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Post by Luke on Sept 11, 2010 21:21:45 GMT -6
Thomas nodded slightly with a smile on his face. "Yeah, that's my mom. And yeah....I guess she is." he replied. "Even at a young age, I enjoyed spending time with my mom." he added. He paused for a moment as something entered his mind and eventually his smile even faded a bit. "Though, I gotta admit. This isn't gonna be so different from home. I never got to see my mom much anyway...thanks to her job...." he thought out loud.
He sighed.
"It's tough raising a kid by yourself in a big place like that....so I don't blame her." he mumbled before realizing he was rambling. "Oh, whoops!" he said, laughing slightly at his "embarrassing" moment. He brushed it off and moved on from that, deciding to act as if he had said nothing. Instead, he watched as Nate pulled a photo from his pocket and hand it to his sister, who in turn held it up to show.
"You all look very happy."
He smiled at them.
"You should smile more often, Nate. I hear ladies dig guys who smile..." he added as a tiny joke.
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Post by foxx on Sept 12, 2010 0:02:30 GMT -6
At this, Nate managed a small laugh, shuffling through his pack still. "I do sometimes..." he admitted, though he didn't look up; "Just...not when I'm irritated at something." "Yeahhhh..." Maddie responded, her tone bordering mocking; "You smiled a lot before we--" "--Before we came here, yeah," Nate finished, managing a steady tone as he shuffled through his meager belongings; "Before I found out our dad was some random deity who... Nevermind." Maddie sighed lightly, but before she could say anything, there came a loud horn from outside, followed by a few cheers of excitement as the cabin-members began filing outside.
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Post by Luke on Sept 12, 2010 1:25:09 GMT -6
Thomas looked over at the door and then back at the two before giving them a large grin. "....guess it's about time for Capture the Flag, then." he said before hopping to his feet and making his way for the exit. Question after question flew through his mind as he great closer toward the outside. 'How long could this possibly go on for?' and 'How would one stop a person from taking the flag?' They were good questions and it was a shame he hadn't asked them beforehand.
He brushed off his nervous demeanor and walked forward.
"...this should be fun."
As he stepped outside, he noticed what looked to be a shaved bear standing a ways off, shouting at people to come to him. "....oh, wait. That's a camper--a BIG camper." he thought to himself. He shuddered slightly at the utter size of the guy, it was scary. Thomas had always thought himself to be built rather well for his age...but this guy beat him by leaps and bounds. Were there other campers around built like this guy?
With a quick glance around, he got his answer.
"That is....scary to say the least."
He sighed.
"I wonder...is he gathering up his team for capture the flag?" he asked as he glanced back at the two siblings. He paused for a moment before something hit him again. "Oh! That reminds me! I wonder who the teams are!" he added as an afterthought, looking around.
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Post by foxx on Sept 16, 2010 18:06:18 GMT -6
Nate and Maddie followed after Thomas. Just as they reached outside, they noticed two towering flags, waving in the wind over everyone's heads; one was colored crimson, and the other was a softer blue. "Ares over here!" a rather large boy bellowed, waving his muscular arms over everyone. "Athena here!" called a girl's voice from the other end of the crowd. The massive group of campers suddenly shuffled about and split, each side going to either the blue or the red team; the trio was left in the open. Maddie bit her lip uncertainly. Nate shuffled his feet. "Gotta pick a team," came a familiar voice from behind them. Nate and Maddie wheeled around, spotting Luke as he approached. "Athena or Ares, your choice," he continued, then leaned in and dropped his voice; "My bet's with Athena's cabin this time." He gestured to two piles of helmets and racks of armor and weapons. "Pick a team, blue or red feathered helmet, and grab a sword and armor; shield if you want it. The armor's not all that heavy."
Maddie's eyebrows lifted. Swords? Armor? What kind of Capture the Flag was this?
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Post by Luke on Sept 18, 2010 0:50:50 GMT -6
Thomas looked from the large group of scary looking Ares' children to the kids from Athena's cabin. He sighed slightly, debating with himself whether or not he would pick either Ares or Athena. On one hand, the Ares cabin seemed like it was the most physically dominating team...but they also had an air about them that was just...scary to say the least.
He looked over at Luke.
"My bet's with Athena's cabin this time."
Suddenly Thomas realized how silly he had been. It wasn't always about who was the most physically dominating...it was about who was the smartest and who had the best strategy. He had a feeling which team that Nate and Maddie would be siding with, so that made it a bit easier. He smiled slightly before walking over and picking up the helmet for Athena's cabin and looked over at Luke.
"I hope we've got a great strategy going into this..."
He walked over grabbed a sword and looked at the armor for a moment.
"That'll definitely come in handy....I don't wanna get run through or something..." he thought to himself before deciding to grab the armor before deciding to ditch the shield. He smiled slightly as he looked around at his other teammates. "Hopefully...I won't end up regretting this decision..." he thought to himself.
