lot of people would have called it 'extra' or 'over the top' but Leda didn't care. She gave a friendly wave to some of her siblings as she went out the door and started heading to the dining pavilion. Her stomach was growling and she was ready to speed eat at least 20 of whatever they were serving today.

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Nancy had been getting up at the crack of dawn almost every day that they had been at Camp Half-blood. It was easiest for her to keep busy, fulfilling her duties as a leader of the Legion and working out the kinks alongside with Madalyne when it came to Roman-Greek relations. When she wasn't busy with Praetor business, she'd be practicing at the archery range, having accidentally become close to her Greek half-brother Zeke. She hadn't wanted to become close with anyone else from a practical standpoint, as it'd only become that much harder to say goodbye when she would leave to join the Hunt - assuming she survived long enough to do so. She couldn't in good conscience step down as Praetor and leave to follow Diana until the Legion was restored to New Rome. She had to leave them better than they were when she first took office.

This morning, she had already gone to the archery range and done some shooting, coming back to the tent due to the wintery chill - and so that way she could go to breakfast with Mads. Joanie's warmth was an added plus. Nancy was a child of the sun - she loved heat. "Always," she answered Mads. Nancy was wearing a pair of overalls over a purple Camp Jupiter shirt. "Let me know when you're ready to motor," she said, sitting up on her bed. Nancy put her boots back on and then scratched Joanie slightly behind the ears. She then pulled on a sweater, not wanting to be freezing once they left the tent.

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"Yeah! I'm running! I really don't want that to catch up to us again!" Stella yelled back at the satyr she following. She wasn't sure when the last time she had properly rested was, and she knew it had been longer than that since her last shower or bath. She had been running with the satyr since they had finally reached New York, after a few bus trips. One of those had gone array when they had been attacked by winged topless ladies? Stella wasn't sure what they had been, but they had lost them somewhere in the Midwest when Stella had used the field of wheat they had found themselves in to their advantage.

"You promise this place is safe and for kids like me right? Because I swear if this is some weird kid trafficking ring and you hypnotized my dads, I will never forgive you!" Stella could hear another roar just behind them and she squeaked as she fell face first into some snow. Thankfully it was the soft kind... which did give her hope. If they couldn't quite make it to this magical place the satyr had told her about, she could use that weird thing she did with plants. The satyr had explained briefly to her that it was because of her mother.

Stella had never known her mother, and it honestly had never bothered her until a while ago. Her dads loved her, and she loved them. They accepted her weirdness, and she accepted theirs. But her mother had never been discussed... not until recently. They had told her that she would find out in time, and it wasn't their place to say. Not yet.

The next roar took her out of her thoughts as she scrambled up and pulled out the knife she had been gifted. She wasn't sure if they were going to make it.

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Leandra rather enjoyed the snow. It was like a widespread shield against the dirt and grime of the forest that had come to be a constant companion since moving in alongside the Greeks. It wasn't perfect, of course; often times the two would mix together into something that was as aggravating as dirt and as cold as snow, but for the most part, it kept her much cleaner than the woods usually allowed. Not to mention that it added a certain serenity to her morning walk. Technically, she tended to call them her patrols, though the magical protection provided at the border made any attacks unlikely. Mostly though, she liked adding structure to the beginning of her days. Getting up and ready early, getting some casual exercise in while she studied her day's schedule. It usually perked her up...though it was usually the lovely winter air that did that, and not the distant sound of a growl.

The girl's blonde head popped up in surprise when she heard it. At first she almost convinced herself she'd imagined it, but that couldn't be right - she was quite sure she'd never imagined a single thing in her life, now would be an odd time to start. Her eyebrows furrowed as her daily walk suddenly turned into the very patrol she always claimed it was. She slipped her book away and pulled her bow off of her back and into her waiting palm, pulling an arrow out of her quiver and slotting it into place, holding it steady with her fingers. She slowly crossed the barrier that protected them, softly treading deeper into the forest, away from the Camp. She was in hunter mode, ears absorbing every sound the woods offered her. After a while, another growl came, but, now closer, it was easier for her to determine the direction from which it came. She cautiously strode towards it, and after some time, she found...a child? A child with a knife, accompanied by a Satyr.

