Lochlan Carmichael's Story

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blair carmichael
athenax|xoutfit 1x|xoutfit 2x|x#e69c7a





lochlan carmichael
herax|xoutfitx|x#380011

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xxxxxxLochlan Carmichael

xxxxxxHerax|xoutfitx|x#380011

The routine was all too familiar, so Lochlan just rolled his eyes not bearing to witness his sister act like a floozy to get closer to guys. Not that he was entirely innocent in that department. Although, unlike his sister, he preferred some footing or at least sense of what the hell this place was actually about before springing into flirting, flings, etcetera. He buried his hands in his pockets and walked on as naturally as the circumstances permitted.

Normally he was at utter ease and adaptable in new places. But there was something about this camp that he didn't like or trust. But since he was on his own, he guessed it was his own mystery to solve.

That about led him to some crossroads. He could go by more cabins, to the direction of the hall or follow a lonesome blonde. Lochlan smirked a little to himself as if it was even a real decision and warped himself in the shadows of the trees. He travelled along with the girl, silent and slick in the darkness, and where he couldn't follow, he waited and watched. She was young, blonde and particularly doe-eyed. Once she reached the stables, he emerged from shadow, keeping himself a couple decent feet away from her to avoid spooking her and the animals. Lochlan double-checked over his shoulder then back ahead to her. She looked out of sorts, lost almost, if not definitely lost in thought. Somebody's cute wandering little sister maybe. Lochlan cleared his throat and tilted to the side to catch her eyes. "Hi there." He flashed her a warm smile and straightened up. "I'm...I'm completely lost and confused. I've lost my bearings," he said with a nervous laugh. "Would you be able to help me out. I’m looking for the hall."

In such a short encounter Lochlan guessed she was a little odd. All the more reason for him to hope that her friend group or siblings were concerned for her and full of lookers. Lochlan tried not to be deterred by her silence and averted his gaze to the nearest creature and patted the neck of the horse with a smile. "I like horses. Powerful creatures that demand respect to be ridden and it's a two-way streak." He leaned his arm on the stall and his hand opened up for her. "I'm Lochlan." Once their hands enclosed, Lochlan let his powers invade her. He wasn't about to get the silent treatment by this little lady. "And I think this is the part where you tell me your name." Typically the compulsion would creep up to the mind, and ache like a bad itch until she would say her name. All this for such a simple request as to get the introverts name. Heck, to get a word out of her.

Lochlan wasn't one to enjoy being out of the loop or take such early rejection, hence the use of his powers.

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N I C H O L A S x B O W E R
o f x p o s e i d o n
#3a9ef1 || Outfit (no shirt) || training arena

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B L A I R xC A R M I C H A E L
o f x a t h e n a
#e69c7a || Outfit || training arena

xEthan Knox ~ Hestia ~ #8B4513

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xHeath Taylor ~ Athena ~ #808000

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xxIliana Remington-Taylor ~ Demeter
xxxxxxxxxx#4A766E

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xxxxPenelope Givens ~ Hermes ~
xxxxxxxxxx#483D8B

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Iliana remembered the last time she'd been at the stables. It was the day when she first arrived, which seemed like a lifetime ago. So much had happened in such a brief time. Alex's trial, the party, and then there was yesterday's incidents. Not to mention all the little things that happened. Iliana didn't know what would happen next. All she knew for sure was she wasn't looking forward to it. So consumed in her own thoughts, she didn't realize that someone was following her.

Reaching the stables, she hesitated. She liked animals, but in her current state, she was afraid of what she would do. She learned animals could sense someone's feelings and could respond to that, especially with horses. One of Heath's relatives worked with horses and she got to see them a few times growing up. Never had the courage to ride one though. Heath did and did pretty well.

Suddenly the hairs on the back of Iliana's neck stirred and she turned around to see someone coming up to her. She didn't recognize him. Confused on what he wanted, Iliana gave the man her full attention.

"Hi there. I'm...I'm completely lost and confused. I've lost my bearings. Would you be able to help me out. I’m looking for the hall."

He didn't look confused, at least not to Iliana. She suppose she could lead him to the Hall, but that would mean running into more people, something she wanted to avoid. Still, she couldn't leave him hanging. She would show him the way, but then leave when she did. Decision made, she started typing her response on her iPad when the stranger spoke up again, talking about the horses before introducing himself as Lochlan, all the while holding his hand out. Iliana hesitated briefly, feeling compelled, placed her hand in his.

"And I think this is the part where you tell me your name."

All thought escaped her mind. She felt this intense pressure within her head. Without thinking about it, Iliana spoke for the first time in over a year.

"I . . . li. . . . na. Iliana," she said a scratchy and low voice.

Shocked, Iliana inadvertently dropped her iPad as she raised her now free hand to her mouth. She spoke. Lochlan could probably figure out she hadn't used it in awhile due to how rough it was. Iliana couldn't believe it. She remembered when Apollo had told her he healed her vocal chords. She had tried speaking then, but nothing came. It was like something was blocking her. Now for some reason she could speak. How did that happen? Totally forgetting about Lochlan, Iliana felt her eyes welling up.

"I . . . can . . . talk . . . . how?" she murmured to herself.

Suddenly a voice penetrated the silence as someone spoke.

"Good morning, Campers, I’m Nicholas Bower, and as you’ve heard from Poseidon, I will be assisting in your training. It is now something o’clock, so be ready at the training arena at 4:30 pm sharp. This training is mandatory. Be dressed for the part, and everything else will be provided for you."

Snapping out of it, Iliana quickly took her hand out of Lochlan's hand and picked up her iPad. It when she heard this Nicholas and some other female. What they said confused Iliana, and that confusion read easily on her face. Deciding to ignore it, Iliana thought about what Poseidon's son said. Training? A look of fear passed over Iliana's face. That was not good. She didn't think that be wise, but knew she couldn't avoid it either. Maybe when the time came she could show up and try to convince Nicholas to sit this one out. Feeling her anxiety rise though, she remembered Lochlan was still there. Looking at him, she tried talking again.

"The . . . hall . . . . . is that . . . way," she said, pointing in the direction of the Hall.

Wanting to be alone again, the blonde took off running, leaving Lochlan alone.

---

Theo was the first to answer Heath's question. He also noticed how the man didn't directly look at him at times, but seemed to be looking beyond them. Heath looked and saw him looking at Veronica. Knowing that she was Aphrodite's daughter, and his own initial reaction to her, Heath wasn't too surprised by Theo's reaction. But at least he gave him an answer. Then Daniel spoke up, but instead saying if he'd seen Iliana, he asked him her age.

"She's 19," he said simply, not understanding why Daniel would want to know that.

It wouldn't but the first time Daniel confused him though. Out of the campers Heath had met so far, Daniel was the most puzzling. At least he came off as a decent man, much like his sister. Before Heath could thank the two men for their time, Daniel spoke up again.

"I'm going to lay a pro tip on you. You're going to be divided one day, whether on your own or surrounded by people you can't trust so....branch out. Make friends in high places. That way, you don't have to worry about your sister every two seconds."

It was very sound advice and Daniel was probably right. He could probably relate to Heath since he had a sister and since both Daniel and Andy had been at camp last year, Heath knew he should follow good advice. Still, Heath's protective nature was never going to fully go ahead. Heath even before Iliana had come to live with him and his family, Heath could recall the times he tried protecting others. It was just innate for him to be that way, for better or worse. But Heath knew he'd would sleep better at night if he knew more people at camp would get along with Iliana. Her recalled Cherise being nice to Iliana, as well as Duke and Wes, at least from what Iliana told him. He also remembered Iliana had hanged around others more then he did. He would hope she would do that again, but first she had to get over the events of yesterday.

"Thank you. I will do my best to follow your advice,"

Daniel then mentioned that Theo was a great tracker. That got Heath's attention, but before he could say anything, an announcement was made. So Poseidon's son was here? Heath then caught Nicholas's voice again along with a female voice. Heath couldn't help but groan. He could piece together what was happening. Waiting a few more minutes, it sounded like the pair had turned off the speakers, much to Heath's relief. Focusing on what Nicholas said, it sounded like they were finally going to start training. He hoped Iliana showed up.

Looking at Theo and Daniel, Heath said, "Thanks for both of your help. If Iliana doesn't show up for training, I'll probably ask you for your assistance, Theo."

