Elias Stratos's Story

Alex had never been to one single party before she came to Camp Athens. Their mother never allowed her to leave the house. Last years had been a blast, but this year was going to be different. Alex sat quietly as her brother took the chair across from her. "Are you okay?" He watched her as she managed to turn her attention to him. "..don't tell me it's nothing. When some of the campers left for the year, others stayed here. You didn't. You left me. Where did you go?"

Alex shook her head. "I'm fine. This isn't about when I left. Then, I just needed to be by myself."

"You know it's dangerous out there. Especially by yourself. Has Mason said something to you again? is that why you left?"
"No."
"Okay, so what's wrong now? Did someone else say something to you?"
"No!" she snapped.
"Al..."
"Just leave it alone, okay? Don't ask me any more questions." she stood up angrily. "Please." she added. It wasn't like her to shut him off without talking to him. He nodded once, his eyes looking down as he did. She gave him a glare before walking silently passed him. Maybe she shouldn't have come back to camp this year since everyone already thought she was a murderer. No one would possibly miss her, would they? Everything in her life had already turned upside down because of a stupid feud between two Gods. They just couldn't let things stay in the past.

He looked up, watching her head into her room. Hopefully, the party would make her feel better. Being around Duke and Wes always brought a smile to her face. Especially Duke. Oh, Ajax had noticed the way his little sister looked at his best friend. Was she acting like this because of him? Duke had recently found out about his little sister, and Alex had seen them together a couple of times without knowing who she is. Was she jealous? the corners of Ajax's lips began to lift upwards, forming a large smile as he looked away and hung his head. Laughing. He had never known her to be jealous, not even once, or she just managed to hide it well. Daniel had a new girl around him before he passed, but Alex didn't seem to batter an eye. He could go in there and tell her about Duke's sister, but maybe it would be way more entertaining for her to find out from Duke himself.

Ajax headed out the second he was dressed, but first grabbing his rucksack which sat near the front door. He decided to wear something casual: Party Outfit. As promised, he arrived a bit early with the music he had downloaded the night before on his computer. It was all taking place down near the beach again where a large campfire was sitting in the middle ready to be lit. Around it at a good safe distance sat four large log benches for everyone to chill out around the flames. The staff members were the ones hosting it all, so they were cooking on the BBQ tonight. They had containers filled with ice where the beer bottles chilled, and quite the buffet on a long table so people could help themselves to sandwiches, pizza, sausage rolls and every other party food displayed. The BBQ would be serving burgers and hot dogs with or without onions. A large variety for everyone to say the least.

xxxxx T R I N I T Y xx W A L L A C E

xxxxxDaughter of Ares | Bathers | #461f4b

Trinity bumped her knee into Mason and bee-lined for another beer. But there was a new selection of bottles and plastic cups sitting on the bar. She looked around to see who would dive in and claim them as theirs and how she couldn't have any, etc. etc. but nobody did so she poured herself a shot, downed it, poured another and took it to go.

Someone grabbed her arm firmly enough to demand her attention and make her lose a step and bounce back, and frankly she wasn't in the mood to be touched or stopped. Trinity pulled herself up short of shoving them away when she saw it was Theo. The audacity of this guy.

"Hey, are you okay? And don't lie to me. I can see it. You know I've always been able to read it in your eyes." Yeah, it was probably those stupid cheat animal instincts. Internally, she groaned. It wasn't and she loved what Artemis and her children could do, especially the shapeshifting. It was her damn eyes. "Talk to me, Trin."

“A girl kisses you and you ask her what’s wrong?” she asked back to Theo half amused. She wasn't 'in' with dating and affectionate acts, but she felt that it was rough timing. “Kinda brutal.” 'Hey, are you okay because you can't really kiss if your life depended on it' But then her eyes searched his face with a moment's of genuine concern. She didn't bite him accidentally or grip him too hard did she? Trinity was upset with these hypothetical versions of the people she cared about but if she was going to hurt Theo, she best have done it right and deliberately.

After figuring that wasn't the case otherwise he probably would have said something about the kiss, not her well-being, she released a sigh. “I don't know Theo, it's stupid,” she confessed. It was unfair of her to be moody at him for something he hadn't done. He might do it but he certainly hadn't failed her yet. “Just...” her hands collapsed by her side, “would you save me? Cause I kinda have this image in my head that all my camp mates would sooner abandon me and let me bleed dry than you know...actually help me. I mean there's enough hate in the world so one less hateful person isn't exactly a big loss,” her gaze moved pass Theo and into blank space as she rambled, “and I'd probably live on purely out of spite anyway and take care of myself. But...” as her eyes shifted back to Theo, he was quite literally stolen away.

A dry laugh escaped her. “Am I being punked?” In what world was this shit okay. And when did Alex turn into a brunette bimbo. She was a bit flirty, adventurous, impulsive but Trinity didn't think that bad. Did Alex just have a thing for taking the guys Trinity liked. She spared a look to Wes then knocked back her second shot. She couldn't face him yet. Besides, wouldn't be long til some other person swept to Ken's side then probably started chatting him up.

As she moved to join Harley, some arms wrapped around her waist and seized her to their side. "I bet I could kiss you better."

“I bet you don’t and you don’t even try.” She threw her elbow into his ribs and kicked behind his knee cap in two fluid natural motions. He collapsed and yelled out a little louder than she would have liked and she hurriedly tried to quiet him. “Ssh. You're okay. Walk it off. Dick.”

She sighed out when she finally reached her darer, sitting by her, only facing the waves. “That was a disaster,” she concluded picking up Harley's drink and taking a sip. Trinity didn't even want to look back towards the party or see Wes because it'd probably tip her over the edge. Trinity had honestly rather had locked lips with her peers than talk to someone and fail at playing charming or just even talk to someone and lie that she tried. She sat there with a hand clutched roughly in her hair as that sunk in. Only you, Trinity. Only you. In her perfect world, the bottle span round and round, missed her until people called it a night or she could pretend to be tired and fatigued. But Lise blew that up in her face right off the bat. Trinity should have shifted to something more like an outer circle as if she was a mere spectator.

After some time of sitting by Harley and staring out into the vast water, Trinity stood up. “I'm going for a swim.” Maybe the waves could help erase the spin the bottle action and help her get a real sense of logic. The beach was such a carefree space after all. Well, the tide was. In there the only worries were whether she should go over or under a wave, if a wave was 'dumper', if she should try body surf it, and occasionally, in Australia, is there a shark in water as well? Even if the waves didn't serve the magical purposes Trinity was hoping for, they would cure the heat creeping across Trinity's skin and it looked inviting the entire time she was staring at it.

---

xxxxx H A R L E E N xx T H E O D O S

xxDaughter of Hermes | Outift | #51849C

Harley was doing some bad lip reading and voice overs of what topic people were talking about and how. She never failed to amuse herself when in need but Trinity giving some guy a swift beat down was much better making Harley erupt into laughter. Some people didn't pay attention to heritages and did just not know how to approach a lady.

Harley watched Trinity head for her and smiled when she parked her butt beside her. “That was a disaster.”

She tilted her head sympathetically. At least she had done it. “I don't think Lise and Theo thought so. Disaster isn't the word that springs to my mind either. In fact what disastrous thing could happen to you?” The question hung in the air between them and wasn't answered for a long while. Trinity's silence was taken as nothing, exactly what Harley gathered. When you were the queen of pain, what did you have to fear, what could be so disastrous?

“I'm going for a swim.”

Harley squinted. “But it's night and really not that hot.” Harley looked over her shoulder towards the waves. “Tide's coming in, isn't it?” When she turned back around she found Trinity's clothes dumped on her other side. Harleen did a 360 and found Trinity's shape, unless conveniently, somebody else decided to go for a swim in the dark at the same time and had blonde hair from what the last glimpse of firelight showed. “Don't go too far,” she mumbled as the figure steadily got further away from the light and party and deeper into the ocean. “You forgot a towel,” she cooed just as uselessly.

