Joaquín De León

Well, yes - they are just sneakers to ordinary people but to a demigod is a symbol of the god Hermes. Since he is a child of the god himself, he thought he would get a pair. "I suppose so," he paused, "but if I don't have it now, that means I can't have it just yet. I remember some of my half-siblings not having their pair. And they seem fine without it." The adolescent teen drew a sigh in an attempt from the self-agitation. "Though those sneakers look nice. I think I'll buy an ordinary pair whenever I get the chance and pretend it has wings." 

"You're right that I shouldn't try to understand by father. I think most of us don't bother with our god parents since they just dipped. We had to live on without them, but it's good to know that they happened to meet with other... people so we don't have to be alone. If you what I mean." Joaquín preferred not to mention the details explicitly since he figured she already knew what he was referring to. "But umm, thanks for the pep talk. I appreciate it. You should do that more! Not just me."

"I think I'll head back to the Hermes cabin myself. I was procrastinating on fall cleaning - no thanks to you - but I'll remember what you said to me. Good luck on your practice!"

fin.

"So what you're saying is that every spell is different and you would have to be specific if you want to have an intended effect. Is that right?" It's all Joaquin could gather based on what she was saying, but he did like the way he floated while it lasts. It felt like flying, only that he's in the same position above ground and he could not bring himself to move - which would require an entirely different spell. "I suppose with that sort of logic, you can make virtually anything happen to an extent." Like moving stuff without having to carry them. It would be nice to actually be productive without having to do anything... but it somehow destroys the purpose. Actually flying though, that's more like it.

"Err..." He hesitated to answer her for the moment, but now that she lowered him down to the ground, he was able to think for a bit. "I was never given a pair and my half-siblings wouldn't let me borrow theirs. I don't know why but it's probably because of my disdain for my father. They suspect the same as well." He drew a deep breath. "You weren't making stuff up. Every child of Hermes gets a pair of those shoes, except me," he shrugged, "but I don't care. I won't change my stance for that man. Even if he is a god." 

"Actually, that's what I wanted to do. I'm not the spell caster here, but do you want to fly together? Maybe wind up somewhere with a good view." This sort of proposal sounded funny when she's the one with the means to make it happen, but he figured the both of them need the fresh air together.

Joaquin waited until she casted the spell. Hearing her incite the incantation felt odd to hear especially if he was the target. Once she focused on him, he felt drawn to her as they made eye contact. Was she always this pretty? He would not know. They only met a few times through Arsen, but he was lost. And it was not until he realized he was looking down on her that he was floating mid-air. He looked down and his feet were off the ground. "Oh my god. I'm flying." He looked way to excited for someone who was just floating maybe close to a feet off the floor. "I actually have no idea what you meant earlier but as long as the spell works, I'm game. Also, I'm flying- I mean, floating. Can't really consider it flying when I can't move on my own."

He could not help but chuckle. "So if it's a different configuration, would it be possible to make it so that the subject can maneuver themselves for a short period of time? I believe that could be your next challenge if you're willing to take it. Call it... an upgrade to the spell. Besides, we should fly together if you ever accomplish that." Sure he had almost no clue of how the Hecate children work their magic but he had seen enough to get the gist of their craft. Today was the first to be demonstrated personally to him which he had already found pleasant it came from Asher.

Many could consider it quite bold to even ask about being a guinea peg for any of the Hecate children's spells but part of it was really on Joaquín's naivety. He did witness many of their spells but there was not a word where someone actually volunteered. Or someone did but they wanted to be hush hush about it. Honestly, the boy did not see a problem with it. Even if it went wrong, Asher could find a way to undo the effects. He doesn't know the how or the why... He just knew. Besides, he always wanted to see what it is like inside the goddess's cabin.

And today, he answered his question. "Thank you." Giving her another smile, he finally let himself in after persuading the gatekeeper. Almost as dim as a cave but perhaps as cozy as a study, what he had imagined was a bit more light to the area. Not as bright as the Apollo cabin's exterior, but enough light to see everything within a glance. He did not mind - it did suit the practitioner herself. So she was practicing a levitation spell. He wondered what it would feel like to lift himself off the ground. "More like, do I trust you to cast a spell on my person that has a chance of backfiring...?" Joaquín rephrased the question playfully. "Of course I do. I know you're a studious woman."