Bowing to them, Heath returned to Veronica.

"Looks like we're going to be training soon. I think I'll give Iliana the space she needs for now, so I'll go about my own way for now. Oh, I would recommend letting other guys know you're Aphrodite's daughter since we males might act like fools around you," Heath said with a small grin before continuing, "Thanks for your assistance. I'll see you later."

With that, Heath went on his way.

---

Ethan entered his cabin to see Heath already ready for training.

"Hey, any luck finding Iliana?{/color]

[color=#808000]"No, but did decide to stop looking for her right after that announcement,"

"Aw, well, I am going to get ready for training," Ethan said before heading for his private quarters.

It didn't take him too long for he dressed in workout clothes, the same way as Heath was. Ethan would have spoken up, but the front door opened and Iliana came in. The three stood in silence when Heath suddenly came forward and drew Iliana into a hug. Surprised, Iliana just stood there.

"You had me worried, Lia," Heath said.

"So . . . rry. . . ." Iliana said softly.

For the first time in his life, Heath was shocked. Did . . . did Iliana just speak? Gently, Heath held his sister back.

"What did you say?"

"I'm . . . sorry . . . I didn't . . . . mean to . . . make . . . you . . . worry."

Heath's jaw dropped and he found himself dropping to his knees. Concerned, Iliana dropped before him. Ethan hadn't heard Iliana speak, wanting to give siblings space, but he came forward and dropped next to his friend when he saw him drop to the floor.

"Hey, you okay? What happened?" he asked as he placed a hand on Heath's shoulder.

Tears appeared in Heath's eyes as he looked at Iliana. He honestly thought he would never hear Iliana speak ever again. Hearing her voice, as rough as it was, was miraculous. Overcome with emotion for the first time, Heath cried. Both Iliana and Ethan comforted him. Ethan was confused, while Iliana herself started crying.

Soon, Heath calmed down and looked at Iliana again.

"When . . when were you able to talk again?"

"This morning . . . when I met . . . a new camper . . . named Lochlan."

Now it was Ethan's turn to look surprised since he never heard Iliana talk before. When Heath heard Iliana mentioning someone new, he couldn't help but wonder if this Lochlan had anything to do with Iliana talking now. Well, with training coming up, now would be a good time to find out. Needing a goal to refocus, Heath decided to thinking about training, otherwise he wouldn't be able to recover from the shock he just received.

"Well, you can talk and I can't tell you how happy that makes me feel, Lia. Are you going to come with us to training, Lia? It be best if you did," Heath asked before getting to his feet.

Ethan and Iliana stood up too.

"I will come, but . . . I don't . . . want to . . . train. . . . Might hurt someone." Iliana said, slowly getting used to using her voice again.

"You might have no choice, Lia. Best get ready just in case. We'll see if we can convince this Nicholas to let you skip this session." Ethan said, trying to be encouraging.

Nodding, Iliana left to get changed. Alone once more, Heath decided to confide to Ethan.

"I still can't believe Lia can talk. I don't want her to train either, but I know our mothers want us to train. Mother even told me it's imperative for Iliana to master her powers at some point."

"Hey at least Lia can talk now. And maybe this training will help her."

"Iliana has been training since she was a kid though. I still don't know how being here will make a difference."

"Try to think a bit more positively, bro. Maybe training with other demigods will make a difference. I honestly don't know what to expect, but dwelling on the cons will not help us or Lia."

What Ethan didn't add was he wasn't looking forward to training either. He was not a fighter and knew he was severely lacking in practicing a few of his own skills.

Soon, Iliana came out of her room and the trio left for the training grounds.

---

Once there they saw others arriving, including Nelly. Nelly had a fine time taking pictures and was pleased the images she took. After lunch, she spent the next few hours at her cabin going through all the pictures. She already knew she would be making a scrapbook for her trip here. Her next plan of action was to get pictures of her fellow campers, but knew she'd have to get permission first. First rule in photography people was to ALWAYS get permission to avoid any legal trouble in the future. That was something her mother taught her. However, she knew she would never get pictures of them using their abilities. That was just asking for trouble and Nelly would never do anything that might put her and her fellow demigods in danger.

Once things were settled, a tall dark haired guy came forward and reintroduced himself as Nicholas. First thing he mentioned was how the Valises wouldn't be returning. This got Nelly and Iliana's attention. Nelly was curious for the reason why, but had a feeling she would never know why. Oh, well, at least she knew what happened to them. Iliana knew the Valises had gone to Olympus. Maybe what happened to them was too much for them to handle. She hoped they were going to be okay, especially Alex.

Nicholas then started talking about their training. When he was done, Heath and Ethan got up to get their tokens. Heath drew out a white token and Ethan drew a green one. Both were relieved their weren't sparring with each other. Turning back, they head for their seat. Nelly wanted to see what colors others drew before getting hers. She saw what colors Ethan and Heath drew, as well as a few others. She started heading up when Daniel head up, so she was able to spy his white token. Looks like he was going up against Heath. This should prove interesting. Daniel was Hecate's son right? So he was bound to use magic skills. Heath was Athena's son. She had no idea what his skills would be, but she imagined he would be pretty smart. Well she would wait and see. Coming up to Nicholas, she smiled and reached into the bag to pull out a pink token.

"Aww, phooey, pink? I was hoping for turquoise, navy, or orange," she complained since those were her fav colors.

Oh well, that's the way the cookie crumbled, she suppose. Shrugging, she returned to her seat.

Iliana deliberately waited for everyone else to get their token before taking a deep breath and approaching Nicholas.

With desperation in her eyes, she quietly asked, "Do I really . . . . have to . . . train? . . . . I can't . . . control my powers . . . . I've killed before . . . "

She started crying again, thinking about the past once more. Once again, it started drizzling. Looking at Nicholas and seeing he wasn't going to let her be excused, Iliana sighed and grabbed the last token before going to sit down.

xxxxxxLochlan Carmichael

xxxxxxHerax|x[url=-]outfit[/url]x|x#380011

Of all the voices to emerge from a sweet looking thing, Lochlan wasn't expecting one so scratchy and hoarse. The shock was visible but fleeting on his face. People couldn't really help what they sounded like after all and she looked to be having her own tough time, hearing herself, even dropping her valuable.

The more Lochlan watched and waited for the conversation to continue, the more he saw how emotional Iliana was getting over it. Something was seriously wrong here.

"I . . . can . . . talk . . . . how?" She said it so faintly, Lochlan was only lucky to be close and not be making sound over her. Evidently she was talking to herself about it but she seemed seriously distressed.

"It's - " Before he could assure her how totally normal it was to actually talk and be verbal, an announcement rang out causing him to inhale deeply. This girl was far more interesting than some mandatory inconvenient exercise and speech. The announcement also caused Iliana to break contact with him. But as the PA system continued, his bothered attitude blended with intrigue. Juicy, but the timing was still inconvenient.

"I want you to work for your meal. And I'm not fast food." Then a sudden punch to his gut making him nauseous. He cringed and rubbed his face although that wouldn't really erase what he heard. Er Blair, over the PA system, really.

After the conclusion of that monstrosity, Iliana snapped her head back in his direction looking frightened and anxious as ever. "The . . . hall . . . . . is that . . . way," she pointed in the direction vaguely. Then took off running.

Lochlan watched her go. "Skittish," he muttered. He never intended to scare the girl. But he was intrigued in what he was missing about her which seemed a whole lot.

Camp got better as he wandered about in the vague direction of the hall. There were lookers. The camp seemed large and a little more classy than the low-end shacks and battling nature he first envisioned. Instead, there were stables, an apparent designated training arena, a hall full of varieties of foods. He nodded a little in approval. It could be better if there was service for him. Someone had to set out the food after all so he swivelled around into the kitchens to see what this place could offer him. Instead of maids or people in neutral colors with hair nets, he saw a red-head washing the dishes and she looked to be working alone at that.

"I should have brought a shoe," he commented, setting his eyes on the ground with a small smile and slowly shuffled up to the benchtop where she was stationed to lean against it.

Lochlan was sure to look at the behind the scenes of the hall and kitchen work before looking at her again. She'd have a mountain of dishes to do, accumulating the ones left outside and everyone who hasn't eaten yet. He felt for the gorgeous Cinderella, so much so he had a fleeting thought to help. But he had never done dishes in his life and he wasn't going to start now. "You can take off and I can cover for you. Say there was some emergency or you weren't feeling well."

