Odessa Martis's Story

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Ram lefted his head and closed his green eyes, soaking up the early morning sun as it bet down on the lake. Cool water sprayed in his face and a constant breeze ruffled his hair. It was perfect sailing weather and Ram had been up since dawn to make the most of it. His one man boat, named 'The Falcon', raced across the lake, skimming across the waves.

Ram opened his eyes as he drew closer to the shore. Standing up in the boat he shielded his eyes from the sunlight glistening off the water and took in the view. There, pretty as a picture, sat Northbay. It fit snuggly between the lakeshore and the hills beyond. He could make out the main street with its small array of shows on either side. There was a large amount of activity in the street, surprising for such a small town and so early on a Saturday.

Then again it was the day of the Lantern Festival. No doubt every spare hand the Elder's could rope into helping was busy putting up decorations. Ram's father Ramsey was a member of the Elders' Council so Ramses was able to get all his information first hand and fresh. The festival was officially an overdue welcome to the Greeks. Unofficially it was to try and calm down the rising animosities between the different groups in the town. As Ram's father had said, if the town could come together and enjoy this one, simple event then they would be one step closer to regaining peace and order.

Ram thought it was a vain hope. He highly doubted that bringing together the whole town into one street would solve anything. Quite the opposite really. Ram knew little of the Greeks but he had grown up with the Norse and his own Egyptian pantheon. He knew enough to understand that there would always be certain individuals who do anything but try to ease tensions.

Shaking such thoughts from his head Ram aimed the boat to shore. A moment later he pulled into the docks, jumping onto the wooden jetty with the ease of practice. He anchored his boat to the jetty, tying it securely. The day may have been calm now but Ram knew enough about Irish weather to know to predict anything. Besides, when you lived in a town of power beings you could never be sure when someone's powers would cause a little mayhem.

Standing up Ram raised his arms above his head and stretched, before straightening out his clothes. With a pleased smile he set off down the wooden walkway, heading towards the Sailing Club rooms and a much needed shower.

---

Early morning carpentry was probably not the best way to deal with a hangover, but oddly enough Mack found the rhythmic thud of his hammer strangely calming. Or perhaps he was still drunk from last night.

He had visited Northbay's singular drinking hole, the pub, the previous night. It had started as a causal beer, but three bottles of beer, four shots of vodka and who knows what else later his night had ended up much larger than anticipated. He had woken up this morning still in his clothes, his light still on and his alarm cloak blaring from under a pile of clothes.

Mack had agreed to help set up for the Lantern Festival that night. He wasn't even getting paid, but doing it as a favour to the town. Not that he minded doing it for free. Mack didn't have too many expensive habits and the rent on his tiny apartment over the supermarket was relatively cheap.

"Mack! Can you move the lanterns slightly to the left?" Ebony Aset, aunt of the three Aset girls and member of the Elders, shouted from the street. Mack, standing up on a ladder, nodded down at the woman and moved the lanterns as desired. Satisfied Ebony nodded and wondered off to oversee another part of the preparations. Left to his own devices Mack returned to hammering.

Almost finished he gave one final hammer on the nail, only his attention must have slipped because the next thing he knew a sharp pain erupted in his thumb. With a yelp he jerked his hand back, making him lose his balance in the process. His legs went out from under him, his arms pinwheeling in circles as he tried to grab at anything to keep him from falling.
Unfortunately the ladder seemed to elude him and Mack quickly found himself falling. A gust of wind blew up the street, particles of sand held in the breeze. The wind increased in strength and pressure, directing itself around the falling man. Faster than the eye could follow it had formed into a miniature wind funnel, Mack being safely buoyed in the centre. Slowly he was lowered to the ground. Only when his feet had touched concrete did a movement of his hand send the winds away, leaving a thin layer of sand behind.

'Mack, as much as I'm glad you're not hurt...' The stern voice came from Ebony Aset, her foot tapping quickly as she surveyed the tiny beach of sand that his powers had called forth. She had a broom in her hand, 'I want all this sand gone before tonight.' Thrusting it into his grasp Ebony turned and left. Dusting the light sprinkling of sand off his clothes before beginning to sweep up the street, Mack wished - and not for the first time - that his winds didn't magically summon sand when he called them.

---

The view from the hills above the town was spectacular. Asta, pausing on her descent, couldn't help but grin at the landscape. The lake was sparkling in the early morning sun, light glistened off the town roofs and there was hardly a cloud in sight. She could have stayed on the thin track that ran up the hills beyond Northbay all day, but one glance at her watch told Asta that she'd need to open the shop soon. With a last glance across the lake Asta turned and made her way, half skipping, down the track.

Most likely it was the excitement of the coming festival that had seen Asta rise so early and head up into the hills. She often went for walks, but rarely so early in the morning. Coming back down she hit the main street at it's beginning. The entrance to Northbay was decorated with a simple sign which read 'Welcome to Northbay'. Asta passed the sign, entering the main street of the town. She passed people setting up stalls, others hanging decorations and more than one person shouting out loud instructions.

Asta waved happily at Mack as she passed him. Curiously he was sweeping up sand, although where the sand came from Asta couldn't be sure. Down the street she went, dodging in and out of the workers, until she reached the Bookstore.
"Key, key key... Oh, there you are!" She muttered to herself as she dug into her cardigan pockets. The Bookstore owner had given Asta the responsibility of opening the store today and she would have hated it if she'd lost the keys already.

She pushed the door open and stepped into the dark room. The light switch was unfortunately at the other end of the store and Asta didn't fancy wondering through the dark to find it. So, holding her hand out, she summoned a small sphere of light and used it to guide her through.

Ten minutes later, the store lit, open and ready for customers, Asta sat back at the counter with a sigh of relief. From here she had a good view of the festival preparations, but instead of watching the workers outside she picked up her book 'Catch-22' and began to read. The doorbell would jingle as soon as anyone entered, meaning until then she could happily lose herself in Joseph Heller.

