Posts by The Ninth Doctor

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Unlike most campers around camp half blood, Esteri wasn't up practicing, or reading, or exploring, or any of the things many campers usually did. Instead, she spent most of the midday, when the sun was at it's highest, sleeping. It had become fairly routine for her actually, to take a short nap during midday. Her powers were weaker during the day, plus she didn't much like the heat. She had found a nice shady spot in the woods, a reasonable distance from any other campers, and fell asleep. Now however, as the day wore on, and the afternoon sun began to shine on her sleeping place, she awoke.

Stretching and yawning, she blinked, still feeling a tad groggy. In the distance, she could hear the clang of sword against sword coming from the sparring arena. No doubt two campers were getting into a heated match. Standing up, she brushed the dirt off her black leggings, and jogged back to her cabin. She wanted some time to prepare for the match tonight. She fully intended to bring her team victory.

As she neared her cabin, she pressed her fingers to her mouth and whistled two notes. A grey wolfish looking dog melted from the shadows near the cabin and loped over to her. She stroked its head, which came to about her chest. "Hello Noctis."
The Stygian Hound growled in greeting.
"We have a capture the flag match tonight, I hope you're ready." A growl rumbled in his throat and he followed her into her cabin. She crossed the floor to her bed, which was in the far corner, and began to suit up, choosing her items carefully. A lightweight, completely black set of armor that covered her chest, forearms and legs. It might not hold up to any powerful blows, but if she remained unseen, it wouldn't be an issue.

Once she was done putting on her armor, she knelt beside her bed and slid out an ornate wooded case. The case contained a large array of various poison darts, all neatly organized. She chose several from her nonlethal darts, that would cause a wide variety of problems such as sleep, disorientation, hallucinations and paralysis. She tucked hem carefully into special slots on her belt, taking note of what order they were in. She checked the straps that attached her bo staff to her back, making sure they were secure, before heading for the exit. The match would be starting soon, and she wanted to be ready.

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As the sun began to set, Esteri decided to creep around a bit, see what the other campers were up to. The grounds seemed mostly empty,so she guessed a lot of them were getting ready. Se wondered what the rest of her teammates were up to. Although she kept to herself, she did observe them from a distance. She paused under a tree for a moment to think. Who were they again? A girl... Lily, if she recalled right. And that Hermes kid who could run incredibly fast. Hugh. Both could be valuable allies. Plus, Lily was nice. She didn't mind the other girl too much.

The sound of voice drew her attention and she spotted three campers talking. Two she recognized as Lucas and Claire. The third she had seen before, but she didn't recall a name. She paused to watch the two for a moment before shaking her head and smiling to herself. Noctis trotted beside her, and she absently stroked his head.
"Where do you think the rest of the team is?"
The hound, of course, didn't reply, but she still liked talking to him. It made her feel better. It had become habit by now, just chatting with Noctis. Emerging from one of the cabins was a familiar faces, one of her teammates, Lily.

Lily's back was to Esteri, so she strode towards her, moving as she always did-silently and inconspicuously, although it was more habit and less on purpose. "Hey Lily," she murmured casually, once she was right behind her. "Ready for tonight?"

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Before Esteri could get a response, a loud call drew her attention.
“CAM-PERRRRS!” She immediately recognized the voice as Chiron. She turned to see him standing at the center of the cabins. “Report to the forest! You know what time it is.”
"I'd better get a good spot. See you tonight!" She called to Lily, not waiting for a response. Quietly and swiftly she began to move away, darting towards the forest. She glanced back checking to see if Noctis was following her, then promptly ran into Sorina. She was blushing madly for some reason, appeared visibly flustered. Hugh was nowhere to be seen, although that was hardly surprising, considering how fast that kid moved. Esteri wondered what had happened, and where Hugh was. Probably off to get into position for the match.
“Oh! Er- hi,” Sorina mumbled. “You probably want to know why you’re in my book too.”
Esteri blinked and frowned. Book? What book? She glanced down and noted a journal of some kind clutched in the other girls grasp. Before she could ask any questions, Sorina continued.
“It’s because of your staff. You both, and the other kids I’ve got marked down, all have something that differentiate you from just...fighting with a sword. Or what-not.” Her voice dropped to a mumble and she trailed off.
Esteri stared at her, not sure what to say.
“I should- I should go get ready. We’re on opposing teams tonight, aren’t we?” Sorina asked, grinning slightly, “The Hecate Cabin always makes for good competition.”

