Shadow knew that Mateo would not go into detail about their little affair but he just wanted to see what was his response. "An understanding huh? Subtle, but I won't pry any further." Besides, he knew he never felt inclined to elaborate and it was never his business to involve himself. He just wanted to see what's new coming from him.

Though he could not help but let out a chuckle from his tease. The three of them are out hiding near the enemy during the game - not the best place to catch up with your half-sibling but Shadow was occupied in sorting himself and getting adjusted to camp when Lilythe wound up taking up his mind. Shooting Mateo back a sarcastic look, he responded. "Nope, definitely not." After giving himself a deep breath, he followed with a declaration of sort. "Back for the same birdy." Since confirming that Azrael came back to camp, and apparently a bit earlier than him, he had been working on a few spells, some requiring joint effort to in preparation for Capture the Flag. He could never forget he was almost the cause of his death. His downfall. Taking away his chance to see his [girlfriend].

"Anyways, sorry if I bothered you guys. I'll leave you two to... hug it out. Mateo. Catch up later, yeah?" Shadow smiled as he parted ways, knowing that they would get the hint.

The heat was building up and Shadow's scheme was working. He didn't need to capture the flag but distract Azrael long enough for someone else to make for the grab. "I forgot because the fall hit my head. You're welcome by the way but I could never forget that you waited for the right time to strike. You think you're special? You're no different than me, my friend. You're just taking a different approach."

Though as much as he did not want to admit, but he was right. Shadow did well to keep up with his facade but the entire situation exploded and Lilythe got hurt. He was only "lucky" to use the mist for damage control. "I'm sorry. Was that "treasure" yours to steal? I don't think so!" He smirked. "She was mine, Blackburn. You've got the wrong guy. Aren't you the one who drove us apart because of that stunt of yours?"

"I haven't touched a grimoire in several months so I helped myself to more than a few texts in mother's cabin." While Shadow did not have umbrakinesis, he excelled in the mystic arts and mist control. You'd find him working with his half-siblings on charms, incantations, and even casting without an oral cue. There are lots of spells that would take more than a single person to produce the desired effect - no matter how powerful they are - and he was happy to cooperate just to see the process. "I have been... working on a few spells that may or may not be performed at the upcoming Capture the Flag. I can't say since you might be in the opposite team but I've had the entire cabin do the same. Our magic may be weak during the day but we could at least perform a number of spells that don't cost us much."

Shadow knew that he was not that great of a person, especially someone with emotional issues. There's always room to mature mentally and he just needed the time and resources but for him, Lilythe is a double-edged sword. She may be the best person he could have or the worst person that could indirectly drive him into a hole he may never come back out of. He certainly has talked to many, but there is none who cared more for him other than her which was simply the reason he was willing to go long for her. He never stopped loving her and there's no doubt he'll take the chance if the possibility of them being back together exists. When he felt a squeeze from her hand, he looked up to meet her eyes. He was looking down out of shame as he could not bring himself to look at her as he confessed to his actions.

At least, it's better than a flat out no. "You're right. And I'm willing to make it up to you." Instead, he was convinced quite easily that they could be back together. Perhaps she just needed a little push. "With everything that his happening right now... me coming back and... Azrael... I suppose us still being friends is the best path we can take." It's not ideal, Shadow knew, but the thought pleased him when it could make her happy. "I do appreciate you being honest. I'm glad I got it out of my chest. I was upset when you said you wanted to break up, but I'm happy we're catching up now." Quite frankly, he was still glad they are on speaking terms even more so when she said she still loved him. If only things do get healthier.

"Lilythe... I still love you. I won't deny it but... if it means a lot to you, then I'll try to work with being friends." It was the honest truth. He was not sure if he could actually accomplish that given the circumstances but he wanted to give her realistic expectations. 

"Funny for someone who pushed me off a cliff. Sounds like you prefer to speak with your actions. A firm believer of that phrase." Shadow retorted with narrow slits for eyes.

He began to maintain his distance as Azrael began to move, having to bear full awareness to his surroundings. For all he know, he could have a camper jump him or be surrounded by many to overwhelm him. That man isn't Athena's child but he knew he tends to be full of tricks when it comes to strategy. Though now that they are in Capture the Flag, he thought it was about time he paid him back for nearly killing him over Lilythe. He wished he could just blast him away just so he could snag the flag but she would see it some other way. 

"A little birdie told me you have a date planned with her. Let me just say, I'm proud of you sir for managing to get yourself comfortable when I am gone." There was sarcasm dripping on his voice but all he wanted to do was to stall him until more of his team members arrive.