Izzy awoke late in the day, typical of her when she didn't have classes. She instantly went to her phone and was almost disappointed when she saw there were no new messages, at least not from anyone important. Frowning, she made up her mind to do her very best to change that, by sending a few messages out to the people she felt she knew best, most of which who she felt either could easily be controlled, or were attractive, or she considered a friend, and that left a wide range of people.


To: Odessa, Fin, Amanda, Lucas, Bryce, Viona, Ronan, Julian, Calypso:


Hey all, your queen has awoken! So where’s everyone up to? I’m looking forward to seeing all you peeps at the festival tonight, and festivals aren’t even like my thing like at all! So you guys better be there because if I’m there alone with the village elders, heads shall roll! Lol! Will be in town fyi so feel free to meet up with me.


From: Izzy Dias

Izzy put her phone down, sat up, walked out of bed down to the small bathroom in her tiny flat and took a long bath, before dressing and heading out for town. It was nice not having to work to pay for school because you had a rich stepfather to pay for it all, Izzy had to admit, problem was, that meant a lot of people were tried down for work. Driving into town she quickly parked her car and watched as several people put together decorations, smirking almost, she couldn’t understand why anyone but criminals would work for free for something having to do with the community, but she supposed that was why she was a leader, after all, not everyone’s grandfathers Zeus, and the ruling blood certainly ran deep in Izzy.



Izzy, getting out of her car decided to look for a place to loiter around, a hobby she quite enjoyed. She wasn’t really watching where she was going however and bumped into Mack, who was sweeping sand?


“Um excuse me, but do you mind!” She snorted angrily, when he completely ignored her. Then an idea came to her. “ Hey Mack, check this out!” When she had gotten his attention she looked to the sky and caused a small stray bolt of lighting light up the sky. It was the kind that was gone in an instant and made you wonder if there was a storm or not, the ones that Liverpool had been getting frequently for the last 21 or so years. Besides, it was always fun to scare the crap out of people, and Izzy remembered somebody told her once that Mack was afraid of lighting.


Laughing to herself, Izzy walked down to the record shop and gave Julian a wink before turning to the music, trying to find some old records that would make for a great sound mix. She would flirt a little, talk a little, possibly buy something, and be on her way.




Bobby grinned to himself as he heard Asta call out, “Morning Bobby!” Followed by “I don’t drink coffee, but I’d be keen for a hot chocolate.” He watched, coming back to the front of the store, pleased that this didn’t go as badly as he thought it might. Asta helped you out almost, and he had to admit, she was a very easy person to talk to. She pulled out a bunch of euro’s and some coins (that’s the Irish currency if I’m correct) and offered them to him. “Maybe get some lemon cakes too? My shout.”


Bobby refused the money and replied. “Sure thing, I’ll buy, one hot chocolate, a tea for myself and a bunch of lemon cakes coming right up, I’ll be back.” He walked out the door before Asta could protest and ran not really thinking about anything but getting Asta’s ordered right. He ran between Daphne, Amanda and Fin, tripping himself, and said a quick “I’m terribly sorry!” and continued on his way rushing by a girl who he thought was named Layla with the same hasteful sorry before reaching the coffee shop.


When he had at last reached his destination, he found himself waiting for his sister to stop texting before she noticed him. She raised a brow.


“Um Bobby, what up? Why are you so sweaty? Where you running from those normal thugs again!? Cause I’ll cripple them I will! And you know I don’t like it when you just come to visit me.”


“Right, just, everythings fine Steph, just ah, um I was wondering if I could have a medium hot chocolate, a ice tea and two lemon cakes.” Bobby said as Stephanie’s eyes lit up before she got to work.


“Oh Bobby, who is it, who are you buying breakfast for, that’s real unlike you, well then again I guess it isn’t, your just usually too shy to-”


“It’s just Asta, nothing romantic, just, you know, just something employees do for each other once in awhile.” Bobby interrupted.


“Well ‘ere ya go Bobby, enjoy your little lunch with you employee.” Stephanie laughed a little and handed her older brother his order and watched as he ran back out shaking her head. On his way back, breathless, he stopped to catch his breath and felt his phone go off, so he one handly picked it up and read the new message.


To: Amanda Cyprus, Stephanie Ceres, Bobby Ceres, Fin Bacchus

Turns out my boss doesn't want me to work today so I have the day off... Anybody wanna hang out?


He quickly typed back a response.


To Daphne:

I would, but I’m stuck at work. Maybe later, see you at the festival. Oh and I think I’ll ask Asta if she wants to come too if that’s alright.


From: Bobby

He quickly walked inside and put down the bag he’d been carrying. “ And there you go Asta, a hot chocolate, two lemon cakes, and a ice tea.” He sat down on a box of books he probably shouldn't have sat on, and took a big gulp before finding himself stuttering.


“ So um eh w-would you um m-mind going to the f-festival later tonight w-with some of my friends and siblings. I mean you don’t have to, I just thought m-maybe it’d settle some things and we could all get to know each other.”


He winced waiting for her answer.




Stephanie sighed as her phone buzzed and flipped it out to see what was up.


To: Stephanie

Yeah, sure, sounds like fun, when would you like to meet and where?

Stephanie felt her heart thump at the message. There it was, plain as day, a messages from Antares, asking her when and where she wanted to meet up. Why the hell was she so nervous and more importantly, not already texting him back.


To: Antares

Cool, glad you can come, I was thinking we could maybe meet at the docks at around oneish, I should be done with work by then. I still have to wait for Brad and Bobby so it’ll probably be just the two of us, but it’s not like it’s a date or anything so yah. See you at the docks:)



From: Stephanie

Stephanie pressed send and looked up to see Bobby, looking rather crazy. She smiled served him and returned to her phone, an unusual thing for her to do while at work, but today to her it seemed at least, it was like a holiday.


