Cherise Boyse's Story

"I've had worse," she joked, smiling to accompany the statement. "She'll have to try harder if she wants to kill me."

Mason grunted, untaken by the challenge and her great attitude for once. But he didn't need to lecture her, especially when his body language was already disapproving. She didn't see herself before Daniel's new friend got in. Looked like Alex came pretty close.

Andy turned her attention to the healer. "You helped... Didn't you? Thank you. I don't know why you'd help me, but I appreciate it." Mason eyed the new brunette head to toe. She looked like a do-gooder that did things simply because it was right, but even so the heal wasn't mending a small wound and required sufficient focus and energy. At least he imagined it took a bit. Whatever the case, it looked like work and her job was done so it wasn't his problem.


"Thank you for being here when I woke up." He nodded. How could I not? "I'm sorry that you keep having to save me."

This time she got a smile out of him. "I like the leverage it gets me," he replied and smiled more. He shifted slightly, making his body face Andy, speaking more seriously. "You'd do the same for me." Somehow, Mason wholeheartedly believed Andy would be there for him too.

"I do," she said quietly. "I want to know everything that happened after..." she made a vague gesture but Mason was already looking off in thought. There was a long silence until her voice emerged again. "And what's going on in that head of yours... the truth."

He sighed out thinking where to even begin. "I don't know if you were unconscious when you hit your head or from the lightning strike itself. But you were in bad shape....a lot of people were scared." Mason nodded to another empty seat by Andy's bedside. "Daniel was here all night with you too. But um I got a million curses to join my father in Tartarus and death, took you here. Pretty sure the party disbanded after that." He gestured to her gown. "They had to get you dry and changed. Soon as it's okay, I'll get you out of here." Normally Mason would have jumped at the chance to rebel and get Andy to her cabin but she was frail. Liked or not, Andy was staying until they got the all-clear even if it was from underqualified staff.

As for the second part, what was going on in his head, that was always a mess and indecent. But he knew he couldn't avoid it, because she wouldn't let him and he owed her a little truth. He looked around the med hut. "At the moment I'm just worried about you." Knowing Andy, that was too vague. "I know you're strong and resilient but I don't want to be the cause of you getting hit by Zeus' kids again." He might not have been the sole cause but he played some factor of the tension Andy and Alex harboured for each other.

"I can't get the closet out of my mind either," he added. In no course of history did people kiss their friends with that much desire. That's what his mouth and body gave away in that confined space and he knew it'd put a kink in their friendship for a while. It'd be easy to blame the alcohol and sweep it all under the rug but Mason didn't have that much and while he did taste a bit on Andy's lips, she was mainly coherent. But inside, she was experiencing turmoil

It must have been in his peripheral or subconscious because he slid one of his hands forward and entwined his fingers through Andy's. "Maybe I shouldn't have kissed you. I know you're going through a couple of things and it was bad timing." Mason watched their hands for a second before meeting her eyes. He didn't say sorry though, and Andy knew he was particular about his apologies and gratitude. "I care about you a lot and I'm going to do my best to be here for you."

Even though the daughter of Hecate told him to be truthful, he wasn't going to drop the full L bomb on her. She had enough shit to deal with and Mason needed to give her room to sort herself out. But if she ever needed him or wanted him, like he said, he'd be there.

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andromeda bolton
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sloane astor
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sylas astor
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wesley preston
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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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xxxxPenelope Givens ~ Hermes ~
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Heath and Ethan were still jogging as the path they took went into a wooded area.

"You'd think a place as nice as this wouldn't have such drama," Ethan commented.

"It just goes to show just how much looks can be deceiving. I hope there will come a day here that things aren't so tense."

"Still I am glad we came. I love your place, Heath, but I was getting tired of being cooped up in your place."

Ethan knew he could be completely honest with Heath. He was an extrovert, he could never stay inside for too long. Heath grinned at his friend, grateful for his assistance. He had started seeing the anxiety of staying inside, trying to help his sister, was starting to take its toll. It was a good thing their mothers told them to go to the camp when they did because he could tell that Ethan had been slowly going nuts.