At least he had offered to save a damsel from her chores. First impressions were certainly impactful and meaningful. Not quite everything, but close. He supposed with a training session coming up and seeing everyone in one vicinity, he should get to know the place or at least one person. "I'm Lochlan." He held out a hand keeping his smile warm and friendly for now. Depending how things went in the kitchen, it'd determine whether he'd explore alone or with a tour guide.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

They were advised to get changed so that's what Lochlan did. He returned to his cabin and changed into active wear and followed where the people drifted. There was some essential low trodden walk to it and he wasn't let down when they led him directly to the arena. Lochlan felt like there should have been some trumpets or drums or something to add to the atmosphere. But it was still pretty cool. He had a moment's pause to decided where to sit and chose the half-familiar redhead. He flashed her a smile before sitting beside her.

Lochlan shifted a little trying to get comfortable on this kind of seating as he listened to what kind of shit storm camp had people spar just because. Was this some military/warrior in training camp thing? Lochlan filed up with the others to pick out a randomized token and returned to his seat. Pretty soon he was about to see what it was all about. He had probably never been as attentive and invested in his life.

This girl stepped up to face Nick. She wasn't scrawny but she wasn't much next to him, yet most treated it like another Monday. "Is this even legal?" he leaned close to his company but kept his eyes ahead. He had been through a scrap in his time but never against a girl.

He watched it like it was the best live action movie ever. Eyes widening in amazement, creeping to the edge of his seat. At the conclusion he was half tempted to applaud the show. But he could read a room. Or an arena anyway. Besides he had to arch an intrigued brow and smirk at Blair teasingly when her latest boytoy returned to her without hesitance to be coddled. She might have hooked a clingy one and that was always amusing.

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

xxxxxDaughter of Nemesis | Outift | #ffc300

As his heritage came out and a few extra comments on the side, Evelyn felt a brief wave of guilt and regret of her first impression of the son of Poseidon. Not that he particularly deserved to be treated differently but slightly kinder since he didn’t look like he signed up for the role his father laid upon him. As 'babysitter'. At least he managed to have a sense of humour and slink back into casual conversation with ease. Evelyn was able to mirror that because of his accessibility, letting herself loosen up and indulge his behaviour.

“Maybe next time we can exchange names?” How did that escape them? It seemed backwards to have a glimpse at each other’s character then introduce - or as he painted, exchange names. But that was definitely doable. A name was such a big part of identity.

“Next time,” she mused quietly, playfully and stubbornly. Potentially to herself as they were both off to tend to their own days anyway.

Hers was made of bashing dishes, then packing them away a bit more delicately. For somebody usually so self-aware, it irked her to bits that she couldn’t shake the frustration and disappointment and reoccurring denial. She was smarter and better than this. Although, extra content to a certain announcement forced her to question her judgement yet again. Pity. She thought the son of Poseidon was above primal.

The dishes were an ever-growing pile to be collected and cleaned, but her mind was in other places causing her to carry out the duty absent-mindedly. “I should have brought a shoe.”

Evelyn was startled at first, turning wide-eyed at the sudden company, lips slightly apart then actually paid attention to the labour done and ahead. Though the line was cheesy, she decided to be pleasant and smiled, taking in a breath. “Maybe. Quite the work, but someone has to do it.”

There was a moment’s silence but it didn’t feel awkward or off, especially as she kept her hands busy continuing her chore, sparing glances now and then at the handsome stranger. “You can take off and I can cover for you. Say there was some emergency or you weren’t feeling well.”

Her eyes darted to him. It was unwarranted and kind...Not overly so...it was how some people bonded she supposed, but something didn’t sit entirely right. Why did it feel like another devil perched on the counter by her? “I’ve already come so far. It’d be a shame if somebody else swooped in to take the credit from me.” Evelyn smirked on cue.

“I’m Lochlan.” He held out a hand, warm smile in place.

Evelyn matched his expression placing her hand in his. “Evelyn.” She searched between his stunning blue eyes. While it could have come off as checking him out, and no harm was done there because he was handsome, she was mainly disappointed her powers couldn’t imprint a word of what other demigods were thinking.

* * *

She had sat herself down in the arena not caring where she sat or who she was surrounded by. There was no strategy to it and there was no point getting comfortable with a training exercise due. However, a body appearing beside her did make her glance up to the company. Evelyn mirrored Lochlan’s smile again then listened attentively to Nicholas who spoke centre stage. Her hands entwined, squeezing themselves gently. A spar exercise, chosen by chance. She briefly wondered how much Nicholas controlled or if he was just the voicebox of the gods exercise.

Like everyone, she drifted forward to collect a token. Only once everyone settled did she glance down to acknowledge its color. She sighed out to herself clutching her token in her hand then looked forward for the first battle. “Is this even legal?”

How new was this guy? Before she could snigger to him what world he came from, she realized his logic/belief was more of the norm. One that typically would have aligned with hers. Evelyn nodded grimly. “I’m afraid so.” She didn’t bother to expand or justify that it was ‘okay’ because they all had power and some women, or even, smaller demigods could handle themselves. Because all in all, especially with tensions high, sparring, even in a controlled environment, wasn’t what they needed.

She watched Andy and Nick's demonstration. The two were fine combatants and solid executors of their powers. She had to wonder how much they held back and how much they gave. Her hands fell together again and index fingers came up to her lips watching and waiting in anxiety for her turn. Andy came out the victor. They'd be a tough act to follow as far as a spectacle and a good spar went.

Then Mason marched forward next, yellow token held high to signal he was undoubtedly ready. Evelyn’s breath hitched a little glancing down to her duplicate. She didn’t know him beyond his name, that he was a son of Hades and that he had issues making way for so much hate in his bones. Where that became her problem was that it likely meant he’d be remorseless. And he looked extra tense today. Evelyn accepted her role as his opponent, shuffling to meet him in the arena. They'd have to forgive her lack of enthusiasm.

Still, it didn't mean she wouldn't try.

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

Egotistical as he may be, Lochlan watched enough versus by now to have just a little bit of hesitance. These were males verse females and nobody held back and they all had gifts. Lochlan was used to ruling the roost among common people where everything was predictable and a cake walk. He was so deep in two mindsets. One; acknowledging he was in over his head and really had no idea what camp he had stepped into and two; they didn’t have powers like him though.
He squinted at the latest battle unsure if he had been deceiving himself of a familiar rivaling face. But there was Sylas Astor. Which meant…Lochlan was propelled to his feet to search the stands. He got even further forced to start walking the stairs down towards the arena, and when he caught his own actions, he froze for a moment. Deciding to own his odd actions and rather than be seen as retreating, he entered the gladiatorial arena and held his token high. He used the opportunity of middle ground to spin slowly but less in search for his opponent than… Sloane. Simultaneously his heart fluttered and sunk.
"Sloa-"

Liam watches Lochlan get up and walk down to the gladiatorial floor. He had been, after all, sitting just on the other side of Evelyn. He saw the red token held up but remained seated for a few moments more. Then the behemoth rose from his seat and walked down to face Lochlan. He took the token between his fingers and crashed it into fine red dust as if it were nothing. He didn't really want to be down here facing this shrimp. Luckily for Liam, Lochlan just uttered the right thing at the perfectly worst time.

The Arena didn’t even get a chance to shift because of Lochlan’s mouth. As soon as that name began to spill out of his mouth, Liam's fist came into contact with his jaw. It'd be an instant nap. Nothing special. Nothing glamorous. A boring duel, if one could call it a duel at all. To those sitting outside, perhaps it appeared that the Son of Ares was taking it “easy”, for lack of a better term. However, people failed to realize just how agitated the man was, and how much even the slightest smell of blood or even the way his knuckled cracked against Lochlan’s jaw, tantalized his violent urges. It was damn hard not to give in to it and just beat his opponent to a bloody pulp - yes, even if he was unconscious.

He stood there for a moment as if thinking about whether or not he should continue. Lochlan’s shrimpy snoozing face made his blood boil - even what came out of his little shrimpy mouth. Shrimp. Sloane doesn’t need a shrimp man. Or maybe she does? He was thinking again, right in the middle of the arena. What is this shrimp was what Sloane wanted? Why did he say her name? Who was this shrimp? Gods, that made him want to just– no, he couldn’t. He remembered Tartarus; his burning flesh and what felt like an eternity of impossibly hot hell.

