# Chapter Two The air was thick with the smells of pine and fire. “[[Charlie Amber|Charlie]], [[Raven Amber|Raven]]!” Wait up! [[Jack Dukes|Jack]] exclaimed, out of breath, lungs burning, and boots thumping the compacted earth. The, trio were racing from the mess hall to the amphitheatre. Jack was a year younger than the Amber twins. Jack, a year younger than the twins at 17, had known Charlie and Raven since they were kids, scrappy and inseparable. But now, at 17 and 18, the dynamic had shifted. Less like siblings, more like something Jack couldn’t quite name. The trio had stayed too long at dinner, chatting with friends, caught in the rythm of friendly banter with old campmates, and had to run to get to the amphitheatre on time. They’d abandoned the half eaten cornbread and chili on the table. “Gotta make me run, huh?” Jack panted as they approached the stone steps of the amphitheatre. “Gotta keep you on your toes, Dukes” Raven smiled, flipping her jet black hair. Charlie playfully shoved Jack in the shoulder. Jack once hated when the girls ditched him, but it hit different as teenagers. Plus, they seemed to revel in it. *Why not let them.* The trio stood in the back of the open air amphitheatre, a half moon of weathered stone benches wrapped around a massive fire pit and stage. Half-eaten food littered around the crowd of several thousand halfborn. Jack’s mind wandered off as the girls scanned the room for seats. Childhood, goofing off, fighting together, killing hellhounds. Then jeans, the way they fit both girls, Charlie's light and frayed, Raven’s dark. *Gods. Keep yourself together man*, Jack thought, returning to the present. Charlie tugged on his elbow, they’d found a spot to sit. It was on the eastern side of the amphitheatre, with a great view across the entire audience. Raven and Charlie sat together, with Jack on Charlie's other side. She smiled at him as he sat, her bare shoulder touching his. “Reckon we missed anything good?” Charlie asked, light breath tickling his ear. “Nah, just the week recap.” Raven smiled at the sight, always more observant than she let on. Both girls wore completely different clothing, Raven’s style was darker colors, generally a hoodie with cut off sleeves or a tee tied at her waist. Charlie wore a shirt with cut off sleeves, tucked into her Jeans. Jack had been in love with the twins for a couple years, but now mostly gravitated to Charlie, her shoulder-length wavy red hair was stunning, and her personality was delightful, always seeing the light. Raven was darker, but very clever, a good balance with her sister. The induction ceremony had already started, the trio missed the opening remarks, the usual old boring recaps. “Welcome everyone, it is good to see you gathered together for the yearly induction ceremony.” Logan Reeves, of house Athira began. He was the camp trials master, the son of Athira had skills in planning, Athira was the goddess of wisdom, the main drawback of the powers being insomnia, and decision paralysis. Most children of Athira had similar issues, some had sociopathy or tended to isolate themselves. The echos to each power varied, and everyone reacted different. “Today ends the 6th year since secession from camp Mythling, another year of peace.” *Good riddance.* “Gods I hated them.” Charlie commented softly. “As did I,” I agreed. Camp Mythling was the original and most powerful demigod camp. They resided in north Kentucky, a few hours North of Ironsoul. A decade ago the leadership declined, the camp got more and more strict. Camp Ironsoul split off, residing in Georgia, as well as Godling in Tennessee, and Halfling in Texas. There were also rumors of a fourth splinter group forming. “Members of Ironsoul, today we welcome our newest members. Of house Athira, Ron and Vivian Wilder, Ricky Bell, Henry Johnson. Of Arex, Olivia Hatcher…” The list went on, around a hundred new members, either sent here by their mortal parents, found their way, or recruited by fellow Halfborn planted in schools across the nation. Jack’s house gained 3 members, Raven and Charlie each got 2. Though they were twins they were Fullborn, both parents divine, but not themselves. Raven mostly took after Vaelix, god of trickery, whereas Charlie was more like Nythrana, goddess of magic. Jack looked over at the twins, Raven had split off the trio, leaving Charlie alone with Jack, *not such a bad thing.