Description

L I A M · O ' C O N N O R
Some kind of info down here...

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xxxxxxxx ∟b a s i c s

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xxxxxxxxxxxxx§ m o n i k e r (s) || None to note.

xxxxxxxxxxxxx§ a g e || Twenty-two.

xxxxxxxxxxxxx§ g e n d e r || Male

xxxxxxxxxxxxx§ p l a c exxo fxxo r i g i n || Wexford, Ireland

xxxxxxxxxxxxx§ s e x u a l i t y || Heterosexual

xxxxxxxxxxxxx§ r e l a t i o n s h i pxxs t a t u s || Single, uninterested.

xxxxxxxxxxxxx§ r a c e || Demigod.

xxxxxxxxxxxxx§ p a r e n t || Ares.

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xxxxx ∟a p p e a r a n c e

§ e y e s || Bluish-Green

§ h a i r || Shaggy Brown

§ h e i g h t || 6' 7"

§ w e i g h t || 290 lbs

§ s k i n || Tan

§ s c a r s || Riddled with them. There is a noticeable stab wound at the left waist, and it was obvious, at some point, that he had a deep gash on his right shoulder. The man wears his scars like trophies of a life well-fought for.

§ o t h e r ||

§ d e s c r i p t i o n || Tall, brawny, intimidating; he towers over almost everyone he meets, and uses that to his advantage. While he might not be too book smart, his rippling physique dominates the battlefield. What do you need a brain for when your muscles have muscles? No one. He's blessed with sun-tanned skin, a hard body, and a rugged appearance. He tries very little to be well-put together, opting for that five o'clock shadow that can easily turn into a full blown beard.

His attire is typically casual; t-shirts, jeans, a pair of gym shorts.

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xxxxxxxx ∟d e m e a n o r

§ Liam is genuinely as destructive emotionally as he is physically. If one is looking for a man that treats women like throwaways, thinks he's the Olympus' gift to the world, and has a generally nasty attitude - look no further. This is your guy. While the ladies might fall head over heels for him and his good looks, he's known to kick them out of bed in the morning and probably calls them the name of his last lay. If he ever puts himself in an emotional relationship, it is probably not a healthy one and tips eerily in the direction of being controlling and ruled by his way or the highway.

He's a man of vice and violence; drinking, smoking, illegal fight clubs. This is just the tip of the ice-burg, and what lies just beneath it is emotional insecurity and huge attachment issues. He's valorous and ready to put himself in the throws of danger, but there is no genuine cost to him. Nothing exists, or has existed in his past, that gives him a purpose other than this drive to live on the edge of death and in the pursuit of the next thrill.

Yet, who knows what could be in store for him. A place where he can be himself, where people might understand and know how to tame the feral beast, could give him something other than the cold reality of living to eventually die Not that he isn't okay with that - so long as he takes a few people with him.

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xxxxx ∟a p t i t u d e s & d e f i c i e n c i e s

§ Liam's Ares given abilities allow him to conjure weapons on the fly. He also has a physique that is superior to even the most elite human athlete, and it only helps that his always conditioning himself and seeing how much further he can take his body. He knows that he is resilient, and while he carries scarring, it takes a lot of force to tear his skin. Lastly, he is a master of forcing his opponents to teem with rage - hoping that if they are invigorated with negative emotion, he might have a fair fight.

His biggest strength (or weakness, maybe) is that he's a go-getter. If he wants it, he gets it and he doesn't need anyone else to tell him otherwise. While he has certain vices that betray his lack of discipline over how often he seeks out the thrills of life, he has steadfast discipline regarding his body and his training. For better or worse, he is loyal to his side of whatever conflict he becomes a part of. He's willing to throw himself into the fray of battle as not only a master of navigating combat, but also as a leader or just a meat shield.

On the flip side, he has some massive weaknesses, and they primarily have to do with his inability to form a secure attachment with others. It seems impossible to find a way to be his friend because this severe lack of empathy gives him the inability to lie. While not lying might be a good thing, he is also honest to a fault. He tells everything how it is and beats around no bush. People find him frustrating - especially women. He's a monster, really. His social skills are bad, his way with women is awful, and his treatment of other men like they are the dirt beneath his big feet leaves him very much alone. He knows it, too, which makes him vulnerable to his own self-destructive ways.

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xxxxxxxx ∟o r i g i n s

§ Liam had a violent up-bringing, and he never knew why exactly. Born in Wexford, Ireland, his mother stayed at home and took care of him while his dad worked in fields. They'd eventually move to America, settling in New York, where his step-father soon realized that the American Dream was hardly in his sight. They did not have much money, and they lived in a rundown apartment. The schools were rough, the streets were even more so.

As Liam grew up, his teenage years saw a surge if violence. After his step-dad was fatally shot during a burglary gone awry at his place of business, he had to take on surly means of bringing in money. He had a new baby sister to help take care of, and he was determined to bring his family to a place that was safe. In order to do that, though, he needed money. His physique and superior athleticism earned him a name in an underground fighting ring at the good ol' age of seventeen. He dropped out of high school years before that to work, and that was that.

His life spiraled downward rather quickly. He made the money he needed to move his family out into a better part of New York, but he was addicted to living on the edge of living and dying. He became overjoyed and satisfied by the idea of violence, and he delved deep into the abyss of fighting, terrible vices, and just being an all-around unbearable person. His true father finally showed his face, which just pissed him off more, as he was soon carted off to Camp Athens.

He's not happy to be here.

So begins...

Liam O'Connor's Story

Seen 107 Times • Page 5 of 6 • 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Setting

Camp Athens

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#2020-10-15 22:24:56, as written by mjolnir

wesley preston
aphroditex|xoutfitx|x#667C0C

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Wes sat there in the silence, patiently waiting for Liam's response. Part of him hoped that his attempt at sharing wisdom would make it's way past the son of Ares's thick skull. But when he felt lightness in the air and even saw a smirk on the man's face, it took a bit of self control not to get up and walk away. Instead, he simply sighed and shook his head. Wes couldn't care less at that point if his frustration rendered or not. But he decided to be patient and see what Liam had to say on the matter.

"I just don’t understand what it’s like to not be like me. I don’t get people that let things happen to them. Those things never mattered to me because I just let the world eat the weak as it’s supposed to do. Then there’s Sloane, and she’s different to me. I don’t know… why she’s different. I do, but I don’t - you know what I mean." Wes contemplated interjecting his own opinion, but decided to remain silent and let Liam finish his thought before giving his own rebuttal.

He watched as Liam held out his hands, staring at them like weapons rather than appendages of his own body. "But I don’t know what to do for her without making her feel indebted to me, angry, or whatever. I certainly don’t need her to be scared for me. I’m a big boy, I can handle myself." He then leaned back crossing his arms over his chest, coming to the end of his own argument. "I guess you could say we’re one in the same. Our tiny worlds just opened up to something bigger. Who’d’a known?"

Liam's last comment took him by surprise, it was almost wise. His own chuckle brought a slight smirk to Wes's face for a brief moment. But he couldn't leave the conversation at just that. "So, what you're saying is... Because Sloane is weak, by your definition, the world should of had its way with her and that've been the end of it?" He asked. Of course, that's not what Liam meant, technically, but with his argument that's the way it sounded. "Has it ever occurred to you that strength is more than how much you can bench press? He let that sink in for a moment before continuing. No joking, just a plain expression on his face.

"You and I," Wes continued, motioning between the two of them. "Are strong... Physically. No one would deny that. And Sloane is stronger than the pair of us." He held Liam's gaze to show he was serious. "Someone hurts our pride, and we stomp off like a scolded child. And those are just words... Or maybe a shove in front of our friends." Liam didn't needed to say what Sloane did hurt his pride, he could feel it. And most of all, Wes was a guy too. Regardless of how comfortable they were with themselves, when a female shows them up in front of others, they're embarrassed.

"She has been dealing with her brothers verbal and physical abuse for... years, I'd assume. And she's not crazy, or suicidal, or begging for help. She took it and accepted it, because to her, that protected other people. So, while it's not physical strength, it's mental and emotional. And you and I both have the emotional fortitude of tissue paper."

Wes still wasn't sure if Liam would be able to wrap his head around that, but there wasn't many other ways he could have explained it. He sat there in silence for a moment as he went over what Liam had said once more, making sure to address everything... Or try to at least. When he came to his next point, he sighed and clapped his hands together softly. "Women will always get mad at us... for something. We always mess up somehow, someway... More often then not because we aren't mind readers and need shit spelled out for us. And you, my guy," Wes's lips pulled into a tight, apologetic smile. "Don't have as much game as you think you do, and definitely don't understand what women are thinking. If you plan to stay in Sloane's life, you'll have to accept that you'll piss her off a lot more."

Hopefully that didn't get him a swift punch in the face. Wes wasn't try to insult Liam or poke fun, but simply be honest with him. The son of Ares acted like he was the Gods gift to women, as most cocky men do... as Wes did at a certain point in his life. But Liam had the subtly of a freight train. He didn't know how to be gentle with a woman and damn well didn't know how to be romantic. And perhaps that wasn't his goal, maybe he was just trying to helpful, but regardless, his handling was rough and he needed to know.

"I don't know if you ever been in love..." Wes held up his hands to stop Liam before he started. "I'm not saying this is love. But love, or caring for someone, is irrational. I could be best friends with Zeus and still worry about his well being. Sloane knows you can handle yourself, and yet... She will still worry about you. That doesn't mean she thinks you're weak... It means she cares."

"Look," Wes sighed, as his hand raised to rub his head. "I'm not trying to tell you what to do. I'm just trying to help you understand maybe a fraction of what she is feeling." With that he shrugged his shoulders and leaned back against the tree. He had no clue if any of that got to Liam, but it was the best he could do.

sloane astor
erisx|xoutfitx|x#C7B29B

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"Why are you sorry?" The red head asked with a cocked head, while the woman that accompanied her vanished. "Being sorry for interrupting because you were in the area makes so sense. I really wish people would quit apologizing for uncontrollable actions..."

"Habit," was all Sloane managed to respond with. For most people that was the polite thing to do. If they stumbled upon what seemed like a private moment they apologized, even if it wasn't an accident. But Sloane's finishing school antics didn't look to be in similar company with the red head. She came off blunt, and honest to the point of being offensive and unbothered. Not that it overly bothered her, Sloane had more on her mind than worry about the way one girl she never met treated her.

The red head began to collect arrows, which Sloane took to be the end of their very short conversation. She started to take a step back in the direction from where she came when the girl spoke up again. "It was just my mother. You know - mother-daughter talks and such. I say that she’s a bit too late for that, if you ask me!" Then she laughed, although it didn't sound like it was due to some great joke, but the irony of it. Sarcasm or humor as a defense mechanism was common.

"Name’s Rae, by the way. Artemis’ biggest mistake. She’s far too kind to admit it, but I am hugely too flawed for one to even assume that I am her spawn. Who would you be?"

Sloane took a moment before parting her lips to respond, but Rae interjected before a sound was able to escape. "Wait - wait. Let me guess, hmm? I’m kind of good at this."

She let her mouth close as she cupped her hands together in front of her. Sloane decided to humor Rae, she'd be curious to see what conclusion the girl came to. Based on her own knowledge of... well, herself, Athena would be her assumption, or perhaps Hestia. Yet neither of those crossed Rae's lips. "I can see that you’re an Ares child."

Sloane was so surprised by that comment, she actually snorted. She quickly brought her hand up to cover her mouth as she chuckled for a good moment. "No. I can't fight to save my life." She let out one final laugh before deciding to introduce herself similarly to Rae. "I'm Sloane. Reluctant protégée of Eris."

"I’m going to go eat. Did you eat yet? It looks like you could stand to eat a little more..."

Sloane looked down at her waist as Rae made a gesture at how skinny she was. She contemplated the offer for a moment, even looking in the general direction of the cafeteria, or where she assumed it was anyway. Sure, she could mope around all day in the woods, which would do nothing but make her more angry or feel more guilty. Plus, the mention of food made her stomach growl. It had to be about lunch time at that point and she could definitely go for some food. "I had breakfast a couple hours ago. But I could go for lunch."

Once Rae turned and headed toward the mess hall, Sloane hesitated a moment before trailing after her. Neither one of them seemed to be in a particular hurry and she was fine with that. It gave her more time to clear her head and digest everything that transpired. She also tried her best to wipe whatever tear residue remained away from her cheeks and appear like she hadn't just been crying.

Unfortunately for Sloane, luck did not seem to be on her side that day. As they traversed the woods and grew closer to the center of camp, a feint male voice could be heard ahead. She thought about turning around or diverting, but she wasn't leading, and soon enough Rae ended up leading them right towards it. Sure enough, sitting before them was Wes... and Liam. Sloane stopped dead in her tracks as she looked between them. It gave her one of those sinking feelings like when you walk into a room where everyone was just talking about you.

She had been standing there too long not to say something, or it would get awkward... It was already awkward. Sloane blinked and swallowed before managing to find her voice. "Wes. Liam." That was enough and she had zero desire to stick around and chat. Without caring about personal space, Sloane took a hold of Rae's arm and tugged her along as she lead them away from the pair. This time her steps were quicker, determined to lead them away before either one of the guys could manage to sit up and follow after them... hopefully.

Once they reached the center of camp, with the mess hall in sight, she released Rae's arm with a sigh. "Long story." That wasn't much of an explanation... at all, but it was something. Sloane resumed walking toward the cafeteria at a more leisurely speed, only to stop after a couple steps and turn back toward Rae. "Uh, sorry... For just dragging you along." She then gave the best half smile she could manage before continuing on towards the hall.

andromeda bolton
hecatex|xoutfitx|x#990856

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Mason's hand moved to rest atop her own that cupped his cheek. "It's okay," he tried to assure her, but it didn't do much. After a moment or two, he tried to sit himself up and Andy aided what she could. But his effort didn't last long before he fell back into her lap. "Shit, sorry. Are you alright?"

"It's ok. I'm fine," she tried to reassure him in return. As Andy knelt there, she tried to figure out how the hell she would get them both out of there before a bunch of unwanted campers stumbled upon the scene. She couldn't very well help him up while keeping herself stable. Maybe a little bit of her powers... just a smidge. Something so small Mason wouldn't notice and it wouldn't take too much out of her.

Before she had the chance to do anything, another person dropped down beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. Andy looked over noticing it was Trinity as she spoke, "Hey, you okay? Are you hurt?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." Andy nodded her head, while wiping her eyes with the back of her hand, trying her best not to get Mason's blood everywhere.

"What happened to you two?" It wasn't until Andy heard a growl come from Trinity, that she noticed what she was looking at... The culprit. For the time being she was focused on Mason rather than answering the question. It could wait a minute. And while she knelt there watching Mason in pain and bleeding, Trinity pressed her head gently against hers, a silent way to show her support, something that Andy greatly appreciate.

"You had one job," Trinity scolded Mason.

"It's not his fault," Andy said as he grimaced before sitting upright, keeping his back to them. "Mason has been with me all night. Even got me out of the infirmary. Ajax just showed up and punched him."

Trinity sighed. "Okay, come on." First she helped Andy to her feet, slowly and gently. One of the blonde's arms slid under hers for support before she helped Mason to his feet and picked up the bag. Andy had no idea how she managed it all but she didn't question it. After Mason gained his bearings, she felt his hand gently stroke her back reassuringly. "Where did youse wanna go?"

"Her cabin."

It didn't take too terribly long for them to reach her cabin. Trinity refused to release her hold on either one of them until they were near the foot of Andy's bed. She ordered for them to sit and while Mason listened, Andy slowly walked over to the bathroom. She turned on the faucet and began to wash his blood from her hands. All the while, trying her very best not to look up at the mirror. She was almost certain she probably looked she was hit by a car... She didn't need it confirmed.

Once finished, she grabbed one wet cloth and another dry one before rejoining them. Just as Andy stepped back out into the room there was a nasty crunch as Trinity snapped Mason's nose back in place. "N- Jesus!" She winced slightly, the sound enough to churn her stomach.

Andy made her way over to the foot of the bed, taking a seat beside Mason. "Here," she said softly as her right hand softly took ahold of his jaw and turned his face toward her. With the wet wash cloth Andy began slowly and gently wiping away the dried blood from his face. Her heart sank a little at the sight of his nose already bruising, the purple and blue spreading a little under his eyes. She hesitated for a moment before continuing and ran the rag along his lips. Her gaze briefly shifted between his own and his mouth. Andy shouldn't have been thinking about the night before, there were far more important things that could plague her mind. Yet as she brushed away the blood from his bottom lip all she could think about was the closet.

She inhaled softly and diverted her gaze before she had a chance to blush or make her self look even more ridiculous. While looking away Andy made sure to clean his hands before offering him the clean dry towel. "In case it starts to bleed again." She gave a weak smile and moved to her feet, taking the dirtied rag into the bathroom.

Andy tossed the bloodied cloth into a dirty clothes basket with a sigh. And as she stood there for a moment, she allowed herself one begrudged look at the mirror. It wasn't as bad as she expected... She had Cherise to thank for that. Mostly she look exhausted and feeble. But no scorch marks or wounds. Just weak, like a battery drained of it's life.

She sighed and stepped back into the room where there was still a heavy looming silence. But it seemed the moment she locked eyes on Mason, he took it upon himself to break that silence. "You know you've heard it a thousand times but the Valises are assholes. Did everyone but him see Alex send a thousand volts through you." Andy began to take a step forward and part her lips, but he held up his hand to stop her and continued. "I’m just saying it’s a bad move. Sure, he's thought about you and cared about you, second. I've always thought you've settled for less than you deserve."

Andy's fingers fidgeted as she waited for her chance to speak. "No, you're right," she agreed as she crossed the room and resumed her seat on the bed beside him.

Mason sighed as he looked over at her. She could sense his... compassion? Gods, she hoped it wasn't pity. She already hated that she was a burden to both of them. She didn't want their pity too. Her gaze fell to her hands as Mason's arm wrapped around her and he placed a soft kiss upon her cheek. "I'm sorry this has all happened to you," he whispered into her ear. Did he mean the fight with Alex? Ajax? Himself?... Maybe it was a bit of all of it.

She let herself sink into his hold slightly as she looked between him and Trinity. "It wasn’t always bad, you know?" Andy admitted to them both. "I don’t think it got bad, or I ever really noticed it, until Alex became… unhinged. He was so focused on her and I… had my own problems." Then it all just started coming out. Like a dam was broken and everything that was bottled up in her flooded out. "Daniel’s death, the underworld… and I felt like everywhere I turned there was fighting. You and Ajax… you and me."