His chest visibly heaved, and a couple of minutes passed. The Arena had yet to shift because it was testing him. Would he do it? He stared down at Lochlan. Where was his calm? That’s right… because he caught her in his peripherals. His calm. He looked in her direction for a moment, and she sat on the edge of her seat. He drew his gaze back to Lochlan, sighed, and put his balled fists back into his pockets. He’d just scare her again and earn another trip to his own personal Hell.

As the arena worked its magic to wake Lochlan up, the Ares child moved toward the observation seats. Instead of going back to Evelyn, he chose to sit next to Sloane. The pair wasn’t exactly talking right now, but Liam realized a fundamental truth to his own character. He needed her, and they’d have to reconcile somehow. Once he sat down beside her, he leaned back against the next row of steps, spread his legs, and looked pretty chill to almost everyone. Except, his right leg shook uncontrollably and his fists remained in a ball in his pockets, and his entire body felt tense because his adrenaline had not been fully vacated.

Being a good guy sucks. He almost looked like a junky on a drug withdrawal.

Lochlan’s revival from being hit by a freight train was shocking to say the least. His lights went out, his body crumpled without any indicators and now he laid in the arena, eyes wide open and breathing heavily trying to make sense of it all. With whatever dignity he could muster, he used it to get up and wipe the dirt from himself and get back in the stands. But this time he was sure to sit by himself. Far away from others.

He rubbed his jaw uneasily expecting some sort of phantom pain but there was nothing, yet he knew it happened. He dared to glance at his giant opponent sitting by Sloane then flickered his eyes to the arena again with a thousand yard stare. That single punch packed a lot of power and it seemed he had some relation with Sloane.

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

xxxxxDaughter of Nemesis | Outift | #ffc300

None the type for further chatter and stationed between very different energies, Evelyn's usual keen focus and comprehension was slightly distorted, even regarding her own defeat which she'd usually evaluate and pluck apart for precise errors. Namely, the distraction was due to Liam's outstanding and now nearby presence and experience. He was intimidating certainly, especially closer up, yet at the same time, in that moment, she didn't feel in danger by him.

However, like so many others, she wrapped her attention up in the fights as best she could. Cherise and Sylas were the next to step forth, and while the daughter of Apollo fought practical and smart, Sylas overcame her. An outcome somehow she didn't doubt for as close as it looked. Then Wesley and a girl she couldn't say she recognised. Both had slipped under her radar so to predict a winner was near impossible. Their sword fight was hardly as intriguing as what happened behind the scenes, both's powers and abilities going unseen and unfelt to the observers but things were happening. Evelyn tilted her head slightly when Wesley collapsed. A son of Aphrodite didn't fall to command so...Hypnos?... But she couldn't shake the uncanniness of Eve. With slightly more tact of course, but Eve would play seductress like that given half the chance in a battle too.

Next to her, Lochlan left his seat looking for something which sheppard him to the arena in turn where he showed his token. The delay to meet his opponent only fortified the strange feeling swirling in her gut for the ignorant new demigod. From the corner of her eyes, she glanced at Liam before he rose to slaughter the boy.

She lowered her eyes, rubbed her forehead and exhaled. This would be no fight. And sure enough, it wasn't. Liam took him out instantly and while she expected him to keep going or march away, the beast just loomed over Lochlan. To be in his mind right now would be frightening. It seemed to be minutes of the son of Ares in debate with himself just standing there, predator to prey, then, at last, he walked away.

Evelyn didn't realise some bricks had been on her chest until both men returned to the seating and she could breathe a little easier again. Until the next spawn of a god with anger issues was summoned she supposed. Evelyn's eyes travelled the stands to the remaining Ares child.

As truly educational as these spectacles were, she almost had enough of watching demigod v demigod and corruption of the mind and violence.

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VeronicaxxLewis

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Daughter of Aphrodite
#B300B3

EthanxxKnox

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Son of Hestia
#8B4513

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xxEthan felt bad for Iliana. He knew she didn't want to fight, but rules were rules. He saw her downtrodden look when she returned, orange token in hand. At least he didn't have to fight her or Heath. Looking at his green token, he wondered who he'd have to face. Well, he'd have to wait and see, won't he?

The first duel was between Nicholas and Andy. The duel was very intense, and Ethan couldn't but gap in awe at the two combatants. It seemed to be going back and forth until Andy finally came out on top. However, both she and Nicholas were exhausted. Even watching them tired him out. He knew with his own abilities; his duel wouldn't be as intense since he powers leaned more to supportive and defensive, rather than offensive.

He wouldn't worry about that yet for soon the next duel started and it was Mason and Evelyn. Now this duel definitely interests him more since he had more interaction with one of them, Evelyn. He genuinely like the redhead and hoped to get to know her better. So, it was hard to watch her duel with Mason, who was definitely intimidating. Evelyn did put up a good fight, but Mason did win in the end. Ethan was glad there seemed to be no permanent injuries at least. That was good. Of course, Nicholas did say there was to be none of that anyway, but Ethan wanted to be reassured of what he said was true.

The third duel was between Cherise and Sylas. Ethan watched as the man escorted the girl to the fighting area. Much like Evelyn, he also like Cherise, even though the girl and her friend, Rae, scared the crap out of him that one time when they pulled him in for a dance. Man, had it already been a few days ago? It felt like ages with all that had happened. Ethan didn't know what to expect from this fight, especially with Sylas involved. One thing he wasn't expecting though was to be blinded by an intense light. He covered his eyes much like every else when that happened. The duel didn't last long, even though it was very action pack. Ethan was pleasantly surprised to see just how efficient Cherise was with a quiver, but that's because she was Apollo's daughter right? Still once Sylas got a hold of her, it ended pretty quickly. Looking carefully, Ethan wondered if Sylas used some kind of mental power to make the girl submit. It had to be the case. Looking at Sylas, Ethan wondered if he was just 'playing it safe' for now considering what his trial revealed yesterday. The guy was obviously smart, so that wouldn't surprise him.

After their duel it was Wesley and some new girl. Wondering who she was, Ethan paid close attention to the action. The duel itself was surprising for Wesley had some good tricks up his sleeve, but even in the end even he lost. Still the fact he held out for that long gave him some hope for himself for he had NO fighting experience whatsoever. He couldn't figure out which God the new girl belongs to, but she was definitely cunning. At least the duel ended amicably. Ethan did hear the girl introduce herself as Hera's daughter though. Oh boy, another Hera child, but this one looked and acted decent at least. After the pair left, another new camper appeared. Ethan wondered just how many new campers would show up. He had seen Nicholas lay his head on some unknown girl's lap and he recalled that one bit of commentary this morning after the duel announcement. Not wanting to think of that moment again, his eyes looked at the new guy.

Seeing Liam join him definitely made Ethan nervous. Not even waiting for the arena to change, the Liam just hits the guy square in the fact in a quick knock out. Ethan winced, feeling bad for the guy. At least Liam left the arena without doing anything else. After that there was a very close match between Sloane and Duke, but Sloane managed to win, barely, but she won. It was times like this Ethan was glad the injuries people had would magically go away right after the fight.

His thoughts were interrupted when Liv spoke, and he saw her orange token. His gaze shifted to Iliana, who had turned white. Oh dear, this was not good. Iliana looked stricken and Ethan quickly placed his hand on top of her hand.

He said gently, ”It’ll be fine Iliana. No one can get seriously hurt in these duels, remember? Just do your best.”

He saw Heath nod in acknowledgement too. This seemed to calm Iliana down a bit as she took a deep breath and head for the arena herself. The two briefly interacted before the duel began. Much like the first one it did involve elemental abilities. Ethan winced at the beating Iliana took for Liv was much more aggressive than her brother. At least Iliana got one hit in before being defeated. When she returned, she pretty much collapsed on top of Heath and ended up laying her head on his lap. Heath himself didn't look happy and something seemed to be on his mind, but Ethan would wait to ask him what was up after the duels were done.

The longer the duels went on, the more uncertain Veronica could feel herself becoming; she wasn’t a fighter. Flighter most definitely, given how she’d rarely stuck out any meaningful confrontation in her life. Except when it came to her mother, she thought. The one and only time she could remember standing up for herself was to bemoan her very existence.

