Camp Half-Blood *Join!*

Castor (Chase) Jolivette

She offered her hand out to me. "Hey, I'm Ani." I took her hand and hoisted myself up. After brushing off my pants I replied,

"I'm Chase. Sorry, I really do need to watch where I'm going. It's just I try to keep my eyes down so none of the Ares kids get mad at me and I-"

"Trust me, I get it." She giggled. "I was new here once. If you ever want anyone to show you around camp, introduce you to anybody, just give me a call. I'm in the Poseidon cabin down there." She pointed to the large cabin a little ways away. I nodded.

"Thanks." And as soon as she had appeared, she was jogging away, waving to someone by the basketball court. I headed up to the Mess Hall. Today was the chariot race, and we still needed the most important thing. A chariot.

When I got in the cafeteria, there was no one there. Either they were working on their chariots, or still asleep. I went up to the counter and got a breakfast burrito full of beans, beef, cheese, eggs and salsa. I grabbed a carton of orange juice and headed out to find Bella.

Calling all Aphrodite kids by the name of Bella? You can have them start making the chariot if you want to.

Remember how I mentioned a fight? Well i'm changing it. (Hope I don't screw up anyone's plans)


Fergus

Aura led me through the cabins, holding my hand lightly. I noticed a few campers throw us second glances. I twisted my lip. I wasn't exactly an expert on being the center of attention. Aura turned an noticed.

"What's wrong?" she asks me. "Seriously, I'm fine" I smile, but she sees right through it; how could she know me so well after only one night together? She looks around and notices the camper's who quickly avert their gaze. "Don't worry about them" she laughed. "Aphrodite's get a lot of attention" she said; her laughter dying into bitterness. I don't blame her.

We reached the mess hall soon after and I grabbed an orange from a bowl. Aura reached for some orange juice and winced as her arm struggled to lift the carton up. I pretended not to notice; she had already stressed that she was fine though I hated seeing her in pain.

"So..... where is everybody?" I ask her. Aura shrugs and pours herself a glass.

"Probably working on their chariots or still asleep; its like 6:30 remember?" she replied, flashing me a smile.

I smile back. I felt an awkwardness return. What to do now? It struck me again how useless I am around people.



Sorry, iv'e got MAJOR writers' block. Help me out crafty?

I'm in. Most of this is based off of me.

Name- Auburn Miller

Age- 16

Parents- Lisa Miller and Hephestus

Appearance- Tall, slim but with obvious muscles. Her hair is bright light blonde and she has eyes that change color. she normally has grey clothing on so that no ash from the forge shows up well. She has 3 small scars across her left eye from when she came to camp. She always has a ring with a lavender pearl that her father made her, if you twist the ring a spike pops out covered in poison, for self-defence purposes.

Personality- She is a naturally charismatic person, but with a dark side. She loves it when people compliment her, but always denies that it's true. Her voice sounds excellent and she loves spending long hours in the forge making weapons. Right now she is the only person in the Hephastaus cabin, and that upsets her. She is extremely stubborn and hardly ever takes no for an answer. She doesn't like to fight, but her temper is so violent sometimes that she is driven to it, and she nearly always wins. She is an extremely kind person once you get past her almost cruel demeanor.

Other Personalities (completely nessacary for her)- Her alternate personality is potentially evil and not very trust worthy. She likes to act for some reason and is very good at it. Not many people know what she's really like.

FIghting Tactics- Auburn likes to figure out people so that she can know exactly how s/he will react. This is how she a takes down almost everyone she fights. Prefers to fight with a short, light sword.

Likes- Acting, purple, puppies, water, black, heat.

Dislikes- Yellow, pink, overly happy people.

Open to love- Depends on the person.

Other Powers- When she gets mad she starts to get all hot and when you touch her your skin burns for a week. She is also able to make magical items so poeple come to her for magical things.

Other- She has armor that melts into her skin.


-thestorygirl

Bella:

As I heaved a wheel over to the chariot so Chase and I could put it on once he got here, Chase called out my name and began jogging towards me.

