Camp Half-Blood *Join!*

Katherine- Poseidon

I had just picked up my fork to take a bite of my eggs when Chiron announced that we would be moving on to sword and shield. I grimaced as I was forced to follow the crowd of people and I hollered for Daemond.
I spotted him not three feet away and I smiled when he looked up and met my eyes.
I remembered something about him always finding that my eyes were strange for a kid of Poseidon.
"Daemond, wanna pair up for sword practice?" I asked him, and underneath my easy-going question I was bordering on nervous insanity.
"Sure, I can kick your butt again." he laughed, and there was a cool glint in his eye.
"You wish! I'll give you a matching black eye and a good butt whooping!" I was laughing as I said this because we were of equal strength.
It was nearly impossible for one of us to win when we're both at top strength.
I turned around and looked for Ani before lowering my voice.
"About the swim, we could always sneak off before Ani notices?" I suggested with a mischevious smile.
I was bumped and jostked by the continuous flood of people leaving and Daemond and I began to follow.
Daemond, whom I expected to be a little like me smiled in return.
"Sure, it'll be a challenge to see if we cab escape those eagle-like eyes of hers.
I smiled and rolled my shoulders, I loved sword fighting.

~Raine Starkweather~Poseidon~

"Demeters kids. Hm.." I answered, before I could say anything else, It was time for sword and shield. We stood up and began finding our way to a doorway on the opposite side of the building, I trailed behind, so I could follow. I tried to speak over the loud conversations, but it was no use, I'd save it or later.

When we finaly made it to of destination i thought, Time to NOT get killed. I wasn't a very good fighter, but I could dodge pretty darn good. People began finding a partner after instrustion was given, and again, I stood awkwardly hoping I wouldn't get pared up with anyone TOO good. I looked around, so many unfamiliar faces! Raking my hair back, I light tap on my shoulder made me alert. I spun around. Kassie stood, with a certin look in her eyes I couldn't decipher.

"Partner? I'll go easy on you." She asked, with an amused hint.

"Sure. Why not." I answered. Now trying to get myself determined.
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~Zandra Fairchild~Athena~

"Oh, I was sent on a quest in the beginning of the year." I answered my new half sister.

Time For sword and shield! I thought, excited for a challange. We walked the long way, Around the whole building, avoiding the large group flowing out of the back door. By the time we got there, theinstructions had been givin, and I set out to find the unlucky camper to be stuck with me this time. I wanted a challange. I heard soeone yell for me, I couldn't tell fro which direction. If they want to be my partner that bad, they'll come get me. I thought, wandering around, not paying attention to the weird looks given.

Jack - Ares

I couldn't believe it. Summer had just started and I was already pranked. What's worse was that it could have been anybody. Andreas and I kept a lookout during breakfast to see if we could see who had pranked us.

"Oh just leave it," Lexie said, "you got pranked good, but there was no harm done."

"That's true," Andreas said, "at least nobody saw."

"So far as you know," I said, "I wouldn't put it past those pranksters to have photos around somewhere. They will just be waiting for an excuse to threaten us with them."

"I doubt it." Lexie said.

"Well I can't take the chance."

The next class was sword and shield. They weren't my best choice in weaponry, in fact both Lexie and Andreas were both better than me, but I still had more skill than those Hermes pranksters. I would take one as a sparring partner and perhaps rough him up a little. Teach the entire cabin what happens when you mess with Ares.

Nick~Hermes

I grabbed a sword from the pile of weapons and swung it around, excersizing my wrist. I was pumped and ready, sword and shield was my kind of thing. I glanced at my cabin mates to see how they were getting along, and saw Jack from the Ares cabin glaring at Spirit. He picked up a huge sword and started walking towards her like he meant business. I quickly scrambled in between them and waved him down. "Hey, Jack! Wanna be partners?" There was no way I was letting that bully mess with my little sister, besides, if he wanted revenge because he had a lead on my prank, I wanted to take the blame for it.

>Sorry it's short<

Diago~Dionysus

Sword and shield time, whatever. I picked up a sword and leaned against the wall. I would be last to get paired up with, again, and would get who ever was left over. Cool by me. I didn't ever spend the extra energy walking around begging people to be my partner. If someone wanted me, they could ask; if they didn't, I wasn't going to force them.

>Again, sorry it's short<

Alex~Apollo

"Yes, sword fighting! Won't this be fun?!" Daemon slapped me on the back, the Poseidon girl still at his side, which made me kind of jealous for some reason.

I grimaced, "Oh yeah, lots of fun." Sword wasn't really my thing. Now, bow and arrow on the other hand... But I smiled anyways, because, you know, I wasn't complete with out one. Daughter of Apollo, just a ray of sunshine! Right?

