Fandom Dawn of Darkness [Ama x Hugh]

[_amaranth_]

_amaranth_ & Hugh Flynn ​

 

[_amaranth_]

Basics

Persona

Backstory

Extra

Name: Alexis Striker

Nicknames: Lexi; Lex; Alex

Age: 17

Gender: Female

Sexuality: Heterosexual

Godly Parent: Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom and War

Height: 5'3

Hair: red

Eyes: green

Mods: left ear - right ear

Face Claim: Katherine McNamara

Personality

Virtues: disciplined - smart - cautious - resourceful - confident - quick-witted

Vices: prideful - calculating - sarcastic - vain - has to be the best - impatient

Likes: painting/drawing/doodling - running - reading - night walks - everything apple-flavored - board games - romance (shush!) - history

Dislikes: green veggies - waiting for a long time - insects - stupid questions - people who don't read - being doubted - chauvinism - being wrong

Fears: ► spiders (duuuh) ► failure ► not being enough

Backstory:
For most of her life, Alexis Striker was nothing but a weirdo. Living with only her dad, who was a mathematics professor at the local university, she never had a lot of chances to get a lot of friends or convince people she was actually normal. For what she knows, or rather for what her dad told her, her mom was never really around. Just dropped her at his door and gone she was. What Lexi didn’t know right away was that the Goddess of Wisdom herself brought the little bundle to the doorstep as she took a liking to the intellect of Roderick Striker. As all children of Athena, Alexis was not born the usual way but once Athena’s divine thoughts met the mortal ingenuity of her father.

Before Lexi didn’t know anything about her mom, she just assumed the woman never wanted her and it spurred greater affection for her dad in the girl. However, Roderick was never accustomed to having children. Don’t get him wrong, he loved Lexi, but in his own way. His life was a sad one, with work more important than feelings and he always had a rather hard time to express emotions. When his little girl came to hug him, he just patted her head clumsily and ushered her to go and play with her toys since he was always working on a new book, a new theory, a new formula.

Lexi was on her own a lot before she went to school so she needed to find something to entertain herself with. According to her dad, it was great to envelope the child with toys of all kinds but it’s safe to say that Lex never touched any of the dolls and her plushies were more pillows than toys. What she loved though was her set of colored pens and pencils. She used to spend hours with a sketchbook, filling it with amazing pictures and world her childish fantasy took her to. And it was the only time when she could sit still. The very only time.

It was after when she started the school that she realized she was different than other kids. Sitting at school for hours, paying attention to the same teacher, it felt more like a punishment. There were numerous occasions when she simply stood up and started to explore the classroom because she just didn’t want to sit in one place anymore. The teacher was trying to explain it, playing the good and the bad cop there, her father had to come to school but Lexi simply couldn’t stay put, her attention span was that of a goldfish and it was all before they found out the girl couldn’t read for the world.

Roderick took her to take tests and Lexi was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia. Suddenly it was all clear why Lexi was the way she was, impatient, not very focused and distracted. Yet her Athena features started to show and she realized she definitely wanted to know all these things, she wanted to learn and be smarter. Naturally, things took her longer, way longer than other kids. Her father, realizing she was really into school, helped as much as he could. Lexi was getting forward slowly but still, she was barely able to keep up with the speed of some other kids.

As every demigod, Lexi naturally attracted the monsters. After series of “accidents”, the school decided that maybe Lexi was not the right fit for them and she was expelled. And then again, and again, and again. Trouble seemed to keep finding her wherever she went and her dad was becoming desperate. No school in the area wanted to take her in and so Roderick decided to homeschool her. As if that was going to keep the monsters away.

After the sever attack of manticore on their home, Roderick knew that there was no point in keeping Lexi’s origin a secret anymore. In the aftermath of the fight, he took the girl aside and told her everything. Lex remained sitting in the ruins of what used to be their kitchen for quite a while, trying to comprehend everything that she just heard. How does one cope with learning they were a demigod? But she didn’t have too much time to ponder. It was time to get her to safety. To the only place that would be able to protect her.

Roderick drove his one and only to the Camp Half-Blood right that day. It was almost a miracle that nothing happened to them on their way there. He was speeding to get her to the Half-Blood Hill and walked it up with her up to the tall pine tree. Lexi learned he couldn’t go further and the two had a heart-breaking goodbye. It was the first time Roderick gave her more than just a clumsy hug, he knew he might be losing his daughter forever. But it was better for their safety. That happened three years ago. Now, Lexi is an experienced camper, finally found her place on the earth, doesn’t feel misplaced anymore. And her skills and knowledge are now put to the good use.

Relationships: Roderick Striker - father
the rest - TBD

Weapon of Choice: Xiphos - a double edged, single-hand blade sword made from Celestial Bronze; small dagger for her left hand - always uses both on combat

Magic Power: "Enrage" - when in battle, she is changed and becomes stronger and quicker in combat than a normal human could achieve.

Theme Song: Titanium by David Guetta & Sia

code by Stardust Galaxy​

 

[_amaranth_]

Basics

Persona

Backstory

Extra

Name: Aaron Reed

Nicknames: Ronnie

Age: 18

Gender: Male

Sexuality: Heterosexual

Godly Parent: Apollo, the God of Poetry and Archery (among other things lol)

Height: 5'10

Hair: light brown

Eyes: blue

Mods: N/A

Face Claim: Froy Gutierrez

Personality

Virtues: emphatetic - optimistic - tolerant - skillful - courageous - flirty (efficient or not)

Vices: self-centered - cocky - brags about his newest works - vain - has to be the best - impatient

Likes: writing in his free time - swimming - books - sunny days - bragging about his latest accomplishments - cherry flavors

Dislikes: know-it-alls - cold and rain - white clothes - not being acknowledged - rice - conflicts - pretentious people

Fears: ► failing his dad ► birds ► ending up alone

Backstory:
Martha Reed always considered herself to be a free spirit. She was an artist, mostly painter but she also sang. But her paintings were what earned her living the most. Her life was simply flowing by, she felt like she was above all secular, mundane things, she was unique and only devoted her life to her art. Her devotion to the skill was what caught Apollo’s attention. Martha would sit at her easel for hours, paint and paint, hum made-up melodies and simply enjoy her little piece of artistic heaven right there.

When she got pregnant with Apollo’s child, she felt blessed. Of course, she was carrying a demigod inside her. But she also swore, before she met the God of Arts, never to subdue to any man. To Martha, this was actually a pretty sweet deal and she was proud that she had been chosen to bring a child of Apollo to this world.

When Aaron was born, Martha was daydreaming about Apollo coming to live with her and they would be this pretty little family. Naturally, no such thing happened and yet, the young painter spent hours at the window, looking at her driveway, as if Apollo was about to appear just like that. And with every day he didn’t, the good woman was fading a bit more, not really caring there was another boy who needed her attention.

Aaron learned to be on his own. Being a son of talented painter and Apollo himself, it was only natural that he picked up a skill or two. But drawing became boring very soon. Also, he might have been small but he was definitely not stupid. He felt that mommy didn’t love him enough and whenever he drew a picture and went to show her, she either waved it away or told him it was a sloppy job. He was a four-year-old boy, could barely hold his crayons. And his doodles were judged as if they were supposed to be the Sistine Chapel art. It was the main reason why Aaron locked his crayons away and never looked at them anymore.

As a young boy, he already kept attracting monsters. His trace was strong and the fact that his ADHD never allowed him to sit still, it was even harder. Martha became apathic and when she was not locked in her little studio, she was sitting on that very same spot on the window sill, drink in her hand, still waiting for someone who was never going to arrive.

It was one of those days when Ronnie tried to get her attention. He wanted to g outside and play in the sun but she ignored him completely, never even looked at him. After almost an hour of trying, Aaron gave up and went out alone. It was that day when the harpy appeared and the encounter almost cost young Ronnie his life. He was not older than five at that point and curious as hell. Playing outside in a pile of sand, he was building his own little castle there when the creature attacked. That was the point when Apollo decided to step in.

Imagine Martha’s surprise when the Sun God entered her living room, crying boy in his arms. The woman perked up, jumped off of the window sill and would throw herself onto him, had he not been holding Ronnie. But Apollo didn’t come to exchange pleasantries. He had watched the woman for all those years and it was safe to say that he was angry. His own son was living as a neglected child because his mother couldn’t get over a stupid fantasy. That was the last day Aaron spent at that house. Accompanied by Martha’s tears and cries, Apollo packed the little stuff the boy had and took him away from his mother. Martha was half-mad at that point but she sobered enough to realize that she just lost the little she had.

No pleas, no begging helped and Apollo was gone, taking Aaron with him. The little boy was trusting, he felt the familiarity radiating from Apollo and the god himself took a liking to his son. Naturally, he couldn’t have taken him up to Olympus, that was a no-go. So he got him the next best thing, taking him straight to the Camp Half-Blood. And as he was leaving, he knelt to the boy and looked at his little crooked smile. A gold chain appeared in his hand and he put it around Ronnie’s neck. The pendant on it was a lyre and only a few years later, when tinkering with it, Aaron found out it was actually a weapon.

Aaron was growing up in the camp and by the time he hit eighteen, he was already skilled in archery, first aid and he developed a nice writing skill on his own, writing stories and poems in his free time. He also became the Head Counselor of the Apollo cabin since he was the longest-residing member at that point. The older he was, the more his father’s features kept popping up so for now, he might be a great archer and writer but his self-confidence shoots through the roof and he is often heard bragging which earns him smacks and kicks from his fellows Apollo kids a lot.

Relationships: Martha Reed - mother
the rest - TBD

Weapon of Choice: a small double pendant around his neck shaped as a lyre, a gift from his dad - once he takes it off, it changes into a bow and a quiver with arrows that belonged to Apollo himself before

Magic Power: Protective Dome - the ability to create a very large protective dome of bright light and heat around them and people they want to protect. No one can enter the dome without feeling intense dehydration, and have the ability to faint. People cannot look into the dome so the user can effectively conceal themselves in plain sight. Those inside the dome are protected and do not feel the impact of the heat since they are protected by the Apollo kid creating the dome.

Theme Song: Somewhere I Belong by Linkin Park

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code by Stardust Galaxy​

 

[Hugh Flynn]

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• 
  
  Name: Collin C. Rune, now more known as Corvus
  
  Nicknames: Cal, Collie, Corv
  
  Gender: Male
  
  Age: 18
  
  Sexuality: Always says he's straight but may have bisexual tendencies
  
  Godly Parent: Hephaestus
  
  Height: 6'2
  
  Hair: Dark brown with highlights of copper
  
  Eyes: Pure hazel
  
  Mods: The SPQR tattoo of Vulcan on his right inner arm.
  
  Face Claim: Nate Niehaus
  
  
• 
  
  
  Virtues:
  Empathetic.
  Extremely loyal.
  Charismatic.
  Calm-nerved.
  
  Vices:
  Sarcastic.
  Stubborn.
  Absent-minded when relaxed.
  
  Likes:
  -Reading any books, regardless of genre, favoring scientific and romantic books
  -Furry and cuddly animals of all kinds, except cats
  -Watching any films, regardless of genre, favoring horror and romance films
  -Cold weather
  
  Dislikes:
  -Seeing a power struggle within a group. Prefers to have a clear-cut leader with no hassle.
  -People who invade personal space, although he’s very physical with close friends.
  -Feuds or internal conflicts between friends or allies
  
  Fears:
  Is absolutely terrified of the ocean.
  Is slightly scared of centipedes and creepy crawlies.
  
  
  
• 
  
  Backstory:
  Collin was brought up in a life surrounded by hammering, shooting, and weaponry. His mother was an expert blacksmith, one of the best in the country. She was so passionate about her work, that her forge was known for the forging fires to never go out. Collin adored smithing as both a profession and a passion, so naturally, he watched his mother's every move in the forge. Every sword, ax, dagger, spear, and lance imaginable was crafted in front of Collin, the white-hot metal bending with every hammer swing.
  
  Collin's father was his mother's other half, a swordsman. He traveled the globe, learning the basics up to the advanced mechanics of sword handling to individual styles. From a khopesh to scimitars to hook swords, you name it, he knows it. While Collin truly admired his father’s proficiency with a long blade, he was always drawn to daggers. Being scrawny in his early childhood, he relied on his speed and evasiveness to outwit and outrun bullies.
  
  One year after he was born, his mother gave birth to another Rune, Marissa Rune. Collin and Marissa had a tightly knit bond since being unable to make friends with mortals from an early age left him a loner in the school.
  
  Growing up, his life was perfectly normal. He aged to a good 15 years old before the first real tragedy happened. His father found out that Collin’s mother had an affair, allegedly having Marissa as a child. He furiously demanded a divorce, knowing that Marissa was no child of his.
  
  His mother was devastated to the point that she never left the house to go to the forge. She refused to eat and eventually succumbed to a fatal disease. For the first time, the forge fires died out. Without his mother working the forge, Collin and Marissa were then tasked with carrying the family business. For the longest time, they both managed to scrape by. Their forging skills were not as great as their mother's, but it was worse enough to evidently lower the family's reputation.
  
