We're not in Kansas anymore... Oh wait, yes we are

[salty]

Soulflame looked up and saw the girl, not just any girl, but a demigod. "No worries, I am no foe of yours little one." Her red hair was blown around in the slight breeze and her vest echoed the color of her green eyes. "I was waiting for you and your friends, I've been following your trail for a while. You are on a quest correct?" She waited for an answer patiently, she knew sometimes that the demigods were hotheads, just like their parents.

[luncia]

Lauren put down her bow and arrow and looked over at Soulflame. At least she wasn't a party animal like most of the centaur kind, Lauren was also relaxed around her so she figured she could trust her well enough. Lauren was slightly annoyed with the fact that she was being called a 'little one', but that was understandable since centaurs are the heigh of a horse, plus that of the upper body of a human. "Yes, we are on a quest, why were you following us and do you have a nick name?" she asked Soulflame. Lauren really liked Soulflame's name, it probaly described her well once Lauren has been around her more. She started to wonder if Soulflame's kind really did have awesome parties that are all out. She stopped her mind from going farther and kept looking at Soulflame. Lauren didn't show what she was thinking a while ago when she thought it, that would be rude, but she still couldn't help her self from wondering. She really did wonder why Soulflame was following them.

[salty]

Soulflame smiled. "I find myself interested in demigods, they often amuse me and I enjoy helping them in quests, I find a centaur huntress and tracker useful to demigods. I don't know if you need me on this particular quest, but I always offer my help to demigods whenever I catch a quest on the winds." She smiled again. "You may call me Soul, or whatever you wish, it makes no difference to me what I am called. I am sure there are other questions burning on your tongue so I will answer one for you. Not all centaurs party, there are responsible centaurs that must take care of their herds. I would be one of those, i left that life, because I was tired of working for those that did not care for the services." She lowered her head and it seemed she was embarassed for her kindred.

[luncia]

Lauren started thinking and could picture more centaurs like Soul. She looked back at Soul and said, "My friend Soul, this is the only quest so far that I know of and it would be helpful if you can help us. But of course we, at least me anyways, will repay you later if you help. We are to fight off demigods that still side with Kronos, but I'm thinking something is up. I'm thinking of forming groups, to see the truth with and correct the mishap and disorder for a little whiles. I think my friends might be thinking the same think because something seems up with this quest and we all know it. My other two 'friends' are both guys, one with the blood of Ares and one with Athena's. Do you think you can help me?" she finished off with a question. She was surprised she had said so much of her plan with Soul. It didn't matter, for Lauren could need all the help she needed.

[Wolfezth Deraine]

Blake quickly led Wolf through several back alleys to the rest of the squad and was introduced quickly. Ned was a big dude, standing a little bit shorter than Wolfezth but a helluva lot muscular and well-built. Jimmy was about the same height as Wolfezth, maybe a bit taller but with the same lean build. Ned wielded a celestial bronze battleaxe while Jimmy preferred a longsword and shield. The introductions were short and to the point, and it culminated with Blake telling Wolf what would need to be done after explaining the basic principals of the group. The principals and goals were simple; to lessen or destroy the power and influence over the world that the gods have for the greater good... Basically freedom fighters who fight for something far out of reach and nearly impossible; but there's a key word in that... NEARLY.

"All indications say you're the kind of guy we're looking for; and you'll probably be assigned to join the Lost Cause unit along with Alaina Thorn and whoever else we can throw together. I think y'all'd get along fine once you got on their good side and vice versa." Blake said in a decisive manner.

Wolfezth replied with a nod and a sigh; "What're you going to do with the other two chasin' yah? I'd like to at least say goodbye to 'em and have one of 'em either join us or make up a story of my death to the camp so they won't come after us."

Blake nodded slowly, "We don't do anything to either Camp or Kronos aligned half-bloods until they attack us or they pose a threat to the general population. That or we're on a specific mission. I think you should go back and say your goodbyes; but if you rat us out you can be assured you'll die pretty quickly."

Wolfezth grinned; and nodded to Ned and Jimmy who were standing a small distance away from him "Y'all can come and keep tabs on me if y'all want to. I ain't got a problem with it."

