When we all returned to Camp, we were treated like Gods Damned Heroes, we were the first ones to come back to Camp Half-Blood alive since Luke, so we were subjected to the treatment of royalty. Ethan was the first to greet me as I stepped over the border, his head tucked into my neck. I sighed, wrapping my arms around him, thankful that I was able to come back to him. Due to Camp Tradition, we were given laurel wreaths to wear at a massive feast that was hosted in our honour, and then we lead the camp down to a bonfire where we burnt the burial shrouds that had been prepared for us. Annabeth's was made of grey silk that was embroidered with owls made her siblings, while Percy's was an old bedsheet that had crudely drawn smiley faces with crossed-out eyes around the border with the word 'LOSER' painted in massive letters right down the middle. As Cabin 11 had no idea who my Godly Parent was, my shroud was a simple beige, with my name stitched down the middle, crossed halberds in the corners and barbed wires around the border. The Apollo Cabin lead the sing-along and passed out marshmallows, but no one was singing all that much. Percy, Annabeth, Grover and I were surrounded by almost everyone, talking about the Quest. Grover had gotten a Searchers Licence, and I was happy for my old friend.
On the 4th of July, the entire Camp found themselves on the beach for Cabin 9's fireworks display. I swear it got bigger and better each year. Because the Hephaestus Kids well…were…children of Hephaestus, they didn't settle for the regular red-white and blue fireworks that the rest of America had, they had an entire raft laden with firework rockets that were the size of my torso. I usually watched the display from the treeline with Ethan. As my brother went to go grab some food, Grover came to say goodbye. I wished him good luck, and said I couldn't wait to see him again. He walked off to say the same to Annabeth and Percy, and I turned to the fireworks display, the explosions lighting my face.
The last night of Summer came by too quick for my liking, and we all shared a meal together, as no one knew who was staying or who was leaving. At the bonfire, the Senior Campers handed out the end-of-summer beads to the Campers. I smirked when, in the firelight, a sea-green trident shone. Luke said the choice was unanimous, and everyone cheered for the son of Poseidon, and then shoved Annabeth and I to the front to share in it as well.
The Hermes Cabin received their stack of year-round letters the next morning, and everyone's was handed out. Ethan said he was staying again, and I let him know hat I was heading home, Dad would need to have words with me after my little stunt in Vegas. Around midday, I wished Ethan well, gave him my goodbyes and threatened to kill him if he died while at camp. I shouldered my leather backpack, and a goose egg still in my pocket, I crossed the boarder and into the mortal world, ready to face whatever came my way.