To: Amanda Cyprus, Stephanie Ceres, Bobby Ceres, Fin Bacchus

Turns out my boss doesn't want me to work today so I have the day off... Anybody wanna hang out?

Lucky, she muttered to herself before repiling.


To Daphne:


Sorry, but I’m stuck here till one, we can hang later though.


From: Stephanie.

Stephanie put down her phone only to pick it up again and read yet another message.


At work right now, slow as hell. I’ll catch up with you later at the festival. Promises.

She quickly typed back:


K see you later at the fest, don’t be too sad, you're surrounded by music, I’m surrounded by coffee and baked goods, not quite as entertaining ;)

Then she really did go back to work, shoving her phone in her pocket as a customer came in.

Ronan woke up with a start when he heard the front door slam, for a moment he was confused and took some time to straighten himself out and find his glasses. He had definitely had a bit too much to drink last night. It had been a long, excruciatingly boring day at the paper and all he’d wanted to do afterwards was relax a bit. The throbbing in the front of his skull confirmed that perhaps he had relaxed more than he had needed to.

Finally rising from his mess of a bed he stumbled to the bathroom, still steamy from someone else’s showers. Ronan assumed it was his brother; Leslie had always been annoyingly cheerful in the mornings and ready to start the day. Ronan was quite the opposite. He didn’t actually speak to anyone until he showered and had at least two cups of coffee. Hopping into the shower he let the warm water beat the ache out of his head and muscles and felt as if he could stay beneath the showerhead the rest of the day or at least until the hot water ran out.

Knowing that he’d be late if he dallied any more he slipped from the shower, shaved, brushed his teeth and quickly dressed. Racing down the stairs he stopped in the kitchen to chug a glass of orange juice, which did not make him want to vomit, thank the gods. After rinsing his glass and placing it in the dishwasher he grabbed his phone from the counter and noticed that he’d all ready received a text.

To: Odessa, Fin, Amanda, Lucas, Bryce, Viona, Ronan, Julian, Calypso:


Hey all, your queen has awoken! So where’s everyone up to? I’m looking forward to seeing all you peeps at the festival tonight, and festivals aren’t even like my thing like at all! So you guys better be there because if I’m there alone with the village elders, heads shall roll! Lol! Will be in town fyi so feel free to meet up with me.

Grinning, he rolled his eyes a bit at the hyperbolic text he received from the Greek girl; she was fairly new as all the Greeks were. As a matter of fact that was what the whole festival was for. Welcoming the new arrivals. Of course his mother was all ready at the festival grounds, she was an elder and took her responsibilities seriously, and something she had obviously passed on to her children.

My mother would kill me if I didn’t show. As soon as I’m through making sure the paper makes sense tonight I’ll be on my way. If you’re a good and kind friend you’ll have a drink waiting for me.

Ronan quickly texted back as he walked out the back kitchen door, taking care to lock it before clambering down the steps and out to his dusty car. Shoving papers and folders out of his way he started the beat-up vehicle and made his way to the office. He knew most people had the day off, lucky bastards, but the newspaper had to be printed every day. Such was life.
As the thin, slightly anxious young man made his way into the building he waved a greeting to the skeleton crew who were already in attendance, grabbed a cup of sludge like black coffee and wandered back to his lonely little corner. Quickly he settled in at his desk, which he usually shared with another. Looking around he pushed his thick framed glasses on top of his head and pulled out his phone quickly texting his brother.

To: Leslie

Did mom sucker you into setting up the festival today? I’m working a short day, meet up later, yeah?

From: Ronan Saxon

Ronan was very much a fan of his older brothers and enjoyed spending time and hanging out with him, although sometimes Leslie came off a bit overbearing, Ronan supposed that he would probably be the same if their roles were reversed. Family took care of family and that’s just the way it was. Settling back into his chair he switched on computer and began to immerse himself in work. The quicker he could get things done the sooner he could leave.






Odessa had been up and at the gym by seven that morning, having signed up for an insanely early kickboxing class. Which she now thought was maybe not her greatest idea. Considering that she usually worked until four in the morning and was often a bit tipsy when she made it home eventually sometimes making it to class seemed nearly impossible. Yet the Greek girl took her commitments seriously and she’d already paid for them. She really couldn’t afford to not go.

After spending an hour beating the stuffing out of a bag she was properly awake and energized. Being the descendent of Ares definitely had its perks. She was inherently strong, fast and sturdy which definitely came in handy with a personality like Odessa’s. More often than not her mouth started trouble and she was more than happy to let her fists finish it.

Finished for the day Odessa beamed as the instructor complimented her skill and the fact that she was such a quick study. She hadn’t expected any less but it definitely brightened her day which in turn meant that for now her normal aggression and hostility was turned down a notch. It also helped that she just finished trying to beat an inanimate object to death. Taking a moment to read over the text Izzy had sent her, she laughed and figured she’d see her friend in town, or at the very least the festival.

Quickly showering and changing she grabbed her bag and left the gym and decided to head into town to grab breakfast from the restaurant. It was cheap, especially with her employee discount. Lucky for her, her boss owned the pub and the grill and you couldn’t beat half-discounted omelets. As she walked up the street towards her destination she took in all of the preparations going on around town for the festival tonight.

As she approached the restaurant she noticed a few of her fellow Greeks standing outside the restaurant along with a girl she believed was named Layla. Sticking her hands into the pockets of the light cardigan she was wearing she pushed her large sunglasses on top of her head and stopped to say hello.

“Morning everyone, you’re all looking bright and chipper. Anyone actually helping set the festival up or are we just passive spectators?” Odessa asked with a wry grin.

"Hey, Fin," Amanda said, smiling at him, before looking over at her sister, who she apparently didn't feel she needed to greet. "Tony's not here yet?" she said.