It was not long since he had seen her but there goes that feeling again. His heart skipping a beat when she smiled as he sat across from her. Oh no. Is he really going to catch feelings for her again? Shadow was convinced that he had gotten over her but it was clear to him that seeing her a couple days ago for the first time in a while that they are still there. His affection for her has not really left and she could tell from the way he spoke her name. Though when her hand to reach out to grab his, he quickly shot her a glance. He was about to ask himself if she still had feelings for him only for her to express that it was just out of habit. Yet when she let it go, a hand hastily grabbed hers in turn. Wait, he thought. He was looking at her again before shock befell into him. He gulped, holding her hand far longer than he should before letting go. "Yeah... habits." Shadow took a second to give himself a slightly deep breath to regain his composure. There was a soft warmth that etched his cheeks as he looked away from her for a moment.

"They have been... alright." He nodded to her. "I caught up with Cabin Twenty a couple at a time. The Harrington twins are still here and the cabin is still a mess just like I had left it." A soft chuckle parted his lips. "Spooky magic during the evening but pretty much your regular campers during the day. We still try to work our magic so we can find spells we can actually use when the sun isn't below the horizon." In truth, Shadow despised the fact that their abilities is limited by the time of day so he'd find ways to work around it. If only he had umbrakinesis like Asher and Tristan. How come they got it? "As for anyone else... I've noticed some people have come back." Larissa for one but he had spotted Azrael coming out of Cabin Sixteen once. He can recognize the guy from afar. "It's nice that this is happening. This camp needs more older campers to guide them such as yourself." Shadow knew he is very well one of them but he'd shy out of a leadership role.

When she broke her decision to part from him, Shadow packed his belongings and was gone the next day. He did not take it very well and everyone knew that, Lilythe more than most. He was convinced that he was the perfect partner for her but he had not really sensed her discontentment until she expressed it with her voice. He never liked remembering that moment but he could not help it when she's here. There was this huge part of him that regretted his actions and felt remorse for what he did and he wished he was given some time to change. Like taking a break. He loved her so much... he was willing to do what it takes to make her happy but for her, it felt like it was to make himself happy.

He shook his head. Now that they are here alone, the least he could do is get out a few words. "Hey, listen. Um," Shadow grew hesitant as his heart began to beat more quickly but steady pace. "Lilythe... I'm sorry. For what I did to you. For the damage I have caused to you and your friends. I know it felt like I meant them when I didn't. I just wished... that I was a better boyfriend to you. Wished I had made things better." His hands then holding her hands together, he gave her a sincere look. "I've always loved you. I suppose... it turned into a disaster." Brushing his thumb into her skin, he continued.

"I'm sorry."

Hold on. Is that... the Azrael Blackburn? Shadow wanted to reconcile with him but meeting him during these circumstances... He grew hesitant and pursed his lips. And he was so close to scoring a point for his team. The bushes near the Nemesis child began to rustle, bringing his attention to the shrubs when his somewhat tall figure appeared from behind it. His foot steps could be heard now since the spell had worn off - he figured he did not need to maintain it after he grabbed the flag but the 'grabbing' part never happened. Staying in a rather cautious stance, he set a wary gaze to the man who once pushed him off a cliff in a past Capture the Flag game.

"Depends." He answered his question, then interrupting the silence the area that surrounded the red flag. "If we're talking this game, then foe." Shadow stretched out his fingers, waiting to cast a spell in case he tries anything funny.

Shadow's first day back at camp was alright. It was better than seeing Lilythe's face when she chose to part from him and seeing that she was willing to give him a chance simply delighted him. The thought of her going out with Azrael began to bother him. He tried not to show it to her but she knew him long enough to pick it up easily. A sigh escaped his lips. Is he really not over her? Or does he simply not like the idea of her being with another man when they had just broke up months ago? He could not know, but it made sense. That time when that man pushed him off a cliff during a game of Capture the Flag. He was almost convinced it was because his team was winning but he knew the real reason. It never dawned on him that he had feelings for his former lover at the time and apparently still does now. He shook his head. And he was still willing to let bygones be bygones even after suffering a concussion after that fall. If Shadow had not use that damage control spell in the last second, he would have suffered brain damage.

