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sloane astor
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Sloane didn't know what was worse, the trial or fighting. The Gods weren't perfect, nor did everyone like them. But yelling at them was just stupid. They were naive to think that they would idly sit by and accept such disrespect. That's not how you talk to a God... hell, that's not how you talk to your elders. Liam's words only stirred the already chaotic pot that was the arena. So much, that Poseidon hardly let her take her seat before using her as an example.
"You see that! You see what your anger and lack of control has accomplished. The girl you fought so valiantly for... won't even look at you." If it was possible to close in on one's self, then Sloane was doing it. Her arms crossed tighter over her chest as her body turned away from the prying eyes of the crowd. When would this be over? Gods did she just want this to be over.
She relished in the silence while it lasted, but it was short lived. Whether or not she agreed with what was being said, Sloane found herself wincing as Rae stood up and began to scold them like Liam did. It scared her. She didn't want to be punished further for other people's actions, and part of her was tempted to tell them all to shut up because they hadn't been in the illusion yet. They didn't know how truly horrible it was. Running their mouths could only make things worse and Sloane didn't want to know what worse was.
Her jaw clenched at Poseidon's threat. While the prospect of a month in Tartarus was daunting, Sloane couldn't help but be the tiniest bit relieved that he only geared that threat toward the perpetrator, and not the entirety of camp. She wouldn't fair well in that pit, nor would she go peacefully if Liam's fat mouth got her put there. She did her time for whatever crimes she did or did not commit, and she'd be damned if someone made it worse for her.
When Rae finally went through the archway, Sloane found herself to be a small bit curious. Before everything unfolded, the girl was a nice person to have a conversation with. Someone she thought she could befriend over time. While Rae's outburst didn't deter that, per se, it did make Sloane the smallest bit sour toward her. And even with that sourness, Sloane still grew uncomfortable watching the girl struggle through fire and smoke to try and reach her friend, only come up short.
None of these became easier to watch. Each of them disturbing and uncomfortable in their own right. It was one thing to watch scenes like this unfold in movies or books, but when it was people you know suffering a traumatic event that is real to them... It was terrifying. Sloane didn't know how she could still be so rattled by her own trial, yet sympathize for those that followed after her. The day only seemed to be getting longer and more terrible with each passing moment.
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sylas astor
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While others grew uncomfortable as Liam shared his two cents with the Gods, Sylas found himself fighting a smirk. Of course, the oaf was pretty spot on with his accusations. The Gods were shits. Arrogant, hypocritical shits. But he, at least, had enough sense not to say it to their damn faces. It was asinine. How could someone be stupid enough to say that to a God? Well, Liam was. And while every word that dripped from his mouth painted him in a worse light, it only reaffirmed that he was the instigator and Sylas was the victim. Liam was digging himself a hole that just kept getting deeper and deeper, and the funniest part was Sylas didn't do anything beyond sit by and watch.
Poetic, in it's own weird sort of way.
Sylas didn't know if he was happy that Liam got silenced or sad that he couldn't continue to dig that hole deeper. But either way, he wasn't put out when it came to watching more trials unravel before him.
Daniel was the next to step forward. Sylas didn't particularly know much about him, beyond the fact that Andy was wildly protective over her brother, and he made eyes at Evelyn during the party. Sylas never claimed Evelyn was his, nor did he blame another man for appreciating an attractive woman. It still made him the faintest bit jealous, although he would never admit that. But whatever envious thoughts filled his mind quickly left as he watched the man die before him. And while, he would think that would be the end of the scene, it wasn't.
It all had some strange familiarity of deja vu, although Sylas himself knew nothing about it. Daniel wasn't playing out a scene for the first time, but almost seemed to fear something he already experience. Death. Now that was a new one. Sylas never knew someone who died and came back. Camp's very own Lazarus. And sad enough, that proved to be the most interesting part of the demigod's trial. The rest played out in a boring, predictable pattern of everyone forgetting him after he was gone.
Then, more angered shouts at the Gods. This from an attractive red head he hadn't gotten the pleasure to get to know. He made a mental note to speak with her at some point. But even when he didn't mean to draw comparisons between Rae and Evelyn, his mind drifted down that path all on its own, while the sounds of bitching faded to white noise. Rae was pretty, but that mouth of hers was quite obnoxious, at least for his first taste of it. But she still lacked that je ne sais quoi that Evelyn had, that intrigued him.