For a moment she grew silent. Andy's fingers tugged at the hem of her shirt. "Gods did we fight a lot... I don’t think we could go a day without arguing." She began to move her hands like weighing the different arguments. "You were mad at me because I spent the night with Ajax. I was mad at you because you slept with Eve. We both thought each other deserved better and…" Her voice trailed off.

Was that it? Was it all that simple the whole time but either of them had been too stubborn to see it? All their arguments and fighting simply because they thought each other deserved better? Or was it more than that? Part of her always felt that a piece of it was jealousy. But it wasn't like Mason ever let anyone know how he felt unless it was anger... the one emotion he was more than happy to share. Andy wanted to ask him, but part of her knew she'd never get a straight answer, and if she did it wouldn't be while Trinity was there. But maybe, just maybe this all at least meant the fighting would stop... For now at least.

"Ajax and I might have fought more, but we were barely around each other," Andy continued hoping to sweep her previous comments under the rug. "Alex took every waking moment of his attention while I waited around for him. It was exhausting… constantly putting him first without receiving a fraction in return."

And with that comment, her eyes widened slightly. Andy sat upright, putting some distance between herself and Mason as the realization sunk in. "I’m sorry… I’m no better than him. He put Alex first, I put him first and you put me first… I’m your Ajax. Jesus." She sighed. Her elbows rested on her knees as she buried her face in her hands. No tears, she's shed plenty of those. Just disgust. Disgust with herself.

Setting

Camp Athens

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#2020-10-28 05:55:31, as written by mombie

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

"She has been dealing with her brothers verbal and physical abuse for... years, I'd assume. And she's not crazy, or suicidal, or begging for help. She took it and accepted it, because to her, that protected other people. So, while it's not physical strength, it's mental and emotional. And you and I both have the emotional fortitude of tissue paper."

There was silence again. Everything that came out of Wes’ mouth made Liam sick to his stomach. In fact, Wes could probably pick up on just how quickly the aloof air around him began to drift into potent anger. It was all he could do to stave off kicking the Aphrodite child in the face. All that he could hear were excuses after excuses attempting to disguise Sloane’s weakness as strength. No battered man or woman staying with their abuser is strong for not leaving. That’s just a really sick dependency, or some kind of weird self-esteem issue that the son of Ares could barely fathom.

Everything else that Wes said was heard, but he’d not respond to it right now. His teeth were clenched, the muscles in his jaw were pulsing. A vein or two nearly burst out of his forehead. As much as he tried to stay his physical aggression, it just came. It never fails to be aroused. He couldn’t help it. Liam didn’t truly want to hurt anyone while he was here (except for Sylas), but what Wes said irked him. Every word dripped with irritation that enticed the beast, and it reeled its head and showed its face as though there was nothing human to control it anymore. As if the only thought was painted in vivid red, and it was rage - anger, annoyance. To make things worse…

….It was absolutely enthralling.

He shifted quickly, lunging forward onto his knees to face Wes. Two large hands shoot out and grab at the collar of the man’s tank top, pulling him into the son of Ares to look that Beast dead in its eyes. Liam was there - he is always there - but this part of him was king at this very moment, and there was little that the man, himself, could do to hold it back. When he spoke, it was through gritted teeth - his lips curled in a near snarl as his breath was inches away from Wes’ face, "You call staying with your abuser strength? Mentally, physically, emotionally - that’s not strength. It’s weakness. We are our own people. We make our own choices. We don’t make choices because we fear what other people will do. Other people are not our responsibility." His grip became tighter, his knuckles paling as he continued. "She was strong the moment she left that fucking cabin - whether it was with me or without me. Leaving is the hardest part. That's when strength comes." He took in a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment.

"Men like me - like Sylas, we know that. We like women like Sloane - obedient, self-blaming, afraid that we might hurt someone else. That’s what we like." As he spoke, it was fairly obvious that he was speaking on experiences, perhaps even being in the same shoes as Sylas. Maybe not emotionally or mentally manipulative, but physically aggressive - taking what he wants from people that he could easily put in his place. Even battering women because - why not? They let him. So long as he never hurt anyone else. So long as maybe one day he’d change and not be that man. But men like him and Sylas? They never changed. Never.

It took a few moments, but he was able to calm the Beast down and settle. When he realized that he had the death grip on his half-sister’s boyfriend, he loosened his grip and withdrew completely. "Don’t say shit like that to Sloane. I don’t want her going back to him because she thinks she’s protecting anyone. I want her to stay away and live her own life. Sylas is his own person… she is not responsible for his actions." He flopped back down on the ground and threw his head back against the tree trunk with a heavy ‘thwap’. He went silent again and attempted to quell that hungry rage at the pit of his stomach.

Around that time, Rae and Sloane came about. He didn't bother to open his eyes when he heard his name, as his greatest weakness right now was rushing away from the scene leaving him to feel a hundred times worse than he did already. By this time, the air around him had settled to something less thickly laced with bitterness. It was calm again - like a storm that rushed in, tossed everything around, and then swiftly blew past to reveal a brightly shining sun. It came in quick, but the damage was already done. She'd likely only see what was left behind - whatever distress Wes must have felt, or the fact that Liam looked so damned defeated. Enough to be completely silent even as she called out his name.

"I don’t understand women, and I don’t care if I piss her off. I will always be honest with her and myself. That means that I will piss her off, and she’ll probably stomp off and go cry about it somewhere. But if she’s not with that brother of hers? I don’t care. I will figure it out as I go, but for now - my only worry is that she will go back, and if I have to be the asshole, I will be the asshole." His broad shoulders rolled in a shrug, and that was a concluding statement. An Ares child didn’t live to be told what to do and how to do it, and sometimes emotions had to be pushed aside for the better option. He could live with Sloane hating him, but he would make her crawl over his dead cold body before she went back to living the way she did.

C H E R I S E x B O Y S E
o f x a p o l l o
#fa8072 || Outfit || W/Daniel

Naturally, Cherise tagged along with Daniel. She did ask for an explanation, so it would do her little good to deny him the opportunity. Honestly? She wasn’t that upset with him. Confused? Yes. Upset? She’s not all that sure.

When they came to a quiet clearing, perfectly sunlit and warming as the day progressed into the afternoon, she stood next to him and braced herself for the explanation. It would hopefully help clear things up so that she could focus on other things. Admittedly, she’s spent far too much of her time wondering about what the hell was going on, and what she may or may not have said or done in a whole twenty-four hours.

Then Daniel began to recount the story of what transpired here, and Cherise could tell that there was anxiety in his voice and written across his face. As he unpeeled his shirt from his torso and displayed his scars, she stepped in front of him and stood so that they were face-to-face. She unabashedly stepped forward, closing the distance between them as they had done once or twice before. Small curious fingers gently ran over a couple of them, but then he shifted and caused her to withdraw her touch. She listened with the calm sympathy of a friend until he revealed something that clearly took her aback.

That he had died. He had truly died. Wide-eyed, she looked up at him, and she was horrified by the thought of what she imagined death felt like - looked like, even. "You died?" There was shock in her soft, almost whispering, tone of voice. This wasn’t something that one heard everyday, and she certainly hadn’t been prepared for such a revelation. She stood there quietly and allowed him to continue with his confessions, glad that she wasn’t the root cause of his misunderstanding - yet also a little guilty for making him relive what she was certain must have been especially damaging to him. Usually people just died, they did not have to deal with the consequences of coming back. That, and she was new to camp - she was hardly as affected by this as others must have been. She wondered what his sister must have gone through, or even his friends. There was a lot to think about, but very little included herself.

There were so many pressing questions at the tip of her tongue, but none were appropriate. Cherise just did what Cherise does best. She smiled her brightest and warmest smile and then stepped into him, throwing her arms around him for a reassuring and hopefully sympathetic embrace. There were no words to say when someone tells you that they died. At least, there were no words that she could find at the moment. It didn’t appear that his death was what he thought about the most - but that he didn’t know how to let her know. That must have bothered him a great deal, and she wanted to assure him that everything was a-okay in her book.

She pulled away, not her arms, but just tilted her head back and looked up at him with that smile of hers, "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." Was that a jest or a sincere desire? Well, he was going to find out.

She wasn’t dismissing this whole ordeal, but it was a lot to unpack. It was… unsettling in so many ways. Cherise also didn’t want to force Daniel to dwell on it. He needed to move on from such a dark time in his life, and she’s content to leave it there. Explanation accepted - no further in depth talk necessary. The past was in the past. But she’d keep it in the back of her head, just in case anything creeps back up because of it.

"We’ll call it trust building," she chuckled at him, stepping away but grabbing one of his hands in the process. She’d drag him off to train, and if he so pleased, to find the others to join them. It was about time that the Demigods here did something other than piss each other off or make-out.

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#2020-11-17 15:09:09, as written by xNocturnax

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

xxxx Daughter of Ares | Outfit | #461f4b

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

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

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

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

"And what about you?" Andy asked Mason.

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

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

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

“You two good? Not interrupting boy talk?”

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

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

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

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#2020-11-18 21:01:48, as written by mombie

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

No, Liv didn't ask for his praise or criticism. In fact, she didn't want any of it at all. The pair of them were standing, and Poseidon's daughter had her arms crossed and expression flat. "Just stay away from me, Duke," she told him pointedly as he was done with his word vomit. God, that guy just talked on and on.

She was about to move when he decided to put a hand on her arm, and it was strangely comforting yet also slightly irritating. She almost killed him, and here he was - trying to be a good guy. As if Liv wasn't already greatly conflicted, Duke only served to add more to that plate. She wasn't going to correct him when he thanked her for something she didn't do, as that's what she believed the gratefulness to have stemmed from. Liv didn't heal him, her father did. She hadn't done anything other than nearly kill him. Yet, she also didn't want to put on her guilty face, even if she felt that way deep inside. That would imply she cared just a little bit, and she didn't want to. The people at this Camp were just snakes in a garden, and it was annoying.

"Then go, Duke. Enjoy Olympus," she swatted his hand away before he could withdraw it himself. "There won't be a next time," she promised as she stepped to the side. Poor Iliana would be harshly shoulder-checked as the emotionally volatile Liv moved past her. "You stay away, too, if you know what's good for you."

Liv didn't want to be around people. Today seemed like one of those days - one that would be slow and uneventful. She'd be glad about that. Without further words to be exchanged, she left the meek blond on the beach and wandered off to her cabin. Along the way, she had picked up and tugged on her clothes, walked past Liam, Trinity, and Wes, and eventually shut her cabin door behind her. She flopped onto her bed face-first once she got into her room and decided that she'd just nap this day away. If the world was fair, she'd just nap this whole Camp Athens experience away.

R A E x M E A D O W S
o f x a r t e m i s
#ff0064 || Outfit || Cafeteria

Whether Rae knew better than to bring up the fact that Sloane had clearly been crying at some point or she just didn't care, was up in the air. The redhead had very little concern over other people's emotions, given that there were few things at Camp Athens to shed tears over. In her opinion, anyway. At the same time, she was aware of the very real emotions of other people. Perhaps that is why she flashed a swift smile at the poor joke regarding the woman's lineage. Sloane was clearly not a daughter of Ares.

Both of the ladies agreed that it was way past the morning hours, as much as Rae hated to admit that she accidentally allowed time to fly by and missed breakfast. Or did she? Gods, she can't remember. So, the girls ventured down one of the Camp's many forested paths toward the cafeteria.

All was going well, and then there were two men before them. Two very handsome men, too. Of course, the redhead put on that flirty smile and gave them a cute finger waggling wave. There was Wes - she didn't know him. In fact, she doesn't recall ever meeting him. Then there was Liam - the one that practically ran away from her cabin door this morning. She stared at the hulk for a few seconds, recalling that humorous scene with a mute chuckle that simply shook her shoulders. Then it hit her - Sloane had been there that morning, hovering in the background. Curious. The women had long since stopped in their tracks, and Sloane and Liam seemed to exchange some kind of look.

Let's face it. It was not hard to put two and two together. Sloane had been crying, Liam looks like a wounded animal, and Wes was just... Wes. Before Rae could say or do anything, Sloane had grabbed her arm and was well on her way to dragging the Artemis child away from the scene. Naturally, she went along with it, giving the boys a parting wave as she was hauled away. Luckily, Wes and Liam seemed content to stay where they were.

When they finally stopped, and Rae's arm was released, she gave the spot where Sloane had gripped it a gentle rub. "Long story," Sloane informed her, and Rae raised a brow at that.

There was a light scoff to her lips shortly after they resumed their walk, "I'm going to go ahead and just say that it's probably not a story I haven't heard, and it really doesn't concern me." Rae wasn't trying to be an unfriendly person, but sympathy did not come easy to her. That, and she really wanted to avoid the drama of the Camp. There was something about a bunch of girls and boys together that created a nasty cocktail of love triangles, drama, etc - and with all the things that a Demigod could do, it wasn't wise to meddle in the affairs of others.

She turned to face her slightly as they walked, her steps taken sideways for a few minutes. She had her arms crossed over her chest, "Though, I do want to point out that I've never seen a problem solved by crying over or avoiding it. Honestly, women need to stop saying sorry and crying all of the time. Avoiding things... crying... it's so exhausting. It's a big problem with our sex, not that you asked."

They were at the Mess Hall in no time, and as the two ladies put their meals together and sat down, it was quiet. Rae was aware that her opinions were just that - opinions, and that they were not always well-received. Whether or not she was thought of as nice or rude was of no concern to her, and holding her tongue didn't do any party well. "I don't know what's going on, but..." she began halfway through their meal, "If you need any advice on men, I am pretty good at thinking like one. I can't promise that I will hold things back, but I don't agree in the whole white lie to spare feelings thing." She waved her fork around with those last few words, then went back to eating.

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#2020-11-20 21:54:53, as written by mjolnir

wesley preston
aphroditex|xoutfitx|x#667C0C

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There was silence after Wes spoke. Apparently whatever he thought as words of wisdom didn't come off that way. Liam lunged forward and took fistfuls of his shirt, yanking him forward. The son of Ares twisted and turned into a cornered animal before his eyes, angry, almost snarling. Anyone who says they aren't scared of an enraged child of Ares was lying. Wes knew that if Liam decided to take his anger out on him, he'd be dead. Plain and simple. And to be honest, the only thing protecting him from that fate was the fact that he was dating Liam's sister.

Wes didn't fight the hold, or cower. He stood his ground and didn't waiver his gaze. "You call staying with your abuser strength? Mentally, physically, emotionally - that’s not strength. It’s weakness. We are our own people. We make our own choices. We don’t make choices because we fear what other people will do. Other people are not our responsibility." Liam's grip tightened while Wes's nostrils flared. "She was strong the moment she left that fucking cabin - whether it was with me or without me. Leaving is the hardest part. That's when strength comes."

"Men like me - like Sylas, we know that. We like women like Sloane - obedient, self-blaming, afraid that we might hurt someone else. That’s what we like." Hearing Liam compare himself to Sylas struck a cord with Wes. And while his intentions were most likely to make Wes see his side of the argument, it only made him worry for Sloane. If Liam was no different then was she really safe with him?

"No. I call surviving her abuser strength... She stayed out of fear." Wes tried taking a calm, level headed approach and it didn't work. Liam seemed the type to only listen when being scolded. So, he didn't back down or return to his seat. But remained where he was. "No one is fearless. Not even you." Perhaps it was because he was being silently threatened, or berated himself, but Wes felt his own anger rise. "You're scared she'll get hurt again, scared she'll go back to her brother. But I think you're even more scared that this girl, who has seen you differently than any other woman, will see you as a monster."

"You say strength was her leaving, but you gave her no choice. Who's to say she didn't go with you out of a similar fear? You compare yourself to Sylas like you're both cut from the same cloth. So who is to say she didn't trade one monster for another?" Wes's gaze didn't shift away and he hardly blinked. He was fixed on Liam. "Obedient, self-blaming..." He reiterated Liam's words quietly almost like he was thinking out loud as the realization hit him. "Is she really safe with you?"

Maybe the anger had run it's course. Or maybe Wes's words actually struck something within Liam, unlikely. But the son of Ares finally seemed to be coming down. When he finally released his grip on his collar, Wes half shoved his hands away. He started to adjust his shirt as he returned to his seat, albeit a bit more on edge than before. "Don’t say shit like that to Sloane. I don’t want her going back to him because she thinks she’s protecting anyone. I want her to stay away and live her own life. Sylas is his own person… she is not responsible for his actions."

"No offense, but I'll say what I want." Wes rested his arms on bent knees looking over at Liam. "If you want her to be strong it might be worth considering positive reinforcement. Because what you did back there," he said while pointing his hand in the general direction they came from. "Will only cause her to lash out at you, not him. Her anger and animosity will be aimed at you. Instead of being like her brother and telling her she's weak and pathetic, maybe you should try being supportive. Tell her she's strong, brave and is capable of..." His voice trailed off at the sound of approaching footsteps.

Speak of the devil. Sloane and a red head that Wes hadn't be overly acquainted with stepped out into view. He didn't say anything, just spared a glance over towards Liam who seemed to be up to giving the ladies his attention. "Wes. Liam."
He gave a slight wave of his hand and a nod of his head before the pair disappeared as quickly as they arrived.

"I don’t understand women, and I don’t care if I piss her off. I will always be honest with her and myself. That means that I will piss her off, and she’ll probably stomp off and go cry about it somewhere. But if she’s not with that brother of hers? I don’t care. I will figure it out as I go, but for now - my only worry is that she will go back, and if I have to be the asshole, I will be the asshole."

Before Wes got a chance to comment, Trinity showed up. Thank the Gods. A conversation he had hoped would be a heart to heart just turned into wanting to bash his head into a wall. It was exhausting. "You two good? Not interrupting boy talk?"

Wes let out a sigh, puffing out his bottom lip. "I don't know if you could call it that," he said as he moved to his feet.

Trin went over to console Liam who looked like a sad puppy when he was hopped up on rage. She got the pup while he got the wolf. "She’ll come around. You’ll only be in the doghouse for a while but you did the right thing overall." Training Sloane? Yes. Belittling her to the point of pushing her over the edge? No. But Ares kids were always more of the tough love type. But he wasn't going to argue his prerogative. Wes had had enough of that for the time being.