Oh well, so I wasn't going to be good, at least I can laugh at it. I sighed, might as well get it over with. "Hey guys!" I held up my sword and pointed to myself. "One garrenty of whipping butt, right here! And it's free! Don't miss this great offer!" And then, in my lowered, fast voice, I added, "This offer may include winning and kicking butt, but not injuring. Amd don't expect to learn anything. A side effect may be one sad Apollo camper."

>Once again...I'm not even going to say it<

Got home earlier than expected.

T.J~Monday Morning

Sword and shield, my favorite. I pick up my favored sword, and slightly short one and a shield and look for a partner. I see that some people have already partnered up, which leaves me with a few options. Aetos, too easy, I mean he was an Aphrodite. Some Dionysus kid, if I beat him his dad would probably turn me into a grape. Alex, who was yelling how she would lose, maybe, but I'll check my other options. Some Athena girl I didn't know and, Spirit! I lift my sword and head over."Hey, you ready for me to show you what else Apollo kids are good at?" She laughs and accepts. We step out on the arena and I realize that we're the first ones out. All eyes are trained on me and her. "Lets do this," I say, drawing my sword.

Sorry it's so short.

~Kassie White~

Sword fighting, one of my favourite things to do. I glanced around, looking for Nick. He was ready with his partner, fighting. I watched the way his muscles moved when he raised his arms, or jumped back to miss being hit. His skin was a nice, fair color, not pale, and not too tan. He looked so perfect, fighting with a half smirk on his face.

I heard the sound of Raine's sword coming down and I turned quickly to dodge it. Distractions weren't good at the moment, but I couldn't help but steal another glance, and smiling when he was looking at me too. Life here was great, honestly. No one was normal, no one was human, and everyone seemed to fit in, even if we were totally different.

The sound of our sword clinking together was peaceful, and soft huff of breath that came out of my lips when I swung my blade down, or blocked her's, seemed to calm me. But inside my brain, I was thinking at a hundred miles an hour, different tactics of how to get past her, but she was equal to me, like everything I thought, she knew it. It was an interesting battle. I wasn't even sweating yet, and I was just getting started. With another almost silent huff of air, I swung my sword down then around to one side.

(So so so so sorry this sucks so much! I just assumed we were all fighting in the same place. Please keep my character in this, I might not post again for a while, I'm busy. Thanks!)

~Raine Starkweather~Poseidon~

Kassie was a good fighter, better than expected. Her sword was brought down and over, most would try to block it with their sword, but my instincts told me to drop. I dropped, letting one leg out in front of me, my foot pushed her legs out from under her. She caught herself, and now, both leveled near the ground; we were clashing swords while on our knees. The fight was entertaining, but when we both leaned in to attack and both dodged, we hit heads. That started our laughter. Through the laughing, we looked like maniacs. Everyone else was so serious and determined, while we were laughing and actually haveing fun.

Our laughter attracted many curious stares, as we continued. I swung my sword near the ground, but the jumped up to her feet, over it. Kassie, bringing down a fast chop, was stopped by my block. The force of the connection pushed me out of my crouched position onto my but. As if it were natural, I crossed my legs and twisted up into a standing position, with full power I gave a swing to her side as I gained my balance. This is fun, why didn't I come here earlier?! I thought adrenaline coursing through my veins.
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~Zandra Fairchild~Athena~

hmm. I thought, Who's it gonna be this time? Three years of this cap and i'm still having trouble picking someone. I saw Diago, standing there like an idiot, as usual. Why not. I thought as I strolled over towards him. my black shirt was torn and old, I didn't ever worry about getting dirty.

"You seem like someone who likes a challange." I said, now standing in front of him. "Partner?"

"Sure." he answered quietly.

We moved to a more open spot to fight, we didn't want to get in anyone's way. Kassie and Raine's laugher apparently ade us both feel weird. We exchanged looks and smiled, with a quiet chuckle. We took the spot next to them, but not close enough to get hurt by either.

"Ready?" I asked. He didn't answer before he swung the heavy sword my way. It was easy to block, givin my years of practice.

"Come on I know you cando better. Don't go easy on me. I can handle it." I gave a smirk and let the sword guide me.

I began with an upward blow, then swung to the left with exceptional force. This is going to be fun.

Monday Sword fighting practice

After breakfast, I walk with everyone else towards the sword fighting arena. Even though camp had just started, I'd heard people talking about how stupid and clueless Aphrodite kids were. Now I could see if they remember how good I am with a sword. Everyone around me was pairing up. I look around the clearing and I spot Devnee Grey.

