Camp Athens

Kohana paused while chewing, slightly impressed that Daniel ascertained that she wasn't from mainland US. She smiled and swallowed what food was left in her mouth. "Yeah it is. I'm from Hawaii; thanks for asking." Kohana turned her attention back to the food that beckoned her. Daniel introduced himself one of Hecate's children. She chewed and pondered over everything she could remember from her mythology class she took as an elective some months prior. Daniel held out his hand and Koa shook it, grinning though her cheeks were a bit full.

"Are you two twins?" Kohana's eyes went wide as she gulped down her food in surprise. The half chewed granola and nuts went down with a painful tinge as her eyes darted between Daniel and Nelly. She sighed in relief as she realized the joke. Koa joined in their laughter, quickly returning to her food. "It would be cool if we were related though." Koa grinned at the ease that came with that statement. Maybe letting her know would be less crazy thank Koa originally guessed. She listened as Nelly spoke of her mother and Hermes. It was nice to know that Hermes wasn't in a hurry to let her know of her divine parent either, though he waited much longer in Koa's case. As the two conversed about the party, Kohana ate her food. She was a very fast eater, so within a minute a good amount of it had already been devoured.

"So being one of Hermes kids, have you ever been to prison?" Koa smirked at the joke letting Nelly answer as she kept eating. As the two conversed, Koa managed to finished everything except the remnants of her oatmeal. Koa looked around at the others filing in and out of the building. Honestly, there were more people here than she'd expected. When Hermes said it was a camp, Koa imagined one similar to a camp she'd been to in high school. This place was far from that though.

"Would you like to be training buddies today? Or if you've got friends, you know, invite them along, we'll make our own group." Koa lit up at the mention of training. Seeing as she didn't know the place well, the prospect of seeing some training areas was exciting. "That sounds like a great idea. Kinda new too so no new friends as of yet, but I'm definitely up for a workout."

She probably felt strong for him once, but now she had to run to her friend since Ajax lacked the love she needed. Losing her was cutting deeper than he liked to admit, but to her... he let her go like he didn't love her anymore.

Scenes of them together raced through his head like movie clips, and so did the imaginative scenes of her and Mason. If he hadn't lost anything before, he sure as hell had now.

But he didn't. He just allowed her to slip away. No wonder she couldn't stand to be around him anymore. She was still the most beautiful, kind, and loving person he had ever known and yet... he still allowed her to drift away from him.

More memories played out. He had placed his forehead to her own, her hand hooked around the back of his neck. As they both closed their eyes, Andy whispered for him to breathe with her. He placed his right hand to the top of her arm and stroked it as he copied her breathes. Slowly he began to quite down the anger that raged inside of him, all the pain he felt, all the blame for allowing so many lives last year to be lost. It as Andy who had helped to get back to being normal again, to forgive himself for all that he couldn't control. "I promise I will never leave you." she whispered. Ajax nodded a little before he titled his mouth up to hers to kiss her.

That small bit of happiness he felt reliving that moment had soon gone as he could see Andy a lot closer to Mason than he liked.

For such a long time he always had a inkling that she preferred to be with Mason, that she was only with himself as Mason didn't want to be in a relationship at the time. This one girl, the daughter of Hecate had brought out feelings he didn't think he was capable of. Jealousy was the main one since Mason had been lurking around her.

Still, even now he felt grateful that he had even gotten a moment to share his life with her. She had caused him to be vulnerable around her, and that was something he didn't like. It made him feel weak, and powerless... but she had been worth it. He stuck by her until she just couldn't handle his constant back and forth of blowing hot and cold. He loved her still... that was evident.

Everything he had heard outside the infirmary, made Ajax walk towards them in no time. He couldn't hold it in any longer. 'Screw it', he thought. He had nothing else to lose.

Without hesitation Ajax threw his right fist forward towards Mason's face, hitting him straight in the nose.

He took a couple of steps back and pushed up his sleeves. "I should have done that a long time ago." Ajax told him. He couldn't lie, it felt good to finally get his hands on him, but now he'd no doubt look as unhinged as his sister was. "I'm sorry... " he paused as he watched her in silence, cupping the right side of her face as his thumb stroked her cheek slowly. He dropped his hand, and as he walked away he swallowed firmly. He wanted to tell her how much he loved her, how much he didn't want her to let go of what they once had, for them both to fight for one another. But he needed to leave, he needed to get away.

She didn't need him afterall. She had already begun to move on. That sunshine she once was for him through the rain had died.

"We need to leave now." Ajax told his sister, who quickly grabbed her rucksack. Ares had planned to stay back for Duke, allowing both Zeus's children to leave since they could fly anyway.

The entire journey to Mount Olympus, Ajax couldn't help but wonder if Andy would ever forgive him. Especially now he had punched Mason and gave her some lame ass apology before he left. She probably didn't even know he had gone yet. Would she see him as a coward? Too weak to face up to his responsiblities, so he found it easier to run? But he wasn't running, he just needed to get himself and Alex away from it all to allow themselves to breathe, to take a step back and refind themselves. Especially his sister who had derailed way too many times.

Mount Olympus hadn't changed since their last visit during the trials, but it felt like they could both relax now. Here, they wouldn't be judged. Ajax let out a sigh. "We'll be okay." Alex tried to reassure him as she took hold of his hand and walked side by side toward the main temple where they'd find their father.

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andromeda bolton
hecatex|xoutfitx|x#990856

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xxIliana Remington-Taylor ~ Demeter
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Iliana waited for Trinity to answer and thankfully she didn't have to wait long.

“His name's Liam and he is...capable of inflicting Sylas's injuries and worse.”

That wasn't a straight answer, but Iliana didn't press. It didn't really occur to her that this wasn't her business, she was just concerned for those around her. She would have thought about it more, but Trinity placed her hands around Iliana's arms and she instantly froze. She wasn't used to human contact and the last time someone touched her that she wasn't familiar with were her tormentors. Instantly she shuddered and shook a bit. She barely registered Trinity's words about staying away from Sylas. She also told her to trust her instincts, but by this point, Iliana had completely withdrawn within herself. Wes's voice soon penetrated her walls.