"I also kinda told Iliana you attacked Sylas. So if she gives you those large frightened mouse eyes and questions you, that's half on me." Wes inhaled sharply, raising his hand to pinch the bridge of his nose. Great. Another person brought into this bullshit. He was getting a headache. After a moment he looked up to be met with Trinity's gaze and a wary smile. He tried his best to return it with his best grin but it fell short.

Wes wasn't mad at Trinity, but he had had his fill of Liam for the day. "I need to change my shirt and an advil... or ten." He took a step towards the blonde, gently taking her arm in his hand. His thumb lightly stroked her skin as he placed a soft kiss upon her head. He lingered there for a moment before his grip fell and he started in the direction of his cabin. If Trinity would follow or stick around with her brother, he was uncertain.

It didn't take him long to reach his cabin. Wes let out a soft sigh as he entered and tore his tank top off of him. He looked down at the shirt briefly, the straps stretched and warped from Liam's grip. He chucked it across the room before plopping down on his couch. Wes didn't bother getting a new shirt or even closing the door. He just sunk deeper into his seat, rubbing his face.

sloane astor
erisx|xoutfitx|x#C7B29B

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Rae scoffed after the brief encounter with Wes and Liam. "I'm going to go ahead and just say that it's probably not a story I haven't heard, and it really doesn't concern me."

"Not likely," Sloane responded, not in a harsh or unfriendly way, but more like it was a simple fact. The truth of the matter was, if she began unraveling what was the hellstorm of her life, she doubted Rae would have heard that story before. But Sloane wasn't in the sharing mood, and her company wasn't prying. A nice change. She never was fond of curious people who stuck their noses where they didn't belong.

As they continued walking, Rae half turned toward her. "Though, I do want to point out that I've never seen a problem solved by crying over or avoiding it. Honestly, women need to stop saying sorry and crying all of the time. Avoiding things... crying... it's so exhausting. It's a big problem with our sex, not that you asked."

She didn't disagree. Sloane hated nothing more than crying. "It was one of those annoying frustrated pissed off cries," she clarified with a weak chuckle. Not like she needed to explain herself. But after being called weak, something in her gut twisted wanted to make sure she wasn't seen as a crying school girl. "But, you are right..." Her voice trailed off as she searched for what to say.

"The big one," she motioned her thumb over her should back towards Liam and Wes. "He pissed me off. So, I knocked his ass to the ground and yelled at him." She shrugged, the corners of her lips pulling back into a tight lipped oops smile. "I've always been one of those people where when I get really angry I cry. I hate it." She laughed, letting her gaze fall to the ground for a moment. "But if you know anyway not to do that, I'm all ears."

Shortly after, they arrived at the mess hall. Neither one of them chit chatted or exchange pointless small talk as they gathered their food and took a seat at an empty table. There was some silence, which lasted halfway through the meal before Rae spoke up. "I don't know what's going on, but... If you need any advice on men, I am pretty good at thinking like one. I can't promise that I will hold things back, but I don't agree in the whole white lie to spare feelings thing."

Sloane shoveled food around on her plate as she listened. "I appreciate the offer. But it's not boy problems... per se." She took a bite of her food in thought. "It's not really advice I need. It's—" Her eyes squinted as she searched for words. "...Complicated."

She wasn't the type of person to spill all her drama, especially on someone she barely knew. The last thing she needed was to have another person dragged into this. That's the last thing Sloane wanted... another person for her brother to torment. Rae looked like she could handle herself, but one whispered word from her brother and it would count for nothing. Hell, she was able to knock over Liam with just a fraction of her power. There's no telling what could be done with Eris's gift full force.

Once Sloane finished eating she began to wonder where she'd go or what she'd do. Her things are at Liam's and at that particular moment she had zero desire to see him and continue being belittled. She chewed on the inside of her cheek momentarily until she chose to try and keep the conversation going a bit longer. It wouldn't be much but it delays her return to the cabin, even if just for a minute. "Does your mother visit you often at camp? I don't tend to see many of the Gods around, aside from Zeus." It was a horrible attempt at keeping the conversation going. Small talk was never one of Sloane's strong suits.

andromeda bolton
hecatex|xoutfitx|x#990856

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"Makes sense. Only the weird kid would make friends with a son of Hades." Andy shook her head and managed a soft laugh at the comment.

Then it was Trinity's turn to share her High School years. "It’s not a hard margin next to yours. But I didn't really belong in high school. I kind of transformed into that guy that was there sometimes, on and off when I felt like until I committed to dropping out. Dad threw me in camp pretty young and I figured this was more my speed. Still didn't stop me beating up idiot boys though. I almost fell for peer pressure...weird days."

"Forced to join the cheerleading squad rather than the football or wrestling team?"

"I guess that's a positive of no friends... No peer pressure," she mused with a chuckle.

Andy tried to actively face Mason while he spoke of what he was like, although her sore muscles wished she hadn't. "Me? The popular guy." She sighed and rolled her eyes, waiting for his real response. "I mainly kept to myself. Tried to anyway. I tolerated school as a best-case scenario. Grazed by to keep the family off my back but that fell apart pretty quickly. School and grades became irrelevant." Curiosity made her want to ask about it, to know more. But she decided to save it for another day.

When silence came once again, Trinity smiled and moved to her feet. "Okay, I’m off to make sure Liam is playing nicely with Wes." She turned to leave but stopped to give a final pep talk. "Guard your face, look after her, and don't show an enemy mercy when they don't deserve it." Andy gave her a nod and before Trinity left she quickly gave her a hug. "Call, shout or come get me if you need anything, okay?"

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

"I'll be ok," she reassured Trinity before she headed out to find Liam and Wes.

Andy remained seated at the foot of the bed, at least for a little while. Part of her felt like she needed to get up and do things, while her muscles argued for her to slow down. She was about to get up and offer Mason a blanket when he took ahold of the back of her shirt and tugged her back onto the bed beside him. She collapsed against the mattress with a soft oof and a laugh. "Make it easier on me will you and stop shifting around."

"I didn't do anything." Yet.

"Not all of us got to be peacefully unconscious for hours. But really Andy I'll get whatever you want or do whatever you need doing around the cabin."

Andy rested her hands on her stomach as looked over at him. "I—" She opened her mouth to argue, but instead sighed. "I know. Thank you... I'm not used to having to be dependent. Even if it's for a short while." After a moment or two, she slowly rolled over onto her side to fully face him, tucking one arm under her head. She laid there for a moment, less than a foot away. Her free hand twiddling with the blanket beneath them. "Can we just agree that next time I save you?" She gave him a soft smile.

While Mason seemed tired, he still managed to remain awake. His brows furrowed before asking for hundredth time, "You okay?"

In the silence of her cabin, when there was no worry of someone coming in to check on her or eaves drop on whatever she says, Andy actually took a moment to think about it. She took a deep breath before answering. "I don't know," she admitted, her gaze focused on the bedspread rather than him. "But I know I will be." Her free hand then reach over and gently nudged his chest. "I know I'd be a lot better if you stopped blaming yourself."

Her hand remained there for a moment before she nudged him again. "Because it's not your fault. It's mine." Andy looked over at him with a serious yet sad expression. "Your nose, Alex, Ajax... That's all me. I was the one that was confused. I..." her voice trailed off as her cheeks began to flush slightly. She diverted her gaze as withdrew her hand from his chest.

Andy cleared her throat, making a sad attempt to change the conversation. "Anyway, you're tired and were up all night worrying. Get some sleep. Ok?"

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#2021-01-05 19:34:52, as written by mjolnir

sloane astor
erisx|xoutfitx|x#C7B29B

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"In my not personally experienced opinion, I don’t see why crying is a problem. Especially angry crying. When did it become a crime to shed a few tears anyway? Are you supposed to just hide your emotions and pretend that you are a rock or something? At least people know how you feel, and that’s why most relationships fall to the wayside - platonic or otherwise. And, well, a big guy like that needs to be put on his ass every once in a while."

Sloane chuckled as she took another bite of food. Regardless of what transpired, she was surprised she managed to knock him on his ass. Of course, her powers aided, which made it far more likely that someone like her could do that. But in all that anger, she did feel powerful. Something she was reluctant to admit. No one should rely on anger for their source of power. That was something her brother thrived off of. But part of her was happy, if even for a small fraction of a moment that people did see her as a frightened little mouse.

For awhile, they remained to sit in a comfortable silence eating their food. That was until Sloane decided to steer the conversation towards Rae's mother.

"I do like my mother," Rae finally responded. Sloane slowly looked up from her plate as she waited for her to continue. "I've been my own mom and my own dad for most of my life. I've always been able to do things, but I thought I was just psychologically more abnormal than I already have been. Even thought I was just good at stuff - talented in ways other people were not. I've never seen her until maybe about a month ago. I am not sure if her being here now gets maternal points."

Rae smiled, but it felt in-genuine. But Sloane said nothing, remaining silent and attentive. "Short answer, yes, she is always around. Like something I can't get rid of. She has so many qualities that I have - focused, independent, not willing to put up with a whole lot of crap, but... I don't know. I think she has a lot of qualities that I also find baffling, annoying, and maybe I wish I could have them, too. Which makes them even more irritating."

"I can imagine how life altering that would be, meeting your mother while also finding out your a demigod." She stabbed and twirled her fork in her food. "I've known my own mother for quite awhile. Still doesn't make her maternal though. She sees me as more of a protégé than a daughter. Which, when your mother is the Goddess of chaos and discord, doesn't quite bode well."

Rae waved a hand nonchalantly. "I think we all have rather strange relationships with our godly parents, so I don't consider myself unique in that aspect."

"I'd like to say you're wrong... But even the Valises strange closeness with Zeus is... Well, odd."

The rest of the meal went by rather quickly as the pair talked about whatever small talk the conversation diverted in. Sloane was thankful to have a normal conversation with no looming weight of her brother or whatever was going on between her and Liam. Considering she didn't have much in the realm of female friends, it was having another girl to talk to. Somethings guys didn't understand like a woman did, no matter how much they tried.

As the day started coming to an end, they said their farewells and to Sloane's surprise, they both suggested doing it once again. Something new and unexpected for her, but she was grateful. It got her mind off of things for a bit of time, which unfortunately came flooding back as she neared Liam's cabin. She didn't know if she was hoping for him to be there... or not be there. It was a toss up.

She slowly ascended the stairs and opened the door to find the cabin empty. Sloane let out a soft sigh in relief. Apparently she was wanting it empty. With a sad smile she gave Rocco a pet and made sure to let him out, before she curled up on the sofa. She wasn't particularly tired, but staring at the back of the couch seemed more appealing then waiting around for Liam to return.

* * *

It was safe to say that Sloane wasn't able to get a moment of sleep for most of the evening. Most of the night she spent tossing and turning on Liam's couch that felt far larger than normal and staring at the ceiling. It seemed no matter which way she laid, she wasn't able to get comfortable. She was hot with the blanket on and cold with it off. And all the while, her mind just kept racing... Replaying her training incident over and over until it made her sick.

Hours felt like days as she waited for the night to pass. And when the sun finally peeked through the east facing windows, Sloane had to restrain herself from nearly jumping off the couch. She was restless. If she was lucky, she might be able to shower and slip out before Liam woke up. While she didn't hate him, and wasn't going to remain angry forever, she had no desire to talk it all out at the moment.

Sloane swiftly got cleaned and dressed. When she was getting ready to leave, Rocco excitedly tried to follow after her. She sighed softly as her expression sank. "I'm sorry, buddy. Not today." With a soft pat, she ushered the pup toward his owner's bedroom before slipping out the door.

There wasn't really a destination that she had in mind, but to just go. She needed to walk, clear her mind and figure out what the hell has become of her life since she came to camp. Everything had been flipped on its head. While some of that could be said to be for the better, that better came with more danger as well. She couldn't remember a time where she felt so free... but also so scared. For the first time she had someone she cared about that could be used against her... And that was terrifying.

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Camp Athens

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#2021-01-06 05:45:00, as written by mombie

L I A M x O ' C O N N O R
o f x a r e s
#EB641D || New Outfit || Moping in the Woods

There, unfortunately, was no heart-to-heart with Liam. The Ares child didn't think like that. Wes' words had been so grating he couldn't hear any reason in them. If there was any to be had. He had his own set of rules - his own life experience to live by, and for him, no one could say anything different. That would mean that maybe, just maybe he was wrong about everything. What man wanted to admit that? Especially a bull-headed one like him?

Trinity showed up, Wes said something that Liam heard by didn't acknowledge, and whatever else was going on right now. There was a point in the last hour or so that he thought he could find some semblance of commonality in chattin' it up with another man, but him and Wes were worlds apart.

He was worlds apart from anyone, if he were more honest with himself.

Liam just shrugged his shoulders at the thought of Ilianna knowing anything about anything. He didn't care. She didn't know shit, and big mouse-eyes don't work on him like that. It's better that people know to steer clear of him. Nothing good could come of being around anyone here.

He waited for the pair to leave him be, not saying much about anything. He was sure to hear it from Trinity later - how he bullied her boyfriend. Liam was prepared to be beat to near death by his half-sister, but he's not going to bother himself with that right now.

The day dragged on forever, and he remained at that spot unmoving. Every now and again another Demigod would pass by, but no one was going to bug him. He didn't even look at them. Why was everything so suddenly irritating? Liam was supposed to be happy and free - running amok, causing a little trouble, training like the Olympic God he knew he was, but no... because that would mean his life was turning out how he wanted it, and the gods can't have that.

Liam wanted to move from this spot. He really did. His pride ached in every way, and it cemented him to the grass and the tree trunk. Anytime he lifted a finger, said a word, did anything, he was sure that it would be wrong somehow. Yet, he had to pick his ass up off of the ground. That ass, by the way, was numb. He groaned, rolling his head around like the pitiable man-giant, oaf he was. He buried his hands into his pockets and moved forward, slugging it down the path toward his cabin as if he had no other purpose than to be overly cautious.

When he came upon his cabin he stopped - far, far away. There was just enough distance between him and the cabin that he could see the light flicker on, then the silhouette of the woman that stayed with him. He sighed deeply, watching her in the shadow of the night, wondering if it was safe for him to go in. He didn't even know how much time he spent there, just gazing at her shadow flicker across the room, maybe even sometimes catching a glimpse of her through the window.

Liam caught her standing there, staring at the couch like it was diseased or something. His head flooded with assuming thoughts as if they were her own. Why would she stay there? Should she leave? Was he going to walk in at any moment? Should they talk it out? What was going to happen now?

Actually, those were his thoughts, too.

He soon just become enthralled with watching her quietly, even if there were moments where he wasn't really staring at her. He decided that it was best for him to stay away, and that felt okay to him.

It wasn't too long before she was asleep, even if it wasn't good at all. He looked up at the sky and wondered where all the time had gone, blinked his eyes several times, and then pushed himself off of the tree he had been leaning against. He didn't need to be in his own cabin to make sure Sylas wouldn't come around, he just had to be close by. The son of Ares opted to sleep outside, slumped against the back wall of the cabin so that he'd be out of sight whenever she came out.

He was fine there. It was the least he could do anyway.

* * *

One couldn't call what he did sleep. Like Sloane, and probably many others, it was a long restless night. When he woke up, he waited for Sloane to leave before getting back into his cabin. He let Rocco out, slipped into the shower, got dressed, ate a little, then waited around a bit more. He couldn't be too safe in regards to when he could leave the cabin without facing whatever would pour over from yesterday. He only had one thing on his agenda today, and that was not to look desperate.

But he was, in fact, hopelessly desperate.

He rolled out of his cabin after he thought a certain brunette was steps ahead from him. Many steps. He wasn't ready, and he figured that she felt the same. That, and his heart-to-heart with Wes fell apart, as they always do. He couldn't even begin to decipher much of what was said to him, as a lot of it was just complete bullshit. Just his opinion, anyway. Some of it made a little sense, and yes, some of it he acknowledged quietly.

But then a thought hit him - Sylas. That guy ruled his brain right now. His brain was one-half Sylas and another half Sloane. They were both in there, twisting things and messing stuff up - for better or worse. Sylas was worse, and it had been a while since Sloane hadn't been in Liam's sight. A whole day, sure, but it felt like a really long time. He was sure that her brother wasn't done licking his wounds, and Sloane would be vulnerable without him.

No, she didn't need him.

Yes, she did.

No. Yes. He didn't know. He was standing there steps away from his cabin taking one step back, then another step forward - back, forward - spin around. Which way does he go? If he lumbers over her, then he's protecting her like she's helpless. If he doesn't, maybe she ends up helpless. Why didn't he know what to do anymore? Liam always knew what to do up until now.

To anyone passing by, he's just standing there... like an oaf. A very confused oaf.

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#2021-01-06 08:15:17, as written by xNocturnax

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

xxxx Daughter of Ares | Outfit | #461f4b

Trinity frowned looking to Wes who seemed bothered to say the least. And between the two men it seemed it was a large fault to tell Iliana Liam messed up Sylas. She didn’t technically say attacked, just heavily implied and Iliana would be a bit daft to think otherwise. But Trinity wasn’t a whizz at words. There was a possibility that Iliana wouldn't even bring it up in fear of any involved party.

“I mean if you really want, I can fix this and threaten her or actually beat her?”

"I need to change my shirt and an advil... or ten." Wes stated. He stepped up to her. Trinity lightly touched his wrist as he placed a kiss on her forehead. There was a whole different mood around the affectionate act. One she somehow wasn't assured by as usual.

Wes presumably headed to his cabin, the hall or just...away while Trinity stayed and stared vacantly forward before her accusing eyes darted to Liam. There was no aggression or hostility about it, but an ask to fill in the blanks. Unless her few comments annoyed Wes that much. But Liam was in his own world happy to play ignorant and silent.

She sighed out raking her fingers through her hair. Well she wasn't going to wait around for the likes of her big brother to break the ice because it wasn't happening. She headed to her cabin first retrieving Wes’s short and top then his cabin. Trinity knocked twice then proceeded to open the door anyway. It was hardly a warning but half courteous. Seeing Wes collapsed on his own furniture shirtless was…an instinctually nice sight, but he looked so fed up and defeated. Trinity placed his clothes nearby and approached.

“I…” Trinity didn’t really know what to say. The two knew each other’s virtues and compasses didn’t align on how to deal with certain issues. They were on opposite ends of the spectrum more often than not. Add a brother with a blunter view, sporting Ares's likeness through and through, and that could get more frustrating. She cupped his face and kissed his forehead this time, for dealing with their ways. She drew back to meet his eyes.

