Thia's POV

Something weird was going on around camp. Nothing strange like monsters or the impending darkness but everyone's behavior. Everyone was walking around stiffly like if they relaxed something would slip. The tension in the air was extremely thick. It was a dangerous sort of tension.

Even my parents were acting along with the others. I'd asked what had been discussed in the meeting but the topic was hastily changed. My only conclusion was that whatever it was I wasn't going to like it but that only made me more curious.

Frowning I left the dock behind in search of my cousins. Maybe they knew something or at least had gathered some strands of information. I went to Jaxon first.

He was at the arena running laps and without hesitation I fell in stride with him as he passed by. "How long are you gonna be here for Jax?"

"Give me ten minutes," he breathed.

"Good. We're gonna need to call up an emergency meeting." Jaxon nodded in understanding. We had done secret meetings as kids whenever we got the chance. It was usually about senseless topics until we'd gotten older and more serious things were brought up.

Leaving Jaxon to his task at hand I ran in search of Maria. She was easily identifiable by the bright blonde hair and loud voice. She was at the Pegasus stables chatting away with the horses.

"Okay, Blackjack you and I both know you're too old to go doing tricks in the sky." Maria smiled at the pitch black horse. "Last thing we need is the best war veteran falling like a bird out of the sky. Whose gonna tell the young Pegasi about all the adventures you and my dad went on?"

"Maria, emergency meeting," I called. Her green eyes flicked away from Black jack and she nodded in understanding.

"You got it. Give me a minute or two." Last but not least I needed to locate Grey. If anything he'd be at the archery range teaching the younger kids how to shoot or he'd be practicing on his own. He may not have been an Apollo descendant but he still had killer aim. A skill developed over years of practice.

Sure enough I was right. A group of younger campers were gathering their things and preparing to leave for another class. It was my chance to snag him away before he got preoccupied again.

"Grey. Emergency meeting," I panted, out of breath from running everywhere.

"Vat for?" He asked accent thick. Grey was a bit of a novelty around camp. Of course people of all ethnicities were welcome but as far as I knew he was the only Swiss person around.

"Uh, well, we'll figure it out.," I promised, resting my hands on my hips. "You coming?"

"Of course." He nodded setting his bow down. "I 'ave no more classes for ze moment."

"Wonderful," I smiled, grabbing his arm and tugging him along behind me. I still remembered our old meeting spot. It was a little ways in the woods where a small clearing was located. A fallen tree covered the opening of the little cave entrance but with help from Grey I was able to push it aside.

"Exactly as I remember it," Grey mused, ducking inside. It was dark as usual but I recalled where a small box of matches was tucked behind a rock. We had all taken great care in setting up our little hide out which included smuggling in a gazillion candles.

After feeling around in the dark for a moment and smacking my shin on a rock I finally got ahold of the box and lit a match. The flame gkowed warmly in the dark and I set to work on illuminating the candles that surrounded the cave like room.

Grey sat down cross legged and watched with interest. "I never realized how much zis looked like a cult."

"When you put it that way it's creepy," I laughed. Grey chuckled heartily and the sound echoed off the walls bouncing around in the small space. Once the lighting was taken care of I sat in my typical spot waiting for the others to arrive.

Maria came first and slipped inside smiling like the Cheshire Cat. "I forgot how cool this place was. It's been ages hasn't it?"

"Yes," Grey nodded, making room for her to sit. Jaxon came last of all and as the four of us sat in a little circle I couldn't help but notice the small gap that belonged to two missing people.

"This would be a cool reunion if only Emily and Sol were here." Jaxon eyed the empty spot as well. "One's in Rome and one's at one of Hephaestus ' forges for the week."

"They're here in spirit," Maria assured him. "Alright, what's the official business?"

All of them turned to look at me. "I can't be the only one noticing our parents and the older campers are acting weird."

"Agreed," Maria nodded. "Everybody is acting like some bomb will drop if they open their mouths."

"It's quite. Too quiet," Grey agreed.

"Anyone know why?" I asked, scanning the group.

"I know it has to do with the meeting," Jaxon smiled, trying to be helpful with his statement but by the looks on Maria and Grey's faces it was clear they had figured that out for themselves.

"We need specifics, Jaxon." Maria gave him an amused look.

