Requiem of Darkness

"And this is the Thanatos cabin. Currently empty, well until now." Harper grinned at me, gesturing to the cabin before us. It had a simple design, with dark oak wood planks and windows covered in dust. The plague; Cabin 25 hung above the door, outlined by two large, black wings. Classic. The shingles were also black, and the whole structure seemed untouched. A tombstone among the cheery cabins. The only other cabin that slightly resembled our's, was the Hades one. It also looked vacant. However Harper already retold the heroic tales of the Seven. Heroes who had attended this very camp until going off to college. They sometimes visited to give speeches and host feasts. Harper proudly mentioned she had Percy Jackson's autograph on her pillow. I merely rolled my eyes.

Axel moved forward, his pale fingers gently reaching out and running along the wooden planks of the cabin, pausing when he reached the window. He then continued on, letting his finger leave a trail through the dust.

"Thank you, Harper." I nodded to her and smiled, moving for the door.

"I'll go get you two your shirts, and maybe even some tooth brushes from the Hermes cabin! Be right back!" Harper waved before turning and scampering off, her frame large and lumbering despite her cheery aura. I stepped up the stone steps to the small porch, popping open the screen door and opening it slowly. Harper had filled us in on how things worked around here; how harpies will eat you if you go out past curfew; how quests are rare and everyone who goes on them are practically immortalized as legends; how not to offend anyone. On and on. I was silently thankful I had Axel, as being alone in this camp would be too overwhelming.

"How's it look?" Axel asked, tripping up the steps before righting himself. I took a step inside, letting my eyes sweep the interior. Four bunk beds filled most the space, two on each side. A large dresser occupied the back wall, along with a trash can full of wadded up candy wrappers. The pop cans scattered about the room revealed how our cabin must have been popular as a party spot for the campers. The faint smell of mold and dust wafting through the air. I flicked the light switch, watching as a single bulb hanging from the ceiling popped to life. A warm orange glow illuminated the beds, a spider scurrying from the corner.

"Home sweet home." I muttered, kicking aside a Dr. Pepper can. Axel shuffled towards one of the beds, his hand finding the top bunk as he dropped his things on the floor and climbed up onto it with minor difficulty. He explored his new bed with his hands, a grin revealing his liking before he collapsed on his side and grinned at the open space where he assumed I was. I placed down the duffel bag near the opposite bed, collapsing on the rusted springs and trying not to notice the cloud of dust that rose up. This place needed to feel more like home. Maybe some dirty socks hidden in the corners, or some posters of my favorite movies. Axel wrapped the blanket around him, burying his face in the pillow while I pulled out my notebook. It was full of pointless doodles, but being in a camper for a few years gets boring. I spent most of my time fighting monsters, or playing board games with Axel. But in the quiet evenings, I found it most enjoyable to draw.

"I'm back!" The door burst open, causing me to drop my pencil in surprise, Axel jumping before looking to the door. Harper stood with two orange shirts and small, plastic baggies full of toothbrushes and deodorant. "You two look so tired! It's only lunch time!"

I climbed to my feet, taking the gifts from Harper, "We got teleported from Oregon. It's pretty exhausting. But thanks."

I tossed a shirt to Axel, before inspecting my own. It had the notorious orange shirt with the words: Camp Half-Blood scrawled across in black lettering with the image of a pegasus under it.

"You'll get your schedule for camp sometime during the week. Although, no one really uses it. Just, do what you want around here and don't mess with people. If you need anything, don't be afraid to ask. I'll be either at the basketball court or the Ares cabin. See you two around!" Harper gave a little wave and began for the door.

"Ares? As in the war god?" I asked.

Harper turned around, a bit of shadow crossing her face, "Yes. My father. Although everyone denies it. Says he made a mistake."

"A mistake? Why?"

"Well, most Ares kids, my half-siblings... They're a bit... Rude. And brutal. And scary. And I'm not. They try 'toughening' me up, but it never works. I much rather prefer hanging out with the Demeter kids, or even the Iris children. Ares... Just stay clear of them." Harper bit her lip.

"Alright, thanks for the heads up." I waved as she left, leaving the soft breathing of my twin to break the silence.