Trinity tickled the nape of his neck with one hand while the other ran through his unruly hair. “You didn’t get around to changing your shirt. Had any advil yet?” She smiled gently then leaned in to kiss his lips. The son of Aphrodite was amazing to tolerate her as long as he had and for that reason, and an extensive list of others, she kept kissing him, unwilling to draw away fully.

Trinity sighed out gently, lowering her head to his shoulder and cuddling him. All good things had to come to an end. Besides, regardless of a couple of smooches, it didn’t exactly wipe matters under the table. She snuck one more little kiss on his skin then joined him on the couch, laying her head on him, staring vacantly off. “I won't tell if you don't tell. Lazy day?” She poked out a pinkie.

What remained of the day was at least not rage-inducing. It wasn't very productive and that killed her soul but it was nice to relax and not worry about too many other things at the same time.

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#2021-01-13 00:28:27, as written by mjolnir

sloane astor
erisx|xoutfitx|x#C7B29B

sylas astor
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liam o'connor
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Unfortunately for Sloane, she had yet to master the layout of the camp. Upon arriving at a fork in the path, she went right, not knowing that it led right towards her brother's cabin. Of course, half of the damned cabins all look the same. So, Sloane didn't come to this realization until Sylas stepped outside and started down the stairs.

Hoping that, maybe, he hadn't seen her yet, Sloane pivoted on her heels and tried to return the way she came. But she only managed to take a step before she heard Sylas approaching from behind.

"That wouldn't happen to be my sister, now would it?" He said as he closed the distance between them. "If I didn't know better, I'd think you were checking up on me."

Sloane sighed before slowly turning around to face him. "Hardly. I got lost and took a wrong turn."

"Interesting," he said with a curious tone that churned in the pit of her stomach. "I'm surprised your fearless guardian is letting you wander around camp in the wee hours of the morning... alone." As he spoke, Sylas slowly circled Sloane.

"I don't answer to Liam... or you." Sloane's gaze followed him as he circled her like a vulture, but she held her ground. She kept her head up and tried to stand tall, as best she could for someone of her stature.

Sylas chuckled at her words. He saw it as a challenge, regardless or not if that was her intention. "And where is the giant oaf?" He asked, looking around like he expected the son of Ares to come barreling around the corner and exchange some less than original insults.

"Don't call him that," she snapped. Her gaze then immediately diverted as she noticed her emotions taking control rather than her logic. He was baiting her, trying to get a reaction out of her. And he did. Sloane could keep her composure calm, cold, and calculated... until Liam was involved. She swallowed hard, mentally kicking herself over her outburst. The anxiety slowly washed in like a wave as her brother's gaze became far too entertaining and direct.

His laugh sent chills up her spine. "You like him, don't you?" He asked, while his index finger toyed with a wet lock of her hair. "Bad boys have always been your type."

"You don't know what you're talking about," she said, trying to regain some of her composure. And while she might have looked calm, underneath it all her heart was racing and she wanted nothing more than to getaway.

"Oh, I think I do," he said, taking a step closer.

"Guys like Liam... they don't want girls like you. You're just a conquest... another notch on their belt and a trophy for their mantle. To him, you're just a damsel in distress. A naïve girl he can save. Then he'll have his way with you... and leave. Just like that Carmichael boy."

And there it was. He had gotten under her skin just like he wanted.

"Shut up!" she hissed as she tried to walk past him.

Sylas stepped in her way, stopping her from being able to leave. "Careful. Liam isn't here to protect you this time."

"I don't need him to protect me." Once again, she went to walk around Sylas. But as she passed him, his hand took a tight grip of her bicep.

"Did I say you could leave?"

"Let go of me." Sloane tried to break her arm free of his grasp, but his grip only tightened with each jerk.

"You don't tell me what to do. I tell you what to do." Sylas's voice grew more aggressive as he kept her where she stood, not loosening his hold.

"Liam will be here any moment and you'll regret laying a hand on me," she bluffed with as much conviction as she could muster. Sloane was no physical match for her brother and she could only hope the potential of Liam rounding the corner would get him to release her.

"You're lying," he growled. His grip was so tight that his knuckles went white. "What happened to all that ferocity?... Melts away the second I touch you. The façade falls leaving the scared little damsel." He jerked her closer. "He won't always be there to save you. He'll grow bored or tired of you... Or perhaps one day you'll forget to whisper your little charms in his ear. Then I'll have my way with him. What will it be? Perhaps I'll make him forget you ever existed or find warmth in another woman's bed... Or perhaps, I'll convince him to slit his own throat. The possibilities are endless."

Sloane tried to remain strong. But as he continued, the threats cut deeper and deeper. It would hurt if he forgot her, but that is a pain she could endure. But his death... That was the one thing she had been trying to avoid since he intervened that other night. She knew that it was only a matter of time before Sylas loomed that threat over her head. And even with her knowing it was inevitable, she wasn't prepared for it. Hearing the words fall from his lips slammed her in the chest like a sledgehammer, nearly knocking the wind out of her.

"Let go of me!" she yelled with more force while a single tear rolled down her cheek. Sloane didn't know if it was from fear or anger, but it made her hands tremble and her voice quake. As the emotion washed over her, it flowed like a wave into Sylas where he had a hold of her. At first, it trickled like water seeping under a door. But then all of a sudden it cracked the wall and pushed through.

While Sylas heard her words, he didn't relinquish his hold. At first, it started as a tingle at the tips of his fingers, almost like a soft gust of wind tempting him to loosen his grip. But then all at once, it coursed through his body like puppet strings and Sloane was the master. No matter how hard he tried to fight it, he released her arm. For a moment, he stood there, staring down at his hand in disbelief.

When Slyas looked back up at Sloane, his face showed an anger she had never seen before. His gaze was a void more fiery than the pits of hell. She inhaled sharply as the blood drained from her face. She tried to take a step back but her knees buckled and refused to move her. Before she could regain her senses, Sylas's hand was on her throat. With ease, he lifted her up and slammed her back against a tree with enough force her ears began to ring. "How dare you use your powers against me!"

There is that saying, "Speaking of the Devil." It applies to this very moment.

The son of Ares felt like he had been at a crossroad for a while now - struggling between going to her and staying away. Wandering aimlessly and waiting for some kind of sign. It came as the soft breeze that played through the Camp and began to carry an ominous note. Someone was very angry; he could practically taste the familiar fragrance on his tongue. For some reason, something settled in his stomach like the heaviest stone in the world, and the next thing he knew - he was making his way toward that direction. His blood was already boiling with the heat of rage.

Before he could even be seen, the feral and dangerous energy that he gave off could be felt like a violent explosion. Sylas would know he was here, but Liam wasn't going to go lightly on him. Not right now - not with that slimy snake's hands wrapped around Sloane's throat. He was a spawn of Ares, and his children did not wait for someone to tell them what to do. Liam was far beyond the realm of rationality, and if he had to face the burning pits of the Underworld, he'd do so knowing Sylas would be there with him.

He didn't care if people looked at him like some bodyguard right now, or if Sloane felt like his showing up made her look like a weakling. The truth was that everyone is weak somewhere - even right now - at this very moment, himself in a strange way. How easy it was to stoke the flame of his fiery temper, consuming every ounce of his humanity - every fiber of his body shifting to fight mode.

The second Sloane's back hit the tree, Liam ran at Sylas like a maddened bull. He rushed him from behind, head first and with his arms out. With the man's weight and the physical perks of being blessed by Ares, it would be like being hit by a truck at full speed. The attack, itself, didn't look as incapacitating as it really was.

He could have conjured a weapon easy, but he wanted to have the son of Hera in his hands. Up close. Personal. To feel the pulse of his heartbeat against his fingers, smell the blood that would soon be dripping from his body, and so much more. This violence was deeply and dangerously personal for him - a basic animal instinct that the human brain could no longer comprehend.

Sylas felt a shift in the air. He looked over, barely in time to see Liam barreling toward him. The collision knocked him down with ease, practically taking the breath out of his lungs in that moment. And while part of him was worried, not that he'd admit it, he began to laugh. Not like someone told a joke that only he understood, but a manic, bordering on psychotic laugh. This was the moment Liam had hungered for since their first encounter and he was getting it. Sylas couldn't best him, he knew this. But what made it so... fun was that Sloane would have to watch. She was undoubtedly the only person who could stop the fight, but she'd have to use her powers... and she hated that. And on top of it all, this would show her the monster she shared a bed with.

On the other hand, Sloane didn't really know what was happening until she hit the ground when her brother's grasp seized. She scrambled to her feet, watching in worry as the events began to unfold before her. "Liam! Don't!" She begged him, even though it was pointless. It was an inevitable event. Even though she tried to avoid this at all costs, something in the back of her head told her there was no avoiding this.

Sloane’s voice was like background noise to the son of Ares - a distant mumbling of cacophony that didn’t matter to him. At this point, the beast inside of him was in full swing, and animals didn’t have that kind of capacity to understand human language. That’s all he was right now - a rabid creature devoid of sense. His vessels protruded over musculature now bloated with power that could only come from intense Demigod ability.

"That's right, big guy. Show her how much of a monster you really are!" Sylas managed to wedge one arm free of Liam, just enough to slam his elbow into the side of the man's face. While the physical connection was brief, he couldn't help himself but influence Liam to do exactly what he said. Show Sloane who the real monster is. The son of Ares might have been bigger, stronger... But Sylas was faster and more cunning.

Most Demigods packed a decent punch, and while Liam’s adrenaline would not allow for such nonsense feelings like physical pain, something forced him to let go of Sylas for a brief moment, allowing the lankier man to gain a little bit of distance. That whisper called forth the monster that was the creature lurking within Liam - that volatile Ares temperament. The beast listened, as if it had been waiting for permission its whole life.

Sweat soaked his clothing, as if he could no longer contain the way his rage pumped hotly through his body. If it was the monster that Sylas wanted, he’d get it. Sloane would see it. Anyone that came near them would see it. The world that surrounded him was painted in crimson chaos, and all he could see was his adversary.

Sloane took the small opportunity to move between the pair. "Please... don't." While she spoke to them both, it was more geared toward Liam. Sylas would never listen to a thing she said, and if anything, sought to do the opposite.

"If you don't move out of the way, sister, he'll go right through you to get to me." He looked to her with a sickening grin. "Can't you feel it, boiling inside of him?" Sloane looked over toward Liam as her expression saddened just slightly. "He'll do whatever it takes to teach me a lesson... and you'll just be a casualty of war." Sylas was a weasel and with each word, he just dug deeper and deeper. He knew how to push buttons and he lived for it.

Someone was in his way now, and he thirsted for only one thing. Unfortunately for the already fearful Sloane, one does not step in the way of a predator and its prey. He stepped toward her, placed a hand against her shoulder, and violently shoved her off to the side. He didn’t mean to push her so hard, but he couldn’t control himself anymore. He couldn’t control his strength or power.

Sloane looked over at Liam as he placed a hand on her shoulder. She wasn't sure what she expected... sympathy, an explanation, or even him just asking her to step aside. Whatever it was she thought he'd do, pushing her aside was not it. It was not gentle by any means. For how small she was, he didn't need to exert such force, but never the less he did. It sent her backwards, slamming into the tree and falling to the ground.

This allowed him to rapidly close off the distance between himself and her brother, lunging to tackle him back first to the ground. Liam placed every pound of his weight onto him, and his fists just flew without reason. His knuckles sought Sylas’ face and skull, pounding at him with the violent passion of a psychopathic murderer that enjoyed himself. Every crack, any speck of blood that flew back at him - whatever, he liked it.

There came a point when Liam just wanted to feel the breath writhe in Sylas’ throat - trapped and burning. He wrapped both of his hands around that flimsy little neck and squeezed. Slowly adding more and more pressure.

Surprisingly, Sylas didn't fight back. He let Liam go full savage, with a smile on his face and a chuckle. He laughed through the punches and beatings until the blood stained his face. And he continued until the laughs turned to coughs, when monstrous hands enclosed around his throat. Yet, he still did nothing. He simply laid there, letting his gaze drift over to his sister... waiting.

Liam was going to finally murder him.

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#2021-01-13 00:29:57, as written by mjolnir

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P O S E I D O N

god of the seax • x#006578

xxxxxThe ground began to rumble and shake underfoot. The ground began to crack and splinter underfoot. Then, as if appearing out of thin air, Poseidon stepped forward followed close at heel by Hera, Hecate, Apollo, Ares, and Nemesis. "Enough!" His voice boomed so loud it reverberated all around them, like the earth trembled at his voice. With a tap of his trident on the ground, Hecate obeyed, snapping her fingers. Instantly, both Liam and Sylas were torn apart, shackled and forced to their knees. Poseidon gave the pair a side eyed glance with a sneer. "Take care of them, then meet me at the arena," he addressed both Ares and Apollo.

xxxxxThe God walked over to Sloane, whom remained knocked on the ground, and offered her a hand up. Once on her feet, he left her aid as quickly as he entered and continued toward the center of camp. Further down the path, Poseidon slams his trident into the ground once more sending a rumbling wave throughout the camp to gain everyone's attention before his voice boomed and echoed throughout the grounds. "Everyone to the arena, immediately."

xxxxxStaying behind, Apollo moved his focus to Sylas who looked near on the edge of death. He placed a single hand on the son of Eris and, within a few short moments, all his wounds are mended. Similarly, he does the same to Liam without a word. Once both of the demigods seemed to be repaired, aside from the blood that still stained their faces and clothes, the Gods helped them to their feet. Then, as instructed, Ares, with Liam in tow, and Apollo, with Sylas in tow, proceeded toward the arena.

xxxxxAs everyone arrived at the arena, Poseidon, along with his fellow Gods were seated in the Pulvinus. They watched, stoic like statues, only moving to exchange hushed whispers amongst themselves. Once all the demigods arrived and took their seats, Poseidon stood and walked to the front of the balcony to address the camp.

xxxxx"I speak for us all when I say, we hoped it wouldn't come to this. But we were wrong. This camp has gone from a training ground for powerful demigods to nothing more than a teen soap opera. Zeus might not care, or only take interest when it's his own children... But not us." He motioned his hand toward the Gods that joined him. "This has gotten out of hand. Camp Athens is spiraling out of control. A demigod was killed by one of you're own last year and it nearly happened again here today."

xxxxx"You all need a lesson in discipline... and humility." Poseidon looked toward Hecate before motioning his hand to the center of the arena. The Goddess stood and proceeded to wave her hands in that direction. As she did, a stone archway rose up from the ground. It stood roughly seven feet tall and four feet wide. A simple looking piece of architecture. Hecate began to chant and with each word a shimmering aura grew in the middle of the arch, appearing to look similar to a portal. As she finished, the chanting seized and she returned to her seat.

xxxxx"We will end this infighting here and now." With each word he tapped his index finger down on the railing before him. "One by one, each and every one of you will pass through that archway. You will enter an illusion where your lies, deceit and dishonesty will be stripped away. Inside you will face your repressed traumas, deepest secrets or darkest fears." He stood there in silence for a long moment, looking between each and every demigod. "You will believe it is real because it will feel real. Your mind will not register that it is an illusion until you are no longer in it."

xxxxx"We would not be here if it were not for you both," he said looking between Liam and Sylas. "But in particular you," he added point at Liam. "You will go last. You will sit there and watch as every single person here suffers through their trial because of you. And because your judgement is clouded due to some girl... You will suffer through watching her go first, knowing you can do nothing to ease her struggle."

xxxxxPoseidon turned away from the crowd and returned to his seat. Once settled in his chair, he slammed his trident against the ground before calling out to the demigods. "Sloane Astor. Step forward."

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#2021-01-13 01:29:22, as written by mjolnir

sloane astor
erisx|xoutfitx|x#C7B29B

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Sloane didn't get a chance to stand up before the ground began to rumble beneath her. She looked around confused as her hands tried to find something to stable herself. Then appearing out of thin air, a large intimidating man stepped forward, followed by a pair of men and a trio of women. "Enough!" It wasn't until she saw the trident that she realized it was Poseidon. Sure, he was in Olympus during Alex's trial, but who paid attention to the other Gods at that moment?

One of the dark haired Goddesses, Sloane didn't know whom, stepped forward and with the use of, what she assumed was, magic, restrained both Liam and Sylas. "Take care of them, then meet me at the arena," Poseidon then said, addressing the two men in his company. One seemed to be a bit more uneasy at the appearance of Liam. He didn't say anything, but his worried expression made her wonder if it was Liam's father, Ares.

Surprisingly, it was Poseidon himself, who stepped towards her and offered her his hand. Everything that had transpired was shocking enough, but being aided by a God was not something Sloane had expected. But she didn't refuse the help. Her petite hand rested in the God's like a child's. He helped her to her feet, then carried on as if it never happened. And as he walked away, further down the path, he slammed his trident into the ground again. The seismic wave rolled under foot, throwing her off balance. Sloane grabbed hold of a nearby tree to support herself as Poseidon's voice echoed throughout camp. "Everyone to the arena, immediately."

Her gaze drifted over to Sylas, then Liam. Subconsciously, her hand raised so that her fingers lightly brushed her neck, like she could almost feel her brother's hold still on her. But Sloane couldn't ignore how Liam threw her out of the way. Maybe he wasn't any better than her brother. Maybe he was. She couldn't tell anymore. Everything had spiraled so far out of hand that even the Gods themselves noticed and, worst of all, she was right in the middle of it.

Sloane didn't linger around to watch whatever the Gods were going to do to them, instead heeding Poseidon's word and headed towards the arena. Unsurprisingly, she was the first demigod to arrive, considering she wasn't far behind the God himself. He gestured for her to take a seat in the stands and await everyone else. The whole environment made her anxious and all she could think about being in that amphitheater was gladiatorial fights. And Gods did she hope that wasn't the case.

* * *

Once everyone had arrived and taken their seats, Poseidon came forward and began his lecture. Sloane pinned her hands between her knees, while she listened to him scold them all. "You all need a lesson in discipline... and humility." She slowly looked up as her leg began to bounce nervously. An illusion? And then he said it, what they were all there for. They'd all have to face whatever darkness resided within them. She swallowed hard at the thought and felt the atmosphere drop and grow cold amongst the demigods.

As more words came forth from Poseidon, it all turned into white noise as the possibilities of what could happen in their flooded her mind. Sloane's hands began to shake at the thought while a pit grew in her stomach. She could only hope that she'd be one of the last or maybe she was quiet enough to be overlooked entirely.

