Cherise Boyse's Story

"I know, and I'm sorry. You're right. I'll go and get it now and give it to him. After everything he's been through, he deserves something good to come out of all this mess that I've caused." Duke smiled warmly. No doubt it would benefit Wesley but it would benefit her conscience too.

"That's if I even make it out of there," she said in regards to her being the life of the party again. Duke felt for Alex but he didn't care for that sort of mentality especially when she was already rolling over and showing her belly opposed to trying. She'd let everyone else fight for her cause but not herself and it wasn't fair.

"Alex," he said before she exited the hall. "Try." Otherwise she wasn't worth fighting for.

Duke headed out to the beach giving Zeus and Iliana a nod in acknowledgement as he passed. Arriving at the beach, a problem became evident. There were more demigods than horses available. Did that mean some were going via a portal? Hopefully. "So I can't help but notice there's around 20 demigods going and 12 horses." He didn't want to make it sound like an issue in case there was a quick solution like having some demigods travelling with the gods, or more horses arriving but he did state it aloud for the Gods present to address.

No new horses flew in which meant most of them were stuck finding a pair. Duke headed straight to a horse and mounted it. He didn't know if Alex would want to ride with him or Ajax or take Pegasus instead. He didn't see himself refusing any company, as long as they were light otherwise they might have crushed the majestic creature. Duke couldn't say he was a frequent rider or flyer but he was a mighty fast learner so either way he was quite secure.

Once they were all settled in, the herd took off and accelerated into the sky. At least the creatures knew where to go automatically so it saved Duke from having to steer or struggle for control. Still, he did have some control issues; it was like being on a rollercoaster, the speed, the direction, it was out of control and it was hard for him to surrender it, even to such Godly creatures.

The structure of Olympus killed the wind as the herd lowered onto the grounds of Olympus with a chorus of clapping hooves. When stationary, Duke jumped off and checked everyone had made it in one piece. Actually he had a rather bizarre sensation, from being airborne and travelling faster than he probably even knew to having his feet on the ground again. It made him a bit lightheaded.

---

Keith put in some earphones to avoid being confronted. He walked back and forth with his head down which always risked a safety hazard but he didn't have the energy or mood to lock eyes with anyone. He kicked some sand up and continued his mindless dawdling. He did a half-hearted cha-cha step to the music then resumed his casual walk up and down. In doing that, he bumped into a girl - nothing hard or disastrous but he had walked into her who was likely minding her own innocent business. Immediately, he plucked out his earphones and reached out to the brunette's arm apologetically, while his other arm automatically protected his stomach. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. It's like I can't even see in these things sometimes." He pulled his glasses off and gave them a quick wipe with his sleeve before replacing them on the bridge of his nose.

He expected to look at her and identify her as someone malicious or nice from last year but there was no bell. Maybe she was another new demigod that fitted in better than he could in his years of attending camp. "Are you going to the trial too?" Keith mentally facepalmed. Why else be on the beach with a pack of demigods gathering to go to Olympus? If he could ask a stupider question, that'd be impressive.

"Umm...coffee?" He conjured one without thinking too hard and offered it to the girl. He frowned at the hot content in the plastic cup that began to heat his hand. "It probably would have been smarter if I got the jacket with it," he confessed in a whisper. "And your order first." He hissed as the burning sensation finally won and he dropped the cup, shaking out his hand. "I've never been much of a barista, there's got to be like 1000 different forms and flavor of coffee."

The more he opened his mouth to this girl, the more foolish he felt so he looked for another subject change. Maybe he should introduce her to others to take some social pressure off him. He spotted the red hair and slim figure of no one other than "Evelyn," he mumbled. "Evelyn!" he said her name twice, one as an idea, one officially calling her. As he approached, he saw her figure was not a joke in that outfit and he let his eyes stray head to toe. She was like one of those Robert Palmer girls in his music clips. Keith snapped out of it and smiled. "Evelyn, this is..." somebody's who's name he didn't catch or bother to ask for. Keith looked at the brunette guiltily. "Somebody I have the urge to call Summer so I'm glad I didn't." Keith wasn't the kind to make names for people as he found it was kind of rude but she did radiate brightness and just look at how she dressed. Very Summer-y. Keith meant it with absolutely no disrespect besides it was a pretty name. He smiled at her.

"I'm Keith." He grinned. Can a meteor come now?

Rather than the meteor, there was the shameless admittance that there weren’t enough horses for them all to ride separately. Well that was awkward but strangely comforting as he didn't trust himself to stay balanced on a horse that shot into the sky.

He had asked too much of Evelyn already and he didn't want to become reliant on her so nervously he turned to the other girl. "Do you mind if we...?" he threw a finger back and forth between them. "We can yell our favorite hot beverages to each other." Given the transport method it was the only acceptable time to yell...it was going to be a windy and insane ride. But rejection was something he was as equally willing to accept, actually he was expecting it.

---

Mason smiled seeing Andy in a cute little dress. "Well it is official, Mr. Hughson. You clean up far better than myself." Apparently Andy had similar thoughts to him, then helped adjust his tie making him smirk.

"Thank you," was all he replied with a smile.

"Oh, by the way," Andy moved beside him and showed the contents in her little bag. "Just in case."

Mason's eyes widened. "What the hell, And- " before he could finish, Evangeline had wormed her way between them.

Mason rolled his eyes and stepped away so as not to be against Evangeline. He was a man that liked his space even if it was a pretty blonde brushing up against him. A pretty blonde that could make people think, say and do crazy shit. “Wow, you really are a girl of many talents.” Mason reached for Andy's waist to pull her to him, but Evangeline had got her arm around Andy's first. Crap. “And you’re just as beautiful as I thought you’d be!”

"We're talking here," Mason told Evangeline. But of course she knew that and it didn't deter her, meanwhile Andy would probably think he was being his anti-social rude self. Especially to someone who just wanted to be friendly and conveyed such bubbly energetic vibes.

“Sorry, sorry. I'm Evangeline. Mason has just told me soooo much about you, that I feel like we’re already friends,” she carried on without missing a beat and Mason showed his displeasure. For a girl, that was a dick move. It was all coming back to bite him sooner than he expected and it showed in her smile. “Right babe?” Evangeline winked and placed a hand on his chest. Babe? And why did he get an urge to throw her a wink back.

Mason shifted out of reach slightly and crossed his arms over his chest, looking off. "Sure, princess." It was true he had spoken about Andy and her relationship, so he felt no need to deny that. And even if Evangeline wanted to let a few of his quotes slip, Andy knew how Mason felt about her and Ajax so it wasn't like it was new information, just unpleasant. But he definitely didn't want Andy to get the impression he had overshared about her.

He kept shifting his weight from foot to foot until he let his gaze get lost in the blue sea. Mason wanted to escape the situation, it was making him uncomfortable but he couldn't leave Andy with her. “And doesn’t he just look hot in the suit? You agree don’t you? Say it.” Mason whipped his head back to Evangeline and Andy. A slither of him wanted to know if Andy would actually say it, the other, protect her from those ugly situations.

Quickly pulling himself together, Mason shook his head. "Andy, you don't have to," he said softly. More suggesting her not to, particularly if it was the false influence of the daughter of Hera. He turned his blue eyes onto the blonde next. "I appreciate you thinking I'm hot but you don't have to get all the girls to confess it," he tried to downplay the situation. "Don't want you getting too jealous now." Since they were a couple or something of the sort.

Mason tried to smirk and pry the girls apart carefully. Better him than have Evangeline hang off Andy any longer. Somebody mentioned a new problem and that was the shortage of horses. Mason counted a few short himself. "So do you mind if I hitch a ride with Andy or would you rather go with me?" He glanced to the daughter of Hecate. "If that's alright with you?" Maybe she didn't even want to go with him and would rather go with Ajax or alone. One thing he couldn't do was let the girls ride together though.

Everything about the situation made him uncomfortable. He would rather jump on a horse alone, but it was the lesser evil to have one of the girls with him.

“I understand your love and loyalty for your sister, but how does she know it was cursed and the source? The beauty of curses is that the object is personified to punish and torment, and the origin, a ghost. If you want my help, I need the truth. Is there a chance, a minute chance, that Alex would do any of it of her own accord?”

She sounded like she was placing the blame on Alex, and accusing him of being a liar. He didn't look at all impressed. Though to be fair, Evelyn didn't know them well enough. Still, it was wrong to think that what Alex did, was how she was naturally. "No. I know her, and this isn't like her at all. She was kind, playful, caring. She said she suffered memory loss and everything that happened that night with our mother, and with Jennova, came back in small fragments of flashbacks."

"If you're so sure this is cursed by who you say, use it as evidence."