Ned shook his head and said; "I ain't gettin' extra work done that I don't have to; hell with that! You go, but Blake here should be able to give you directions to Lost Cause; 'cause he has a thing for getting into other people's business."

Blake reluctantly nodded and said, "Yeah; I like to keep informed. The squad's being formed and being sent to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Alaina's on her way as well and is the only confirmed member of the squad right now; and I'll let her know you're coming. Sweet girl she is; but crazy as hell."

Wolfezth shrugged his shoulders; "I ain't normal meself, so I ain't sayin' anythin' 'bout it. So to clarify, I go to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in any way possible when I'm done?"

Blake nodded; "Yeah, that's the gist of it. Kansas to Pennsylvania's a long way; so it sucks to be you for a while."

Wolfezth grinned and let loose a chuckle at that; "Oh well, I could care less; I'll see you whenever then, mates."

Blake, Ned, and Jimmy nodded farewell to the new ally they had just met as he departed to say goodbye to his Camp allies.

Wolfezth cut back through the alleys and walked purposefully back to the hotel at a steady pace. I'm taking one hell of a risk here, but it's worth it; if it all works out.

[Hydros Sepna]

Hydros drove down the road, passing a myriad of billboards and adverts for things like steakhouses and shopping malls.
God this place is boring.

The car came to a low rumble as he let up on the accelerator, he took a right into an outdoor shopping centre, parking in front of a bland, nondescript supermarket. Hydros locked up the car as he walked into the store, the usual stereotypical calming music played softly over the PA system.

He wandered up and down the isles looking at the various products, before returning to the entrance and picking up a basket. He thought an hour must've passed in the shop as he filled the basket with non-perishable foodstuffs and Wolf's doughnuts, bread and cheese, which included a pack of Twinkies.
We all know these things can survive a nuclear holocaust.

He had picked up Wolf's Gatorade with some water and Mountain Dew, which he noticed had been shortened to MTN DEW.
Did they up the price of vowels?

He walked down to the checkout and was greeted by a bored looking Hispanic woman, who quickly put all the items through the scanner and took Hydros's debit card from his hand, then pushed forward a chip and pin machine.

[salty]

Soulflame stood and stood at hieght with Lauren who was still perched in the tree like a bird. "I will gladly help you, besides one girl and two guys can't be much fun. I noticed the other two have left, maybe we should wait in the front for their return." She stood and wited for the girl to come down, her tail swishing.

[Wolfezth Deraine]

Wolfezth's memory given to him by being a child of Athena paid off as he cut through alley after alley, retracing the route back to where he was tackled down. If this is even real; the trip to Pittsburgh is probably just a test... Seeing if I have the wit and skills to survive by myself so I wouldn't be a burden to the squad in general. I'll keep trophies of any monsters I kill along the way to show 'em I ain't no panzy. Quite the opposite; and I suppose I'll have to find this Alaina girl in the big Steel City too. That'll be a pain in the ass in itself; especially 'cause a fourteen year old kid carrying a backpack loaded with weapons will bound to be noticed. One helluva challange for me; but that's what I wanted in the first place I suppose. He thought as he walked. He was soon in the spot he was tackled; in a dark alley with the same abandoned looking buildings around him. He could clearly see the outline of the motel; so he hadn't been far to begin with... Which was good. "The rookie'll probably chime in to Chiron with a drachma or two as soon as she gets the chance once she hears about this... So I gotta be on the road fast'n'furious as quickly as possible. Desertion is something punishable by death; especially 'cause it's more like grand treason." he muttered to himself as he walked around to the motel.