She couldn't help but hover for some time. It felt totally against Harley's nature too. Rather than enjoy a party she was trying to keep her eyes on the Queen of Pain. Harley had to remember to lock in that nickname for Trinity when she came back as well. Harley quickly scanned the party once more taking note of the location of the children of Poseidon in case hazards occurred. The likelihood was slim but just in case. Couldn't be too careful and all that.

Harley trudged back to the fire. She had caught glimpse of a girl alone making sand castles but she certainly didn't seem lonely, and more content in her world. Part of Harley wished sandcastles could be that fun for her too. So she chose not to intrude on that activity and keep walking, up to the logs and beside Raven. “Hello lady and gent,” she greeted the pair she instead chose to intrude upon and took a seat on Raven's other side. “Good to see you both make an appearance. Even if parties aren't our particular scene and we don't feel festive.” Most parties were about energy and drinking but those two were happily situated in the same place since she had last seen them. Personally Harley could never achieve such an act.

---

xxxxx E V E L Y N xx M A S T E R S

xxDaughter of Nemesis | Outift | #a10b6d

"Usually, people don't come to me at all. I don't have friends, so if anyone were to approach me, they would probably want something. Like you; you want to know how I would respond to your really forward advances, and maybe you might find me abnormal and wonder, 'who the fuck is this person?'" Even with it all supposedly figured out, the youngest demigod eyed her like an ill motive was lurking at heart. "If you wanted to know, I do indeed find you nosy."

Evelyn let the young and fiery demigod have her say without interruption, she was entitled to her voice and opinion no matter how abrupt, and Evelyn had asked for it and of course she hadn't expected a pleasant review to depart the blonde's mouth. But she had provided the truth and with that, throughout their interaction thus far, evidence to why she didn't have friends. Still, Eve wasn't completely repelled from her yet.

After a moment of eyeing the coolers, McKenna had her response. "I highly doubt that you have any rakija in there."

While luck could be as good as witchcraft and Evelyn had prompted for something from the daughter of Hephaestus's home, she hunched rakija wasn't exactly juice or water. Evelyn couldn't draw out her company's exact age, although the way she acted pitted against the world or the people in it she could almost fool people she was older, Evelyn knew she was youthful and considered a minor in majority of lands across the globe. Besides, even if Evelyn was compelled to give her an alcoholic beverage, she had a big protective brother with eyes like a hawk.

She sighed slightly when it was her turn to speak again, pulling out a bottle of water for herself then sliding away from the cooler with the smallest gesture for McKenna to help herself to an improved range of drinks. If luck befitted her maybe she would find rakija. “I do have a habit of testing people but I wasn't testing you. I was merely interested in why you are the way you are so I chose to ask questions, but in future I'll walk on eggshells around you.” Personally, Evelyn didn't like to waste time tip-toeing around matters, however, she supposed more subtlety could have been implemented. Likewise, she assumed McKenna wouldn't mind her forward advances, but maybe she had misjudged her. “I didn't think sweet, kind smiles and words would do much for you,” she said picking up from her train of thought. “I wanted answers and I got them,” she pointed out evenly.

Evelyn took a sip from her bottle. “I have a great deal of respect for the children of Hephaestus. Engineers and smiths have a role on camp and the world. They're smart.” While the stone-hearted girl nearby did possess such smarts and intelligence, she didn't have all aspects covered to longevity. “My advice would be to make some friends. You'll need someone in your corner. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow but some day. And don't worry, I don't expect it to be me,” Eve stated beating her to the punchline.

After this encounter it was more likely she'd acquire a special distaste for Evelyn.

The festivities went on and truth be told, Raven was beginning to warm up to the atmosphere. She hasn't talked to anyone yet but that didn't stop her from just enjoying everyone else doing their own thing. She'd occasionally glance towards her brother's direction, either making sure he was okay or trying to muster up the courage to talk to him. There was a sigh that escaped her lips after shooting down the idea for the fourth time. Why was this hard for her?

“Mind if I join you?” Snapping her out of her thoughts was a man, tall with hands that were pretty much occupied by the looks of it. Carrying his food and drink. "Go ahead." Raven didn't mind the company so long as he wasn't the noisy and rowdy type. She waited until the guy settled in, that's when she lifted the bottle to her lips, preparing to finish off what she had left of the bitter liquid. "Enjoying the party?" A simple question to start off with. To find out who she was talking to exactly or maybe he didn't want to talk, just needed a spot to eat in peace. Either way, Raven left it in the air, he'd answer if he would like.

The demi-goddess continued her people watching, making sure to witness the amusing game of spin the bottle a group was playing on occasion. It wasn't enough to keep her full attention and soon she found her eyes wandering back over to Dom who had just gotten up. Curious. Was he leaving already? Nope. There was a girl he was headed towards. A hint of a smile formed on her lips and her gaze moved away, let them have their privacy.

Trinity was another that caught Raven's attention for a moment or so. Watching her take down that jerk was enough to make her grin against the bottle she tried to empty out into her mouth only to remember that she had already finished it. Tossing the empty beer bottle into the nearest trash bag, Raven grabbed another from the cooler. There weren't many choices and although she may have wanted something stronger, she stuck with it anyway. Same process with the cap but wanting to feel a buzz faster than she anticipated, down went half the bottle in one shot.

“Hello lady and gent,” That familiar voice. Raven didn't need to look over in order to see who it was because she knew already. She also seen her lurking around earlier. “Good to see you both make an appearance. Even if parties aren't our particular scene and we don't feel festive." The small grin that made its way across Raven's lips only grew a bit more when she lifted her half empty bottle. "Who said I wasn't feeling festive?"

xxxxx H A R L E E N xx T H E O D O S

xxDaughter of Hermes | Outift | #51849C

Harley looked to Raven's bottle that she lifted in gesture. "Who said I wasn't feeling festive?"

She chuckled and rose her hands in surrender. “My mistake. That's one festive activity checked. I also saw you dancing, playing spin the bottle, have a drinking competition with Elias here.” Harley reached a hand around and clapped the son of Ares on the shoulder with a grin. “You two are so rowdy and festive. Real party goers.” Of course Harley didn't really care how they expressed themselves at a party, that was up to them.

She poked her pal's side before the human traffic started moving away from the beach.

“Well that was possibly the shortest game and party known to men,” she commented. They couldn't all be energetic, upbeat souls. But it was probably best to call it quits before the drama unraveled and spoiled any good spirits. “Now, I best be off before any drunks misplace an item and point the finger in the easiest direction.” Harley tapped her own chest then yawned. She looked to Seung-min who had joined the circle not that long ago, the poor soul. At the same time she laughed. She could imagine her little half bro to be quite disappointed at the turn of events.

“See you beauts another day,” she said with a small wave and made her way to her cabin.

_________________________________________

The sun seemed to glare into Harley's eyes and she squinted and rolled her head into the pillow to fight the blinding light. She groaned and threw off her covers as her mind was awake now. She got changed into some lounge clothes and headed to the hall in hopes for some breakfast. Unlike some Harley didn't stock something as simple and essential as food in her cabin.

---

xxxxxxxxxxx T R I N I T Y xx W A L L A C E

xxxxxxxxDaughter of Ares | Outift | #461f4b

She had to admit, it was a bit chilly with a nip in the air but there were worse things to endure than the cold. Plus, it was game over the moment the water hit her hips. Trinity dived under the water instead so her bodies thermostat was the same. She played there for a while, long enough apparently that most of the party had dispersed except for the odd stragglers when she returned. Trinity flicked her hair back and smiled because no matter what, she did feel better for it.

A few steps up the beach and that moment of happiness was gone. Trinity turned rigid and her eyes wide. She looked around her, her head whipping from one side to the other. Her clothes weren't where they were originally and they weren't up the beach. “Where…” Her jaw set and she closed her eyes. That's what she got for trusting a bored Harley.

She walked back to her cabin with her arms crossed clutching her biceps. Once she was in the safe zone, she pursed her lips eyeing her sound system. A solo party in her bathers seemed pretty unconventional. Great idea.