"It's not our business to share what's going on. The best advice I can give you is to lie low and not butt into other people's problems. Nothing good comes from it. It'll just drag you down with them. And people at here aren't fond of people trying to interject themselves into their shit. You're better off without all of the drama. Trust me."

Trinity added by not doing anything rash before letting her go. Iliana took a deep breath. She was glad she didn't do anything rash at that moment. She always feared hurting someone with her powers again. Turning to Wes, she heard him say that if she wanted to know still, to go ask Sloane. Iliana thought about that, but decided not to push it. Plus Sloane probably wanted to be alone right now. Soon she became distracted when Trinity kissed Wes. Blushing, she looked away. Living a sheltered life, she wasn't use to seeing such things. Hearing Trinity walk away, she looked back at Wes.

"I'm going to go try to fix some of this. Try not to worry yourself over it. Be happy this mess doesn't involve you."

With that, Wes waved and left Iliana. All alone, Iliana finally took the time to think about the situation as a whole. So Liam was capable of hurting Sylas. If Liam was anything like his sister though, that meant he had to have some decency to him, but also had a temper. Deciding she would follow Wes and Trinity's advice, she wouldn't try to find out more about the situation. They were right, it didn't involve her. However, she couldn't lie either. If someone was in pain, she would try to help that person.

Wondering what she should do now, Iliana started wondering and found herself heading for the infirmary. Looking up she saw Mason and Andy exit the building. It was a relief to see she was on her feet. But before Iliana could make herself known to the pair, she saw Ajax appear. Instinctively, she hid behind a tree, picking up Ajax's anger, even though it was faint from where she was. What she saw next caused her to gasp for Ajax hit Mason. He then approached Andy and cupped her face before leaving. Seeing Andy seeing to Mason, Iliana found herself following Ajax. Looked like he was heading for one of the cabins. This was probably his cabin. She wasn't surprised to see Alex there. What did surprise her though was the chariot and Ares. Soon the chariot left with the siblings, but Ares stayed behind. Her curious nature getting the best of her, Iliana approached Ares. The god always intimidated her, so she would keep this brief.

~Where are they going?~

Ares merely replied, "To stay in Olympus for a bit. That's all you need to know Iliana. Move along now."

Nodding, Iliana quickly left. She suddenly wanted to find her brother and Ethan. Problem was, she didn't know where they were. Maybe they were all the Hall now? They should have been done with their job by now. Decision made, Iliana started heading for the hall.

He had come to accept Liv as a somewhat mysterious and unabashed individual who felt no need to justify what she said or her actions. But sometimes, he would love to get in her head and see what she meant, how she really felt. For example, why for a few seconds he all but felt devoured under her eyes. It wasn't enough to be uneasy around the environment but Liv herself was now adding to his self-consciousness.

Duke stole glances over his shoulder and around to check where Liv was. Not so much to save him from the water but because she was unpredictable and the commander of the element he was treking deeper into. Although he tried to believe, she wasn't unhinged and reckless. Entirely. It didn't take long at all to lose sight of her until she surfaced inches away from him. Duke's head jerked back startled again by her unapologetic and deviant behaviour. He almost put his hands on her to guide her a more appropriate distance apart but she probably wasn't a fan of man handling and it may be an implication that he was intimidated by the petite company.

Then she truly did the unexpected. "My father says that I'm not the daughter that he wanted. That... I could never be better than his sons." It was disarming when Liv finally opened up. Duke opened his mouth a few times to argue they weren’t all alike and Poseidon’s perception of her was unfair but his mouth clamped shut in a tight line waiting for Liv to say her whole piece uninterrupted. But it only got more alarming when she pressed against him and he automatically backed away. "Gods fear my father, and... I am beginning to believe that the iron fist rules mightiest than the velvet glove."

"So you want to be known as threatening and for evoking fear? You have to be better than that." Coming from Duke, it was a desperate plea. He always thought the daughter of Poseidon stood out for her single-mindedness. He'd never guess her to want to fit into the god's shadow or fetch approval so badly.

She only persisted in pushing him further back, Duke's eyes fixed on Liv's dark pair. But somewhere he had to draw the line. His hands came up finally gripping her upper arms, unbeknownst to him too late. "Liv.." he began. "Come on, be better than this." The seduction to conform to godly impulses was too easy and it ran in all their bloods. Sex, punishment and revenge, reckless power demonstrations, murder. There had to be some demigods that broke the cycle.

A certain something brushed by his leg making him stiffen. He looked through the water to inspect the undeniable source but Liv cupped his face. "Oh, Duke - there's so much more to fear than drowning. The children of Poseidon command all in the sea's domain." A feeling of doom hit him. There was no time for retaliation before she pushed him and suddenly he was submerged.

The first reaction was to surface. Scramble for air. Sharp pricks on his arms prevented him from swimming up immediately. All around him were a swarm of seemingly agitated snakes, an amount he had never seen in one vicinity before. When taken under the rule was to remain calm and when faced with predators, supposedly the same. He didn’t know he could play the patient game when he was losing oxygen though. His eyes burned and he squeezed them shut the same time he braced to swim through the thicket of snakes. His limbs were met with more bites and constrictions, his movements encouraging the serpents only to squeeze tighter until he felt numb.

Duke forced his eyes open again trying to rip a particularly peristent snake from coiling firmer around his leg. These creatures were smarter than usual...more coordinated.

Air. Air. His lungs burned. He desperately needed to breathe again. He was losing his fight. It became a struggle. His body naturally soared in temperature, some bred defence mechanism. That was it. Even for the cold blooded creatures there was such thing as too hot. He didn't need flames just needed to embody intense heat. Heat rose. With more consciousness involved Duke began to spread the temperature through his veins. Some were repelled from the heat he was giving off and he took that opening to kick and stroke with what power remained in his muscles.

A flurry of bubbles almost obstructed his vision but he knew up and up was the way to go. He gasped when finally his head reached above water, paddling desperately to keep himself above it. Duke located shore and headed for it.