  One fateful night, Collin was working on a flammard of steel, one of the hardest orders he's had to make. Frustrated by the complexity of the order, he decided to close up shop for the night.
  That is until a knock on the door and the ringing of the door chime alerted him to a customer.
  
  "Oh, how the mighty have fallen, darling.", they muttered.
  "How may I help you?", Collin inquired.
  "I have a dagger I want you to make.", they replied in a grainy voice, growl-like in nature.
  "I'm terribly sorry, but I'm closing up shop. Could you come back t-"
  His words were cut off as the unmistakable point of a dagger lightly pressed against his nape.
  "I think you didn't understand me correctly. I have a dagger I want you to make. Now."
  
  I have no choice. They're too close for me to do anything, and with speed like that, I'd be killed trying.
  
  Collin started on making the dagger, following the instructions, and using the materials the stranger had given him. It was a weapon like he had never seen before. Maybe it was meant to be decorative, not practical usage.
  
  The metal given was mesmerizing, it took Collin all his might to get the forge flames hot enough just to get it glowing hot. It was so malleable and moldable; he was practically able to shape it using his hands.
  
  Burning the midnight oil with a dagger’s pinprick on his neck, he finished the stranger’s demand. He turned to give the dagger, but whoever was there was no more. All that was left was the cloak they were wearing and a note written an unknown language.
  The characters themselves shifted as he picked up the note, the message itself barely decipherable.
  
  ᛞᛁᚷᚾᚢᛋ ᛖᛋ. ᛖᛪᛋᛈᛖᚲᛏᛟ ᛏᚢᚢᛗ ᚨᛞᚡᛖᚾᛏᚢᛗ, ᚤᛟᚢᚾᚷ ᚲᚨᛚᛚᚢᛋ ᛟᚠ ᚱᚢᚾᛖ.
  
  You are worthy. I await your arrival, young Corvus of Rune.
  
  Then it went dark.
  Waking up at the reputable Wolf House, Collin marked the beginning of a new journey under the name Lupa herself addressed him with.
  
  Corvus of Rune.
  
  Life at Camp Jupiter was rough at first. He was unwillingly separated from his sister, unsure if he would ever see her again. The thought terrified him, despite Marissa not being related by blood. That feeling of isolation further pushed him deeper into his social shell, rendering him unable to coordinate with his fellow campers.
  
  After landing probation ranks and being notified that he was on the brink of being kicked out, he took to the forge for the first time in a while to let out some anger. There he discovered he had pyrokinesis, an uber-rare ability only granted to those of Hephaestus’ heritage. And just like that, he was claimed as a hammer and anvil tattoo seared itself on his wrist. After a year of experimenting and practicing with his abilities, he eventually learned the specialties of his dagger which lead him to invent a new fighting technique, restoring honor to his name.
  
  In the present, Corvus has just mastered basic techniques with the Flame Blade and conjured up a few basic abilities with his pyrokinesis until the current issue. After climbing to the top as the best blacksmith in the Roman camp, he decided to transfer from Camp Jupiter to Camp Half-Blood, in hopes of asking for Leo Valdez's tutelage. After hearing the legendary tales of Leo's Bronze Dragon, Festus, he just could not pass up such an opportunity.
  
  Only the gods know what is in store for Corvus, Son of Hephaestus, Master of the Forged Blade.
  
  
  
• 
  
  Relationships:
  Elizabeth Rune - Mortal mother
  Marissa Rune - Demigod sister under Hephaestus. Parted ways to different camps after the visit of Lupa.
  Cassius Vorenus - Good friend in Camp Jupiter. Helped him train his dagger-wielding and basic combat skills.
  
  Theme Song: Burn the House Down - AJR
  
  Magical Abilities:
  Pyrokinesis: The ability to control fire and heat as well as being completely immune to the effects of fire.
  Corvus expends his strength to concentrate heat into a specific place, usually his hands, which then combusts into flames. Flames that are conjured up by Corvus require conscious effort instead of strength to keep alive. Increasing the temperature of these flames will expend more of Corvus' strength. Killing these flames gives back the strength Corvus used to create them in the first place. If any outside forces increase the temperature of Corvus' flames, killing those flames will give Corvus more strength than what he used before.
  
  Weapon of Choice:
  Flame Blade: Corvus' dagger is a blade made solely of adamantine, one of the first pure adamantine weapons.
  
  Unlike normal daggers, Corvus’ dagger is utilized through his pyrokinesis.
  He can control his blade, having them leave his hand and move through the air by manipulating the flames and heat he injects into the blade.
  It requires a steady stream of heat to be properly controlled, running out of heat reverts it into a normal dagger.
  Wielding this weapon through pyrokinesis causes Corvus’ body heat to rise significantly.
  Although through practice and temperature training, one can learn to control the effects of the blade.
  Depending on Corvus’ heat output, the Flame Blade can duplicate, adding more flying blades to the fight. Doing this exponentially increases body temperature rise as well as mental and physical strain in controlling numerous blades.
  In order to not draw attention, the Soul Blade can shift into a finger ring while still retaining its magical properties.
  
  
  

Code by Stardust Galaxy​

 

[Hugh Flynn]

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  Name: Isobel Duquette
  
  Nicknames: Izzie
  
  Gender: Female
  
  Age: 17
  
  Sexuality: Heterosexual
  
  Godly Parent: Aphrodite
  
  Height: 5'3
  
  Hair: Flowing, shoulder-length locks of blonde
  
  Eyes: Hazel brown
  
  Mods: None
  
  Face Claim: MacKenzie Porter
  
  
• 
  
  
  Virtues:
  Affectionate.
  Understanding.
  Comforting.
  
  Vices:
  Clingy.
  Attention-Seeking.
  Over-protective.
  
  Likes:
  Doing any kind of escape room, regardless of genre.
  p h y s i c a l c o n t a c t. She will throw herself at you for all she cares.
  
  Dislikes:
  Being ignored or talked over.
  
  Fears:
  Being buried alive.
  Being forgotten by friends and family.
  B U G S O H M Y G O D N O
  
  
  
• 
  
  Backstory:
  Izzie does not want to talk about her past. At all. Not to anyone ranging from Chiron to a close friend to herself. All she wants to do is forget the past. After all, her motto is "When your past calls, don't answer. It's got nothing new to say."
  
  Isobel Duquette was raised in a rather pompous family, one of the most utmost regard in regality and high-living. Throughout her entire life, Isobel was pampered and prepared for becoming a bride, despite her desire to find love for love, and not for strategic familial alliances. But what could she do? She had no relatives to speak of outside of her mother and father. She had no friends since her parents wouldn't even let her go near such, in their words, "dirty little folk". But every day, Isobel would dream of setting foot outside their mansion. She would yearn for freedom outside her bedroom door. She wanted to play in the dirt and feel the sand between her fingers and toes. She wanted a friend. There was nothing she wanted more.
  
  So, one fateful night, she snuck out. She propped open her bedroom window and rappelled down their mansion wall. She didn't bother to pick up her shoes, clothes, not even leaving a note for her parents. Isobel squeezed through the gaps in the rather frivolous golden gate and breathed in the cold air, stinging her lungs and throat with a painful but slightly addicting feel. And folks, oh boy did she run. She ran like there was no tomorrow. The little girl spun once, chose a direction, and started booking it down the street.
  
  Oh, how alive she felt.
  
  Until the myrmekes reared their ugly heads. Isobel was just about to run straight into the mandibles of a killer titan ant when she screamed.
  
  "NO PLEASE DON'T BITE ME!"
  
  And surprisingly, the myrmekes did just that. Each grubby little insect dejectedly trudged away with each of their six legs tic-tacking on the floor with an eerie tone. How's our little girl? Well, she's currently sprawled on the pavement. You can't blame her really, I'd do more than just faint after encountering killer demon ants the size of a car.
  
  In her sleep, the neighborhood postman started doing his rounds (who may or may not be a satyr) and found the unconscious body of Isobel Duquette. Realizing what she'd just gone through with the dastardly smell of myrmeke slime laying on the sidewalk, he decided to bring her to Camp Half-Blood. There she's been since then, more or less traumatized with an ineffable fear of bugs and all things six-legged or more.
  
  
  
• 
  
  Relationships:
  Joanna Duquette - Mother
  Chris Duquette - Father
  Alan Wailer - Late boyfriend
  Theme Song: Driver's License - Olivia Rodrigo
  
  Magical Abilities:
  Charmspeak: Charmspeak is a type of hypnotism or persuasion in which it allows the speaker to convince someone else to do or get whatever they want. The strength of the command depends on the tone and the emotion of the charmspeaker's voice, as well as their skill with it. Eventually, charmspeak wears off and the person has no recollection of why they did or what they were commanded to do.
  
  Weapon of Choice:
  One-Handed Sword and Bladed Fan: Izzie spends little to no time in the weapons training field. So you can imagine the surprise she experienced when she got selected for the quest. Arming herself with a sword and a bladed fan, she's ready to slice and dice her way through her enemies (And hopefully not her allies.)
  
  
  

Code by Stardust Galaxy​

 

[_amaranth_]

mood

content

location

dinner pavilion

outfit

click!

tags

xxx

Alexis

daughter of Athena

The evening was warm. Summer was truly peaking through every corner now. Naturally, it was the middle of June. But you know how it gets, sometimes you just don’t get that truly summer-y weather until late July. But not tonight. Tonight was very pleasant, soft breeze was flowing among the cabins and the sun was setting but very slowly, way too lazy to actually disappear behind the Half-Blood Hill. Sweet scent was carried around the whole camp, coming from the strawberry fields and the smell of burnt wood was coming from the dining pavilion where the dinner was being served.

The whole atmosphere would be even divine if calm and quiet. Divine. Pun intended. But the whole camp was buzzing, laughter and excited screams were hanging in the air and every cabin was almost upside down. One might even think there was a special occasion, that something was up and the kids were getting ready for some kind of grand event. No such thing. It was simply a dinner time and it was always the same, everyone wanted to be the first at the table, to beat their cabin mates.

Cabin number six, dedicated to the Goddess of Wisdom and War, Athena herself, was no different. Kids were trying to run out as fast as possible, especially the little ones. Only to be turned around at the doorstep by their head counselor. Alexis Striker was not going to let anyone past her until the cabin was perfectly tidy. She was not risking losing points for sloppy beds or mess on the bookshelves. Plus, it was the Aphrodite cabin that was assigning points now and it only motivated Lexi more.

“Hey! Where do you think you’re going, Meredith?” she glared at a tiny blonde girl who was trying to be the sneakiest of them all and push past Lexi. “I can still see your bed messed up.” Lexi added, narrowing her eyes. Meredith let out a long exhale and turned around on her heel, going to fix what was needed. Lex crossed her arms on her chest and leaned against the door frame. She had everything under control, as usual. And most of the Athenas were very cautious about their bunks anyway. It was mostly the small kids or the new campers that needed to be directed. And with summer, they got a whole lot of new ones coming in.

Finally the last bunk looked flawless, books were sorted in the shelves, maps were nicely rolled and rested on a nice pile and the working desks were tidy. Alexis went to have one last look around and only then let the kids run away, being the very last person to leave the cabin. “You could cut them some slack, you know. They’re just kids after all.” A voice behind her made Lexi to turn around, hand automatically reaching for a weapon that was not there. Not this time. Who needs a sword at the dinner table anyway?

“You’re an idiot for sneaking up on me like that, Will.” she shook her head in disbelief, seeing her buddy behind her. “And if I cut them some slack, the cabin will soon look like yours. And thank you, no, thank you.” she grinned, flashing a look towards the Hermes cabin which looked more like overcrowded dorms and a warehouse in one than a proper living place.

“Well, not everyone gets to have a fancy parent, what can I say?” Will shrugged and joined Lexi as they walked towards the dinner pavilion together. The two talked, shared a few laughs, well, mostly Lexi laughed because will was a jokester and couldn’t keep it serious under any circumstances. He was the guy to take her around the camp when she first arrived and they became good friends. Even after her mom claimed her and Lexi moved to the Athena cabin, they still hung out a lot.

Only when the pair reached the dinner place, their ways parted. Will went to join the merry crowd in the back of the pavilion and Lexi took her seat at the Athena table, joining the latest conversation with the senior campers. At the whole place was just as it had always been, cheerful, happy, lively. No one felt the great danger creeping up on them. Not just yet.

nine lives

 

[_amaranth_]

mood

annoyed

location

dinner pavilion

outfit

click!

tags

xxx

Aaron

son of Apollo

“You wanna leave now, Ronnie?”

“Ronnie!”

“Hey!!!”

A pillow hit the head of a boy sitting on the window sill and he almost fell down. Aaron jumped, tearing the headphones out of his ears and the writing pad fell down. The look in his eyes was almost wild, pupils dilated and those blue orbs wide open. Safe to say he almost had a heart attack right there and his friends were apparently having the greatest fun, laughing at his reaction. “You’re so dumb.” Aaron mumbled and bent down to collect his stuff from the ground. The pen fell and had to roll somewhere because Ronnie couldn’t see it. Damn shame. It was his favorite pen. The one he always wrote the masterpieces with.