As the two continued to jog, they soon started hearing voices. Finally, they came upon the source of those voices. It was Cherise and Rae. Ethan couldn't help but suppress a groan. While both girls were nice, they did freak him out last night when they dragged him on the dance floor. Heath saw his friend's face, but seeing how the two ladies already noticed them, he was the first to greet them.

"Morning ladies. Getting some archery in? We were just getting some jogging in before getting some breakfast."

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"I like this girl. She's beautiful and sweet and...owns a crossbow or two but, she's nice. Except when I met her I was different, and I'm not sure entirely how to explain that to her without her thinking I'm a liar or she's the butt of the joke."

This caused Iliana to think. She had only seen him with 2 girls so far, one was a redhead, and the other was Cherise. And when she first met Daniel, he had been someone else and had been with Cherise during the trial. So maybe it was her? Plus Cherise was the daughter of Apollo, whom she knew was into Archery.

~You're talking about Cherise right? I remember you two were in the closet together. Maybe if you start at the beginning on how you became a different person to begin with, that might help? And it looks like your sister, Trinity, and Wesley know what happened to you, so maybe one of them could help? My brother has told me that having those who can back up your statements can be an asset.~

Iliana might not be as smart as her brother, but she was still an observant person. And Daniel was definitely troubled by the idea of Cherise not liking him. Cherise had been in a much better mood after leaving the closet, so she was hopeful things would be fine between the two of them.

Soon those Daniel asked her a pretty personal question. Instead of answering, Iliana avoided it and got her breakfast before returning. His sudden question left her without thought and she tried coming up with an answer. Her attention was diverted when she saw Mason come in quickly before leaving. She was tempted to ask him how Andy was was, but with him in a hurry to leave, she felt it best to let him be.

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Nelly watched as the young woman composed herself and greeted her. She giggled when the woman's stomach growled.

"So how long have you been at this camp? I know I'm a few days late, so I hope I haven't missed anything big."

"I just got here myself the other day, so I was late too. And you've missed a few big things. I've missed some big things here, and not just the past few days. Seems a lot of stuff happened last summer because some campers were here last year and what happened then is affecting events now. So what do you want first? The good, the bad, or the ugly? I can only tell you what I know, which isn't a whole lot unfortunately. Oh before I forget, what's your name and who is your divine parent? Mine is Hermes."

The girl then asked where the food was and Nelly was glad she knew where it was from here. Suddenly Mason showed up and told them where to go. Always wanting to have the last word, Nelly called after him.

"I know where it is, but thank you DADDY!" she yelled with a laugh.

Looking at the new girl, she said, "That's Mason, he seems to think I need a babysister. You best keep an eye on him, he's definitely part of the drama here. Still I don't know what to make of him."

Leading the other demigoddess to the main hall, she saw that Iliana was there with the guy who was with Cherise in the closet. Waving at them both, she led the new girl to the food.

Iliana waved to Nelly as she came in with another new face. She finally came up with an answer for Daniel when suddenly Ajax came in and sat by himself. His angry energy was easy to read and Iliana trembled in fear, trying her best to ignore it, but his angry energy seeped into her pours, making her nauseous. Suddenly a crash was heard and it startled both Iliana and Nelly as they watched Ajax leave the main hall. Iliana didn't want to admit it, but she was relieved when Ajax left because she was about to get sick. Taking deep breaths, she tried calming herself down. This had to stop. There had to be something she could do to help Ajax and Alex. What is was, she didn't know yet. Maybe walking around would help her? Decision made, she turned back to Daniel to finally answer his question and wrote in her notebook.

~Sorry, I wouldn't know who to kiss, I haven't even met everyone yet. Besides, it seems like all the boys I've met here so far are interested in someone and I would never want to step onto any toes. It was nice talking with you, but I am going to go for now. I wish you the best of luck with Cherise.~

With a bow she was soon out the door.

Nelly saw Iliana leave and looked to the guy she had been sitting next to. Looked like he could use some company. Turning to her companion though, she said, "Hey, sorry you had to see that. Things got intense last night. That there was Ajax, and I think he's Zeus's son. Feel free to get your breakfast. I am starved myself."

With that she got her own food and sat across from Daniel.