So that is one to keep in mind of. If he ever sees him whether in Capture the Flag or not, he wanted to have a chat with him without fighting. Just two grown ups putting their past behind. Shadow was willing to change for her but the more he thought about it, the more it was for himself. If he had changed, will she be able to love him again? Will there be a possibility of them getting back together? Lilythe left an imprint on him that was perhaps more impactful than he had thought. Closing his eyes for the moment, he finally got up from his bed and started to get ready. Today is the day of their brunch and he was the one who gave her the invitation.

Shadow left the Hecate cabin in a more casual fit that consisted of shorts, sneakers, and a graphic tee. It was not a date but just a meeting between two friends. An engagement. He knew that seating himself down in front of Lilythe would bring about rumors but he did not mind. He would never let it have him stray from his goal which he would be very pleased to be her friend once more like the times before they were together - even when he was actually friends with Azrael. Finally approaching the mess hall, he stopped short of his steps. In there waits his former lover and possibly others who are watching from a distance out of curiosity. No. He had been waiting for this moment. That's why he invited her in the first place to test himself.

Heading inside, he could see her already sat down. If she looked to him, Shadow would wave at her as he paraded past the tables. He rested his arm on the surface of the table as he sat across from her, his lips curled into a soft smile. "Morning, Lilythe. Apologies if I kept you waiting. I think I overslept."

Shadow moved from the rest of the team to make an attempt to grab the red team's flag on his own. In the least, he wanted to see how he can fare by himself after going away from camp after a couple of months. That time period was not long but he felt like he was out of shape after staying at his father's home. The older child of Hecate sprinted through the forest with footsteps which made no sound due to the spell he had casted beforehand. Tracking was his specialty - particularly because of a special someone - which is how he came to specialize in skill set that requires stealth. Smirking as he got past one of the guards that stood ten yards away, he trudged on to approach the seemingly unguarded flag. He glanced around, jazz hands craving to grab the pole. And before he knew it, he was going for the attempt to capture it. 

It's okay.

The blue team has a lead thanks to the key member's efforts so he wanted to join in on the battle effort. Rounding up some of his half-siblings and other campers that made the decision to join him, he approached the blue flag and had two campers guard the flag from ten yards away while the magicians placed spells around the proximity. All of them he made sure are non-lethal and that the incantations are correct because one mispronunciation and everything could go wrong. Observing as some of them recited the spell, the trap was to set an alarm to alert the guards if anyone stepped within a couple feet near the flag along with a flash bang that could temporarily blind them. With this in place, the noise would alert anyone nearby whether friend or foe and perhaps a small battle would occur. Still, it would be nice if one of his half-siblings knows umbrakinesis. Where's one when you need it when they could only rely on their small-scale magic?

"Later? I didn't know kids these days are confident now. Back then, everyone had a spine for danger and whatever was thrown at them. Well, mostly everyone." But for anything that was in the realm of love and expression, it proved to be a bit of a challenge. Shadow thought otherwise when he was together with Lilythe. He thought everything was right and going his way but some of her friends began to look at him weird. It was not the faces of encouragement. It was anything but. He did not know what was exactly going on between those two but he could make a guess based on the rumors and talk around them. The first week back at camp, he grew curious on what's up with his half siblings. First, this. Then Asher and Tristan are found studying together. And Tristan is helping out Arsen with his magic. Nothing too different, really. No one had gone out on a quest at least as reassured by his former lover.

"Alright, alright." Shadow crouched down so no one far enough could pick out on his sort of tall stature. Giving his half-brother a pat on the shoulder, he was happy the two of them allowed him to be part of the conversation. "So what's going on with you two? Seems like you two are quite something as a little birdie told me." It was his small attempt in striking up a friendly conversation. He did not know anything about Mateo other than rumors but he figured asking about them would be a good start while they are still here. He was not entirely sure if Helena was fine with it either but it was better than saying nothing.

Fucking sweet. Capture the Flag. It's one of the things he missed after he left camp for a few months and the best thing he needs right now after his little reunion with his former significant other. With Zoren being the team strategist, he was a little skeptical simply because he did not know him well but after seeing him bring the plan to the table and elaborately explained their tactics with possible situations, he knew that the team is in good hands. Before they dispersed, he inquired who is his god parent so upon the mention of Athena, he could not help but grin. Well that was reassuring. After a wave, he performed a spell with a had gesture to silence his foot steps. He needed to conserve as much energy as he needed because well- it's day time.

After some time has passed, he found a couple side by side and began to eaves drop their little conversation. Oh? He recognized that spell so he wanted to do the same. Closing his eyes as he uttered the same words, the voices of their target began to grow audible and clear as if he was right next to the enemy. Once he was done, he found the blonde girl to speak what they have heard about so he had to barge in their cozy spot. "That's right." He approached the couple from the side.