He dropped on all fours and started to look for it. It was not special, just an ordinary ballpoint pen. But it sported nice shiny golden hues and there was a motive of golden suns all around it. A pathetic little thing really but Aaron valued it a lot. It reminded him of his dad and after all, was there even better pen for a son of Apollo?

Finally, a flash of light from the window, last rays of sun that was about to set, pierced through the window and reflected in the pen so Aaron noticed it under the dresser and reached there. Fumbling, huffing a bit, his fingertips touched the small item and he let out a groan, stretching his arm even further, finally grasping the pen. “Dude, it’s just a pen, come on, it’s dinner time. We’ll be late.” Jason let out an exasperated sigh when Aaron finally stood up, victorious smile spread on his face. “It’s so NOT just a pen. But you wouldn’t know anything about it, you barbarian.” Aaron commented and stuck his pen in the back pocket of his pants. “You know nothing about the art of writing and wouldn’t recognize a great piece even if it hit kicked you in the ass.”

Jason and Riley, Aaron’s half-brothers and basically the closest thing to best friends he had, just shared a look and before Aaron could react, two more pillows hit his face. “Come on, jackass, we know you’re the best writer since Homer, come on, it’s chow time.” they laughed and shortly after, all three of them were leaving the Apollo cabin, heading towards the dinner pavilion. Aaron was still lightly grumpy that his friends did not appreciate his newest piece of writing, didn’t even do as much as have a look. Such blasphemy. Such waste!

The pavilion was already filled with eager campers and the three boys went to their table to join the rest of their siblings. There was almost everyone now, just the head counselor was missing but she was on her way. That was yet another think Aaron was bitter about. He was eyeing that position for quite a while and was sure to snatch it for himself but the last moment, Serena got it. Stupid Serena. What was so special about her anyway? She was not the best in anything, mere average. So how did she become the head counselor and not him? Aaron huffed and went to get his plate of barbecue, grapes, cheese and bread. Naturally, he scraped half of it in the fire and sent a silent prayer to his dad, thanking him for everything before he rejoined the table. The evening was rather quiet if you ignored the laughter and yelling and bickering of the campers. The moment in which you simply never expect anything special, extraordinary to happen.

nine lives

 

[Hugh Flynn]

Collin "Corvus" Rune

Mood: famished

Location: forge > dinner pavilion

Outfit: black tank top and headband

Interactions: Jessie, Zeke, Sarah

The deafening clang of hammer against molten metal resonated from the open-air forge.

Oh mighty Hephaestus. Of course, they're playing in the forge. Why wouldn't they be?

Collin Rune was trudging down the dirt path leading to the forge, on a mini-journey to rein in the insubordinate batch of kids everyone calls Cabin Nine. Dinner was just about to start and absolutely zero Cabin Niners were in line at the door. With hands in his pockets and eyes wandering the starry expanse overhead, this child of Hephaestus has no idea what's coming for him.

The shrill voice of a kid pierced the silent air, "I CALL UPON THE ANCIENT MAGIC OF THE GOD OF FORGERY- OW, HEY!"

All of a sudden, a fireball whizzed past Collin's face, sending chills down his spine as the brief spike in temperature caught him off guard. The inner mama in Collin woke up with a start, pushing him to book it to the forge. A few screams started to come from the forge, pumping adrenaline into his veins. With one foot after the other, the teen hastily bounded down the dirt path, pure hazel eyes slowly shifting into a bright red shade. The glow of the forge grew in size as he neared, eventually enveloping the teen as he entered the forge.

"What the hell's happening?!" came Collin's voice as his hands burst into flames, poised to incinerate anything that threatened his cabinmates.

The noisy atmosphere immediately cut quiet as just about seven heads all simultaneously turned to look at him, each camper cowering behind the intricate shields that hung on the wall. One of them finally found their voice and shouted, "Big Bro! Jessie set himself on fire-"

As if on cue, the naughty little perpetrator came abounding from behind one of the worktables, quite literally consumed in a column of dancing flames and smoke. Immediately the eight-year-old started screaming at the top of his lungs, bolting across the forge to scare the other kids out of their hiding places. The high-pitched yelping and shrieking bonanza resumed once again as each camper dropped the shield they were hiding behind to dash behind Collin. With his eyes dimming back down to their natural hazel color, the whole scene prompted Collin to sigh in exasperation as shields dropped to the floor around him.

Just another day at camp. Let's regain control, shall we? I don't want to miss dinner. At least not again...

"CABIN NINE."

Collin's voice boomed above everyone else's voice, the sheer steeliness freezing everyone, even the Human Torch, in place. This teen was not about to let his role as head counselor be forgotten amongst Cabin Nine.

"Jessie. Cut the flames. You're on cleaning duty tonight."

"But Brandon started it!" the kid objected, sending death glares towards the others as he heard snickers coming from the lot.

"Oh don't worry, they'll get their punishments too. Now cut the flames, kid. I don't want you to hurt yourself or anyone else."

Like an obedient boy, his flaming aura flickered out as he lowered his head in guilt.

"Zeke, Sarah. Shields back on the wall."

Ornate shields one by one lined the columns surrounding the forge once again. Collin took one last look around the forge before turning back to the group of ashamed teens and kids known as Cabin Nine.

Yes, and these kids are supposed to handle heavy equipment that can easily knick off a finger or two, incinerate the living life out of them, or penetrate their bodies with ease. Dad, you need to undergo some parenting courses. Collin thought to himself.

The brunet took one good look at each camper, secretly smirking as each of his cabinmates averted their gaze to look at something apparently interesting on the floor.

"Now, as one part of the punishment, the whole lot of you won't have free time after dinner. You will come here and sharpen every sword of mine. Every shield will be polished till I can see its shine from across the camp."

"WHA-"
"Ughhhh-"
"But Big Broo-!"
"It was Brando-"

"AT-TUT-TUT. It's Big Bro speaking. Should've thought about punishments before running amock in my forge!" Collin teased.

Seven dejected little heads all quieted down, moods already seemingly ruined. Collin's inner mama flared up, desperate to make her seven little bibis happy.

"Oh come on, Niners. Lighten up! Dinner's ready and we're almost late. Single file line, kiddos!"

Much to Collin's surprise, not one person moved.

"Okay fine. I'll let you watch me forge tomorrow?"

"OH GODS YES-"
"HAH! WE GOT HIM AGAIN!"
"GOOD WORK CABIN NINE WE GET TO WATCH BIG BRO FORGE!"

Oh my god. That's what they were after. Collin, you idiot! I'm so stupid I'd put MYSELF into punishment.

Nevertheless, a satisfied chuckle escaped Collin's lips. A weird tingly feeling filled his chest, something he would never have felt back in Camp Jupiter. Being part of a legion as a legionnaire was one thing, but this? This felt like family. It filled a void in his life that was left there by the death of his mother and the absence of his father. Even after all the crap he gave his godly parent for knocking up people and casting aside the child, a small flicker of hope lit up as he realized these guys did have a family in each other.

I will do everything in my power to make sure everyone, not only Cabin Nine, feels loved and in a family. I will stop at nothin-

The brunet's train of thought was interrupted as a body no taller than his hip slammed into him, engulfing his legs in a bear hug. Or at least, a partial bear hug.

"Big Bro! Our plan worked so well, didn't it? You fell for it! Now we get to watch you forge tomorrowwww~" the singsong voice came from Jessie.

Collin squatted to meet eye to eye with Jessie before saying, "I sure did! I'll get you back sometime, Jess!" The older teen picked up the little kid, forcing a little squeal of joy that melted Collin's heart. "Awww, but now you gotta do some polishing later like the rest of the cabin!"

"I and the others would do anything just to watch you forge, Big Bro! You look so cool with your bright red eyes and when you spew flames out your hands and when you slam the hammer onto white-hot metal! Almost as cool as me when I'm on fire! Now come on, let's go eat dinner!" came the reply as Jessie jumped down from Collin's arms before dashing off to join the others on the dirt path leading back to camp.

Moving to Camp Half-Blood was the best decision I have ever made. Collin gleefully thought to himself, before rushing down the path to lead his cabin to the dining pavilion.

Wait. Did he say god of forgery?

code by Stardust Galaxy​

 

[Hugh Flynn]

Izzy Duquette

Mood: bored and hungry

Location: cabin ten > dining pavilion

Outfit: this

Interactions: nicky, head counselor of cabin ten

"Oh gods, Nick, I swear if you move one more time I'm wiping this mascara into your eyes for all I care," Isobel Duquette complained, holding a mascara brush to the eyelids of her senior, best friend, and head counselor of Cabin Ten. She and Nick were on her bed instead of rounding up the Aphrodite kids for dinner, daintily applying makeup to her friend's face.

Nick gasped in reply, "Excuse me! I know we're both children of the god of beauty and everything pretty but I'm still a guy! I don't do mascara. Or makeup for that matter! I only ever agreed to do this because you need practice. I mean, have you seen yourself lately?"

Izzie's jaw dropped at the insinuation, "You did not just call my makeup 'in need of practice'!" The blonde grabbed the guy by the throat, threatening to choke the living lights out of him while smooshing the mascara brush all across his face. "Is this out of practice? Am I doing it wrong? Is my makeup so hideous, I need to practice applying it?" Nick's mouth and tongue tried moving to respond, but all that came out were a series of incoherent mumbles and gurgles.

Just as his face was starting to turn blue, Nick grabbed Izzie by the shoulders and flipped her onto the bed, essentially reversing their position. Izzie tried to fight the older guy, but his athletic build proved too much for Izzie. "NICK. Let me go or I'll absolutely-"

"Absolutely what? Kill me? Pffff- please. You can't do a thing," the head counselor teased, hovering over Izzie's face, "You can't even move."

The two stared at each other for a few seconds before bursting into laughter, satisfied at the levels of shenaniganery that they constantly get up to. Nick let go of Izzie's shoulders, allowing her to sit up, before going silent for a few more seconds.

"H-hey Izzie."

"Yeah?" came the innocent reply.

"I have to tell you. I'm quite frankly head over h-"

Sadly for Nick, at just that moment another Aphrodite camper burst through the door screaming.
"Nick! Mr. D is in FUMES! Says if you don't get all of Cabin Ten into the pavilion now, he'll turn all of us into grapevines, Nick! GRAPEVINES! Nick, have you seen those hairy, green, twisty-- yuck! Get everyone to dinner now, Nick! I'd rather die than become a grapevine!"

Izzie turned to Nick and screamed with a voice heavily dripping with sarcasm. "Yeah Nick! Get everyone to dinner now, Nick! Nickkkk! NICK, WE NEED TO GET EVERYONE TO DINNER, NICK! NICK, OH MY GODS, NICK!"

"OKAY, SHUT UP ISOBEL! Just QUIET or I'm never allowing you to place another makeup brush on me again. Now go get the others to the pavilion, I'm not being seen dead with makeup on my face, much less mascara in what looks like war paint patterns."

That was Izzie's deal-breaker. Immediately the teen shut up and got up from her bed, swatting Nick's arm in the process. She slid over to the door, grabbing her yellow vest on her way over, and head out the door. The thought of having to round up her fellow cabinmates in place of Nick was already long gone from her mind, instead focusing on the divine smell of food that emanated from the pavilion.

Hmmm... I'm having bratwurst today.

code by Stardust Galaxy​

 

[_amaranth_]

mood

in thoughts

location

dinner pavilion

outfit

click!

tags

Meredith

Alexis

daughter of Athena

Sitting at the table, surrounded by all her Athena siblings, Lexi felt at home. At least now she did. But it took a long time to finally feel the support and the feeling to belonging. One might ask why. The camp was supposed to be the safe haven for all demigods, a place where they were supposed to feel safe and wanted. But even though now Lexi was the head counselor, great warrior and amazing artist (if she wanted that is), it was not always like that. Even now, one look at the Athena table was enough to see why.

All Athena kids were different a bit. They shared their personality traits, of course, but there was always something that made them different. But one thing that was certain for all Athenas was the appearance. Blonde hair and stormy gray eyes. Whenever the Athena kid was born, it was more than sure to sport these features as they were the family resemblance after the Goddess herself.

And then there was Lexi. The girl sat at the edge of the table, engaged in a cheerful conversation with the others, and in the sea of blonde manes, her fiery locks shone, recognizable almost everywhere. Her green eyes sparkled like polished emeralds, incomparable to any of the dark gray orbs of her siblings. And there were some that needed a certain getting used to that. Her first year at the camp, Lexi had real difficulties to fit in. Upon her arrival, she was sent to the Hermes cabin as everyone. It was only later, during one of the Capture the Flag activities which she won for her team, presenting an elaborate strategy, that her mother claimed her and she got to move to Cabin Six.