"I intend to." He took the item back and stuffed it into his pocket.

“The Gods should be able to identify one of their own, I can only confirm it is cursed.”

"And is it cursed?" he wanted to ask, but she had nodded and left the hall. He could have gone after her, but that would just be wasting time. She was right, though, the Gods would be his better option with this.

At least he had something... that was better than nothing.

Ajax left the hall, ignoring his father with Iliana as he headed back to his cabin to get ready. It didn't take him long to pick out an outfit that he deemed worthy for the day. Casual, but smart still. Without wasting any more time, he made sure he got the so-called cursed item from his other jacket pocket and placed it into the one he now had on, and quickly made his way down to the beach. There were so many there already, and by the looks of things, they were going to be making their way by horse.

Seeing as there weren't that many for all the campers, Ajax chose to fly beside them with Ares and Athena until they reached the great kingdom in the sky. It was much bigger than he had imagined.

Perfectly sculptured statues representing each God lined up alongside each other as they headed down the golden path between them. Their eyes seemed to follow the Son of Zeus, making them seem much more life-like. Of course, it was just trickery of the mind.


The path leads them to the large acropolis hall with the arena beneath their feet.

At the front of the hall were empty seats where the gods would normally sit, and a golden throne reserved for his father only. Magic oozed from it in the form of small golden specks that floated slowly away from the throne, before vanishing like a fires ember.


They were to wait until the gods could join them, to give them directions to where they were needed.

As the others stood in that very hall, Ajax wandered over to the balcony that over-looked the arena beneath them. Placing his hands down on the stone wall before him, he looked down. There was a strange pool of water in the center of that room, which glowed an ominous cyan color. If he wasn't mistaken, he could have sworn that whispers were coming from inside of that thing.

He frowned as he stared at it for a few seconds, then turned his attention to the large wall fountain that gathered into a large marble shaped bowl. Imagine this in marble

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wesley preston
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sylas astor
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andromeda bolton
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sloane astor
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xxxxxxx T R I N I T Y xx W A L L A C E

xxxx Daughter of Ares | Outfit | #461f4b

“I was trying to channel my own inner animal,” she mumbled, like a child being scolded, not really able to let their imaginary scenario go.

Then he gave her a strange confirmation that she could ride whatever she wanted. If she wasn't so nervous about the hole she dug herself she would have agreed it was obvious. Try stop a daughter of Ares from doing what they wanted. And it was soon followed by a confirmation that she had a date...with a wolf.

The biggest answer she waited on, took a moment for Theo to answer. “Of course, you know I can't say no to that.”

She smiled, too grateful to counter that: one, she didn't know that and two, he absolutely could say no. It was in everybody's vocabulary. “Thanks,” she said.

Theo mounted the creature with ease and Trinity would have turned it into a mini-competition and forced herself in front of him for control if the circumstances weren't so heavy. If there wasn't a whole trial waiting on the other side of the clouds.

“Come on.” She took his hand and sprang off one foot to mount the creature behind him. She glanced around her to see how other buddies were holding onto each other and mimicked it, wrapping her arms around Theo.


In the air, Trinity looked down, imagining if one demigod had lost balance and plummeted to their death. How long would they be falling before making a bone-crushing impact? “Do you turn into other animals?” she inquired, frowning. Trinity didn't want to see a whole wild-life show of Theo, she was only curious if he could take to the skies as an eagle or something because being in the open air like this was surreal. There was no other feeling like it.

Trinity dismounted when they reached Olympus and smiled and pat the steed that gave them such a ride. As she observed the glorious surroundings, she spotted Ajax on his own. Even from the back, she could tell he was being crushed by the weight of the trial. Trinity bit her lip glancing to Theo then to Ajax hesitantly. She didn't know how she could assure him or comfort him, she wasn't the type to soothe people. Thankfully, the need to approach him lifted when a red-headed male approached the son of Zeus.

Everyone started to wander in their own direction and even Trinity drifted a few steps away. “Wanna go walkabouts?” She smiled to Theo. Regardless of his decision, Trinity began to wander off slowly taking in her surroundings.

---

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

xxxxDaughter of Nemesis | Outift | #ffc300

She was strangely enjoying the odd feeling of sand seeping between her toes. It was quite grounding right up until Keith called for her. She glanced over her shoulder at him and smiled. He seemed in better spirits with a dark-haired girl in tow. “Evelyn, this is...” Evelyn’s smile slowly faded as Keith’s sentence stuck in the air. “Somebody I have the urge to call Summer so I’m glad I didn’t.”

Evelyn smiled uncertainly. While that was half cute, she might have stuck to the girl’s real name. She extended a hand. “Well, as he kindly called across the whole beach, I’m Evelyn, and that is my true name so thank you for that.”

“I’m Keith,” he quipped, in an untimely awkward way only he could achieve. He was lucky he had something endearing about him.

There wasn’t much time for a grand meet and greet as the Gods and demigods were ready to leave on pairing Pegasuses. “Do you mind if we...?” Keith addressed the brunette. “We can yell our favorite hot beverages to each other.”

Another smile tugged at Evelyn’s lips. He needed help but she also thought they were going to get along just fine.

A hand touched her back, announcing their presence and it shot a cold thrill down her spine. “I’ll make sure Miss Masters arrives to the Golden City in one piece.” Sylas. She glanced to him as he motioned towards the creatures. She could tell it wasn’t a choice, more of a telling everyone and Evelyn let herself be led slowly.

Evelyn paid a quick glance over her shoulder to the pair she left behind. “Nice meeting you,” she added. “I think,” she muttered. She didn’t really know if she could class that as the most productive or kind meeting. Besides, she had a shift in priority now. Why did the devil choose her for a flying partner? Not that she wasn’t somehow and in someway grateful. She had been aching to know more about Sylas, not that he’d give any of his cards away.

Standing before a horse, she sighed gently. To get on this magnificent creature without tearing her skirt was going to be her own trial. “Here, let me,” Sylas offered. For a moment, she was suspicious but disregarded it and nodded to him, granting him permission to help. He scooped her up with surprising grace before he placed her upon the horse.

When he climbed on, Evelyn smiled and finally let one comment go. “Sweet Sylas,” she mocked. He had tact and was a gentleman, but his heart and mind didn’t radiate sweetness, they both knew that.

Evelyn tried to find a good grip on him without hugging him, but she valued her life more than her unsettled desire not to come in close contact with him again. She wound her arms around his mid-section, absolutely needing the balance this time and as they took off, she hid her face in his back and tightened her arms around him. Once they had gained altitude and were flying steady, Evelyn slowly emerged from her hiding and peered down to the long drop below them then all around. What a sight and liberating sensation. Evelyn turned her attention to Sylas. He couldn’t flick up a smile when he was literally at the top of the world and didn’t even want to talk. Not a word. Pity. She rested her chin on his shoulder complacently and for a moment, considered enhancing his senses as her fingers splayed across his torso. But since he hadn’t used his powers on her yet, she repaid the favor and left him be.

Once grounded, she realized how ruffled Sylas was and though she used him as a wind blocker for some of the journey, she imagined her hair hadn’t made it in a pristine condition either. “Would you like my help down?” he offered.

“If you’d please,” Evelyn responded and reached out for him, her hands planted on his shoulders as a brace to slip down. Once she was officially grounded and smaller than him again, she smiled. “For a man with no strings, your etiquette is amazing.”

As she raked her fingers through her own hair, she finally paid mind to his fine attire. The number of people he must have fooled. Everything about Sylas was an absolute trap; he weaved a meticulous web, and suddenly she found herself as curious as a cat to know how many people he had captured in it and what the worse thing he caused was. Of all places, Sylas would likely be less inclined to answer her in Mount Olympus, so she dismissed it temporarily.

She placed her heels back on, laying a palm on the horse for balance as she bent down. She would have used Sylas again but even she felt that might have been pushing her luck. “I hope I didn’t offend you earlier,” she said in regards to their conversation in the hall, inferring he was a puppet, as she lifted her eyes to him. Again, Evelyn didn’t believe for a moment Sylas was the type to be offended, he was more: “a fool’s thought is my advantage.”

Evelyn finally straightened to full height again. “Tell me a secret.” Evelyn predicted he’d lie or refuse to answer, but his responses were indulging. Besides, it was he who didn’t want sweet words anymore so she may have well gone blunt. “What do you wish to see at this trial?” The fact that he was in attendance said there was some favor he was hoping to witness. Unfortunately for him, some actions were louder than words.

---

"I don't like the word 'hot'. Only vain or shallow people use that to describe someone. Yes. I've always found him very attractive," Andy had said, causing Mason to mirror her expression. He thought she might have fought Eve's powers for a split second, but instead she just rephrased to something more comfortable.