"Hello, little brother." He helped himself to a confident grin towards Mateo. "You guys can get a room once this game is over."

For everything to be okay - to be back to normal before they started dating - it was something he can live with. Perhaps he was certainly ready to get back together with her again and give it another shot, but with the time that had passed by, the wounds that were left behind still seemed fresh. He was just enduring it, convincing himself that he could make it go away with time. Though when she smiled at him, it felt like it had a much better effect on him than therapy ever could. You're very important to me, she said. The man could not help but smile back at her.

A date. Shadow blinked at her, pondering whether or not he heard that correctly. Yes, it's a date between them two. It's nothing to be excited about. It's not like people who go on dates are an item already. Right? He was still unsure of his feelings, he'll admit but she's already in the process of moving on and he felt he had no right to ask her to turn back. Giving her another soft smile in front of his sober expression, he wanted to be happy for them. "Either way, I'm glad you're moving on." With every moment passing, the topic is becoming more difficult to wander in.

"Right, yeah." He shook his head to drive out some unnecessary thoughts. "Anyways, it's nice to see you again. Really. Why don't we meet up for breakfast sometime? Or brunch? Your call." Shadow was growing antsy behind his calm composition. All he wanted to do was to lay down and ponder and wrap himself in a warm blanket so he can process this entire conversation properly before meeting her again prepared. Or maybe hang with the other campers to keep himself distracted.

Shadow was not even one hundred percent sure if he feels that he is ready - more like he managed to convince himself that he is yet he was determined not to make the same mistake again. Not to be too controlling and that there are other people she cares about other than him and as much as him. If he can keep those two things in mind, then he was sure he can still be friends with her and she will wind up happy - something that he always wanted her to be. "I am ready. And I'm going to prove it to you during my stay here in camp." He responded without hesitation. It was something he somehow struggled with in the time before they broke up. He was craving her attention and the longer he spent without her company, the more he bore resentment towards the people she cared about just because they wanted her company. Coming back to camp, he also set a goal to focus on what he had. He had friends of his own as well - he just needed to rekindle a few connections and maybe even make new ones. After all, Lilythe isn't the only person who loves him as a friend. 

"Yes, I know." When Shadow left camp, he acted like it was not a big deal. That he could part from her without feeling anything but once he arrived at his father's home all he could do was sob at his room. He didn't like the way she was looking at him and he tone she used to break the news. He thought it was going fine if not perfect but it turned out his actions was hurting her the most and he despised himself for that. He certainly loved her but he manifested it in a way where she wound up being on the receiving end of his possessiveness. It was that very character that he needed to keep in check. And yet seeing her right now... her smile as she approached him. That smile. That darn smile. His feelings for her continued to remain. Maybe as not as much as before but some of them did. Still pretty and kind, the very traits that drew him to her.

It's a relief to hear that no one went on a quest since he left. No prophecies either and the entire camp has Rachel to thank for blessing them with the peace they deserve. He nodded in agreement but he was more curious to hear about her. "A blessing indeed." And what he was about to hear, he was not exactly prepared for that either. Azrael, the child of Nemesis, came back to camp as well and then confessed his feelings to her if not anyone else. That she said took him by surprise actually as he had never expected he had a thing for her but probably because he was busy being preoccupied in his own world. "I... I see." He gulped. There was no need to be mad or apprehensive. No need to give her a barrage of questions because if he were to ask, he felt she would give him an answer he may not want to hear.

"That's... that's great. I'm proud of him. Happy to hear that. Yeah..." He paused. "Are you guys going out now?" Instead, he needed to know where to place his boundaries.

Shadow would be lying if Lilythe was not the only reason he came back to camp for but his desire to make up everything to her was strong and so was coming home. He never felt at home as much as it did back at his father's place which is perhaps why his stay was put to an abrupt halt. He needed to see her again and prove that he was not the man she had saw before. The man who left camp. Of course, he is conscious enough not to approach her right now because if he did then it would feel like forcing himself upon her like he did before and he did not want to make the same mistake again. Just friends, he made a mental note, just friends. Though when her began to tear up, she caught him off guard. Was it something that he said? He didn't want to hurt her and he certainly hoped that was not the case.