"Hi there, I don't think we've formally met yet. My name is Penelope Givens, but I prefer Nelly. My dad is Hermes. I saw you were enjoying yourself last night." she said with a grin.

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Iliana was nervous and took slow steps, but then relief filled her when she saw other campers, one of them being Alex. Next to her was Wesley. Trinity was with the other huge demigod and Sylas's sister. Deciding to talk to Alex, the blonde walked toward her and Wes and saw instantly felt her emotions. Guilt, so much guilt. Holding back her own emotions, Iliana quickly addressed both her and Wesley. Going on instinct, she wrote something done.

~Morning. Sorry to interrupt you, but I wanted to talk to you Alex. I don't know if you remember me, we only met briefly before the trial. My name is Iliana and I just wanted you to know that I have problems controlling my powers when my emotions are all over the place. I hope you don't mind me asking this, but do you remember what you were doing before you lost control of yourself? My mother use to tell me that if I knew the cause of what sets me off, I could try to find a way to prevent it from happening.~

Internally, she wasn't sure if this was a true solution. She knew intense emotions set her off, but she still struggled to control her own reactions to them.

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xEthan Knox ~ Hestia ~ #8B4513

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xHeath Taylor ~ Athena ~ #808000

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xxIliana Remington-Taylor ~ Demeter
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xxxxPenelope Givens ~ Hermes ~
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The first to speak was Cherise's friend, whom both boys had a hard time remember her name. Did she even introduce herself to them? Before either could ask though, the demigoddess left, leaving them with Cherise.

"I got my job in a while ago, thank the gods. It's starting to get a little warm."

The two nodded as she started cleaning the area up and mentioned breakfast before stating she hoped for a quiet breakfast. Heath nodded. He did catch the lie, but decided to not address it since Cherise must have her reasons. He would keep an eye on her though and if she lied again, he would bring it up.

"I come from a big family and I am lucky if I have a private breakfast. Then again since moving out on my own, most of my breakfasts have been quiet. But then Ethan here likes talk and fill in the silence."

Heath chuckled when he said that last line.

Ethan rolled his eyes and replied, "Are you saying I talk too much?"

"You are pretty loquacious my friend," Heath laughed.

"See what I have to put up with Cherise? He takes after his mother too much, he's too honest for his own good."

"Thank you, I am glad I am like my mother. Since I know when someone lies to me, it be hypocritical to lie myself," Heath replied, looking directly at Cherise when he said that.

While he wouldn't bring up her lie, he did want to remind her not to lie around him. When Cherise finished up, she debated on whether she should take a shower or not. She eventually decided she would go now and asked if they were coming. Both guys smelled themselves too.

"Unfortunately I do need a shower Cherise."

"Same here, but we'll meet up with you there in no time. Our cabin isn't too far from here."

With that the 2 left and soon arrived at their cabin before getting taking showers and getting changed. Leaving the cabin again, they head for where the food was and arrive to indeed see others there. Seeing that Iliana wasn't there, both wondered if she had already ate and just left. They get their own meals and sit down to eat.

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Even though Iliana was aware of when the others were doing, she kept her whole attention on Alex.

"I don't remember. I just remember the people who were there at the party. Everyone was enjoying themselves the best they knew how, and that creepy guy...Sylas...he passed me at one point and then I just... got angry after seeing Mason enter the closet with Andy. That's all I know."

Sylas's name caught Iliana's attention. Before she could think about it, Alex continued.

"Lets just face it... It was my fault. All of it is. I hope you find peace with yourself soon..."

Alex began to walk away, then stopped. She turned to Iliana, looking a little hesitant.

"Thank you.... for, you know... trying to help."

Iliana felt her defeated nature, a feeling she knew all too well. At least Alex hadn't been tortured like her, but any more drama and she might lose herself completely. The girl needed a break, that was for sure. As much as Iliana wanted to follow her, she knew when someone needed to be alone and the 2 were still strangers. Plus her attention was quickly diverted to Sloane's outburst. Spinning around, Iliana watch her shout at the big muscle guy.

"I didn't make myself the victim. You did!"

Puzzled, Iliana started listening in earnest.