Whatever other fleeting thoughts might have plagued his mind vanished as Rae stepped through the portal and managed to regain Sylas's attention. The trial was simple, but painted the woman's fears plainly. Fire, the loss of a dear friend, and uselessness. Quaint, simple and so easy to toy with. He hadn't quite made the decision if he wanted to torment the girl... or stimulate her. But he was never one to turn down knowledge, especially the useful kind.
And then, Evelyn was called forward. Sylas found himself leaning forward in his seat with greater anticipation than he had for any of the others... even his sister's. He sat and watched intently. He wasn't entirely sure what was going on, but when the man pulled out a gun and held it to Evelyn's throat, Sylas's whole body tensed. He had to keep telling himself it was just an illusion... yet, it still made him uneasy. Gods why did this woman vex him so? He couldn't turn his eyes away or fight the churning in his stomach at the low life before her. And when it was over, he found himself relieved. Evelyn's trial only seemed to leave him with more questions than answers, but his interest only seemed to grow.
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andromeda bolton
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Mason could tell she was frightened. Andy was never particularly good at hiding it. "It's ok," he whispered, trying to reassure her.
She nodded her head, trying her best to not be so scared. But then Poseidon called forward the next demigod... Daniel. Hearing the God say his name all but knocked the wind out of her. Andy's heart sank. She watched, reluctantly as the war from last year played out before them like a nightmare. She knew this dance. She saw it all a year ago. Yet, she found herself still hoping... hoping Daniel would turn around fast enough to stop the blade. But he didn't...
It pierced right through him and Andy buried her head in Mason's shoulder. Tears filled her eyes as she heard Daniel's weak plea for her before breath left him. Memories of her frantically trying to save his life played on repeat in her mind. She couldn't bring herself to look until she heard his voice again. "I'm still here, you're not alone... Hey, no, no, whatever voodoo you're doing, stop."
It was strange... seeing herself. Andy watched, squinting her eyes to try and make out what the illusion of herself was doing. Once she realized, she wanted to call out, to tell herself to stop. But she didn't. She just sat there frozen as her doppelganger wiped Daniel's memory from existence. "Oh Gods..." she whispered, bringing her free hand up to cover her mouth. How could she feel such guilt for something she didn't do? Andy didn't understand, yet it instantly began to weigh so heavily on her.
Andy didn't move her eyes from her brother, as he slowly made his way back to his seat. I should wait. I should give him sometime alone, she kept telling herself. But she couldn't. She gently squeezed Mason's hand, before whispering softly in his ear. "I'll be right back."
She waited until Rae finished arguing with the Gods, and her trial began before she got up. Andy moved quietly through the stands and took the seat directly behind Daniel. She waited a moment before leaning forward and wrapping her arms around him. Her cheek gently fell to rest upon his shoulder as she just held him, for as long as he'd let her. "I'm sorry," Andy whispered an apology for something she didn't do. "I love you," a tear rolled down her cheek as she spoke quiet enough that only he could hear. "And I thought about you every single day that you were gone... So did mason."
Andy's arms tightened around him slightly. She had to make sure he knew that. No matter what. "I will never ever forget you... The memories we've shared are far too precious and I wouldn't trade them for anything." She then raised her hand to wipe away his tear with her thumb. Then placed a soft kiss on his cheek. "Ok?"
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wesley preston
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To say that Wes didn't like this, was an understatement. He could feel the tension, unease and fear that carried the weight of a tsunami. It was palpable. Nor was it aided by people with big mouths like Liam or the feisty red head. That wasn't to say he agreed with the Gods' methods, but angering already angry Gods seemed like a really really bad idea. He would curse them all later, sure. But not here. Not to their faces. And definitely not before he had to go through that damned portal. His goal was to make this as quick and painless as possible... Which, to be honest, neither were possible. But that didn't stop him from trying.
So, like a good boy, Wes sat and he watched. None of the trials were easy to watch, regardless if he was well acquainted with who was being displayed before them or not. No one liked watching other people suffer... Or, no sane person anyway. Especially not someone who was more empathetic like himself. He could feel everything they did and all he wanted to do was give them all a hug. But... that might be weird coming from a guy they don't know, who was half naked.
Then... hell. "Wesley Preston. Please step forward."
Wes wanted to stay brave, not for himself but for Trinity, who already seemed on edge. He gave her hand a squeeze and flashed a reassuring smile. "I'll be right back. Ok?" he whispered, before placing a kiss on her cheek and then standing.