Somehow he managed to haul himself to the shallows then collapsed on all fours, coughing and spluttering all the while trying to suck in breaths for air still. The adversary left him pale, chest heaving, droplets of water with a steady stream of blood sliding down his body from where bites littered his skin. There was a predominent sting on his side, making him wince and grunt. One of Liv's pet's still latched onto his hip hissing, body flailing to try wrap around Duke's large torso in vain. He pinched below the snake's head with his index and thumb giving the creature a chance to suffocate or let go. Nature chose the later and Duke tossed it back to sea.

Duke glared up at Liv, a murderous edge to his look. He wanted training not a death wish. There was such thing as too far but apparently she didn't care. "You made your choice then?" he asked. Because somehow and in some way he still hoped the daughter of Poseidon hadn't chosen to get her dad's attention in such a way. That she could be independent beyond anything and moody. Not a desperate murderous daddy's girl. But if he looked at the circumstances...felt how badly his body burned and how close to drowning he came...of course she made her choice.

He turned away from her coughing out the last bit of ingested water. The rumbling and lights from the sky reminded him he had to get moving. Reluctant as he was. He shakily got to his feet without looking at her again. The thing with Liv was he was more disappointed because he placed blind faith in her. Considering she wasn't a fan of Trintiy and Alex what she just pulled was no better than those girls' lack of boundaries.

Respect wasn't earned between the two but he couldn't just walk off on her without her understanding why - in addition to nearly killing him. "Mm...Powerful but...'hought you were smart. Better..." he panted struggling to keep his eyes open. Struggling to stand on his own two feet. He got about two steps into the sand before collapsing again not able to catch himself this time. A dark haze clouded his vision and took over his mind.

---

"I had a great time, despite how it ended. I don't think I did so well with that game though. I never played it before. It got pretty awkward between Sylas and I hehe. What was the purpose of it? I know you and Cherise were in there and ya'll looked pretty happy exiting. Maybe you can explain to me what was suppose to happen?"

Daniel's face went from brows furrowed in confusion to a smile as some red tinted his cheeks. "There's no set in stone rule but most people..." he began, looking at Kohana for support, hoping she'd chip in. "tend to use the time and privacy to kiss. Or do what your heart or body desire. I'm surprised he didn't try anything." Granted, Daniel didn't know the guy but he came off super smug and using a participant or two in a closet didn't seem beyond him. But he was relieved for Nelly. Providing she wasn't developing a little crush.

Next came the question about how often they got force trained, the two girls suddenly possessing a new spark of energy making Daniel smile. Also neither of them could really help themselves from mentioning the lack of friends, though it was more an off hand comment made by him. "Rarely. Normally staff run events or ‘major exercises’ to test our skills, force us to bond but otherwise it’s up to us really. You could always contribute to the suggestion box." He opened his palm and gestured to it, as if the daughters of Hermes would scribble something down immediately and place it into his hand. Daniel was the man that could make things happen after all. And he would seriously pitch to staff if it was something Daniel thought would be more the merrier. Or the more the more chaotic and troublesome.

"Also," Daniel raised a finger, turning his head in shame and gulping. "It hurts that you don't look at us as friends." He let the dejected act linger for a beat or two before flashing a grin. Daniel knew the friendship status would unravel in time. Particularly with such easy girls to get along with.

He got to his feet. "You might have a super fast metabolism but 5 minute rule before training begins." Daniel looked between the lovely girls, knocked on the table and headed out.

At least that was his initial destination before he pulled himself short at Evelyn's table, the girl miles away from the present. "Rough night?" She didn't look in her usual pristine condition and he totally got that witnessing last night's events would be tough to sleep on. When he first saw a demigod violent fight he...well he actually kinda liked it because he was somewhat sadistic and liked the drama and action of the place.

"Did you want a coffee?" Daniel looked around ready to fetch her some pick me up at her word.

"A few of us are going to train a bit if you want to join." He shrugged nonchalantly. "Up to you. No pressure but you should definitely do it." He flashed her a last smile and left. She didn't seem mighty approachable or like someone to bug after a tough encounter.

Daniel wandered to infirmary from there, shoving his hands in his pockets once again struck by a case of ADD. But when he saw Cherise, how could he help himself. He lit up like a child at Christmas just seeing her and if he timed it right...Daniel placed himself right in her path. He didn't entirely know why he went full school boy around her because "hey Cherise" was probably as likely to get her attention as aiming to bump into her. "Oh my gosh, such a coincidence!" He brought his hands out of his pockets to gesture to her, smile in place.

"So - so how's Andy doing?" She saw her later than Daniel did. But it's not even what he wanted to talk to her about. He threw himself in front of Cherise because...she was great in short. Great women that were easy to get along with and super magnetic, but were bad ass on the side with their marksmenship skills didn't stay single long. If she was even single. Daniel rubbed his neck uneasily. Sure, they kissed but some alcohol plus heat of the moment...didn't mean he could assume someone like her was free, or even interested with the giant elephant he had to explain.

He slid aside wearing a tight smile so she could have the whole pathway unobstructed again. "I'm trying to hold a mini training session if you want to be medic on stand by or have live target practice. You, me, two newbies. Could make it a team session."

Somewhere inside he was facepalming. He knew he couldn't skirt around it forever but he just wanted to have fun with her, live easy while time and camp events allowed.

x


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L I V x P F E I F F E R
o f x p o s e i d o n
#00CCCC || Outfit || Beach w/Duke

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

xxxxDaughter of Nemesis | Outift | #ffc300

Alone. She couldn't decipher if that was a vulnerability or strength. A strength because it gave him little else to consider outside himself and less to lose. A vulnerability because it was one-person verse the world. That wasn't to say he couldn't twist people onto his side temporarily then dispose of them. Then there was Sloane's indecipherable placement.
Evelyn was also stuck trying her best to convince herself her visit was mainly for the pursuit of knowledge and everything was a learning experience. For instance, she learned he was great in bed. Very valuable information. At least now she could be perceived as lesser because a true daughter of Nemesis would remain poised and never go that far with somebody so threatening.

“Rough night?” Pulling her out of her thoughts was Kei - Daniel. Evelyn's eyes steadily rose to him.

Something like that.

“Did you want a coffee?”

“No,” she insisted quickly. Almost too quickly. “No, thank you.” She already had her burst of energy.