"I wasn't scared until you came crashing into my life! Because now, I don't have it under control. It isn't about me anymore. You brought yourself into this mess... Along with your sister, Wes, even Andy. Every single person you've opened your big mouth too is now in danger because you put your nose somewhere it didn't belong."

Her words and anger penetrated Iliana's heart like spear, she felt the underlying fear too. Was she . . . talking about Sylas? Iliana tried to focus on just the words, while battling her own emotions, which were starting to rise again.

"I bore his anger so no one else would have to!"

With those words she caused the guy to tumble over before saying she wasn't a victim or weak. The angry woman walked away then, saying not to follow her. Iliana gasped and shuddered as she dropped to her knees, clasping her notebook to her chest. She was shaking and taking deep breaths as the wind picked up a bit. It took her several minutes, but the breathing helped her calm down, but now she was exhausted. She didn't even realize the big guy had left for when she looks up she only saw Wes and Trinity. The wind was still blowing, but it had calmed down slightly. Iliana got up and walked towards Trinity. Writing something down, she showed it to Trinity.

~Was she talking about Sylas? Has he hurt her? I did see that Sylas was hurt the other day. Did that big guy who was here do that to him, because Sylas hurt his sister? That big guy is your brother right? Sorry, what's his name?~

She didn't mean to ask so many questions, but she had so many of them.

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Koa was right behind Nelly as she greeted Daniel. He asked her new companion about her name. It definitely sounded like an islander name. Soon Daniel introduced himself as one of Hecate's kids. That had to have some perks. Suddenly Daniel asked if she and Koa were twins. Nelly burst out in laughter.

"What gave you that idea?! We look nothing alike! It would be cool if we were related though. I know my father isn't the 'steady' types when it comes to relationships, but neither is my mom. My mom loves her independence too much. My parents are on good terms though, so that's good. I actually never met my father or knew of my divine half until I was 10 right after I discovered I had a nut allergy. I have to tell you it was a relief to know why I was so fast or have a perfect visual memory."

Daniel then asked her about last night.

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

Nelly laughed again when he asked if she had been to prison. She knew her father was called the God of Thieves from the time he 'borrowed' Apollo's herd.

"Not quite, but I have gotten speeding tickets hehe. I have a way of getting into trouble though. My mom says my middle name should have been Trouble hehe."

She was really enjoying Daniel's company, so much so she didn't pay attention to when others came into the hall. So when Daniel asked if they like to be training buddies, Nelly leaped at it.

"I don't know if I have friends yet since I just got here, but yeah I'd love to train with you. How often do they train us here?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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#fa8072 || Outfit || W/Daniel

Keeping his composure on multiple accounts in front of Cherise was difficult. He liked the girl, she made him nervous and though he'd argue otherwise, he sought her approval. While he was demonstrating show and tell, she stepped up to him letting her dainty fingers trace a scar or two. He shuddered at her touch but powered through his story because no matter how distracting her presence, she deserved the truth. What was worse was he contemplated voodoo to start afresh with Cherise. But if she ever found out about that she’d be super resentful and he’d feel guilty even looking in her direction.


"You died?" she didn't ask it in a dubious manner but there was something sweet and sincere in her surprise. He nodded...And luckily for him, she seemed to be digesting it and taking the information on board sincerely.

Cherise offered a promising smile and hug that Daniel was a little taken aback by but then his own arms wound around her. Strange that a simple embrace could convey so much. And it seemed to be everything he needed. Assurance, comfort, warmth. She was the first to pull away but not entirely, she only pulled back to meet his eyes. "Well, thank the gods that you are here, Daniel. But for your transgression of withholding vital information, you must put on a blindfold while I shoot apples on the top of your head for training. That’s your punishment."

As contagious as her smile and energy was, Daniel wasn't sure if he could afford to smile or call her bluff. He knew he royally screwed up. All in all, he felt like an ass because she deserved better from the start and they both knew that but left it unspoken. For both their benefits he guessed and in order to move forward. Instead his lips wavered into a smile of his own looking between her eyes. His hands drifted back sliding down her arms.

"We'll call it trust building." As she chuckled, Daniel couldn't help but grin. She grabbed his hand and pulled him along, radiant and forgiving as ever.