The parking lot was the first thing in view, so he walked into it. He looked around for the RX-8 car they drove, but couldn't find it in the small lot. That confused him until he remember that Hydros went shopping. Great; now I'll have to WAIT... I'ma get my supplies and wait for 'im. He thought to himself in mild disappointment. He wanted to go NOW; in the dead of night to an unknown and potentially fatal journey. It sounded so stupid in hindsight; but there was no turning back once he made the decision. Whatever the risk is, the reward is greater he reflected. He walked to the front of the motel, circling 'round and saw Lauren with a ... female centaur? He shrugged his shoulders and said; "Huh, makin' new friends there; rookie?" as he quickly moved to the door and went inside the motel without waiting for a reply. The man at the desk tossed him a key wordlessly, and Wolf nodded to him in thanks. He then quickly ran up two flights of stairs and opened the hotel door with his key and went to his bed. He got together his things and grabbed his backpack. He then slung it across his shoulders and sighed... He now had to basically send an invitation to kill him to Hydros and Lauren... Plus the centaur in his confession; but he refused to leave wordlessly and suddenly because then there'd be search parties. That and Hydros had been a steadfast friend for years, and he knew he'd make up some kind of story to cover for him for a while. While thinking this, he reopened the door with all of his stuff in the backpack on his back and started jogging down the flights of stairs back down... It was going to be a long night; and Wolf knew it. He nodded to the man at the desk again before opening the door back where the centaur and Lauren were while he wondered what the man at the desk saw instead of a fully armed teenager through the mist.

[Hydros Sepna]

Hydros walked out of the supermarket with both plastic shopping bags in his left hand, and unlit cigarette in his right. He fished around in his pocket and pulled out his lighter, lighting his cigarette then putting the lighter back. He looked around the lot and saw nothing but 3 other car, scattered around like each had it's own plague that was fatal to the others. Hydros held the cigarette with his lips and took a draw, and looked to his own car, which sat, unnoticed by a gang of teenagers in hoodies, standing at the other end of the carpark chatting boisterously as he would expect.

Hydros reached down and fingered the butt of his pistol, more to reassure himself that it was there as a statement to any spur of the moment types who might be watching. He was confident that he could defeat human that tried their luck, but to be honest to himself he didn't really want to fight and considered that a fight you win without contact with your opponent is the best form of battle.

Hydros walked to his car, pulling the keys from his pocket with his free hand. He lent into the car and put the shopping in the back seat of the car, he pulled his head out to see the gang had moved at such speed and silence that Hydros could barely believe it, they now looked his car up and down, there were only three that he could see, one looking at the nose of the car another looking at the tail, the last was on the opposite side from Hydros, leaning on the roof, his chin only just clearing it. Hydros was surprised more by their forwardness than the fact they approached him, and a little surprised that they hadn't already tried to mug him for the keys.

He was broken out of his trance when the boy across from him began to talk, through which Hydros could tell he was of Dominican decent.
Must be the poorer area of the town, or so I would assume with so much ethnic diversity.
"Hey, this is a sweet ride you got here. I bet she's fast."
"Yeah, but it's just the stock Mazda RX-8 R3."
"Yo man you should take this up to the shop round round there and tell the guys there that Marcial sent you. they'll hook you up man."

Hydros was slightly dumbstruck by the man's approach to business, maybe he worked there, or knew the guys there and would be paid for sending in potential customers.
"Alright, I'll take a look."

The gang walked off, talking intensely about cars and engines. Hydros got in the car, thinking about what had just happened. He turned the key in the ignition, then putting the car in reverse he did a backwards 180 handbrake turn towards the exit, to amuse himself and to make a mark on the gang of obviously street race obsessed kids.

It was a few hours before he could see the Motel again, no one would be able to tell it was him. The guys in the shop had done a major workover on it, and in record breaking time. They had added the best power sports power upgrades they had, and touring car level handling modifications. The engine had basically been rebuilt there was a new block, ignition, exhaust, intake vales, fuel system, cams and valves and intercooler, while the brakes, springs, dampers, anit-roll bars, transmission, clutch, flywheel, driveline and differential had all been replaced with higher quality parts. To top it all off the car had been lightened using carbon fibre parts, with the front two seats now being super lightweight racing seats. The outside had been sprayed black, with green tinted windows, a solid looking body kit now giving the car a slightly more aggressive appearance.