Mason hoped his light scolding towards Eve would play it all off and everyone could march on with their life but that wasn't allowed to be the case. "Who the hell are you asking?" Again, Mason turned wide eyed. Andy grew an attitude awful quick and he didn't hear Eve whisper anything about turning into a snappy gremlin. Then she smiled and took his arm and that was more frightening.

“Of course, I’d never presume to tell you what to do.” Evangeline replied as calm as ever. She went onto her tip toes and before he could register what she was after, she had snatched a quick peck on his lips and withdrawn.

Mason glared at her before Andy started to pull his arm. "I'm sure Princess here is fine with sharing. Obviously, she's above being jealous if she wants every girl to admit how hot you are."

When they had turned their backs, Eve seized the final word. “Have fun you two.”

There was a whole mood around Andy so the ride wouldn't be the 'most fun' one. He opted for silence like her. Andy approached a horse and rather than jump onto the creature's back, she stopped and turned to him. "Can you help me up... Please?" Mason grabbed her waist and hoisted her up. He wanted to adjust her dress too, making sure no one saw more of Andy than they had to but that wasn't his place. She could straighten herself out. He climbed aboard and Andy's hands slid around his waist, almost reluctantly.

"I don't have cooties, Andy." If she was worried about Hades germs than she should have gone with someone else but as long as she held on.

Silence had seemed to fill the beginning of the flight so he thought that would be the case for the whole journey. He was wrong. "Babe!?" She suddenly demanded out loud. Mason jumped a little.

"Christ, Andy what's the problem?" he demanded back. Mason tried to glance over his shoulder at her. "What the hell is it to you? I mean is it so impossible that I could have found someone?" Rather than deny going out with Eve or even being a fling he found himself being defensive over it. The shit he had to endure when Ajax and Andy were in five feet of each other, when they were at the fire... and Eve had called him babe and pecked him and she wanted to question it.

Arriving on Olympus, Mason couldn't even take in the sight. And this was probably the first and last time he'd be granted on Olympus. He climbed off the horse right away and helped Andy down despite his mood with her. He held her arm tightly so she didn't dare storm off on him. "I don't need to ask your permission to find a girl. Especially after what you did," he whispered furiously. Giving herself to Ajax who screwed two girls and only gave a shit about himself was worse than Eve's antics, she had no right to get involved in his love/lust life. "I can kiss, date and fuck whoever I want, however I want, wherever I want. Maybe at the next little party we have, I'll show you that." Mason wasn't above revenge or putting people back in their place so she could bet that was a promise.

He released her. "Maybe you'll finally get some proper attention from your own boyfriend when Alex dies."

---

”I’d love to ride with you,” Keith found himself grinning when she had agreed to jump on the horse with him. He almost wanted to ask her to repeat if there wasn't such a risk of being deemed incompetent. And the first thing he had done casually all day was walk with her to their transport. ”I also would have loved any cup of coffee, if I am to be honest. I’m a bit of a caffeine freak.”

Keith nodded. "We all have a little demon in us," he agreed. Keith hung back in case his company had a preference of seating or any expert tips on how to mount a pegasus, but she hung back too and Keith got the cue to clamber on first. She held her hand out and he took her soft palm, trying to help her on.

She slid her arms around him and Keith stiffened slightly, not that it was a problem, he just wasn't one blessed with womanly contact often. Or at all. But he eased into it. ”Cherise, and you owe me a cup of coffee later.”

Keith chuckled to himself. "Sounds fair," he said before she nipped one of his earbuds. Gods knew what she'd be stuck listening to with the variety he had on his device ranging from the stuff mortal parents crank up to a 90s party, to the smooth melodies and the newest stuff. He only hoped it appeased her. The last thing he needed was criticism on his music taste. He found himself replacing the spare in his own ear and the song that was playing almost conveyed his feelings: MJ's 'The Way You Make Me Feel.' Keith cursed himself but remembered the assumption of others wasn't always to see things so pointedly. It was an iPod on shuffle after all.

The boy wasn't a comfortable flyer, but the presence of Cherise was distracting. Even more so when her grip would tighten dangerously around him, he had to become more focused on breathing and hoping she wouldn't press too hard on his wound dressing. Reaching Mount Olympus in one piece was a relief and he let out a breath he didn't know he was holding - or forced to hold thanks to certain arms constricting him. He plucked his earbud back gently from her with a smile and jumped down the horse then offered her a hand down. "Congratulations, we made it." It probably wasn't much of an achievement to her who was beauty and grace, but he put his hand up awaiting a celebratory high-five.

"Sooo since I'm learning more about you and you had a brief preview of my song collection," he wiggled his music device before tucking it away in his pocket. "Do you have a favorite genre or song?" He awaited her answer eagerly. Music didn't define a person in whole but it did say a bit about them. "Just don't let it be techno, I have faith in you."

---

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"If I say techno, would you still take me out for coffee?" Keith cringed before he could help it. He didn't want to blow his chances by throwing techno under the bus but it couldn't be anyone's actual favorite....right? He had been too quick to assume.

"I mean..I won't not take you out for coffee," he stammered out trying to backtrack.

"Techno has its uses," she finally added mercifully. "But would I go out of my way to tune into it? Probably not. I like lively music - that 'Happy' song... 'Super Freak'...Right Said Fred 'Too Sexy'..." Keith nodded along approvingly with a grin. They were all catchy and the last two, particularly suggestive songs. Not that he thought Cherise was a nun or anything but, he didn't think she'd confess it so openly. "Not that I think you - Not that I think I...It’s just a happy song, okay?"

Keith raised his hands in surrender smiling, not in a malicious or teasing way, but a genuine smile. "They're all very happy songs," he agreed and chuckled. "Particularly a song about finding yourself sexy." It certainly didn't suit a person sitting alone with a tub of ice cream sobbing to themselves.

"I guess you can say that I enjoy anything that doesn't make me feel like the world is ending. Depressing music is a huge downer for me."

He tilted his head. "Like the Fray's song, 'How To Save a Life'? Or is that an exception because it's still catchy? You know there's like a club mix of it but the words are still the same. Which begs the question..is depressing music in the lyrics or tune." Keith raised his brows as if giving her something to deep to think on. Illuminati.

A finger of hers poked into the air. "I love musicals: Singing In the Rain, Grease..."

Keith gasped and pat his own chest. "Me too." A woman after my own heart.

He could have talked on and on about music with such a recipient, but Cherise had changed subjects. "Why are we here? I wasn't in the hall, but my father made sure to let me know that I needed to be at the beach. Is it important? Is the earth about to be destroyed by some Titan that seeks vengeance for... one of the many cliche reasons why anyone would want to destroy the world in pretty much every book or movie or television show..."

Did she breathe? He smiled seeing their parallels. This is what it was like to talk to him when his mind was off and racing. But quickly he realized he was the problem, he had been the one to invite her on a horse without explanation and she had been trusting enough to just tag along. "We are here for um..." Keith glanced around him, making sure they were a decent gap away from other demigods. Especially the emotionally inclined. "Alex's trial." Keith nodded in the daughter of Zeus's direction quickly then looked down. "So if you watch Judge Judgy or CSI, I guess it will be more like that." He smiled briefly trying a joke. Since it did involve a fellow demigod however his smile vanished. "She murdered another demigod and we can't run around lawless so...here we are. In this beautiful place to witness a trial."

Keith led her slowly into the Acropolis. In truth he had never been fortunate enough to experience Mount Olympus beforehand so he was a sheep that trailed after others. "I don't even know what to think," he added. "If she had any justification or what happened." He really couldn't figure out if she was guilty or not. The obvious answer was yes but there was something that told him there had to be something more. Or maybe he just hoped there was for Alex's sake.

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

xxxx Daughter of Ares | Outfit | #461f4b

“Oh, I think she was lookin’ for someone else and I scared the lass away.” Made sense. Liam wasn't the most approachable guy.

“Well, you are a little intimidating. Just a bit,” Andy said, speaking her mind. Trinity smiled and drew her own gap using her arms.

“Let's get our asses to the Trial, aye?”

Yeah, it wasn't actually much of a choice now was it, she wanted to grumble but refrained.

“What was her name, by the way?”

Even if Liam hadn't stopped, his inquiry brought Trinity to a halt in itself. Then she met Andy's look and it seemed they were on level with each other again. “Sloane... I honestly don't know her lastname... Or her parentage. I've been... preoccupied.”

She mentally self-fived for getting a reserved demigod's name right. She kinda lived in her violent bubble but she picked up on names pretty quickly, particularly when it came to teams and Trinity wanted to anticipate who was friend and foe in a game like capture the flag. Still, she knew jack all about Sloane beyond her first name. Another factor Andy and Trinity had in common was going through their own rough patches: being preoccupied as Andy put it, and Andy's was hella lot busier than her.