With a cheery smile, I put the wheel down and I pushed my bangs, the only thing that wasn't in my ponytail, from my face and I clapped as I jumped up and down.

"Goody, goody, goody!" I said excitedly.

With a flirty smile I touched Chase's arm and asked sweetly, "Could you please be a darling and put the wheel on for me?"

Batting my eyelashes, I waited for his response.

Chase nodded his head yes, and I cheered, "Thank you!I don't know what I'd do without you."

And with that, I planted a kiss on his cheek, leaving a perfect imprint of red lips.

Castor (Chase) Jolivette

She kissed me. She kissed me. I could feel my face getting redder by the minute, but I tried to hide it. The wheel was on, but our chariot was pretty bland. I pretty much sprinted over to find something to do other than talk to Bella. I'd never been kissed before, and I had no idea it was coming. I rubbed my cheek and when I pulled my hand away there was red lipstick on it. If I didn't get this off before anyone saw me, I'd be dead meat. I grabbed an grease covered rag and furiously scrubbed my face until I was sure it was gone; or at least until it was covered in grease.

I got the courage to look at Bella. Even wearing clothes that were dirty she still looked amazing. I shook away these thoughts. We needed to build a chariot. I went over and grabbed the heavy wheel.

"Hey Bella, do you mind making sure the front is secure?" She glanced in my direction and gave me a sweet smile.

"Sure hon." My knees turned to Jello, which is not a good thing when you're holding a heavy object. I nearly toppled over, but managed to catch myself at the last minute. I decided to roll the wheel to where it needed to be. The last thing I needed was an injury. I hoisted it up and put a cap on. Once that was on tight, I stepped back to admire our chariot. It still needed a lot of work, but we were getting there.

I walked over to where Bella was.

"Is it on tight?" I asked. She nodded.

"Almost, it just needs a few more turns." She was holding some sort of wrench, and it made a squeaking noise when she turned it.

"So, you've been making chariots for a few years, huh?" I said, trying to make conversation.

"Yeah, a few years. I've never won though. Hopefully today will be the day!" She piped.

"I sure hope so. Hey, do you want chairs inside, or should we stand? It's totally up to you." She shrugged.

"I don't know, I don't want either of us to fall out the back, so we should at least put a restraint on the back."

"Good idea. I'll go make that, and you can take a break. You've been working hard."

"Aw thanks! You just keep working hard, and we'll have the best chariot ever!" She went over and sat down. She whipped out a compact and checked her makeup.

I didn't say this out loud, but I thought, "Man, I'm a lucky kid." I smiled inwardly and kept working, trying to impress my dream girl.
Are the chariots self-propelled, or are the pulled by something. Not that it matters, just curious.

Ok- Scarlett. We are preparing for the Chariot Races right now and for those who aren't racing are eating breakfast and getting ready to watch. Don't let this die guys!!!!!

Aura

I twirl a piece of my long hair, sensing the awkwardness between us. In the back of my mind I wish that we were back in Argus, living every moment like a fairy tale. Another thought struck my head. Why couldn't we? I was always in the limelight, so why not give the people something to talk about? No, no, that's so incredibly stupid. Life wasn't a fairytale- it was reality TV. I shoot a glance at Fergus, who was staring at the ground. Something about his expression seemed hauntingly familiar. The nervous, maybe-you-shouldn't-talk-to-me-because I might just say something wrong look. I'd had it enough on my own face. Something about it made me feel ten times better and made me realize something- I didn't know a thing about Fergus. I mean, he knew about my horrid dad and about my past but all I knew about him was his father and his dreamland. That was enough, wasn't it. I stir my cofee and think of something to say to Fergus that would lead me to learn more about his slightly mysterious personnal.

"So, Fergus. Where are you from?"

"So, Fergus. Where are you from?"

I looked up from the ground. Aura was twirling her hair in a finger and sipping at some coffee.