Daniel didn't seem to take offense and instead carried on. “A few of us are going to train a bit if you want to join. Up to you. No pressure but you should definitely do it.”

She nodded slowly, a smile tugging at her lips. “That sounds good. I already exercised and tested myself this morning.” However, that wasn't to say she should miss an opportunity learning about her peers' capabilities. “I've got a few things to sort out, among them my appearance apparently but, if you're still training, I'll meet up with you and throw my hat in the ring.” Training would also make for ample opportunity to pay him back for his limitless alcohol stunt. Likewise, now presented opportunity but there were too many eyes in the hall. Besides, she needed to weigh on what kind of curse and punishment she should lay on him. Nothing harsh as such but perhaps something lingering and uncomfortable. Bothersome. Something that would affect his mind and behaviour.

Before he made his exit, Evelyn thought to caution the carefree spirit. “Daniel. You be careful with those two, don't underestimate them.” Evelyn gestured to the table from where he came. With that said, she smiled sweetly.

They weren't bad company or corrupt but one shouldn't lunge so blindly into company, spars and training. It may just leave him open to a rude awakening varying from an intense crush or a mean competitiveness.

She travelled to the bin, dumping her now cold untouched piece of toast then set way to her own cabin to adequately freshen up. Then maybe stay there, let events unfold and relax extensively, safe and cozy in her own sanctuary. The idea seemed increasingly appealing as she neared her cabin.

---

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

xxxx Daughter of Ares | Outfit | #461f4b

Her initial destination was the med hut but Trinity was surprised to find the one she sought kneeling on the ground with Mason on her lap. She didn't know what to think or the foggiest clue as to what happened and how they ended up where they were. She ran over immediately and dropped by Andy, an arm automatically wrapping around her softly. “Hey, you okay? Are you hurt?” Trinity cocked her head to better see her friend.

It took a moment for Trinity to figure Andy was hurting but more in the mental sense. It always tolled on her more greatly than any physical pain. Meanwhile Mason was probably ruling in the latter department with his nose being such a mess. “What happened to you two?” Trinity knew they butted heads but Andy wasn't capable of such violence towards a friend. Not to mention she looked far too upset to be the culprit.

A quick glance around told her the likely story as she spotted Ajax's retreating figure. She growled sending daggers into his back. The bloody idiot. A large part of her wanted to chase him down and demand to know where his sense was. She was all but twitching to confront him actually but when two of her mates were in hell-ish shape, she couldn't leave them. Trinity pressed the side of her head to Andy's, letting her know she was 100% there for her. Or at least wouldn't cause more conflict for her.

She looked down at Mason next who Andy now naturally took upon herself to nurse. “You had one job.” In that unspoken job description was of course not to let Andy get hurt further or worry her. But the daughter of Ares wasn’t super mad about it and even if she was, the mother hen act could be spared.

She sighed out looking around again. It was probably better to tuck the two away than arouse the curiosities of other campers. Logic screamed to take the two back to the med hut where they belonged, but she knew how sapping that place could be and didn't have the heart. “Okay, come on,” she said beginning to stand. A hand gently nudged Andy upward, not forcefully, only a prompting touch, where Trinity quickly saw a demonstration of the damned condition her friend was in.

Trinity ducked under one of Andy's arms for extra support then gave Mason a hand until he was steady enough and got some of his bearings back. It was a bit of an awkward juggle to get them both on their feet plus the bag, but she got there. “Where did youse wanna go?”

When the destination was given, she carefully travelled with the two letting them dictate a manageable pace. She didn't offer any other words, happy to journey there in silence or just listen. Trinity only let the two go when they arrived and there was furniture nearby to rest on or maneovure themselves around if they really wanted. But Trinity let them know the wisest decision. “Sit. Water?” She headed to the kitchen without waiting for a reply and got them a cool glass each.

Well she certainly wasn't going to scrape for conversation or further explanations but there was a weight in the room. Something that needed to be talked about. Trinity couldn't hold her position long staring at Mason's crooked nose. She swiftly approached and it gave her a brief little thrill knowing this would hurt for a second. She placed her fingers on his nose and with a satisfying crack sound, realigned that bad boy.

She pulled up a chair, sitting on it backward rubbing her fingers together, eyes glancing between the two officially waiting for this elephant to be talked about. They probably knew and even she knew, she wasn't the best mediator. Wasn't known for patience and kindness and understanding but sometimes it helped just to talk about things. She talked to Wes about some things and felt better. Then again, that could have been one of those passive Aphrodite abilities. But she was what they had for now.

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L I A M x O ' C O N N O R
o f x a r e s
#EB641D || Outfit || Woods w/Wes

xEthan Knox ~ Hestia ~ #8B4513

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xHeath Taylor ~ Athena ~ #808000

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xxIliana Remington-Taylor ~ Demeter
xxxxxxxxxx#4A766E

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xxxxPenelope Givens ~ Hermes ~
xxxxxxxxxx#483D8B

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Ethan and Heath watched others in the Hall. Evelyn was by herself and didn't look like she wanted company. Nelly and some new girl were talking with Daniel. The two of them ate in companionable silence and soon were done. It was at this time that Daniel talked with Evelyn before leaving the hall entirely. It wasn't long after that that Evelyn left.

"I wonder where everyone else is?"

"Who knows, probably doing their own thing. I don't want to know where Lia is though."

"Why don't you go look for her then? You have that locator stone."

"What about you?"

"Me? I am going to stay here and meet the new person. I'll catch up with you at some point okay?"

Heath nodded and taking his dirty dishes, left his friend to his own exploits before taking the dishes to the back and then left. Ethan soon cleaned up his area before coming over to Nelly and the new girl.

"Morning Nelly! Who's the new girl?"

Nelly was a bit surprised by Ethan but quickly bounced back, "Oh hey Ethan! This is . . . . . Kohana, right?"

That last part had been directed at Kohana. Nelly was glad to see Ethan. Of course she saw him and Heath come in but was too busy with Kohana and Daniel. It was then she remembered Daniel said training would start in 5 minutes.

"OMG! I totally forgot that Daniel wanted to train soon! I better take my camera back to my cabin so it doesn't get damaged! I'll be back soon okay? Let Daniel know that when he shows up."