But the kids there were not exactly excited to have her. Simply because they had their own doubts about her origin, some even went as far as doubting Athena herself for claiming a bastard girl. And make no mistake, some of those kids did not hold back to let Lexi know she was not exactly wanted there. The redhead had to work her ass of this whole time and it took her over a year to finally prove herself being worthy of the Goddess of Wisdom. And quite honestly, it was only this last year that she finally started to feel accepted in her own cabin. Maybe it was a good thing Lexi did not hold grudges.

With a soft sigh, she stood up from her seat after a while, once all her siblings went to claim their plates and only then she went to go get hers. The little girl from earlier, Meredith, she crossed Lexi’s path again, hurrying back to her seat with a plate piled with food, tongue sticking from her mouth a little. “Forgetting something, are we?” she spoke to her, sporting a teasing grin. Meredith looked up, startled a bit and her excited smile hung a bit.

“But…but…”

“No, buts, sweetheart, you know the rules, half of it goes up there.” Lexi pointed her finger up to the sky, indicating that their mom was watching.

“But she never answers anyway.” Meredith mumbled to herself, her shoulders fell down a little bit and she let out a disappointed sigh. Lexi was not the best with kids. They liked her because she was a badass when handling a sword and her pictures were amazing if she had the time or will to draw. But the girl herself was never sure what to say or if what she actually said was effective.

“Hey, Meri.” she called after the tiny blonde. Meredith turned around and a spark of hope tingled in her eyes, maybe she was going to get to keep her plate. Lexi knelt down and pulled her closer. “Look, mom doesn’t always answer, that much is true. But it’s our mom, okay? We have to show her the respect. You can be sure she would let you know if you disrespected her and we don’t do that here. I’m sure she cares though. Do you believe me.”

Meri stuck her lower lip out in an adorable pout and Lex tilted her head, her green eyes emphasizing the question. “I want to believe you.” Meredith answered and walked to the fire where she scraped half of her serving in the fire. And safe to say, Lexi felt like shit. She squeezed the root of her nose with thumb and index finger before standing up again. She didn’t help, did she?

There was really not much to do anyway. Mom didn’t answer all the time. Rather rarely. Lexi knew that first hand since she herself seldom got the answer. And not for the lack of trying. So when the head counselor of the cabin six approached the fire, throwing her food in it, she sent another silent prayer up there. But this time, she prayed that Meredith’s pleas would be answered.

Once everyone had their plate in front of them, the dinner pavilion went a little silent as everyone was stuffing their faces. Not much was going on during the dinners, just the kids sitting around long tables, enjoying the overall family atmosphere. Not that they all were friendly of course. Lexi herself particularly couldn’t get all buddy-buddy with any Ares kid. But you get the idea.

The plates were finished on a matter of minutes really. That’ what happens when the kids sit at the table completely famished after the whole day of chores and training. But good, let them get some food in their tummies, it was then easier for Lexi to round them all up and leave towards the amphitheater. A meeting was called and though the younglings were all excited to gather around and laugh at Mr. D’s snarky comments, Lexi couldn’t stop thinking what it was about. She walked as the last one in her group, only a few of the older Athena campers were with her, and her mind was running a mile an hour. She couldn’t stop it, no matter how hard she tried. The closer she was to the amphitheater, the more she started to realize that something was probably up.

nine lives

 

[_amaranth_]

mood

annoyed

location

dinner pavilion -> amphitheater

outfit

click!

tags

Riley, Jason

Aaron

son of Apollo

Aaron was very well lost in his own thoughts, almost drowning in the heavy burden of his own insecurities. Who would even believe that? An Apollo kid full of doubts? Definitely not based on his self-presentation, right? The way he talked, the way he did every single thing, the flare, the charm, no one would ever assume that inside, those insecurities were eating at him every single day. And if they really knew the story behind that, they might even understand. Not that Ronnie was ever going to talk about it.

Everything the boy did was to put himself in the better position, he was a show-off alright, no doubt his father’s son. But those first years he had spent with his mother did a real number on him, causing Aaron to became an attention and approval-seeking individual. That might also be the reason why he felt the need to show himself off. To be the best of them all. His motivation was not the one of Athena kids who competed in the real cognitive stuff. Nah, Aaron just wanted to be…seen.

And when Serena Grayson became the head counselor, Aaron felt overlooked again. You can believe him when he said it was the worst feeling ever. His mom was never there for him when he needed her the most. All she did was sit at the windowsill, drank, smoked and waited for his dad to come back to her. As if that would ever happen. Her hobby, her work, her art, that was put on the side track for the time being and ever since Aaron was born, she barely painted a thing. The fact that they survived and never got evicted from their home. Not even the tiny little adorable toddler stumbling around on his short feet, crayons in his hand, showing her his pictures, which were certainly way too good for his age, ever got her down from that stupid sill.

And now, with a girl without the shred of real talent becoming the head counselor, Aaron could just…she did not deserve it, okay???

“Dude, you okay?” Riley asked and his voice tore Aaron from his thoughts.

“Huh? Yeah…yeah, just daydreaming is all.” he grinned immediately, masking his concerns as he had learned in the course of the years. “So much concern, where is that coming from, Ry?” he added and popped grape in his mouth, chewing on it while his lips were curled in a smirk. Ronnie was certainly a master of disguise right there.

“Nah, whatever you say, bro. You just looked like you were going to murder that barbecue.” Jason joined the conversation, throwing one of his grapes at Aaron. “But of course, you’d mistake that for a deep concern, Your Highness.”

Only the strict evil eye from Mr. D at his table stopped Aaron from returning the favor. After all, throwing grapes in presence of the God of Wine, was that smart? Aaron let out an annoyed huff. “You’re supposed to be my friends, jackasses.” he mumbled and returned to his plate. Why was he so annoyed anyway? Was it all just about Serena? Something deep inside was telling him that there had to be more to it.

“Let it go, Jace. He seems even grumpier ever. Might throw his favorite pen at you.” Riley laughed but they all just turned their attention to their food, finishing it in silence.

Once the dinner was over, all three of them joined the Apollo group and walked straight to the amphitheater where the meeting was supposed to be held. Maybe that was what Aaron was so fidgety about. His instincts were not the greatest, he was not the most amazing fighter (unless he was in archery class) but the feeling in the deepest pit of his stomach was telling him that there was more to it than a simple campfire meeting.

By the time everyone took a seat, it got darker and the open theater was flooded by the light of the fires. Aaron took a seat among his siblings and once again, the air was filled with screams, laughter and loud talk. The younger kids were restless as ever as they always got excited about these meetings. There was something about Mr. D that had then giggling for hours. Ronnie didn’t blame them, he was exactly the same just a few years ago. The camp director made it pretty clear he was not exactly thrilled being there. Ronnie got him a little. The guy was deprived of his greatest pleasure and the eternal can of Diet Coke in his hand was the proof of it.

“What do you think this is about?” Aaron whispered and his friends just shrugged.

“I have no idea but…but…yo, guys, do you think…” Riley’s eyes started to shine.

“Nah, a quest? What for?” Ronnie shrugged but understood Riley’s excitement. The guy wanted to go on a quest for as long as they knew each other.

“Well…a guy can hope…” Riley mumbled and they all looked at the stage where things just started to happen.

nine lives

 

[Hugh Flynn]

Collin "Corvus" Rune

Mood: still famished. uneasy.

Location: dinner pavilion > amphitheater

Outfit: black tank top and headband

Interactions: Zeke, Sarah

After wrangling up his cabin and quite literally tugging them to the pavilion, Collin slumped into his seat at the head of the Hephaestus table, burying his head into his arms as if he was going to take a nap. The muffled voice of Zeke permeated through Collin's arms, "Looks like someone's forging tomorrow. Then again, I'm sure you're more than happy to showboat your pyrokinesis in front of everyone once more."

Zeke was practically Collin's right-hand man, without him Collin would've never risen to head counselor in the first place. Being a Camp Jupiter transferee, Collin wasn't exactly favored in the eyes of his fellow cabinmates. He was like a knock-off of a popular brand. Technically he was a Cabin Niner, but no one saw him as the real thing. That is until Zeke intruded on one of Collin's solo Flame Dagger training sessions in the woods. Being pyrokinetic, Collin earned Zeke's undying loyalty, propelling him to be the top candidate for Cabin Nine's head counselor.

Collin mumbled back, "Chiron's gonna kill me! This is the fourth time I'm organizing another black op forging session this week, Zeke. THIS WEEK. I won't be surprised if Mr. D just inflicts me with insanity right then and there."

Zeke replied, "Then stop falling for our schemes! It really isn't that hard, Big Bro."

The last words in his sentence were dripping with sarcasm, it sent chills up Collin's spine. "Don't ever use "Big Bro" again. It just sounds wrong coming from you. Now shut up and get me my dinner."

"Wait wha-! Since when did I become your personal sl-"

"AH! SHUSH. Gimme bratwurst, sauerkraut, and corn on the cob."

"How about the tribute for-"

"And butter! A lot of butter. Get half a stick."

"That's a lot of butter. Not good for the abs, man."

"Being kicked in the gut by two horse hooves and having my sanity reduced to nothing isn't good for the abs. Now shoo!"

"PFFFT- Fine. Just this once. DON'T GET USED TO IT!" Zeke yelled, his voice fading as he zoned in on the food table.

"Hmph. Stop tricking me and maybe I'll think about not getting used to it," Collin muttered to himself. He straightened his back and glanced around his table. A puzzled look appeared on his face as he soon realized that not a single soul was sitting at the table, just two rows of neatly placed plates with bits and crumbs on top of them.

Where in Zeus did my cabin go? he thought to himself. And then he heard it. In the midst of the hustle and bustle of dinnertime at Camp Half Blood, the hushed snickers of six naughty Cabin Niners could be heard under the table. "I'm in the mood..." he muttered to no one in particular as his eyes shifted bright red "...for sizzling..." a few fire sparks flew from his hands "...hot..." a small ball of flame appeared in the middle of his palm "...barbeque!"

At the end of his sentence, he moved his hands and shot burning plumes of flames underneath the table. All at once, six campers all lept out from underneath the table, each bursting in laughter as they narrowly escaped Collin's flames. Rolling his eyes, his own laugh soon joined the chorus before commanding them to sit down, eat dinner, and behave. When none of them got off the floor, a ball of flame appeared in his hand, threatening to set Cabin Nine's table ablaze. Intimidated by the plume of the flickering fire, each of the campers stood up, moved to their plate, and resumed their normal chit chat.

No doubt they're planning their next devious scheme. the brunet thought to himself.

"Here's your plate, Colly."

Collin's head whipped around to glare at Zeke who was carrying his plate of food. "Don't ever use that name either," he spat as he reached for his plate.

"Ugh. Fine! No thank you?"

"I'm too hungry to thank you."

"Tch, whatever jacka..." Zeke's words trailed off.

Collin noticed the lack of an "s" sound and quizzically stared at his right-hand man, realizing that Zeke's eyes were locked on something else. The head counselor traced Zeke's stare to the table of the Aphrodite campers, where one girl sat all by herself. Collin's gaze bounced between the two, noticing the undeniable puppy eyes the Aphrodite camper was throwing at Zeke.

"Well, well, well. Look what we have here. Is Zeke feeling a little... excited?"

Zeke punched Collin in the arm before saying, "Nasty! There are children at this table."

"Then take your nastiness over to Cabin Ten's table!"

"Aye-aye, sir Colly sir."

Before Collin could react to the nickname, Zeke stood and started making his way over to the Aphrodite camper. Halfway there, he turned around and yelled, "Oh yeah! Chiron told me to tell you to round up Cabin Nine for a meeting at the amphitheater! Now, as in now!"

The son of Hephaestus stared after Zeke in shock, dropping his spoon at the news. B-but, I'm hungry-

"CABIN NINE! HEAD COUNSELOR RUNE, GET YOUR CABIN TO THE AMPHITHEATER NOW!" came the bellowing voice of a pissed off Mr. D.

Collin shuddered at the shout, hastily getting up as grapevines started sprouting on the wooden table. Unwilling to upset Mr. D any further, Collin raised his voice as he said, "Alright! You heard Mr. D! Single file line NOW!" Picking up his own plate, he sneakily passed it to Sarah and whispered, "Do your hungry head counselor a favor and stash this in our cabin."

As Sarah ran off with Collin's plate, the rest of the Hephaestus cabin got up and marched their way over to the amphitheater. Collin directed his cabin to sit in their designated row, his face shining with pride at the more or less obedience of his cabin. As every camper started taking their seat, whispers started spreading amongst the congregation, no doubt curious about the reason for this meeting. Ten minutes later, Sarah returned and sat to the left of Collin.

"Hey Collin."

"What's up?"

"Got any clue as to why we're having this meeting?"

"Nope. Not the faintest idea."

"Huh.. Well, the most common gossip topic running through the crowd right now is 'quest'."

"I wouldn't trust the rumors, Sarah-"

Sarah interrupted, jabbing a well-manicured finger towards the stage. "Collin, hush. Mr. D's looking our way."

