Kohana Conrad's Story

Kohana heaved a sigh as she plopped her last bag on the bed. With her hands on her hips she looked around the new space the camp provided her with. The cabin was decent with mostly just the basics, reminding her of a couple of school sanctioned camping trips. The sun hadn't yet risen, but that didn't stop her from being wide awake and ready to start the day. She turned to the two large boxes and two suitcases perched on her bed. She quickly unpacked her clothes, placing them in the closet and drawers, moving on to the two boxes. One box was composed entirely of snacks and drinks while the other had small decorations and even more snacks.

Once everything was put in its proper place, the place didn't look half bad. Looking at her watch, Kohana saw that about an hour and a half had passed. Rays of sunlight were just beginning to reach through her window. Not wanting to waste a second of the day, Kohana quickly showered and changed into a simple pair of purple leggings (her favorites with the galaxy print on them) and a black and purple sports bra. The talk she'd had with Hermes echoed in the back of her mind as she got dressed. Remember this camp is to make sure you get better. The demigods there are special like you and could possibly help develop your powers. Be careful and aware of your surroundings and the other demigods. Don't assume everyone is who they seem to be. No point in wasting precious training time then. Besides, Hermes promised that there would be someone special here to help her train, but he refused to tell her who. He looked so giddy as he told her, so she wondered why he'd kept that bit to himself. Tease. He knew that was the selling point to get her out there.

Kohana grabbed three granola bars, shoving them in the tight pockets of her leggings. She also took note to grab a small wooden sign. As she closed the door to her cabin, she hung the sign on the door. Engraved in the glossed Koa wood were the words "malama neʻe i mua" which meant keep moving forward. It was a sign her step father gifted to her before she left so she could keep home in her heart while moving in the future. She smiled slightly then walked down the steps.

The morning air felt crisp and smelled of fresh rain. Kohana broke into a decent run, almost a sprint, as she headed to the beach. When she got there, she noticed it was in a state of slight disarray. There were deep grooves in the sand, lots of footprints, and remnants of a bonfire. Kohana shrugged. Looks like I missed a good time. She moved closer to the water and kneeled in the sand. She placed a granola bar on the ground, digging it vertically into the sand just enough to keep it upright. Kohana backed up about fifteen feet and sat in the dry sand. She breathed deeply and began to concentrate on the granola bar. Come on…get over here… She chanted in her head in hopes of the bar teleporting to her.

xxIliana Remington-Taylor ~ Demeter
xxxxxxxxxx#4A766E ~ x
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xxxxPenelope Givens ~ Hermes ~
xxxxxxxxxx#483D8B ~ x
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nelly yawned loudly as she stretched. Her first thoughts were on what happened last night. Talk about a rollercoaster. At least she hadn't gotten caught in all the drama that happened. It had been a shame things ended on a sour note. She sure hoped Andy was okay. Granted what Alex had did was uncalled for, but Nelly was willing to hear the girl out to hear her side of the story. Deciding not to worry about it, Nelly got out of bed. Normally she would doing some morning yoga, but for some reason, she decided to go for a job. She hadn't done that in awhile. Getting into some running gear, she grabbed her small camera just in case she saw something interesting. Putting that in a fanny pack, she grabbed a bottle of water from her small fridge, put on some sunscreen, and took off. She could have easily gone for a quick sprint, but had learned to control her impulses. She soon found herself near the beach again and soon saw a figure up ahead. Coming closer, she saw it was someone she had never seen before and she looked to be kneeling. Was she a new camper also? Jogging up to her, the redhead smiled.

"Good morning! Are you new here? My name is Penelope Givens, but you can call me Nelly. What are you doing?"

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When the young woman told her she didn't know where it was, Iliana sighed. Maybe she could find some camp staff then. She was about to leave when that huge guy she say before came out with some feminine garments. Iliana's face turned red at the site of the bra. The dark haired demi-goddess was obviously embarrassed too for she quickly grabbed them from the guy and went inside the cabin. Oh great, now she was all alone with someone who definitely intimidated her. Looking at the muscled man, she really didn't know what to say to him. She recalled he had hanged around Sylas's sister last night. Didn't he even sit around Trinity also? She couldn't recall exactly. She definitely remembered him from the trial. Scolding herself for being a coward, Iliana finally found the nerve to write something down on her notebook.

~Good morning, I am sorry for interrupting. I was just looking for the infirmary. My name is Iliana and can't talk so this is how I communicate. I'll leave you two to your business.~

With that she left. It took her a few minutes but she finally found some camp staff that pointed her to the infirmary. On her way there, she saw Cherise leaving it. She would have said hi, but the girl looked to be in a hurry somewhere. Had she heard about Andy and helped her? It was the only reason she could think of. Entering it, she soon found Andy, as well as Mason. Had he been here the whole night with her? Realizing quickly she had interrupted them, she quickly wrote down why she was there and showed them both.

color=#4A766E]~Sorry for the interruption. I seem to be doing that a lot this morning. Andy, I brought you some aloe if you had any burns. If you don't need it though it's fine. I'll just leave it here for the staff if you don't need it. I hope you feel better.~[/color]

Putting the jar of aloe next to Andy, she quickly left the pair alone. Deciding to head for the main hall to get some breakfast. Maybe her brother and Ethan would be there by now.