"She's something, huh?" Axel said while laying an arm over his bandage.

"Yeah, but at least she's friendly. Now, let's get these shirts on. Seems it's the only dress code around here." I pulled off my bomber jacket and shirt, throwing it on the top bunk. I grabbed the knife from my belt, slicing open slits in the tee. Finally I pulled it over my head. It seemed to fit pretty well, although was a bit loose.

"What color is it?" Axel asked, sitting up and tugging off his own shirt.

"Bright orange. It has a pegasus with the words, 'Camp Half-Blood' on it." I pulled back on my jacket.
Axel slipped it on, accidentally doing it inside out. I told him, and watched as he flushed pink before pulling it around. I moved for the door, my footsteps causing Axel to raise a brow.

"Where you going?" His question made me pause at the door.

"Making friends. If we're going to be stuck here for awhile, might as well. Anyways, they have a basketball court. It's at least something I can impress them with." I explained, suddenly frowning. "Will you be okay alone?"

Axel sighed heavily, "Yeah, yeah, I'll be fine."

"Okay, bye." I exited the cabin, grinning as warm sunlight washed over my face. The cabins were scattered around the main twelve creating a U with several extra cabins in between. A huge fireplace flickered in the center, campers all over the place. The Hermes cabin was overflowing with kids, sitting on the porch, the roof and even in the window sills. They all laughed and joked loudly, friendly elbow nudges and shoulder punches spread throughout. I retraced my memory to the tour, specifically remembering the basketball court placed near the dodgeball pit. I swiftly made my way over, trying to ignore the curious stares at me. I could feel them on my back, the large feathery appendages sticking out from the orange hue. Or on the scars across my face. I balled my fists and hurried to the basketball court, the bouncing of a basketball echoing off the cabins. Sure enough, Harper stood with knees bent and fingers grasping the ball. She narrowed her eyes before shooting it, easily swishing the ball. She seemed to be in the middle of a three-on-three, a few campers watching on the side with amused expressions.

"Hey, winged-guy!" A voice carried over, catching my attention as I spun about. A volleyball slammed into my chest, knocking me back a few steps while my breath was ripped from my lungs. I held my stomach as the ball dropped to my feet, a few gasps following the sudden attack. I let my shock build to anger as I scooped up the ball and looked around with burning eyes. A group of campers in the volleyball pit stood with surprised expressions, one red-faced as he slowly approached. He had dark brown skin with short, curly black hair. He was a few inches taller than me, but was skinnier.

"I am so sorry!" He apologized quickly, face ridden with guilt. "I totally misjudged my throw, and had no intention of injuring you. Are you alright?"

I let my anger filter out as I nodded, passing him the ball quietly. His guilt rose.

"Would you like to join us? It's just a freestyle game, and no one's keeping track of points." His smile was genuine, so I shrugged and nodded. "I'm Shawn, by the way. Shawn Rose. Son of Demeter."

I shook his hand, "Bailey Price. Daughter of Thanatos."

It rolled off my tongue so easily, having been practiced over and over in the mirror after I was told my dad was a god. However, Shawn's reaction was not what I expected. He paled, nearly dropping the ball as he took a half step backwards.

"I-I'm so sorry about the volleyball... Really, I was so stupid. Would you like some money, or...?" He stuttered out, visibly afraid of me. I narrowed my brows.

"Please don't act scared. Honestly. I'd just like a nice game of volleyball. No money." I replied calmly. Shawn nodded and took a slow breath.

"Sorry, I seem to be very stressed lately. I should not be afraid, after all, your aura is very calm. Your shakras are also relaxed. I think we'll be great friends." Shawn smiled again, leading me back to his friends. "Here, join my team."

I stood close to him, giving awkward nods in greeting to the other campers. I suddenly realized how hippie everyone was. They all wore flowers tucked behind their ears, and their feet were bare. They seemed extremely relaxed and wouldn't stop smiling. Shawn breathed slowly through his nose before gracefully serving the ball, sending it sailing over the net.

Before I knew it, I was in the middle of a five-on-six game with a bunch of hippies who kept yelling things like "radical" or "cool beans" every time a shot was scored. Despite the odd differences, they were kind to me, and treated me like one of them. I quickly began to excel at the game, my wings slowly extending for added balance to my posture.