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Post by foxx on Sept 23, 2010 15:17:28 GMT -6
And indeed, both Maddie and Nate had already decided upon joining Athena's side; the burly Ares children didn't seem very cordial, especially not to newbies. The twins, almost in unison, grabbed up the helmets and armor, though when Maddie didn't grab a shield, her brother eyed her humorously. "What? You're just as scrawny as I am!" she teased back verbally.
The two gestured for Thomas to follow, working their way into the blue-feathered side of the crowd. Luke was nearby, luckily; neither of them had a clue how this game worked. "Okay, well..." the Hermes-child explained, his eyes on an Ares camper a bit away, "it's simple: capture their red flag, keep our blue flag at its base. The armor and stuff--self-explanatory, yes?" He paused, laughing at the look on Maddie's face. "It's alright; no one's ever gotten seriously hurt in these. The most you'll get is a few bruises or a cut or two."
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Post by Luke on Sept 26, 2010 21:48:14 GMT -6
Thomas quickly followed the two, smiling slightly as he listened to Luke explain the rules. "Oh yeah, that wouldn't sound so bad...if we weren't having to face a team of gorilla's." he said, attempting to stifle laughter. They were definitely going to have to be smart with this game if they wanted to come out without being beaten to a bloody pulp.
He smiled slightly.
"A few bruises or cuts? I can deal with that...as long as I'm giving out as good as I'm getting...."
He looked back to the Ares team and realized something amazing. "...I'm from Brooklyn. I see scarier stuff on a daily basis in alleyways. What am I worrying about a group of angry looking demigods?" he asked himself. A person next to him turned and smiled slightly. "...the demigod part." he replied.
"...oh yeah. I almost forgot."
He laughed.
"Good point. But really....should I be worried?" he asked, looking over at the boy, who shook his head. "About the Ares Cabin? Only if you do something to make one of them mad....or cross their path....or look at them wrong." he replied before laughing. He paused for a second, noticing the look on Thomas' face. "I'm only kidding. They're tough...but you shouldn't have to worry about it..." he added.
Thomas smiled.
"Good to know....uhhhh," he started.
"Zachary. Zachary Stone..." the boy replied.
"Well, thanks for the reassurance, Zachary..." he said with a smile. Zachary nodded. "No problem. I was in your position a while back myself...you get used to it..." he said. Thomas nodded as well, "So what cabin are you in?" he asked. "Hermes at the moment. Still undetermined, myself. Been that way for two years." he replied. Before Thomas could say anything, he continued. "We're about to start...so be ready." he said.
Thomas nodded, feeling slightly bad for the boy--he still didn't know who his parent was? That must have been frustrating for him. "Thanks again, Zachary..." he said before turning back to Nate and Maddie--though he was sure that he would be speaking to Zachary again soon enough.
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Post by foxx on Oct 3, 2010 1:27:59 GMT -6
Though he hadn't intended on eavesdropping, Nate's ears picked up on bits and pieces of Thomas and some other boy's conversation, subconsciously, as it picked up on other random rabble in the crowd of chattering campers. Most of it went ignored, however a single statement the boy picked up on: "Still undetermined myself. Been that way for two years." Briefly, Nate's golden eyes shifted over to Zachary, eyeing him with a mingled look of disbelief and pity. As he looked away, kneeling and studying his half-adjusted shinguards, he felt a knot grow in his stomach, his fingers idly working the ties while his mind fluttered elsewhere. ...Two years...?
He almost jumped as a hand lighted on his shoulder; though he breathed a sigh of relief as he looked up into the face of his sister. Maddie lifted an eyebrow, but decided to leave it alone. "I think it's starting. Do you need help--" Her question was cut off as Nate finished tying his shinguards. "Neeevermind. You got it." She giggled a bit, helping him stand up with the extra weight. She leaned forward, looking past her brother and at Thomas. "All set? I think we're about to st--" "Alright, guys, to the woods!" yelled a voice from the front of the crowd. A small roar of excitement spread over the multitudes of people, and there began a great shuffling in the opposite direction, toward the line of trees in the distance.
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Post by Luke on Oct 8, 2010 23:16:25 GMT -6
Thomas looked down at the sword strapped to his side and slid his hand down to the hilt. While it should have been weird to be so far from home and playing a game of capture the flag with Demigods, he was perfectly fine--it was as if he was born to hold a sword. A small smile crept onto his face as he looked up ahead of him and into the woods.
He quickly looked over at Nate and Maddie with the smile still on his face.
"Let's try not to get maimed."
With that said, he charged toward the woods without a single thought. He didn't bother thinking about all the things that could go wrong. And though he hadn't had a single bit of practice when it came to swordplay and he wasn't exactly a master strategist...but somehow he figured that he'd be okay. He could feel it.