Hydros hit 100 Km/H, breaking a little near the entrance, threw the car into a left turn, pulled the e-brake sharply throwing the tail of the car out, he released the e-brake and held the car in it's sideways turn by pumping the accelerator and tapping the brakes. As the car moved the brake pads began to glow bright red, giving the car a ghostly look as the red light hit the smoke of the tires, the rapidly spinning wheels almost invisible against the tarmac at night, only the light reflected on the tinted glass gave away the shape of the car. Hydros brought the car to a halt mid way through the carpark, the brakes still glowing, though it was noticeable to him that the car must have made a monstrous level of noise, akin to that of a dragons roar as it drifted round the corner, due to the new-found ringing in his ears.

He got out of the car to find that he'd landed square in a parking space, a feat he was unaware of at the time, but immensely proud of nonetheless. Hydros pulled the keys from the ignition and the car went silent and closed the door.

[salty]

Soulflame watched the appearance of the two others with disdain. She could tell the one that had showed up first was hiding something and they would find out soon by the look on his face. The other one was a show-off, just like any other male she had ever encountered. She let out a sigh and walked forwards her hooves clicking on the road. She nodded to both of the newcomers and wited for them to speak first. She wasn't aware of Lauren at the time because she was not an unknown threat.

[luncia]

Lauren didn't answer Soul's question nor Wolf's because she was think of what to do. She dropped her pack down onto the ground, there was a small chance that something broke but she didn't care. She then put her bow and quiver across her back and crawled to the trunk. She started to climb down and then jump off. She went over to her pack grabbed it and put it down by Soul, the way the two guys looked, it looked like there was news to be shared, and Hydros needed to explain where he got her car fixed up.

Lauren wondered if Soul had other tops than her green vest, at least one anyways, all girls have more than one top. Well, those that are not wondering the streets.

Lauren noticed Wolf was packed and wondered what that was about, they weren't suppose to leave yet. She knew something most of happened when he had left. It always seemed as if it was the night that had it's most changes for Lauren, it was usually at night anyways. "Okay, explain in detail you two," she said to them, waiting. This might take awhile if they both had something to explain.

[Wolfezth Deraine]

Wolfezth noticed that with the bastard sword across his back and backpack over it; it wasn't very comfortable at all quite frankly. It really didn't matter, but it made the blade cling and push into his back and he felt the pressure from it and it scraped against his skin when he moved his back which was a little painful. When he opened the door, he saw the centaur... Why the hell is a centaur here? I don't recall sending the magic horsie signal in the sky wanting ANOTHER drunk to add to the party; if I was still part of the quest I'd be steamin' right about now. I'm not, so I shouldn't even be thinkin' this. He also noticed Lauren and Hydros nearby and within speaking range, which was good. Since Hydros was a little bit farther away, he said his first part of his mini-speech a little bit louder so he could hear. "Y'all might as well go back to Camp and forget about the quest... I'm ditchin'." By then he gauged Hydros will have gotten close enough to hear him clearly, though he didn't pay attention as he was turning his body into full-alert mode. If the centaur or rookie made any sudden movement toward him he'd automatically pull out his dual sabres and wouldn't hesitate a moment to slash at either of them for trying to kill him. "Both ethically and morally, I cannot continue to put my neck on the line for a cause I do not believe in; that cause obviously to do all the gods' dirty work. We are their sacrifices, we are their garbage men, we are their pawns in this game we call life. For better or for worse, in life or death I've decided to fight for a cause I truly DO believe in; and that isn't fighting for the Greek gods." Wolfezth paused to take a breath, and shook slightly in the effort to get this out cohesively. "There will be quests out sending you to kill me and my fellows; and I guarantee I will not hesitate to kill any of y'all 'cause you won't either." he paused once more, turning to Hydros while still on total full alert mode; "If I live, I'll be sending you an offer as soon as I can; and whether you choose to accept or not is your choice, Hydros." Wolfezth then abruptly stopped talking and started walking toward the road in a very casual stride. "Now if you'll excuse me; I got a lot of ground to cover and I gotta find some wheels before the night is over."

[Hydros Sepna]

Hydros noticed Wolf walking out of the front doors, he had a look about him, a look that Hydros recognised on some level of a man who'd decided something, something that he wouldn't change his mind about, then it clicked for him. Wolf had went out with everything he needed, he'd been distracted before he left. Hydros knew that he was leaving, Wolf had made comments to him in confidence, that would have him marked for treason. Hydros had hoped that it was all just talk, but he'd known that one of the times they went out on a quest, he'd be coming back without him.