Trinity followed blindly and let herself be led by an anxious Andy, feeling her grip tighten now and then on her arm that already had claw marks and bruises. Trinty put her free hand over Andy's and would have given her strength if it was the kind she needed. “If your father smites me for accidentally laughing in his face, you'd mourn me... right?”

“So badly. Especially when there are so many others to smite first.” It wasn't nice or joking enough to lighten the atmosphere. “Like...bad drivers,” she added. Man, did they piss the world off. Probably just as well Trinity didn't have the power of the Gods.

They drew closer and closer and Andy's grip tightened more on her arm. It didn't hurt, but it still drew a frown in confusion from Trinity. She wasn't a mind reader to know why Andy was so worked up about it. “Andy, you're not the one on trial, you know that right?”

Then finally before they entered the arena, she snapped out of her little anxious spell. “Sorry... If you don't want to stay, I won't stop you. You could slip out without anyone noticing... I have to stay. I don't know if I would forgive myself if I didn't speak... the truth.”

Trinity nodded and smiled at her friend. Andy slipped forward while Trinity hung back, mulling it over in her mind. She glanced to Liam. Would the same apply to him? Would he let her head back? It wasn't a life or death choice but Trinity acted as though it was, really weighing the pros and cons. At the current time, she was living a pretty good philosophy, if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything. She wasn't sure that would hold in the trial though.

“Err, I have to watch.” She knew if she didn't, she'd feel guilty later on for not supporting her friend. Or even regret witnessing the grim outcome of the trial. As much as she craved her space, this was more important. “Maybe you should sit next to me so I can look like an angel and folks can remember what a real threat looks like,” she said. Plus, he was the perfect 'don't come near me' barrier. She started to walk again even if it was reluctant.

“Of course,” she spun on her heels to face her brother, “you don't have to.” He probably knew that but in case there was any obligation cause family loyalty and all that fun stuff. “If you'd rather sit with a certain brunette that's like, this high and this shape,” Trinity drew some rough measurements with her arms and chuckled, “I won't blame you.” Though Sloane appeared quiet to Trinity, she was probably better in the terms of company.

The time for jokes had quickly disappeared as the trial had begun and Trinity fell into a seat near Andy. She didn't quite reach beside her friend, but she was around, a couple of rows back. Then the test began for Trinity to keep her mouth closed, or at least until she could figure out how to say what she wanted. Wes spoke up. Quick to kiss Alex's a- his arm! Trinity almost smiled for him. He wasn't disadvantaged anymore. Daily chores would be easier and it looked wicked. Then she remembered they were hardly on speaking terms and he scored himself a date with another blonde.

Trinity gave it a little more of a brew for a couple seconds then spoke, “Look,” Trinity rose then rolled her eyes getting the formalities out of the way, “- Trinity Wallace, Daughter of Ares. I don't know much about the actual events except word of mouth. Mason, Theo and myself were absent on a mission. I know Alex killed Jennova, but that doesn't make her a murderer. She doesn't have murderous tendencies, trust me I know. If anything, after she killed Jennova, was when she became a little unhinged. But I'm a strong believer of an eye for an eye, and I'm not sure who started it. So either payback is due and she should face some form of punishment in the eyes of the Gods, or Alex ended the cycle with Jennova.” That was more inserting her two cents in the suggestion box than speaking for or against Alex. Personally, given how it all happened, she thought Alex should have faced some punishment regardless.

Not long after Trinity had sat, Andy spoke. solidifying Alex in the wrong. “That's rough, killing someone unarmed with their sibling out of town,” she mumbled. Even Liam and Trinity gave the opponent a chance. Then again, part of Alex's unhingement was her rambling on about getting proof and finding herself so maybe there wasn't fair play all around. And maybe Trinity was just in the mood for others to have pain inflicted upon them.

---

Cherise, obviously seeing his disturbance offered some advice. “I’m sorry. If it’s any consolation, I am sure that you are not the only one that is confused. The world isn’t black or white, and neither are people and their actions - especially us. I’d say just… go with your gut, Keith. You’ll find that it’s usually always right. Albert Einstein once said: ‘The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift.’ I mean, he was kind of a smart guy, so…”

Keith smiled and nodded, particularly approving of her words. "I like that," he said.

His eyes scanned the newer environment before Cherise disrupted the view, stepping in front of him suddenly and taking his wrists. He didn't like this. “Save me a seat or two? I forgot that I needed to go and find someone.” Admittedly it wasn't as bad as he thought but still bad because if it was like a boyfriend or something...he wouldn't do too well in that kind of environment. “I forgot that I needed to go and find someone. A girl name Ilianna. It slipped my mind as soon as you bumped into me! I can’t believe it. I never forget anything!” Keith's shoulders visibly relaxed at the news. Although it wasn't to say this Iliana couldn't be the brunette's partner. It hadn't even crossed his mind until now that men might not even be Cherise's preference. “You don’t have to save me a seat, of course. I just thought - well...” When he next looked up she was as good as gone and Keith fluctuated between a nod and shake of his head. He didn't know the right response but the one he meant was he'd try to save them a seat.

Now how to do that....sprawl across several seats? Kick a leg up, tell the others to find somewhere else. People weren't dying to sit next to him so it wasn't much of an ask. Besides, he quickly became preoccupied on the trial that began. His peers were all over the place with not finding her guilty, then a few individuals spoke against Alex, including Andromeda and a couple neutral comments. But Mason's words struck a nerve. "I wish I was a son of Hecate for a day, " Keith frowned paying attention to what his new angle was, "so I could show you all what it's like to come back to camp and hear your sibling is dead, the one time you left them unprotected. So you could see their heads disconnected from their bodies." Then Mason looked right at him. Keith wanted to shrink down into his seat and disappear, but he was curious to see what more would be said. "But even the son of Hecate's dead because the children of Zeus only care about themselves and their emotions."

That was harsh and this was supposed to be about Alex and the son of Hades, not him. He didn't need to be pulled into it and he was here. But...plenty of demigods had been strange around him and he couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong with him. That's what filled his head through the majority of the trial. Strange images flooded to the mind of him on that cliff again with Mason, standing over a grave, only this time, he got a glance inside the grave to see Jennova. Keith was trying to mend the head back to the body...

He saw Alex kill her mother but it didn't process right and he didn't snap back into reality until some other girl added her own useless neutral know it all say. Because she was a god right? She could say when the trial went and when it stopped. Keith scoffed. "Sorry, we forgot to bring Jenn's head to appease you," he commented, like an out-of-body experience. He slammed right back down into his body as soon after the words left him, stunned. He didn't know Jennova well enough to call her Jenn and there was no "we" when it came to Mason and himself. Or anyone. Also, the comment was plain rude.

This was working out to be a strange day. All the experienced Demigods threw in their say and suddenly he was the odd one out. He didn't have anything productive to contribute and didn't want the spotlight either. But that magical tool that Alex stepped into to reveal her memories...now that caught his eye.

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sloane astor
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wesley preston
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sylas astor
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andromeda bolton
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xEthan Knox ~ Hestia ~ #8B4513 ~ x

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xHeath Taylor ~ Athena ~ #808000 ~ x

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xxIliana Remington-Taylor ~ Demeter
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Demeter and Iliana sat together just before the trial started. Ethan and Heath sat near them too. Just before the trial started though, someone suddenly appeared and bumped right into Demeter.

“Oh, shoot - I am sorry! Today is just not my day. Well - I don’t know, I guess it’s all from a point of view. In some ways my inattentiveness was a gift.”

"It's no problem dearie. It could have happened to anyone. Is there something I can help you with?" Demeter asked.

Instead of answering her, the dark haired young woman turned to Iliana.

“Hi! You look like Iliana. I’m Apollo’s daughter, and my father wanted me to sit with you during the Trial. I actually meant to catch you before we got to Olympus, but a really cute boy sidetracked me. Has that ever happened to you?”

The girl's enthusiasm really caught Iliana. She never met anyone with overactive energy too. She did know Apollo. He'd been her primary caretaker when she had been taken care of at Olympus after her ordeal. Those memories were foggy though since she had been fighting for her own life. Her kidnapping had been horrendous and during her healing in Olympus, she had been kept under. Even Hypnos got involved when constant nightmares caused her to thrash about in her sleep, delaying the healing process. Not wanting to remember that time though, Iliana continued to listen to Apollo's daughter.

“My name’s Cherise, and I’ve got a spot saved for us. At least, I think I do,”

She saw the girl turn towards a guy with glasses. She honestly didn't know what to do either. She looked at her mother first.