"Yeah." He paused, giving her a rather enthusiastic nod. "I can handle it. I did not... expect for us to get back together after what had transpired. I just wanted to make sure we are on good terms." Shadow was confident that he could be around her now and even more so once she became more comfortable around his presence but he has not once thought about the possibility of her and Azrael being together. He was convinced that she could not like someone who pushed her boyfriend, at the time, down a hill during that capture the flag game. So if the two of them are still friends to this day, then he could handle being friends with her. So with that, he was even prepared to reconcile with him and make sure everything is water under the bridge. He'd normally have a grudge if someone did that but when he is friends with Lilythe, then it is a different story. "You're right. It's okay." He resumed his soft tone. "I can wait. We have all the time in the world." She didn't seem like she's tired so he ought to engage in small talk with her - while she's still here.

"So how have you been doing? How are the campers doing these days? I hope you guys haven't gone questing without me." It was all he could ask at the moment since he wanted to be careful and preferred not to probe her for the answers he wanted to hear. Still, he wanted to ask about the campers if he wanted to rekindle and reinstate his role as a role model.

It was not until his ears picked up a nearby voice that sounded way too familiar. It made him smile- a sound that he long to hear since he came back to camp. It was music to him. His legs turned his figure around to where it had came from - his eyes now laying on his ex-girlfriend who is apparently covered in colored powdered as if she is on one end of the rainbow. The mere sight of her became initially funny, evident by a soft chuckle that parted his lips. Though noting her body language, it was the same when she broke the news to him. It soured his mood a bit but it's inevitable when he was the one who made her uncomfortable to the point where she could not stand him anymore.

"I did return to my father, yes." He responded. "Even took up new hobbies to occupy myself. Some of them worked, some of them did not... but it is something that I have to accept eventually. I came back because of how much I missed this place. It was my second home and the campers helped made it so." Therapy had crossed Shadow's mind but he did not pursue it simply because he believed he is too big for that. He preferred to try to settle on his own. Now, he did not want to approach her just yet. Not until she is more comfortable in his presence. "I know you're probably tired from holding a class so I'll keep this short."

"I could not say this before, but I want to say it now. I..." Shadow gave himself a deep breath, suddenly becoming nervous. He was not like this before, so why is he like this now? Is he... afraid of her lashing out on him? No, he needed to say it. Let bygones be bygones. He wanted them to be on good terms more than anything. "I'm sorry. For everything I have done to you. I was a terrible person back then but I am a changed man. You don't have to believe me, no- but I seek for us to be on good terms again. Just like old times before we were together."

There was a pause. He did not know what to say next other than wanting to catch up with her.

Little is known about Shadow since he left camp so suddenly other than the known fact by a few that it was over a heartbreak. He absolutely loved the person who spends her time being a role model to the youth in and out of camp borders but he continued to crave for more. He was beginning to see that the people she surrounds herself with are red flags and simply deemed them an obstacle in the way of their love. They take up her time which takes up their time, despite that he is more than happy to entertain his friends, half-siblings, and campers. He did not mind at all, but his needs mattered to him more than her own which was the very fact he overlooked in his possessive persona. He did not know what was he aware of doing until they parted. Until she spoke to him and expressed her need for them to take an... indefinite break. The thought crossed his mind as his legs carried him up Half-Blood Hill, his eyes laid on the Doric columns wrapped in overgrown vines from the base. On top of the columns is a frieze to which the words Camp Half-Blood onto the sculpture, an indication that he made it back home- his second home.

As his figure passed the columns, he looked down onto the entire camp area a smile curling his lips to see that nothing has changed since he left. The cabins, the lake, the amphitheater, the Big House... He was quite excited to see new campers and some who had grown to be exceptional demigods. And most importantly, he wanted to how much he had changed to a particular member of the Hermes' Cabin. His light- @ Lilythe Rayne . Once he finished absorbing the the scenery from the top of the hill, he continued downhill and made his way towards the Hecate Cabin so he can unwind first. The trip to camp was not exactly eventful but all that hype had got him somewhat exhausted not to mention facing a monster on the way. The several campers from afar caught his attention- from dueling to arts and crafts to sports, it reminded him of his youthful past especially when most of it was before Percy made a deal with the gods. He was glad that the Hermes cabin was not as crowded as it was before but it still can be messy from time to time. And Lilythe did not seem to mind either.

Finally reaching the lodging area, he stood before the bonfire that resided in the middle of the twenty surrounding cabins. Any camper can see his standing figure nearby and those whom are familiar with him are free to say hi. Currently, he is lost in his reminiscence- thinking about the time of his claiming.