Trinity stirred and rolled to her opposite side. Beginning the day at this hour felt like too much, probably due to the excessive drinking and late night. Her speakers still carried out her type of music. At least she could get up with a little motivation then. Another thought passed her mind and she threw off her covers and headed for the shower. She smelt like the beach and while that wasn't considered a bad smell in her books, the sand in her hair and company might have thought otherwise.

She promptly got changed, brushed her hair throwing it into a high ponytail, grit her teeth in the mirror and settled for a breath freshener opposed to brushing them seeing as she hadn't had breakfast yet and didn't want to spoil the most important meal of the day with toothpaste. Once satisfied, Trinity headed to Ken Dolls cabin.

It took a little longer than she liked, being slightly thrown off with all the new cabins and newly preoccupied ones, but eventually she found it again. Trinity knocked on Wes's cabin door. She had finally got him to agree to an arm wrestle, granted, a time wasn't specified and probably wasn't intended as first thing in the morning but Trinity was too excited. Kinda like Santa back in the day. Besides, she didn't ambush Wes at his cabin nearly as much as he did hers. And she thought the loss would be easier to bear in familiar, comfortable and safe territory. Trinity smirked to herself, moments away from laughing. If she sprouted such words to him, she could already see Wes smiling and making some witty retort. Then, her heart plummeted. What if he wasn't happy to see her? What if he was upset with her for joining spin the bottle and kissing the two individuals she had. Trinity started shuffling away from the door. This was a bad idea, waking Wes from beauty sleep when he could already be in a mood with her. “Shit,” she whispered to herself.

E L I A S x S T R A T O S

Son of Ares /Outfit / Hex: #9d1515

x

Elias had been keeping an eye around the camp eating the food there and sipping on his beer. He ahd never really fit in anywhere he had gone, at least not for long. He tried to keep a lid on his temper, but the more he tried the harder it seemed at times. He watched his half sister spun and gave a little shake, well that was the game. You played it because you had someone you wanted to kiss. He'd just gotten there and well maybe truth or dare would have been more his speed. That could have been a good one for him if he liked a girl hed say it. Never went any more wrong than any other approach. He went back to eating the plate of food.

"Go ahead." He'd settle in and start to eat. He was generally laid back when he could keep his cool, certainly not the rowdy type well unless you got him going. A few bites in he let a little smile touch his lips as she opened up and asked him a question. "Enjoying the party?" He didn't mind if there wasn't the conversation, but he certainly wasn't one to avoid it. ”Sure, good food, drinks, all in all pretty enjoyable. Can't say that spin the bottle is really my game of choice.” A hint of amusement touched his lips as he saw her watching Trinity and shook his head. Guy should have known better.

As he nearly finished off his plate he saw Raven down half the second bottle. He was about to say something when he heard another voice “Hello lady and gent,” Well he could wait to ask about that.“Good to see you both make an appearance. Even if parties aren't our particular scene and we don't feel festive.” He gave a little bit of a shrug, not really thinking much of the opinion. Raven answered though. "Who said I wasn't feeling festive?" The snip had that little bit of bite to it.

“My mistake. That's one festive activity checked. I also saw you dancing, playing spin the bottle, have a drinking competition with Elias here. You two are so rowdy and festive. Real party goers.” As her hand touched his shoulder she'd feel it tense up. Not really enough to be visible, but the hand on it could certainly feel it. He didn't really mind, he enjoyed different parts of it than most and got that. ”More to a party than just some games. For me it's all about the people. Who knows who you'll meet. There's a bit of a thrill to it.” He gave a smirk to Harley as she commented“Well that was possibly the shortest game and party known to men. Now I best be off before any drunks misplace an item and point the finger in the easiest direction.” He made a joking show of checking his person to make sure that she had't played some trick on him when she was there, looking over to Raven and giving her a wink.

”Should get going too. Gotta get up early tomorrow morning and it won't do to be out late. Sorry we didn't really have a chance to talkb good company just the same.” He got up and stretched. He had been hoping for a bit more to go off of. One thing was for sure his half sister didn't need any protecting, She was tough as nails and full of fire. Heading back to the cabin, he'd settle in for a good night's rest. Early to bed early to rise.

When he got back to the cabin he was a little surprised not to see Trinity there. He could have sworn he had seen her heading up from the beach ahead of him. Must have been stopped by someone on the way back. She could take care of herself, and well shuffling all over the place was the aftermath of any party. She must have gotten swept up in it.

Raven could only grin and shake her head in response to Harley. She's one of the few people Rae actually opens up around easily to. Raven listened as the Aries kid spoke. ”More to a party than just some games. For me it's all about the people. Who knows who you'll meet. There's a bit of a thrill to it.” The words held some sense to them and Raven would halfway agree. The free drinks and food was that other half ... take that back, just the drinks. Harley's slender finger at her side popped Rae's little thought bubble. She'd admit, she's a bit ticklish but she didn't jump, just shot a joking glare her direction.

The gesture did make Raven notice the bodies leaving the beach though. Guess it was that time then. The time where everyone sleeps and she's just up doing whatever she pleases because her body is a jerk. Insomnia was a bitch. Even though Raven could feel the tired behind her eyes, her mind and body on the other hand were ready to go. “Well that was possibly the shortest game and party known to men,” and she was right. The party didn't go on for long but Raven also wasn't expecting much so it didn't bother her in the slightest, only that there was no more beer. “Now, I best be off before any drunks misplace an item and point the finger in the easiest direction.” Catching sight of the Aries kid, she couldn't help but to snicker, lifting her bottle up, tipping Harley a little salute of farewell. “See you beauts another day,”

With that, now there were two but not for long as the Aries kid also got up, stretching until he was ready. ”Should get going to. Gotta get up early tomorrow morning and it won't do to be out late. Sorry we didn't really have a chance to talk Good company just the same.” Raven gave the boy a soft smile and sent him off with a nod. He was good company, as far as she could tell. Now there was only one and this one wasn't looking to go back to her cabin any time soon. She swept the beach once more, taking note of some stranglers. One of them caught Raven's gaze. She was beautiful, Raven thought. There was something hypnotic about her aura that was enough to make the young demi-god's gaze linger for a few seconds longer than she intended.

Finally looking away, she emptied what was left of her drink and disposed of it. She then got up and reached around into her back pocket. Rae pulled out the small sketchbook from earlier and the little pencil that had stabbed her in the butt cheek a couple of times while sitting. Wasn't the best idea but at least the point hadn't broken off by some miracle. Raven began moving her feet, breaking off from the rest that were sure to be gone in the next five minutes or so. Closer she got to the sea, until she was a few good feet from where the tide pulled in. She sat in the sand, criss-crossed, there were many stars out tonight, they looked nice. The moon was pretty bright too, being a good source of light for what she was going to do next.

Picking up the pencil she began to sketch out the sky and stars. The sky soon turned to the sea and some time after there a was a mesmerizing sketch of what she saw through her eyes. By the time she had finished sketching her night away, Raven had four pages filled with drawings and one happened to be of the daughter of hypnos she briefly saw after the party ended. Raven decided to call it a night. It was about 2:40 in the morning and her brain and body finally was catching up to the tiredness in her eyes.

When she entered the cabin Raven briefly stopped by Dom's door. She should have just talk to him at the party but she didn't know how to be a sister. She placed her hand softly on the door. Why did she suck at this so bad? Her eyes fluttered closed for a moment but when the faint sound of ice forming on the door reached her ears, Raven pulled her hand back fast. She gave out a little sigh, she'd talk to him tomorrow for sure. Raven continued to her room where she stripped to nothing but her underwear, leaving her clothes a heap next to the bed where she climbed in, pushing her socks off with her toes once she was under warm covers.

He headed to the hall with a large bag over his shoulder prompting the camp attendees outside to follow him as he passed so he could make the announcement. Other staff patrolled the camp rounding the strays up or those that chose to slumber in their cabins.