She smiled and shrugged, "nope,not yet" She said making a popping noise as she annunciation the end of nope. She leaned her head to the side shaking her blonde curls which she suddenly felt needed a sexy just woke up look, like she just woke up looking hot, which she did, but still.

Suddenly girl, Layla maybe? She nodded as she decided that was correct, walked up to them. "Hi...It's Fin, Amanda and Dehlilah right?"
"Uh yeah," She said as she did one last shake and shook out her hair flipping either side of her hair so a lock of curls was cascading down her slim shoulders. "Layla, right?"
As another person joined the group, she bit her lip becoming a little worried, she wasn't quite sure why she just was. Odessa smiled her wry smile at them as she said “Morning everyone, you’re all looking bright and chipper. Anyone actually helping set the festival up or are we just passive spectators?”

"Spectator though, I actually plan on eating in this fine establishment," She said smiling a genuine smile, she considered Odessa a friend and valued her honesty so she was genuinely happy to see her.

She finally saw Tony and as they locked eyes he waved, she was about to smile and wave back when something very unexpected happened. Tony ran into a girl on her bike and now she was tangled and he looked frazzled. She jogged up to them and after pushing her long bangs out of her face, scrutinized the two of them. "Are you ok?" She said directing the question to both of them though she was looking at Tony for any marks or bruising and Oh, gods he has a nice body, wait focus!
She then turned to Layla and suddenly sensed her peak of interest romantically in Tony, and Tony's in the mysterious girl. She blushed and looked down
"Um I'm Dehlilah," She said brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. Push it away, make it go away. Making their matching light pink love aura's only fade a little bit. She shook the thought away, before turning to Tony, "Um so before any more people come bombard me over there." She clarified her statement "And by me, I mean Fin, who was standing next to me. I swear he's a people magnet. That, and I'm pretty hungry so..." She said, gently placing her hand on her muscular forearms,not in a possessive way, more in a concerned and nervous way."We should get to the restaurant," she said gently tugging on his arms, again not in a needy possessive way but he looked as though he needed some direction.

---

---

"Uh yeah, Layla, right?" Dehlilah said, flicking her hair. Layla nodded with her casual smile. Layla couldn't deny, some of the Greeks were really pretty and attractive. Layla adjusted the strap to her duffle bag, and saw someone new come into the conversation, another Greek, “Morning everyone, you’re all looking bright and chipper. Anyone actually helping set the festival up or are we just passive spectators?” the girl said with a wry smile. Layla saw her somewhere, but where? Then it hit her, Layla saw her at the gym, well in the change rooms. "I'm just a spectator, just going to grab a snack and head to the music store actually, I saw you at the gym before, Odessa right?" She said, with a slight smile on her happy face. Before the conversation could get going, there was a crash on the other side of the street. A guy had ran into Jade while she was riding her bike, Layla had known Jade but they weren't absolute 'friends for ever' material. She saw that Dehlilah had ran over including another person she had seen helping set up the festival. Layla followed Dehlilah over to the tangled pair, from a closer look she could see that the other person helping Jade was Mack, Bryce's brother. "Are you ok?" Layla heard Dehlilah ask them both, she helped with the guy who was tangled in the bike, must be another Greek. So Layla decided to walk around and help Jade, as Mack put a helping hand on Jades shoulder, Layla heard the guy say as he untangled himself from the bike stand and say, 'Listen, I've got friends waiting on me. So if you're okay...Then I'm gonna get going.' at this statement, Layla was sort of mad. He should of watched were he was walking, but Layla didn't car for him, he seemed just like some piece of hot eye candy. She returned her attention to Jade, "Hey Jade, its Layla, are you ok?" she said worryingly, it really wasn't her business but Egyptians had to look after their own.

---

---

"Nope, not yet," her sister said in response to her earlier question about Tony. Amanda gave a small nod just as a girl walked over to them. She recognized her as Layla Ail... nope, she couldn't remember her surname. "Hi...It's Fin, Amanda and Dehlilah right?" Layla asked, making sure. Before Mandy had time to respond, Dehlilah had piped up. "Uh, yeah," she said, flipping her hair. "Layla, right?" Just then, her phone buzzed. She gave them a quick, apologetic look before slipping it out from the easy access pouch at the front of her bag.

From: Izzy Dias
Hey all, your queen has awoken! So where’s everyone up to? I’m looking forward to seeing all you peeps at the festival tonight, and festivals aren’t even like my thing like at all! So you guys better be there because if I’m there alone with the village elders, heads shall roll! Lol! Will be in town fyi so feel free to meet up with me.

Amanda gave a small smile at the text, but slipped her phone back into her bag before responding, seeing as she was in the middle of a conversation. "Morning everyone, you’re all looking bright and chipper. Anyone actually helping set the festival up or are we just passive spectators?" Mandy turned her head to see Odessa approaching. "Spectator though, I actually plan on eating in this fine establishment," Dehlilah replied, smiling. Mandy opened her mouth to respond but was yet again interrupted, this time by a crash to her left.

She turned her head and saw Tony, a bike, and a girl on the ground. She chuckled lightly, but then realizing they could be hurt, regained herself. Dehlilah was already to the rescue, of course, asking if they were hurt. Then, another boy ran over, talking to the girl, what was her name? Bella, right? Dehlilah tugged lightly on Tony's arm, whether to pull him away to see if he was hurt or just to pull him away, she wasn't sure. The girl had turned towards her friends, and her hand was bleeding. She wished she could be of more help than just looking on at the scene, but the irl had already been helped up and walked away by her friends, presumably to a doctor.

She turned back to the others, giving them a slightly worried, slightly bewildered look. "Well, let's go get something from the restaurant then, shall we?" she said, regaining focus.