"Oh um, Chicago" I say. I hated talking about myself; sooner or later the conversation turned to my old friends (of which there was none. "what about you?

Aura laughed and replied. "I really can't remember. My Dad sent me off to so man boarding schools.." she said with a bitter tone. I remembered the conversation we had in Argos the night before. Her Dad had been such a jerk, but she had agreed with me that maybe, just maybe it was time to forgive. "So what was your life like, before you came here? I mean, you've only been here like 6.2 days right?" she said with a mischievous smile. I wished I could share it.

"Well, um.. I grew up with my mom, when I was 10 she married my step-dad Andrew. He was alright I guess, though he never understood why I could lie around all day asleep. My mom tried her hardest to be nice, but... she wasn't really schooled on the whole "being a mom thing" her family died when she was little, and I was.. unexpected for her. So, yah, my life wasn't as bad as yours, but it was lonely. My only comfort was my Dad, but then he...disappeared. Something about Zeus and the Titan War that happened like, years before I was even born! It's so unfair, why can't the Gods just stop being so uptight and forgive him!"

I was really mad now. Shouting up at the ceiling like some accusatory shout to the heavens. Thunder rumbled across the sky.

"It's hard to forgive, take it from me" Aura said coldly. I turned to her.

"I wish you would stop thinking about him, he's turning you into some bitter, cold person that I know your not"

Aura looked up and scanned my faces. I watched her eyes dart back and forth to mine, Gods she was beautiful. Then slowly, slowly I reached forward and brought her close to me.

"Your amazing and beautiful and probably my first friend, I hate seeing you like this"

I pulled away again. Aura had little tears in her eyes; not from anger but from something else. Then she buried her head in my shoulder and leaned on me. And of course being the awkward weakling I am I fell backwards. We both broke out in laughter on the floor, Aura's coffee spilled all over my shirt but I didn't care. For a while we just laid there on the floor, staring up at the orchestra of colors that rose with the dawn.

- This post has been deleted-

You must be patient when making a post. Don't push it twice, just give it a minute.

*Tears up with joy* Bella is his dream girl? Awwwwwwwww!

Bella:

I sat, my legs crossed, and watch Chase work for a while. Sure, I felt bad he was doing a lot of the work, but I really didn't want to do it myself. Especially since I was working before he got here.

"Chase, thank you for doing this. I really appreciate it." I said with a large smile.

Chase shrugged like it was nothing, then said, "No problem."

I sat and watced for a little longer, then I stood and began to help him again, my father's side overpowering my mother's, making me have a conscience.

*Sorry...drawing a blank*

Katherine

I decided to tell him.

Daemond at least deserved to know what I felt and then decide for himself if he felt the same. I'd understand; and it wouldn't be the first friendship that had crumbled to ashes.

At the same time as these thoughts raced like hamsters on a wheel in my mind, I hoisted a large metal sheet with the ornate crest of a vine wrapped around a whirlpool of water. It was actually really cool considering I'd had the idea of planting a small surprise on the inside of it. Well, the other one is up to Daemond.

My lips pursed, I lowered the safety glasses and began to weld the metal plate to the skeleton of the chariot. It was almost finished, I just had to add a few personal touches.

Most of the chariot was covered in glossy blue silver, while the rest was covered in gold because I didn't exactly like the idea of painting it green to symbolize a few vines.

I reached over and grabbed the large bowl of water that rested on the table at my side, it was a bowl with intricate patterns of waves and horses rising from the water on one side and on the other; well, let's just say that whomever dares attack that side of the chariot was in for a nasty surprise.

The water in the bowl was a sickly green-black color and it swirled angrily, humming as it did.

Greek fire and water, my special little trick. I know it works, the water never actually touches the powder thanks to my power, it just travels alot faster than ordinary greek fire since I can move it; weave it through the defenses of the competition.

I look over the chariot to the other side, "Have you gotten those vine traps done yet? We've got to put the wheels on soon." I tell him. Maybe I'll tell him after the chariot races.