"Sloane Astor. Step forward."

Her eyes widened as she looked up in shock. Poseidon motioned his hand to the ominous archway that waited like a portal to hell in the center of the arena. Sloane's knees felt like jello as she stood up and she could feel everyone's eyes upon her. As if she hadn't been tormented enough by all of this, because of her mere existence in the quarrel, she is forced to go first. At this point, she was more than kicking herself for allowing Liam to get involved in the first place. She should have wiped his memory of what he saw and moved on with her life. Yet there she was.

She descended the stairs in silence. All the while, trying to muster whatever courage she might possess. As Sloane entered the center of the arena, her eyes fixated on the archway. It only seemed to grow more oppressive and foreboding with each step she took. The last thing she wanted to do was anger the Gods more, so she tried not to waste any time. She inhaled sharply before extending her hand out before her to feel the ethereal portal. Luckily enough, it felt like nothing beyond a cool breeze. With one more breath, she closed her eyes and entered.

As she stepped through, everything washed away. There was no fight, no trial or arena. It was just another day... or night, as it seemed to be. All of Sloane's anxieties, worries and fears washed away. And for a moment there, she was at ease.

It was long past dusk, and Sloane was returning back to Liam's cabin after a long day of... Well, she couldn't quite remember what she was doing. Just that she lost track of time. She ascended the steps up to the entrance and reached for the knob. Just before she took it in her hand, she realized that the door was already cracked open. Her brows furrowed in confusion and worry. She hesitated, pulling her hand away slowly. It wasn't like Liam to leave the door open, even on accident. If Rocco got out and camp supervisors found out about the dog, he'd have to get rid of him.

Sloane decided to peek into the windows, but it was just as dark inside as it was out. She exhaled a shaky breath before pushing the door open and slowly stepped into the cabin. "Liam?" she called out, hoping to hear a response from the silence. But nothing. She continued to enter the room, step by step. Further in, one of her feet found something wet, which caused her to slip and fall to the ground. Her face turned into an expression of disgust as she lifted her hands out of the wetness, but it was too dark for her to see what it was.

As she rubbed her fingers together, all of the lights turned on. It was so bright, Sloane, instinctually, raised her hand to block her eyes. After a second or two to adjust, she withdrew her hand to find it covered in red. She gasped, panicking as she looked around, finding that slipped in blood. Frantically, she searched for the source, finding Rocco dead a few feet away on the kitchen floor. Sloane screamed as she scrambled to her feet, using the back of the couch to help herself up.

"Liam!", she screamed as she desperately searched for him. Sloane's shaky hand opened the bedroom and found him standing there. Without thinking, she ran over to him, half burying her face in his chest. "Liam! It's Rocco! He—" Her voice trailed off as she realized he stood stoic and frozen like a statue. He said nothing, nor acknowledged her all but crying before him.

The lights then turned on illuminating the bedroom. Sloane looked up at Liam, who was unchanging, staring straight head with a blank expression. "Liam?" She took ahold his arms and tried jostling him. "Liam! What's wrong with you!?"

"Nothing is wrong with him," Sylas said as he slowly emerged from the corner, making his presence known.

"What did you do!?" she yelled at Sylas, before turning her attention back to Liam. "Come on, Liam. Snap out of it." Sloane grabbed a hold of his face, trying to force him to look at her.

"What I promised I'd do."

"God damn it," Sloane cursed under her breath. She kept Liam's face held in her hands as she closed her eyes. With everything she had, she tried to break him free of it. Sylas holds no power over you. He cannot control you. Countless things she tried, but nothing worked. It was like her powers hit a wall it could not breakthrough.

"He is the puppet," Sylas said as he raised his hand. In sync, Liam's own hand lifted and cupped the back of Sloane's head. "And I am the master." Liam's head then flew forward, slamming into her own. The pain was splitting, making her dizzy and disoriented. Her eyes blinked rapidly as she cupped her forehead and stumbled backwards.

"You couldn't shield him from me forever."

"No... No!" She cried out. "Liam! Please! Fight back! You're stronger than he is!"

"I think not," Sylas mocked as he, and Liam, stepped forward. "Kill her," he ordered.

Liam closed the distance between himself and Sloane. She tried to back away, but her head still spun. She only managed a step or two in some direction before his large hand was around her throat. His fingers tightened as he began to lift her off the ground. Sloane struggled and gasped in his clutches, trying to break free. But she wasn't strong. And with every hit or kick, her energy drained and drained fast. With each breath, she strained more. Her vision began to fade to black as she started losing consciousness.

"You know what, I changed my mind." He laughed. "Drop her."

With no ounce of care or gentleness, Liam threw her to the ground like a discarded toy. Her head hit the wall with a sickening thud leaving behind a fresh streak of blood. Sloane remained crumpled on the floor, coughing as she tried to catch her breath.

Liam slowly approached, standing over her like a terrifying angel of death. While Sylas crouched down beside her. "You never learn that I am the one in charge. I didn't want it to come to this. But you left me no choice." He stood back up and took a couple steps back. "Kill yourself."

Before Sloane had a chance to react or try to stop him, Liam pulled out a blade and ran it across his throat. His blood rained over her like a sick nightmare. Her arms raised to protect her face as she let out a blood curdling scream. The kind of scream that pierces your ears and makes the hair on the back of your neck stand on end.

When she opened her eyes, Sloane was laying on her back in the dirt in the center of the arena. The ringing of her scream echoed off the walls. She laid there gasping for air in a stunned silence. As a fraction of her wits returned, she ran her fingers over her head where it hit the wall. She looked over her hands to find them absent of blood. And in a final moment of panic, she looked to the crowd finding Liam still in his shackles... but alive.

With a hard swallow and a sigh, she caught her breath and moved to her feet. Sloane was in such a state of shock, that she didn't think to return to the stands but headed for the exit. Before she could leave, Hecate appeared before her blocking her way out. "Ms. Astor," Poseidon called out from across the arena. "We ask that you remain until everyone's judgement has concluded."

Sloane looked between Hecate and Poseidon, giving a brief nod. She wondered her way over to the stands in a daze, taking a seat as far away from the rest of the campers as humanly possible. And then she simply sat there, staring blankly at the ground between her feet, waiting for this all to come to an end.

Setting

Camp Athens

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Iliana Remington-Taylor

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#2021-01-17 18:41:59, as written by Zodia195

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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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~After their morning job, the boys took their shower and soon went to the Main hall where Iliana was. The trio ate in silence, that was until Nelly came in. After interacting with Wes, the redhead got to the main hall.

"Morning guys! Do you 3 always hang out together?"

"We're use to it. We'll branch out eventually since I want to get to know everyone here. Besides, I hate staying alone for too long."

Nelly sat with them since no one else was here at the moment.

"Where are you from, Ethan, you're certainly not from where Heath is from."

"Tampa, Florida. I wanted to study abroad, so that's how I ended up staying with Heath."

"Oh nice! I am from Baton Rouge, Louisiana."

"Really? I would never guess with your lack of accent."

"Haha! It's because my mom and I traveled a lot throughout my life."

Heath and Iliana were content to listen to the two banter. Soon Nelly and Iliana finished their meals.

"Well, I want to take more pictures of the place. Any of you want to join me?"

Iliana shook her head. She needed to take a shower herself and figured she'd explore the grounds more.

"Thanks for offer, but want to work on my book a bit more,"

"If you wait a few more minutes, I'll go ahead and join you."

Things settled, the four soon separated after Ethan finished his meal. He and Nelly left together and soon Iliana left after letting Heath know what she was going to do. Heath ended up finishing his meal in silence.

Iliana had just finished her shower when the announcement came.

"Everyone to the arena, immediately."

Iliana recognized the voice immediately. It was Poseidon. She only met the god once and that was even before Alex's trial. He'd been with Zeus when her mother needed something from Zeus and Iliana was with her mother at the time when she was small. The god was very intimidating and it looked like his daughter was following in his footsteps for Liv was also intimidating in her own way. Knowing she didn't have much time, Iliana quickly changed and found directions to the arena via the dryads in the trees. By the time Iliana got there, Heath, Ethan, and Nelly were there. Seeing Poseidon and some other gods there, Iliana wondered what the problem was. She gave Heath a puzzled look, but he just merely put a finger to his lips.

Heath knew something serious had happened if the gods were getting involved. He scanned those currently present and was quick to notice Liam and Sylas, along with Sloane. Heath had been the fourth one to arrive since the main hall wasn't far from the arena. He'd been luck a camp staff person been nearby. Careful to not make any assumptions, Heath waited patiently for Poseidon to speak up or any other god present for that matter.

Soon the rest of the campers made it to the arena and Poseidon spoke up.

"I speak for us all when I say, we hoped it wouldn't come to this. But we were wrong. This camp has gone from a training ground for powerful demigods to nothing more than a teen soap opera. Zeus might not care, or only take interest when it's his own children... But not us. This has gotten out of hand. Camp Athens is spiraling out of control. A demigod was killed by one of you're own last year and it nearly happened again here today. You all need a lesson in discipline... and humility."

So that was it, there had been another fight. Heath again looked at Liam and Sylas. There was no evidence of them fighting though. Apollo was here though, so maybe that had something to do with it. But before Heath could think of anything else, Poseidon had Hecate summon something, something Heath was not expecting. It appeared to be a portal or gateway of some kind. Soon Poseidon spoke up again.

"We will end this infighting here and now. One by one, each and every one of you will pass through that archway. You will enter an illusion where your lies, deceit and dishonesty will be stripped away. Inside you will face your repressed traumas, deepest secrets or darkest fears. You will believe it is real because it will feel real. Your mind will not register that it is an illusion until you are no longer in it."

Heath felt Iliana shutter. She herself was shaking in fear, knowing exactly what she was bound to see. She had seen too much in her young life. It was something she wished for no one to experience. Heath put an arm around her in comfort as the sea god finished speaking.

"We would not be here if it were not for you both," he said looking between Liam and Sylas. "But in particular you," he added point at Liam. "You will go last. You will sit there and watch as every single person here suffers through their trial because of you. And because your judgement is clouded due to some girl... You will suffer through watching her go first, knowing you can do nothing to ease her struggle."

Heath wanted to curse. He hated when he was right. He didn't understand where Sloane fit into this, but what was done was done. Soon Poseidon called for Sloane and the first trial began.

Nelly couldn't keep her eyes away from what was happening. Sure she wanted some excitement to happen, but this wasn't what she had in mind. Seeing Sloane's fears made real though made her nervous, and she normally wasn't the kind to worry. So Sloane was scared of what Liam could do or what she could do? It was obvious she feared her brother too. Looks like Sylas was an expert in manipulation. Nelly wonder what else he was capable of.

Ethan could feel his own temper rising. Sure he was an easy going guy, but if there was one thing Ethan didn't tolerate it was someone messing around with someone's head. Ethan was the kind of person to prevent chaos from happening so if he could, he'd do something about Sylas right now, but no, he'd only get in trouble. Beside, Iliana needed him more for he was using his serenity inducement to keep Iliana calm. The girl wasn't even looking at the trial, but couldn't block out the sound or the emotions of what the trial was presenting.

Soon the trial was over and after Sloane sat down, Poseidon spoke up, "Heath Taylor! Step forward!"

That caught Ethan and Iliana's attention as the two looked at Heath. Heath saw the fear in Iliana's eyes and the concern in Ethan's.

"It'll be all right, Lia. Take care of her, Ethan," he said, squeezing Iliana's hand one more time and getting up.

Iliana tried clinging to her brother, but Ethan gently made her let go and hugged her as Heath went up to the portal. Heath took a deep breath before entering it.

He entered his home after coming home from the grocery store.

"Lia! I am home! Lia?"

The house was still, no sound whatsoever. A chill went up Heath's spine. His sister was still getting over her imprisonment. And the house was too quiet. Putting down the groceries, Heath quickly went to Iliana's room. No one was there. He searched the whole house for her before remembering the locator pendant he had. Grabbing it, he found himself rushing outside. Where was she? She had to be around somewhere. It felt like forever but he finally found her by a cliff.

"Lia! What are you doing?"

Iliana, tears streaming down her face, spoke to him, "I am a monster Heath, I don't deserve to live. I can't take this anymore!"

Suddenly the blonde jumped off the cliff, Heath screamed and rushed after her, only to see her vanish beneath the angry waters below. Screaming and crying, he slammed his fists into the ground. He couldn't protect her, not even from herself. Looking up, he saw Athena and Demeter.

"You promised me you'd keep her safe, Heath!" Demeter cried.

"You disappoint me, Heath. You're not my son anymore." Athena claimed, coldness in her voice.

Ashamed of himself, Heath felt himself sink beneath the ground. He tried getting out of it through his intangibility powers, but it was no use. Soon he because trapped within the ground and could not breath anymore.

Heath gasped for breath as he found himself collapsed on the ground. It had felt all too real for him. Losing Iliana, failing her mother and his mother, and becoming trapped within the ground. Looking he saw that Iliana was alive, frantic, but still alive and he sighed in relief. Iliana had multiple times tried getting out of her seat to get to Heath, but Ethan and even Nelly kept preventing her. She had been crying the whole time. Seeing how he needed to get up, Heath staggered up to his feet, and left the arena. Finally letting Iliana go, the blonde launched herself at Heath and the pair hugged each other before sitting down down and waited for the next trial.

Setting

Camp Athens

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#2021-01-18 11:50:16, as written by xNocturnax

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

xxxxDaughter of Nemesis | Outift | #ffc300

Typically one to learn from mistakes, Evelyn did herself a favor by keeping herself company in the morning. As dull and against her nature as it was. Not that any harm could come from offering the likes of Ethan and Heath an apology over breakfast for her more stand-offish and challenging side shining through at the beach.

Her finger swirled around a slightly overgrown patch of grass and she found herself tempted to tug, pulling it from the earth. The moment she acknowledged the thought, she released and calmly pat over the ground, almost in apology for ever having such a destructive thought. Turned out there was still a lot brewing in her mind, the uneasiest being a new found lack of confidence in herself. Before camp she knew exactly where she'd stand on certain topics and how she'd react to things. That sense and predictability of self were now lost.

Evelyn got a harsh awakening. The ground all but vibrated and shook violently from under her. "Everyone to the arena, immediately," the source ordered. Evelyn obeyed the voice that could emanate such power without a second thought. She thought herself one of the earlier arrivals, given her brisk pace, but there were a few before her. Among them, the Eris siblings, and the mean-looking brute. But the men of the group were shackled. That was interesting to say the least. If Gods were to restrain the demi-beings they must have done wrong and have been deemed particularly out of control. If it weren't deserved and Sylas under such a watchful eye of a god or two, she might have shuffled nearby.

While scenarios ran through her head, only imaging such a case, she found herself a seat. She entwined her fingers with her two index's tapping her lip. Whatever she thought of, why ever they were here, she knew it'd be short of reality. Thankfully Poseidon drew some mercy by pronouncing why they had gathered at least and why so many gods were present.

"We would not be here if it were not for you both. But in particular you," Poseidon gestured to the bulkiest of men. Evelyn paused. "You will go last. You will sit there and watch as every single person here suffers through their trial because of you. And because your judgement is clouded due to some girl... You will suffer through watching her go first, knowing you can do nothing to ease her struggle."

The gods were certainly gifted with punishment. But somehow she imagined he wouldn't be bothered by other's suffering and turmoil, even the anger that could be directed towards him as a cause, aside from those he had a shred of care for. Evelyn's eyes shifted to Sylas. Nor would he care, aside from when his own was exposed.

Sloane was called to go first. Evelyn was entranced to see a major adversity of hers and how the gods magic worked. As things unravelled, it got progressively worse. Sylas seemed to have wrapped Liam's own mind up. It might have been like watching a movie, but this featured people she knew and real potential to happen making the scenario a cocktail of engaging and disturbing. She was doing her best to scrutinize the scene and behaviour of the illusions, right up to Liam slitting his own throat, causing blood to spurt on Sloane.

Evelyn turned her head away, sickness seeming to creep into her stomach. There were a few monsters in one vision, but Evelyn knew the biggest in Sloane's mind. Frankly, she felt for the girl. As the trials went onward, it seemed inappropriate to move positions for comfort. Evelyn resumed her habit of tapping her lips, sitting in wait.

Heath was called. Another she was most anxious to peek inside of. His test featured losing and failing Iliana, the godly parents and being buried to an extent. The pressures of being the good son of Athena. The shifting and movement in her peripheral did draw her attention to Iliana, trying to burst up from her seat to reach him sooner. But it all had to play out. Once they stepped into the arena, they were alone. They had to face their adversities alone. But at least in the end, when they returned to their seats, they had each other.

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

xxxx Daughter of Ares | [url]Pending[/url] | #461f4b

"I still owe you that date," he commented with a sad chuckle. "I had it all planned out too. It was going to be tonight... Andy was even going to help me set it up. Camp has a funny way of messing a lot of things up."

Despite his sadness, Trinity smiled, happy he had even remembered it. A date, she would think, would be one of the first things to sweep under the rug in camp but not in Wes’ book. “It's okay, there's no time restriction on when it has to happen.” Even she was a little surprised to hear herself offer assurance rather than squirm at the idea of an official date. But there it was. And camp was camp.

Somewhere in their talk, she dozed off peacefully against Wes. She tried to stay awake for him but comfort and tiredness won out.

* * *

She woke in half a daze. It took pushing her blonde mess away from her heavy eyes and a look around to figure she fell asleep and Wes carried her to his bed. But the funniest part was no Wes. Trinity frowned a little, pushing herself to sit up. Thankfully there was a note on the bedside table atop of some clothes. Somehow, it gave her comfort that he'd be back and that he wasn't just lending her his space.

However, the comfort and peace of the morning wasn’t long lasting. Suddenly the cabin shook, and Trinity pinged wide awake, holding her hands out half expecting to be thrown off balance. A voice ordered them to a meeting point. The next she had to do was get changed with the clothes Wes left on the bed side table for her. “What the fuck?”Trinity whispered to herself, looking all around as she hiked up some basketball shorts. She hoped for explanations but given she was alone in a cabin that wasn’t hers, she probably wouldn’t get that.

She all but barrelled out the door. “What is happening?”