He stood a few feet from her to give her space, giving her a look of confidence. "Ready?"

Joaquín already knew that she would not be pleased even if she was the first choice so getting a rather indifferent reaction from being second was better than, well - anything really. "At least you are not the third or fourth choice." He replied, even though she could not careless but choosing someone to hang out with them could have turned out differently for many people. "I do think asking to hang out spontaneously brings the most random outcomes but it really just depends on the party if they want to have a good time or not. You can pretty much guess the outcome I prefer." He could not help but grin. She could have easily closed the door on him but he was glad she did not chose to do so. The boy tilted his head a bit upon their little cabin policy but that pretty much goes for any cabin and he technically is a stranger to her.

"Like I said, I want to spend time with you. It's not like I'm going to... Wait. That's it." A solution came to mind and he was more than happy to pitch it to her from his wide smile. "You said you are still practicing your magic. I could be or try to be helpful by repeating those phrases to get you to memorize the spell. Or your guinea pig. Whatever you need. I won't touch anything. No guarantees." He can try but there are those times when his curiosity gets the best of him.

"Actually, yes." The boy was a tad bored but seeing the woman again made his day. He decided to play along. "You don't mind that, do you?" Joaquin narrowed his inquisitive eyes into a slit for the moment. He did hung out with Arsen a couple of times but he truly never got the chance to conversate with his twin sister. He never talked about her and mentioning her name did leave a bit of a sour taste onto his mouth. It is not that he did not love her but she was simply the 'smarter' twin and it was evident from her practice. Besides, he took a fancy to annoy people once in a while but never to the point where the sight of him is unbearable.

"I know the boundary has to have some sort of power source. And speaking for every camper that has set foot in here, I thank you." He gave her a half bow and once his face was lifted, a grin was parting his lips. The pine tree on Half-Blood Hill and the Fleece powers the borders as well, one of the things every new camper will know but there are other defenses taken as extra precaution to prevent more monsters from coming in. Someone could summon a monster from within, but who in the right mind would do that? "Anyways, I've been here a while. You're not going to invite me in? Or should I drag you out?" Joaquin had no intention of forcing himself but he also didn't intend on leaving her alone. For today, he may stick to her like glue.

Joaquín understood what he meant by the spoken outcome. He knew that maybe he was trying to be nice and avoided shoving it in his face which was something that he can respect. He never liked people who do that anyway. Still, it would need years of experience and training if he wanted to get as fast as him. He would probably be convinced if he had told him he was a Hermes child in disguise. "Now that you mentioned it..." The boy had rarely seen his older half-sister in her workout attire. He could not remember the last time but he could recall that she was so fast he felt the wind blow against him when she ran past him. "Ah yeah, she's been busy with her duties but that's what makes her a good acting director, right?" And definitely an older sister he wished he had.

His eyes overlooked the camp landscape. From the waves crashing into fireworks beach to the canopies of the forests, he could never get tired of this sight. Camp Half-Blood is a beautiful place and everyone made it so. A chilly breeze swayed over his somewhat built figure, expediting the cooling of his body. The boy took a deep breath of the sea-salt air that blew in their direction and for some trees it could make out that tiny specks of orange he could identify as leaves growing their orange color. It's the new season approaching. With the next words he had spoke, he seemed he'd make it as one of the teachers here. Was he planning on being one?

He smiled with a soft grin. "Of course, Mr. Blackburn. You just got back so I will leave you to catching up with the rest of camp. See you again!"

And with a wave, the Joaquín left the wall with a satisfied look on his face.

"He's good for Lilythe."

Fin.

Joaquín knew the daughter of Dionysus wouldn't just sit around and chill but to have fun and let go of herself. It's what drawn him to her in the first place simply because she matched the energy he had been looking for in a friend. He's always down to make moments more exciting and that's what she had been doing too. This party is just the latest in the long line of her whims.

"Will do. I'll see if I can have some fun with some... unsuspecting campers." He winked back at her and raised a cup before heading off. It was implied that he was going to perform some subtle pranks and probably start a fight but he knew that wasn't something Aislynn wanted. She wanted to be chaotic but not to the point where feelings are hurt or violence was instigated. He knew that all too well. So he'll tone it down and bring about some laughs. What to do, what to do... he thought to himself as he looked around. 