"So you do want to train with me? I knew it. Even if my role is target practice." Daniel tugged on their joined hands to fall in stride with her. Although that didn't last long before he took a couple of paces ahead, only to turn on his heels and walk backwards with her. "And then you get to wear the apple, right?"

He let the daughter of Apollo take the lead from deciding where their training would take place to the whole target range and position. Everyone had their specialties and in addition to music and healing, Apollo and his blood were supposed to possess mad skills with a bow and arrows. Cherise looked confident with it, seemingly carrying it as natural as a purse. Plus, if Daniel was forced to see the downside....if Cherise missed terribly it would be a good test of his own nerve and reaction time. And if she hit him they could call it even in the guilt department.

Daniel conjured an apple but before he took to the balancing act, "A demonstration milady" he requested and threw the fruit skyward. In order to maintain an appearance without the risk of apple remnants so soon and test her trigger finger, he made it disappear then reconjure above the shooter with some way to fall yet.

Once that splattered Daniel conjured one more for the real show to begin. He placed it on his head and tried to balance the fruit there, over compensating to the left, right and in all directions, frequently having to catch the thing and reposition it as it rolled away.

He played it out until she was out of arrows reserved for him though one was enough. There was nothing personal about it, he just wasn't a fan of projectiles flying towards him. Daniel clapped his hands together. "Now be honest, don't we make a good team? You and me verse Kohana and Nelly...I'm feeling confident." Daniel plucked up an arrow giving it a theatrical spin. "Or me and Kohana verse you and miss chatterbox or..." Daniel pursed his lips realizing he didn't actually know Cherise's boisterous ginger's name "your friend." The way he smiled implied her perfectly. The more outspoken and devil on an angel's shoulders she was.

He poked her with the blunt side before handing the arrow back.

It was all talk anyway because the day paved a different path.

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#fa8072 || Outfit || Training w/Daniel

Turned out he had to be a lot more watchful of his mischievous arrow shooting partner. But in true Daniel fashion, it just made him dig her more. From every cheeky comment and stray arrow.

The session led them to discuss the mysterious nameless friend as they wandered around the place retrieving arrows. Rae. Who was icy but an apparent care bear to the best friend which he only just heard. "Don't tell her I said that. She has an image she likes to keep." Cherise added. He raised his head in time to catch her wink and he chuckled, placing his finger over his lips. Why did Rae strike him as the interrogative best friend? Probably because she was super blunt about safewords in Seven Heaven so she wouldn't pull punches with his shenanigans.

His partner remarked on the time causing Daniel's eyes to go skyward. He smiled to himself and Cherise reappeared by him also observing the lack of activity and drama in the day. "It's different," he remarked. "I guess time flies when you're having fun." He hated to think how the rest of the poor souls spent their day. Like, if your life wasn't at all in threat with a beautiful woman, what fun was the day? How could they kill time?

In his case, he wasn't quite ready to end the day with Cherise.

There was the lightest brush against his hand as they walked, making Daniel look down to her fingers slipping between his. The faintest smirk crept across his lips and he gave her hand a gentle squeeze. While she seemed more absorbed in the scenery as the sunlight faded, Daniel was observing her own features before adopting her outlook to a camp he had walked through a million times. Both were beautiful and undersold.

"Do you feel better now?" Her voice brought him back to reality. He hummed in question not quite getting her meaning. "Now that you got everything off of your chest? It might sound crazy, but I felt like you were avoiding me last night. I might have been a little on the jealous side when I saw you with that pretty redhead."

Daniel inclined his chin in sudden understanding. "Aaah yes. Avoidance was my awful strategy. But I feel better. Less silently guilty and anxious about how to tell you my whole debacle." Then he nudged her because he couldn't help himself. "Only a little jealous?" He couldn't totally discredit Evelyn's looks nor downplay their bonding. But if it had been with Cherise, it would have been different. "You know I was thinking - and wanting to approach you before the bottle chose you for me. Maybe it knew what was best for me and that was a little dose of Cherise." He laughed at his convenient chances. Really it could have landed on any other demigod that simply wasn't the one he needed to have closure with. Even if closure wasn't entirely what happened in the closet.