Once arriving at the arena, Trinity got a feeling of dread seeing the Gods waiting as every camper filed in. It took Trinity a decent study of the environment for her to see her brother tied. Half or full blood, no matter what he did, he didn't deserve to be bound like some prisoner. She straightened, a hand grabbing Wesley's knee, fighting the reflex to free Liam or have some outburst and protest against the treatment. But before she could even begin to dive into the internal debate of logic verse instinct, Poseidon began to speak. Her eyes flickered to the god, hearing what summoned most of them and what was due for the demigods.

A part of her wanted to clutch her hair and scream or maybe growl that Liam got so much bad limelight. But there was no time to act out because Sloane was made to go first. To see just what was in store, Trinity waited attentively but restlessly, eyes glued to Sloane as she walked through the archway and how her world transformed.

Dead dog. Void Liam. Asshole brother. When Liam plucked Sloane up and was strangling her, her eyes sought the real version of the son of Ares. But it took an abrupt turn. Sloane's trial even brought a gasp to Trinity's lips seeing Liam slice his own throat like that. She brought a hand to her throat to suppress anymore audible reactions, or maybe imagine it hadn't happened. Although not much beat the sound of Sloane's screams and the horrific scene that played out before them. When it ended, it brought some relief to Trinity. So that was the potential of Sylas...and that's what Liam had dragged himself into.

The brunette tried to walk away with what dignity she could after that but Poseidon order she stay. A rule that applied to them all, she imagined. “Wesley...” she muttered to express her anxieties. But the next demigod was called upon.

And so Heath's vision played out in front of them all. And the next one would. Then the next one... Trinity's eyes would seek out Liam now and then. The same way her hand would grab Wes a little tighter occasionally. Because soon, their time would come.

Setting

Camp Athens

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#2021-01-18 22:43:09, as written by mjolnir

wesley preston
aphroditex|xoutfitx|x#667C0C

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Wes wasn't necessarily in a huge rush or anything, but he was trying his best to get to the mess hall and back to the cabin before Trinity woke. So, it was safe to say his pace was brisk as he followed the paths through camp. He wasn't paying attention to anyone he passed by, nor did he particularly care. He looked like he was straight out of bed, still wearing his pajamas, and to be honest, he still hadn't completely woken up either.

Unfortunately, other people were more morning people than he was. As he was walking an all too peppy brunette approached him, matching his pace. He was content with saying nothing. Honestly, Aphrodite kids had to deal with weirder things on a regular basis. Came with the whole natural allure. But this girl seemed to want to have a chat. "Hi there! I don't think we've met yet right? My name is Penelope, but I prefer Nelly. I am Hermes's daughter. Might I ask for your name and who your divine parent is?"

Wes all but stopped where he was trying to catch up with the fast talking and everything thrown at him so fast. His brows furrowed as he tried to process it all, while also trying to think of his own response. "Uh... Wes and Aphrodite." He stood there awkwardly for a moment before continuing. "Alrighty then. I have to go get breakfast for my girlfriend and I. Nice meeting you, Penelope that prefers Nelly." That was the best farewell he could muster while still tired. Then he continued toward the mess hall.

He had barely made a full plate for Trinity when he felt the ground tremble beneath him, causing Wes to lose half of the food to the floor as he steadied himself. He looked around at the others that happened to be there to see if any of them were the culprit or knew what was going on. Before he could ask anyone, a loud thunderous voice echoed throughout the room. "Everyone to the arena, immediately."

For a moment he stood their wondering if he had actually woken up that morning. Perhaps it was all a dream. He looked down at his lack of shirt. It'd make sense for a dream... Being caught in a strange situation half undressed. He sighed. Wes contemplated running back to his cabin to grab Trin and perhaps a shirt. But whomever demanded their attention did seem like the patient or understanding sort. He looked back at the food longingly, before scoffing and heading out of the hall toward the arena.

Wes managed to run into Trinity, just before entering the arena. He didn't know if the implications of her in his clothes and him shirtless in pajamas mattered to her. He couldn't help but instantly feel a bit guilty as they walked together to take a seat. Hopefully, it didn't cross her mind in light of whatever was going on. It wasn't until they both got situated that Wes realized the Gods in the distance, watching them in silence as they all filed in.

Trinity's hand grabbed at his knee, getting his attention. Wes's gaze followed hers, tilting his head upward to catch a glimpse of what she saw... Liam and Sylas in shackles. He gently wrapped his arm around her shoulders, while his other hand reached across his lap to take a hold of hers. "Hey," he whispered. "It'll be ok." He wanted to say more, but Poseidon stepped forward and demanded their attention.

It seemed the more the God said, the more uncomfortable he got. Then he pointed blame at Liam. Wes, subtly glanced over at the son of Ares, trying not to draw Trinity's attention. His face saddened at the look of him. Poseidon didn't say what exactly happened, but there was no doubt that there must have been an altercation of some kind. He could feel the anger radiating off of Liam. "Sloane Astor. Step forward." Wes's heart sank for the poor girl as she was forced to go first, like a guinea pig to show everyone else what was in store.

Sloane stepped through the archway and what played out before them was like a horror film. The dead puppy was enough to churn anyone's stomach, but he actually tensed at the sight of Liam like a statue. He watched, intently, as Sylas made a puppet out of him and bent him to his will. It made Wes shift, uncomfortably. Seeing the demigods potential and how easily he could manipulate someone else was... terrifying. Then the son of Ares slit his own throat, drawing a gasp from Trin and causing Wes to turn his head away. But it was the scream. It ran down his spine like a sickening chill, making the hairs on his arm stand on end.

He felt bad for Sloane, especially as she tried to leave but was denied. As if the torture of facing what scared them most wasn't enough... They'd have to sit and watch each other go through that pain, over and over. He slowly slunk further back into his seat. It was going to be a long day.

"Wesley..." Trinity said quietly. He could hear her fear, something he also felt. He swallowed while nodding slightly.

He pulled her a little bit closer, placing a soft kiss on her shoulder. "I'll be right here," he reassured her as he slid his fingers between hers.

Then Heath was called forward. Someone Wes wasn't familiar with at camp. While part of him was curious to see how the demigod's trial played out, he couldn't also feel like he was invading everyone's privacy by watching their secrets and fears play out before him. He wanted to look away, but no matter how much he tried... Curiosity took over and he had to look.

Part of him was slightly relieved that Heath's judgement didn't involve as much blood. But, unfortunately, it did not lack in death. His brows quirked up at the sound of Iliana's voice, curious to see that perhaps she was not always mute. Yet, no sooner than hearing that, she threw herself from a cliff. He winced again. Gods, this was rough. He didn't know what he was more worried about, his own trial or Trinity's. All he could do was take a deep breath, and try to remain as calm as possible... for Trin.

sylas astor
erisx|xoutfitx|x#064C4B

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Sylas remained on the ground, the dirt turned to mud from his own blood. It was hard to breath, making him cough through the fluid that blocked his airways. The ground rumbled and Gods stepped forward. He had difficulty making out whatever they were saying. But one minute he went from lying on his back to being on his knees with his hands shackled before him. "Take care of them, then meet me at the arena," one of the more intimidating Gods said before heading down a path.

He remained knelt on the ground as Poseidon called for everyone to go the arena, leaving himself and Liam behind in the care of two other Gods. Sylas presumed one to be Ares based on the looks he gave the son of Ares. And once the other put his hand on him, healing all of his wounds until the only proof that he was bloodied was the stains in his shirt, he knew it was Apollo. Sylas didn't saying anything, but nodded his head in brief thanks, only because it felt like what was right.

Once finished, Apollo and Ares helped them both off the ground and lead them to the arena in silence. They made sure to keep a distance between the two in case they decided to lash out again. Sylas had no intention of inciting anymore anger out of the oaf, not yet anyway. It seemed what little bit he had done had caused quite the domino effect. He was more than eager to see how this would play out, but he dare not let that be seen.

The Gods lead them into the arena, making them sit in the stands, closer to the other Gods, to keep an eye on them. Sylas took his seat, making sure there was several feet between himself and Liam. He watched as demigods slowly entered, taking their seats sporadically around the colosseum. Then, a striking redhead enter and for a brief moment their eyes met. Surprisingly, to anyone else, he felt a bit ashamed, having Evelyn see him like that. His gaze fell to his hands until she looked away. Whether or not she enticed him so, he doubted that seeing him like this or whatever else the Gods had up their sleeves would make her desire to come anywhere near him.

Poseidon began his inevitable speech that gained everyone's attention. While Sylas couldn't be bothered by what the man said, it was the topic of custom tailored judgement that caused him to listen. "We would not be here if it were not for you both," the God looked between himself and Liam. "But in particular you. You will go last," he said to the son of Ares. "You will sit there and watch as every single person here suffers through their trial because of you. And because your judgement is clouded due to some girl... You will suffer through watching her go first, knowing you can do nothing to ease her struggle."

His curiosity piqued when Sloane was called forward. A tactical move by a powerful God. It was a bold move indeed, something Sylas himself would do if he were in Poseidon's shoes. While he might not have someone in his life that it would pain him to see suffer, there was no doubt that it'd make Liam writhe in his seat seeing Sloane go through her illusion... and first. Plus, he was also interested to see what dark and twisted fears toiled in that mind of hers. Others might feel for her and sympathize, Sylas would only see fuel. That's what this whole judgement was to him... a way to see how to get under everyone's skin.

What played out before them, was nothing short of what Sylas expected from his sister. Part of him was impressed that she thought he was capable of such deviousness. She knew him better than he had thought, but better yet, she was scared of what he was capable of. There was no doubt of that. Then there was a scream... nothing like he'd ever heard before. It was blood curdling and sharp... Authentic.

And then there was Heath. Disgustingly boring boy who never seemed to know how to remove his head from the ass of his other siblings... Who, quite frankly, Sylas forgot their names. They bored him. But nevertheless, he watched. Death of a sibling and being severely inadequate to his parent, the later he could understand on some level. His gaze slowly drifted over to the boy and his reunion with his mute sister. Added to his mental check list, to get to Heath involved the mousy blonde. Good to know, although he doubted that knowledge would ever be anything of worth.

andromeda bolton
hecatex|xoutfitx|x#990856

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Andy wasted far too much time in the shower. She had been clean for awhile, just enjoying the steamy water on her sore muscles. She was already starting to feel better, in no small part due to Cherise's healing. If it hadn't been for that, she'd probably still be immobile in the med hut. So, sore muscles and ribs was a welcomed preference. But even she couldn't stay locked away in her shower all day. With a sigh, she finally shut off the water and stepped out.

While she was feeling much better, Andy still wasn't near one hundred percent. She opted for clothes that seemed to be easier to get into than some of her others, not that her wardrobe screamed girly girl or anything. The most difficult part was wiggling into her jeans. Thankfully it didn't really hurt, most of her pain was in her torso, but her strength still wasn't back to its prime. So, she had to do a little jig and jump to get them up over her hips.

After slipping on a pair of sneakers, Andy headed out towards the hall. It didn't take her long to get there, and to no surprise, she found Mason had already beat her there and was halfway finished with his breakfast. She made her way over to the food, where Wes stood half dressed and half awake making his own plate. She flashed him a brief smile and just before she was able to grab a plate, the ground began to roar and vibrate beneath them. Her hands reached out and took a hold of the table until everything subsided. And as she turned to look toward Mason, a deep voice carried across camp. "Everyone to the arena, immediately."

Then everything was quiet. Andy didn't bother getting food. She hurried over to Mason instead, looking confused and worried... Like everyone else in the hall did. "What the hell was that?!"

She knew there was no way Mason would let her out of his site when something strange like this was going on, especially in her condition... No matter how much better she felt. This was one time Andy didn't argue. She grabbed an apple before heading to the arena with Mason so he wouldn't nag her about how she didn't eat later, although she doubted it'd get eaten at all.

It wasn't long before they were at the arena and by the time they arrived, nearly everyone was there. Right away she noticed the Gods who were sitting and waiting for their arrival... including her mother. Hecate tried to make eye contact with her, but Andy looked away and continued into the stands. She took a hold of Mason's arm and lead them over so that she could take a seat beside Trinity. She looked over at her friend, giving the blonde a weak smile. But she never said anything. After all, what was there to say?

Andy sat there silent as Poseidon began to address them all. At first, she thought they were just being scolded. A slap on the hand and a finger wag, nothing more. But then he spoke of illusions accompanied by a portal created by her mother. A chill instantly went down her spine at the thought. Andy couldn't fight the panic that began to overwhelm her at the thought of what she'd encounter in there... the underworld? Her brother's death? Or worse, the thing she's been refusing to do or acknowledge?! As the fear began to sink in, she took hold of Mason's hand needing a false sense of security as they went into whatever was ahead.

And then it began, with Sloane no less. The girl walked through the portal and the whole atmosphere of the arena changed. It was like watching a strange immersive play, like a movie playing before their eyes in real time but there was also a weird detachment. It wasn't a spectacle but like looking into someone's mind and watching their thoughts play out. It as private and personal, and it made her feel anxious like reading someone's diary knowing they could round the corner any moment and you'd be caught.

Sloane's trial was terrifying... like something someone would only see in a horror movie. All the blood, manipulation and death. Andy found herself wincing and looking away when Liam slit his throat. Then when she looked back Sloane was covered in his blood like Carrie before letting out a high pitch scream and then the illusion faded. She felt like there need to be time for that to process, for both Sloane and the on lookers. But Poseidon wasted no time and called up his next victim, Heath.

Andy didn't know much about the boy beyond the time they shared in the closet two nights prior. She didn't know what to expect when seeing his own struggles. But his judgement also included death... Why did she feel like that was going to be a reoccurring theme? Heath's didn't seem to be as bloody or intense, but it made it no less emotional. It seemed with every death, her hand only seemed to hold Mason's tighter. Gods she wanted this over quickly.

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#2021-01-19 07:04:33, as written by mombie

L I A M x O ' C O N N O R
o f x a r e s
#EB641D || New Outfit || Pulvinus

Sylas was one lucky bastard; for the only being on this planet that could rip this murderous behemoth off of him would be a god, and he came. A small group of them. He was on top of the child of Eris, thick fingers eager to feel the air strained at his stupid little throat. It felt good; the thought of taking someone’s life like this. That’s how nasty the rage inside of him genuinely was, and it believed it was the right thing to do. It believed that there was no other way in this world than dealing in ruthless death.

By the time he was pried off and shackled, his clothes were bloodstained and his jacket had ripped at the seams; as if he had become Hulk, only less dramatic. He didn’t bother looking over at any of the gods, especially Poseidon. Who were they to scold anyone for pettiness anyway? His eyes were still on Sylas, and his chest heaved heavily. It almost seemed like a snorting sound came from his nostrils, akin to an overly excited bull ready to barrel out of its holding place.

When all got to Pulvinus, the rage had yet to fully subside. For some reason, Sylas’ power still lurked in there like a shadow. The fact that he was still alive was enough to make Liam hungry for blood.

"You will go last. You will sit there and watch as every single person here suffers through their trial because of you. And because your judgement is clouded due to some girl... You will suffer through watching her go first, knowing you can do nothing to ease her struggle."

Liam tried his best not to scoff, but his eyes rolled nearly to the back of his skull at the implication that he was to blame for everything. He looked over at his father and spit over in his general direction, "Rumor around the Myth mill is that none of you asshats have any room to talk about fighting over a girl. And you Ares - you like seeing you children caged like animals. Don’t you? First it was my sister, now it’s me. You’re a little bitch, and I swear - one day, you’re going to regret the day I was born." The son of Ares couldn’t care less that his voice boomed in warning for everyone to hear him. He began to laugh a little at this; still feeling that murderous rage snaking through his blood. Liam was never one to not say exactly what was on his mind.

"I don’t give a fuck, Fishboy. Now everyone here will remember how much you’ve all abandoned your children." At that time, he meant every word of that. It would do some of these Demigods well to see their own fears, or whatever it was that Poseidon was doing to them. He raised both of his shackled hands, lifting a finger, "I wonder if that little girl - what’s her name, Alex? I wonder if this would have been her treatment had she been anyone else’s child. In fact - where is she? The rest of us have gutless duds for godly parents. So unlucky." His eyes met various Demigods in the arena as he spoke.

At this point, after having to see his own sister imprisoned on his first day here, and now himself - his view of the gods were only getting worse. "I wonder how everyone else feels about that..." He’d let that linger in the air for a little bit, then it was Sloane center stage. He didn’t think this whole ordeal was going to be that bad, but he was simple-minded enough like that. He remained in his spot, shackled, and leaned back. He hoped his aura radiated enough threat to keep everyone else away from him. In fact, anyone that was more sensitive to emotion would probably stay far, far away. He chose a place surrounded by no one, as he didn’t want to be bothered. He said his piece and made his promise with daddy.

His attention focused, and as the effects of Sylas’ magic died out, likely due to whatever was going on in Pulvinus, he started to remember what he did. His eyes widened for a second, and as he watched the brunette descend the steps. He pushed her. How hard did he do it? Why did he touch her? He couldn’t think of any reason why he would do something like that. He didn’t remember anyone telling him to, but that was the nature of Sylas’ power. The worst part is that Liam was so enraged that everything Sloane told him about their powers had leaked out of his brain alongside his common sense.

Guilt washed over him like the heaviest fucking wave ever created by an ocean. He stood up, and the way he tried to break through the shackles actually started to make his wrists bleed. "Sloane! he called out, and just as he started to barrel toward her, a voice stopped him in his tracks. Hera’s voice echoed through his mind, and he could not do anything but obey, sit down. Do not move. The giant that was Liam plopped his ass down once more. There was nothing more he could do at this point.

The scene that played before him started out simple and… carefree. It was just Sloane looking for him. It almost felt like it was a natural thing - her coming home, and maybe he was there waiting for her. But that turned into a horror scene right off the bat. It didn’t scare Liam, but boy - OH BOY - did it really piss him off. There was Rocco; dead in a puddle of his own blood, and she had to find the pup that way. Liam knew this wasn’t reality, but she didn’t. He could feel his anger rising again, as if it were possible for him to get any madder. Was it possible?

They were all about to find out.

Of course, Sylas was there - like the troublesome little snake he was. Liam shot Sylas a glance, a low growl rumbling in his throat.

It’s not real, he reminded himself in a thought. But why was every inch of his body quaking with anger? He couldn’t move his body - not one limb, yet he shook like a rabid, frothing canine. All that rage radiated from him like a searing heat, enough for even those that were not sensitive to emotion to notice. He wanted to erupt at every second of watching himself do things he wouldn’t do.