"Hey Devnee!" She smiles and waves at me. I jog over to her. "Hey, wanna be partners?"

"Sure. I think we're both around the same skill area. I've seen you fight before. Let's see how you do against me though." There's a mischievous gleam in her eyes. I grab a sword and a shield and head out to an open spot. We both get in our stances, and by some invisible signal, we start. Our swords lock, the sound of grinding metal filling the air. I take a blow, but I block it with my shield. I hold my sword to her throat, thinking I'd won. She shoves me back with her shield and our swords lock again.

"Not too bad." I say.

"You're pretty good yourself." She pants. I can feel sweat beading on my forehead, and I decide to take a break.

"Time out." I mumble. I sit down on the dirt and I realize that it will stain my shorts. I shoot up and get an immediate head rush. I put one hand on my forehead and the other hand out to steady me.

"Are you okay?" Devnee asks worriedly.

"Yeah, fine. Just give me a minute." I concentrate on my breathing and in a matter of seconds I'm back to normal.

"Do you need to go to the nurse?" She asks.

"No, I'm fine. I just stood up too fast." I reply. "Are you ready to go again?" I challenge her.

"Of course. You're weaker now, so it should be even easier than it was before." She tries to look serious when saying it, but a grin breaks out on her face.

"Oh, you're so going down." I said, feeling pumped. I was so ready for this. Last time I needed a break. I was not going to really let a girl beat me.

~Kassie White~

My laughter never stopped, even with a faint pounding in my head from out misshap. My smile stayed even as we both came close to hitting each other at the same time. This was funner than I expected, and she was better than she looked. We were one mind, working against itself--which never ends good. I had a feeling this battle wouldn't have a winner, not if we kept going on like this.

I wasn't feeling tired, not one bit, and I still wasn't sweating. If I wasn't so sure of it, i'd say we were sisters, by the way our minds were working, but there was simply no way that was possible. But I had this feeling, deep down, that we were going to be great friends.

I dodged a couple more swings before I began to actually start getting competitive. My smile faded and I found I was actually trying my best. Her face was like mine, though, eyes narrowed, focused on every swing and every hit, and every weak spot. Only problem was, there was none. Her body didn't faulter with the hit of the sword, not a hesitation or anything. I wondered if I was the same way or if that was our difference.

Regan O'Neill

Everyone was scrounging around for a partner for swordfighting while I stood back. I wasn't particularly fond of any campers, so if it came to it, I'd practice against one of the dummies. They'd probably be smarter than some campers here.

I was just beginning to think no one wanted to take on the challenge of me when I saw Lexie. She was standing there, swinging her sword around calmly. Looked like the perfect challenge.

" Hey Lexie! Want to practice against me?" I asked.

She sized me up and smirked. " Only if you want to die, Regan. But fine, it's you're head."

I smirked back. " Well, at least if I die I won't be here anymore, will I?" Everyone knew of my dislike of being stuck here, it's not like I tried to hide it.

She laughed and we walked over to an empty area. I stood facing away from the sun, and she stood on a slightly higher part of the field. I smiled, knowing my freshly polished battle armor would reflect the sun right into her eyes. She seemed like she'd be more of a challenge than Jack was last year. i calculated that if she tried her hardest against me and used her usual tactics, she had a 45% chance of winning.

" You might want to go get you're extra armor, Lexie, you're gonna need it."

~Raine Starkweather~Poseidon~

Breath. I reminded myself. I had a habit to hold my breath during a fight , that needed to stop. NOW. Something vibrated the ground with a loud THUD I couldn't look away, not now. The noise startled me, my guard fell, alowing her sword to skim my left cheekbone up to my eyebrow. [i]Now, It's war[/i]. I thought, allowing a determined smile spread across my face. She looked satisfied, but also as if she expected me to run away.

I felt the stinging gash and saw the blood stain my hand temporarily, and the coolness of it run down my neck, no time to tend to it. I could handle it. I spun, not intending to let my guard down again, and slashed her right hand holding her sword. She dropped it in shock. I quickly retrieved it.

Then, as if looking in a mirror, she did what I would do in a situation like this. She stood in a fighting stance, ready to fight with her body. It wouldn't be fair if only I had a weapon, so I dropped them and pushed them away, ready for a challange. Though we looked nothing alike, and didn't have the sae god parent, I felt some sort of a connection with her. We could learn from eachother. Note to self: Spend more time with Kassie White. I mentally wrote.