"Hello? Are you-" Leandra began to ask, before she caught sight of the girl's assailant: she could see the clear silhouette of a Manticore. She stood up straight, her lips curved down into a small frown as she stepped out in front of the girl. "Get her to the camp, I'll try to slow the beast," Leandra called to the Satyr.

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She was somewhat used to the snow and the cold of winter, after all, she was from a country that was somewhat cold and grey anyway. Besides, Janelle loved the feeling of snowflakes on her head, even if she couldn't see what the snow really looked like, but the sound of the snow crunching beneath her feet was always a lovely thing. She giggled slightly with every step that she took through the snow as she headed for the dining pavilion walking along the path somewhat slowly. Of course she knew the path by this point, even in the snow.

At the moment she wasn't really paying much attention to anyone as she walked into the area as she went over and got some food, before she went and sat down at the Hypnos table with the rest of her cabin. Of course, she didn't really consider them to be her siblings, nope she only really had one sibling, and that was Jason. Even if apparently they didn't have the same father, he was her only real family, especially after their parents died. Janelle was just sitting there, a little bored though.

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Jason wasn't really much of a morning person, in all honesty he hated mornings, but he was wide awake at the moment for some strange reason. So he decided he might head out to the dining pavilion and get some food since he was awake and ready for the day anyway. Glancing outside, he saw the snow that was lightly falling and just rolled his eyes slightly. Fun, snow was always interesting, then again, usually snow when it got deep enough resulted in snowball fights or something like that. Thinking nothing more of it, he headed out of the Ares cabin and headed out.

The snow was always a nice thing to walk through, he was used to the cold as he walked into the dining pavilion, seeing his sister sitting at the table with her own cabin. He figured before going to sit at the Ares table he was going to go at least say hi to her. "'ey dere Janey, 'ow are ya doin?" he asked her, walking up behind her and putting a hand on her shoulder so she knew where he was. Of course it helped that he was smart enough to at least announce his presence to her.

"Dahn't call me dat," she responded with a bit of a laugh. "But I'm alright, you?"

"Eh, could be wahrse, see you in a lettle bet," he said to her, before he headed over to the Ares table away from her.

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Mary was currently wandering around by the barrier, she tended to take a bit of a walk in the morning before she headed for the pavilion for breakfast or something. She heard movements outside of the barrier and a few voices as she stepped outside of the barrier into the heavier snow despite her better judgement. Racing towards the sounds, she heard what sounded like Leandra talking to someone else, and she heard a roar. As she got closer she saw the satyr and a young girl there running away from something. Leandra wasn't seemingly doing anything aside from standing in front of the pair, and that's when she saw the manticore.

"Leandra, if you are just going to stand there get those two in the barrier, now," she said as she got closer, before looking at the girl. "Hey there, my name is Marygold," she said kindly to her, "Look I know this might seem freaky at the moment, but you need to hurry up and get going, okay? I'll handle this, and don't be surprised by everything, you might eventually get used to it," she said, before turning to look at the creature. Before she charged straight towards it. The snow around her was giving her an idea, as soon she was no longer on two feet but on four paws as she tackled the creature, her paws slashing at the monster. Her claws struck it, but it managed to avoid her bite but that didn't matter, she just wanted to give the kid time to get out of there.

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Camp Barrier:

A mixture of campers from Camp Half-Blood and Camp Jupiter were now alert as they heard the roars coming through, and then noticed a manticore in the distance as well. And then drew back their bows and fired off a few arrows just as Mary managed to attack the manticore as a snow leopard. Leandra managed to land one shot on the manticore's back, the manticore turned around and used it's massive tail and swung it, hitting Mary with a spike and knocking her into a tree. And then used it's tail and fired off and a spike impaled itself into Leandra's shoulder.

Some poison would start to seep into the two of them, and they would start to feel intense pain coming from it, luckily though the poison wasnt deadly. "Hurry up it's not that far." The Satyr said as he grabbed Stella's hand and quickly dragged her through the camp's barrier, monsters wouldnt be able to enter the barrier luckily either.