He wouldn’t do that. Would he? He already did. Didn’t he?

Liam’s death by his own hand hardly phased the man himself. Death was of no concern to this child. In fact, death felt better than living at this point. Men like him and Sylas, maybe they didn’t deserve anything good.

When Sloane stepped out of her own nightmare and her eyes met his, he just looked away.

He didn’t give a fuck about anyone else’s crap. There were only two things on his mind - the children of Eris and anger. Anger at his father, the gods… Alex. How’d a fight earn a harsher punishment than murder? Why was he being treated like some monster? Why does everyone else get away with everything else? Sloane softened him. He let his guard down. That was him. This man sitting here right now, and the one in her trial - that was Liam.

"You want the monster? Fine. I’ll be the monster," he murmured under his breath, not caring if anyone else heard that. Who was going to do anything about it?

For the rest of the trial, he'd just sit there. He didn't look at anyone. He no longer shook violently, and it almost looked like his breathing was calm. There were just his emotions, buried deep within that now aloof facade.

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#2021-01-20 01:55:41, as written by SparxALot

Daniel Vadas
Hecate | HEX: #8b9068 |

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.

xxxxxxMason Hughson

xxxxxxHadesx|xoutfitx|x#05105E

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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#2021-01-22 23:20:23, as written by mombie

R A E x M E A D O W S
o f x a r t e m i s
#ff0064 || Outfit || Pulvinus

The unabashed daughter of Artemis got here just like everyone else - by unwilling and with much disgruntling. She, for one, wanted no part in whatever drama was taking place in this Camp. More so, she didn’t believe in collective punishment. Without much warning, she sat her little redhead right next to Daniel, giving him nothing more than a swift side-glance paired with a slightly intimidating but somehow still sweet smile. After that, she paid him no more mind, leaving him to sit there and wonder why she sat next to him - Cherise’s best friend in this whole entire world. That would make anyone nervous.

The words that left Liam’s lips, for better or worse (she thinks he’s pretty stupid, really) were true. She didn’t know this Alex girl, but she assumed that something must have transpired to make the Ares child feel some sort of way. People like Liam didn’t just say shit just because they wanted to cause trouble. He didn’t seem like someone that cared for anyone.

She leaned back, crossed her arms over her chest, and drummed her fingers against her biceps. She even threw one leg over the other, gently swaying the top leg from side-to-side in idle animation. Her head canted this way and that way, and though there were emotions and dramatics in the first illusion, her empathy-tank remained completely empty.

It took a lot more than blood, gore, and tears to move Rae. Logically, these were all illusions - just the culmination of people’s thoughts, fears, and insecurities being brought before them. As Sloane’s played out, she took the time to watch the reactions of others, tilting her head every so often. The lack of expression on her face might be unusual, especially whilst others wore the look of shock and horror on their own.

Then there was Heath’s, and she didn’t understand it. Iliana committed suicide, but she hardly looked like the type of girl to do such a thing. Rae’s eyes moved for a swift and inconspicuous peripheral glance of the girl as she sat there not too far away from her. Interesting. She looked like a doe. Of course, given the concept of a child that could not care for herself, Rae could never fathom these types of things.

Daniel’s was… confusing to her. The fact that he had died was something she could not see, for she hadn’t been here during the event. Cherise had yet to tell her, and there was no reason to offer Daniel’s secret up so easily. It wasn’t something the Sun Child would do, even for her bestie. There was some chanting, and then the boy’s sister turned into a blank canvas. Just another display of how precious the Demigods were to their mothers and fathers.

Not.

Just as she watched Daniel move back to his seat, her name fell from Poseidon’s lips. "Rae Meadows, step forward.". Of course, Rae was hardly as silently obedient as her peers, it would seem.

She stood and her eyes lashed out toward the gods, and while others may see her as petty and looking for attention, the redhead didn’t agree with the notion that she deserved punishment. That anyone did, actually. "Is it not enough that having you lot for parents has already caused tremendous socio-emotional dysfunction? Must we do something so asinine when your own crimes among each other, and toward humanity, are far more severe than our own? Look at you all, looking down at us when you’re all nothing but jealous, insecure, murderous--" But she was cut off briskly by her own mother.

"Rae Meadows, who are you to question us?"

"Actually, who are you to punish me? You’re my biological egg donor, but you are not my mother. I don’t have a mother. What I see is a weak woman that can’t stand up to a man when there is an obvious injustice. That’s who you are. Pathetic. You’re also a nasty goddess that has done unspeakable things to people for no reason other than the fact that they looked at you. Did you not help Apollo kill children? Did you not turn men into animals for petty reasons? You’ve punished other women for being better than you as well, haven’t you? You’re a monster, and more so than I am." She scoffed and laughed, "Hypocrites is too light a term for the gods. Isn’t that right, mother?" A conniving Rae smile.

Artemis did not have as much kindness to spare as others might believe. This girl pushed buttons, and she didn’t like it at all.

"Yet, I will go before you have to move a finger and strain yourself for your daughter. Just know that I do plan on being a changed woman when I come out. I will remember this injustice as a personal slight against my person. I do hold grudges." That was a warning as she finally stepped down from her seat and toward the arena, then moved to the steps. She gave one last look at her mother and smiled once more, only it was a thin, quick, saccharine curve of the lips that meant no good was to come of this.

This trial might create more of a schism in the Demigod ranks than the gods have intended.

She finally went through the archway.

* * *

Rae did not have fears or insecurities. Those were emotional, and such things did not exist within her mind. Sometimes she worried, but they were things that she thinks girls worry about - appearance, boys, etc. Yet, in the depths of her core there was an… anomaly in her personality.

When she stepped into her illusion, all of her walls came tumbling down. It was not an ordinary day, like in so many others. It was an immediate conflagration - literally. A plume of thick grey smoke hit her, and it caused her to start coughing immediately. Her surroundings were unclear. It was some kind of building, but why did she feel utterly trapped?

Fire. She clutched at her chest until the flesh her fingertips dug into turned red. Panic set in, and she felt more like she couldn't breathe due to this mundane fear than the smoke that puffed at her. There was something in her past that caused this fear - something that she buried a long time ago. She never thought of it as fear because she innately avoided fire like one breathed in air. She dropped to the floor immediately, and tried to get low enough to crawl beneath the blackening plume.

Her eyes caught something just up ahead - freedom. It was a long pathway uninhabited by consuming flames or dangerous smoke. It was clear. She could make a run for it, and she did. Until…

"Rae? Rae, are you somewhere in here?” A voice called it to her, and it was very familiar. It was naturally Cherise - the one person in this world that Rae thought of as more than just a human parasite.

"Ch-Cherise?” She looked back over her shoulder, and there were large open doorways that weren’t there before. Fire and smoke burst out of them. Just two rooms. One was silent, and the other had Cherise crying out for help.

She looked back toward the exit. Rae wasn’t a firefighter. Hell, she was hardly one to do anything for anyone if she didn’t have to. Yet, Cherise was her only emotional attachment in this world. What would happen if she died?

She took in a deep breath and ran toward the room. At first, the sheer heat and the plume of smoke was enough to cause Rae to stumble back. She fell onto her butt and scooted herself back against a wall, frozen. I can do this… I can do this…, she thought to herself. The love she had for Cherise went deeper than just family - it was some strange spiritual connection, even if Rae didn’t have those kinds of beliefs.

She eventually moved onto her hands and knees and crawled through the doorway, and the flames licked her skin. Fire peeled away her clothes, the smoke slithered into her body and snatched her breath, and even her flesh felt like it was melted away. It smelled like burning hair, fabric, wood, skin… it was rancid and vomit inducing.

But when she thought she reached Cherise, when she looked up - no one was there. There was another voice that joined the fray, ”It’s okay, I got you, Cherise. A man’s voice, of course.

That’s right. What did Cherise need Rae for now? There were always better people for her. How naive it was of Rae to think that she’d be there forever. She was hardly even human to begin with. She hesitated, even when her best friend needed her the most. There were just things that Rae could not be to others…

Just before the lights went out, she was on her back in the arena. She screamed high-pitched screams, her fingers and nails scraping at her skin until she bled. It didn’t even occur to her that she was no longer trapped in her illusion. She thought that her skin was still melting, her hair was gone, that she was choking and she couldn't breathe - even though she was obviously screaming and writhing on the floor of the arena.

After a few very long minutes, she was on her knees, her hands clutched her chest and she was catching back up on her breaths. She felt for her clothes, her hair, her skin. Everything was in place. She slowly looked around - first up at the gods then toward her peers. Her make-up had smeared from the sweat and her frantic motions. She trembled, but it was anger that she was beginning to feel swell up in her person. She was embarrassed. It was worse than being naked in public, as if that was an issue to begin with.

The audacity of the gods to display her so rawly. As she slowly got up to her feet, she adjusted her clothes and hair, and moved to find a seat somewhere far away from everyone else.

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#2021-01-30 07:24:59, as written by mjolnir

xxxxxxxxxxxxP O S E I D O N

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

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xxxxx"Rumor around the Myth mill is that none of you asshats have any room to talk about fighting over a girl. And you Ares - you like seeing you children caged like animals. Don’t you? First it was my sister, now it’s me. You’re a little bitch, and I swear - one day, you’re going to regret the day I was born."

xxxxxAt first, the Gods were silent. No, they did not take kindly to being spoken to in such a manner. But they would have their moment. Throughout the angered son of Ares' tirade, Poseidon moved to his feet, turning his attention fully to the boy. Although no words fell from his lips.

xxxxx"I don’t give a fuck, Fishboy. Now everyone here will remember how much you’ve all abandoned your children. I wonder if that little girl - what’s her name, Alex? I wonder if this would have been her treatment had she been anyone else’s child. In fact - where is she? The rest of us have gutless duds for godly parents. So unlucky... I wonder how everyone else feels about that..."

xxxxxOnce the noble speech had finished, Poseidon took a step forward toward the railing of the balcony. His eyes were piercing as they did not waiver from Liam. "I have listened to your words, no matter how disrespectful they were. And now you will heed mine." He briefly looked over to Hecate. "Bind him in place and for everyone's sake, silence him."

xxxxxWith a wave of Hecate's hand, a chain appeared in the concrete between Liam's feet. It stretched to about knee height and connected to the restraints between his hands. It then tightened, just enough to keep his hands restricted to his lap. Then a simple gag wrapped around his head, not too tight or uncomfortable, but enough to keep Liam from running his mouth further.

xxxxx"I have no control over Zeus. You and I both know that, boy. So, while I may agree that Alex Valis deserves to be here just as much as you, if not more, that is not within my power." He slammed his trident down into the ground, demanding the boy's respect and attention. "You may judge our misdeeds however you like. But perhaps you are too thick to comprehend that we might be trying to keep you all from repeating our mistakes."

xxxxxPoseidon began to pace along the length of the balcony railing as he continued. "While you may not like the love you get from your parent. Nor the rest of you from your parents," he added motioning to the rest of the demigods. "It is what we are capable of. You forget that we are Gods. And whether you like it or not, we have responsibilities that are more important than just you." He pointed his index finger at Liam.

xxxxx"You are an adult," his voice practically hissed. "And you demand to be treated as such. But you have to earn that respect and act like an adult." Poseidon had no other words. He left his scolding at that and retook his seat.

xxxxxAnd while, one would think Ares would have strong words to say, he did not give his son the satisfaction of getting angered like Liam so wished. He didn't even look in his son's direction as he addressed him. "You embarrass yourself with your foul mouth, boy." He hooked his thumb under his chin while his index finger rubbed above his upper lip. "You disrespect me... And you disrespect your sister with your poor attitude and carelessness." He shook his head and let out a deep sigh. "You disappoint me."

xxxxxThen the Gods were silent. They sat stoic like statues as Sloane's trial played out before them like some macabre play. Her screams echoed throughout the arena when she finished. Once she returned to the stands and took her seat, Poseidon abruptly stood up, slamming his trident into the ground to gain Liam's attention. "You see that! You see what your anger and lack of control has accomplished. The girl you fought so valiantly for... won't even look at you. So sit there, in your arrogance as your dig yourself deeper into the hole of your own making and suffer. Because with each word that falls from your lips, you isolate yourself."

xxxxxPoseidon picked up his trident and pointed it at the demigods. "Not all of you deserve this. But discipline isn't enough." He began to address everyone. "You laugh in the face of authority. So I am left with no choice but to punish them so that you learn." With his next words, only briefly, there was softness and compassion. "I enjoy this no more than you. But if you continue to test me, I won't be so forgiving."

xxxxxThere was silence for some time. Two more trials passed without another outburst. But the quiet was short lived. At the calling of Rae's name, she too had words she wished to be shared. Same note, different tune. She began to ruffle feathers enough to draw words from Artemis. But again, Poseidon waited. "Hypocrites is too light a term for the gods. Isn’t that right, mother? "Yet, I will go before you have to move a finger and strain yourself for your daughter. Just know that I do plan on being a changed woman when I come out. I will remember this injustice as a personal slight against my person. I do hold grudges."

xxxxx"As do I, Ms. Meadows," He sad coldly as he looked towards the fiery red head and then the crowd. "If one more person speaks out of turn and disrespects myself, or the other Gods. I will lock you in Tartarus for a month... so help me."

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#2021-01-30 09:05:00, as written by mjolnir

sloane astor
erisx|xoutfitx|x#C7B29B

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Sloane didn't know what was worse, the trial or fighting. The Gods weren't perfect, nor did everyone like them. But yelling at them was just stupid. They were naive to think that they would idly sit by and accept such disrespect. That's not how you talk to a God... hell, that's not how you talk to your elders. Liam's words only stirred the already chaotic pot that was the arena. So much, that Poseidon hardly let her take her seat before using her as an example.

"You see that! You see what your anger and lack of control has accomplished. The girl you fought so valiantly for... won't even look at you." If it was possible to close in on one's self, then Sloane was doing it. Her arms crossed tighter over her chest as her body turned away from the prying eyes of the crowd. When would this be over? Gods did she just want this to be over.

She relished in the silence while it lasted, but it was short lived. Whether or not she agreed with what was being said, Sloane found herself wincing as Rae stood up and began to scold them like Liam did. It scared her. She didn't want to be punished further for other people's actions, and part of her was tempted to tell them all to shut up because they hadn't been in the illusion yet. They didn't know how truly horrible it was. Running their mouths could only make things worse and Sloane didn't want to know what worse was.

Her jaw clenched at Poseidon's threat. While the prospect of a month in Tartarus was daunting, Sloane couldn't help but be the tiniest bit relieved that he only geared that threat toward the perpetrator, and not the entirety of camp. She wouldn't fair well in that pit, nor would she go peacefully if Liam's fat mouth got her put there. She did her time for whatever crimes she did or did not commit, and she'd be damned if someone made it worse for her.

When Rae finally went through the archway, Sloane found herself to be a small bit curious. Before everything unfolded, the girl was a nice person to have a conversation with. Someone she thought she could befriend over time. While Rae's outburst didn't deter that, per se, it did make Sloane the smallest bit sour toward her. And even with that sourness, Sloane still grew uncomfortable watching the girl struggle through fire and smoke to try and reach her friend, only come up short.

None of these became easier to watch. Each of them disturbing and uncomfortable in their own right. It was one thing to watch scenes like this unfold in movies or books, but when it was people you know suffering a traumatic event that is real to them... It was terrifying. Sloane didn't know how she could still be so rattled by her own trial, yet sympathize for those that followed after her. The day only seemed to be getting longer and more terrible with each passing moment.

sylas astor
erisx|xoutfitx|x#064C4B

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While others grew uncomfortable as Liam shared his two cents with the Gods, Sylas found himself fighting a smirk. Of course, the oaf was pretty spot on with his accusations. The Gods were shits. Arrogant, hypocritical shits. But he, at least, had enough sense not to say it to their damn faces. It was asinine. How could someone be stupid enough to say that to a God? Well, Liam was. And while every word that dripped from his mouth painted him in a worse light, it only reaffirmed that he was the instigator and Sylas was the victim. Liam was digging himself a hole that just kept getting deeper and deeper, and the funniest part was Sylas didn't do anything beyond sit by and watch.

Poetic, in it's own weird sort of way.

Sylas didn't know if he was happy that Liam got silenced or sad that he couldn't continue to dig that hole deeper. But either way, he wasn't put out when it came to watching more trials unravel before him.

Daniel was the next to step forward. Sylas didn't particularly know much about him, beyond the fact that Andy was wildly protective over her brother, and he made eyes at Evelyn during the party. Sylas never claimed Evelyn was his, nor did he blame another man for appreciating an attractive woman. It still made him the faintest bit jealous, although he would never admit that. But whatever envious thoughts filled his mind quickly left as he watched the man die before him. And while, he would think that would be the end of the scene, it wasn't.

It all had some strange familiarity of deja vu, although Sylas himself knew nothing about it. Daniel wasn't playing out a scene for the first time, but almost seemed to fear something he already experience. Death. Now that was a new one. Sylas never knew someone who died and came back. Camp's very own Lazarus. And sad enough, that proved to be the most interesting part of the demigod's trial. The rest played out in a boring, predictable pattern of everyone forgetting him after he was gone.

Then, more angered shouts at the Gods. This from an attractive red head he hadn't gotten the pleasure to get to know. He made a mental note to speak with her at some point. But even when he didn't mean to draw comparisons between Rae and Evelyn, his mind drifted down that path all on its own, while the sounds of bitching faded to white noise. Rae was pretty, but that mouth of hers was quite obnoxious, at least for his first taste of it. But she still lacked that je ne sais quoi that Evelyn had, that intrigued him.

Whatever other fleeting thoughts might have plagued his mind vanished as Rae stepped through the portal and managed to regain Sylas's attention. The trial was simple, but painted the woman's fears plainly. Fire, the loss of a dear friend, and uselessness. Quaint, simple and so easy to toy with. He hadn't quite made the decision if he wanted to torment the girl... or stimulate her. But he was never one to turn down knowledge, especially the useful kind.

And then, Evelyn was called forward. Sylas found himself leaning forward in his seat with greater anticipation than he had for any of the others... even his sister's. He sat and watched intently. He wasn't entirely sure what was going on, but when the man pulled out a gun and held it to Evelyn's throat, Sylas's whole body tensed. He had to keep telling himself it was just an illusion... yet, it still made him uneasy. Gods why did this woman vex him so? He couldn't turn his eyes away or fight the churning in his stomach at the low life before her. And when it was over, he found himself relieved. Evelyn's trial only seemed to leave him with more questions than answers, but his interest only seemed to grow.

andromeda bolton
hecatex|xoutfitx|x#990856

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Mason could tell she was frightened. Andy was never particularly good at hiding it. "It's ok," he whispered, trying to reassure her.