Demeter smiled and replied, "Go on ahead Iliana. I am not leaving.

Iliana turned to Ethan and Heath next and they smiled back too. Cherise seemed like a nice enough person and if Demeter was fine with it, they would be also. Iliana turned back to Cherise and nodded before standing up. Before the two could leave though, Demeter said something.

"Oh Cherise, I don't know how much your father told you about Iliana, but we are trying to keep what happened to her a bit private since it's up to Iliana if she wants to talk about it. Only gods who know about Iliana are Zeus, Athena, your father, Hypnos, Hermes, Hestia, and myself. Also my daughter cannot speak at the moment so she communicates through her notebook. Have fun you two."

Iliana nodded and went ahead and sat with Cherise and the other guy with glasses.

As the trial started and people started speaking up, both Ethan and Heath played close attention. Ethan was reading the emotions behind the words while Heath was looking for possible lies. So far he couldn't detect none. One thing was obvious though, they really weren't making a lot of headway. It was almost like a "He said, she said" situation. Finally a daughter of Poseidon spoke up, basically asking for physical proof. Both Ethan and Heath agreed with her. These words though seemed to set Hecate's daughter off. It was pretty obvious too that she had been through a lot, especially when it was mentioned she lost her own brother. When Andy left, it was Ethan who stood up next since he recalled something Ajax said to him.

"Hi, I am Ethan, Hestia's son. I have a question for Ajax. Didn't you mention something about a bracelet that belonged to Alex and you believed it to be curse and the cause of her actions toward Jennova. Do you still have it? If this bracelet is cursed it could provide some answers and physical proof."

After that he sat back down and then Alex was brought to a pensive. The images scene caused her to fall apart again and this had a major effect on Iliana for her pain was overwhelming. Seeing her daughter in distress, Demeter rushed over to her and wrapped her in her arms, with Ethan not far behind. He started using his serenity inducement on her while Demeter cooed to her softly. In the meantime, Hestia rushed forward to Alex and had Athena give the girl to her.

"Come back to us Alexandria. Remember the good times with your loved ones. Breath, don't let your emotions take you." she told her, using her own Serenity inducement.

Being a goddess, her Serenity Inducement would not only affect Alex, but anyone else in distress, which included Iliana. Soon the blond calmed down. Seeing her daughter was alright, Demeter let her go while Ethan returned to his seat.

Heath was relieved to see his sister okay, but seeing Alex break down reminded him of that time when she almost unleashed her powers. He knew she had been provoked then and was a loose cannon. If she had indeed been mentally unstable when she killed Jennova, it would definitely helped her case. Wanting to find out more about the day of Jennova's murder, Heath stood up.

"My name is Heath and I am Athena's son. I have several questions regarding the day of Jennova's death and well as the actions of both the victim and defendant. Who was the last last one to see Jennova alive? Did she and Alex ever have any prior conflicts? Also, who was the last person to see Alex before the incident? How were both girls acting that day before the incident?" he asked.

Iliana listened to her brother ask questions, but her eyes stayed glue on Alex, feeling so bad for her because she could relate to her pain. Iliana herself was still in a fragile state of mind. If it wasn't for her mother, Ethan, and Heath, she could have easily turned out like Alex.

---

---

"Hi, I am Ethan, Hestia's son. I have a question for Ajax." Ajax turns his head to look at him. "Didn't you mention something about a bracelet that belonged to Alex and you believed it to be cursed and the cause of her actions toward Jennova. Do you still have it? If this bracelet is cursed it could provide some answers and physical proof." Ajax turns his head again, this time in his father's direction who was looking straight at him, waiting for his son to answer the question.

Ajax nods. "I had Hecate look at it before the trial began. It was cursed, but it's not cursed anymore. We left it too late to find out who left the mark." he said. His eyes land on Hades. He had a feeling in the pit of his stomach that it was him, since part from his son, Hades was the one who had a deep dislike towards his father. At least, they were the only two he knew about without any doubts lingering in the back of his head. He could bet his life on it.

Liv gave a long speech, and even though she did have a point, it was clear that no one was patient enough to find out what would come next. His sister had just managed to grab herself a break, and already everyone grew restless. He didn't blame them, but a trial wasn't supposed to be fun. Ajax's gaze moves to his hands as he clasps them together, rubbing at the skin on the back of his hand as he stares at his feet with his mind absent as he waits for his sister to continue with the memories that Ajax didn't like seeing, but if it's all that can prove Alex's innocence... then so be it.

---

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"I had Hecate look at it before the trial began. It was cursed, but it's not cursed anymore. We left it too late to find out who left the mark." If only that cursed object had still been intact. The trial would have ended so much sooner. "No matter. Everything will be brought to light soon enough."

As his son's eyes travel to where Hades and Mason sat, Zeus also looked in their direction. It was easy to point the finger without hard evidence, which is why Zeus did not act. So many enemies lurked the very corners of Tartarus, their souls forever wailing in the depths of despair, unable to escape their torment for the gates to the underworld remained guarded by Hade's loyal beast. Cerberus. Though it was not Hades who had placed them there, not all of them at least.

So many of them still want their revenge on the King of Mount Olympus, and so many still prefer Hades as the king instead.

Hades no doubt had plans conjuring inside of that head of his, but Zeus's only concerns, for now, were on his daughter.

With his weight baring down into his hands on the arms of the throne, he straightens himself up to stand. A couple of the Demigods had left already, and he wasn't about to stop the others if they no longer wished to sit during a drawn-out trial. But every second counted for Alex. "Thank you, Miss Pfeiffer, but we are aware of what needs to be done. We will not allow my daughter's trial to be decided on emotions alone, hence why the method I am using is in progress."

He knew that she meant well, so he hoped that he wasn't too harsh. Gods didn't have much to them when it came to emotions, they lacked in areas which human's did not. But this didn't mean they felt nothing... their emotions just weren't as intense, which is why it was so easy for Zeus to leave Susanna after choosing to return to his realm. Still, he knew what love was and how much he did love her. Still loves her.

he looks down at his daughter and the goddess who is stood next to her. "Are you ready to continue?"

---

---

Alex sat on the sidelines, gathering the strength she'd need for round two of reliving the memories she wanted to remain forgotten. "Are you ready to continue?" her father asks.

Alex looks down for a second before looking back up and giving him the answer they all wanted. "Yes." as the Goddess who had stepped forward to help moves her back to the pensieve, Alex was regretting every second of ever coming in the first place. But it needed to be done to clear her name once and for all. "I am so tired, and I just... I want it to be done with. I'm ready." she stepped back into the cool liquid and closed her eyes.

The Pensieve lunged into action once more, throwing Alex into a much deeper memory this time. The night of Jennova's death.

Alex remembered it well now. Jenn's face was stoic and emotionless while she took a drink of her water before leaning her right shoulder against the door frame. "What do you want?" she said, right before Alex unsheathed the sword that was attached to her back. "What the hell do you think you're doing with that?" Jennova took a step back. "Ah... well, if you think you can scare me then you're wro--" THUMP, a severed head hit the ground. She hadn't given Jennova a chance to finish.

It was Andy and Wes who had found her, and Even back then, with what was right there before them... Wes still never judged Alex. He gave her a chance to explain. "We should get you to--" Wes cut off. He hadn't noticed that Andy had run off to get Alex's brother, but there Ajax was. He had arrived and was yelling so loud that the entire camp could have heard him.

"What have you done! what the hell were you thinking?" He looked at the headless body.

"He's going to kill me... Mason's going to kill me."

"I won't let anyone kill you" Wes promised.

The memories went on a little further until there was indeed evidence of the bracelet getting to Alex by Jennova's hand. All to please her father.

---

---

Ares let out a frustrated sigh as he watched the memories unfold. They were only going to point towards the God they had always suspected from the very beginning. As much as Hera still disliked Zeus, she had too much to lose and had been promised her Queen status on condition of keeping her claws out of the children. So it couldn't have been her.

"We have all witnessed that Hades manipulated his daughter to carry out his work against Miss Valis, so, with permission from Zeus himself, the Gods of mount Olympus hereby sentence Hades, ruler of the underworld... banished. To Tartarus." of course he wasn't going to stay there forever, no doubt he'd find his way out one way or another. The Olympian guards took hold of Hades, and escorted him out of the Acropolis. Thank god the trial was over. Ares still believed that it was pointless for everyone to have come. They could have easily found everything out without them having to see the young girls memories, but maybe it's because Zeus wanted them to know and see for themselves that his daughter wasn't the monster that many so believed. There was no bringing back Jennova, but at least all of them could move on in time, knowing that it was all done by the hands of Hades. again.