A part of him wanted to best his opponent and the thought of it made his heart jump. A grin curled the corners of his lips as he continued to scale the wall rather swiftly, in no thanks to his nimbleness. Joaquín kept his pace steady as his breath though there are times he had to perform a maneuver to avoid the incoming boulders and lava flow. It was not much but the frequency was keeping him distracted from how difficult it'll be. Just as he was about to grab another rock, he wasn't aware of one falling towards him until he dodged instinctively. He held into his new position on the wall with one hand for a moment before resuming the climb. Focus, you, focus... he thought.

It was not until he reached about a three quarters of the wall that he began perspiring. Some sweat began forming from his face but he was certain it was from the lava's heat and not from the energy he was exerting to the climb, but no matter. As long as he can experience the brisk air from the top of the wall, it may as well be worth the exercise. The boy increased his pace by grabbing any rock he can hold onto as soon as he was able to while making sure to avoid the wall's obstacles. 

To his luck, his body reached him to the top as he pulled himself up to stand, spreading his arms to feel the sun's rays as the sea salt zephyr touched the warmth on his cheeks.  He could not help but smile widely as he won the climb... or so he thought. He looked to the side and noticed Azrael enjoying the scenery. "Wow. I really thought I had you beat, I'll admit. Looks like I have a lot to learn. How does it feel to reach the top? Been a while since you've climbed." 

Home.

She said. It never dawned on him that this could be a home to many campers. After visiting this place for two more summers, his mother had asked him if he wanted to stay here year around during his high school years. She felt that this would be the best place for him to learn, to grow, and to prepare himself for the real world. The reality he thought was beyond the boundary was not the same before he caught into his abilities. His mother knew that her demigod son was someone she could not take care of on her own and the more they are together, the more likely they are to be in danger. After agreeing to her request, this summer became his first summer where he won't come back but still made sure to visit during special occasions. He wrote letters to her too about his experiences in camp and would sometimes mention Lilythe as an older sister he never had.

"I do like to have fun as you can see." With a smile, he gestured over to the powdered color balloons in his hand. "I know I might lose interest in this so I'm just doing it while I can. They're harmless. You know that. And..." Joaquín did not think much about New Rome. All he knew is that its a place where the older campers get to study instead of those universities his mother had mentioned to him. Sure he has good academic standing but he wanted to focus on his demigod life for now. "I don't know. I haven't planned it out yet." It was the honest truth. "I heard there's lots of other things campers do when they leave like working or going to another university or even experience the world. Just not sure what I want to do."

"What about you? Do you have any dreams? Any goals?" He wanted to know about her aspirations. I mean, she can't just stay in here forever, right?

Joaquin did hear that things were harsh at camp much before he entered into this Greek realm. Most of the classes people took were about training. Swordplay, archery, scouting, battle tactics, mythology, and the creatures they could expect to face. He could not begin to fathom what it was like back then so he was mentally grateful that there was more camper enrichment. If demigods to come to camp, they might as well expect to have fun, right? All while learning some new skills not typically taught to them beyond the boundary.

Happy to see that no one else was occupying the wall, he stood before the southern wall and tilted his head upwards. His eyes were looking at the top and slowly made their way to the ground level. "Sounds good." The setting would not be that difficult but he preferred it to be a little bit higher. He shrugged at the thought and began to sprint towards it before hurling himself. Once he reached the wall, both of this hands grappled the rocks that kept him from falling as he firmly set his foot to another pair of rocks. He preferred not to plan as he likes the thrill of having something thrown at him randomly. He did not have the build like Azrael but he was nimble - and he believed that is one of his core strengths.

His body carried him slow and steady across the rugged wall, just waiting for something he could abruptly dodge. 

Joaquín had known about the Harrington twins since his first summer here but the they had only exchanged words here and there so it was nothing more than an acquaintanceship. With the information given to him through small talk and hearsay, the twins are more distinct than he'd thought. He was under the presumption that they share most, if not, all aspects of each other but that was not the case when he got to chat with them. And with Arsen occupied with his own magic with the help of two other demigods, he thought he could reach out to Asher if she was available. Seeing that she opened the door, she is. "Asher!" He clapped his hands together. "I'm flattered that you have paused whatever you're doing to open the door for me." He could not help but let out a soft giggle at his response. "I was thinking if you wanted to hang out right now if you're available. I haven't seen you two since last summer but your bro's busy with his own thing but it looks like..."