After a moment or two of running, he jumped as he felt a hand slap his shoulder. He looked over to notice Zachary with a small smile on his face. "...I think I'll stick with you guys for the time being. I don't feel right just leaving in the lion's den on your first time playing." he said. Before Thomas could interject, Zachary went on. "Some of these guys...they can spot a few new kids. And let's just say that it wouldn't be the nicest welcoming committee that you've ever dealt with..." he said.
Thomas smiled.
"I appreciate the help, man."
He looked back, knowing that the two would most likely be close by. "I'm sure we all do." he added with a nod.
Zachary shrugged slightly. "It's cool. Now let's go see what we can do to help!"
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Post by foxx on Oct 23, 2010 23:43:52 GMT -6
Unlike Thomas, Nate found that he felt a bit awkward with a sword. It was a strange feeling; not so much a feeling of ineptitude, but just strange altogether. The sword was heavy and gaudy, and his hand wrapped around the hilt in a finicky manner. He examined it for a few seconds, until he felt his sister grab his free arm and tug him along after her. "They're leaving, Nate!" she exclaimed. Sheathing the sword at his belt, the boy felt his feet start forward at a jog, then into a quick dash, his sister's fingers still wrapped around his wrist.
They slowed as Thomas halted, looking back to see the same boy from before; Zachary was it?
"...I think I'll stick with you guys for the time being. I don't feel right just leaving in the lion's den on your first time playing."
At the same time, Maddie felt embarrassed and relieved, unsure of which emotion was stronger. The embarrassment was due to the fact of their obvious newness, yet she was relieved that Zachary had their back in this. "That's nice of you, thanks," she said with a small smile. Nate nodded in agreement. "I'm Madelaine, by the way. This is my brother Natha--" "Nate," the boy interjected, before she could say the remainder of his name; "Too much of a mouthful right now, Maddie." The girl laughed lightly.
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Post by Luke on Oct 24, 2010 1:05:50 GMT -6
"It's nice to meet you, Nate and Maddie." Zachary smiled brightly at them before shrugging slightly. "And it's no problem. Everyone needs a little help when they first come here." he added. Pausing for a moment as he looked off into the distance, the boy seemed to think of something. "Y'know...it would really tick off the Ares cabin if you guys were to take their flag..." he stated with a large smirk on his face.
Looking over to notice Thomas' expression, he quickly let out a laugh. "No need to look so nervous! They'll never expect you." he said. Thomas raised his eyebrow. "That's because it's a crazy idea." he replied. Waiting for a moment, a small smile crept onto his face. "So crazy...that it just might work." he added. Turning to Nate and Maddie, he gave them an encouraging look. "It would say quite a bit about us, huh? Maybe our parents would take notice, even!"
"Fat chance."
Thomas looked over at Zachary who looked embarrassed for saying such a thing. "I'm sorry...it's just--I think it might take a little more than that." he said. "But maybe I'm wrong..." he added with a shrug. Scratching the back of his head, he let out a small sigh. "I'm just saying....not to get your hopes up just yet. But it will certainly earn you some recognition, I'd say." he finished--looking extremely sorry.
Thomas shook his head, "It's okay. Just throwing that out there--but if we can get the flag...that'll definitely be a plus. What do you guys say?" he asked, looking back over to them with a smile on his face. "I mean...what's the worst that could happen!?" he asked, his smile turning into a grin. Images of large Ares campers ghetto stomping him flashed through his mind for a split second, causing him to wince slightly.
"So...?"
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Post by foxx on Oct 24, 2010 18:01:10 GMT -6
Take the flag? That was an idea that brought the twins to complete attention, though anxiety crossed both their faces at the thought. Nate opened his mouth to speak, but paused as Zachary let out a laugh and attempted to console their worries. Newbies wouldn't be expected, but...they were still newbies. If we get caught, surprise or not--they'll waste us.
"Maybe our parents would take notice, even!"
At this, Nate listened intently, his attention caught. Would their father perhaps notice their endeavor? His thoughts ended abruptly as Zachary disagreed, seeming a bit skeptical of the idea. Almost immediately, Nate felt a bit embarrassed at his random enthusiasm, casting his gaze elsewhere; he continued to listen, however, glancing between the small group occasionally. As the two concluded their conversation, he looked up again, exchanging a glance with his sister. Nate said nothing, but Maddie sighed lightly, looking to the other two boys there. "...It's probably...not such a good idea, but..." she began, trailing off. It was obvious, however, of their decision. Maddie paused, considering something. "But what about the rest of our team...? Someone else might be going after the flag, and--" "--we'd just end up in the way," finished Nate, speaking suddenly.