He wasn't sure who was leading who in the end but they came to a lovely opening and scenery. Even Daniel smiled at the overlook, only shifting when his partner shrunk down to lay on the grass. He smiled and followed her example, laying back on some comfy earth with her and just behaved for once and took it all in.

"It's so nice to have a slow day."

"I wouldn't get used to it." He didn't say it to be a mood killer or pessimistic, only address a reality. He turned to look at her, being met by a classic endearing and contagious smile from the daughter of Apollo. His hand hesitantly reached for her cheek, caressing over it with a few fingers. Then he leaned in, slow and patient like, to peck the tip of Cherise's nose and he beamed.

"You know there's a common misconception of mine that days have to be upbeat to be good. But I didn't mind spending it with you. Even when getting shot at." They were words that rarely departed anyone's mouth. But there was a first time for everything.

They laid there together. Sometimes in comfortable silence. Sometimes exchanging words. Daniel was reluctant to bring their time to a close. Before it could end, he rested up on an elbow turning his whole body towards Cherise and went for what he wanted. He slowly leaned in again, giving her ample time to move or retort if she didn't want anything. There were only few reasons somebody invaded another's space bubble in such a beautiful place. His lips brushed over hers. An innocent graze.

"Let me walk you to your cabin." He flashed her a smile and climbed to his feet before offering her a hand. It wasn't his first choice to say goodbye but it was the right thing until they built up a little more trust and knew more about one another. And hey, he got to know where her cabin was now.

* * *

He knocked on the Valis entrance. Why in the morning did he crave some Valis interaction, he couldn't pin. Alex had issues. Ajax had issues. But somewhere he still regarded them as not hateable. Maybe even friends still. Only for no turd to open the door for him. There wasn't even a hint of life inside. Oooh The night of the party Ajax mentioned passing the torch cause they were doing some Zeus related stuff.

Daniel leaned back, checking the surroundings and over his shoulder and smirked. He held his hand out over the lock and heard a satisfying click. Oh if only those Valises had an ally that thrived in magic, the place could be an untouchable fortress. He wasn't sure what he was looking for in particular, but it turned into some aimless snooping and wandering. Including Alex's underwear draw because he wasn't an idiot to miss that opportunity. "Ohh nice," he remarked upon rifling through some lace panties and ones that didn't quite cover the whole cheeks. He cackled to himself.

Daniel left things neat but not quite as they were just to stir a reaction from the two and see what rumour would spread from it. Daniel hummed an 80s tune as he wandered to the cupboards. Well stocked. Naturally. Enough to bring a grin from ear to ear and whip himself up a little something. Maybe he'd leave some dirty dishes for them too.

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One last theatrical flip and - "Everyone to the arena, immediately." Splat. The pancake missed the pan and fell to the floor. But the voice that called out was one that demanded obedience. Or at least was one he personally didn't want to trifle with. Interesting though. It wasn't Zeus or his spawn.

Daniel turned off the Valis cabin appliances and hurried to the arena for this urgent summoning. He fell into a seat automatically, not caring for once who he ended up by, eyes only intrigued on the congregation of Gods and what was in store for him and fellow peers. From there, Poseidon laid down the law. Daniel's eyes shifted to the Witch-Goddess curiously as she summoned an archway for more of a sense of what was happening. The answer came after, being nothing but bad news. And for calling the attention of the gods and hell to pay, Poseidon even said who they could thank: being Slenderman and Mr. Roids. Usually, one to try find a bright side, Daniel couldn't and he gave a dirty look to the perpetrators. Basically, they all had to be exposed and raw for everyone to see because a couple of campers acted out.

One Sloane Astor was called first and Daniel didn't doubt for a second about how Poseidon told them they'd feel and know nothing else other than the illusion the moment they stepped through the portal. So good luck to her. Because he didn't know the girl, he naively expected less drama. Maybe like giant spiders, but no, they got a whole emotional, brutal and personal horror show. Once again fortifying what a vulnerable time this would be for them all. Nobody could escape the gods' powers or bury their own secrets, traumas, fears. The worst would come.

"Heath Taylor! Step forward!" Another person's deepest fears were put on display for them to see.