With that, Nelly took off jogging, leaving her dirty dishes behind. Ethan looked perplexed. Training? Looking at the other girl, Ethan decided to introduce himself.

"Hi, I am Ethan. I am Hestia's son. There's going to be training soon? I take it you just got in? My companions and myself just got in a few days ago," Ethan said as he casually sat down in front of the demigoddess.

And what a crazy few days it's been.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Iliana was trying her best to find her brother and Ethan. She did end up checking their cabin first just to be sure. They hadn't been there. The next place to check out was the Hall. As she left their cabin, her thoughts once again drifted back to what just happened. Ares had said the Valises were going to Olympus for a bit. Why was the question. Maybe it had something to do what happened last night? Iliana wished she been able to do something about that situation, but it was all said and done. Iliana then thought about the incident she had just witness between Ajax, Mason, and Andy. She really ought to check on Mason and Andy at some point. But for now she would try to find Heath and Ethan and let them know what she saw this morning for they were bound to ask what she'd been up to.

Iliana's thoughts were dashed though when she came closer to the beach and saw a figure coming out of the water.

Now what was happening? Coming closer, she saw it was none other then Poseidon. She stopped where she stood, so she couldn't hear was was being said.

~I seem to be getting into the habit of stumbling upon situations. How am I suppose to avoid things that are none of my concern if stuff like this keeps happening?~ she thought to herself.

Iliana herself had only a few interactions with sea god. He was definitely the mysterious type. Soon the god left and Iliana soon saw he had been interacting with Liv. Iliana remembered her from the trial. Taking a better look, she saw someone else was there. Curiosity getting the better of her, Iliana walked up to see Duke on the ground with his head on Liv's lap. Concerned, Iliana sat on the sand next to the pair. Looking at Liv, she quickly wrote something down and showed it to Liv.

~Is everything okay? Hi, I am Iliana and I can't speak so this is how I communicate. You're Liv, Poseidon's daughter right? I remember you speaking up during Alex's trial. Did Duke get hurt?~

At most there was some stomping. No time for taunts or fights before Ajax was in front of him and Mason was completely blind sided by a sudden iron fist crunching into his nose. The impact sent him reeling back all the way off his feet. A weight fell on top of him but Mason could only see dots and pain. What the fuck? Things turned fully black for a moment, some noises going on around him then he could feel himself being shifted. He let out a groan. Through the heavy stun, he half inspected his bleeding nose covering it with a hand but Andy brushed it aside easily with some material there to ease the bleeding. At least he assumed it was Andy, his vision was still crap and he could feel the blood clotting to the back of his throat.

He coughed a little and went to roll to his side when a tender hand cupped his face. He forced himself to stop stirring and open his eyes to see proper shapes and figures. Mason didn't fully catch what she said and her face was a little blurry but no doubt something about somehow she was the bad guy in this. He put a hand over the one cupping his face. "It's okay," he assured. It hurt a lot but it wasn't that big of a deal. Mason couldn't argue he never expected Ajax to snap and punch his lights out...it was long overdue. But he did wish Ajax timed it a bit better like when Andy wasn't using him for support.

He tried to lift his head to sit up but ended up right back on Andy's lap. He whinced for the both of them. "Shit, sorry. Are you alright?"

Somebody else rushed onto scene. Trinity appeared level with Andy asking the same question he had. He closed his eyes praying for strength. He knew this wasn't a good look and there were a thousand things Trinity would have done to avoid getting punched in the face. Not to mention her pain tolerance was high so to her it probably looked like he was taking vacation on Andy's lap.

“What happened to you two?”

Mason let the more aware and sensible take that one. Besides he didn't know if it was supposed to be a secret or not that Ajax was a complete dickhead so he was half interested to hear how or even if Andy would relay that information. He let the two converse meanwhile he was trying to tell himself to get up.

When the girls next came into full focus Trinity's eyes were on him. “You had one job.”

He grimaced in pain but also because it was true. At the same time, Mason slowly pushed himself to sit up. He wasn't exactly proud to take Andy down with him and cause a fuss. He half turned to the daughter of Hecate and gently took the cloth from her to keep pressure on his own nose. The moment his back faced them again, the son of Hades glared off in the distance like a child being scolded. He was doing well until the final moments but it wasn't worth arguing.

“Okay, come on.” Trinity announced. There was some shifting happening behind him and then Trinity reached for him, Andy already in one of her arms.

Mason tried to push his own weight up forgetting the blonde possessed enhanced strength. He staggered a little coming up faster than he expected and held onto Trin for a second. "I’m okay," he told them when the world stopped spinning. He looked over at Andy and reached around the blonde to rub Andy’s back reassuringly. His nose would stop bleeding and condition could be fixed, and so could hers with time.

“Where did youse wanna go?” Trinity asked next.

He hadn’t fully thought about it beyond getting Andy out of the med hut. "Her cabin." The home environment was supposed to be more comfortable. That and he didn’t often have the nicest visitors. He could imagine Eve making an untimely entrance and taunting everyone present. Or a Zeus child storming in looking to finish the fight.

For his part he kept quiet. It was easier to anyway since he had to breathe through his mouth. When they got there Trinity loosened her hold and watch, ordering they sit then fetched some water. Mason obediently sat. Truthfully it was more of a grateful collapse. He eased the cloth away happy the bleeding had stopped or certainly slowed down. Mason checked on Andy from the corner of his eye but before he could say anything the blonde reentered handing them a glass. "Thanks," he muttered, taking a sip and placed the glass down. By the time he caught Trinity's look, there was no time for protest, her mind promptly made. "N- Jesus!" Mason stomped a foot and couldn't help to cover then inspect his nose. The pain was sharp but fleeting. If only Andy's fried flesh and aching muscles could get the same treatment...Of course she got treated by the daughter of Apollo which was a great help - and compassionate.

