Chapter 7: Alex
The Fourth of July was coming up, and everyone in camp expects the Hephaestus cabin to make the fireworks. Of course, that included me, the cabin leader.
"OK everyone, we need some of those paper tubey things and those explosive powders," I directed them.
"Fireworks," Raven intoned, appearing out of thin air right beside me, "are a type of explosive pyrotechnic devices used for entertainment or religious purposes."
"They're just fireworks, Raven," I said. "Simply. Fireworks. Can't you just say that?"
She waved a dismissive hand. "None of that matters as of current. I am offering my assistance in the creation of your fireworks."
"Umm... ok," I said. "Thanks."
"May I inquire as to which supplies you possess?" Raven asked. I handed her the bag of powders and the tubey things.
"Hmm..," Raven said. "Sulphur, charcoal, nitrate, fuses, cardboard containers, dividers, calcium chloride, sodium nitrate, lithium carbonate..."
"Okay, okay, we get the idea!" I said. "No need going around listing everything."
And so we began stuffing the powders into the tubes. Raven would occasionally say, "I advise you to implement strontium carbonate instead of lithium; the red will be brighter that way."
I walked around encouraging people, and even made a few fireworks myself. Raven asked me if she could add a really big silver and blue 'Time Rain Willow' firework to the grand finale.
"Sure," I said, not really knowing what that was but not wanting to admit it.
After a few hours, all the fireworks were done and we were ready for the show.