---

---

”Yeah,” Jade sighed with a small, forced laugh, “I’m okay, thanks, Layla.” Layla was glad that she was ok, after all she wouldn't want any of the Egyptians to get hurt. She stood back up and watched Mack help Jade to his car, probaly to go to the zclinic, just to be sure anything happened. As they drove off, Layla waved slightly before sighing to herself. The strain from her duffle bag was getting to her shoulders, not only that, but it was annoying to carry around. So she decided to start walking home, which was luckily two doors down, as she walked down the cobbled road, she noticed how wonderful the decorations were. Wow, Mack and the others are making the street quite gorgeous! she though while reaching her door and stepping inside, immediately greeted by her two eager cats Akil and Alko.

"Back so soon sweety?" Her mother had asked, she was in the living room. Probably watching Lost Girl again, she couldn't stop watching that show, if her mother had nothing else to do she would watch it. "Just wanted to drop off my bag, get some coffee, then go to work" she had walked up to her room, it was completely clean and tidy. Her dark, wooden floors were a nice contrast for the red wallpaper. Although the walls were covering with either pictures of her and her friends or posters of famous celebrities. She threw the bag into the walk-in with ease, turns around to find her two cats sitting at her feet. Like they wanted something... "Meow," they both said at the same time. Akil, the black Persian, rubbed up against her legs sweetly then jumps on the window nook, jumping over the mass of pillows, and he looks out the window out onto the main street. Layla walks over with a questionable look on her face, What are you up to Akil? she thought while sitting down on the nook with Akil. She looks out the window and tries to determine where he is looking, her eyes darting from person to person. But its no use, she presses her head against his furry side and tries to look from there. Akil is looking at the music store, Layla instantly knows what he wants. Standing back up, she crosses her arms and stares at the hopeful Akil, who was now being accompanied by Alko, the white Ragamuffin, she and him are sitting next to each other with hopeful looks on their small faces. "There is no way you two are coming to work with me," She says, with a comical look on her face, as the cats keep on with their assault on her, "You guys know that I can't, its Norse territory...Don't you look at me like that...Oh Bast help me...Fine!" She says, defeated. The cats happy with their win. They jump off and run out the door with Layla following.

As Layla gets down the stairs, she checks her phone for any messages and sees that there is none. She looks up to see her mother holding a cup of coffee, "OH MY GOD! Don't creep up on me like that mom!" She says with a slight smile on her face, almost being scared to death. Her mother gives Layla the cup of coffee and walks off laughing, "You gave in to Akil and Alko didn't you?" Layla walks out the door, her excited cats on either side of her. Layla was smiling as she walked along the sidewalk, she was happy as anyone could be. Well, apart from her cats, who looked like they were going on an adventure. Layla opens the door to the music store, the bell dinging above it, as she walked in. She saw Julian at the counter with his feet on the desk, no doubt slacking off. She couldn't blame him, there was no one here. "Alright Julian, I am here to relieve you of your jail time," she said happily. As her cats jumped onto the counter with ease, hoping to scare Julian probably.

"Its amazing I've never seen anything like it, I can't wait to see how it lights up the night. Fin grinned happy that he has found someone else as excited about the festival and the decorations. "Where there is romance.... " She said dramatically twirling around and motioning to herself "There is me." Fin laughed playfully, copying her twirling around motion though rather than motioning to himself he motioned to all the decorations going up around them. “So then you should be triply excited about tonight then.” He said shooting her a beaming smile.

“If were not careful to control them tonight we can make the most sensible of men turn into teenage boys who just hit puberty." Fin frowned sympathetically, he understood her need to be careful more than some, seeming as he and his sister also needed to be careful not to accidently turn someone insane. Though Fin worried about it a lot less than Daphne, and had slightly more control over it. “That’s a bummer, with all your being careful make sure you don’t forget to have fun yeah?” He asked worried that the Dehlilah he had just seen admiring the lanterns and decorations would get a chance to enjoy them later that night. “Your sister too.”

"Hey, Fin," Finn grinned broadly at the blonde as she greeted him. She was another Greek he was on friendly term with, though he seemed to be friendly with almost everyone. “Hey Mandy, looking forward to the festival?” He asked excitedly. Before the blonde could answer though they were joined by another girl, he knew he had met her before but couldn’t recall a name.

"Hi...It's Fin, Amanda and Dehlilah right?" Luckily Fin didn’t have to remember her name because Dehlilah jumped in calling her Layla, Fin smile warmly at the girl. “Got them all right,” he said with a smile a thumbs up, he acknowledged that it would be hard for everyone in Northbay with the sudden new members.

“Morning everyone, you’re all looking bright and chipper. Anyone actually helping set the festival up or are we just passive spectators?” Greeted Odessa as she joined the growing group. “I’m with the same as Dehlilah, just spectating, though I might join in the setting up later,” he said with a grin not wanting to skimp out of preparations and leave it to everyone else. Though if he got distracted and didn’t end up helping it would have surprised anyone.

Suddenly just a little off where they were standing there was a crash and what seemed to be two people colliding, one on a bike. It all happened very quickly and while Fin was still surveying what had happened, they girl taken off with Mack and the guy dragged of Dehlilah. Then Layla took off shortly after. Still blinking at what happened Fin turned to Odessa who was still within speaking range. “Well, that all happened very quickly. Though it was very awesome,” he said trying to stop his usual grin from creeping onto his features, since this accident seemed rather serious. “I hope that girl is okay though,” he tacked on the end seeming at the guy Dehlilah was with seemed fine but the girl hadn’t look great when she left.

"Well, let's go get something from the restaurant then, shall we?" Amanda said looking back at him and Odessa, seemingly regaining her focus after what had just transpired. Fin paused for a moment looking between Odessa and Amanda, remembering Dehlilah had mention to him hanging out with her sister and Tony. “Well, I don’t mind, but I really wouldn’t want to intrude,” Fin responded with a carefree smile, looking questioningly between Odessa and Amanda, seeming as he wasn’t sure Odessa wanted to get food. Though he’s decided if Odessa joined them he’d go, but if she wasn’t going to he’d find some other people to hang out with. After all it seemed that had made plans to catch up and he didn’t want to be out of place.