Once he was burrowed in towards the back of the hall, he begun. "Excuse me." He cleared his throat. "Excuse me." Having little success to gain their focus that way, he whistled loudly, its sound easily carrying through the hall.
"Great. Now, it has come to my attention that the camp has been making ill on its promises to help harness and flourish your powers and provide exciting activity. So today, we play an extreme capture the flag. And yes it's mandatory that you participate. As elementary as that may sound, you need it. Welcome to camp. The teams will be split up in two.."

He cleared his throat and read from his list. "The Red Spartans: Alexandria, Andromeda, Dominick, McKenna, Ji-hyun, Sloane, Theo, Harleen, Finley, Atticus, Adrianna, Kalani, Elias, Nikoloas, Lise, Mason."

He looked up from his list expecting the groans to roll in but protesting would get them nowhere.

"The Blue Trojans: Ajax, Gwendolyn, Trinity, Wesley, Sylas, Annie, Seung-min, Emery, Dimitri, Duke, Keith, Isobel, Mateo, Areum, Raven and Evelyn."

"You die, you lose. You tap out, you lose. You get your color taken from you, you lose and come back to the hall and watch." He dropped his bag with a grunt on a nearby table with a clatter. "Your colors are at your base. These are your weapons. You do not have to use a weapon, they will not be given to you. You can use your powers." He smirked a little. "Welcome to the Hunger Games." The reference to the gripping YA book probably went over at least half the camp attendants heads. Most didn't give reading the time of day, and those that did read probably didn't concern themselves with something so modernized, their noses either stuck in the air or buried in work of literature and ancient tales instead.
Alaric was mostly referring to the cornucopia aspect. The weapons would be scattered among the woods and there’s for the taking, most of which were right at the center of the woods, gleaming and beckoning to be taken in the crossfire.
The camp attendees could figure out for themselves that the pain they could experience would be no more than a phantom pain via the weapons, traps and beasts that the very gods themselves, and some demigods designed and helped set up.

It would be best to see them treat it as real as possible.

"Do not go for fatal blows on each other," he warned as the final and only rule. A demigod turning on another demigod that way was vicious and cruel, and Alaric as well as other staff had no tolerance for it. It had no place in their camp.
"There are currently some hostile beasts prowling the woods," he assured in case anyone was disheartened by the idea of no-fatality experience. However, their very jaws and beings were enchanted so when they clamped down on a demigod fatally, they'd be warped straight to the hall. "You have two minutes to get to the woods, get your colors on, hide your flag within these perimeters," he pointed to the map's red and blue colored area on opposite ends of each other -AKA their bases, "devise a plan and create a universal safe word if you have to."

"I hope you're all awake, because time starts now."

---

"No offense taken. But with similar respect, the same could be said of a Hades child."
It was refreshing to come across someone so wise and Mason nodded with the statement to show, likewise, no offense was taken. "But, you can rest assured when I give someone my word, I follow through," Sylas added taking another grape from his bowl. "And I don't scare easily. I'm not frightened of a little bit of lightening."
Mason found himself nodding again and shrugging. Many would claim so. Jenn wasn't scared of lightening but the psycho bitch cut her head off. If you weren't scared of lightening and submissive to the spawns of Zeus they were particularly hostile because you didn't spoon-feed their massive egos.

"I think allies would be a more appropriate term. Friends aren't really in my wheel house. And no, I don't expect you to just trust me. Trust and friendship is earned... Not freely given."
"That it is." Giving Sylas another look over Mason guessed they wouldn't evolve to such a stage. Keeping things business or as strictly allies would fit them both best. Worry of each other likely wouldn't come into the picture until after the Valises were gone. But who knew what the future held.

"Well, I mean we could simply just corner one of them... Stab stab. Job's done." Thankfully his lack of enthusiasm demonstrated that was among the most plain ideas and not a real one. "That lacks... Creativity, for lack of a better term. Sure, death is the end goal but we don't want it to be swift and merciful. It's more satisfying destroying someone, breaking them down and ruining them, root and stem."
What did he think Mason was doing? In addition to waiting for the right moment to present itself, he was trying some behind the scenes works.But he liked that Sylas liked the slower route. It was a bit more of a gamble but if it was a job done right, it would be most rewarding.
"I don't know how devious you are... But, I liked the idea of turning everyone they love against them."
Mason actually threw his hands up in the air and gestured to the hall. "Thank you! Finally someone gets it! I know I'm pretty but I haven't been spending my time doing my hair and flossing my teeth and solely thinking of ways to kill them." Mason hadn't exactly been targeting people they love to turn against them either, for the sheer fact that he couldn't even stand to be in radius of a Valis worshiper and they were harder to convert.
Actually, Mason was doing little in truth. He was just being a bit more social and charming and Alex already did the murdering. Mason did have one good asset though, however that was more an ace up the sleeve for him.

After a long moment in thought with his tongue pressed to his cheek, he spoke again. "I wouldn't mind dying to make a point. Providing old Pops brings me back." The camp needed to see the monsters under the surface. That it wasn't a one off thing. Like Sylas he wanted to ruin and bury their reputations and ruin the trust fellow demigods mistakenly placed in them. And sure, just to make it really burn, make their world collapse, turn the people they love against them.

Then, a staff member paced through the hall capturing Mason's attention. As he could have guessed, he was on a mission. Once he gathered everybody's attention, he laid out the task ahead.

It was in moments like so where Mason really had to reflect on his life choices, or certainly the choice of returning to camp and not killing Zeus's kids. Now he was teamed up with the one he despised most of all. At first he was consumed in hatred and distaste but eventually it evolved to a glimpse of opportunity. Extreme capture the flag meant full contact. In this case, it meant letting the demigods run wild like animals. Mason glanced back to Sylas. "Is the boy next door facade still staying on in the heat of competition?" He smirked and got up. Now was the time to see what those twins were made of that so easily slipped under the radar.

His legs carried him there automatically and he was in another head space entirely, even as he wrapped the band around his arm. Except when he had to tune in on the team speech, Mason supposed that might have been important. Important to feign attention in anyway as winning or losing didn't really matter to him. How many rematches could happen down the track, and what did winning really prove? That you had a good team and the right players? That they were lucky? Mason crossed his arms and waited for any outgoing brains to take initiative.

---

Two minutes!? Duke paced off to what was temporarily known as the Blue Trojan's base. He wasn't going to hide the flag, leaving that duty instead to the likes of Ajax or better, Seung-min. He pulled a blue bandanna and wrapped it around his forearm.

Duke pressed his tongue to his cheek on his little over-eager team. The hype was good, but they needed a strategy implemented, especially when the opposing team had the likes of Lise and McKenna. "We need defenders, attackers and maybe a mid-field. We also need to consider our biggest threats. Harleen, she's quick, she's deft, you dont want your band taken off you without knowing you've even been touched. Likewise, Andy, military brat and witch, she'll be more confrontational and physical, keep your wits about you. Kalani can seduce you, stay focused. Adrianna, I've never seen her competitive side but I can guess she has one, and not to underestimate her." He gestured to Mateo because the very same applied to him. Then again who wasn't a threat? He gave up. "Take out the Spartans brains, healers and manipulators first, then deal with the brutes. They probably think we're a confrontational side too, that we're going in with guns blazing, but let's try to be a little more subtle. Travel in pairs if you can. Not attached at the hip though." If there was an ambush, he’d prefer one teammate to go down and not a collective of them.
"Wes, Raven, Dimitri, Isobel cover the middle, please." Together the four made a disarming pair, and a protective one too if they accessed the right emotions and triggers, and powers of course.
"Emery, Seung-min, Sylas and Evelyn, you're our secret weapons. Aim for the Spartan's flag. Avoid the heat of the battle if you can, use evasive or defensive techniques." The four could get creative. Their gifts and applications were always a surprise and they weren't the type that urged an immediate threat. "Ajax, Trinity; they'll be expecting us. Let's not disappoint." They were probably the renowned biggest war-heads. Without them near the front line of battle, the opposition would get suspicious about their presence.
"Daniel -uh, Keith, stay as a line of defense. Gwendolyn, I think you'd make a strong offense but it depends where you want to go, you'd know where you're best kept. Annie, I think we need you to press forward too. Look after our assault team and stun some opponents. If that makes you uncomfortable, stay back with Keith."
Duke looked between the remainder of Areum and Mateo. The demigods whose attitude he most struggled to grasp. Daniel needed some help in defense, but he felt their usefulness could be better spent elsewhere. In the middle as both offensive and defensive forces.