As an uneasy feeling settled in his stomach, Collin immediately shut up, knowing full well the steely stare of Mr. D was drilling into Collin's very soul. Right then and there, the son of Hephaestus knew that something very, very bad was about to happen.

Oh gods. What's going on?

code by Stardust Galaxy​

 

[Hugh Flynn]

Izzy Duquette

Mood: tensed and maybe even a little bit guilty

Location: dining pavilion > amphitheater

Outfit: this

Interactions: zeke, nicky

Izzie strode her way over to the food table, desperate for a little bit of bratwurst. Perusing the countless platters that lined the table, her eyes locked on to one delicious treat.

Oh my god, he's adorable-

Izzy bit her lip as she beheld the guy that caught her eye.

"Uh, hello? Earth to Cabin Ten kid? You're holding up the line," a deep voice boomed from behind her.

"Oh gods, I'm quite sorry," came the sheepish reply as Izzy scooted to the side. As the deep-voiced camper and his two companions passed her, she could hear a few snarky chuckles thrown her way, causing her to involuntarily speak.

"You know, I heard you guys really really like me. Do you mind bringing food to my table? I don't feel like choosing today. It's Table Ten!" Immediately, each of the three campers turned around, nodding their heads slightly with a hundred-yard stare. "Oh really? Thank you~!" Izzy charmspoke in such a soothing voice of caramel, the melodic sound of her voice oozing into the psyche of each camper that heard her. The moment she stopped speaking, all three campers floated over to the table in a daze, gingerly plucking various serving spoons piled high with different foods. Knowing her work here was done, Izzy pivoted away and started making her way to Table Ten.

NAME OF MR. EYE CANDY IZZY!

The daughter of Aphrodite froze in place, turned around, and involuntarily shot a hand out, grabbing the arm of one of the charmed guys.

"Hey uhm, what's his name?" she asked, jutting a finger towards Mr. Eye Candy from before.

The charmed guy slowly glanced over before turning back and saying, "Oh him? That's Aaron.. Aaron Reed of the Apollo Cabin, I think."

Izzy held in a gasp. Aghhh, he's got such a cute name to go with eye candy face~

"I see. Make sure he knows I'm... worthy of attention," Izzy smirked, a devious master plan slowly piecing together in her mind.

"Do that later. For now, I want food."

"Yes, Izzy," all three replied in unison.

A good ten minutes later, Izzy had finished her meal, but she was still hungry. Not for dinner, but for attention.

Who'd make a great punching bag for my lovely man Aaron... she thought to herself, perusing the numerous tables of campers much like a hungry camper perusing the food plates at the food table. Analytic eyes dashed from camper to camper before falling on a poor unfortunate soul. Him. That's for sure and certain.

As if second nature, Izzy channeled her inner Aphrodite as she moved to be as attention-seeking as possible, puppy eyes and all. For added effect, she tied back her hair, taking tips from what her friend Nicky described as 'attractive things girls do that guys adore'. A sense of fulfillment slowly dawned in her, noticing how her victim's friend was also taking notice. Don't underestimate the power of peer pressure, kids. This is what gets you in trouble. Otherwise known as yours truly. Just a few more seconds and...

As if on cue, Izzy's victim started trotting his way over to her table, earning Izzy a silent mental fist pump.

Still got it. Always will. I'll be here all night people.

However, her plans were cut short as Mr. D's screams were heard across the pavilion. Seeing as grapevines were also growing from her table, Izzy got up and met up with her victim halfway, instantly switching to a more soothing, melodic voice. "Hey cutie, wanna walk with me to the amphitheater? I seem to have been abandoned by my cabinmates." In an instant, Izzy knew that was a lie, she was supposed to round up everyone but the thought escaped her mind space. Oh gods... It's okay, I'm sure Nicky will forgive me. It was an honest mistake! Now focus back on the task at hand. The blonde linked her arm into her victim's arm and casually asked for his name.

"Oh, mine? The name's Zeke, Zeke Valdez. Not related to Leo in any way, but 100% related to Collin, our best forger. I'm his right-hand man."

Izzy plastered on an endearing smile, knowing full well that Zeke was trying to impress her. "Oh wow, I'm walking with a guy with quite the reputation!"

"Hehe, that's entirely correct, Miss... uh..."

"Isobel. But for you, I'll let you call me Izzy," she replied with a dainty little wink, "Oh look, we're here! Let's sit down over..."

"A-actually, I need to be getting back to my cabin. Collin's going t-"

"Zeke~ You're going to sit with me, right?"

Izzy's sweet, captivating voice melted into Zeke's ears, pushing him to fall for her charmspeak. In a half-daze, Zeke muttered, "Y-yes Izzy. I'll sit with you"

"Oh yey~! You're the absolute best. Come, come, I wanna sit here!"

Close call... Hopefully, our best forger doesn't need him anytime soon, I certainly require his services.

Just as she sat down, the camp director, Mr. D, as well as Chiron appeared on stage.

Oh yey. Announcement time. Let's hope it's nothing too important, I've got certain uh... matters to attend to. she thought, casting a sidelong glance at Aaron.

Almost there.

code by Stardust Galaxy​

 

[_amaranth_]

The evening was warm. The epitome of summer right there. Light breeze was swishing through the crowns of trees, hums coming out of the nearby forest and maybe, if one was attentive, they could even notice a nymph flick among the trees. The air was filled with all kinds of smells, all of them defining the Camp Half Blood in their own, specific way. Calmness was sitting on the camp, the day full of activities was at its end and all that was left was one announcement. Only a few moments between the campers and their beds. Only several minutes were dividing them from the sudden realization that after everything that happened, after the war, after all the battles, after finally feeling that the world was safe, it was all a lie now. The fake feeling of freedom and peace was looming over the cheerful campers, filling the camp leadership with suspense they had not felt for quite a while now. Gods help them all for this might be the hardest fight the demigods ever had to undergo.

Little did the demigods know, while they were peacefully having dinner, the Big House experienced quite the conflict between Mr. D and Chiron. Recent events have transpired across the country and they've been brought to the camp directors' attention. Satyrs have gone missing. Demigods on their way to camp seemingly disappeared into thin air, reappearing back in their hometown with no recollection of going to camp in the first place. What happened? Not a single soul knows. That is if the person that knows, if it even is a person, has a soul in the first place. After numerous debates, rebuttals, and general discord, both immortals agreed on one thing.

Both authorities stood on stage, commanding absolute attention and silence.

"In light of recent events, Camp Half Blood is initiating its thirteenth quest."

Immediately the crowd erupted in a tumultuous dissonance of curiosity, excitement, anxiety, and more.

"What's happening, sir?"

"I thought Gaea was defea-"

"But we just finished the other ques-"

"Who's going to participate in the que-"

"SILENCE."

came the boom of Mr. D's voice once more. The smell of freshly squeezed grapes filled the amphitheater accompanied by the sudden whimpers of many campers as Mr. D threatened to break their sanities in half.

"Chiron. Speak."

The reaction could have been expected. The whole amphitheater erupted in whispers, screams, questions. Overall buzz of talk that merged into one incomprehensible mush. Chiron looked up to the sky as if the gods were supposed to give him an answer. As if that ever happened. As if it was that easy. He remained calm, just stood there, side by side with the God of Wine whose thunderous voice made all talk go away. The centaur understood their confusion. Why would there be another quest? But then again, if they defeated all evils, why was there the Camp Half-Blood? Why were they still making heroes out of those kids? Line of questions was infinite and they could sit there until morning to answer each and every one of them. And no doubt, every answered question raised two more. No, there was no time to waste. They needed to act.

"The danger is greater than ever before."

he spoke in a serious tone. Quiet baritone echoed all around and despite it's calmness and low volume, it bore a certain weight.

"Erebos has been awakened. Darkness is luring in the shadows and slowly devours the world of humans. Corruption spreads all over the world and we are in danger. Once again, fate of the world lies upon our shoulders."

Chiron walked to the front of the stage, hooves making dull thuds on the sturdy oak tree wood. His face was the definition of seriousness and at that moment, all the campers knew he was not joking. Confusion, fear, anticipation, all of that was washing away on their faces and Chiron knew that the realization was slowly sinking in. His gaze was tracing the crowd, eyes lingering on a few specific spots for a second longer.

"Two groups will be sent out. One will examine the darkness and return with more information so we can prepare for the battle. The other will visit Rachel Elizabeth Dare back in New York and bring back the prophecy. Situation is grave, I cannot emphasize enough how careful you have to be. We don't know what the extent of damage is. But with Erebos, you can never be careful enough."

the trainer

chiron.

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♡coded by uxie♡

 

[_amaranth_]

mood

"Who...me?

location

amphitheater

outfit

click!

tags

Greta, Devon

Alexis

daughter of Athena

Sudden meetings were not a thing anymore. Or at least not as sudden as this one was. Ever since Gaya was defeated, the world was enveloped by peace, even the gods started to be a tiny little bit warmer towards their kids. No wonder, those kids saved their asses right there. That thought almost made Lexi giggle as she entered the large area of the open theater. There was a fire burning on each side of the stage and the seats were slowly but surely filling with curious campers. The night was about to fall upon the Camp Half-Blood which only underlined the importance of this meeting.

Lexi waited at the beginning of the row and herded all Athena campers to sit down first. Only once the kids were all in their seats a she made sure everyone was there, Lexi joined Greta and Devon who were holding her seat while she was on her Head Counselor duty. Only when she plopped down in between her friends, Lexi sighed and popped her back.

“You shouldn’t do that stuff, you know.” Devon lifted his left eyebrow and traced his fingers down Lexi’s vertebrae. "Your tendons will get weak and…”

“Okay, Dev, while I always appreciate a medical lecture, not now, alright? Let’s just listen to what they want us to hear. I had enough today.” Lexi breathed and slouched a bit, inspecting the tips of her shoes.

“Oh, you were on fire today in the arena, Courtney had no chance!” Greta exclaimed and bumped her fist in Lexi’s shoulder. The redhead’s slips curled in a slight smile and she looked up, first at Greta, then at Devon.

“I was pretty badass, wasn’t I? I bested her one hundred percent.” Lexi grinned and her mind went back to her earlier training fight against this Ares girl. She was aggressive as hell and her blows hurt but Lexi was smarter than to attack her head on. Courtney was one of the best warriors but she was impatient and never took time to measure the opponent. Unlike Alexis. The two of them led this little war for three years now, collecting points for won fights. Their first fight together, Lexi lost so bad she could barely stand the next day. But now, she was three points in lead because Courtney was getting better in her technique and strength but Lex was gaining on strategic field.

She wanted to add something more but the meeting has started. The word ‘quest’ echoed in her ears and the corners of her lips fell. Quest? Why? They were only doing those when something was up. So if the Big House decided to launch one, it had to mean that…

Lexi’s brain spiraled into network of thoughts, she started to weave her elaborate detailed reasons why this was happening and what could the cause be. Only the strong voice of Mr. D and ripe smell in the air brought her back from the thoughts and she noticed Chiron walked to the front of the stage.

His words left a deep impact on Lexi. Her eyes were narrowed, hands, which were casually resting in her lap, were now finger-laced together, squeezing the color from her skin. Erebos. Darkness. They have beaten Titans, Gaya, fought bravely and lost many brothers and sisters to bring peace back to the world. And now, once again, the world was facing danger. The greatest danger of them all. If Chiron was right, the world was soon going to turn into something resembling Fields of Asphodel. By the gods, this just had to be prevented. That couldn’t…

“ALEXIS STRIKER!”

Hearing her name in a strong rumbling voice of the centaur tore Lexi’s train of thoughts and she lifted her head, surprise glistening in her eyes. “Huh? What?” she asked, all flustered, only to meet with the Athena campers jumping around her, yelling gleefully and patting her on her back, praising her, chanting her name and only very slowly, one second after the other, Alexis realized she was going on the quest. Her jaw fell and she looked at Chiron. He was looking straight at her, his eyes seeing the utter dept of her soul. So that’s why he was looking at her earlier. That one look which lasted a second longer than at everyone else.

“I---what? Uh…okay. Okay. Quest. A quest. Sure. I can do that.” Lexi mumbled and straightened her back. Being in the camp, she heard about quests and heroes and she was yearning to have a chance to prove herself. But with the peace in the world, there was almost zero chance for her to experience this rush of adrenaline. And now, hearing her name from Chiron’s mouth, her cheeks rouged, colored in an excited pinkish hue and inside, Alexis knew she was ready.

“The four of you, stay here. The rest of you, straight to your cabins, no discussion.” Chiron ordered and Lexi looked at her closest friends. “Take the kids back and make sure they finish their evening routines. When I come back, I want the cabin quiet and everyone in bed, okay?” she looked specifically at Devon, known as the most undisciplined Athena kid. How he was the son of Athena, that was beyond her.