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Viona teetered on the ladder she was standing on as she strung up yet another lantern. When she finished with that one, she put her hands on her hips and paused to take a breath. Her phone vibrated in her back pocket and she reached back to take it out. The screen of her phone lit up as she read the message.



She couldn't help but smile at the ditzy blonde's text. Whenever you were with Izzy, you were sure to have a good time. She needed that today, after all, it was a festival. Her thumbs flew over the touch screen as she replied to Izzy.



She slid her phone back into her pocket and reached up to sting up another lantern. You couldn't tell now, since it was mid morning, and the lanterns weren't lit, but the street would look beautiful at night when the festival started. She had been working for awhile now, helping with lanterns and decorations. The street was full of noise as people worked to put together their stalls. "I should head to work..." she thought to herself.

As she lowered herself from the ladder, she almost fell down when she missed a step. Her hands latched onto the sides as the ladder wobbled and steadied itself. "Gods, I should be more careful." Stepping off the ladder, she took her phone out and started typing.



She returned her phone to her pocket and headed towards the restaurant. She ran a hand through her long curls as she neared the building. Looking up, she saw a small group gathered near the restaurant, and she recognized a few faces. "Hey guys," she said with a grin. She opened up the door to the restaurant and walked in, heading towards the kitchen. She put on the small white half apron, reaching to tie in behind her as she walked back out. She took out a notepad and went to table, with Fin, Amanda, Deliliah and Tony. "Wonder where Odessa went," she thought as she remembered seeing her outside. "Hey, what would you guys like?" she asked with a smile.

“What a way to start the day.” Odessa replied to Fin with a bit of a shrug as she watched the commotion play out. She watched as Layla and a few others came to the girl’s aid. The crash had looked pretty rough and it seemed like Tony couldn’t get away fast enough. Odessa vaguely noticed as the rest of the group went in to be seated without her apparently. It wasn’t as if she was unused to being excluded and it seemed like Tony probably needed a minute to collect himself anyway. Walking in after the other Greeks she took a moment to look around and take note of who else had decided to have breakfast in town this morning.

As she walked up to the counter and took a seat, she smiled at the other waitress on duty whom Odessa knew from the pub. Quickly she ordered a ham and cheese omelet and a side of wheat toast before slipping out of her thin cardigan and tucking her sunglasses away in her bag. She was positively starving and the breakfast bar she had forced herself to eat at 6:30 this morning was long gone. There was also the small fact that since she burned so much excess energy that her appetite was usually ravenous. She supposed it paid to be an Ares kid, the metabolism was out of sight.

Digging in to the steaming plate that was set before her, Odessa felt like she was in heaven. Food was one of her loves and she had never been the kind of girl that worried about what other people thought of her. So what if she could eat an entire pizza by herself and she thought salad was a curse word? There wasn’t anything wrong with that.




Julian had only had one customer all day and it had been Izzy Dias, who as a rule of thumb he was quite fond of. Of course he greeted her as Your Highness and flirted shamelessly with her until she picked out what she wanted and took her leave. Watching her walk away he was reminded of a certain night they shared that he wouldn’t mind reliving again. There was always the festival later for all that, of course by then there’d be a plethora of people around who he might take a shine to.

Lazily resuming his position behind the counter he went back to his magazine and started thinking about food. He never ate breakfast…or lunch for that matter, he just didn’t have the patience to wait for it to cook or to even go to a restaurant and order anything. For this reason he tended to live off candy, beef jerky and beer. Your typical diet of a twenty-one year old bachelor.

It was then that he heard the jingle of the bell signaling the arrival of a customer, more than happy to break up the monotony he looked up expectantly only to come face to face with Layla, his co-worker and her cats apparently.

“Oh, it’s just you. Hey, it’s been dead. Enjoy.” He remarked casually as he let his feet drop to the floor with a thud as he leaned in to take a closer look at the felines on the counter top. Julian was a fan of animals and often respected them more than most people. Plus he was a shape shifter after all; he spent half his time wandering around in one animal form or another, his favorite being the domestic house cat.

“I like the cats. They give the place a certain je ne sais quoi. Anyway, catch you later.” Julian finished as he gathered his things and headed for the door. He and Layla didn’t exactly get along great. They weren’t enemies by any means just two totally different types of people and if he wasn’t mistaken he made her uneasy.

Decided that he would leave his car at the store for now he decided to walk the rest of the way into the center of town where all the preparations were taking place. What better time to scope out what could be the event of the century? As he pulled out a crooked cigarette and lit it with the black bic he kept in his pocket he found himself in front of the pub. “Nah, too early. Not that much of a degenerate.” The tall, lanky boy said to himself out loud. His smooth baritone, comforting and soothing even to his own ears.

It was then he spotted his sister and Ava and with a crooked grin he walked over to the pair, overhearing most of their conversation on his way over. Tucking his hand into the pockets of his jeans he leaned against the wooden pillar holding up a booth still in the process of being assembled.

“I was just about to ask the same question.” Jules replied in greeting as he took a drag from the still lit cigarette dangling from his pouty lips. “I plan on getting properly wasted and I just can’t do it on my own, it’s not nearly as fun.” He finished with a cheeky grin and a wink in Ava’s direction.

Fin followed the two blonde sisters and Tony as they entered the restaurant, and upon entering he was happily assaulted by the smell of freshly cooked food. He noticed Odessa sitting by herself and without even thinking he grinned as he feet steered him towards the girl. Though he was brought back to the group as Dehlilah asking for a table for four and food overtook his previous thought pattern.

Fin smiled broadly as Viona approached their table, she had always been one of his favourite people in Northbay since she was always so friendly and up for a conversation. He order his meal and happily ate it when Viona returned from the kitchen with it.