She nodded her head, trying her best to not be so scared. But then Poseidon called forward the next demigod... Daniel. Hearing the God say his name all but knocked the wind out of her. Andy's heart sank. She watched, reluctantly as the war from last year played out before them like a nightmare. She knew this dance. She saw it all a year ago. Yet, she found herself still hoping... hoping Daniel would turn around fast enough to stop the blade. But he didn't...

It pierced right through him and Andy buried her head in Mason's shoulder. Tears filled her eyes as she heard Daniel's weak plea for her before breath left him. Memories of her frantically trying to save his life played on repeat in her mind. She couldn't bring herself to look until she heard his voice again. "I'm still here, you're not alone... Hey, no, no, whatever voodoo you're doing, stop."

It was strange... seeing herself. Andy watched, squinting her eyes to try and make out what the illusion of herself was doing. Once she realized, she wanted to call out, to tell herself to stop. But she didn't. She just sat there frozen as her doppelganger wiped Daniel's memory from existence. "Oh Gods..." she whispered, bringing her free hand up to cover her mouth. How could she feel such guilt for something she didn't do? Andy didn't understand, yet it instantly began to weigh so heavily on her.

Andy didn't move her eyes from her brother, as he slowly made his way back to his seat. I should wait. I should give him sometime alone, she kept telling herself. But she couldn't. She gently squeezed Mason's hand, before whispering softly in his ear. "I'll be right back."

She waited until Rae finished arguing with the Gods, and her trial began before she got up. Andy moved quietly through the stands and took the seat directly behind Daniel. She waited a moment before leaning forward and wrapping her arms around him. Her cheek gently fell to rest upon his shoulder as she just held him, for as long as he'd let her. "I'm sorry," Andy whispered an apology for something she didn't do. "I love you," a tear rolled down her cheek as she spoke quiet enough that only he could hear. "And I thought about you every single day that you were gone... So did mason."

Andy's arms tightened around him slightly. She had to make sure he knew that. No matter what. "I will never ever forget you... The memories we've shared are far too precious and I wouldn't trade them for anything." She then raised her hand to wipe away his tear with her thumb. Then placed a soft kiss on his cheek. "Ok?"

wesley preston
aphroditex|xoutfitx|x#667C0C

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To say that Wes didn't like this, was an understatement. He could feel the tension, unease and fear that carried the weight of a tsunami. It was palpable. Nor was it aided by people with big mouths like Liam or the feisty red head. That wasn't to say he agreed with the Gods' methods, but angering already angry Gods seemed like a really really bad idea. He would curse them all later, sure. But not here. Not to their faces. And definitely not before he had to go through that damned portal. His goal was to make this as quick and painless as possible... Which, to be honest, neither were possible. But that didn't stop him from trying.

So, like a good boy, Wes sat and he watched. None of the trials were easy to watch, regardless if he was well acquainted with who was being displayed before them or not. No one liked watching other people suffer... Or, no sane person anyway. Especially not someone who was more empathetic like himself. He could feel everything they did and all he wanted to do was give them all a hug. But... that might be weird coming from a guy they don't know, who was half naked.

Then... hell. "Wesley Preston. Please step forward."

Wes wanted to stay brave, not for himself but for Trinity, who already seemed on edge. He gave her hand a squeeze and flashed a reassuring smile. "I'll be right back. Ok?" he whispered, before placing a kiss on her cheek and then standing.

On most occasions, Wes wouldn't be too bothered being caught in the middle of camp in just his pajama pants. The important parts were covered and, after all, he was a child of Aphrodite. So, it wasn't like the view was appalling. But they were already being stripped naked before everyone by showing the things that frighten them the most... He didn't want to be half naked while doing that. Plus, for the first time, possibly ever, he felt a bit embarrassed. Sure, most people at camp knew he lost his arm in the battle the year before. But there was something about broadcasting it to the world as he descended the stairs, bionic arm glistening in the sunlight.

He stopped just before the archway and took a deep breath. Wes allowed himself one more look toward Trinity, to give him strength, before he stepped through.

Suddenly it was night and the camp was in an uproar. Demigods ran back and forth passing around weapons, fortifying the circumference of the field, and hugging their loved ones in a brief farewell. Wes, swerved through the crowd dodging shields and spears as he made his way up to the main hall.

Deja vu. It was like last year's battle all over again. There was a pit in Wes's stomach as a phantom pain pinged in his absent right arm. His gaze fell to the metal gears and cogs as he clenched his fist. Not again. He wasn't going to be the victim again.

Wes pushed his way through frantic demigods and rushed into the main hall. Inside, the more predominant camp warriors stood around as Ajax began addressing them like a Centurion preparing his men for battle. "—We've never fought an enemy like this before, so we all need to remain alert and agile. Stick to the plan. If someone falls..." His voice trailed off. The silence saying what he knew. We had to leave them behind.

"Ok. Liam, Trinity, Alex and myself will be frontline offensive. Hitting it with all that we got. Andy and Daniel. I want you two to flank it and catch it unaware. Mason—" Before Ajax could delegate a role for Mason, he turned away followed after Andy and Daniel as they left. Even in battle he didn't seem keen on following the son of Zeus's orders. Ajax kept giving orders to the demigods, until everyone was dispersed aside from Wes, Alex and himself. Without a word, the siblings started to head toward the exit, preparing for battle.

Just before Alex stepped through the door, Wes caught up to her and gently grabbed her arm to stop her. "Hey, wait!" She turned around with a slightly disgusted sneer on her face, looking down at his hand. "What about me?"

"What about you?" she responded, not seeming to catch his drift.

"Where do I go?"

"I don't know. That's not my problem." She shooed him away. "Go help in the med hut or something."

"Med hut!?" Wes said surprised. He then walked around Alex to stand before her. "I'm not going to go sit and wait to help the wounded. I want to fight. I can fight!"

"You're not my problem! No one wants to have to look after your ass and their own. Do you remember the last time you tried to help?" Alex waited a moment for Wes to respond, but he had nothing to say. He just stood their, silent, as Alex spoke to him like he was a thorn in her toe. "You lost you're arm and took one of our best warriors away from the battlefield. You are a burden and a nuisance." She shrugged his hand off her shoulder. "Just stay out of the way and try not to lose you're other arm." With nothing more to say, Alex turned and left the hall.

"Alex?!" Wes called after her confused. But he didn't follow. He remanded standing their, dumfounded. He knew he wasn't the best warrior, but that never stood in the way of people encouraging him before. Yet, there he stood like a scolded puppy. He wasn't going to stand by as those he cared about fought the battle for him. He couldn't.

He hurried outside and scanned the scurrying demigods for yellow hair. Wes pushed his way through the crowd grabbing the shoulder of the first person with long blonde hair. "Trin—" As he turned them around, he realized it was Heath rather than the daughter of Ares. "Eh... Sorry." He released the male and kept shoving his way through the horde, grabbing anyone with golden hair that he could find.

The crowd of demigods seemed to be thinning as Wes grew closer to the perimeter. Standing by the barricade, was Trinity. Just as he took a step toward her and parted his lips to say her name, someone else called out. "Trinity!"

Theo came out of the group of campers and ran over to her. He took her in his arms. Then... before Wes's eyes, he placed a deep and lingering kiss on Trinity. Wes froze where he stood, his heart sinking to a pit in his stomach. He wanted to storm over there, rip Theo off of her and deck him. But he didn't. He remained still, his expression falling and his purpose for seeking her out in the first place fading from thought.

The pair shared their embrace for what felt like an eternity before pulling apart just far enough to look into each other's eyes. "I love you." The words stung, sharper and more piercing than anything Wes had ever felt before. It was something he had been waiting so long to hear... yet the words were uttered to another man. His knees nearly buckled under the weight of a simple phrase. It took his breath away and for a mere moment he thought he might be dying.

Wes's ears rang with a piercingly sharp white noise. it dulled his senses. He didn't realize that Theo had left and Trinity approached him. Not until she took his arm and repeated his name. "Wesley?"

"Don't call me that," he snapped, pushing her hand away. "You don't get to call me that."

Trinity scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "You're name? I don't get to call you by your name now?"

"Yes! You were the only person who called me Wesley! And now... now it's just poison." Wes could feel the tears building in his eyes. Gods not now. Trinity could chew him up and spit him back out again. Yet, in front of her, even when she broke his heart... he was weak. "What was that?!" His voice got louder as he pointed in the direction that Theo disappeared.

"What?... Theo?" Trinity said like she was the one confused.

"Don't. Don't play coy with me. I'm not an idiot!" Wes was breathing heavily as anger and sadness coursed through him. He was restless, pacing back and forth as he ran his hands through his hair. "You kissed him. You—" his voice cracked as he tried to find the words. "You told him you love him?"

Trinity shrugged her shoulder like it was no big deal. "He wanted to say good bye before the fight... in case we don't make it. What is your problem?"

"After... After everything we've been through? That's it?" Wes stopped pacing, letting his hands fall to his sides in defeat. How could she be so passive... like this was nothing? Like it wouldn't effect him. "I loved you..." he nearly begged. His voice cracked unable to remain strong as a tear ran down his cheek.

"After everything we've been through?" She mused, cocking her head to the side and squinting her eyes. "Do you mean you hitting on me constantly when I wasn't interested?" Trinity took a step toward him before continuing. "Or maybe you mean when you kissed another girl at a party... And when I got upset and left, you practically yelled at me that you loved me." And another step. "Or perhaps it was the time you butted your big nose into my fight and got your armed ripped off, leaving me to take care of you taking me away from the battle where I was needed! Or the guilt laid on me because of your injury, or because I might have been able to save Daniel. But I was busy... Taking care of your pathetic ass!" She took one more step closer before shoving Wes backwards.

Taken by surprise, Wes stumbled backwards a step. His eyes were wide as every word dug deeper and deeper. "You've been a parasite that latched your eyes on me the second you got to camp. Everything in your world revolves around me and it's suffocating." The anger and frustration was boiling over, and he felt every single ounce of it. "In your twisted head, you think because you told me you loved me that you've laid claim to me!"

"I'm not yours! I never was!" Trinity all but screamed it at him. "I kept trying to push you away... But you couldn't take a fucking hint!

Wes had heard enough. The sting from her words was too much and one more might very well kill him. He retreated back toward the center of camp, demigods watching his walk of shame after hearing their, not so quiet, fight. And as he trudged away, her voice called out after him one last time. "Get off my battlefield. Before your incompetence gets someone killed!"

His eyes closed as his head fell, trying to hide the silent tears as they rolled down his cheeks. Wes came upon the med hut and stopped a few feet before the entrance. He spared a glance toward the dark woods, where the imminent threat closed in, shaking the ground beneath their feet. He could go into the hut, be obedient and out of the way like they wanted. The camp's albatross, always in the way. Useless.

Or...

He pivoted on his heels, turning towards the forest. Wes didn't bat an eye as he walked past demigods who whispered amongst themselves as they watched him. "What is he doing?" and "Where is he going?" Without hesitation, he hopped over the barricade and disappeared into the tree line, unarmed and unarmored. The sounds of the camp behind muffled and distorted. Only a few feet in, he was completely cloaked in darkness, unable to see his own hand before his face.

Then silence.

Time slowed as something whistled through the air and pierced his abdomen. It was sharp and stung, but somehow didn't ache as much as the hushed whispers and derogatory remarks that spiraled in his head. It took centuries for the blow to send him toppling over backwards. And as his back slammed into the ground, it was like a light flipped on. Wes laid on the ground in the dirt, staring up a blue sky painted with clouds as his hands tightly clutched his chest. He lied still and unmoving before he was finally able to gasp for air.

Wes quickly lifted his head, frantically running his hands across his stomach looking for a wound. His chest heaved deeply as he tried to catch his breathe, blinking back the tears and confusion. When he finally looked up a sense of dread overwhelmed him. He shifted onto all fours and began coughing, nearly getting sick in the middle of the arena for the whole camp to see.

It took Wes a moment to calm himself and move to his feet. He slowly shuffled his way back to the stands. But he didn't dare to look up and meet everyone's gaze, especially not Trinity's. Part of him wanted to sit back down beside her, to get her comfort and reassurance. But more of him was disgusted with himself. He didn't want to be a burden on anyone, like he always was, and opted to sit alone.

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Camp Athens

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#2021-02-06 21:54:39, as written by mombie

C H E R I S E x B O Y S E
o f x a p o l l o
#fa8072 || Outfit || Location

To say the Daughter of Apollo felt comfortable with this situation was a lie. Despite the fact that she sat next to Daniel, who was seated next to Rae, in a calm and warmly smiling disposition meant very little. There was no doubt that emotions were running thick in the air - with worry, doubt, fear, bitterness. Her fingers played with the hem of her oversized polka dot sweater, but she tried her best not to appear anymore awkward and apprehensive as everyone else did. After all, she was supposed to be smiling.

Unlike others, she had no words to share with the gods. It wasn't her place, and she didn't enjoy being the center of attention. At least, she wasn't going to let people know that she might enjoy it a little. Her dark eyes drifted to Sylas, head tilted slightly to the right - then flit toward Liam. Her gaze was owlish - curious and large, but they withheld judgment. She had no idea what was going on. Aside from the fact that she knew Sylas had been hurt just the other day, who was she to start imagining scenarios in her head? There was no way to know who was at fault, or if any of them were. Honestly, she just wanted to stay out of it.

Her teeth chewed at her lip as everyone began to embark on their own personal hell, and she wondered exactly what she would go through. Cherise could hardly be as attentive to everyone else as she should have been because she was scared of what was in store for herself. What secrets would come out? She had many shadows to cast, being as bright as she is. Didn't she?

Demigods were facing scenarios like death in scenes that had far too much gore than she wanted to see. They faced loss of all kinds - mental, emotional, personal... a loss of a sense of self. Secrets and desires were laid bare, and people's true faces were shown to everyone that they wished to hide from.

Daniel's would have been confusing had he not finally confessed to her just the other afternoon. Cherise wondered how it must feel to watch one's own self be so easily erased from the memories of their loved ones. A pang of sadness hit her when she realized that people could be erased in this world as easily as one breathes. The gods wouldn't really do that. Would they? She looked up at them quietly as Daniel came back to his seat.

As a comfort, she reached over to him and gently took his hand to hold in his lap without any words.

Then it was Rae's turn, and she watched the Moon-child proudly march herself toward the arena. That woman never did anything without expressing herself to the fullest. Part of Cherise worried deeply for the outcome of the Demigod's threatening words, but... certainly, Rae wouldn't allow herself to become so warped. She never did anything like that despite her brazen personality.

Cherise saw... hesitation in Rae's trial. She understood in a way. Rae always came first in everything. That was just how she chose to survive this world. To see and hear her best friend stepping out of the illusion without realizing that it was over for a long minute or two was painful. Cherise cringed and wished that it would be over. Rae decided not to sit by anyone, and Cherise chose to leave her be because she knew that the woman's dignity and pride were deeply bruised.

How could she be a part of two people's insecurities? The thought made her feel slightly uncomfortable. She didn't like the idea of being any kind of burden. She looked down at her feet, and before she knew it... it was her turn.

Cherise stood up and quietly marched down toward the arena. The woman trembled noticeably, even nearly tripping over nothing at all. She exchanged a brief glance with her father, and he silently gestured encouragement. Of all the gods, he was - at the very least - one of the nicer ones.

When Cherise stepped through the archway, a bare foot landed in something... wet and warm. It smelled like fire, but it also smelled like rain. It felt like she had been in flight or fight mode - in the middle of a battle that had the Sunchild split into two. There was a sense in this scene that this particular unrest had been a long time in the making - a seed watered over time with envy, jealousy, bitterness, etc - so that it could blossom into this violent bloom of war. It was clear that she didn't know her place in this mess that was Camp Athens.

As she walked, people were fighting. Powers could be seen as far and wide as ever - crashing with one another. People ran around her, but no one came after her. They didn't have any faces. They were just bodies with familiar powers and something like... feelings. She knew who they were, and she knew that they were friends. Cherise considered everyone at Camp Athens to be a friend until they showed themselves as the enemy.

People were dying here. She didn't know who to run to or who to leave behind. Who were the enemies? Who were friends? Where were the archaic beasts or the monsters of myth?

You need to choose a side, Cherise, voices whispered to her like a choir in tandem. She knocked an arrow and raised her bow, encircled by these faceless entities.

These entities began to throw their powers at each other - all of them missing her by fractions of a centimeter. Bodies were dropping, she spun around trying to figure out who was the threat and who was not. The feelings that attached themselves to these beings spanned the spectrum from amorous and platonic to confusion and dislike. She loosed an arrow and it plunged into one chest, then she notched another one to do it again.

She thought she had gotten rid of all the negative emotions, so she dropped to her knees and scrambled to save the ones that were attached to love and friendship. When all was done, she stood up and looked around. Faces revealed themselves for only a split second before vanishing, and her eyes widened. These faces were seen by her eyes only, leaving the Demigods to wonder who was who as they looked upon her illusion.

No one was who she thought they were.

A knife plunged into her from behind, and she fell onto the blood-soaked ground. At that moment, just when her final breath was about to leave, the illusion shattered and she was back in the arena. Cherise stayed on the floor, believing that she was dying when she was actually just laying there face down, breathing just fine. Crying quietly. She wondered how she could make such horrible mistakes.

It took her a few seconds to realize that she was on the arena floor. Cherise stood, wiped away her tears, and moved back to her seat. Nothing made any sense as it stood right now. She looked toward Daniel and wondered if he caught his face among those with the arrow in the chest, and she placed her hands in her lap.

She looked up at her father and wondered if maybe this was him trying to tell her that there was a deep wound in this Camp. She thought now that it might not do to be Switzerland in this place. Since she had been here, she hadn't paid close attention to what was happening. Instead, she allowed herself to be swept up in something that easily blinded even the most observant person. Cherise had to train, learn, and find her place. If there was a wound somewhere in this place, maybe she could help it heal before it split the Camp into two.

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Liam O'Connor

0 · 2,494 views · located in Camp Athens

a character in “Camp Athens II”, as played by mombie

Description

So begins...

Liam O'Connor's Story

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