Then they sat there and they sat there...Mason busied himself tending to his face. But somebody had to burst the bubble, even he knew that. "You know you've heard it a thousand times but the Valises are assholes. Did everyone but him see Alex send a thousand volts through you." Everyone knew he didn’t think fondly of them, and Andy probably didn’t like to hear them…or at least him bad mouthed. Mason held up his hand to stop any arguments coming his way. "I’m just saying it’s a bad move. Sure, he's thought about you and cared about you, second. I've always thought you've settled for less than you deserve." Mason didn't know of all their moments shared but when he did see them, when drama unraveled, Alex came first.

He looked Andy over and sighed. He didn't mean to rub salt on the wound, he just wanted to get real. Ajax hadn't protected her once. Arguably, he hurt her twice. When she exchanged herself in the Underworld for him and now when he stood idly by as his sister attacked her. But maybe he should have been faster acting too. Mason slowly wrapped an arm around Andy and kissed her cheek softly. "I'm sorry this has all happened to you," he whispered in her ear. From the relationship dramas to Daniel's passing to her current condition. Truly, all of it.

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Daniel's face fell and so did his gut. Of course he couldn't avoid it forever and Cherise had a totally valid reaction minus the waving around of the bow, that his eyes flickered to nervously.

"Okay!" he said suddenly when the most adorable tantrum came to a rest. He wanted to hug her but given the circumstances, he figured it was well and truly best to lay off. At least until he explained himself first and she didn't shun him.
Daniel gestured off trail, and began to head that way hoping Cherise had enough trust or respect in him to follow. For once in his life he didn't actually want to cause a scene. Once they got to a nice clearing , for some reason he imagined them sitting down and talking about it easily. The reality was he was far too restless to take a seat on the inviting sunlit grass or even stand still in one spot.

"I owe you an explanation or two, that's true. But I didn't lie to you. It's..." he sighed out. Where did he even begin? "My name is Daniel. That's who I am and who I've been for most my life. But last year, there was a war. The camp got invaded and we didn't all make it to the other side. We won," he threw his hands up in gesture to the whole place that was obviously still standing and teeming with life. "But...we didn't all survive."

He gnawed on his lip able to transport himself right back to the war zone their haven had become. The stress, anxiety and determination...how chaotic and helpless they really were in the end. Daniel could recall every damn minute of it and every sensation until his last breath was drawn. His eyes moved back to the sweet and patient brunette. She didn't need to fret, story time wasn't over but it was better to show and tell. He peeled off his jumper then unbuttoned his shirt shaking it down to his elbows. Daniel's torso was painted with a series of scars, mostly faded and foolishly caused by conjurations gone haywire, but there was a predominant one. Darker, bigger and badder than the rest. "I tried to take one of the giants down and while I was focusing on him, I was attacked from behind." He shifted to reveal a near identical scar on his back.

There was little room to doubt the blade went all the way through him. He could almost feel it again like a phantom pain when the war was brought up. Daniel rubbed his sternum as if assuring himself he was in one piece then flickered up a weak smile to Cherise. "I died, Cherise. I was dead. But mom being mom couldn’t leave well enough alone. She revived me but..." he pressed his tongue to his cheek caging in some raw emotion. "Not as myself. I don't know if it was by accident or she wanted to remodel me or what. All I had was false memories and a false identity. For months. 'Keith'."

He flicked up his shirt and took a couple paces. As he was talking about it, it's like he was unravelling the mystery and trying to comprehend it with her. "I guess being in the camp environment again, forced to face peers and reality ruined the whole blockade. I only came back around as myself yesterday."

Did that all sound crazy? He spun on his heels and covered those few steps back with a lot more hesitance. Daniel risked a guilty glance to her face. If she was open enough to believe him then he also owed her an explanation as to why it was only coming out now. "I like you and I don't know what version of me you like. I've been afraid to tell you because I didn't want you thinking I've been using you or lying to you." Which is obviously too late the cynic in him chimed. "I didn't want to risk what we had."

What would follow would make or break the man. A smack for some long winded exotic tale? A hug? Or one of her warm trusting smiles that just enveloped him in comfort? Maybe she'd walk off without a word... Daniel braced himself from best to worse. Not to say the daughter of Apollo couldn't surprise him.

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wesley preston
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The more tender of the two tended to some much-needed cleaning duties including the blood from his face. "Andy.." he began to tell her to rest and stop wandering around on those tired muscles, but was quickly distracted by the gentleness of her care. Particularly a delicate swipe along his bottom lip. His eyes drifted to her own lips momentarily, a hand extending out to her waist automatically but before he could make contact she moved away handing him a dry towel which he could only nod his...disappointed thanks to.

"It wasn’t always bad, you know?" Andy replied. "I don’t think it got bad, or I ever really noticed it, until Alex became… unhinged. He was so focused on her and I… had my own problems." Trinity's lips pursed. Not in disagreement but because a change was hard to digest and Trinity never doubted Ajax’s love for Andy. She just thought he was a bit blind and impulsive to the extent, as Andy and Mason said, she kind of fell in second place. "Daniel’s death, the underworld… and I felt like everywhere I turned there was fighting. You and Ajax… you and me."

Trinity rested her chin on her crossed arms. Fighting could be stressful on yourself and others, it was easy to forget that. But not many people dove into a fight with the logic of: how this is going to affect the people afterwards.

Meanwhile Mason heard her out. Everybody had problems but he wasn't looking to argue and neither was Andy. She was telling her piece for once. "Gods did we fight a lot... I don’t think we could go a day without arguing. You were mad at me because I spent the night with Ajax. I was mad at you because you slept with Eve. We both thought each other deserved better and…"

Mason rose a half intrigued brow for the epic conclusion. But it never came from her mouth and he sighed out. "I fought with you because ever since the minotaur I knew you were special. I liked you pretty quickly and actually got my hopes up for you." Then you got interested in a Valis douche who demanded respect, never earned it, who also had attachment issues to his sister and you laid with him when it should have been... Mason didn't dare continue the thought. Spending the night with Ajax was a nice push over the edge for disappointment but it was early days when he thought she could do better.

"Ajax and I might have fought more, but we were barely around each other. Alex took every waking moment of his attention while I waited around for him. It was exhausting… constantly putting him first without receiving a fraction in return."

Hearing how fondly Andy reviewed him or wished for him kind of stung but it wasn't exactly new. To top it off she moved away.