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As Zeke made his way towards the Dining Pavilion, he would see a few rainbows were running around him in circles, and then suddenly a huge bucket of snow was dumped all over Zeke's head covering him in snow. And then a few snowballs were thrown at Zeke's head, a few younger kids from both Iris and Hermes cabins were laughing satisfied with their little prank as they all ran off to do other things in the camp.

Kiera stopped for a moment seeing the whole thing happen and started to laugh a little bit, it was kind of funny to see Zeke covered in snow. "Well thats a nice look for you." Kiera said with a slight laugh as she helped brush some of the snow off of him and then looked over towards the dining pavilion. "Lets get you some hot chocolate or something." Kiera said as she made her way over towards the dining pavilion and grabbed herself a mug and then some hot chocolate appeared inside of it and made her way over towards Zeke. "Here you go." She said handing it to him before heading back inside.

She noticed her girlfriend and made her way over towards Leda and gave her a kiss on the cheek and smiled. "Good morning, you look great today." Kiera said as she noticed the makeup looked amazing grabbed herself a plate of food as well as some bacon and scrambled eggs appeared onto her plate. "Did you sleep well?" Kiera asked, as she grabbed some forks as well and started to eat a bit.

Issac White the head counselor to the Hypnos Cabin came over and yawned slightly as he went and sat down next to Janelle looking over towards her and smiled a bit. "Good morning, how are you?" He asked her as he started to eat some of his breakfast, as he looked over and laughed a bit seeing Zeke covered in snow.

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Kristin looked over towards Jason and got up after she finished eating her breakfast and made her way over towards him. "Hows it going Jason?" Kristin asked Jason, as a few of the Ares kids gave her a slight glare. The Ares and Athena cabins always had a bit of a rivalry towards each other. She looked over towards Zeke for a moment and tried not to laugh a bit seeing him covered in snow was kind of funny to see in her opinion before looking away.

Though they had been on two quests together it was still funny to see that look on him, as Kristin sat down next to Jason. "Got any plans for today?" Kristin asked looking over at Jason, she didnt really have anything big planned other than doing some War Games with the Romans tonight since it was their night now to host something from what she knew what Madalyne had planned to help train the two camps. Other than that she was probably going to work at the arena or help Lauryn and Alannah on the Argo III that was floating just off of the beach.

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Joanie quickly perked up after being petted by Nancy and quickly climbed onto Nancy's shoulders curling around the back of her neck slightly, as Madalyne laughed slightly seeing it making itself comfortable there. "Joanie will be to big to do that." Madalyne said as she grabbed herself a jacket and then some blue jeans as well and stretched again slightly. "I'm ready to get out of here, lets get Niah and some breakfast so we can plan for War Games tonight." Madalyne suggested as she headed out of the tent and made her way down to the largest tent where all five cohorts were bunking. Each row of bunks were assigned for each cohort, as Madalyne looked around and spotted Niah and waved towards her.

"Hows it going Niah did you sleep at all?" Madalyne asked, she felt bad that one of her best friends had to sleep in a large tent with everyone else while she and Nancy had a tent to themselves. "Want to go and get some breakfast and plan for the War Game tonight?" Madalyne asked looking over at Niah. A few members of the legion were heading out and getting some breakfast as well and getting ready to do their duties for the day as well to.

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Demetri grabbed a plate and thought of his father's breakfast. Instantly it filled with thin pancakes that had sugar sprinkled atop with a bit of lemon juice. To its side sit a few fruits, and a Greek yogurt parfait. His cup filled with a rich, thick, cocoa that had one large marshmallow atop that was slowly melting into the drink. When he sat down his sister noticed his change in tune. He wasn't sure how best to answer it so he simply took a small bite of his food as he placed a quizzical finger against his chin. "Hmmm. I mean we've had seven beautiful months, nary a scare in sight, and everything just seems to be going right. I don't see any reason why I wouldn't be happy." He reached across the table and jostled Andy's hat atop her head before finally spotting Zeke covered in snow as he entered the Dining Pavilion.