"Sure..." Esteri said awkwardly. "Thanks I guess?" She was a bit surprised and confused. She didn't know Sorina as well, but she seemed nice, from what Esteri had seen. "You Athena kids are pretty smart. But we're still going to win." She added, some of her confidence returning. The prospect of the competition tonight was getting her excited. "Better watch your back tonight. Not that it will help," she said, grinning. Stepping past Sorina, she jogged towards the woods. Noctis gave a parting growl to the girl before following Esteri. Within a few seconds, the two melted into the shadows.

Esteri turned her focus to the woods around her, as she headed out. The woods were like her second home, and she knew them well from traversing them almost all the time during her past three years at camp. Every nook and cranny was mentally mapped out. As for defeating the other team, she had a few different strategies. She could try and team up with Hugh, maybe figure out a plan. Or she could try and get to a concealed place and take out other team members. She still had a couple minutes to think.

Esteri waited, breathing slow and steady, keeping her breathing silent. She stood still, nestled in the roots of a tree, cloaked by shadows. She had passed by a couple of her teammates from other cabins earlier, but they were mostly in small groups of their own, and she didn't want to interfere. There was a sudden burst of wind, and a sharp breeze shook the bushes around her. Hugh.

Standing up silently, she whistled for Noctis, who had vanished into the shadows earlier. "Watch my back," she whispered to the hound. The hound made no noise in reply, but simply bounded away into the darkness. Even though the match had just started, there was no telling which campers could have made it to their area already. A plan formulated in her mind, a fairly simple, but hopefully effective one.

Esteri broke into a brisk jog, slipping noiselessly from shadow to shadow, following the direction Hugh had gone. She hoped he hadn't gotten to far, or gone for the flag yet. Finally, she spotted him some distance ahead, still in their zone. Keeping hidden in the shadows, she called out to him, her voice not quite a loud whisper.

"Hugh!" Even as she called his name, she scanned the woods, trying to decide which perches she could use and how to get there.
(My home internet is kind spotty lately so I'll mostly try to post during school)

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The horn blew and Esteri's hand instinctively went for her weapon as the game started and the other team charged. Her heart beat faster and she felt almost jittery with excitement and a healthy dose of nervousness, same as she always did during matches like this. Her excitement only increased further as the other team sprinted towards their side, weapons drawn. Yet none of them seemed to notice her, one camper even darting a short distance behind her without noticing. She couldn't help but notice Hugh's visible frustration a few moments later, but she chose to ignore it. As he approached, she focused, concentrating on cloaking them in a veil mist.

The trick was a simple one, and she picked it because it was easy to maintain. Instead of trying to make them completely invisible, or disguise them as something else, she simply altered the way they would be perceived. A bit like making them seem like they belonged, and presented no threat, as well as making them more difficult to spot. Granted, if someone tripped over them or focused hard enough, they could be found, but the disguise would have to do. Especially since Demigods were harder to fool. Trying to focus on her surroundings, have a conversation, and maintain the Mist was plenty hard enough.

A few moments later, Hugh drew within proper speaking distance. In the moonlight, his face seemed to glow, and she felt extra thankful for the Mist veil.
"Heey." he said in greeting. "Talk fast. If we stay stationary for too long, we’ll become a target for ranged weapons.”
She nodded in understanding, then began to speak. She'd had several more seconds to think over her plans, and it seemed like a solid one to her.
"I can help you. With my staff and darts, plus your speed, we can steal the flag. I'll help clear a path and disguise you with my magic. Just tell me what route you plan on taking. I'll go on ahead and take of the-."