Trinity felt a sting of her own but more towards some fractionless attention. To wait on that from your own boyfriend because of his sister's issues... Trinity rubbed her face in agitation. She should have hit them.

"I’m sorry… I’m no better than him. He put Alex first, I put him first and you put me first… I’m your Ajax. Jesus."

Well, Mason couldn't disagree or comfort her with any empty "there, there's". She wasn't the one in second place after all. Instead, while she hung her head down, Mason glanced up to Trinity and rose his brows. A simple told you so gesture. But he did think to pay Andy mercy by killing the silence again. "We talk about it a bit. So I know." That's all there was to it. He knew.

Trinity sucked in a breath. Andy would no doubt have questions and concerns about Mason's blunt done and dusted statement. Plus, he threw Trinity under the bus with the whole ‘we’. So, she joined in to begin the somewhat guilty explanation. “Mason and I have spoken about kind of where we are on the food chain. Where and how we're regarded among camp and it's not favorably.” She was pretty sure they both accepted that. Neither of them were chasing pity or assurance. Sometimes folks just drew the short straw.

She clucked her tongue once, turning the prime focus back to Andy's existing problems. “I’ve always thought family matters. But there’s a time when a sibling, close friend or partner, have to be accountable for their own actions and Ajax has shielded Alex so intensely. From blame and confrontation...he's coddled her and it...” she bit her lip to stop herself from swearing “it really irks me.” Particularly when it left her friend feeling the way she did. Friends even.

Mason had never been in agreeance so much in one day. "Me too," he muttered. He tapped Andy's leg as he laid back on her bed. "You don't need to be the third wheel," he sighed out placing his hands under his head. Control freaks tended to have some perverted tendencies...like threesomes. "I suppose I should express some regret for leaving you with a soulless version of him too. I knew something was wrong when I saw him.." he reflected. Andy was fresh out of some Underworld torture and Ajax was recently proclaimed dead.. Obviously he took after his father at the core, acting without a conscience led him to think with his dick and just be a caveman. "Didn't he hit on you too?" Mason tucked his chin to his chest peering at the blonde.

An uncomfortable and unnecessary spotlight had fallen on her again. “Ah, he was just a wanker in general that day.”

Mason grunted and closed his eyes. More so than usual she meant. God he was sore because of that asshole. "You know through all the shit I'm glad we got Daniel back." There he was being Mr. Brightside for once. He was also glad though maybe slightly regretful for laying on Andy's bed because he was comfortable. A lot more than in a chair overnight. He was still in his clothes from last night but couldn't be bothered to get changed or even get up.

While his eyes felt heavy and sleep was a welcoming prospect, he couldn't let himself drift off. He said he'd look after Andy and after a few insensitive comments, he couldn't let Andy drown in her thoughts or violent ones, no offense to Trinity. Mason smiled a little as a truly random subject changer entered his head. Courtest to probably thinking of his energetic friend's revival. "What kind of girls were you in high school?"

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Duke sprang to life or so it seemed to him, chest heaving in and out, pale lips quivering. He joined darkness for god knows how long but due to the fact that Liv was nearby...it couldn't have been that long. He shifted to face the daughter of Poseidon, torn between giving her a coherent piece of his mind or thanking her for the humane help. Instead, he settled on a nod to her. Thanking aloud someone who put your life in danger in the first place was too bizarre.

It was only then he noticed the smaller more quiet girl next to Liv. How long had she been there? Did she watch the whole show or convince Liv to save him? Duke glanced down to his body, rid of the puncture marks her snakes had left in him. There was still a pinching sensation where the teeth had been and a burning in his lungs but likely that was his mind not keeping up with his body being healed. After sitting and recomposing himself for long enough, decidedly, he pushed off the ground and rose to full height and offered Liv a hand up. Then the blonde, still unsure of her involvement. She certainly didn't give off malicious vibes and until he gave her reason not to, he'd treat her with some respect.

Feeling no compulsion to talk or explain the situation, Duke looked to the sky where he had last seen the commotion of lights, brows pinched together, pensive. Had he missed his window to join the Valises in Olympus? He couldn’t imagine the gods waiting on him. But supposedly, his view of them was rather outdated. Even so, he couldn't say he regretted training / nearly dying. He turned his head away from the distance and back onto the present company. "Did you learn something at least?"

He hoped it was an experience for her too. Something revealing about her character or maybe it wasn't as deep as that at all. A simple power exercise for the slim brunette.

She didn't ask for feedback, but Duke gave it. "I think you have amazing potential. Good application and good understanding of your powers.... I'd venture a guess you know that too somewhere. It's just about how and when you use them." The daughter of Poseidon proved a degree of instability. Duke saw a live wire in her and a ticking bomb.

He spared a quick glance to the blonde, letting her know that was meant for her too. His last statement applied to most camp attendees. In the end it all depended what you used your abilities for. "You can tag team in for me," he told her and actually half smiled at the image of the two facing off with whatever powers. Maybe it'd bring the more timid out of her shell abruptly.

Duke picked up his top that was abandoned in the sand giving it a brief shake before pulling it back on. If the others were still around, he'd arrive in Olympus in quite a state. But again, it was something he was unapologetic for. And because of that he found himself moving towards Liv, placing a hand on a pale upper arm to grab her attention. "Thank you." Not for saving him but for being herself and honest. Unrestrained and raw. An experience even if it was a reminder why he hated large bodies of water.

"I'm going to Olympus for a while but otherwise, I'm usually here for anything. My cabin's open for a little retreat, warmth, anything."

"Next time, make it a tsunami with sharks." Once again, he flashed half a smile then nodded to Iliana before finally leaving that forsaken beach behind.

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

xxxx Daughter of Ares | Outfit | #461f4b

While eager for a subject change, she could only pull a stiff smile at the new topic. Those Valises got away with too much. But she preoccupied herself listening to Andy's youth type.

"I grew up on army bases. So, I don't know if that counts as 'high school'. But, I was the weird kid. I never really had friends before camp... at least not living ones. I can speak to ghosts, so everyone thought I was the crazy girl who talked to herself and thought she could move stuff with her mind. You're actually my first real friend." A much easier smile passed her lips at that.