Glancing around the array of demigods she briefly caught the gaze of the girl who had recently beaten a guy who could only be her brother; the girl nodded towards the arena and gave her a smile of encouragement and a wink. The moment was fleeting, but it was a rare one of support since it was something she’d often lacked; even here other than Heath she mostly felt alone. Though, perhaps having a sibling might provide her with a sense of stability that her other family had so often failed to do; but she didn’t allow herself to dwell too much on such hopes.

Taking advantage of the lull following the previous duel, Veronica stood up and made her way over to the trio containing her opponent. Holding out her green token she smiled first at Heath then towards Ethan, perhaps a little more nervously than she’d hoped before speaking.

”Hey, I’m Veronica. I think I’m up against you. If you want to go next, maybe?” Her resolve was already beginning to flake as she wrapped her arms around herself tightly, the token tapping against her upper arm while she moved to take a shuffling step back.

Ethan was surprised to see someone come near them. Her words also drew Heath's attention too. Iliana had fallen asleep by this time.

"Oh, sure. I am Ethan, Hestia's son. After you."

Heath wished him luck. Waving at them, he followed Veronica down into the arena.

When Veronica stepped onto the sandy floor of the arena, she could feel the warm air trickling over her skin as it carried with it the sweet scents of her deepest desire that seemed to pull her from the moment into a reverie associated with each. Her attention was brought back as Ethan joined her, with his presence bringing about a more visible change to their surroundings to suit both of the combatants' needs. Greek pillars popped out of the ground and some structures. A table of weapons appeared also. Ethan approached it, but he had no idea what to pick since he had no weapon training whatsoever.

"You know it's a darn shame we can't play a simple game. I love playing dominos hehe," he said awkwardly, trying to make light of the situation. In the end he settled for a bō staff. He didn't know how to use it, but it was better than nothing and he wasn't bound to use a blade for obvious reasons.

The selection of weapons arrayed was impressive and, if she was being honest with herself, rather daunting. Obviously, she’d played pretend as much as any, and her years in drama had seen her make use of dozens of props and tools but that was a far cry from any of the incredibly deadly implements before her. After a failed attempt to lift some of the heavier weapons and sending a sword flying from her hands after a couple of practice swings, she instead settled on a rather plain pair of fighting sticks that she could at least wave around without falling over.

Seeing Veronica picked out her own weapons, Ethan offered his hand and said, "Good luck and let's try to end this as painless as possible."

Veronica paused for a moment as she looked down at the outstretched hand, her eyes flickering to the own before she tucked one of her fighting sticks under the other arm so she could return the gesture, wondering if he’d waited till the most awkward moment to wish her the best. ”Um, yeah. Sure. You too.” She had her doubts she could do much to him, and she had no idea what she was in for especially after some of the spectacles she’d seen from the others.

After that, Ethan walked away from her and stood at a good distance. He wanted to try and think of what he could do before actually making a move. Instantly he went over his abilities and figured his best options were to use his ability to change structure, or he could try to use his serenity inducement to calm Veronica down to the point where she wouldn't want to fight. As he tried to figure things out, he eyed Veronica closely.

She hadn’t known what to do at first but singing softly to herself she’d begun to dance to the tune, her movements starting slowly and uncertainly but becoming more purposeful and driven as a smile spread upon her lips. While she could often struggle in more social situations the grace and majesty she could project on stage was returning as she faced off against her opponent, a warm calm that filled her with purpose. After all, what was the duel but simply a performance of her talents?

The moment Veronica started to dance, Ethan could instantly feel her power affect him and he knew he was dealing with another Aphrodite child. But lucky for him he also had the ability to influence other's emotions, so he had a bit more immunity, but it wouldn't last for long though. He instantly used his own serenity inducement on himself, he had to stay calm. But it was hard, for Veronica was very good with what she was doing. He had to think of something quick or he be done for. He had to prevent her from getting any closer to him. Suddenly it dawned on him on what he could do. As long as he had structures around him, he could manipulate them into any form her chose. This included the bō he held, he held it to the ground, causing it to change form and branch out into many forms, slowly creating a maze around them. It did it's intended purpose, it stopped Veronica from reaching him, but Ethan knew like all mazes, there would be a way to get to him.

Though she had been edging closer and closer to her foe, weaving an alluring figure as she swayed from foot to foot, she had felt the ground beneath her feet twisting as they reshaped to trip her. Rather than closing the gap between them to allow her to attempt to reduce her opponents resolve she could feel her plans unravelling as the arena around them was becoming a twisting nightmare that reminded her of something from Escher; already she was weapon-less having lost one then both as the arena’s maze had thrown her off-balance while it had formed.

Wherever Veronica was, Ethan had to seal all of her exits. First, he had to figure out where she was. Maybe he could change the material the maze was made out of. Thinking for a few minutes, he figured something out. Placing his hand on the wall in front of him, he changes the walls of the maze to become glass. Seeing Veronica, he saw her back was too him. Relieved to see she was okay physically. He changes the structure again so the glass connects to form one big dome around her, effectively trapping her inside. However, he did make sure there were breathing holes.

As she spun around trying to locate Ethan, what she’d at first thought was a hall of mirrors she instead realised was a glass dome that had rapidly formed around her and now seemed to be shrinking ever smaller with her inside. At first she’d tried to break her way free but her fists left no impact and neither did her shoes, so with no way out from her claustrophobic prison she’d had no alternative save but to surrender, curling tightly into a ball.

Once Veronica surrendered, the dome vanished completely. Instantly Ethan went to go check on her. "Hey are you okay? I am sorry if anything I did scared you. You actually did well, for I had to think on my feet there. Can I escort you back to your seat?"

Veronica lay on the smooth sand for a moment, her eyes closed as memories flashed behind her eyelids. It had been a long time since she’d felt trapped like that, and taking her a few shuddering breaths she regained some composure. It had only lasted a few heartbeats but it seemed to have stretched for hours. Uncurling from where she lay, she gingerly got to her feet and accompanied Ethan back up out of the arena.

”Thank you, I’m fine. Congrats on the win, that maze was neat; did you create it from memory or just in the heat of the moment? I don’t even think we ‘fought’ like the others did, like neither of us met the other, you know?” she smiled at him wearily before detouring back to her seat when they joined the others.

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sloane astor
erisx|xoutfitx|x#c7b29b





liam o'connor
aresx|xoutfitx|x#eb641d

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xxxxxxLochlan Carmichael

xxxxxxHerax|xoutfitx|x#380011

Everyone seemed to snicker at him or roll their eyes, the weak new fool of the grounds. The rest of it all blurred together. There was duel after duel and everyone else seemed to put up a fight or at least give a show with their weaponry skills, water, fire, allurance. What he gave was the first impression of every guy’s nightmare.

Proving harder to miss was the naked girl but even then, Lochlan’s eyes didn’t light up as they usually would, no scanning head to toe, no smirk formed on his face but somewhere in him he appreciated her body and her unabashed attitude to match it. He’d pocket the red head for later. For now…bigger fish to fry and all that or at least make sense of this whole new world he stepped into. But perhaps he should look at it as advantageous. The only one that had a clue of his power was the small doe-eyed girl and while he didn’t know what the others possessed exactly either, he had an idea now and a super smart sister to confer with if needed.

The arena had been near vacated by the time he snapped out of his own thoughts. He gave a quick glance around and left it behind him, choosing to roam and think more. Lochlan typically wasn't one to stew and waste time thinking so much, especially off path, but this environment called for more precautious measures. A bit more tact while prowling. Although Sloane....she was a massive speed bump. He hadn't seen her for years, and to see her here of all places and the way it just ended so coldly. Almost as if his thoughts spawned her, she came into existence yet again, appearing in the clearing in front of the main hall as he did from another direction. Or his own blind wandering mind and feet took him there at one hell of a time. But she didn't even come from the path...why would she, that'd be too easy of her. Lochlan sighed and headed for her because liked or not, he was getting closure about one of the many mysteries of this damn place and his life that were all hitting at once. Lochlan buried his hands in his pockets to seem more at ease, less like he was beelining her and appear less threatening, because he could blow up about the absolute mind fuck of a breakup and what the hell she was doing here.