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It was after they had all finished lunch that Amanda excused herself first. “Bye,” Finn called out to Amanda as she walked out before turning back to Dehlilah and smiling sheepishly. “And then there were two,” he said as he his eyes slide to the clock on the far wall. “And pretty soon there will only be one,” he said reluctantly as he realised that his was due to start his shift at the restaurant now.

“My shift here starts in five,” He explained and he motioned to restaurant they were sitting in. “I really do hate to leave such a pretty girl alone though,” Fin added on while smiling broadly since Dehlilah being exceedingly pretty was just a commonly accepted fact. Sighing he got up and headed through the restaurant towards the back room. Though even just that took him at least five minutes seemings as he kept stopping to say ‘hi’ to pretty much everyone who had come in for lunch.

“Enjoy your lunch Layla,” Fin said grinning as he walked pasted Layla’s table, remembering her from earlier outside the restaurant. “-And it’s Xander right?” Fin asked the guy she was sharing a table with, he was pretty sure he was her brother but he couldn’t be sure. Though he was always up for meeting new people.

He hardly waited to hear the two’s answers before moving on further through the restaurant greeting more people as he went. He also found Odessa sitting by herself clearly enjoying her meal, he found her love of food somewhat endearing. “I take it your enjoying that?” He asked casually as he slid in behind the counter she was eating at, grinning at Viona who was standing nearby. Though he crossed his finger hoping she didn’t comment on his slight lateness.

“Hey co-worker,” He greeted cheerily, “read any good books lately?” Pretty much everyone who knew Viona knew she was a sucker for a good fiction book. Though he turned and made a playfully revolted faced and mouthed reading to Odessa while also making hand motions like reading a book. Fin did not understand reading at all, for him there was nothing more boring then reading a book, all through high school he had been constantly thrown out of English class for not reading the novels. After a paragraph of reading he just tuned out and would let his attention wander onto a new activity.

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Mack was shaking his head as a pair of helpers moved a beam of wood into place,
"Watch where you're..." He started to warn the pair before, crash! the beam hit another pile of poles and sent them rolling across the road. Luckily most of the street was blocked off from pedestrians so there was little need for Mack to run screaming after them. Instead he simply pointed after them to the pair that had caused the crash.

A moment later a voice made him turn and he found Dehlilah Cyprus standing behind him.
"Um, hey I didn't want to interrupt but um can you ask the girl, my friend ran into if she's ok?" She sounded nervous, or perhaps she was just breathless from running across the street.
"Jade. Her name is Jade." Mack said. He felt uncharacteristically defensive of Jade. He was a friendly guy, he didn't take too many things to heart and was easily able to brush off most insults. But the crash this morning had almost cost Jade her babies and in his eyes Dehlilah had been more concerned with getting Antonio into the restaurant than caring for the hurt girl. Still, the fact that she was here asking after Jade meant that Mack's voice wasn't cold, it was simply lacking its usual warmth.

"I would have helped, but I didn't know if you'd want us... To put our noses in your business," Mack wondering who 'our' was meant to be, Dehlilah and Antonio? Mack shook his head slightly. He was about to argue that it had only been 'his' business because he had been concerned, but decided to hold his tongue. He liked Dehlilah well enough, from the little he had seen of her around town. Besides a moment later she looked over her shoulder. She said goodbye, placed a hand on his arm and added "Thanks, seriously," before leaving.

After she left Mack turned back to the set-up, shaking his head as he saw that in the few minutes his attention had been elsewhere all chaos had erupted...



Mack sat back, enjoying the cool beer in his hand as he watched the cordons open and the first residents enter the festival. Mack was at one of the stalls set up outside the bar, fairy lights twinkled above his head and the setting sun was caught and held by the string of mirror-like, plastic crystals that were twined around a nearby lamp post. Soon enough the whole street would be lit by the fairy lights and street lamp, creating a magical setting for the night's festivities.

Mack's hangover of the morning was well and truly gone. In fact, if he found the right people he wouldn't be against making an event out of tonight. He finished his beer and signaled for the bar keep who passed him another. He popped it open, appreciating the tsk of goodness being released.
"To a good night." He said to the bar keep, tilting his bottle in a salute. He returned his gaze to the street, took a sip and leaned back, waiting for the night to begin.

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Viona looked up at Fin as he slid behind the counter and grinned at her. She returned a wide smile as he greeted her. “Hey co-worker, read any good books lately?” "Hey Fin, a tad late are we?" she asked him jokingly. "Oh yeah, I did read this book called..." She trailed off as she saw him making hand motions of reading, and playfully pushed his hands away. She knew Fin wasn't one to read, he didn't get how staring at a page with words was entertaining.

"Anyway, it sucks that your shift starts when the festival does." Viona grabbed started wiping the counter as her shift drew to an end. "When it does end, we should meet up." She turned to Odessa with a smile and added, "You too Odessa!" Tugging at the strings of her apron, she took it off and put it back where she got it. "I gotta go, see you guys later~" She called, looking back and giving them a wave as she stepped out of the restaurant.

Viona headed towards Main street, taking her time as it was still early, not many people would be at the festival yet. As she neared, she could see the many stalls set up along the sides, and the lanterns strung up. Now that the decorating and building was done, it looked great. She paused by a stall selling jewelery and trinkets. A silver bracelet with small lightning bolt charms caught her eye. Looking closer, each lightning bolt was set with small light blue stones. It was really pretty, and it associated with her power. She purchased the little bracelet and put it on, her fingers struggling with the clasp for a moment. She thanked the vendor before continuing down the street, looking at the other stalls.