"Papa is bad at hiding his vorry," Grey frowned referring to Nico. "Ze darkness is bad."

"No really?" Maria asked rolling her eyes.

"Not like other things. Zis might not have a solution," Grey continued, ignoring his cousin's sarcasm.

"So you're saying it's badder than bad?" Jaxon asked.

"That's exactly what he's saying. But if it doesn't have a solution then what do we do? What's even in the dark stuff?" Maria asked, and once again all of their eyes settled on me.

"It's strange. It covers everything like a blanket of tar. I don't think it's dead underneath because when my Mom and Grover were saved they both came out fine. The monsters like to live inside of the black stuff thought. They're ones I don't think anyone's seen before. They don't seem to have any rhyme or reason to how they look. It's like they were just chaotically made. Pasted together." Maria's eyes lit up as she processed the information.

"I know that look. You're onto something," Jaxon smiled studying Maria's face.

"Say that last bit again." Maria smiled brightly.

"Pasted together?" I asked.

"No before that," she sighed impatiently.

"Oh, they look like they were chaotically made," I repeated,  glad that I could help with whatever idea she had acquired.

"Houston we have touchdown!" Maria yelled, getting to her feet excitedly.

"She has an idea," Grey smiled.

"Follow me gang! I'm about to crack the code." Maria cracked her knuckles and bolted from the cave. I was the last to leave after quickly snuffing the candles. Maria sprinted to the Athena cabin and practically kicked the door down. "Step aside newbies."

The younger kids quickly moved aside and Maria went into overdrive so to speak. She pulled papers off of shelves and grabbed as many books as she could before resorting to stacking them in Grey's arms.

We all waited patiently as  she flicked through the different literature items, her green eyes alight with wonder. It took maybe thirty minutes before she closed the last book and took a deep breath. "I gotta tell Chiron about this."

"Wait! Tell us first!" Jaxon tried to halt her but she was gone in an instant. Jaxon sighed and rolled his eyes. "She is never going to have a boyfriend."

"You're von to talk. You can't keep a girlfriend," Grey smiled smugly causing Jaxon's cheeks to flare up.

"Just because you have one doesn't make you better than the rest of us. Who wouldn't go for a hot Swiss guy?" Jaxon pouted, crossing his arms.

"You can be in the loner squad with me Jaxon." He didn't seem to like my proposal.

"Have you ever even had a crush?" Jaxon asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Uh no. I'm enjoying the single life while I can. Besides, it's not like people are lining up at the door to date me," I shrugged. Grey stifled a laugh and started putting up the books Maria had left out.

"Let me in and don't tell anyone I'm in here!" The door burst open causing me to jump nearly a foot in the air. Andy ducked inside and slammed the door shut before diving underneath a bunk bed.

"What's your problem?" Jaxon asked curiously.

"Some girl won't leave me alone." Andy growled from his hiding spot.

"Bummer." Truth be told I didn't really care much. I had more important issues to deal with. I needed to figure out what it was Maria had discovered. I made my way to the Big House hoping to intercept her or at least catch the ending of the conversation but she wasn't there.

I guess I just wasn't supposed to know. Sighing, I headed back to the woods to close off the entrance to our secret hide out but caught sight of something I'd forgotten existed. It was faded paint just on the inside of the wall and I'd only noticed it due to the sunlight hitting it spot on.

Hand prints. All of them were different colors. There was Jaxon's small hand in red next to Maria's in green, then Grey's in blue, Emily's in purple, Sol's in orange, and last of all mine in white. The sight of the handprints struck a deep chord in my chest spurring a viscous melancholy feeling.

Placing my hand next to the mark that belonged to me from many years ago I was amazed to see how small it was compared to my palm print now. My hand swallowed it up in size. Had I really been that small?

I didn't feel all that different. Sure I was taller and slightly more mature but it was as though I was realizing for the first time how much I had grown up. How much I had aged. Sitting back on the ground I imagined what it would look like if the others were to compare their handprints as I had.

We weren't kids anymore. It was scary to think that we were all on our way into adult hood. I couldn't believe so much time had passed. It didn't feel like enough. For the first time I understood why my parents looked at me sadly when they thought I wasn't paying attention. I was growing up whether either of us liked it or not.