Win or not, it didn't matter much to me so much as getting to destroy the competition.

Did I ever mention that I was competitive? Hmm .. I wonder what Daemond'll think when he sees that side of me.

I flash a wicked smile at nothing, and turn the bowl and slam it to the plate, welding it in place; making it water tight.

--
Edited, forgot it was chariot races..

Oops Amf I forgot to reply. Anyway, the chariots can be either.

Aura

Shock welled through me as Fergus pulled me close to him.

"Your amazing and beautiful and probably my first friend, I hate seeing you like this"

I felt a wave of relief, of sadness wash over me, like a wave hiting a rock. I was his first friend. At least I'd had friends before, money stealer and back-stabbers many of them, but friends. I had Bella and, I admitted reluctantly, Aetos to. Fergus didn't. He pulls away suddenly and the space where he was feels empty. I feelthe tears well up in my eyes. I HAD promised Fergus that I would find it in my heart to forgive my father. Yet whenever the word forgiveness came up his name was forever attached to it- in the worst way possible. My eyes dart back to Fergus. He was my shoulder to cry on, the first one I'd ever had. (That is, if you don't count my mother, who I spent more time cursing invisibley to than crying to.) He was honestly, my first TRUE friend. I bury my head in his shoulder. Sudden;y, Fergus fell backwards. My cofee, which had been in my hand the whole time, spilled over his shirt. I started laughing, and he did to. We laughed for a while but it eventually died away. We just lay there, my head on his chest, staring at the rainbow of colors. All of a sudden, it didn't matter that Fergus was son of a minor god. It didn't matter that I'd only known him for a day. It truly didn't matter that he was a bit shorter than me. Done of it did. It was pure perfection, just lying here. And I'd thought Argos was heaven. I take a deep breath before my pessimistic mind can catch up to me, and grab Fergus' hand. He glances over at me; a slightly hard task, being that I was virtually on top of him. I roll off him, and lay by his side. Before I can even register what I was doing, I lean over and peck him on the cheek.

I stared up at the expanse of colors before us. Argos was great, but this.. this was amazing. Everything just melted away into a shimmering expanse of perfection. Suddenly I didn't feel short or fat or awkward, I felt at peace, lying with Aura. Then I felt the soft caress of her lips on my lips. It was a peck and only lasted about a second, but in my mind it stretched on forever. My first kiss from my first friend I thought.

I turned to Aura, well as much as a turn one can do when pinned to the floor and looked at her. I was never really good with words, and that curse reared its ugly head as I stared wordlessly at her. She smiled playfully and twirled her hair with one finger.

"Soo.. I guess we should get off the floor now" she suggested with a smile. I laughed.

"Yah"

I hopped up first, then helped Aura up from the floor. I stared down at the mess we had made. "I really don't want to clean that up" I said matter-o-factly.

"Neither do I"

"Leave it for the next person?"

"Exactly"

We walked away from the mess hall hand in hand. Suddenly Aura stopped and sniffed. I froze as well.

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry I didn't get a chance to shower and-" Aura cut me off by breaking down in laughter. I felt relief flood through me. "Ugh, you SCARED me" I said.

"It's not you, I just smelled some perfume... Bella must be nearby" I raised a questionary eyebrow. "My roomate" Aura explained, and led me in the direction of the forges, where a girl and a guy with a faint lipstick stain on his cheek were rolling a massive wheel. I started walking slower. Aura looked over me before remembering how awkward I am.

Oh my dear Katherine... Anywhoo, Writ? I already had a leave off were Daemond and Katherine were speaking! Don't worry though, I like yours WAY better!!!! Just thought I'd tell you. Your not really making Daemond decide... poor boy.

Daemond

I play with the vines along the side of our cabin, not fully sure what to do. Should I go find Katherine? Should I go find Alex? Should I go with Diago and my other siblings to breakfast? I munch on my granola bar. No, that wouldn't be needed. Last night seemed to be in a drunken haze, with other points painfully sharp. I remember the most important and stupidest thing I did: I kissed my best friend. The biggest no-no in the book. Last night had been a whirl of emotions, a battle even. One of us would end up getting wounded. I hear foot steps behind me.