A low snarl from some distance behind her drew her attention. Noctis. The snarl died out quickly, but she recognized it as a warning. Noctis sensed something, although he likely hadn't found whatever 'it' was yet. Still, they didn't have much time. Someone was either already here, or approaching quickly. And if Noctis hadn't attacked yet, then they were good.
"I can deal with the guards." she said quickly, looking at him questioningly. If he said no, she had other plans, but Hugh's assistance would make it easier. She wasn't fast, or at least nowhere near as fast as him, and if it came to a close quarters fight, she would like lose against most other campers.

(I have work all evening so i won't post again till late tonight maybe)

Esteri hadn't even considered using Noctis as part of the plan, although it was a good idea. Initially, she had simply thought that he would act as back up. Now that she thought about it though, the Stygian Hound could be useful. Before she could reply to his question about Noctis, or even is next statement though, there was a sudden cracking of branches above her and Noctis gave a chilling howl.He burst into a ground eating sprint disappearing into the woods in the direction Claire had gone. The sound was cut short for Esteri however, as there was a sudden blur of movement and a curse from Hugh.

Next thing she was aware of, Hugh had crashed into her, tackling her into the ground hard. As he tackled her, two arrows whizzed by overhead. A next second, she struck the ground, the force of the impact knocking the breath from her. As he stood, lifting his weight from her, she drew a deep breath and blinked a few times. This was definitely not what she expected. Originally, she thought she might have a bit more time, maybe thirty seconds.

For a few seconds, she lay still, breathing and gathering her thoughts. The attack had to be from one of the archers, obviously. Probably Claire, since she was one of the best at moving through the woods and firing arrows. Judging by the howl she'd heard from Noctis a few moments earlier however, the hound was after her, and hot on her trail. She had no doubt her hound could likely catch up, if Claire paused for too long or took time to try and grab the flag.

Nodding absent mindedly at Hugh's statement, she scrambled to her feet. The Hermes kid seemed winded, or something. Perhaps nervous, judging from his laugh. Something was definitely off, but she didn't have time to think on it now. "Claire must be after our flag. We can't let her get it." she sprinted in the direction of the flag, but stopped a couple strides later when another howl echoed through the woods. The sound was eerie, and had an odd effect of echoing in a way that made it seem like it was on all sides. To any other camper, it may have been far more frightening, but Esteri was familiar with the call. Noctis found his prey.

Noctis, meanwhile, bounded up to the tree where the girl was. He let out a noise halfway between a snarl and a vicious bark, springing upwards as he did. Digging his claws into the tree bark, he pushed off and lunged upwards for the branch she stood on. Although this human game was of little consequence to him, he did know that the godling he was sworn to serve enjoyed it immensely, and that this girl, who smelled positively distasteful, had to be stopped. The branch shook wildly as he landed halfway on it, his front claws wrapped around it near the base. As he scrambled to right himself, he purposefully shook the branch even more-perhaps he could imbalance her.

Immediately, at the sound of her hounds cry, she started in that direction. As she ran, she took off her bo staff, holding it ready as she mentally prepared to grab a dart. There might still be time to win.

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Esteri bounded through the woods like deer, leaping from fallen logs and rocks, moving with surprising ease, although one that was born from knowledge rather than skill or parentage. She may not have been able to match Hugh or that Artemis girl, but she still knew these woods. In fact, she made a point of walking them on a regular basis. The landscape was always changing in subtle ways.

After a few seconds, she arrived at the river, just in time to see Claire tackle another boy. He went down too fast to see who it was, although he had to be on their team, if Claire had attacked him. A shadowy blur passed by her as Noctis darted towards the river.
"Noctis!" she called. The hound stopped on the riverbank and snarled. He could smell her. So close... He wanted to attack, but he knew Esteri wouldn't want it. Instead he paced, eyes locked on the girl.