"Oh that's rich! Normally your mug would dampen my mood but I guess I can say it's ice to see ya. But really mate have ya looked in a mirror? I don't think you snow what you look like." There was a tear forming in thr corner of Demis eye from laughing at the son of Apollo. Seeing Zeke holding the cup of hot chocolate reminded him of something however. "Be right back sis." He stood up from the table and made his way over to the Hephaestus table, not really sitting down bit approaching Lauryn and the rest. "Hey before I forget and get distracted, I've been meaning to ask you guys for a favor. I kinda want to try my hand at building something but I need a guide to show me how. Would any of you be able?" His voice was low so only those at the table near him could hear. Not wanting others to listen.

Arthur Stanford

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Location:Dining Pavilion
Skills: N/A

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Seven months was a lot of time, and Arthur was something vaguely resembling normal by now, his trauma at least processed, even if its scars still raked him. He didn't even try to talk to his "father" though, while they were visiting for the solstice. That still wasn't something he was ready to attempt, regardless of if it would have been good for him or not. The most pressing thing to him right now was the weather. He absolutely hated winter storms and the cold, snow was wet and cold and got everywhere. His cabin, being a practical mausoleum, didn't help matters, as it wasn't even a thematic departure from the outside.

Trudging through the snow, he lost no time getting to the dining pavilion. Getting food in him would at least help deal with the cold, and seeing Andy always made things better. Stepping in, he rubbed his hands together, trying to warm them back up. He instinctively looked towards Zeus' table, and right after grabbing an orange, he headed straight for it, sitting across from Demi and next to Andy, already peeling the fruit he grabbed. "Morning Andy, Demi." He started to say, as Demi bolted off. Popping an orange slice in his mouth, and shot a grin at Andy, before saying, "Zeus is technically god of the sky right? Does that mean I can blame you for the weather?" He ribbed lightly, before resting his head on his hands and his eyes on her.

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It had been quiet at camp. She nodded at her brother's comment about why else would he be happy and laughed at his terrible puns. She waved at Zeke.

"Well I don't control the weather. But feel free to blame my dad. However, I think snow is nice. It is like resetting the world." She didn't know why the big three were fighting but figured that was just a sibling thing. "We should make snowmen or something though." She suggested. She had never actually made one and hoped Arthur would be interested in the prospect.

She looked over at her brother at the Hephaestus table and wondered what that was about. She'd have to ask him later.



"Good morning." She smiled at Nancy and Mads as they entered. "Did you two sleep okay?" She asked, not answering Mads question. "I am down for War Games planning, as usual." She smiled. Niah really did like planning for War Games. It let her think out puzzles and solutions to situations. Now it seemed a little tainted. All that practice and they had lost the most important battle. Her smile brightened as she covered up the thought.

She turned to her fellow Centurion, "Catch you in a few?" He nodded. The familiar beats of life being made in those moments. Something she didn't want to be made here. This was a step in a longer journey. A drop in a river of life.

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Snow was one thing, cold was another but the combination of both that suddenly blew up around him before being dumped over him was the worst of both. Zeke shivered and twitched as snow slipped its way down his back and chest. He heard Hermes kids and Iris kids laughing and giggling before running off. Zeke looked like a human snowman. He shook himself off but was still completely covered. He heard Kiera and felt her brush snow off his shoulder before offering to get him a cup of hot chocolate.
”Aren’t you a kind soul,” Zeke said, less than amused. He heard various laughter from the dining pavilion as he was in full sight of them all. He made a graceful bow, glad to be the source of entertainment for half the camp.
”Please, I can’t take all the credit for your entertainment today,” he said. He accepted the cup of cocoa from Kiera when she returned and took a sip of it. It warmed him inside but on the outside he was still cold. He glanced up, noting the sun and shifted his hand. While Zeke redirected the sunlight Demetri was putting his two cents in and Ezekiel rolled his eyes. The child of Zeus really needed to work on his insults.
”Stick to shapeshifting Dem. You’re positively shit at insults.” The sunlight hit Zeke and melted the remaining snow from his person. He walked into the dining pavilion and over to the Apollo table. Even his own siblings rized him a little but he took it all in stride, taking off his jacket and set it near the fire to dry.