Watching her cabin mates scurry away from the amphitheater, Lexi bit her lip and felt her skin tingle. Her level of adrenaline skyrocketed and she could just explode. Her eyes found the other three people and mentally scolded herself for getting lost in thoughts about questing. This way, she had no idea which one of them was leading the quest. But her drachmas were either on herself of that Hephaestus kid over there. But when her so not Athena-like green gaze fell upon cascades of blonde hair and perfectly matched outfit, her words died in her throat. What the hell was an Aphrodite kid going to do on a quest???

nine lives

Hugh Flynn

 

[_amaranth_]

mood

Wait, what? Ah, never mind...how you doin'?

location

amphitheater

outfit

click!

interactions

Izzy ( Hugh Flynn )

Aaron

son of Apollo

Walking to the amphitheater took a bit longer that it should. Simply because Aaron had a few things to admire. Or rather, a few campers he had not had a chance to examine from up close just yet. This guy was woven through and through with various issues you could say. But being his father’s son, there was no way he was not going to appreciate all that beauty around him. Granted, he usually dated or just shamelessly flirted with the Aphrodite kids, simply because those girls were the only ones that would return his playful banter. But that didn’t mean there were no worthy conquests in all cabins. Plus there might or might not be this little challenge Jace and Riley gave Aaron some time ago. Shit, why was it so damn hard to pine down an Athena? It was the only cabin he was missing to actually finish the challenge.

After staring at one of the Demeter kids for way too long, he was brought back to reality by his friends’ voices. “You already got that one, Ronnie. Or was it her sister? I never know.” Riley laughed, clasping Aaron on the back that cause him grimace. “I did both of them for that matter. But I can do her again, can’t I?” he grinned and shook Riley’s hand off of his back. “All I’m missing is one of the Athena girls and then, gentlemen, you’re gonna pay up.” A smug mile graced Aaron’s features as he was sure there had to be a weak link in the brainiac house. One girl that wanted to live for more than books and studies. Or kicking people’s asses.

“Mmm…I’d love to get me one of those, too.” Jace looked in the distance where the sea of blonde hair was walking, daydream on his face. “The redheaded one, you know? Their head counselor. I’d love to get her. You know what they say about redheads…” he added and all three of them erupted in a loud laughter as they walked on.

“You know what, dude? Good luck. Trust me, I tried. That one is gonna bash you over the head while swordfight training and won’t even break a sweat. That is if her words won’t lash you unconscious before that.” Aaron shrugged, knowing very well Alexis Striker was not the one to mess around with. Sure, she was drop dead gorgeous and definitely not looking the Athena part which made her interesting to everyone. But inside, she was full-on her mother and was wired to be that strong, independent female and after that one time Aaron tried his charms on her, he learned his lesson which was rather rare in his case. But he was a determined little shit, definitely scoring one of them. Whatever it took. Plus, he had now the whole summer to actually do it.

It was a while later that all three of them were sitting and chatting about stuff when Aaron heard it.

“Yeah, Izzy. You know her, the Aphrodite kid. That’s who I mean. Look at her, just look. She is looking stunning today, isn’t she?”

“She always looks stunning. You blind or what?”

Aaron’s ears perked up. Izzy. Izzy-y-y… He was wrecking his mind hard to remember who she was, to match the name with her face but all in vain. Instead, he turned around to those guys and smirked, right corner of his mouth coming higher that the other one. “’Scuse me, gents. Can you tell me which on is Izzy?” he asked casually and followed the direction of their fingers. His eyes found a girl that could definitely not be described as stunning. Simply because that words just not enough. She was even beyond that and Aaron’s heart fluttered. Riley was already pondering about quest and how he really really wanted to go. Aaron now had quest on his own.

“I’ll be right back.” he whispered and stood up, crouching through the crowd. Chiron was already speaking on the stage but Aaron’s eyes were set on the prize. She was his prize. Honestly, the big flirt in him didn’t need a lot and those two guys struck a sensitive chord in him. And so he crept quietly through the row towards Izzy only to see another bloke sitting by her side, eyes hazy, pupils almost heart-shaped. He looked like a love drunk fool, hanging on every word that came out of her mouth.

Aaron completely missed what was happening on the stage and the fact that one part of the open theater burst out in roar and applause. Probably the Ares cabin, they were loud and rowdy enough to do this. Instead at least trying to listen, he put his game face on straightened his back and walked to the couple. “You’re in my place, my good dude.” he spoke to Zeke but looked at him only for a second before turning his full attention to Izzy. “I don’t believe we’ve met yet. I’d remember. I’m…”

“AARON REED!”

His name bellowed across the hair and the boy lost all healthy color in his face. Sheesh, Chiron, relax, he was just flirting. But when he turned around, the only one standing, his cabin was now the yelling one and Riley was looking at him with eyes and mouth wide open. “What the hell…?” he muttered under his breath and his attention was now divided. In the corner of his eye, he was still looking at the boy by Izzy’s side but his other half of focus was reeling hard until he figured it out. Chiron’s words, though he was not listening to them, appeared in his mind as he had passively absorbed the notion. There was a quest indeed. And he was going. Uh, wait, what? WHAT?

This was either a really bad joke or universe telling him that…what exactly? Who decided that Aaron Reed was a quest material? Because he wasn’t, okay? He was Aaron, a flirt, an archer…okay, a damn good one but still, Riley or even Jason were much more suitable pick so why? Why was this happening to him?

Before he figured it out though, Chiron moved on with the names and Aaron decided to shove it away. He had a girl to pick up. Turning around, the most charming of smiles blossomed on his lips and he persistently ignored the lover boy. “Yeah, so…Aaron Reed. And you are?” he grinned, reaching for her hand while his blue eyes sparkled with specks of gold. Courtesy of dear old dad.

nine lives

 

[Hugh Flynn]

Collin "Corvus" Rune

Mood: it's just a quest, collin, calm yourself.

Location: amphitheater

Outfit: black tank top and headband

Interactions: Zeke, Sarah

Collin squirmed in his seat, lowering his head to avoid holding Mr. D's knife-eyed gaze. He tempted fate once already at dinner; he wasn't ready to tempt fate once more. The subtle earthiness of newly-sprouted grapevines teased his nose as the voice of Mr. D materialized in the forger's headspace.

You would keep it in mind to discipline yourself before I lose my temper. It would be a delightful shame if you were to be sent to the nuthouse considering what the future holds for you... quester.

The second Collin registered the word quester, his head snapped towards the deity, a look of disbelief on his face. Mr. D stared back with deep-grape-colored orbs replacing his eyes, a slight look of amusement on his face.

Don't believe me? the god of wine motioned towards Chiron as the centaur appeared on stage, the latter eyeing Collin with a thousand-yard stare.

Then it dawned on him. You can't be serious... I'm on a quest?

He turned to Sarah, a sense of urgency slowly bubbling inside him, "Hey, where's Zeke?"

Sarah shrugged, "I dunno.. last place I saw him was- Oh. There he is." Picking up a small pebble beneath her seat, she chucked the stone across the amphitheater, nailing Zeke straight on the head. "There ya go. He'll be over in a second."

Sure enough, a fuming Zeke soon stormed his way over, ready to shed blood. "You BLOKE! I was in the middle of-" A single glare from Collin silenced the chap, a feat only the head counselor of Cabin Nine could do.

"Now's not the time, Zeke. I need both of you to fill in for me right now."

Both of his underlings straightened up, picking up on the serious tone their senior spoke in. Zeke was the first to speak up.

"Wh-what do you mean? Is everything alr-"

"CORVUS RUNE!" His name echoed throughout the amphitheater, its well-designed acoustics adding extra emphasis to the already prominent voice of Chiron.

Dozens of pairs of eyes turned to look at the son of Hephaestus, Zeke and Sarah's own included, causing time to stand still right then and there.

"There you have it, I'm on the quest. I want you both-"

"Wait wait. Quest? What are you talking about?" the worried voice of Sarah cut in, "There isn't actually a quest, right Zeke?

Zeke shifted uneasily, hiding the forlorn look on his face from the other two. Collin laid his hand on Sarah's shoulder, knowing full well how much she hates the idea of quests. Campers die, families torn apart, friends go missing, all because of deity incompetence.

"Sarah..." the older male assured, "I'll be fine. I'll make it back safe and sound, you don't need to worr-"

"YOU DON'T KNOW THAT!" she screamed, tearing away from Collin's hand, sprinting out of the theater.
More eyes glanced their way, pressuring Collin to keep his cool. It broke his heart to see Sarah act in such a way, but he'll have to keep a straight face for now. In the face of a quest, keeping himself calm would keep everyone else calm.

Turning to Zeke, he whispered, "Can you go check on her? Mr. D will have my hide if I leave-"

"Yeah. Don't worry. I'll take care of her and the others," came the reply in an emotionless tone Zeke used when he was troubled. He rose from his seat, turning away to further conceal any emotion. He took a single step before he stopped in his tracks, speaking with his back turned towards Collin.

"This quest is nothing. Whatever it is, you'll win. Ya hear me? I-I'm not ready to take over."

Collin's mental fortitude cracked further, the sight of how the news of quests affected those around him. He couldn't bring himself to say anything, opting to nod, knowing full well Zeke understood. With that last sorrowful thought, Zeke motioned to the other Hephaestus kids, leading them back to Cabin Nine.

Collin's gaze trailed the Cabin Niners, quelling the tears that were burning to form in his eyes. He recalled what he promised to himself earlier, cocking his head back to pray a silent prayer.

I will stop at nothing. We just became a family, and I'm not letting them go anytime soon.

Taking a deep breath, the son of Hephaestus got to his feet and made his way to the area Chiron designated for the quest participants. The other campers that were chosen didn't ring any bells, he wasn't the type to socialize outside the forge. All he knew was that these teens were the best questers for the job. Reaching the group, he declared, "Corvus. Son of Hephaestus." He crossed his arms, "Anyone have any information on who this Erebos person is? What time do we depart?"

By the eternal flames of Father's forge, we will succeed.

code by Stardust Galaxy​

 

[Hugh Flynn]

Izzy Duquette

Mood: absolutely mortified

Location: amphitheater

Outfit: this

Interactions: zeke, nicky, aaron

Izzy Duquette sat idly as Zeke, son of Hephaestus, coddled her with an arm around her waist. Whatever Zeke was saying at that time entered in her left ear and exited through her right, probably due to her being wholly uninterested in him. After all, Zeke is just a single stepping stone, a single step on the staircase leading to the ultimate prize.

Speaking of the ultimate prize... Izzy turned her head, meeting face to face with quite the delectable treat. Plastering on the sweetest, teasing smirk that she could muster, Izzy looked past a smitten Zeke to scan the audience for, well, her ultimate prize. Where, oh where has my little boy gone... the sing-song thought appeared in her head. A few more minutes slipped by, and just as she was about to start second-guessing her plan, she heard him.

“You’re in my place, my good dude.”

The daughter of Aphrodite immediately perked up at the voice, mentally crossing her fingers as her head involuntarily swiveled towards the direction of the voice. Barely gazing behind her shoulder, she took a gander at the sweet treat that stood somewhere behind her. The instincts given to her by the god of love flared up involuntarily, pushing the lass to bite her lip as she allowed her eyes to very explicitly trail the figure of her prize.

Well heeeeello~ Gods, my boy's even more gorgeous up close. Thank the heavens Apollo kids pull from the good side of the gene pool.

“I don’t believe we’ve met yet. I’d remember. I’m…”

Izzy smiled to herself, recognizing the subtle yet familiar haze that resonated from the son of Apollo as the same haze normally exudes from charmspeak-smitten victims.

Hmmm... I wonder what cute name could possibly be the bow on such a handsome package?

"AARON REED."

Chiron's resounding announcer voice left Izzy's ear ringing, making her regret her choice of sitting in such close proximity to the stage. Casting a snide, sideways glance at Chiron, Izzy returned her attention to the matter at hand.

Oh? Someone seems troubled. Was that his name? she questioned, noticing a short but obvious shade of contempt flash across her newly acquired trophy's face. Curious as to what could be bothering such a sunny teen, she opened her mouth to invite him to sit, only to get cut off by a pained yelp off to her left.

Immediately Zeke's voice chimed in, obviously stifling some anger behind his voice, but it was definitely there. "Hey, princess, I gotta go uh, tend to an insolent human being. D'you mind?"

Realizing Zeke was talking to her, she turned and replied, "Awwww, really? I guess so.. Don't miss me too much~" Izzy was sure it would sound endearing to anyone else, but knowing that she laced some charmspeak into those words, she literally hoped Zeke wouldn't miss her. She's done playing with him.

"Anyways..." she trailed off as she turned back to her new companion. "Aaron's your name? I must say, Aarons are cute, and you don't dissapoi-"

"IZZY."

Izzy jumped at the sound of her name as it came from a very concerned and frantic voice. She turned towards the voice and was surprised to see Nick, the head counselor of Cabin Ten. "Nick! I was starting to think you'd never show u-"
"WHERE'S OUR CABIN?"
"W-woah woah why are you shouting?"
"IZZY! I explicitly told you to get everyone to the pavilion! You better hope all our Aphrodite campers are missing is just their dinner and not the EXTREMELY important announcement! How could you forget? No really, HOW?