Then he caught himself, swept up in heat of the moment. "That's my suggestion anyway," he said so the more sensitive didn't kick up a fuss about him taking lead on a strategy or 'ordering them around'. After all, he was no child of Athena or son of Zeus. "Anybody else got an idea?"

---

Keith tried not to be so evaluating and calculating of the new state of camp. It seemed to bustle with a few more energetic bodies than last year and definitely a few more brooding faces and vibes. He felt his heart sink in the knowledge that it'd be hard to make friends. There seemed so little room for the socially awkward and everybody else already had established their "clique".

Sometimes the camp could be exceptionally boring and dull, but that was something he simply had to endure like everyone else and hope the next day would be more rewarding. His degree of boredom would just be more though. His lips pressed in a line and he plucked out his earphones and shuffled through his phone for a tune that could ignite his soul. Keith smiled slightly when he found it. Some would argue it was a little too swaggerish for him but part of him really liked it and had a guilty pleasure listening to JT.

The son of Hecate traveled through camp territory for another year of learning and fighting evil, having to suppress the urge to walk in rhythmic bounces and pull some Michael Jackson move. He made his way to hall, typically the central congregation point of people, new and regular. That, plus some staff waved him over to and pointed to it.

Some larger species of male had bumped him. "Daniel," they said casually, but he was bowing to the ground to retrieve his glasses that were knocked down on impact. He carefully placed them back on the bridge of his nose, surprised to see the brute had actually taken to stop and staring. For a round two, he prayed not.
Keith slowly rose and for some time it seemed they just stared at each other. "I'm sorry," Keith said finally and spun on his heel to take an extended detour. It wasn't worth getting his teeth knocked out and he didn't want to cause any trouble. Keith had spent some time in the gym on his holidays and become a bit more solid in build, but it was nothing that girls would second look or enough to engage in a fist-fight confidently. The hall would still be there too. He wasn't missing anything.

When he slid into the hall an announcement was happening, and he shrunk into the wall then nestled into a corner and slowly pulled out his earplugs. An extreme mandatory capture the flag...what could go wrong. Inside, Keith wanted to die there and then or dissolve into a puddle. It was like high school P.E class and the untalented still had to participate even when no one really wanted them on the team, and they didn't really want to participate, and the teachers were the only ones that thought it was a good idea in the entire universe. He sighed out and was the first to exit the hall and make his way to blue base.

Duke started rattling off a plan, and while he was smart and confident and that was semi-contagious when it came to his plan, Keith was super insecure about being the last line of defense by guarding the base especially by his lonesome. That was enough pressure for him to develop a twitch and have a nervous breakdown. But externally, there was no more displayed than light levels of anxiety.

---

---

T H E OXS M I T H
son of artemis

---

Team Red Spartans
Mood: Excited
Hex: #0000BF

Just as Theo had turned his flirting with Gwen all the way up, one of the camp directors came through the door and explained how the game of capture the flag would work. He rolled his eyes as Gwen was not among his teammates. As the director finished, Theo's mind immediately started spinning with ideas as he grabbed a map from a table nearby . His eyes widened as he saw which side of camp his squad had. He cracked a slight smile. They had the water at their back over by the Poseidon cabins. As his mind surveyed the landmarks of the camp he had completely memorized, he knew there was a certain rock formation on the shore that a person could hide in. His idea involved hiding the flag in the rock crevice.

He looked around at his group. Surely the newer campers would look to the veterans to formulate a game plan considering their more extensive knowledge of camp and their experience in battle. That left it up to Theo, Mason, Andy, and Alex. Theo decided it would be good time for him to step up. Mason was definitely not the type to tell everyone what to do. Andy would probably go along with anything as long as her talents were properly utilized. Alex was a Zeus child, but Theo knew she trusted him. Theo liked the opportunity to step up, and he didn't doubt that Alex would allow it. She might do her own thing out there regardless of the plan, but Theo knew for sure she could handle herself.

With that Theo stepped into the middle of the awkward circle they had formed as they got out of ear shot of the other team. "Okay, so here is what I am thinking. We have the shore on our side. Finley, you know that rock formation out by the cabin with the crevice surrounded by the taller rocks? I think we could hide the flag there. You could pull the tide out the the formation to make it even more complicated to search around there. After the flag is hidden, we need attackers and defenders. Dominick, I think you should stay back and help Finley defend the flag for sure. You could even hard freeze the water in the crevice with the flag in the very middle of the ice. That would buy us some time even if they manage to get to the flag because they would have to get it out of the ice.

Ji-Hyun, Sloane, Atticus, Adrianna, Kalani, and Nik... you guys should stay back on this side to defend. My best idea would be for you guys to pair off. This way if anyone gets in a sticky situation they always have someone to help them out. The longer we keep as many people in the game as we can, the better off we are. Two more of you should probably stay close by the flag with Dom and Fin, but the others pairs should post up somewhere else on their natural path to the flag. Think of an alert system and communicate with each other back here. As the game closes in on the flag you guys can work your way back. Right now try to defend the territory as a whole and knock a few people out. I can almost guarantee you Ajax, Duke, and Trinity are coming this way. Be ready. I'm not sure who else will be attacking though.

Andy, Alex, McKenna, Harleen, Elias, Mason, Lise, and myself would probably be best as attackers. I think we should probably go in pairs too. Think about who could complement you well. Elias I think I'd like to pair with you. I can go from high place to high place covering your back as you control things in close range on the ground. We should all spread out and canvas the area, looking for the flag, and trying to knock out their defenders. We need a signal too in case someone finds the flag or gets in trouble. Harleen, do your thing. Make their heads spin and if you have a run at the flag then get some cover and go for it. Lise and Mason... the two of you are probably the sneakiest of all of us. Try to pair up with someone aggressive who can cover you. When we find the flag, we need to go all in after the thing while the two of you try to slip in and slip away with the flag. Everyone else, let's put on a show. I think we have the better team here. Be patient. If we can knock several of their players out early, we will be in great shape. Be cautious with who you get into a fight with though. We need everyone out there as long as possible. Have fun. Stay focused. Be smart. Play to your strengths. If you can manipulate their minds, use that. If you can fight it our or shoot it out like me, use those things too. Remember, snatching their band might be easier than winning a fight. I think we can really win this thing. Anyone got any ideas for signals or anything else?"

Theo took a deep breath and looked around at his comrades for the day, satisfied with his plan, trying to judge if everyone else was too. He kept a positive tone, and he tried to make sure he didn't sound like a dictator.

xxxx T R I N I T Y xx W A L L A C E

xx Trojans | Ares | Outfit | #461f4b

"You know, it's not like we're attached at the hip," Andy remarked quite sassily. And while they weren't, they did look to be having certain fun last night so she just especially figured..."It's complicated. I'll tell you about it after training."

Uh-oh. Trinity nodded understandingly.

"Sorry to interrupt. I've just got a quick question for you Trinity. You up for a run tomorrow morning? We're both here, and well just doesn't seem right to not know anything about my half sister, ya know?"

Part of her was compelled to jump right out of her seat and stand to attention for her half-brother but that might have been weird. “Hundred per cent,” Trinity assured with a nod and just as she was about to gesture for him to sit, a staff member strode into the Hall.

The more Alaric spoke, the more she was enthused. In days like so, Trinity admired camp for its lively and challenging nature. It had been what felt like forever since there was some ultimate challenge. And a team one at that. Something that tested them physically and mentally.

"Looks like I'll be seeing you all on the battle field."

"Yeah, she's stuck with me. Hell of a trade."