Wolf began to talk, but Hydros already knew what he was about to say, the fact he saw Wolf change from relaxed and calm to on edge only confirmed it to him. He looked over to Lauren and the Centaur.
Wait... Centaur!? what's a Cen... Forget it, I don't want to know.

Hydros walked round the car towards Wolf, his pace was quick and erratic in nature, although bearing no implication of a readiness to attack. Wolf continued to speak, when he finished Hydros kept his gaze locked onto Wolf but turned his head to Lauren.
"Newbie! If you aren't going with him, get in the car. That's an order!"

Hydros reached Wolf. He stood toe to toe with him, his posture overbearing, staring into his eyes, then after a moment, he relaxed. He sighed, his face serious.
"You're really going aren't you?"

He broke his gaze for a moment, then turned back, his face now softer in a way, that only Wolf would recognise, Lauren and the Centaur would be none the wiser to this change. Hydros lowered his voice.
"You know that I'll cover for you if the newbie isn't coming. But it won't last long, and you can't lie to the gods without them knowing, bastards that they are."

He paused, thinking the situation over. Then out of nowhere he placed $200 into Wolf's hand, in the guise of a rough handshake.
"Get your ass out of here Wolf, you know as well as I do that it's not going to be easy from here on in."

He turned on his heels and walked back towards the car, his entire demeanour emanating an air of indifference. He raised his voice to normal level.
"I'll see you around mate, good luck."

[luncia]

Lauren listened and wasn't surprised at what he said. She didn't care, she was thinking of finding groups of demigods to serve are people who balance thingings out, but this sound a little more fun. Instead of balancing they could tip the scale slightly, but it sounded a bit over her head. She mainly just wanted the gods to see what an empact demigods to do to tip the scales. Maybe this was just the way to do it, but she would quit afterwards, most likely. "Hmm, if I could quit afterwards I'm thinking of joining you Wolf. But I rather travel to where ever without you," she turns her head toward Soul," You can come with me if you want to, but that is your choice," and finally she turned to Hydros," Hey Hydros, I might not be going back with you, if I don't tell the campers I was poisoned with a dart and died," she said to him.

Lauren turned to Wolf to wait and see if she was allowed to go and where. If she wasn't allowed, then she would go back to camp.

[Wolfezth Deraine]

Wolfezth didn't really pay attention to Hydros' movements until the man was in his face. Wolf's gaze locked into Hydros' dead serious as Hydros asked if he was really going. Without the least bit of hesitation Wolfezth replied; "Yes, I'm really going." He then saw Hydros turn back and see an expression on his face he had never seen in his tenure at camp before. Wolfezth nodded to his offer and said with complete sincerity; "Thanks for that, mate... I really do appreciate it." Wolfezth was surprised when Hydros engaged him in a gruff handshake several seconds later, and he felt money slip into his fingers. He then nodded thanks to Hydros, and said in response to the warning that went with it; "Like I said; if I live I'll be back. Oh, I'll definitely be back; and when I am you can make your decisions." as he was talking he heard Lauren pipe up and he grinned; "Same goes for you too; if you still think you're up for it if and when I come back you can come. Make up whatever story you will to cover for me, I just suggest y'all stay outside of camp for a week or two to at least simulate a quest being done. You might not be able to lie directly to a god, but you can avoid saying the whole truth for sure. If I don't make it; see y'all in hell I guess." he finished, grinning a ... Well, wolfish grin.

"It'll take me a week and a half give or take to get to where I'm headed, so if you can cover for me at least that long it'd help a lot." he added, and then nodded to everyone present and reentered his steady, casual looking walk out; convulsing slightly once with the sheer intensity of the moment that had been shared just seconds beforehand. Ye Gods, I hope all of yah die in a pit and suffer for all of the harm you've done to your children. Ye Gods, go to whatever depths of Tartarus you feel like and stay there for eternity. Ye Gods, I'm gonna get you back for the suffering you've inflicted on the world... Ye Gods, you better watch your damn backs.