"Sloane, I need to speak with you." He called. As he got closer, he realized the small pooch hanging around her. His brows pinched together slightly not taking the Astor siblings for pet people. Sloane could be but Sylas wasn't going to invest in or care for anything that didn't benefit himself. Maybe a punching bag. He shook it off and lifted his eyes back to her and stopped a couple feet away. Lochlan actually lagged standing before her with so many confused thoughts and feelings racing to be heard. Did he bother with civility and asking how she's been, what's with the dog, or go for the root of the problem. "What happened? I mean with us, and you. You never told me you were a god. You just left me and decided to hate me and vanish off the face of the earth. And now you're here." Lochlan and his rattled brain jumped between Sloane related issues. That she left him like they were nothing and she was a demigod. Lochlan wasn't delirious, he was sure they fell for each other genuinely and to leave like that and not tell him of her blood was uncharacteristically cruel. So yeah he was frazzled and confused to see her again in these circumstances. "I tried to reach out to you. You could've called or wrote or...send a pigeon or something at least." Lochlan threw his hands out in exasperation. That's all there really was to say, that he deserved better and he wanted to know why.

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sloane astor
erisx|xoutfitx|x#c7b29b

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xxxxxxMason Hughson

xxxxxxHadesx|xoutfitx|x#05105E

He was a little more than surprised to have Andy tugs his arms back around her, but at the same time, he was relieved and glad, not that his face showed either emotion. There was a heaviness in the room after expressing himself so openly and honestly while waiting for her own vocal response. Mason knew better than to assume they'd skip off into the sunset and all would be fine and dandy. And it seemed she was quiet for the longest time.

He closed his eyes for a moment, leaning his cheek to her damp hair, embracing her like this for the last time, expecting rejection. Something saying how she loved him too but wasn't ready, not in the same way and nothing could come from it. But just as anxiety turned to agonizing in his head, Andy spoke. "I... I love you too."

Mason's eyes opened again, set on her reflection right away. She looked oddly vulnerable but then again, so did he. And he had heard it before but he was in a haze with other thoughts and too many things going on around him, and she was the same. But with just the two of them now, in silence and with clarity...it hit differently. It really sunk in. He loved unwillingly, even when he told himself not to and it was requited love at that, for once in what felt like years. He didn't know what to do.

Andy had some idea at least by spinning around to face him. She reached out to cup his cheek and Mason watched her, able to just...let it be. No more fighting feelings or affection. He observed her carefully and blissfully for the first time, letting her close the distance she wished and explore the new side of him. In a way he got a new side of Andy too, something less guarded and sad, and just feel her love and he didn’t have to feel bad about it later.

Mason looked between her chocolate eyes all the while Andy offered a sweet anticipation as she closed the gap more and more until her nose could be felt brushing his cheek and her breath on his lips. But he waited for her, and took in the moment of having her so close and all to himself. Then at last, her lips came to his in a kiss, and Mason naturally reciprocated, taking Andy’s waist in his hands. Although gentle, tender and passionate, and Mason was sure to convey everything he felt for her every time their lips met, he couldn't kiss her forever although it seemed tempting.

He had carried it on for a while, reattaching his lips to her as she allowed. The only thing about if he kept going was that he'd want to take it further and further. And no matter how repressed his feelings had been and how much he thought he owed it to himself, Andy's readiness mattered. Mason was the one that ended up taking her hand and drawing away slowly, placing a kiss on her knuckles. "Sorry." He smiled a little guiltily at her. "I just want to do this right."

He sighed out gently, forcing himself to look anywhere else because she was incredibly attractive and too tempting, Mason wished she knew. But Andy was oblivious to her own appeal, making him smile. And all in all it was embarrassing to have to stop a kiss because he couldn't control himself. "Feels like a long time coming is all." He didn't know if explaining it was making it better or worse or more embarrassing for himself. But he had wanted Andy for a long time. Despite tensions and drama and his own denial.

Mason slid his fingers through hers. "Are you staying in your cabin for the rest of the night?"

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xxxxxxLochlan Carmichael

xxxxxxHerax|x[url]outfit[/url]x|x#380011

"I didn’t realize I needed to spell it out for you. I thought it was pretty self-explanatory. How about I refresh your memory," Sloane was assertive and firm in her voice and movements. For a second he almost thought he was actually in trouble and could have been in the wrong.

"I walked in on you having sex with someone else. That’s what happened, Lochlan." She said it with venom, pointed and harsh. It was a little take back seeing Sloane wear this new shade of anger and resentment but more to the point, she was crazy.

Lochlan looked her over stunned for a second then gripped his hair. "I didn’t sleep with anyone else during our relationship! There was only you!" He argued, exasperated. His fists clenched in his own hair at how frustrating and mental this girl was. Then again, there’d be no reason for her to make up such a lie…at least there were better lies to give than that. So he indulged her for a second. "Even if you somehow did, I thought it was you." Saying it out loud sounded beyond stupid and like the poorest excuse a person could possibly conjure for cheating. But he got to know Sloane and he knew her body, and he’d only ever been with her. Even blind drunk or drugged-up Lochlan knew that and didn't want to jeopardize anything.

"People warned me about dating a Carmichael, but I didn’t listen. I always thought it was us against the world… I was wrong." While she laughed, Lochlan frowned knowing more and worse were to come. "You destroyed me. I shut down, closed everyone out and was just… a void, for years. I’d rather deal with my brother a thousand times over than go through that pain again. I wanted be as far away from you as possible. I wanted to forget everything about you. I almost did." Who knew words could pack such a punch? Lochlan pressed his tongue to his cheek rocking restlessly, then inhaled deeply and sighed out, looking into the wilderness of camp with this new weight laid out on him, basically being accused of changing a whole person he once loved. He wouldn’t typically care and call it bullshit except it was said from her own mouth.

"And don’t come at me with your hypocrisy," Sloane snapped next, jabbing her finger into his chest. He rubbed a hand over the area. "You never told me you were a demigod either."

"I thought it’d make me a freak," he rebutted. Lochlan surprised himself. Not with honesty but that nasty habit to spout a lie without thinking, and it was the first lie he ever told Sloane. His face changed to a deer caught in headlights. She deserved better, and probably knew better. Not to mention how that one seed of lie gave her reason to doubt his whole credibility and everything else he said. He waved it away dismissively but inside he was apologetic and guilty. He knew how much trust he had to overcome for Sloane and he butchered it…double butchered it now. "Forget that, I….I just didn’t think to. We got so involved I thought it was too late to shed another secret and you’d just think I’m some jacked up, manipulative bastard playing with you." Although looking at her now, that might’ve already been the case.

The puppy nagged at Sloane, Lochlan’s eyes shifting to the cute creature then Sloane knowing this was her great opportunity for escape. And he could let her take it, or press on for more closure. "Are we done?" Her stony exterior said she was.

Lochlan’s jaw clenched. "For now," he said, his own expression and voice turning deadpan.

He replaced his hands in his pockets waiting for Sloane to march away. But with her retreating figure another question sprang to mind. "Who do you come from?" he called. If there was ever a tell sign of what Lochlan planned to do next, he gave it away. Maybe it was her heritage to be a little deluded and angry. He’d have to consult google or Blair when she was done playing naked saint and devil.

"Get help, Sloane!" He called.

He stayed there for a beat or two then once she was out of sight, he sighed out, visibly slumping. "Jeezus," he muttered. Spinning on his heel to face the hall, he spotted a roused kind of couple. Or certainly, the blonde female was. The lion tamer no less, Lochlan recognized. He smirked to himself, perking up. He wished the lion had done with more ripping of her clothes - actually, the whole battle could've done with some modification once the redhead was bare.

Lochlan put himself in range of them, walking by casually and he intended to keep going and just have a look, but that rump looked fine and he clapped a hand back on her butt as he passed.

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

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wesley preston
aphroditex|xoutfitx|x#667c0c

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andromeda bolton
hecatex|xoutfitx|x#990856

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blair carmichael
athenax|xoutfitx|x#e69c7a

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sylas astor
erisx|xoutfitx|x#064c4b

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sloane astor
erisx|xoutfitx|x#c7b29b

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

xxxxxx Daughter of Ares | Outfit | #461f4b
xxFeaturing...
xxx L O C H L A N xx C A R M I C H A E L

xxxxxx Son of Hera | Outfit | #380011


She jolted with a gasp and quicker than lightning - quicker than her, Wes had reached out taking the guy's wrist. “Excuse me?” Trinity turned too, to only watch the confrontation. “Who the f—” For a fraction of a second before Liam bulldozed through like a bat out of hell.