Trinity bumped her elbow into him and smiled. Then Andy snapped her fingers and was in battle gear. "Oh, shoot... You guys don't have armor. That sucks. Good luck guys. I hope, for your sakes, I don't come across you all on the battlefield."

Once she was out of sight and ear range, Trinity scowled. “Bloody witches.” Then her gaze flickered back to Elias. “Hope you bring your A game, champ. I honestly look forward to seeing what you can do.” Maybe Elias could mirror her own potential.

_______________________________________________________________

Trinity was so immersed in the plan of action by Duke, she felt his logic made sense providing you drew the lines and reasoning together for yourself. Granted, half of it probably would be improvised.

"Looks like I won't be your burden today Blondie. You're on offense... And I'm... Whatever the middle is." He gave her a nudge and chuckled.

She rolled her eyes playfully and bumped him back. “I'm bait, Wesley Preston and the middle is good.” Trinity spoke Duke's language. The middle could be offensive and defensive forces.

Also due to being immersed in all things war and winning, Daniel’s existence didn’t hit her radar until Wes appeared in her ear. "Uhhh... When did this happen? Does Andy know?"

Trinity looked around then saw the source and cocked her head. How subdued he was, the glasses…but that face! She couldn’t help but frown and stare. “He would have mentioned something if he had a twin, right?” Trinity glanced up to Wes questioningly then back to this Keith.

Slowly she tore her eyes away from him and back to the group as Sylas piped up. That's why he wants you behind the scenes, she rebutted in her head with a scowl. Then Ajax with the most disarming of statements. "I'll hang back, just in case any stragglers get through."

She waited for his change of heart but it didn't come. Trinity's eyes darted back to Duke, almost feeling guilty to announce her views now. “I'm happy to push forward as my primary role, and I will do it, but I'd also like to be a spare. Go where I'm needed you know.” Trinity gestured towards Wes with her head and grinned, immediately patting him on the back.

“Also, as a bit of a forewarning, some of the reds are equipped with light armor but even through armor there's weakness,” she assured her team. “And I know from experience a few of them like to take vantage points so it should go without saying but be mindful where you are.”

Trinity wrapped her color around her like a buckle then held another blue out for Wes. “Where do you want it?” As she tied it around him, Trinity spoke. “Seriously though, Wes, use your powers and be an ass because people won't give you the same mercy.” Trinity felt defeated even telling him that. He could be a stubborn one even when his moral code had no place on the battlefield. “If they're in red, they're the enemy,” she muttered aloud her own logic that probably did nothing to likes of Wes. She grabbed his chin. “Don't make me have to give you rage,” she teased. She just wanted him to look after himself to the best of his ability.

Before Trinity headed her separate ways from the team, Trinity grabbed Ajax’s shoulder but looked beyond him, painting the picture that they were talking no more than battle strategy or casual. “You okay, you seem kind of out of it?” She asked lowly.

Evidently something was the matter but it just came down to whether he wanted to share or not. Trinity looked longingly to her calling of the vast vegetation that she had to travel to get to the Spartans base. “I got to go but...stand strong.” Trinity rose a fist mid air then started covering the ground she lost.

---

xxxxx H A R L E E N xx T H E O D O S

xxSpartans | Hermes | Outift | #51849C

An announcement had never filled her with such joy. Normally they were long winded, boring, or on the topic of an incident or welcoming speech but it was capture the flag along with the teams and guidelines.

“See ya on the flip side.” She saluted to Mateo beaming, and without losing a beat headed to the Spartans base.

Once there, it was Theo that took the reins when she expected a plan to come from Alex or Lise. But the Son of Artemis..it was a nice curveball especially when he spoke such strategy and edge. Harley saluted when he gave her her role. She could definitely make heads spin. Now she was just itching to put that plan in effect alongside her teammates.

When they were all on the same page, Harley didn't waste time darting off and neither did Alex which she assumed would be her complementing pair. Harley had lost the brunette regrettably but no matter, Harley was quite capable of being an independent scout and she could always speed back and forth to tell their defensive line how things were looking or if she found that blue flag. Just then her foot landed on something and before the rope could seize her by the ankle she skipped out of it just in time.

Handsome director Alaric neglected to mention there were traps laying about. But Harley found it all the more exciting. She grinned wickedly and sped off to see what else she could find.

---

xxxxx E V E L Y N xx M A S T E R S

xxTrojans | Nemesis | Outift | #aa237b

After smugly enjoying her specially made breakfast, a higher member of camp entered the hall and took over the show. Unfortunately a dreadful announcement came from such a handsome face. However, it did spike her intrigue.

_____________________________________________________________

Any feeling of content, peace, even the mundane and boredom was erased in seconds as she lay eyes on a particular male with glasses. Evelyn felt like time stopped around her, there was no air, no space, everything seemed to drop, including her heart. It wasn't because he was good looking, though he was a fine specimen, but it was her instincts that plummeted and knotted at the same time.

Evelyn restrained herself from approaching him however, it was too hard to identify what her instincts were alerting her to. It wasn't bad like when she locked eyes with Eris's son and Hades child, but it was unsettling. Evelyn would remain at distance to observe him some more for now, who he mingled with or who approached him and gain more of a sense from there. She wasn't dumb enough to walk into the void of the unknowing. Besides, the game required her attention and Duke wanted her as a secret weapon. To become and serve as a shadow player. So that is what she would do.

Only after she voiced her own idea for an edge. “Can we join hands for a moment or touch? It’s not to pray, I promise you.”

Evelyn touched the closest team members on their upper arms. Those that did link up were so rewarded with heightened senses aside from touch and taste. She found when those senses were manipulated it made people paranoid or in a state of awe, it served as only a distraction and presently they needed focus. With their hearing, sight and smell peaked they could be more attuned to danger. Building on what Trinity informed them to - the armor and vantage points, it seemed they could use it.

“I don’t know much about war strategy but I think we have a strong team to use misdirection to our advantage.” Evelyn wasn't exactly sure what she could do yet, but in the moment, she had a feeling she'd know how to tip the scales in the blues favor.

Once the meeting of sorts was adjourned she trudged her way out wide.

E L I A S x S T R A T O S

Spartans

Son of Ares /Outfit / Hex: #9d1515

x

Elias Nodded as Trinity gave her answer. “Hundred per cent,” He was about to respond when the staff member came into the room. He explained that there was going to be training, a game, capture the flag. Explaining the rules he was short, concise to the point, and overall effective. He might not have been a son of Aphrodite, but he could feel the excitement run through the room the energy that came before a battle. He gave a little smirk

"Looks like I'll be seeing you all on the battle field."

"Yeah, she's stuck with me. Hell of a trade."

"Oh, shoot... You guys don't have armor. That sucks. Good luck guys. I hope, for your sakes, I don't come across you all on the battlefield."

He gave a little chuckle as Trinity scowled “Bloody witches. Hope you bring your A game, champ. I honestly look forward to seeing what you can do.”

"Don't you doubt it." He hurried off to meet up with his team. They had not been given much time at all to talk and strategy won and lost conflicts and, he guessed, games of capture the flag.

Listening to Theo explain his idea for a strategy Elias had to admit it seemed a good one. He was no Child of Artemis, but he'd studied the subject a little as it related to battle and it seemed sound.

Elias I think I'd like to pair with you. I can go from high place to high place covering your back as you control things in close range on the ground. We should all spread out and canvas the area, looking for the flag, and trying to knock out their defenders. We need a signal too in case someone finds the flag or gets in trouble.

Then he was a little surprised to be included so quickly. He'd always been a loner, but having someone to watch his back. That would be nice for a change. He thought for a moment about that kind of aggression. Move into the area and take ground, eliminate those that were chosen to defend. He'd need a weapon that the others were not familiar with fighting against, as well as one that could be used to defend against quick flanking attacks. While Everyone was position he'd give it a few moments thought. Heading along beside Theo.