"Why? Are you offering?" Andy joked laughing. Mason grinned with her, an impressed brow shooting up before he could help it but thought his instant reply was better left unsaid. He'd do what he had to for Andy in this state but applying a gel for her wouldn't be one of the most painful chores.

As she inspected herself and questioned what might be healed or happened to her body, Mason shrugged. How was he to know if she did or didn't have burns or what Cherise's powers did. He supposed they could catch up with the doctor that might have been an amateur but actually half cared later.

Most of the conversation Andy seemed honest about her pain and comfort levels. Though Mason wasn't assured by her 5-6 pain lingering and her saying she was okay. She'd be okay when there was no pain and she was more mobile. God how he wanted to kill Alex.

"I would love something to eat and something to wear that isn't an itchy hospital gown. Even if it was just a t-shirt." Mason nodded. Anything next to a gown was an improvement no doubt. Then she grimaced and Mason waited for the explanation, what was hurting, where was the pain? "I hate being useless."

He shook his head almost glad to hear it was a bruised ego rather than physical. That wasn't the reality at all. "You're temporarily incapacitated. Not useless." For now she'd just have to take the services offered to her.

It seemed along the way maybe he did persuade her to accept her current circumstances and his help. "Alright. Just... make sure you get food for yourself. Ok?"

Mason got to his feet. "No promises," he replied knowing she'd probably hate that. But his stomach wasn't speaking to him and food wasn't on his mind. "I'll be quick. What do you want?" Women were generally fussy eaters and he didn't want to come back with the wrong order or something that didn't appeal to her appetite. Andy wasn't one of the princesses among camp but it didn't hurt to get what you wanted.

Mason exited the infirmary, coming to a halt when he saw Ajax's retreating figure. "Shit," he muttered. He sighed. They hadn't done anything wrong in his mind, but somehow, he felt he had managed to worsen conditions on the Andy and Ajax thread. He of course couldn't care less about Ajax's feelings but Andy happened to be attached to the son of Zeus. He glanced back over his shoulder then went to her cabin. Somehow Ajax's back didn't look like it was walking away to sneak in to visit her. Guess they'd cross that bridge when they came to it.

Mason didn't mind letting himself in her cabin but going through her clothes was new territory. He got to her room and froze not knowing where to begin. Did he have to get matching stuff or random? Delicates? Happy to stall the inevitable for a few seconds he instead searched for a bag to carry her clothes in because walking out of a cabin with a woman's clothes really wasn't a good look. Where was Trinity when needed? He cussed and grabbed everything: underwear, a dress, top and pants. That way everything was covered. He threw the bag over his shoulder and headed for the hall not stopping for anything or anyone.

Although as he was making Andy's breakfast, he did lift his head to see Iliana and Daniel talking. Judging by the grin on his face, it looked like he was back to thinking he was the funniest guy on earth. Mason smiled to himself. He could almost feel sorry for Iliana. Instead he crept out without saying anything, spotting two newbies side by side. Well one of them was the Hermes girl, Penny or something, that he offloaded on Liv and took Sylas into the closet last night but the other was super new. He gestured back the way he had come. "That way freshies. Food, tour guides, the whole deal." Now he didn't have to stop and chat to them as they passed.

He returned to the infirmary without any heavy confrontations. "Hey. How'd I do?" He placed her breakfast on the bedside table and let the bag slide down his arm to the chair. "Come on, sit up." He held out his arms as support if she needed when she tried to sit upright. Mason hated seeing the slow and painful progress though. He closed his arms around her tenderly, getting low enough so her chin could rest on his shoulder like a hug and lifted her up the bed cautiously then fixed up the pillows behind her. "Good girl," he said softly. Andy wasn't disabled or immobile or likely even to be in this state very long but Mason had seen too much decay of the ones he loved and it became an effort and painful for them to move.

He set the overbed tray over her and replaced her breakfast on it then sat by her legs.

When she was done eating he scratched the back of his neck, dreading the moment Andy buried through the bag to find out where he had been in her closet and drawers. He brought the bag on his lap almost like signing his own death warrant. "I thought it was better to get fresh...everything." He handed it to her. "I tried to get clothes that weren't too clingy but they all looked the same to me. I can get some staff to help you get changed or find Trinity?" Whoever or whatever she was most comfortable with. As long as she didn't use her powers.

xEthan Knox ~ Hestia ~ #8B4513 ~ x

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xHeath Taylor ~ Athena ~ #808000 ~ x

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xxIliana Remington-Taylor ~ Demeter
xxxxxxxxxx#4A766E ~ x
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xxxxPenelope Givens ~ Hermes ~
xxxxxxxxxx#483D8B ~ x
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~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.