On most occasions, Wes wouldn't be too bothered being caught in the middle of camp in just his pajama pants. The important parts were covered and, after all, he was a child of Aphrodite. So, it wasn't like the view was appalling. But they were already being stripped naked before everyone by showing the things that frighten them the most... He didn't want to be half naked while doing that. Plus, for the first time, possibly ever, he felt a bit embarrassed. Sure, most people at camp knew he lost his arm in the battle the year before. But there was something about broadcasting it to the world as he descended the stairs, bionic arm glistening in the sunlight.
He stopped just before the archway and took a deep breath. Wes allowed himself one more look toward Trinity, to give him strength, before he stepped through.
Suddenly it was night and the camp was in an uproar. Demigods ran back and forth passing around weapons, fortifying the circumference of the field, and hugging their loved ones in a brief farewell. Wes, swerved through the crowd dodging shields and spears as he made his way up to the main hall.
Deja vu. It was like last year's battle all over again. There was a pit in Wes's stomach as a phantom pain pinged in his absent right arm. His gaze fell to the metal gears and cogs as he clenched his fist. Not again. He wasn't going to be the victim again.
Wes pushed his way through frantic demigods and rushed into the main hall. Inside, the more predominant camp warriors stood around as Ajax began addressing them like a Centurion preparing his men for battle. "βWe've never fought an enemy like this before, so we all need to remain alert and agile. Stick to the plan. If someone falls..." His voice trailed off. The silence saying what he knew. We had to leave them behind.
"Ok. Liam, Trinity, Alex and myself will be frontline offensive. Hitting it with all that we got. Andy and Daniel. I want you two to flank it and catch it unaware. Masonβ" Before Ajax could delegate a role for Mason, he turned away followed after Andy and Daniel as they left. Even in battle he didn't seem keen on following the son of Zeus's orders. Ajax kept giving orders to the demigods, until everyone was dispersed aside from Wes, Alex and himself. Without a word, the siblings started to head toward the exit, preparing for battle.
Just before Alex stepped through the door, Wes caught up to her and gently grabbed her arm to stop her. "Hey, wait!" She turned around with a slightly disgusted sneer on her face, looking down at his hand. "What about me?"
"What about you?" she responded, not seeming to catch his drift.
"Where do I go?"
"I don't know. That's not my problem." She shooed him away. "Go help in the med hut or something."
"Med hut!?" Wes said surprised. He then walked around Alex to stand before her. "I'm not going to go sit and wait to help the wounded. I want to fight. I can fight!"
"You're not my problem! No one wants to have to look after your ass and their own. Do you remember the last time you tried to help?" Alex waited a moment for Wes to respond, but he had nothing to say. He just stood their, silent, as Alex spoke to him like he was a thorn in her toe. "You lost you're arm and took one of our best warriors away from the battlefield. You are a burden and a nuisance." She shrugged his hand off her shoulder. "Just stay out of the way and try not to lose you're other arm." With nothing more to say, Alex turned and left the hall.
"Alex?!" Wes called after her confused. But he didn't follow. He remanded standing their, dumfounded. He knew he wasn't the best warrior, but that never stood in the way of people encouraging him before. Yet, there he stood like a scolded puppy. He wasn't going to stand by as those he cared about fought the battle for him. He couldn't.
He hurried outside and scanned the scurrying demigods for yellow hair. Wes pushed his way through the crowd grabbing the shoulder of the first person with long blonde hair. "Trinβ" As he turned them around, he realized it was Heath rather than the daughter of Ares. "Eh... Sorry." He released the male and kept shoving his way through the horde, grabbing anyone with golden hair that he could find.
The crowd of demigods seemed to be thinning as Wes grew closer to the perimeter. Standing by the barricade, was Trinity. Just as he took a step toward her and parted his lips to say her name, someone else called out. "Trinity!"
Theo came out of the group of campers and ran over to her. He took her in his arms. Then... before Wes's eyes, he placed a deep and lingering kiss on Trinity. Wes froze where he stood, his heart sinking to a pit in his stomach. He wanted to storm over there, rip Theo off of her and deck him. But he didn't. He remained still, his expression falling and his purpose for seeking her out in the first place fading from thought.
The pair shared their embrace for what felt like an eternity before pulling apart just far enough to look into each other's eyes. "I love you." The words stung, sharper and more piercing than anything Wes had ever felt before. It was something he had been waiting so long to hear... yet the words were uttered to another man. His knees nearly buckled under the weight of a simple phrase. It took his breath away and for a mere moment he thought he might be dying.
Wes's ears rang with a piercingly sharp white noise. it dulled his senses. He didn't realize that Theo had left and Trinity approached him. Not until she took his arm and repeated his name. "Wesley?"