Curiosity drove him to lean either side and tiptoeing to see if she actually was occupied in doing something, only to find an open grimoire laying where he assumed she was before he knocked on the cabin's front door. "You're available." He spoke with a grin, pretending to disregard that she might actually be occupied. But before she could answer, he continued to speak. "You should take a once in a while. I know you like studying but clearing your mind even for ten minutes helps. Come on. It won't be long."

Joaquin was in the arena sparring with Zoren who gives him weapons training from time to time. He favors short blades - they are convenient to carry around and he can throw them at any given moment for that range. His sparring partner was not exactly well versed in that too when they started but it was thanks to his telumkinesis that he was able to grasp the weapon faster than he can so he was able to teach him at their own pace. As the two clashed their weapons, the atmosphere grew intense when they increased their space and campers began to surround them to watch from the sides. He could not help but smirk. He wanted to show how he can fare against a child of Athena so he took the first move. Zoren parried and the two continued to spar until he got kicked in the back of his knee, causing him to kneel down with a fist near his neck. "Just because I'm disarmed does not mean I helpless." Zoren spoke with a confident tone before helping him up. "Let me know when you want to do this again."

Joaquin was rather beat so he took his water with him as the crowd dispersed. Walking past the pegasus tables, he could see some of the campers getting their lessons. One was learning how to ride one on foot while two campers flew on them. Happy to see none of the creatures are rather feisty, he moved on towards the camp lodging area where all their cabins are located. Once he laid eyes on a particular cabin, he halted his tracks. This cabin is built with stones with engraved writing and has four entrances. There was a superstition about one of the stones falling but he'd just laugh it off. Though what really kept him is a certain child of Hecate that resides in that cabin, @ Asher Harrington . After giving it a thought, he decided to make a visit to see if she is inside.

He knocked on the door three times. "Anyone in there?"

Joaquín was among the crowd that gathered for tonight's claiming. He initially felt indifferent towards the ceremony because of his dislike for his father which was then forwarded to the gods in general for their terrible roles as parents. Even then, do they even understand how it works? He shook his head but eventually grew to enjoy coming to witness such event after learning about the circumstances before Percy's deal with the immortals. It was not just him that experienced their lives without knowing their god parents and the strange things that happened when it comes to their demigod status and abilities. The best part is, this camp is the best place demigods can call home simply because the campers are just children who are still struggling to find their place in life. Who is to say he is not one of them? Enough pondering for now - there's a party going on in Dionysus' Cabin hosted by his very friend Aislynn.

Hearing the music from outside, his body felt light as he walked quickly towards the cabin but then began to run after it with a wide grin. He loved socializing with others, especially when there is tomfoolery to be made. If possible, his attention could be drawn with how much he liked to talk but there is a chance he'll pull a prank on some poor camper. Arriving to Willow's unplanned solo concert, he slithered through the small crowd to fetch himself a drink that is not alcoholic. Sure he can be a rebel but not for this. He was about to leave the beverages table when he saw Aislynn approaching it. "Hey! Sick party. Might as well end the night on a good note, right?"

"Oh yeah, I remember the days where I practiced scaling the wall. Many of my bones were broken well- not at the same time but I was happy to consume the camp's seemingly unlimited quantities if ambrosia. Each time I got one, they taste different because I usually crave something different. Not that I'm getting myself hurt just for the magic." He could not help but chuckle at his own comment. "I'll bet. I suppose the times back then were not the best examples of peace... but I am quite happy most of the campers did not experience it. They're... no. We're still children but we'd like to get some battle experience like you guys did. And the cabin leaders are doing their best to provide that. Lilythe and the others."

Joaquín smiled gleefully at him. "Of course. Gotta work those calories off, right? Hmm... I will do the southern face." He had no preference in which side of the wall he climbs because either one proved to be a challenge in every attempt. He scaled the wall more times can he could, broke more bones than he can count, all for the sake of being able to protect but being being competitive with himself is part of the reason for self-development. He wanted to make use of his agility and would gradually train to hone that gift. Bouldering is one of those methods which is why he always timed himself for every attempt.