"Daniel Vadas!" A part of him wanted to shrink down and go back to having identity issues so he didn't have to stand and expose fears as well as face some buried trauma. But the combination of Poseidon and Ares stern gaze moved him onward and through the portal.


He found himself in the hall, something oppressive in the air. Around him the demigods looked like they used to, demigods he hadn't seen in a year, even Wes in his peripheral had two arms. Daniel stepped up to Andy. "You okay sis? You look like you're ready." And that she was, dressed in battle gear, light armor and armed. He gave her a weak smile before pulling her into a long hug, and he kept holding her for a time.

"I'm kind of terrified," she admitted in a whisper.

Something churned in his gut saying he didn't want to let go. Once he did, bad things would happen. He didn't want anyone to step out of the hall. But he let her go, like it couldn't be helped and tapped her chin unwillingly. "Wish I met you sooner."

"Yeah... Well, we're going to survive this so you can bug me more."

Those words made his heart sink. Oh no. This was worse than de ja vu. Daniel demanded he stop and do something different. Lock the doors, teleport away, etc. but it was like his body was on autopilot and two consciences were clashing. He approached Alex next, dropping off a comment to ease the tension. She sighed and bumped past him, and he couldn't even avoid her literal cold shoulder. He strode to Trinity next, looking for comfort in a plan the Valises hadn't given but most the demigods had already dispersed outside, prepared for a fight as individuals. And he himself followed in doomed footsteps.

Stonemen charged at the demigods, finding gaps through the barrier set around camp and they fought them off for the most part though Daniel felt off balance and like it was all too hectic to handle. They were playing heavy defence. But then the barrier that bought them time started to flicker and crash, making way for the giants to barrel through.

This is when it happened. He wanted to back away, even if his peers thought him a coward, he'd rather run and survive for another day. But he stood his ground, set to make the same mistake, and forced a giant to its knees with his powers. He gave the extra pull with all his might and power, appearing to make the giant's chest leap outward. Stop! Look over your shoulder. Let go! No matter what his voice demanded or how he hoped somebody else could alter this nightmare, he knew what was due.

A harsh pain suddenly emerged, puncturing through his body like a pin cushion, the tip of a blade poking out his chest. The giant smirked. The steel withdrew slowly and the battle continued on around him. "And..-" he couldn't say her name as breath left him. Shortly after, so did his whole life.

From that moment he faced a void. There was nothingness. No Styx, hospital room, Elysium, Underworld. Emptiness. And him all alone. Of course he tried some magic but to no avail. "Mom?" he called, pacing around.

Slowly, his limitless cage did begin to take on some cloudy shapes. The first that materialised was a pyre. Some demigods gathered around but no tears were shed and there was some bullshit organic speech made. "A good friend and acquaintance to us all, he will be missed." Daniel scoffed unimpressed, meanwhile people phased right through him when returning to their cabins. If this was the departure he got as the last farwell...where was Andy!? Or Mason. Despite his suspicions he did try snapping his fingers in a couple of demigods faces, demanding attention but he didn't exist to them.

It took a bit of wandering to locate his sister, but when he found her she had reserved herself to crying and scribbling on some paper. Daniel hated to see her in such a state so he crept closer. "I'm still here, you're not alone." But Andy didn't even twitch. He frowned stepping closer to see she had a small fire going, and she tossed in a locket, symbols etched into the table. "Hey, no, no, whatever voodoo you're doing, stop."

As expected his sister didn't respond. Hecate emerged from another room. "You're sure about this?"

Daniel's eyes narrowed into a squint and he peeked over Andy's shoulder spotting a memory spell. Before he could order not to, they were off with the chanting. Daniel stood there stunned she could do such a thing without second thought- even if there was a second thought, she did it regardless! Hecate was partly to blame but Andy he had more hope in, she had to have more sense than that. His heart pounded dangerously at the betrayal and consequences to follow. Andy's face went blank and her emotions seemed to subside, and she wiped away some tears like they were foreign.

"The effects of war toll us all. But at least you didn't lose anybody important," Hecate said.