"You call out the path. You know this camp better than I do. I'm gonna go spear and shield should let be be aggressive and defensive. I get outnumbered I should still be able to maneuver them to give you a clean shot. While we're heading out who are their best fighters on their side that you know of and any quick tips on how they fight."

Even as he spoke Elias was heading toward the woods. Theo would need a good bow if he were to make use of his talents well. The opening conflict would play well to his life outnumbered and struggling to find the way to survive. It would be familiar and unless Theo had objections that seemed the reasonable place to go. Then again Theo might have other ideas and well He'd trust the man's judgement.

---

---

T H E OXS M I T H
son of artemis

---

Location: Woods
Mood: Focused
Hex: #0000BF

Theo listened intently as a few others called out their suggestions. He was generally fine with people doing what they were comfortable with. He watched as Mason and Andy went off ahead of the others. Harleen sped off. The flag was hidden, and the defenses were mostly set. Theo looked over his shoulder as Elias approached him.

"You call out the path. You know this camp better than I do. I'm gonna go spear and shield should let be be aggressive and defensive. I get outnumbered I should still be able to maneuver them to give you a clean shot. While we're heading out who are their best fighters on their side that you know of and any quick tips on how they fight."

Theo scratched his head as they started moving weaving through the trees quickly but quietly. "If we stay through this stretch of the woods, it bends around the center of camp. It'll take us up a hill that will give us a solid vantage point to devise a strategy from. We both know I want a crossbow," Theo let out a little chuckle. But so do the "game makers" and the other team. If we see one we have to be weary that it could be some form of a trap," Theo slowed his walk and his speech to make sure Elias got the next part clear. "I need you to very careful until I have a bow though. I have seen your sister fight and I know it can be hard for your lineage to resist running full steam into a fight, but I need you out there. I can fight well with any weapon, but I'm not a true threat to the other team until I have a bow. Once we found one, you can be more aggressive. I can cover your back," Theo patted him on the back just before bending down to pick up an axe he spotted leaning against a random tree.

He offered it to Elias before answering the last part of Elias' question, "As far as their fighters go, I'm sure you know your sister is a beast. Probably fights much like you. Duke is a handful. He is very smart, and his abilities include playing with fire. It is dangerous to fight him at any range. Ajax is obviously a great fighter, if not over aggressive. Emery will be a lot like me. If you can catch her in close range, you can handle her easy. Wes can't really fight, but he is smart, innovative, and has the ability to manipulate emotions. Don't underestimate him... other than that I don't know much about the others. I think that is one good thing about this exercise. We get to see where the new campers shine. So shine for me Elias." Theo kept his eyes ahead as he spoke. He knew he was approaching disputed territory. He could see the approaching terrain in his mind as he had memorized the camp to a tee. He knew there was an upcoming clearing, and he stuck his hand out to signal to Elias to stop. Theo crept to the edge of the clearing, not a sound coming from his footsteps. He let a sliver of a smile overtake his calm countenance. There it was, a nice sleek, gleaming black crossbow along with a quiver of arrows. Theo could not help but notice the different colored bands around the tail of each arrow in the quiver. It was like they had left this bow just for him considering his personal quiver contained his own set of specialized arrows. He saw several red banded arrows. Theo knew they must be explosive arrows. He saw green banded arrows. In his set, this signified arrows that deployed a net to trap whatever Theo was shooting at. He even saw blue banded arrows. These arrows were specially made for long distance shooting. Theo was almost salivating over the prospect of wreaking havoc with the bow.

But as usual, there was a catch. Right beside the arrow and the quiver was a stalking ugly beast. He motioned to Elias, pointing at him to go around and hit the beast from the side as Theo went for the bow. He waited on Elias to get into position, and then Theo stepped out into the clearing.

E L I A S x S T R A T O S

Spartans

Son of Ares /Outfit / Hex: #9d1515

x

Elias listened to Theo as he gave the run down. He was on the lookout for a spear and a shield, Spotting a short sword he took that up. Spinning it in his hand he checked the balance of the weapon. nodding that it was sufficiently well balanced he scanned the area around them for something a little more defensive.

"If we stay through this stretch of the woods, it bends around the center of camp. It'll take us up a hill that will give us a solid vantage point to devise a strategy from. We both know I want a crossbow, but so do the "game makers" and the other team. If we see one we have to be weary that it could be some form of a trap, I need you to very careful until I have a bow though. I have seen your sister fight and I know it can be hard for your lineage to resist running full steam into a fight, but I need you out there. I can fight well with any weapon, but I'm not a true threat to the other team until I have a bow. Once we found one, you can be more aggressive. I can cover your back"

Elias' eyes had been scanning the woods as they talked, and when Theo talked about how he needed him to be careful his temper flared up. His mind ran through what he wanted to say over the first thought that leapt to his mind, You don't think I know how to fight with someone. Just because I haven't been at a camp like this one doesn't mean I haven't fought with others. "I know how to keep my cool" Ok, maybe not completely true, but well he'd learned how to direct his anger in the best direction. He hooked his foot under an oaken quarterstaff, hefting it in his hand and planting it on the ground to walk with. Sword and staff, not really the best combination, but it was unorthodox. He doubted many had fought against the combination and that should give a little measure of advantage.

Elias nodded as Theo ran through who he should worry about and why, and noticed that he was giving counters when he knew them."I'm sure you know your sister is a beast. Probably fights much like you." No, in point of fact he didn't, but he knew he was physically more than most. Figured that that and the battlelust were what he meant. Seemed simple, that was best after all he thought. He was about to ask a little more about Duke when he was signaled to stop. He did turning so he could see more of what was behind them in case they had been tailed already. He was quicker than average, but he could only think the Hermes children had to be faster. He made sure to keep Theo in eyesight, after all he'd not gotten his bow just yet.

Elias around the side as Theo had signaled and found a tree at its edge to wait behind. The beast would be much more likely to focus and charge it it were facing only a single being. Crouched low, he worked his feet quietly into the dirt, ready to take off at a full run as soon as the beast charged.

E L I A S x S T R A T O S

Son of Ares /Outfit / Hex: #9d1515

x

Elias waited for the beast to charge past him toward Theo. Taking a quick pair of accelerating steps before pulling back the quarterstaff he held in his left hand. Another step and he was able to twist his body with the staff to bring its small end right to the side of the beasts' back left leg. Hearing a snap of the bone. He brought the short sword in his right hand across his body. The quarterstaff creaking as it drove the running beast's right hind leg in front of the left one, breaking its momentum. Dragging the sword along the backs of both its thighs, Elias opened a deep cut on them, hoping to lame the beast. As it whirled to snap at him Elias Rotated his wrist and brought the tip of the quarterstaff into its open jaws.

He shoved with all his strength and turned toward that arm. The beast's jaws snapped shut as it rocked back and away from the force of the shove snapping the heavy staff with contemptuous ease. As it did, Elias fininshed his rotation bringing sword across in a downward slash across its front left thigh and across its front right knee. As the beast recovered he sprung back. Backpedaling away from the snapping jaws. It pursued him forward for a few steps, making up ground and then lunged to snap at him. The wooden staff-turned -club in his left hand came down to catch it on the way in and it backed off, settling down into a crouch and letting out a low growl.

Elia's battle lust tore at him to attack the beast. It was on its last legs, but he fought it, ok, redirected it. Trinity had run off with his prize. Ok, well it was Theo's prize, but it was why he was here to start with. He nodded his head off to the side, knowing that the beast's sounds could easily be drawing in others. “It's lame, come on.” Nodding his head off the the side in a jerky motion Before heading off in the direction that Trinity had run.

Hearing the sounds of another of those creatures, he sped up to a full sprint. He wanted to catch it while it was fighting. Those things were fast and strong, With a good long reach weapon he was sure he could tear the things to pieces, but with what he had not, no. He got there in time to see Trinity's shorouded form jogging off through the trees in the distance and the bow laying there on the ground. Running forward He scooped it up and tossed it back to Theo. “Try to keep up.”