"I'm sure your experiences are far more normal. You probably just beat up a lot of idiot boys," Andy said, drawing a laugh out of Trinity.

Well compared to a girl talking to invisible friends and moving around bases, she supposed her experience was more normal. “It’s not a hard margin next to yours. But I didn't really belong in high school. I kind of transformed into that guy that was there sometimes, on and off when I felt like until I committed to dropping out. Dad threw me in camp pretty young and I figured this was more my speed. Still didn't stop me beating up idiot boys though,” Trinity smirked at Andy. “I almost fell for peer pressure...weird days,” she remarked. Because these days, there was no temptation to go with the crowd or norm.

"And what about you?" Andy asked Mason.

She stuck around a bit for storytime and to assure her friends were in better condition. If not physically, it seemed they were in better spirits at least. But her mind was tolled with other concerns. She trusted Liam and Wes, didn't mind Sloane but there was a nervous kind of tick in her brain going off about them. Who knew she was such a worrier?

Trinity smiled warmly and got up. “Okay, I’m off to make sure Liam is playing nicely with Wes.” She was about to leave them in peace, heading for the door but she paced back in the room, wiggling two fingers in a V at them. “Guard your face, look after her, and don't show an enemy mercy when they don't deserve it.” The first two tips directed towards Mason, while the latter was for Andy. She quickly embraced Andy because even though she was fine now, life was precious. Plus she had been through shit. Add some supped up impulsive demigods and anything could happen. “Call, shout or come get me if you need anything, okay?”


It took a bit of walking around and huffing and grunting to find the boys, but when she found the right location....gods did they stick out. One hulk-like figure with this intimidating air, and a model that was approachable, hanging out together.

“You two good? Not interrupting boy talk?”

She neared the two and pat Liam’s shoulder. He probably wasn’t one to stew in thought or stress about impressions but, “She’ll come around. You’ll only be in the doghouse for a while but you did the right thing overall.” Sloane still had some flawed logic and ways to go, but that boot up the arse got her in gear. Or at least showed she possessed more than a suffer in silence side. Could stand her ground when required. That at least served as some relief to Trinity.

“I also kinda told Iliana you attacked Sylas.” She gestured vaguely around Iliana's height as if it would paint a clear picture of the small blonde she was talking about. “So if she gives you those large frightened mouse eyes and questions you, that's half on me.” The other half definitely belonged to his own demeanor. At least the looking at him like he was a beast part.

She shot a wary smile to Wes, still unsure if telling that girl that information alone was out of line or too much. But what was said was already done.

Despite his poking, Andy was calm and subdued overall. None of that sticking up for him crap when he wouldn't do the same. For that he was glad.

"Some of us learn lessons the hard way," she replied to a particularly hefty topic. She shrugged. "I now know not to risk my life for someone who won't do the same in turn for me. I'll tell you what though... I've had enough of these near death experiences. They're exhausting." Even when she laughed, Mason rolled his eyes and shook his head but avoided raining on her parade any further.

"Me too... Although, I wish he didn't return alone." Mason would have loved to see Jennova again. But that was definitely hoping for too much. And they should have been glad enough in getting Daniel by some miracle.

Mason tried to smile a little. "It makes sense that Daniel would escape death. Yeah, if anyone were going to do it it'd be him." He wished the same for his sister of course and this wasn't one of those: 'you're fortunate whereas I'm not' situations because Daniel was a true friend to him and he was grateful to have him back. "Damn weasel could always get out of a tight spot."

After some fond reflection on the camp trickster and Mason making himself at home on his friend's bed, Andy put a hand on his leg, drawing his eyes to her. "You can get some sleep. I promise I won't go anywhere so you don't have to worry about me getting myself killed." He grunted. As if she'd dare, and if she did he'd drag her ass right back and they could return to arguing.

Although his eyes closed, he heard her. He was listening. It should have been sad and meant she lived a somewhat lonely lifestyle for a good heap of time but Mason only smiled helped along by the fact she admitted he was her first real friend.

"Makes sense. Only the weird kid would make friends with a son of Hades."

Andy shifted to the conversation to Trinity beating up boys and honestly, Mason imagined that was pretty much it. A bunch of guys trying to hit on the fit tomboy blonde, acting like they were top of the world for the daughter of Ares to knock them down.
Instead, in a niche, Trinity admitted to being more of the ghost. Then going to camp and continuing to beat up boys.

“I almost fell for peer pressure...weird days.”

Now that was amusing. "Forced to join the cheerleading squad rather than the football or wrestling team?"

Andy smacked his leg lightly, and Mason peeked his eyes open with a lazy bat at the air chuckling. "And what about you?"

"Me? The popular guy." He replaced his hands under his head and closed his eyes again. "I mainly kept to myself. Tried to anyway. I tolerated school as a best-case scenario. Grazed by to keep the family off my back but that fell apart pretty quickly. School and grades became irrelevant." Bigger fish and picture and all that, they'd get it. He didn't care to get in-depth about it now.

“Okay, I’m off to make sure Liam is playing nicely with Wes.” Mason would have waved her off but frankly couldn't be bothered. Her footsteps disappeared before racing back. “Guard your face, look after her, and don't show an enemy mercy when they don't deserve it.” He exhaled through his nose and smiled, saluting the captain off.

“Call, shout or come get me if you need anything, okay?”

"I got her. We'll be fine."

When the blonde actually left them, he lifted an eye open to spot his charge, the daughter of Hecate, before she wandered about to do anymore cleaning or little house chores. Mason grabbed the back of Andy's shirt and tugged her down to lay back with him. "Make it easier on me will you and stop shifting around. Not all of us got to be peacefully unconscious for hours. But really Andy I'll get whatever you want or do whatever you need doing around the cabin."

That was his plan anyway in addition to moving to the couch so Andy could have the bed to herself and rest easy. But his eyes grew heavier and motivation to move was harder. She said he could sleep. Yet there remained a nagging thought or two keeping him on the threshold of sleep and awake. His brows twitched to a furrow. "You okay?" He mumbled. He had lost track of how many times he asked her that in one day but he wanted to be sure. And permission to sleep without a guilty conscience.