---

---

Heath lectured on about the definition of monster according to google that he must have memorised. Did he really want an answer? No. Did he deserve one explaining how he came off as another blind worshipper of the Valises who would lick their boots if they asked, and it was a fact to Mason that she was a monster, yes. But the trial concluding held more importance to him so he let it be.

Ajax piped up again going on that there was some cursed item involved then Alex's second vision began. He inhaled sharply then closed his eyes as he heard the awful thump of his sister's head falling from her body. For some time, he kept his gaze averted to the ground until another God spoke. "We have all witnessed that Hades manipulated his daughter to carry out his work against Miss Valis, so, with permission from Zeus himself, the Gods of mount Olympus hereby sentence Hades, ruler of the underworld... banished. To Tartarus."

Mason looked to Hades accusingly, and rather than vanish in black smoke, Hades let himself be grabbed and taken away. Mason let it happen too, no retaliation or final goodbyes from either of them. Mason lowered his forehead on his fist. So Alex was innocent and Hades guilty according to her memories. Now he was as good as fatherless. Now there was no family to appease. Just more murderous thoughts. But he didn't want to brood about it in Olympus. As he got to his feet, somebody approached with a Goddess in tow and turned a notepad around to face him. What the hell?

~Um, hello, my name is Iliana and I am Demeter's daughter. I can't speak at the moment so this is how I communicate with people. Anyway, I just wanted to say I am sorry for your loss. I saw my . . own father get killed by a human . . when I was 5 and I still have nightmares. Momma told me to remember the good times though and that has helped. So maybe you can try to remember the good times. So I guess what I am trying to say is I know how feels to loss someone dear. I remember being very angry for a long time too and I withdrew from the world. I hope you have someone to lean on. That's really what I wanted to say.~

Was she a mute or what? Nonetheless, Mason sighed, preparing himself to be as civil as he could be. "Me too." At the moment it really was him against the world. "Do you know what happened to your father's killer? Did they walk away freely too?" Because they didn't so much as slap Alex on the wrist for her crime. Mason's eyes moved pass Iliana to Demeter. Gods were normally vengeful beings but he didn't think Demeter or Iliana had it in them to make the human pay. Unlike him.

"No disrespect, but if you hold me up, we're gonna have to ride together and you probably don't really want that. I'll see you back at camp." He shifted past her, patting the small thing's head gently and left the Acropolis. Then another dread struck him. The Underworld. Without somebody to keep it in check, many souls would cling to the hope of life, to try climb out of the place when they didn't belong anymore. "Fucking Gods!" He growled. It wasn't like the Underworld was a nice place full of fun and delight. That was already Hades' punishment.

He didn't have any gods or peers to catch up with. There was no reason for him to stick around. Looked like it was back to being a Hermit for a while. Or back and forth trips in the Underworld. A girl with dark hair and pale complexion was already saddled up and ready to go and as he got closer he knew the face. She was quiet and wouldn't bother him with idle chatter or as he recently discovered, writing. Perfect. "Hope you're not reserving a seat," he said and climbed on behind the girl. "Because you're my best bet."

Mason wasn't much for hugging strangers usually but he wanted to go and that took priority at the moment. He held her slim waist gently. "Sorry," he said in case she was uncomfortable. She'd have to deal with it though because he wasn't falling to his death today. He might have been more sympathetic and aware on other days, but today as she probably witnessed, wasn't his day.


Once at camp again, Mason dismounted and offered her a hand down. "Thanks. For tolerating me." Not that he had been much in the way of conversation, but a brooding presence holding onto her. Mason went to walk away but for some damn forsaken reason he couldn't just leave her casually. "Do you want to get food or something? Can I walk you to your cabin?" Even in his state, he couldn't just leave her without something to offer after flying with her. Besides a day or two earlier he was interested in getting to know what she was about.

---

Duke remained a silent and composed observer throughout the remainder of the trial. There were a few demigods tried to strip emotion from the equation, but it was an emotional case, to expect anything else was unlikely. He hurt for Alex seeing her stab her mother then decapitate Jennova. Neither action was truly hers and it was important people saw that, so though it hurt to live through again, it was vital peers saw the truth: that there was an extraneous variable in play, that no murder would be on the table if it weren't for the curse to begin with.

He was relieved when Ares said the final verdict. Apparently Wes shared the relief and enthusiasm giving him a pat on the back. Duke smiled in return. It was over. It was finally over. Part of him wanted to leap down the wall and hug Alex but brothers first. If Duke and Wes were relieved, imagine Ajax's flood of emotions.

So instead, he headed to another demigod. His counterpart in a way, if they were to address their power of elements. "You raised some good points in trial. You should probably just work on execution, might get more respect that way." Liv possessed a real don't give a shit attitude, like an angsty teen so maybe his words meant nothing to her. And judging by the blood on her dress, she had already picked the wrong person to give that attitude to. Maybe she didn't give much of a crap about being respected but what was the point of talking if no one was going to listen? In the end, it all came down to execution.

"Are you ready to head out or what?" He gestured out of the Acropolis, arm out for the taking or decline. Either option was one he could live with. Duke was ready to return to his warehouse/cabin. It had felt like an extensively long day.

---

He just couldn't find a comfortable way to sit, tossing and turning, folding one leg over the other, upright, slouched. Gods, to settle was impossible. When Alex had recovered, she was right back into the pensieive this time to reveal the night of Jennova's death. Keith frowned, upset to find Alex had murdered another in a fit of rage but somehow, as the memories were explored, they found Jennova and Hades had collaborated on a curse on her bracelet.

To Keith it still brought about a debate whether it was right or wrong. Sure, there were other options like a duel or holding Jennova on trial but if he had to fit his feet in Alex's shoes he wouldn't have had the most rational mind either. Nonetheless, the Gods dismissed it finding the villain behind it all and Keith let out a breath he didn't know he was holding.

He turned his attention to the pretty brunette and shifted over to her. "So what did we think of that episode?" Despite the bad timing, Keith had to make light of a hefty situation otherwise he'd just crumble. Although it was arguably hyper insensitive. But Cherise didn't seem super PC. "There's so much drama and emotion present, it's actually a pretty accurate capturing of the atmosphere in camp. Are you and your sunshine and blossom up to the task?"

He sat up and looked all around the Acropolis, meerkat like. "Your friend didn't stay long." Self-consciously he thought he might have been the problem again, and almost asked if it was due to him but stopped himself. Keith had recently moved past the whole nervous rambling phase with Cherise and he didn't want to backtrack. He had learned by now the girl didn't bite.

"Did you um...maybe want to catch a ride together on the way back to Camp or...wait around here." Since he had taken so much of the girl's time he didn't see her talk to any God. He didn't even know which one was her parental figure. He'd be happy to wait around because there wasn't much back at camp for him so he was in no rush to return to his loner status.

In fact, a fraction of him saw an opportunity in the scenario of people leaving the Acropolis, either returning to camp or bonding with their parents. Maybe he could have a look at the magic pool himself. The more he toyed with the idea, the more it sung to him like a siren song. Keith had to know what had hurt him and he was attached to the idea that that water held a solution. It had accessed Alex's repressed memories.

Privacy or no privacy Keith edged towards the front row.

"That won't help."

Keith almost tipped over the edge of the Acropolis hearing his mother's voice. "Huh? I wasn't -"

"You've changed so much. It's no wonder Andromeda is upset with me," she said looking Keith up and down. "My poor boy, I do hope you can forgive me." She stepped by his side. "I cannot undo what's been done and consulting the Pensieve will merge memories and warp your mind. But if you bury deep...if you surround yourself with support and those who were there last year, I believe you'll get your answers." Hecate hugged him briefly and left with a smile.

What she really left him with was more turmoil. But at least she gave him hints on how to fill in the blanks. Keith still felt her eyes on him, however, was more preoccupied on who to approach for answers and who he could class as support. When he had enough wondering, he headed to the horses waiting for a partner to appear.

With the trial now dealt with, and with Hades completely out of his sight, Zeus could finally grab a moment with his children before they'd have to leave him again for Camp. "I would like a word with both of my children."
Zeus said, causing the other Gods to leave the room and the arena. "My children... I have never doubted either of you of being good people, and once Camp Athens is over for the both of you, I want you to decide on something."

---

---

he held his hands together in front of him as he stood there before them, looking between them with a gentle smile. "It is your choice alone, so whatever you decide, I will be happy. You can either come and live here with me, or you can remain on Earth with your step-father." he knew it could be a possible hard choice for them, but he hadn't done it on purpose to get them away from their step-father. Zeus knew as plain as day, what that mortal man had done for both Alex and Ajax. Raised them as his own, loved Susanna when Zeus could not. He honored the man, but he wanted to remain close to his children, to get to know them better than he thought. "You do not have to decide right away." he assured them. "There is plenty of time." he promised.