Shaking my head, I tried to ignore my melancholy thoughts but it was difficult to do so. With great effort I managed to reseal the entrance. I wondered if I'd ever cram inside of that little space with my cousins again. If we'd be too old to do such things next time. With one last longing look I turned on my heel and headed back towards the heart of camp.

When I got back the sound of the horn blowing signaled that dinner time. If there was one thing I couldn't resist it was food. Maybe that could brighten my mood. Already people were heading towards the pavilion. The laughter and chatter was loud enough to hear from a good distance away.

"Heard you and Grey had a good time today." At first I didn't know someone was talking to me as I'd zoned out on accident but the voice was familiar. Glancing up I smiled thinly at Uncle Nico. According to my parents he'd changed a lot over the years. They'd seen him grow up. I had always known him as a rather happy, sarcastic, and good natured man.

"Yeah," I nodded.

"Why do you look so sad then?" He asked, his dark eyebrows furrowing together.

"Just realized I'm a lot older than I used to be, that's all." He gave me a sympathetic look like he knew where I was coming from.

"It's tough but things will work out. They always do. Take it from me." He smiled and his dark eyes glinted knowingly.

"Thanks." With that we parted ways and I made my way to the Zeus table. I didn't understand why everyone had to sit by genealogy for the most part but I assumed it was to promote inter cabin relations.

"You disappeared and went an adventure without us?" I glanced up to see Leah and Andy giving me curious looks as they sat down.

"Eh, kind of. Nothing really important. Let's just say I missed the big revelation all thanks to my cousin's over excitement." Leah nodded like she understood. Maybe she did. I had a feeling with a big family and being the youngest and most ignored she didn't always know what was going on.

I sort of wondered if her family even knew she was gone or if she'd even told them. At the end of the day it wasn't my business.

"I don't think I've run so much in my life before," Andy sighed, looking thoroughly tired but I couldn't exactly pity him.

"Maybe you should try harder to be less attractive," I suggested with a shrug.

"I don't know if that was an insult or a suggestion." He frowned whereas Leah just rolled her eyes.

"Hey bad-boy-wanna-be that's sort of my spot." Andy instantly glowered and looked over his shoulder. I didn't have to look to know it was Mama most likely with a scowl on her face.

"That means get up," I smiled.

"You both need to be nicer to people." Leah and Mom spoke in unison and the two shared a look.

"No we don't," I argued.

"Where do I sit then? I don't have any friends here." Andy stood awkwardly while Leah just shrugged and walked off.

"Go make friends. Just be yourself," I smiled. To be honest I didn't care all that much, I mean part of me did, but the bigger part didn't. I just wanted to eat with my family.

"How long did it take you to like me by being myself?" Andy crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow.

"I still don't. So...good luck?" Andy rolled his eyes and left shaking his head as I laughed.

"Eh, I don't like him much either," Mama admitted. I laughed as my parents took their respective seats. I had planned for things to be pretty relaxed the rest of the evening but I guess the universe wanted to make things difficult.

Suddenly things grew very quiet which was uncommon unless something serious was happening. Then the silence broke as loud shouts echoed around the open space. Glancing over my shoulder, surprise rocked me to the core.

Everyone was staring at one particular person who looked completely mortified as a symbol glistened above their head. Their clothes had changed completely. The leather jacket and dark shirt were gone along with the ripped skinny jeans. His wild hair was even tamed and a faint glow rolled off his skin.

If I hadn't felt bad for Andy before I had accomplished a complete emotional one eighty turn. He was now wearing a white Roman chiton designed specifically for men with a gold embroidery and a white cloth like cape fastened by an intricate pin. Sandals adorned his feet and it looked almost like a scene straight out of Ancient Rome. He even had a gold laurel resting on his head.

A bright pink dove fluttered above his head but there was no celebration on his part at being claimed. He looked white as paper. Chiron seemed as surprised as the rest. He made his way over to Andy and the two exchanged quiet words before Chiron's voice thundered out over the pavilion.

"Hail Andy Griffin son of Venus." The Aphrodite table exploded in excitement at the announcement. All I could do was turn to my parents who were watching the scene play out. A lone moment of silence passed between them before any of us spoke. The silence was interrupted by Mama who smirked.

"Gross. I knew there was a reason I didn't like him."