With his wrist grasped in a heartbeat by Wes, Lochlan was surprised but also briefly envious of the terminator-like limb.

The next thing he knew, he was charged into the wall by brute, uncontrollable force. He yelled out and winced. God, what the fuck was it with these people making him some rag doll?! He quickly realized it was the same damn hulk that knocked him out in the arena. “I’d let my sister rip your head off, but then she’d end up in fuckin’ Hell. So, I’m just going to warn you…” it went quiet for a moment but Lochlan could still feel him looming over him. “I just got back from there. Test me if you need a thrill.”

He'd ask if it was a promise or some other smart remark, but he knew that'd be a sure way to death row or getting something broken because somehow... the big guy didn't seem to be exaggerating. Lochlan already knew the mountain of roids could make super quick work of him. And seemed to have it out for him.

Trinity kinda just watched it all unfold in shock, because she was last to the punch. And it wasn't tag-teaming to beat the creep up, it was just a who wanted to beat the new guy up most contest. When Liam spoke, Trinity inhaled deeply, hoping Liam didn't take it too far all for the sake of protecting her. Or his own rage. She released the breath she was holding once his threat finished, and if he bothered to look at her, she'd give him a little nod of respect. Actually, she was quite proud. Not of his big brotherly duties as such, though, there was a hint of pride for that too but, that he didn't dismember the germ. She was surprised there wasn't some dent left in the wall near Lochlan's head, where his head was or missing teeth or blood.

Once that presence was gone, the air got lighter again and it felt like he could breathe.

As quick as pride hit her, and Liam's body didn't shadow the new guy's anymore, disgust and anger hit her, scowling at Lochlan once he became properly visible again. “Well what's the fucking point in threatening you now!?” Wes exclaimed. Trinity turned to him stunned. “What the hell is in the water here?!” He shouted next, almost like a madman to no one while he stomped away. Leaving her, with the creep.

She wasn't one that felt awkward much, but something about having two men flock to her honour, and one of them crack it about not being able to threaten the culprit was....odd. She turned back to Lochlan, death threat in her eyes. She came forward, jaw clenched and fists balled. “Don’t touch me, ever, again.” She snatched up his arm and twisted it. “Or I'll break it.”

Well her boyfriend and brother seemed to leave her in good faith. He actually thought he was safe for a second until she stalked towards him. Once she twisted his arm, he growled out. Pain was his new friend in this camp it seemed. “Enough! Listen to me...” he ordered through clenched teeth, through the pain. Boy did it take focus to command her through her iron grip, but his powers were most effective through touch - skin-on-skin contact in fact and she had him firm. “Ease up. Let go.”

She had a sure mind to break his arm anyway, it was the least he deserved, but she found her grip started to lighten - fingers twitching and a reluctance to let go, then she lifted her hand off his arm entirely. She blinked a couple times, and backed off, glanced over her shoulder where Wes was last seen storming off, but looked back at the new demigod and was inclined to hear him out.

Lochlan blew out his lips as release came and shook out his arm that was previously pinned and twisted by the blonde. He noticed he still captivated her attention. Likely coming from the listen to me portion of the influence. “I'm sorry, okay? This is my first day, and it's been pretty fucked up and out of my control. The first exercise I get thrown into, I'm pitted against the biggest, baddest motherfucker in this glorified prison, that knocks me out within two seconds. I wouldn't be surprised if I lost some brain cells taking a hit like that! Then I just found out my ex, who I thought was the love of my life, is a demigod that goes here, and she's been ghosting me because she thinks I cheated, which is bullshit. So she's mad at me and thinks low of me, and do you know how hard it is to get Sloane mad!? She actually slapped me. I jumped hurdles for that girl, did a full 180, and she's fabricated some story that she caught me cheating. And now, I'm pretty sure I have a target on my back from that angry jacked up motherfucker, who happens to be your brother, and sorry, but probably does belong behind bars! I have never felt like such an endangered species before!” Lochlan was left panting as the raving finally came to an end. And honestly, it felt a little therapeutic getting it out there. “What I did, was not okay, and I apologize. I just really couldn't help it. Something came over me, and I'm not myself.”

Lochlan didn't have to apologise but it was smarter to. At least once his influence wore off, she still might believe it, especially when paired with his open overwhelming honest rant, and acting. He was sorry, but mainly that he got caught and it had been the wrong girl and time apparently. He should've wooed and seduced a lady first. But it was a compliment. Her ass was literally a god's gift.

Trinity stared vacantly listening to the new demigod open up about one hundred and one problems in one day. She tilted her head slightly hearing Sloane's name dropped as the ex. Reserved, bookworm, good Sloane dated this guy? It was hard to believe but maybe a major turning point and error for her. She didn't offer advice because she had none, plus he seemed relieved to just unload his shit day on her. She looked over her shoulder again, wanting to chase after Wes. But another part, listen to the man still. “It's probably the Aphrodite pheromones,” she muttered, after he apologized again and explained he wasn't himself. His words struck her as true and sincere and she didn't want him feeling mega bad about it.

He had his hands on his hips, tongue pressed to his cheek at all the injustice he suffered within the first day, shifting his weight from foot to foot. All of that today. But what the blonde muttered caught his attention and made him freeze. “What?”

“Wesley,” Trinity gestured behind her. “He's...he's the son of Aphrodite. They kind of have a natural attraction to them and play with pheromones in the air. Makes people do stupid things.”

Lochlan's frustration became pleasure, as he smirked. “That's a pretty nifty gift.” He dimmed the smirk as more reason fed into his impulsive actions. “You know that's probably it. I think the pheromones just took a hold of me, and because Wesley's not up my alley, I think I took it out on the nearest suitable person. I still feel like it doesn't excuse my actions. You're an attractive girl-uh, woman on your own but combined with pheromone control... I would never jump to hand's on. Especially considering I don't even know your name. Or...heritage, for all I know Dionysus could've dropped another prize off. I'm Lochlan.”

Those Aphrodite hormones were so annoying. But odd what listening could do...Trinity actually picked up and responded to social cues like a real girl. “I'm Trinity and you'll be glad to hear at the least, we are not related. My brother and I belong to Ares. Have Ares's blood.”

The more he talked, the more he learned and the more interesting things got and the more he saw opportunities. Lochlan didn't know why but he assumed Ares wouldn't procreate- not to have some actual sturdy functional kids anyway. And not a girl. He assumed the god of war would slaughter girls or something for some reason and beat on his boys til they learned to harden up. “That's great. Hey,” Lochlan saught Trinity's eyes while she was still wound in his influence and attentive. He needed full focus for this one and full effect. He touched her shoulder. “It's rough here. Would you help and protect me with threats? Just until I get my footing in this place.” The influence would be like floodgates breaking into her mind and slowly consuming her, to make it her own will.

Something was wrong. The amount of times Trinity wanted to walk away, but couldn't bring herself to. Lochlan seemed to be thriving in whatever she was saying, like it made him more powerful or inspired or something, and it nerved her. She locked her eyes on his, then he reached for her, placing a hand on her shoulder. Help and protect him. It echoed through her mind and body, giving her a need to shudder but she didn't. Instead, she conceded to the feeling. She nodded slowly. “Of course.”

Lochlan smiled. Genuinely this time. Now he was getting on the board. “I appreciate it, Trinity. Would you mind keeping this a secret? Masculine pride and all.” He shot her a wink.

“Wouldn't be the first,” she answered simply.

Lochlan sighed, content with himself and his new ally and he couldn't get rid of the smile on his face (that was probably due to bruise up any second since getting shoved into the wall) “Thanks. Oh,” he looked pass her, finally catching on to why she kept looking back wanting to catch up with her partner. “We're all done. You can go.” If he didn't let her go soon, Aphrodite's kid might double back for her after realising he left her alone.

One man's loss is another's gain. And they left her alone. And honestly...he couldn't wait til they tried something again, only for her to turn on them.

Trinity was oddly appreciative of the dismissal though something niggled it was wrong to have to be dismissed in the first place. She paced off trying to catch up with Wes's grumpy strides, but where'd he go? Who knew? She sighed out. She didn't see which way he went aside from vaguely one direction, then he could've branched out god knows where. “Wes!?... Ken doll!?”