His eyes lifted to a glare on his mother before he turned and walked away. Daniel paced off to inspect the domino effect of the spell. No photos of him, no cabin or possessions, no furniture, no gravesite. They had plunged him into a state of non-existence entirely. "What have you done?"

Somebody had to remember something or see him. He tried several attempts to get attention, from ghosting things to trying to shake his peers, the frustration and reality only settling in with every passing second. He'd rather the blissful abyss.

"Hey." A gorgeous brunette offered an assuring smile, emanating instant comfort, warmth and trust.

Daniel mirrored her smile and started towards her. Of course, if anyone could pull a miracle, it'd be her. Somebody passed through him, wrapping Cherise up in an arm and they walked off together.

Daniel fell against a wall in defeat. Before he knew it, his palm then fist struck at it a few times before sliding down. Erased from existence entirely.... He hugged his legs and hung his head down wishing there was no after life for him. That he died and the lights simply went out.

A breeze hit his skin and Daniel lifted his head from the ball he was morphing into. He was in the arena - no. He was back in the arena. A tear escaped his eye from what he was suppressing in the illusion and he returned to his seat with what left over dignity allowed.

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xxxxxxMason Hughson

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He had showered, headed to the hall for something to eat, and just at the tail end of his breakfast, Andy came through. She only had to wait a little longer but he guessed patience wasn't her virtue. However that turned out to be the least of his worries.

The ground shook beneath them. Mason tried to jump to his feet, but as quick as it came it subsided, followed by a voice ordering them to meet in the arena. Mason gave the same startled and confused expression as Andy had to him when she flashed by his side. "What the hell was that?!"

He held her for a second though the semi quake had gone. "I have no idea." He looked her over, checking she was okay. The only outstanding condition being her emotional state, like a lot of people's in that moment. "Stay close, okay?" Mason rubbed her arm before releasing her.

The only thing to do from there was listen to the voice and head to the arena. When he saw the Gods lying in wait for them, he felt immediate dread and they all willingly signed their executions, trapping themselves in the Gods mercy. But, he had to note, at least there was no Zeus. Where was the big guy?

Mason let himself absently get dragged along with Andy expecting to see Zeus emerge and punish them all for not bowing before Alex and Ajax. Although there was no Zeus taking the reins, Mason wasn't far off the truth. Poseidon dove into a lecture of how pathetic there quarelling was. He didn't mind the scolding so much even if it did hit home but then there was the catch. A supposed solution that Mason hated right away. They'd enter an illusion where they bare all. It seemed he wasn't the only one to dislike the idea as Andy grabbed his hand, her demeanor changing into a frightened deer's.

He clenched her hand leaning towards her, eyes on the portal as Sloane approached. "It'll be over quickly. You and Daniel will thrive in an illusion."

Turned out watching the first victim's to the Gods punishment wasn't very quick or painless. The girl had layers of issues in her illusion and they all got to see it. Mason swallowed guiltily for offering Andy sweet nothings. Then Sloane was told to stay and watch everyone else's. Great.

The hair model was called next. His illusion was also soul bearing and a spectacle for everyone. Somewhere in the seats the emotional mute was getting antsy and causing scene. He supposed it did hurt seeing the ones you love in pain. Meanwhile Andy was gripping his hand tighter. "It's okay," he whispered.

Like the universe had to counter everything he said, Daniel was summoned next. Even he looked weary about the whole process. Once Daniel's began to play out, Mason quickly recognized it was the beginning of the war last year. Daniel had a giant down, and Mason found himself in Iliana's shoes for once, wanting to lunge out of his seat and help him or support him as one would a football game or something. Come on, buddy. He saw one of those stonemen slip behind him. The blade ran its course, piercing through Daniel and Mason winced.

Where was he at that time? Why wasn't anyone watching Daniel's back? Mason risked a look at Andy in the corner of his eyes as Daniel's hell rolled onwards until he was some forgotten ghost. Mason thought on that for a bit. A life without Daniel ever entering, or, knowing about him. He guessed if there ever was some poltergeist at camp, it'd be Daniel driving himself mad in loneliness.

Mason followed his friend all the way back to his seat. He'd be okay. Once they finished up here, Mason would see him and they'd talk some things out.

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god of the seax • x#006578xxxxxxA R E S

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