He took off at a quick jog after the distant form ahead of him. She could be leading him to a trap so he kept his short blade Gripped tight and at the ready. He finally caught up to her in time to watch her flip off a tree and take down one of those beasts that had come after her. Well this was going to be interesting. Then Wes came with another beast as a pet...ok, this was not good.

Hoping those beasts didn't have much of a sense of hearing or smell. he came to a stop and started to back away from the pair slowly. He only had the short sword after all Twinned swords, how'd she manage that. He'd be lucky to get a knife with a minute's focus. Heavens he was not good at sneaking, but the match up what it was he'd have to stall. Tucking the broken staff under his sword arm he bent down and grabbed up a rock and tossed it a good distance away from him so it could hop and jump along the ground. Like someone running away from them. Maybe the animal and Trinity would take off after it each egging the other to chase, otherwise he could be in trouble.

xxxxx T R I N I T Y xx W A L L A C E

Trojans | Daughter of Ares | Outfit | #461f4b

"Hold on Wonder Woman." She wasn’t a fan of slowing things down when the adrenaline of battle coursed through her body. Yet for Wes she waited.

Trinity quirked up a brow. “You know Ares is Wonder Woman’s nemesis?” Trinity smiled because frankly she found herself amusing. Then she sighed out watching him make a more appropriate tourniquet for her and shifted her weight from leg to leg as she held her arm up for him. Arguing would be pointless.

Her eyes watched his every move carefully. How he used his mouth and hand to make a sufficing tourniquet. She expected him to knock or graze her but he was gentle and deliberate in his movements. Soon she found herself hunting for his striking green eyes.

"Better?"

“From what? It was just a scratch.” Truly she didn't want a fuss or to get anyone used to the idea of patching her up. Especially not when there were others who needed it more on camp. Bruises, blood, violence, its what she lived for and it was expected she'd get her own dish.

Trinity watched him climb aboard his beast that she finally gave a proper moment to look over. Wes extended his hand out towards her, snapping her attention back on him. "Let's go get a flag."

“I...” her gaze flickered back on the hound suddenly self-conscious and uneasy. “I don't think that's a good idea. I've got like....its cousin's blood on me,” she muttered. “I promise I'll be beh-” Before she could finish, she heard something skitter off in the woods. “I'll catch up,” she said, though a little absently.

Trinity inspected the direction of where the sound came from. Her steps slowed to listen to where the source scampered off to, and she was looking; peering around trees, looking up them, but nothing. Trinity's fists clenched and released a few times and even her jaw tightened. This felt bad.

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wesley preston
aphroditex|xoutfitx|x#667C0Cx|xtrojan

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sylas astor
erisx|xoutfitx|x#064C4Bx|xtrojan

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andromeda bolton
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sloane astor
erisx|xoutfitx|x#C7B29Bx|xspartan

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E L I A S x S T R A T O S

Son of Ares /Outfit / Hex: #9d1515

Spartans

Elias waited, he had not been close enough to make out what was being said. He could hear the tones though, hesitant, cautious. He knew that there was not much of a chance of beating the two in combat. Now that his plan to send the two running had not worked out. He would have heard it if that beast had run off after it. Well that was not good, that would mean rather than a distractions they'd just be more on alert. Maybe he could run for it. He did not know how good his sister was at it and if he were better he might be able to separate them that way. Plus Theo was supposedly coming up behind him. Maybe he should just wait for that. He checked the wind, no it was not blowing toward them, but nor was it blowing away. Worse yet if they headed over in the direction of the stone it just might bring them down wind of him. He let a little curse for being too impulsive to think to throw it the other way.

Three choices. Fight, Run, or hide, If he were to fight he'd have his sister, from what he had heard experienced and competent and Wes. He didn't know much about him, but he had seen those beasts at work, Simply fighting one in a fair fight was not something he think he'd walk away from unharmed, and add in his sister, no, fighting outright was off the table. He could run, but he was not that far from them and did not know where the others were. Those beasts were quick, and well maybe if he got lucky he could take the beast quickly and then be ready for Trinity, and Wes, They both only had one arm, but it was still two on one, with a couple seconds between them, no that was not a winning gambit either. That left just hiding, got he hated hiding, but it seemed that was all he ever did. The world had taught him when you were outmatched, you hid, and well he'd pass on the lesson to them here. That was what this game was all about, right. Back pressing into the tree he listened with all his might to hear just what the two were doing seeing if he could get any idea what it was they were up to. Both his snapped off staff and his sword were held up close to his body. His head turned to the side of his sword arm as he listened and waited, getting ready to pull his father's speed and strength into his limbs.

As he waited there was a little bright side, he had a chance to catch his breath after the running he had done chasing after Trinity. One could only hope that a couple more small mercies would turn themselves up before that beast Wes was riding caught his scent. After all, he had no idea what the one armed Wes could do and that was something that made planning a might bit harder, but planning and planning was easier than waiting and doing nothing.

xxxxx H A R L E E N xx T H E O D O S

xxSpartans | Hermes | Outift | #51849C

Harley breezed out of home base after a minute, taking the time to assure her limbs weren't charred. Nik's powers were effective. Good.

She zig-zagged the woods, slowly progressing forward to get a sense of how far the oppositions were from taking over base. Then she started to ascend trees to scout from an advantaged point. There she spied quite the scene; one Trojan on a beast, one further along and Elias pinning his back to a tree. It would be a great scene to see Elias verse Trinity, but also cause a commotion even over the thunder and that would risk calling Wesley and his beastie over and Harley wasn't so sure even a son of Ares could take three opponents. And Harley would be no good reinforcement against a beast, that was just reality. Harley clucked her tongue gently and jumped down to gracefully land behind the blonde.

“Hi there, gorgeous.” She swayed side to side, her knees bent slightly and a teasing smirk on her features. Harley struck out her hand to snatch Trinity's band but she dodged in the nick of time. Harley went for another attempt and another that Trinity slimly evaded and responded with batting Harley's arm aside and kicking out. It became a battle of moves and countermoves, neither girl prevailing until Harley took note of Trinity's reluctance to move a certain leg and arm. Harley smiled and darted around Trinity to keep her off balance then plucked her band, appearing a distance away from her. She looked back to Trinity, the blue band resting around her fingers and sent the warrior princess a wink.

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xxxx T R I N I T Y xx W A L L A C E

xxxxTrojans | Ares | Outfit | #461f4b

A light thud sounded from behind her revealing Harley. Her mouth dropped a little and Trinity checked her surroundings. Harleen was not what she was expecting for some reason. Then her hand struck out lightening quick, Trinity shifted her body out of reach. From there, the thief continued her attempts and Trinity couldn't find the space to get away or get a good hit in so she played some heavy defence and threatened Harley with her own strikes.

The daughter of Hermes disappeared temporarily and Trinity felt a ghost touch, then Harley reappeared holding a blue band. Trinity instinctively felt for her waist then clenched her jaw and closed her eyes when she felt her band wasn't around her anymore. She sighed out, reopening her eyes on the daughter of Hermes.

“That was very lucky. Next time you won't get away from me.”

Eliminated by a swift thief, that hurt. But she was best to take it as a lesson if anything. Trinity headed back to the hall wondering who else might have been out at this stage of the game and if by chance she was the first, she had some serious reflection and training to do. She also hoped Wes was okay storming the Spartan's base. As long as he treated everyone like an enemy and cast some love spells, he'd be good. Trinity groaned. But of course he wouldn't. Shit. Maybe his beast would do some ripping for him.

"Come to the med hut, Miss Wallace." A staff member ambushed her on her path to the hall and went to grab her forearm to escort her to the area of depression and doom.

Trinity retracted. “I'll go to the med hut when I'm dying. I'm serious, you're not getting me there in million years. Use your resources on someone more in need and appreciative.”

The med hut had a place at camp and she fully got its function and value but it wasn't for her. Not because some beast chowed down on her arm.

The staff sighed and turned on their heels and Trinity waited a bit before following them to the hall. Trinity dropped herself in a seat and raised her leg on a table, cupping a hand under her knee and calf.