Slowly, the argument grew louder and louder, soon drawing attention from all the campers and even Chiron, pushing him to step in.

"NICK. IZZY. With all your bickering there will be no announcement to be heard of. Now sew your mouths shut, for the next person on the quest is the head counselor of Cabin Ten-"
"I'd like to object," came the stern voice of Mr. D to interrupt that of Chiron's.

A few silent seconds passed, allowing Mr. D to clear his throat.

"Why should the head counselor go on this quest, having shown such a fiery temper? Surely, this act of irresponsibility denies him the great opportunity of a quest."

Another silent moment passed, visible despair settling on both Izzy and Nick's faces. Every camper knew what a golden opportunity a quest was, and every camper knew how Nick constantly yearned for a quest. Izzy especially, knowing the reasons behind Nick's desire for a quest. And now, she was the reason Nick's hopes were dashed.

The guilt was too much. She turned to Nick, small tears forming in her forgiveness-pleading eyes.
"N-Nick, I'm so so sorry-"
"I don't want to hear it. I liked you. I loved you even. Well, you can forget it. Forget it all," he screamed before bolting out of the theatre, tears streaming down his cheeks.

A few moments idled by with each moment feeling like an eternity to Izzy, so much so that the voice of Chiron jolted her back to reality.

"Well then, Izzy Duquette, you're on the quest."

The weight of the world nuzzled itself onto Izzy's shoulders, driving her straight over the edge. Feeling like she's been put in freefall, her legs involuntarily sped her out of the amphitheater. Anywhere is better than there. She didn't care where she was going, but she soon found herself at the sandy shores of a beach.

I'm not going on this quest. Not now, not ever.

code by Stardust Galaxy​

 

[_amaranth_]

mood

determined

location

amphitheater

outfit

click!

tags

the quest peeps ( Hugh Flynn )

Alexis

daughter of Athena

Quest. She was going on a quest. Those words resonated in Lexi’s head over and over again as she was trying to somehow recover from the initial shock. Her cabin mates roared as a pack of wild animals and cheered for her so Alexis did what she was expected to do. Cheered with them and smiled. But inside, she honestly felt like a deer in the headlights. This was what she wanted for so long, a chance to truly prove herself. And now, it was here. And the redheaded Athena felt like she found herself naked in the spotlight. Was she ready? Did she train enough? Was she both physically and mentally prepared for such a task? Or was she, once again, getting in her head way too much and overthinking everything?

Her lower lip quivered softly, in a way no one would notice. Definitely not in their celebratory mood as the Athena cabin wanted to throw their champion up in the air. For them, it was basically inevitable to have a representative on every quest but still, they cheered as if this was the first time. And Alexis usually cheered with them but not today, today, she was the celebrated one and the feeling in the pit of her stomach was gnawing at her, attacking all her hidden insecurities she never allowed anyone to see.

Her first thought definitely was “Yes, I’m ready!” But as the seconds kept passing by, one by one, Lexi was getting way too much in her head. And so she was glad that Chiron’s voice sounded once again, ordering everyone but the lucky four to leave the amphitheater and get back to their respective cabins. Alexis got in her leader mood immediately and asked Greta to lead everyone back and make sure there was order and discipline. Lexi herself stayed put and watched the flood of blonde heads flow out of the open space, disappear in the distance. Her stomach somersaulted when she looked back at the centaur. Whatever happened around her, Lexi completely filtered and her mind was focused on the task in front of her.

Throwing one last look at the gate where her cabin disappeared, Lexi walked closer to the stage, thoughtful expression sitting on her face. Her posture would never tell anyone she was afraid. Her back was straight, head held high and determined look in her eyes. Those green orbs were shining with the mixture of emotions she was feeling. Only when she came closer, she looked around to see who else was going to accompany her except the Aphrodite girl. And yes, Lexi had her own thoughts about that but decided to keep quiet for now.

Two other boys looked like complete opposites. There was this shiny, polished Apollo boy Lexi remembered only too well. He was running around with two similar goofs and they were trying to hit on her and her cabin mates. Which was like…ew, no, gross. And the other boy, dark, tanned, seemed better suited for the quest than the sunny boy but Alexis still didn’t know him. Well, she didn’t know a lot of people despite being here for three years now.

As the Hephaestus’ son introduced himself, Alexis nodded in his way. But then his questions came and made her eyebrows jump higher. “Chiron does. Duuh!” she shook her head and would have continued but Chiron’s frown stopped her. “Alexis. Daughter of Athena.” she added instead and looked at the other two, standing incredibly close to each other. And that just made Alexis wonder. Her mind immediately elaborated a few versions of what was happening there. Either it was the girl and her charmspeak vining around sunny boy’s ears, or he was shamelessly flirting with her, making his father proud or they were already a couple and that might have been the most dreadful situation because not only she was going on quest with two people she had no idea how useful they would be, but if she also had to deal with a lovey-dovey couple, god no. “Well, Chiron…where do we find this guy and how can we kick his ass?” Lexi turned to the centaur to look for useful information rather than wondering who was in love with whom. Time was of the essence. The redhead had no time for matters of heart.

nine lives

 

[_amaranth_]

mood

cocky as ever

location

amphitheater

outfit

click!

interactions

the quest peeps ( Hugh Flynn )

Aaron

son of Apollo

At first, stress filled Aaron’s head the second he realized what happened. He and the quest? Well, that did not really mash up well. This whole time, all those years Aaron spent in the camp, he saw many people leave it for the quest, that thing they all wanted. Heroes. They all wanted to score one, become know, walk in the footsteps of all the ancient names. Or the modern ones. Everyone wanted to be Percy Jackson these days. The guy really built up a reputation for himself. So did Annabeth Chase for that matter. And they were one of the biggest reasons why little heroes fought and trained harder. To get noticed. Recognized. But not Aaron. He might have been the only exception.

The blonde boy had quite different interests and one of them was now sitting in front of him, sported flowing big natural waves of blonde locks, reaching to her shoulders, her eyelashes batted in the most delicious way and revealed crispy hazel brown eyes that had Aaron drowning in them the longer he was looking. Where was she this whole time? One might think that a Casanova like Aaron Reed was going to notice a girl like Izzy and yet, here he was, discovering the gorgeous beauty for the first time. It was fascinating to find out that even after this whole time, the Camp Half-Blood still has something to surprise Aaron with.

And so, here he was, standing at her side now, completely ignoring the other guy who was apparently all over her. Understandable. Who wouldn’t be? Completely smitten by the radiant beauty of her whole persona. There was not one inch of her that would not speak to Aaron in all kinds of ways. But as he was about introduce himself to her, Chiron roared his name and he almost jumped out of his skin. Though don’t worry, Aaron was not the one to dwell on such unimportant announcement for way too long. Soon, he was back with Izzy and took the seat after the lover boy decided to leave. She started to talk and when Aaron took her hand, he was not going to let go. And he was about to pretend he had not learned her name from those two blokes before when it sounded from the side.

Yet another boy appeared and Aaron was beginning to be annoyed. Come oon! This was his girl! Why the hell did all guys have to bother them right now? For real, this was just ridiculous. But before the son of Apollo managed to say something, the other two started their little bickering war that was only interrupted by Chiron and Mr. D. Aaron watched in awe what happened next and how the other boy stormed off in his raging fit. “Whoa, dude. Don’t sweat it.” he mumbled and watched the boy run away crying. “Oversensitive, are we?” Aaron asked mockingly, not knowing a single thing about what was behind that. “Anyway, sweetness, looks like we were meant to be.” he then grinned at Izzy, reaching for her hand again but off she went, out of the amphitheater.

Just as Chiron announced that all quest participants were supposed to come down and join him. Shit! And she ran away? Hell, he needed to make that right. And without any further hesitation, Aaron Reed darted after her, catching up just outside of the theater. “Izzy! Hey, Izzy, wait up!” he called and snatched her arm, stopping her in her tracks. “Look, uh…I know it might be the last place you want to be but…yeah, you might thank me later.” Aaron shrugged, knowing that she was already in not so good graces with the camp's big names. “For your own good, love.” he muttered and snatched her up, throwing the pretty blonde over his shoulder to avoid her fighting him. And just like that, he brought them both back to the open theater, down to the stage where everyone was waiting for them. Only there he put the girl down and snaked his arm around her waist to make sure she wouldn’t run away again. “Aaron and Izzy, at your service.” he threw it out there cockily and didn’t miss the judgy look from the redhead. Athenas be like that. “So, I guess you two…” he pointed at Alexis and Corvus. “…are the muscle, right? What’s our role, Chiron? Make it all look good? Give this group a little standard? ‘Cause we can totally do that, can’t we, Izzy?” Aaron grinned and had no idea he was digging his own grave, at least with the redhead.

nine lives

 

[Hugh Flynn]

Collin "Corvus" Rune

Mood: it's just a quest, collin, calm yourself.

Location: amphitheater -> the woodsy path

Outfit: black tank top and headband

Interactions: Zeke, Sarah

Collin Rune cocked his head sideways in a questioning manner as the sharp blade of Alexis' blunt reply dug into his conscience. Immediately, he knew this girl would either be uncooperative in the team or she'd be fighting for the role of leader in this team. If her being leader made working together much easier, he'd gladly step down. As for the other two, Collin questioned Chiron's choice of campers; he could think of several of his own cabinmates that were better suited for the quest than a mediocre Apollo healer and archer as well as a female camper he has never seen around the camp at all. Pegging the latter as an indoor buggie and the former as a never-tries-his-best camper, the way he questioned Chiron's decisions intensified even further.

To worsen the matter, the other two campers weren't even here despite being explicitly told to stay put. Alas, not two seconds later did both "devils" he was speaking about appeared. Shaking his head at the situation, he stood up straight as Chiron approached the group, ready to receive whatever information was offered.

"Alright, I'm sure you've all made introductions already, but in case you haven't, these are your questmates. Collin Rune, son of Hephaestus; Alexis Striker, daughter of Athena; Izobel Duquette, daughter of Aphrodite; and Aaron Reed, son of Apollo. You've all been chosen for this quest for good reason."

I sure hope so, sir, half our team seems to be troops scraped from the bottom of the barrel... Let's just hope they have some hidden talents I haven't yet to see. Collin pondered to himself, I don't have a good feeling about this at all...