"Don't call me that," he snapped, pushing her hand away. "You don't get to call me that."
Trinity scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "You're name? I don't get to call you by your name now?"
"Yes! You were the only person who called me Wesley! And now... now it's just poison." Wes could feel the tears building in his eyes. Gods not now. Trinity could chew him up and spit him back out again. Yet, in front of her, even when she broke his heart... he was weak. "What was that?!" His voice got louder as he pointed in the direction that Theo disappeared.
"What?... Theo?" Trinity said like she was the one confused.
"Don't. Don't play coy with me. I'm not an idiot!" Wes was breathing heavily as anger and sadness coursed through him. He was restless, pacing back and forth as he ran his hands through his hair. "You kissed him. Youβ" his voice cracked as he tried to find the words. "You told him you love him?"
Trinity shrugged her shoulder like it was no big deal. "He wanted to say good bye before the fight... in case we don't make it. What is your problem?"
"After... After everything we've been through? That's it?" Wes stopped pacing, letting his hands fall to his sides in defeat. How could she be so passive... like this was nothing? Like it wouldn't effect him. "I loved you..." he nearly begged. His voice cracked unable to remain strong as a tear ran down his cheek.
"After everything we've been through?" She mused, cocking her head to the side and squinting her eyes. "Do you mean you hitting on me constantly when I wasn't interested?" Trinity took a step toward him before continuing. "Or maybe you mean when you kissed another girl at a party... And when I got upset and left, you practically yelled at me that you loved me." And another step. "Or perhaps it was the time you butted your big nose into my fight and got your armed ripped off, leaving me to take care of you taking me away from the battle where I was needed! Or the guilt laid on me because of your injury, or because I might have been able to save Daniel. But I was busy... Taking care of your pathetic ass!" She took one more step closer before shoving Wes backwards.
Taken by surprise, Wes stumbled backwards a step. His eyes were wide as every word dug deeper and deeper. "You've been a parasite that latched your eyes on me the second you got to camp. Everything in your world revolves around me and it's suffocating." The anger and frustration was boiling over, and he felt every single ounce of it. "In your twisted head, you think because you told me you loved me that you've laid claim to me!"
"I'm not yours! I never was!" Trinity all but screamed it at him. "I kept trying to push you away... But you couldn't take a fucking hint!
Wes had heard enough. The sting from her words was too much and one more might very well kill him. He retreated back toward the center of camp, demigods watching his walk of shame after hearing their, not so quiet, fight. And as he trudged away, her voice called out after him one last time. "Get off my battlefield. Before your incompetence gets someone killed!"
His eyes closed as his head fell, trying to hide the silent tears as they rolled down his cheeks. Wes came upon the med hut and stopped a few feet before the entrance. He spared a glance toward the dark woods, where the imminent threat closed in, shaking the ground beneath their feet. He could go into the hut, be obedient and out of the way like they wanted. The camp's albatross, always in the way. Useless.
Or...
He pivoted on his heels, turning towards the forest. Wes didn't bat an eye as he walked past demigods who whispered amongst themselves as they watched him. "What is he doing?" and "Where is he going?" Without hesitation, he hopped over the barricade and disappeared into the tree line, unarmed and unarmored. The sounds of the camp behind muffled and distorted. Only a few feet in, he was completely cloaked in darkness, unable to see his own hand before his face.
Then silence.
Time slowed as something whistled through the air and pierced his abdomen. It was sharp and stung, but somehow didn't ache as much as the hushed whispers and derogatory remarks that spiraled in his head. It took centuries for the blow to send him toppling over backwards. And as his back slammed into the ground, it was like a light flipped on. Wes laid on the ground in the dirt, staring up a blue sky painted with clouds as his hands tightly clutched his chest. He lied still and unmoving before he was finally able to gasp for air.
Wes quickly lifted his head, frantically running his hands across his stomach looking for a wound. His chest heaved deeply as he tried to catch his breathe, blinking back the tears and confusion. When he finally looked up a sense of dread overwhelmed him. He shifted onto all fours and began coughing, nearly getting sick in the middle of the arena for the whole camp to see.
It took Wes a moment to calm himself and move to his feet. He slowly shuffled his way back to the stands. But he didn't dare to look up and meet everyone's gaze, especially not Trinity's. Part of him wanted to sit back down beside her, to get her comfort and reassurance. But more of him was disgusted with himself. He didn't want to be a burden on anyone, like he always was, and opted to sit alone.
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