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Post by Luke on Oct 24, 2010 21:48:56 GMT -6
Having only paid attention to the first half of their reply, Thomas had tuned the rest out--already knowing what their answer was. Looking over to Zachary who was now looking back at him. The two looked at the other for a moment or two, neither one knowing what was going on inside their heads. After several more seconds of awkward silence between the two, Thomas finally decided to open his mouth offer a rebuttal. "Well-" Thomas stopped and turned his head quickly as he was cut off.
"Perhaps they're right."
Thomas frowned as Zachary shrugged slightly. "I mean...I guess it was kinda dumb to suggest such a thing. A few newbies rushing off to the flag? Hah....what was I thinking?" asked the older boy, placing a hand on his head and looking embarrassed. He turned to smile apologetically to Nate and Maddie before looking shrugging again. "We'd probably do better just staying near the flag and outta the way."
"So it's just me, then?"
"..what?"
Zachary looked back toward Thomas who was now more than several meters away from them, looking over his shoulder at the group, a large smile on his face. Zachary shook his head, "It's just as these two say! There's no way you'll make it!" he said. He raised an eyebrow as Thomas waved him off. "Eh. That doesn't matter--if I see someone else near the flag, then I'll just be support. But I'm not missing this chance." he said as he turned back around and continued off, throwing up a single arm and waving. "See you guys after the game!"
"...try not to get mauled!" Zachary called out after Thomas, giving a worried look. Looking back toward the siblings, he gave them a reassuring look. "Well then, let's head off and see what we can do then, hm?" he asked before moving along himself. He chanced one last look back to Thomas and couldn't help but smile.
"That kid...he's going to be trouble."
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Post by foxx on Oct 24, 2010 23:16:56 GMT -6
Maddie blinked, watching Thomas turn away from them and start off, alone, into the woods. She took an indecisive step toward the boy, but paused, looking back at her brother and Zachary uncertainly. "...He's going to get hurt alone like that," she said, her tone bordering concern; "Those Ares kids are really really big, and Thomas...well." She paused, shaking her head and sighing lightly. "...I guess he'll be okay." "Don't worry..." Nate said, his tone as reassuring as he could get it; "He'll probably run into some of our team soon anyway, so... It'll be okay."
Maddie shrugged, glancing over her shoulder yet again before following Zachary and Nate.
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Post by Luke on Oct 25, 2010 1:10:08 GMT -6
Moving forward, Zachary looked back at them. "Have you noticed that Thomas isn't so small either? He's a pretty big kid for his age." With that said, he continued on, wondering about the boy himself. What exactly was his plan...if he even had one? The look on his face just oozed confidence in himself--it would be crazy to assume he didn't have a plan...or would it. "It wouldn't surprise me if he could hold his own against an Ares camper." In the middle of that statement, he made his way to where the flag was and nodded toward the rest of the people there. Turning back to the other two he smiled.
"Something tells me your friend will be just fine..."
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...fine wasn't really the word to describe it--more like amazing. Thomas was surprised with how well he had taken to his whole thing. Somehow, he had a general idea of what he should be doing. Apparently all those games of capture the flag at Camp Getaway two years ago had helped--it wasn't like it was all that different from THIS, was it? "Well...except the fact I'm carrying a sword..." he answered the question in his head, nearly laughing.
Hearing a twig snap, Thomas dived behind a tree and out of the view of an Ares camper. As he passed by, the Brooklyn native noticed that he seemed to be in a hurry. Making sure he was completely out of sight before he left, Toshiro made off in the direction the camper had been coming from. Perhaps it would lead to the flag? Keeping hidden, he made his way forward in an attempt to come up with something. After a bit of walking, he came upon a couple of campers who were arguing with each other.
"I'm tired of just keeping watch! Why do WE always have to do it? I wanna go find someone to hit!"
'...must be an Ares camper.' thought Thomas.
"Just shut up and keep watch! We'll get our rears kicked if you keep talking like that!" said the other camper, shoving the other slightly. This was followed by a short shoving match...which gave Thomas the perfect opportunity. While the two of them were busy shoving eachother, Thomas made his way around them in the cover of the trees. As he finally reached the back of them, the first camper finally had enough.
"Y'know what? To Tartarus with this! You can sit here and sight see all you want...but I'm outta here." he said before walking off at a brisk pace before finally erupting into a full on run. "I'm in luck..." thought Thomas with a smile. As the other took off from his post, the responsible Ares camper was left without backup...and was completely oblivious to what was behind him. Now....sneak attacks were never Thomas's idea of cool...he couldn't allow the others to be alerted of his presence.
So quickly stepping forward, Thomas wrapped his left arm around the boy's neck and his right arm was hooked underneath the others armpit and then clamped onto the back of his head--a classic sleeperhold. Shortly after Thomas clamped in the hold, the boy stopped struggling and eventually went limp. Smiling slightly as he could hear the sound of light snoring, he dragged the camper out of the way and moved onward toward his destination.
"Something tells me I'm going to be just fine..."
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