With that final thought, he turned his attention back to the controlled, stern voice of the camp activities director.

~~~~Four hours later~~~~

Collin found himself taking his sweet time walking back to his cabin as he rounded the corner, detouring into the woods to take even more time to get back to the others. Part of him knew it was because he dreaded the looks on Zeke and Sarah's faces when they heard he was on a quest. Most campers see quests as a chance to shine and reach new potentials, a chance to finally supplant their head counselor and take the spotlight for themselves. But there are still those that see quests as a death sentence. An eviction notice. A "say-goodbye-to-your-family" moment.

While Collin was neither of these, he knew very well Zeke and Sarah were part of the latter group. Yes, there's Percy Jackson and his gang, but many people don't know about the countless quests that have gone wrong. Questers never make it back, they end up missing, or worse, dead.

Just then, a hand clamped around Collin's wrist, catching him by surprise as he was yanked sideways off the path and behind a tree. His eyes glowed a flourescent crimson as his free arm erupted in flames, sending a firey punch towards his attacker.

"WOAH WOAH!" shrieked a familiar voice.

Immediately, the son of Hephaestus adjusted his fist's trajectory; he put way too much force into the punch, he couldn't slow it down. He watched as his fire fist barely missed his attacker's shadowy face, instead slamming into the jagged bark of an oak tree. Collin hissed upon impact as sharp edges dug into his knuckles, wincing as he withdrew his arm. Shooting a glare at his attacker, he spoke through clenched teeth.

"Who the hell-"
"Collie-boy, chill, it's just Sarah and I," came the shaky voice of Zeke, "Damn, we knew you were on edge, but not fire-punch-your-friend on edge..."
Collin's tense shoulders relaxed, even letting loose a slight chuckle at the sad excuse of a joke.
"So... I'm on edge, yet instead of approaching me normally like any other person, you decide to jump me in the woods. Something tells me I shouldn't have missed my punch," he jested back.
"Ah, so you admit you're on edge?" Sarah chimed in.
"Wh- No? I didn't mean th-"
"So what exactly does 'I'm on edge' mean, Big Bro?" Zeke taunted the older teen.
"Zeke, didn't I tell you to NOT call me that?"
"Changing the subject!"
"Alright alright alright! You got me, as usual. So what if I'm on edge?" Collin threw his hands up in defeat, he couldn't outwit these two.
But... instead of the joyful high-five that usually came after their head counselor's defeat, the two Hephaestus campers cast long, forlorn looks at the grass beneath them. A few seconds of cricket peeping later, Sarah rushed forward, throwing her arms around Collin as tears streamed down her cheeks.

"P-please tell me you dropped out of the quest?"
"Wha- I..." the head counselor of Cabin Ten gingerly wrapped his arms around the quivering frame of his fellow Hephaestus kin, choosing his next words with great care.
"Sarah, I made a promise to myself that I'd keep you all safe. I have to go on this quest to keep that promise."

Upon hearing his reply, Sarah tore away from his grasp, choking back tears as she booked it out of the woods. Both Collin and Zeke shouted after her, but neither one of them went after her, knowing there was a conversation that needed to be had.

"Collin... I can't do this."
"Zeke?"
"I. Can't. Do. This."
"What are you talking about? You're more than capable-"
"NO. You don't understand. I can't take your place!"
"Who said anything about taking my place? Head counselor still belongs to me while I'm on-"
"Collin, listen. I don't give a shit about head counselor, give it to anyone else. I mean, I'm not ready to fill your shoes."
"S-Sorry but I don't quite follow..."
A chuckle drenched in what sounded like pity more than amusement left Zeke's mouth.
"As dimwitted as usual. How do you expect to finish the quest like this...?"
"I-"
"Shut it. Just look at what you did to Sarah."
"Excuse me? Are you suggesting that I did something bad?" Collin's voice rose at an alarming rate, staring Zeke directly in the eyes as if to urge the younger boy to challenge him.
"YES."
Collin glared at his right-hand man, "Wow. Just wow, I have done nothing but be the best head counselor I could be-"
"-EXACTLY. That's EXACTLY why Sarah is in so much pain right now." Zeke interrupted, "You don't get it, do you? She's feeling that pain in the first place because you've done so much for her. For me. For all of us in Cabin Ten."
With each word, Collin's eyes slowly welled up with tears, forcing him to avert his gaze. Even then, Zeke continued.
"YOU made Cabin Ten feel like an actual family that everyone can fall to when they need help. You're a father figure in many eyes, an older brother figure in others, and a friend in everyone's eyes. That's exactly why she can't stand to see you go. And that's exactly why I can't- --His voice trembled-- I can't do this. You can't do this."
"I-I don't know what to say..."
"Collin, it's easy."
Collin looked back up in bewilderment, a tear paving a moonlit path down his cheek.
"Say you're off the quest."

Zeke's final words rang repeatedly in Collin's ears, summoning a fresh pang of guilt and pain every time it looped. With those final words, Zeke left the premise, leaving Collin to ponder his options alone in the dark, whispering woods. Collin's legs started to give in as he started to tremble in an emotional fit, prompting him to lean on the tree trunk before sliding down to the ground. He pulled in his legs and buried his head in his arms, thinking how in the world was he supposed to make it back alive when the odds were so grim.

Gods, how. How will I even begin to do this...

code by Stardust Galaxy​

 

[Hugh Flynn]

Izzy Duquette

Mood: a little uncomfortable

Location: amphitheater

Outfit: this

Interactions: aaron

Izzy Duquette was caught off guard as her 'ultimate prize' hoisted her off the ground, tossing her across his shoulder like some incapacitated body that couldn't function on its own. The indignant little rebel inside her flared up as she wildly shouted her protest, slamming her fists against the camper's back in an act of defiance.

How dare he- I was in the middle of something important!

Of course, that little tantrum she just threw was all an attempt to get thrown off the quest. It's not that she didn't want to go on this quest, after all, quests were basically popularity boosts. And all she saw in this camp was a little kingdom ready for her to rise to power as best popular girl, even if she's frankly close to useless on the battlefield. But this time, it wasn't about her fame, it was about her friend.

Oh god... Nicky.

The thought quelled her fury of being picked up like a glorified ragdoll, prompting her to speak up.

"O-okay you can put me down now," she whispered. "I-I I'm calm."

As if to comply, she was promptly lowered to the ground, much to her surprise.

"Uh- Thanks, I guess."

She sheepishly lowered her head, uninterested in the discussion, knowing her questmates' first impressions of her were already down the drain after her little tantrum. Through her peripheral vision, she could make out two other people aside from her and Aaron, one of which was shooting daggers out of her eyes at Izzy. Subconsciously, she stepped behind Aaron, lightly whispering, "I-I want out."

code by Stardust Galaxy​

 

[Hugh Flynn]

"This is life and imperfection is beautiful,"
♔ Markus Marethyu ♔
"and don't be afraid of that!"

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BASICS

@Vernados has set their name to:
markus marethyu

@Vernados has set their nicknames to:
mark, marky, mak

@Vernados has set their age to:
23

@Vernados has set their gender to:
male

@Vernados has set their sexuality to:
hetero

@Vernados has set their godly parent to:
ares

PHYSICAL

@Vernados has set their face claim to:
dylan o'brien

@Vernados has set their eye color to:
light brown

@Vernados has set their hair color to:
dark brown

@Vernados has set their height to:
6'0

@Vernados has set their body mods to:
this tattoo on his upper right back

BACKGROUND

@Vernados has updated their background:
Markus' oldest memory was being nursed by a nun in one of the oldest orphanages with notoriety behind its name. This orphanage wasn't exactly known for its A+ standards when it comes to childcare; all of the children that have escaped from the hellhole will tell you so. But Markus wasn't a kid who escaped, no, he never left in the first place. In fact, he never wanted to. The minute he threw his first punch, he fell in love with the feeling of fist against face and spit against blood. From there, Markus went on to completely dominate every other street kid in that orphanage, earning himself the nickname of "Erythros Vernados" or "The Red Bear".

He ruled over every orphan in that orphanage, until one day he woke up to the screaming and cries of pain of his underlings. He bolted out to find pit scorpions clawing at the throats of every person who had come to conquer. Immediately he flew into a rage, feeling an ancient power bellow in his gut as he plowed towards the deadly pit scorpions, invincibility literally flowing through his veins. A few hours later, all that he could see was a pile of his dead kingdom and a second pile of his dead foes. Nothing else moved except for the flickering flame in the shape of a spear and helmet that glowed faintly above his head. The scene before him burned itself into his memory before his eyes momentarily shut and his body collapsed.

A day later, he came to. All he could remember was the sound of hooves against pavement prior to that morning, finding himself tucked into the infirmary beds at Camp Half-Blood. Markus doesn't know what he or his father's purpose is, but he will soon find out. May the gods have mercy on him.

PERSONA

@Vernados has updated their personality summary:
Markus strives to be the absolute best he can be, in both a good and a bad way. All the nuns at the orphanage did their best to raise the kid, but in a bloody environment like that which he was raised in, there was no way a sweet little child would survive. Unfortunately, the assumption was correct. Slowly, Markus' once sweet and caring persona got tainted and corrupted by the bullies and violence that surrounded him at a young age. He wants to think that somewhere deep inside him that sweet and caring version of him still existed, but there was just no way for him to realize that. All he knows is the cold, hard truth. And that's all he needs to survive.

​

@Vernados has updated their virtues:

☆truthful
☆confident
☆steadfast
☆reliable
☆straightforward

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@Vernados has updated their vices:

★insensitive
★self-critical
★non-self-preserving
★stubborn
★recklessness

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@Vernados has updated their likes:

♡working out
♡boxing/jousting/dueling
♡strength training
♡a challenge
♡being underestimated

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@Vernados has updated their dislikes:

❯failure
❯taking the easy way out
❯manipulative people
❯birds and creatures of the air

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ABILITIES

@Vernados has updated their ability description:
-Enhanced Strength
-Ability to understand and wield numerous fighting styles and weapons
-Shout of Invulnerability
-War Cry

º º code by ditto º º

 

[_amaranth_]

mood

determined

location

Half-Blood Hill

outfit

click!

tags

Ronnie

Alexis

daughter of Athena

A new day was dawning upon the Half-Blood Hill and the first rays of the sun were peaking in the windows of the cabins in an attempt to wake up the happy campers who were still trying to fight the inevitable by pulling blankets over those bed heads. It was an ungodly hour to be up indeed and no one sane was willing to leave the safety of the bed before they really had to. And yet, the door of one cabin was already creaking open and a booted leg appeared followed by the rest of the body clad in and outfit that no action figure would be ashamed of.

Once again, Alexis Striker was ready to launch an adventure which to her was not a funky quest as the others called it. As a true child of Athena, for her it was responsibility and considering that the first part of the quest went only half well, it was that much more essential that they did well this time. Half of their team had not returned before and while Lexie knew that before hand that it was the worst of the bad ideas to send Aaron and Izzy somewhere together without supervision of someone who was actually packing brain, it was not like she was allowed to interfere with plans Chiron and Mr. D had already prepared. And so while she and Collin returned mostly unharmed, no one had heard from the other two ever since.

This morning marked yet another chapter. The second part of the quest was more difficult and now it had also become a rescue mission. Not only they needed to fight the big bad and save the world, they also needed to find their fellows campers and bring them back to the camp, hopefully in one piece. Never in million years would Lexie admit that she felt that icy grip around her heart. Way too many things depended on her at this point and she hated that. Mom would be proud for sure. It was one reason why Alexis never admitted her fear and always put on her brave face.

Even the morning knew something was up because while it was almost middle of summer, the air was misty and it looked like it might rain later on. Lexie’s green eyes scanned the camp as she was crossing the place walking to the top of the hill, straight towards the barrier that was keeping the dangers out, away from the demigods. It was the meeting point but when Lexie arrived, there was only one person there and she was neither Chiron, nor any other big name. Alexis was a little surprised to see another redhead joining the team and the girl looked almost timid.

“New healer?” she asked in a very matter-of-fact tone. She might have seen the girl around before but the name was slipping her mind. The other redhead nodded and offered a soft smile and Lexie could see it in her eyes. She was not keen on being there. “Welcome to the team then. I’m Alexis.”

“I know.” she peeped and let her hands fall down. “Ronnie. Veronica. I mean…both. But…you know, you can call me Ronnie. And…”

She went on the whole rant that made Lexie drop her jaw. Where the hell was everyone? And why she had to hang out with the chatterbox here?

nine lives

 

[_amaranth_]

mood

frazzled

location

Half-Blood Hill

outfit

click!

tags

Lexie

Veronica

daughter of Apollo

Chiron just left the Big House. Ronnie noticed the centaur leaving and she assumed that all patients were properly taken care of. Yet, she rather stayed behind. After all, it was also one of her duties. And she also wanted to avoid the early morning sword fighting class because that just sucked. Well, she sucked. Give the girl a bow and arrow and she was going to show you wonders but the sword? She could just not get the grip of that damned thing. And so, her little shift around the patients suited her. There was absolutely no need for her to get yet another proof how mediocre she was.

It was enough to know that her own mother was not interested enough to take care of a toddler. Her dad swooped it to the rescue but once he brought little Veronica to the camp, that was it. She never saw him again. Never even heard from him, no matter how hard she prayed. Pathetic. She was pathetic. If she believed even for a second that Apollo was going to be interested in her more than in any other of his kids. Just because he came in that one time before.

Her fingers absentmindedly touched the lyre pendant on the chain around her neck and for a second, it made her feel better. It was a gift from her dad. The one that turned into a golden bow and a quiver of arrows. The very same one Apollo himself used to carry around in his old days. Maybe that was something that distinguished her from the other kids, that made her at least a tiny bit special. Then again. Maybe it was all just in her head and she was full of vain hopes that her dad actually liked her.

However, what she really didn’t get was why she was selected to join the quest. The campers had already been chosen. Four of them precisely. And while Ronnie was well aware that two of them never returned, a part of her was hoping that the other two would go and look for them before resuming the quest. Yet, that never happened and Chiron decided to choose two more people, Veronica Crane among them. She was supposed to fill in for Aaron Reed while he was…missing. Oof. Even the word itself was filling her with dread.

After making one last round around a few recovering kids, it hit her. Who cared about stupid sword fighting lesson? There would be none for Ronnie one way or another. Today was the day of departure and she was supposed to be on the top of the Half-Blood Hill and wait for the others. Sending a silent prayer to her dad, the girl grabbed her backpack and left the medical wing of the Big House to hurry up the hill only to find out she was the first to arrive.

“Great. Now who’s too eager?” she mumbled and let out a long sigh. But it only took a moment for Alexis Striker to appear. Ronnie recognized the atypical Athena immediately. She was the only child of Athena sporting a mane of red hair and sparkling green orbs instead of the stormy gray ones. And she even spoke to her but all Ronnie could say to her question was a slight agreement. Lexie introduced herself and that was the point poor Ronnie was betrayed by her own mind.

“I know. Ronnie…Veronica. I mean...both. But…you know, you can call me Ronnie. And I totally know who you are. You’re such a badass with sword, I saw you fight. Even Ares kids are afraid of you. I could never compare, of course, my sword technique sucks a lot and I could probably use a lot of pointers and practice but honestly, I’m good with a bow and arrows so any time you need me to use those, I’m more than happy to…you know…I have no idea what I’m doing here so I will totally let you take the lead. Or is it Collin? Is he the leader? Oh my god, he’s totally the leader and I’ve misspoken! God, I need to apologize to him.” Ronnie went on her little speaking detour and failed to notice at first that Lexie was staring at her with lips parted. Only at the end of her speech Ronnie did and her ears became immediately redder than her hair.

Somebody. Please shoot me.

nine lives