~Kassie White~

My hand stung with the gash she caused, but it wasn't bad enough at the moment to care about. I'd bandage it later, when I actually cared about it. She mirrored my stance once more, legs spread, one foot in front of the other, fists ready to hit. She thrusted her arm to hit me and when I attempted to move out of the way my ankle gave out and I nearly fell, using my other leg to kick the back of her knee so that she would fall backwards. Jumping back up and stumbling, I waited for her to stand too. Then we went back to mimicking each other.

Her leg came up before I realized it and hit my ribs, but I grabbed her foot and yanked her leg. Unfortunatly, both of us ended up falling, sending us into another rave of laughter. I would most definatly have to hang out with Raine after this was over and my bruises were healed.

I can't post tommorow, but please keep my charecters involved!


~Daemond~

I give Alex a big smile. I felt bad for her, not having a partner quiete yet. Being her however, I doubted she'd have a hard time finding one. She mutters something to herself and I half wish I could go over to her and be her partner. I turn over to Katherine, a sly smile on her face. Or I could take on the challenge of beating Katherine. I raise my sword and she meets in halfway.

"Ready to get your butt beat?" I say.

She laughs, as though the idea was impossible. She wishes. I back away, slashing toward her side. Our swords clash as she blocks my slash. She tries to poke at my chest as I rush my sword at her neck. We stand there for a moment, each assesing each other. Her eyes sparkling she slashes my sword from my hand, it landing inches from me.

"I win."

My mind rushes as she slashes at my stomach. I duck and reach for my sword. I hop back up and keep my sword in front of my face.

"Not so fast."

I move my sword toward her and she smiles, her eyes sparkling with something besides michief. I loved this, sunny days trying not to get killed and showing off my fighting skills. I was good at fighting. Maybe I should just hire an Athena child to do all my thinking for me. I doubt even she could help me. Katherine's hair is whipped loose from it's bun as I run around her, in a sprint, putting my sword in her back.

"Any last words?"

~Spirit Jones~



"Let's do this." T.J. says a sly grin on his face.

"Your on."

I pull out my sword, it's sleek metal glinting in the sun. I feel eyes on us, being the first ones out. I eye Kassie and a Posiedon girl entering and I know the attention won't last long. T.J. quickly slashes at my head and I duck, swooping up at least an inch closer than I was before. I look up at him, grinning. I move my sword up to his chin. He looks down at me, not sure what to do. Suddenly, he uses his sword to push me away. I stumble back, almost falling on my back. He grabs my left hand and pulls me up.

"Are you ok?"

"F-Fine."

T.J. was a lot better than I expected. I steady my self, re-adjusting myself. T.J. slowly let's go of my hand. Is it just me or did he hold on a little longer than needed? I regain myself, keeping my mentally straight. There was no way I could win this battle by strength or skill. T.J. looks at me with a slight glance of worry.

"Do you want to continue?"

"Of course! Can't expect me to accept that as the end, can you?"

He smiles at me, nods, and re-sets his sword in his hand. I keep mine ready, heavily guarding myself with my shield. This time, I give the first blow, aiming for T.J's chest. He blocks me, our swords clashing with a loud noise. I set my sword and slash him lightly across the nose. He grins at me, a Hermes kid grin. The one that told you that we were about to pull a smooth one on you. I take a gasp of air, my brain working through all the tactic's I knew. I needed to distract him and then get my sword at his neck. Looking at that look in his eyes I knew it would be almost impossible to do that. Well, that was good. I could live with a challenge. Sweat beading down my forhead, I give him a brief smile before I slash my sword at his shoulder.

~Raine Starkweather~Poseidon~

Again, a laughing fit began. The sun beat down on me as if I had a target on me. This day was going to be long, VERY long. Sweat now began to moisten my neck and hairline, not because of the fight, but because of the blaring heat. Kassie and I were literaly Rolling on the floor laughing when a loud, commanding voice emerged behind me.

"Fighting is a serious matter." The mans face looked expressionless and determined which ade e laugh harder. I quickly covered y mouth, but it was no use.

"Y-Yes Sir" I said between giggles.

" Your battle is over. Stay on your toes you two, the Gods are watching." He assured.

I got up, dusted myself off, and offered my hand to Kassie. I pulled her up with a little to much force and she flew for a short distance. We walked over to the sidelines, eyes constantly looking over. Kassie was watching soepeople fight in the distance, I looked to another, one of my sisters looked as if she was having trouble with her battle with Daemond,when you listen to people talking for a day, you catch on pretty fast.The bold man was once again magically there, and he noticed our eyes focused.

"Go on. Observe" He said in a booming voice. He motioned to the groups. I stood up, not wanting to leave Kassie, and walked towards my sister. I sat against something near them, but not to close, and watched their battle. I'll give her a lesson on dodging later. I thought.