She didn't know if he was walking away from her, or the situation or what even riled him up so much. Odds were, he'd be fine, just take himself for an angry walk or something, and though she didn't want him to be alone, a goose chase wouldn't accomplish much on her end. The camp was a large island. She sighed out and trudged to his cabin, she jumped two steps up the porch and peeked through the window shielding her eyes from the last light's glare. Didn't look like anyone was inside yet. Trinity sat on the porch, waiting for Wes to show. She was queen of rage issues and tantrums but what he displayed was... something to talk about.

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xxxxxDaughter of Nemesis | Outift | #ffc300

It was something in the way he shifted, and it was definitely in his next words. “So that’s what I am? A pawn?” Sylas had shut off. Something stonier came through and the walls and guard was up.

“I’m asking if you’d let yourself become one. Hers specifically,” she replied evenly. Though there seemed to be a nail in the coffin already for talking. But for whatever it was worth, she had clarified she wasn't accusing him of being any pawn or puppet. She wouldn't. Not until he was.

Sylas got to his feet and dusted himself off, and she could guess, in fact guarantee, she had struck the wrong nerve and pushed too hard to the degree he felt abused. He opened up his cigarettes, took his time plucking one out, lighting it and having a drag before he dared even to indulge her next query. But he still did. “I want to be seen.” She sooner expected a sarcastic response. Especially since she thought she didn't deserve any further honesty or openness from him. So she was surprised too.

She pushed up on her arms, sitting up. “Sylas-” But his mind was made. The last person she expected to walk away from interrogation, and a sticky situation, did. He finally had enough, but she hardly counted it as a victory. Evelyn sighed, rubbing her forehead. Bravo, Evelyn. She dropped her weight back to return to the lay position, staring at the sky. Maybe the view would take her stress and guilt away for a few moments. She knew she at least had to give Sylas a few moments. She sighed out pinching the bridge of her nose then brushed back her hair before coming to the conclusion she could ease her own nerves and slow everything down. But since she was one of the last campers that should be alone in the wilderness of camp and daylight was leaving, she retired her false comfort, climbed to her feet, brushed herself off and headed back to the path for a walk around camp.

It did occur to her that she had to return the son of Poseidon's jacket yet, but she'd hate to question and push another demigod away in such close succession from the last. Not to mention she didn't feel like being sociable at the present time. He’d have to forgive her for holding onto it for a day. She’d return it to him tomorrow morning.

The small absent-minded adventure, led her to her cabin in time. She twisted the knob and pushed gently inside and closed the door behind herself, inflicting it with a curse that no other may enter. Call her paranoid but children of Hermes lurked and she wasn’t a fan of missing possessions, and the amount of cruel intentions in camp. Perched in the safety of her cabin at last, she knew what tomorrow held. Return the jacket to Nick, and make amends with Sylas which could go either way: the son of Eris could either have a major cold exterior and treat her as meaningless and repel her from him or be indulgent and patient enough to hear her out. She prayed it was the latter but the first would be justified.

She wished she had his number to at least text him, which was a quickly dismissed thought as it was incredibly premature and teenage. A confrontation and apology through text was cowardice.

Alex came running into the hall, causing Ajax to stand up from where he was sitting with Ares and Zeus. "Everything okay?" she couldn't be harmed here which had given him a break from being big brother, but part of him was always still ready just in case.

While slightly out of breath, she nodded briefly toward her brother before she turned to speak to their father. "Is it true? are you giving us permission to go back?"

Ajax turned his head to also look at their father who nodded from where he was sitting beside Ares. Alex almost squealed with the excitement she felt. Ajax, however, remained stoic. He was in two minds with himself - part of him wanted to go back, but the other part was unwilling to, knowing that Andy would now be official with Mason. It had been months for the Valises, but seeing those two together, knowing that he had failed her, bugged him. She would have made a remarkable Queen. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, but the question should be, Are you?"

"I guess we'll see."

Zeus stood up, Ares following his lead. "I am always here when you need me." He hugs them both. "Now go, before I change my mind." both of his children smiled before they left the hall.

"They'll be fine this year. You'll see." Ares was hopeful, even if his king felt less.

"I truly hope so.." He stood there as he watched them both stand at the edge of the clouds. Ajax took his little sister's hand, both smiling together before they took a dive towards Earth.

The air whistled passed their ears as they fell more than a hundred feet at lightning speed, and soon enough their feet landed safely and firmly on the ground, right in front of their cabin. "I can't believe that we're actually back... it feels like it's been years, And.. and the camp... it looks no different. I can't wait until everyone sees us. I feel like going down there and just--"

"--Alright calm down, and slow down." He chuckled. No doubt she'd be bouncing off the trees if she could. "I'm guessing they'll be heading to bed soon anyway, so that gives us enough time to settle back in before tomorrow."

Alex squealed. "Oh my god it's going to be AWESOME! the look on their faces, all of them... especially Mason's." Alex chuckled, then joined her brother who placed himself down on the hill overlooking the rest of the camp. The dining hall was still open by the looks of it since the lights were on. "You're worried, aren't you?"

Ajax chewed the inside of his cheek and nodded.

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Iliana Remington-Taylor ~
Demeter ~ #4A766E
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Penelope Givens ~ Hermes ~ #483D8BIt certainly didn't take long for the trio to find Daniel, or rather he found them. Both Nelly and Iliana turned to him as he approached them and make a beeline for Cherise. Nelly was quick to catch the pause and couldn't help but smirk.

"Oh I am doing just fine, kind of bummed to have never gotten to duel though. Maybe we'll pick it back up tomorrow."

Iliana just remained silent as Daniel asked Nelly if she was his sparring partner.

"Nope! I do know who we were supposed to duel though. It's Heath, I saw his token and it was white like yours. Now that would have been interesting to watch since I assume you have powers like your sister, but I have no idea what powers Heath has. Him being Athena's son, I would guess he's super smart at least."

This got Iliana's attention and she personally wouldn't want to see Heath face Daniel because she knew what Heath was capable of. It was true he had a genius intellect, but she knew he was lacking when it came to battle strategy for he told her he was hoping to improve on that here. She debated telling the others what he was capable of but held back because if the duels did resume tomorrow, she'd only be putting Heath at a disadvantage by talking about his powers. She didn't think his lie detector skills would help though.

Soon the topic changed to watching Netflix and making it a girl's night.

Nelly couldn't help but giggle and replied, "A girls' night out? That be great, but that would mean excluding you, Daniel. Last time I checked you had a Y chromosome, right?"

Iliana felt a bit torn. She never done anything like that before. However, she also promised to train with Nick at 5 am tomorrow too. So with a heavy heart, she finally spoke.

"Um, I am sorry, I don't think I can do that this time. I asked Nick to help train me and he said to come by 5 am. I am assuming I am suppose to show up at the arena. If I knew where his cabin was, maybe I could check there. So I really want to get plenty of rest. I am glad you're doing fine though Cherise. You were amazing in your fight. I want to find Lochlan and see if he's okay. He was the only Liam knocked out instantly. I know we don't get permanently hurt in these fights, but I still want to check on him. Plus I need to apologize too for I was rude to him when we first met. I was just so shocked at the return of my voice that I wasn't thinking straight."

"Hey him getting knocked out like that was pretty funny, but I guess in the long run it wasn't a bad thing since we know what Liam is capable of. The man got off pretty easy compared to Sylas. Anyway, I'd love to join you for Netflix, but I'd be a third wheel for you two cuties hehe. I am famished so I am going to the Main Hall. I'll see you guys tomorrow. Have an eventful night."

Nelly winks at Daniel and Cherise before heading off. As she gets closer to the Main Hall, she soon spots the very person Iliana was looking for.

"Hey!" she waved as she ran up to Lochlan, "You're Lochlan right? Someone is looking for you. Her name is Iliana and she wanted to see if you were okay after what happened today. I am on my way to get something to eat, but if you want to know where she is, she's near the arena with two others, both with dark hair, one guy and one girl. Anyway, have a nice night!"

Waving the guy bye, she heads for the Main Hall. Inside she saw Duke and one of the new campers, the girl who beaten Wes. Smiling, she got herself some food before coming over.

"Hi, is it okay if I joined you two? I hate eating alone unless I have to. My name is Penelope, but I go by Nelly. I am Hermes's daughter." she asked with a smile.