The instant Noctis stopped, Esteri dropped to one knee and loaded a dart into her staff. It was a powerful one, and tipped in celestial bronze. It had taken her months to get the right mixture, and even a few tests on herself, which had been extremely unpleasant. The end result was well worth it however. The victim would suffer from a burning pain, and lack of muscle coordination for a few minutes. It was enough to hopefully hold Claire back and slow her down.

Taking careful aim, she raised it to her mouth and blew, firing it straight at where Claire had gone down.

(I love how everyone either hates or loves Noctis lol)

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Everything seemed to be happening to quickly. A voice called out from somewhere in the woods, yelling a warning to Claire, mere moments after she fired the dart. She whirled towards the noise. Less than a second later, a dagger whirled from the darkness, embedding itself in her the stygian hounds chest. Her hound's chest. Anger boiled inside her, overtaking any sense of friendly competition. True, she knew logically that Noctis would come back, and quickly too, probably tomorrow.

This was hardly the first time he died, but without fail, every time he did, she felt a familiar rush of anger. Someone had taken Noctis from her. Her closest confident a friend, even if he was a friend who couldn't talk. She could not allow this to go unpunished. She spared a quick glance back towards the river. It took all her control not to charge headlong in the direction the dagger had come from. She needed to make sure the way was clear.

The Aphrodite kid managed to escape and had the flag, and was locked in a stand off with Claire and another girl. Immediately, Esteri focused on her. Hunter. She only knew who she was because the girl was a child of Hades. She rather liked Hades kids, they were on good terms with her mother too. Hecate had been given free passage in and out of the Underworld by Hades millennia ago. But killing Noctis was unacceptable.

She loaded another dart with practiced ease. The movement took less than a second, and she fired, aiming for Hunter. This dart was different then the one she'd used for Claire. It was something she had created after a run in with a nasty monster. Although the actual monsters venom had been far too dangerous to use, she had been able to formulate something similar. A strong hallucinogen, combined with mandrake and some other plants. She had accidentally pricked herself with it once before and had terrible hallucinations, dizziness and then drowsiness.

Without waiting, she rose to her feet and charged Hunter, not particularly caring if the dart had hit or even taken effect. Spinning her staff in her hands, she brought it down on her head. At this point, she barely cared who had the flag. No one touched her hound.

Satisfaction flowed through Esteri, followed by a grin as her strike connected. Usually, she wasn't the sort who enjoyed beating people up, even during a competition (although she hardly minded it), but this time she liked it quite a bit. The girl glared at her, clearly dazed and angry.
"I'd love to know what your version of friendly competition is." As she spoke, she transformed her dagger into a shadowy sword. A tiny spark of envy flickered in Esteri. That's sword was incredible. She rather wished she possessed such a magnificent weapon. Anger quickly buried envy however.

Before Esteri could react further, another voice spoke, and she glanced towards it. In her distraction, she allowed another camper to come and pick up the now unconscious Claire. A moment later, Hunter had grabbed the flag from her teammate and and sprang across the river. As she announced her victory with a disgustingly smug grin, Esteri's frustration reached boiling point. Not only had that girl killed Noctis, but she had beat her. There were few things on earth that Esteri hated more than losing.

Thanks to Hunter, she'd let Claire get away, and the flag get taken. She'd failed her team. With a loud cry, she charged across the river after her. She fired a second dart as she ran, hoping that blind luck would lead the dart to its target. "This is for killing Noctis!" she said. As she words left her mouth, she twirled her bo staff and swung at Hunter's legs. Deep down, she definitely didn't want her dead, but she did feel like she needed to prove herself. Besting her in combat seemed like a good solution at the moment. Maybe even rough her up a bit.
(I’ll let this be my last post so Hugh has a chance to hop in. Didnt mean to leave u behind :0)

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