Just after hugging both of his children, and before he was about to head out, someone else had joined them. First, it was Iliana. The adorable young lady from earlier. It was nice of her to apologize to his son, though Zeus did know or understand what she was being sorry for. Next, was Heath. Still polite as ever.

"Pardon me Lord Zeus, but my mother and I have a private manner we wish to discuss with you?"

"Of course. Follow me." He leads them both to a separate room. "We will not be disturbed here. How can I help?"

---

---

He couldn't contain himself. The second Alex was proven innocent, he vaulted over the wall and landed in the arena before he rushed over to her. He pulled her into his chest with his arms wrapped around her, and almost squeezed the air out of her. He chuckled as she wheezed for air. He let her go.

"You scared me."

"I know. I'm sorry. she said, her brows furrowed.

"Don't be. I'm just glad you're still with us." Mason wouldn't have agreed of course, neither would his own girlfriend, or anyone else behind them... but it didn't matter. None of it mattered anymore. Of course, Jennova was still robbed of life, but no-one could blame Alex for wanting to avenge her mother. So many would have wanted to do the same. Just as Ajax gave his little sister one more hug, their father had joined them.

Ajax stood there staring at him as Zeus announced his proposal to make a choice on where they'd both want to be, and honestly... Ajax was torn. He was already on the path towards Mount Olympus as future king, and Earth would be that home he'd miss once it was gone. Unable to step foot there, again. Unable to see the faces he cared and loved, again.

He knew his father was telling the truth. He had no reason to play manipulation with his children.

Ajax turned his head to look at Iliana with her mother. She was writing on that notepad of hers again. As soon as she was done, she turned it around for him to read it: ~I am sorry about my behavior before the trial when I gave you those flowers. I just felt your anger and it scared me. I am . . . able to feel the emotions of others and it directly affects me to the point where I can't control my actions or powers. So I left before I could hurt you and Ethan.~

He nodded. "Um.. okay..." He was confused as to why she needed to explain herself, but it was clear that she was more sensitive than the other girls, which was fine. Everyone is different after all."I honestly do appreciate it, but you, or your... brothers?" he couldn't remember if they were related or not. "Don't need to keep apologizing for what you believe to be wrong. What I'm trying to say is... it's fine. Just be yourself." He shrugged. "I should be sorry. I didn't mean to scare you, so... as an apology, how about I ride with you back to camp, huh? you can tell me a little more about yourself."

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It felt good to finally be free, and she couldn't wait to get back to camp to be with her friends, her brother, and Duke. It felt good to have that monster inside of her head finally die, knowing that what she did, was not by her own impulse, but a cursed and manipulated one.

She looked up into the crowd, and even though some had left, and some that showed no sign of relief for her innocence... Alex smiled. Wes, Duke, and Ajax were still there, at least. For a little while. Her smile faded.

"Are you ready to head out or what?" She caught Duke say, his arm waiting for someone to hook their arm around it. It was the girl who had made such a long speech earlier. Clearly, she had impressed him for him to give her the time of day, and no doubt a ride back to camp. Alex watched, and expected even Wes to come to her... but neither of them did. Just her brother.

He ran to her and hugged her half to death, right before their father asked them to decide on something that Alex was more than happy to hear come from him. For years, she had wanted to meet him, and dreamt so many times of life beside him where she would get to see him every single day. But now that it was offered to her... she didn't know what to say. She had so much to leave behind.

She hugged her father. "We'll think about it." she answered for herself and Ajax before her father left to speak with Heath and Athena. It sounded important, but Alex wasn't about to eavesdrop. She wanted to be back at camp, so she headed out and made her way to the winged horses where Daniel stood alone.

It seemed he was waiting for someone, but the second some brunette girl arrived, Alex smiled. It was nice to see him moving on. She didn't know the girl, but Alex felt as though she was maybe what he needed to distract him. He had been through so much.

With everyone else partnering up, Alex climbed up onto the free horse, adjusting herself on its back. Maybe riding alone was a good idea. A chance to be by herself with her thoughts.

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As he escourted Liv to a pegasus in silence, she broke off and seemed to be whispering something to the horse. Strange behaviour had to be somewhat expected in a camp full of demigods so he waited back as if it were a privvy conversation. Once it concluded with Liv and the horse straightening, Duke lifted Liv on the back and climbed on, shuffling forward to assure plenty of room for the daughter of Poseidon.

She placed her chin on his shoulder and spoke to him during flight. ”It’s not about respect. It's about… being caught up in this millennia-old game that our parents have been playing with each other. It's about not being used. Maybe even about not falling into the same traps. If I were down there, I wouldn't want to be judged because of my godly parent."

Duke turned to face her as she pulled away. "I don't think they see it like that."

He didn't get the chance to explain further as she said to hold on tight and the horse lowered down by the ocean. Shit. Automatically Duke's grip tightened on the mane, ready to redirect the horse. Liv was moving around behind him and he paid a confused glance or two over his shoulder before she dove in. For a moment he looked at her diving space expecting her to surface and flag him down but he reminded himself she was a daughter of the sea and willingly dived.

He landed without a passenger which probably wasn't a good look to anyone that saw him pair with Liv. He climbed off with a huff patting the creature once, grateful that it hadn't thrown him overboard or diverted course. He walked to his cabin briskly. Duke had earned some rest and sleep.

---

Apparently the girl wasn't used to being a first to anyone and if he cared a little more, he would have assured her she had her perks.

"You say that as if your presence is usually intolerable."

Mason smiled a little. "I'm top three of most intolerable in camp." Because even when he was approached by the odd camper or two, he had an attitude that chased them away. It's just the way he was. He couldn't help but let the coldness in his heart show.

"You don't have to be so polite," she said. She stood like a statue for some time and Mason thought her preference clear. "I just wish to avoid Sylas for as long as possible. And if you want to be alone, I understand," she answered finally.

In honesty it probably was for the best that he headed his way and she heads her own. "If you say so," he shrugged and nodded. Just as he got a step or two away, she spoke again.

"Aren't the two of you... a thing?" Mason frowned, prepared to ask for context but when he saw the big guy and Eve, he drew the lines.

Mason narrowed his eyes on small brunette. Eve and he didn't play discreet but he didn't think they particularly drew attention to themselves either. He glanced between the pair on the horse and her, tongue pressed to his cheek. "Sloane, right?" He wanted to be sure that was her name since they'd never officially met and gone through all those formalities. "How long have you been playing fly on the wall?" Mason didn't really care for her answer or retaliation so he waved it off. "Let's say it's complicated."

"I can go take Liam off her hands, if you wish to talk with her. I doubt my presence with you would make her jealous. I'm not the type of person that other women are jealous of," she said.

Mason rose a brow and looked her over. Sure her dress looked like it belonged on a fashionable older woman but Sloane wasn't ugly. Actually she could have snuck in as one of his top 4. He appreciated the offer too, more so if he actually cared about Eve. "Don't undersell yourself. But if you want to take Liam off her hands for the sake of it," Mason nodded in their direction. "I'm not really the jealous type when it comes to our relationship." And the lack of jealousy was exclusive to their relationship.

"Goodnight, Sloane." He headed off. He was in two minds, one to see Andy and another to go direct to his cabin. The latter won. Andy needed some time to cool down and so did he.

Mason pulled his tie off glad to get rid of the foresaken thing. He should have checked the underworld but he didn't want to deal with another problem for the day. Jacket and shirt came off, then he kicked his shoes off.

---

He had a ready smile for Cherise, but it dropped when he saw the weapon she was now equipped with. A crossbow. Well it looked like it would be a nervous flight inbound and outbound. Keith rose his hands in surrender hesitantly.

“I call front this time, and maybe a nice upbeat tune. Unless you're waiting on someone, then, well - I can just hop on a flying horse with someone else. I don't want to seem like I am just clinging to the first cute face I see.”

"If you want the front and to pick the music, you can just shotgun you know?" He lowered his hands back on the horse. Then he picked up on some other certain words she said. "Cute face? Thank...thank you." Keith wanted to say her face was cute too but he wasn't good at the whole compliment business. Especially as the timing would have made it sound forced. Okay snap out of it. She probably meant nothing of it.

Keith hovered his hands out to lift her. "May I?" When Cherise was on, Keith clambered on behind her. He couldn't hug her as tight as he wanted on the rollercoaster with the crossbow in the way, so it was indeed bound to be a nervous flight back to camp as well. Before they took off, Keith brushed aside her hair softly to expose an ear and gently placed the earbud in, then handed her his music to pick a song and readied an earbud in his own ear.