"Daemond!" A familiar voice shouts. Katherine.

I turn to her just as she halts in front of me. The vine I was playing with drops slightly.

"Katherine."

I greet her with a small head nodd, trying not to show how far my certanity dropped when I saw her. She was wearing barely any mascara, but with those eyes it honestly didn't matter. Her hair was mussed and I pressumed she hadn't brushed it, she never did when she was in thought. To my suprise and slight dissapointment she was wearing fairly tight skinny jeans and her favorite blue shirt. I remember they way she'd dressed yesterday: was THAT the reason for all this. Katherine flashes me a small smile before I can analyze my own thoughts. Was she...blushing? Katherine begins to fiddle with her hands nervously.

"Look...Daemond...I...You...Well,I..."She appears frustrated with herself, a frown appearing on her face. "Look. Daemond. I have something I need to tell you... something important..."

There's a slight pause, unsaid words hanging in the breach.

"What?"

She bites her lip." It's something...that you really should know."

I hold my toungue not letting my temper and curiosity escape from me. "You can tell me Katherine." A scene from last night plays in my mind." I'll always be there, remember?"

Her eyes become moist, like I'd said the opposite of what she wanted to hear. A small little bug plants itself in the back of my mind. What did she want to tell me?

"It's best just to get it out." She looks up at me and takes a deep breath, her words coming out in a rush. " I...I have feelings for you, ok? Like...non-friend feelings... I always have. Since the day we met." The next words come out in a murmer, but I think I catch them before they float off, meaningless in the breeze." And I think I might even love you."

My body freezes up, my conciousness processing Katherine's words. She'd had a crush on me all a long. The time we almost kissed must have killed her. Then when we actually did...It was like pulling her a long. Was I really that jerk? I thought back to all the times when I'd flexed my muscles at giggling Aphrodite girls, trying to be cool. Every time I smiled at Alex. Every time Katherine and I went sword fighting. Every single time she'd been hiding something. Every time I did something stupid, she died more inside.

"Oh Gods, Katherine."

My voice comes out a whisper, my thoughts going a thousand miles an hour. She turns her face from me, but I see a single tear streak down it. What was I supposed to say? That I had feelings for her all along. No, that would be a lie. I didn't- I liked Alex. I desperatley wanted to tell her that I'd wanted this all along, that I wanted her to- but I couldn't lie to Katherine, not after all we've been through. I wanted to say that we should just stay friends, to forget any of this had ever happened. I tried to form the words with my mouth, but they wouldn't form. What was wrong with me? After all these years of liking Alex was it really possible NOT to turn another girl away? Then again, it WAS Katherine. I didn't want it to end... all this confusion, I mean. 'Cause in some complicated, twisted way... I liked Katherine to. The way she smiled. The way she fought me without fear. The way she looked in that bikini. The way she moved through water. The way she kissed me. Katherine's blue-grey eyes were staring at me, brave to the point of tears.

"It's...ok. I understand if you don't feel the same. You like the...the Alex girl. I'll... I'll be going now."

She turned around, beggining to walk away. She sounded like this was the end of everything we ever had... including our friendship. I could see why she expected that. Rash ol' me, not caring about other's feelings. All the other's but her. I catch Katherine's arm.

"Don't go."

She looks back at me, her face splotchy with the tears that I caused.

"What?" she asks with a sad and slightly bitter tone.

"We can't..."

Her eyes look at me so guardedly, with only a tiny bit of hope. Ani will kill me. The words I was about to say float around, gone with the breeze. Katherine shakes me loose and sprints away, me looking after her like a lost idiot. I kill the vine, sorrow whelming up in me. I know I've made a terrible mistake. I've let the best girl in the world go. Now, as soon as she's gone, I know what I need to do. I need to give her the fairy tale she deserves. Whether it's me or not.