Kohana froze a little as what Nelly said actually dawned on her. Hermes? She looked wide-eyed at Nelly as she responded to a passing camper. This has to be the person Hermes was referring to! She can probably do everything I can! As she was about to share her parentage, Kohana hesitated. If they shared a father, then this meant that they were sisters; they were technically family. She started to feel a knot form in her stomach, wondering how much Nelly knew of Hermes's past. Recalling how long it took for her to find out that she had divine parentage, she wondered if Hermes even bothered to alert Nelly. As the woman turned back to her and explained the other camper, Koa zoned back in. Not wanting to be rude and to buy herself some time, she replied, "A babysitter huh? I'll be sure to watch out. It's my first day and that'd be a bit soon for drama. My name is Kohana by the way. Friends can call me Koa."

She walked behind Nelly as they made their way to the food. Her stomach growled as she gazed at the spread laid out. Oh I'm going to love it here. A sudden crashing sound jerked Koa out her trance and back to reality. She watched the guy storm out the hall. "He aha lā…(The hell…)" She shook her head as she wondered how upset they'd have to be in order to waste good food like that. "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." Koa smiled and replied, "It's fine. A shame he wasted good food though." Kohana grabbed a plate after Nelly helped herself. She grabbed some oatmeal topped with sliced banana and nuts, a bowl of fruits with some yogurt and granola, water, and a couple small protein shakes. With her plate full and a handful of drinks, Koa turned. She looked around, searching for her new friend (and relative). Once she spotted Nelly, she walked over. Placing her things down, she smiled at the camper across from them.

"Hi there, I don't think we've formally met yet. My name is Penelope Givens, but I prefer Nelly.""And I'm Kohana." Koa started to eat as Nelly continued her conversation with the other camper, biding her time until she could speak with her about their shared parent.

He wasn't above whining and he could have whined when Iliana didn't play the game properly. Daniel wanted to push it, to emphasise, "somebody has a gun to your head and tells you to kiss one person" but she dismissed herself. And all within reason too after Ajax's scene. Through all that though, she left him with one powerful thought I wish you the best of luck with Cherise.

He smiled and gave a little wave goodbye. After only seconds, Daniel rested his chin in his palms, hitting his cheeks gently. Cherise, Cherise, Cherise. That beautiful little slice of heaven. Daniel smiled imagining himself trying to use one of those corny lines on her and the banter that would start from it.

Somebody shifted and Daniel brought himself back to reality to sight a redhead sitting across from him and another girl. "Hi there, I don't think we've formally met yet. My name is Penelope Givens, but I prefer Nelly."

"And I'm Kohana."

"Kohana," he repeated. "Is that an islander name? It's way too mystical to come from New York." It just sounded like a name where culture was still alive.

"My dad is Hermes. I saw you were enjoying yourself last night."

His eyes bounced between them as they talked and he beamed. He liked the company already since grinning and initiating non-dramatic conversation was rare. "Of course, that's what a party's for. I'm Daniel. I'm one of Hecate's kids." He stood up and reached over the table to shake each girls' hand. Providing they weren't too consumed in their food which he would forgive. "Are you two twins?" He grinned at the joke.

"How'd you find the night anyway, Nelly?" Part of Daniel wanted to say parties weren't always like last night but that’d be a lie. They always ended with a boom. Literally something had to be broken or the skies crack open with thunder and lightning.

"So being one of Hermes kids have you ever been to prison?" He laughed then returned to a slightly more serious get to know questions. Slightly. "What do you do with all that speed on your side? I would love to be swift and deft in everything I do, you could get away with a lot. Illusions and conjurations are so easy to point the finger at." Especially considering Andy was a lot more sensible with her powers and...as a person in general. Then again, he wasn't one to shy away from the dreaded pointed finger and blame. The initial reactions to his pranks and training scenarios were worth it. Honestly it was plain good to be him some days.

He looked around the hall. People must have been off doing their own thing or he was that distracted staring at his breakfast he missed people coming in and out before Ajax. "Would you like to be training buddies today? Or if you've got friends, you know, invite them along, we'll make our own group." Out of the blue as it seemed it was still totally valid to the girls sitting across from him. Daniel may have had one or two things to do before the power parade started, but it was no less legitimate.

xEthan Knox ~ Hestia ~ #8B4513

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xHeath Taylor ~ Athena ~ #808000

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xxIliana Remington-Taylor ~ Demeter
xxxxxxxxxx#4A766E

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xxxxPenelope Givens ~ Hermes ~
xxxxxxxxxx#483D8B

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~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?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"I wonder where everyone else is?"

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

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

"What about you?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And what a crazy few days it's been.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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god of the seax • x#006578

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

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