* Jack thought, watching Charlie with her pretty green eyes and red hair. “Anyone promising in your group?” “Nythrana or Vaelix?” She chuckled lightly. “No I know. That Gregory Pitters kid looks pretty promising, something like 16 years old.” “Bit old for a Halfborn ain't he?” “Yeah, oldest in ages. Should be good to have a more mature recruit.” “Fair enough,” Jack replied. The vast majority of campers came in around 12 or 13 years old, usually brought in by their mortal parent. Others had to figure it out for themselves, and others still were scooped up my scouts all across the nation. The conversation got quiet for a short while, Jacks arm around Charlies shoulders. “Hotdogs by the embers tonight?” “No i’m sorry Jack, I told Ivy i’d meet up with her after dinner,” She smiled, Jack helped her up as she stood. “I’ll see you tomorrow Dukes.” She was fond of using his last name. Jack didn't like it as a kid, but now… “Ah that's alright. It’ll be good to have her back,” He said, and they parted ways. Ivy Riversong was the wood and river nymph hybrid. She tended to roam, and went down to Georgia to meet with some old relatives she hadn't seen in years. He turned to glance at Charlie, “Sunday?” She smiled, “Sunday.” Jack wandered around the camp for a short while, most people gave him space, sole living son of Syla and all. He resided in the Nephel house, his granddad was the God of storms and sea, which was uncommon, but he was the only child of his mother’s house. Jack walked to his cabin, ecstatic. *Guess it's a good thing that Charlie declined tonight, couldn't have her see me like this.* “You seem happier than normal.” Emily Carter commented, she was leaning on house Nephel, flat of her foot against the wall. Emily was Jack’s Half cousin, being wholly of Nephel and a mortal. “Got me a date with Charlie Sunday.” She chuckled, “you've been chasing them two for years.” “Real funny. You would too if you didnt like guys.” “Hey fair I suppose. The newbs are fitting in well, lowest count in a while.” “Mythling has probably been snatching them up.” “Yeah. Sucks.” ___ Charlie and Ivy sat together in a field of grass, in a valley to the north of the camp houses. The ceremony was the night before, it was now Saturday. “Is it a date?” Charlie asked. “Well, yeah, he asked you out to hotdogs. Is that a bad thing?” [[Ivy Riversong|Ivy]] asked, her green blue skin shimmered in the light. “No, we’ve just known each other since we were kids. Just feels funny.” Ivy touched Charlie's arm. She was more human than nymph, her parents blessed by [[Veluna|Veluna]], allowing Ivy to be a regular mortal, in addition to her nymph forms. The main difference was her height, she remained at 4’11 for the last 5 years. Her ears were slightly pointed, and her skin was a faint green blue color. Her eyes changed depending on mood. “Makes sense I suppose, but he isn't more like a brother to you, is he?” “No.” Charlie agreed, “he’s always been more.” Ivy nodded, “it's been a long time coming, girl. He’s been head over heels for you for years.” “I don’t guess i ever noticed till recently.” “That's fair.” Ivy agreed. It was around 11 in the morning, almost time for lunch. “Charlie!” She heard from the hill. “Council session.” Charlie turned to Ivy, who stood and helped her up. “Go do your thing.” The [[Iron council]] ran Ironsoul, the leaders of each house were members, and they chose their seconds. Jack was a member, sole son of [[Syla|Syla]] , and Raven led house [[Vaelix|Vaelix]] Charlie was second to [[Acantha Vale]]. “Thank you all for coming on such short notice.” [[Micah Rhodes]], son of [[Nemathae|Nemathae]], goddess of retribution began. He was the camp leader, elected out of his position as head of house nemesis. “[[Camp Mythborn|Mythborn]] finally made a move. They've cut transfers entirely, declared war, and cut all contact.” “Finally.” [[Gavin Hayes]] grumbled, he was second of house . *Ever the warmonger. Then again, it's a long time coming.* “Plans?” [[Lana Bellwether]] sighed loudly. *Lazy daughter of veluna.* “Prepare, because none of you fools would join my house and meet them.” Gavin scoffed. “Damn right.” [[Cass Mason]], head of house Athira said. “Idiotic idea.” The council held a vote, overwhelmingly against Gavin's proposal. The meeting was interrupted by a crash in the treeline around their clearing northwest in camp. The figure stood, shedding her cloak. Her half skeletal face was revealed. “The gods are dead.” [[Nova Hellkin]], Eternal of [[Thanon|Thanon]] and [[Hela|Hela]]. Death and the underworld. Silence befell the group. Then dread. “Gods above and below.” Jack swore. *How?* [[03 Raid]]