He was relying heavily on company and music to distract him from the fear of falling and on uncertain angles, he would tighten his grip around her. Despite nerves etc, he did believe they made it to Camp in one piece. Being too eager to dismount, he stumbled a little, but other than that, they were dandy. "Made it again, woo." He went for the high five again before realizing he hadn't helped her down yet. "Sorry." He grinned and held out a hand for her.

"I think I'm developing a phobia of crossbows," he confessed uneasily. "You're not gonna live with that thing attached to your back, right?" That might have caused some friction in their developing relationship. A lovely girl with a crossbow was a real mixed message. The camp was already loaded with nasty, feisty and fighting demigods, she didn't have to add to those numbers.

---

She went on about a pillow fight which she should have saved for a lesbian lover , and seven minutes in heaven which would probably come soon enough in camp. His physical reaction was a roll of his eyes.

“You know, I admire your restraint.” That surprised him. “Pete’s been a major tosser lately, but if someone hurt him, I’d ripping their fucking head off. Well- I’d make someone else do it cause I’m not some hot-headed idiot. And we both know people like me and you wouldn’t get some bullshit trial like Alex.”

Mason nodded along. "Who would you get to do your dirty work then?" She probably didn't think about it beyond just getting someone else to do it. Unless she was talking literally ripping their head off, then that deducted it to one of Ares's kids.

There was hardly time for him to care about her answer. “Now, are you planning on putting a top on?” she said, placing her hands on his thighs and kissing his jaw. He smirked a little to himself. “Or is that just one less thing to take off later?”

Mason drew her in, cupping the back of her head and kissing her, prying her lips open with his own. He then pulled her on top of him, helping her straddle his lap. "You're not a virgin are you, princess?" he taunted and slipped his hand under her clothes, before grabbing the hem of the material and peeling it all away. Mason laid a kiss or two on her exposed body then returned to her mouth. He gradually shifted on top of her. Poor girl would have to deal with couch sex.


As much of a bitch she was, the girl had a great body. He knew that with her clothes on but naked was much better. During sex it was easy to relish in. Plus, she wasn't nutty or clingy, expecting a commitment from him. Mason caught his breath. "Alright, time for you to leave." There were no nice ways to say it to a girl you just screwed. But Mason gave her the full brief in the beginning, "no sleepovers". He got up, pulling on some boxers and helped her collect her items of clothing, but any more compliments or generosity for the day and he'd make himself sick, even if it was in order to get her out faster. Mason escorted her right to the door, giving her a last look over. "See you." Feeling satisfied for the night, thanks to a little fix of blonde minx, he blew her a kiss and closed the door after her. If he weren't tired he'd a suggest a round two, but he waited a while before dosing off to sleep.



Mason yawned and stretched out to face another crappy day. He didn't get out of bed right away seeing as the day promised nothing but a shit storm. He reluctantly got changed in order to try beat peak hour at the hall and eat his substance before it was littered with demigods. Still, his mind was in another space, trying to imagine what he'd do if a Valis came in first or what happened last night at the trial. Stupid. And what if he saw Andy? He felt dirty again, not even able to touch more than a mouthful of food.

---

Cherise looked slightly uncomfortable before a gentle smile finally graced her features and she began talking again. "I - um, I think you and I have some kind of chemistry. Whether it's friendly, or..." Keith frowned, unsure of where she was going or what it had to do with her beloved crossbow. "We just met, but I like you, Keith. I want to be friends, but that means you have to be friends with more than just my sunshine."

Oh. Had he offended her accidentally? He didn't mean to and he didn't want to give the impression he used her company for sunshine purposes only. "I..I'm fully aware a person isn't one dimensional," he began in defence, though her eyes were elsewhere.

"I'm a daughter of Apollo, and I've studied and practiced archery all my life. I don't know why, but rich people love archery. I'm really good at it. If I were going to use it to kill someone, I would have done that a long time ago to someone that really hurt me badly. I didn't because that's not the kind of person I am."

Keith nodded, returning to his frowning state. He supposed there was some assurance in the fact that she could have killed this 'someone' that hurt her but didn't. "I'm sorry," he offered quietly. Sorry to hear that someone had harmed her in the first place and that he had insulted her character.

"I'm a healer, first and foremost. I have some other manipulation, but I don't even know where to start with that one. When my father told me I would be coming here, I decided to bring my bows with me. I'm a good person that knows the worst things happen to the most vulnerable people. I guess I just want to be able to be that person that I wish I had to help me when I was vulnerable to someone else. Sometimes that means that the good guys have to have the big guns. Or in this case, the big bows." His own experiences were hurdles - no big brick walls, but he had to get through it otherwise he was going to self-sabotage any decent relationship he could get. And the good guys were completely entitled to bring their own weapons to retaliate with.

Her pause and eyes seemed to be an invitation for him to speak up and he did. "I have no doubt you're a woman of many talents and crossbows don't trigger themselves. I'm just used to...-" He huffed out. No matter what he said his words wouldn't come out in the right way. "Everybody here trains to use their powers or other gifts against others. So, it's what I'm accustomed to." Keith shrugged, his eyes suddenly fascinated in the sand. Cherise didn't deserve such a category as everybody else and Keith realised that but bad intentions could lurk in others and she could become the weapon.

"I think, Keith, that you need to trust someone. You can't spend your whole life believing that everyone you meet is going to attack you. There are good people. We are never going to truly know anyone, but you can take the risk - compact bow and all, and get to know me. Maybe I can even teach you some archery." Keith pulled a sorry excuse for a smile as Cherise backed away, leaving him in his own company and thoughts to dwell. "I'll see you later." She waved and spun around, gradually disappearing from vision.

With all said and done, Keith sighed and put his hands on his hips and hung his head down. "I really don't like bows," he said to himself as if his problem was with the singular weapon and not lack of trust.

* * *

Sleep wasn't all the peaceful being riddled with what Hecate said then Cherise. Keith took himself to the hall, travelling on autopilot. Once inside, he caught sight of the red hair meaning help. Keith rushed over as if he had other people to race to Evelyn's table. He sat across from her, scooting as close as he could. "Evelyn, hi. I was wondering...um...first that you look nice today and how you're doing?" Keith asked, before the real rushed blabbering came out in a hushed voice, "Then I was wondering if you could maybe...sort of help me out. I've been told to bury deep and have words with people from last year but I...don't know where to start. I want help figuring out what's wrong with me, but I don't know where to begin. I'm lost," he confessed. Lost in so many ways.

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~Okay Ajax, I'll ride with you, but I won't be able to talk with you until we get back to camp.~ That was fine by him since he needed to go over his own thoughts anyway about the entire trial. Seeing everything his sister had done due to manipulation, and the feeling of not being able to protect her from it in the first place. He blamed himself, yet again.

~Lia is my nickname. So, after you I guess?~

He could tell she was finding it awkward, or that she was feeling anxious about the entire situation he had invited her into, but she would be ago once he had given her the time to warm up to him.

Ajax motioned his head to the horse with a smile. "Ladies first." he carefully took hold of her waist and hoisted her up onto the horse's back before hopping on behind her, before he took the reins and chuckled as he felt her tense up slightly with his arms either side of her. "Relax. I'm not going to hurt you, or throw you off mid-flight. I promise. That's only for those who start singing annoying songs." he joked, knowing that she wouldn't be able to with being quiet. It wasn't long before they were back at Camp. The horse executed its landing perfectly before he hopped off and helped Iliana down gently. "See, wasn't so bad was it?" he asked, and gave her shoulder a gentle, comforting rub. "I swear I'm not all Mr.Angry."



The following day, Ajax woke with the feeling that he hadn't slept that well. The trial still lingering in his head, the feeling of his own girlfriend hating him more than ever, and how everyone was going to be now Alex was free.

There was always going to be tension in the air no matter what, and after yesterday... they needed something normal. Something that could at least allow them to relax for a little while Maybe a beach party like last year? It would be easy to set up. Daniel was the only person, so far, that he knew was enthusiastic about music, or maybe they could set up a cushioned area on the beach, huge fabric screen to watch a horror movie or something like that?

He got out of bed and put on some clean clothes after quickly using the bathroom to wash etc, and headed outside and headed towards the canteen to get some breakfast.

He sat in the far corner by himself, for now, hoping that he wasn't looking unapproachable to those who needed him as the staff announcement came through the speakers. "As soon as you can, head to the staff cabin and vote for the poll that is pinned outside. Movie night and games with drinks and food, or Just a traditional Campfire, music, games, drinks and food." the speakers squeaked slightly as they turned off, and Ajax remained to enjoy his morning cereal of cornflakes. He had voted for the movie night.

(( Zeus post on its way ))

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