Odessa smiled with her mouth closed and swallowed her food before laughing at Fin and his pantomime of book reading. To look at him one would think that he’d actually read something before which Odessa almost doubted seeing his strict aversion to it. Pushing away her now empty place she nodded happily to his question and grinned brightly at the handsome boy next to her. “It was delicious and I could probably eat two more plates’ worth, but a girl’s gotta watch her figure. Saving room for festival food is very hard, but totally worth it.” Odessa explained, patting her flat and firm midsection, her thoughts drifting to the festival that would be starting quite soon. She had to work that night but not until ten or so she’d definitely get to enjoy the best of the festivities albeit she’d probably be enjoying them alone as per usual. Unless…

“Speaking of the festival, what are your plans for later? I was gonna go stag but if I can rope someone into braving some rides with me I think all the better, right? What do you think, want to meet up later? I’ll win you a stuffed animal if you say yes.” Odessa offered, her big blue eyes slipping into puppy dog mode, of course if he said no it wouldn’t be that much of a disappointment. Odessa was a divisive personality and most people either hated or loved her, her and Fin has always seemed to get along just fine so she was confident in the fact that they’d probably enjoy each other’s company. At least for the evening and if they could gather up more people, well the more the merrier.

“Anyway, if you’re up for it, let me know. I’ll be at the pub probably, or you can text me.” The greek girl offered confidently, another smile gracing her face as she reached into her bag and pulled out money to pay and tip for her meal. “Well, I’m off. It was excellent as usual; I’ll see you guys later.” She finished brightly, taking her leave of the restaurant and heading back to her small apartment to shower and change.

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After a shower and a tiny nap, Odessa finally decided to get ready for the festival and quickly dressed in a bright blue summery dress that played up the blue in her eyes. Applying a small amount of makeup she slipped into a pair of sandals and headed out the door. Hopping into her car she drove the five minutes to the pub and parked in the employee parking lot and took in the sights of the fest. It had really come together and it actually had the ideal effect of making Odessa feel welcomed. Not wasting another moment she quickly entered the festival grounds, obtained her lantern and wondered where on earth she should start.




Julian couldn’t help but join his sister in her abrupt laughter; the thought was really quite ridiculous. A good majority of the people in town either hated him or were afraid of him he doubted they’d be happy to see his face behind the kissing booth. Of course that only made him want to take part, he was always one for subverting the expectations of others and what better way than to be charitable, helpful lad. Thinking it over for a brief moment as Ava flirted shamelessly with his sister he quickly came to the decision that he’d just ignore the text. He’d rather make a mark in a more distinctive, exciting fashion, something he was sure he and Calypso could do with their hands tied behind their backs.

“Think I’m going to have to pass on that.” Julian murmured to himself as he slid his phone back into his pocket and smiled innocently at Ava’s assumption that she was the only one capable of persuasion. Every time Julian opened his mouth he had the opportunity to change someone’s mind, their actions or feelings but he didn't exactly relish the thought of using it to make people kiss him and pay him for it at the same time. He did have some principles to many people’s surprise.

Julian took his sister upon her invitation to come back to her place and spend the afternoon watching mindless television. They’d lay around like Jones town victims and have beers until it was time to meet with Alyssa and perhaps Ava. Waggling his fingers in farewell to the pretty brunette before him he smirked. “We’ll see you later then. Don’t keep us waiting, we’re extremely impatient.”

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Hours later he followed his sister to the pub and immediately headed for the bathroom; he’d already had a few beers and knew that once he broke the seal he’d never be able to go back. Julian took his time while in the restroom, whipping his hair out of his face and smiling grimly at his own reflection as he washed his hands and dried them. Straightening the plain, slightly too small, black t-shirt he had on he left the restroom and spied Calypso now joined by Alyssa and Ava both. Coming up behind the three girls he quickly and quietly joined them and he signaled for a beer.

“Now don’t you worry your pretty little heads, I’m present and accounted for. Guy can’t visit the men’s room without getting his picture put on the back of a milk carton?” He replied in greeting a broad grin crossing his handsome face as he grabbed his beer and took a swallow. Resting his arm on the back of his bar stool he glanced around the pub and took in the scene. Julian figured that most of the bar’s usual patrons were out among the crowded festival, buying their beer from vendors who charged way too much.

Turning back to Alyssa he looked her up and down appreciatively before leaning forward and approving of her makeshift plan. “I personally vote for all of the above.” He said with another smile, this time a bit more intimate for Alyssa’s benefit although he wasn’t as keen on inviting Tut or Mack. He liked Mack just fine, even found himself slightly attracted to him but Tut was another story. They didn’t exactly get along and the last thing Julian wanted or needed was competition.



Ronan stopped outside of the festival and took a deep breath. He only had a about an hour before he needed to report to the kissing booth so he’d have to entertain himself somehow, as he had that thought his stomach rumbled, deciding to let him know that the he skipped lunch. Recalling that he’d worked straight through in a hurry to leave he figured his first stop would be to one of the many food stalls. As he entered the fest, received his lantern and made his way to the nearest vendor he stopped abruptly. Of course he couldn’t eat festival food now, he was going to have to get up close and personal with people in less than an hour and the last thing they probably paid for was an onion kiss or something.

Sighing he instead made his way to one of the beer vendors and grabbed himself a pint before taking a moment to take a look around the festival. They’d really done it, it looked spectacular, the last festival had been when he was twelve and he thought it spectacular then too. With his mood brightened he decided that exploration was his best bet. Trekking along the midway he watched as people won and lost at carnival games, little kids with cotton candy as big as their heads and couples partaking of the many rides afforded to them.

Pushing his glasses back onto the bridge of his nose he took a large sip of his beer and looked around for any familiar or friendly face. Most notably, his brother, his mother and Viona. Not seeing any of them he shrugged to himself lightly and followed the sound of live music. It was there that he found a spot and swallowed the rest of his beer as he listened to the strains of the Irish folk music coming from stage. For a moment he felt relaxes and at peace, taking his glasses off he tilted his head to the slowly darkening sky and lost himself in the music. He had a feeling tonight would be fantastic and if it wasn’t he’d just drink until it was.