"They're beautiful." Shawn noted, ducking as the ball flew over his head and out of bounds.

"Hmm?" I rose a brow.

"Your wings... May I?" He asked softly, in a hush as he reached out to my extra limbs. I shrugged and fully unfurled them, the sunlight warming the feathers. Shawn ran tender fingers over them, in awe.

I couldn't help but blush, "Honestly, they're not that special."

"Come now, Bailey Price. These are stunning! Never disown a clear gifts of the gods. You have a definite purpose in life. I wonder what it is." Shawn ran a hand over my wings before taking a step back, smiling widely at me.

"Thanks... I guess." I smiled back, folding in my wings with care. Shawn finally pulled his eyes away, inhaling deeply.

"Mmmm... Breathing in that good ass prana." He closed his eyes as a gust blew over him, rustling his hair.

"Prana?" I echoed, unsure of the new vocabulary.

Shawn opened his eyes, "Indeed. Prana is all around us. Prana is life. It's in the air. It's in nature. It's magnificent." He took another slow inhale, other campers in the pit doing the same. They seemed to savor the air. "There is much to speak of, and much to learn. After all, it appears you have not yet began your Journey."

"Journey?" Seriously, this dude was losing me.

"Yes. All living creatures have a sort of Journey they must begin. Once you open your third eye, and see things clearly, your path will find you." Shawn opened his palms upwards. "Would you care to join us for a meditation session after lunch?"

"Oh, uh, I would, but I gotta play basketball with Harper." I lied quickly. "Sorry, but maybe I'll catch you around dinner time?"

Shawn gave another of his calming smiles, "Until then, my sister."

I gave a small wave before turning and speed-walking towards the basketball court, which was now abandoned except for Harper dribbling the ball by herself.

"Hey!" I called, jogging over to her defensive stance.

"Oh, hey there!" Harper beamed, twisting her torso before sending the ball flying towards the net. It slammed against the backboard and tittered over, swishing through the net. "Good to see you outside your cabin! Did you enjoy your volleyball game with the satyrs?"

I blinked. Saytrs? I turned back to the volleyball pit, suddenly realizing most of the campers had furry goat legs from their waist down. All except for Shawn and one other girl, who were barefoot.

"Uh, yeah, it was fun. A little strange though." I admitted as Harper chased down her ball.

"Yeah, Shawn never shuts up about that 'third eye' stuff. Just try zoning him out from time to time. Although, I do admit, his meditation sessions are quite relaxing." Harper sent me a smirk. "You play?"
"Hells yeah." I nodded curtly as she sent a chest pass. I caught the ball between my hands, the familiar sport adrenaline sinking in as I lowered my stance and began a slow dribble towards the basket. Harper furrowed her eyebrows, a playful look in her eyes as she rose her arms in defense, closing the distance between us. I faked a left, pivoting and sending the ball up. Harper leapt to intercept the ball, however it flew over her hands and over the rim. Sinking a shot.

"You're good. Street ball or organized team?" Harper questioned as she retrieved the ball from the grass.
"Both." I returned evenly. "I played organized up until junior year. When I dropped out..."

Harper tilted her head, "Wait, you dropped out of High School?"

I tensed my jaw, "Wasn't my choice."

She took the hint and dropped the subject, instead dribbling up and around me, staying at the foul line before driving over to the right. I sprinted after her, locking my legs and leaping in her way, rising my arms just in time to block a shot. Panting, I turned and jogged it back over the foul line before sending it flying. The ball bounced of the rim and sailed towards a group of girls chatting in the shade of a tree. I had no time to shout a warning as the ball connected with the head of a dark haired girl, sending her reeling forward.

"Time to go." I muttered, turning and taking off at full speed. Harper began for them, sputtering out an apology while I ran for the safety of my cabin. I only knew one thing about accidentally hurting girls; they get mad. Real mad. A few kids looked over as I careened through the dirt, not stopping until the screen door of the cabin slapped shut behind me. Axel rose his head, looking groggily over at me with a questioning look.

I sank into my bed, giggling softly, "Well... I made friends."

Notes