"Ah, that figures. I suppose you old folks want to leave it to us to prove ourselves." He flashed him a grin. "Can't argue with that though." As the two of them finally approached the climbing wall, Joaquín went over to the southern face as he mentioned earlier. One of the best parts of the climbing wall is getting a glance at the view once you reach the top. It could either be the sea or the forests either of which are beautiful in their own nature. This is the same reason why he liked bouldering or hiking- because of the view from the top.

As he continued to savor his food, he mentally thanked the dryads for preparing the food and having it ready by the time they had arrived - as if they sensed their hunger nearby. Each bite brought in flavors that meshed well with each other. The tenderness, the spices, and there was something about it that pairs well with bread that is not stale just yet. It was so delicious that getting seconds felt enticing but he would rather not deal with a bloated stomach or feeling drowsy later. When their was a short pause to their conversation because they were occupied with their food, he looked down at some areas of the camp from the top of the hill that were visible to him. Many campers were having fun doing whatever activities they had planned or even spontaneously involved themselves. It was one of the things he loved about camp. No drama. Just work hard and play hard.

"Fair enough. A burn scar is nothing but a result of your first attempt. I'm sure there are others who have gotten scars in their first try. I made it up with holes on my camp tee shirt and some edges of my hair singed off." Joaquín had to chortle at his firsthand experience with the climbing wall. "I was a mess. Had to avoid the lava and the boulders anyway I can. I was afraid back then but I wanted to reach the top no matter what it took. Make use of what my dad gave me, right? I suppose... I was lucky not to get a burn scar. I've scaled it in full lava-and-earthquake mode, now that was a doozy but difficult nevertheless." Once he finished his food, he agreed to him dropping off the picnic hamper at the Big House before doing anything else. "Yeah, of course. I'm up for a round or two at the wall. I'd like to scale it when it's quiet. Want to do it as a little competition. No stakes though. I've got nothing to offer." 

When Azrael was able to pick out the best role for him in capture the flag, the child of Hermes snapped his fingers and turned a finger gun towards him with a reveled look. "That's right. I love doing that and causing trouble for others. I still do it outside of the event though-" He paused. "Not as much, okay? Granted, it's useful for stalling my opponents. If I get them mad, then it clouds their judgement temporarily. That's why I always rotate my methods. Can't let them know my next move, right?" A soft smile curled his lips. "I surely hope we don't face off as opposing sides. I'm starting to like you."

As soon as they dropped off the picnic hamper, they were on their way to the climbing wall. The two kept talking as they walked there in a steady pace. Joaquín was certainly taking his time but that was simply because he liked what they have going so far. 

At least, he was partly right but he had forgotten about the very fact that monsters just want to hunt demigods simply because they're not immortal. At the moment, he did a mental face palm of himself and make a note to brush up on his lore with her next time or James if he's available. At the same time, he thought Hermes probably stirred something up in that realm of his and caused certain monsters to have it out for them. Either way, as long as the campers stay within the camp boundaries, they're safe. He was wondering what sort of creatures they faced if not hellhounds and harpies but he brushed his thoughts aside, happy to be reassured that he won't be a thorn to her.

"I- I forgot..." Joaquín looked away in embarrassment for the moment as his face red, eyes darting around for him to confirm the obvious. They are in Hermes' Cabin alright. "Well, okay. I'll just get two and then we'll get going. I'll save the rest for Aislynn." Grabbing first the colored powder balloons that were stocked in the cabin's "Prank Items" cabinet, he held two on each hands. When he approached the cabin entrance, he turned around and gestured for her to come over. "A powered color walk it is."

As the two began their stroll on camp grounds, her half-brother was scouting on the campers to see if he could throw the balloons while have them suspect another but also to find a hiding spot for him to take while he witnesses it. The farther he could throw, the better. He wished he could have the Apollo children's' gift right now. "So if you don't mind me asking... What do you like about camp? I know I'll probably never hear the end of it but I still want to know." 

He wanted to add into the topic of potential criminal activity but he could not bring himself to say anymore. Joaquín could feel how uncomfortable he got from his tone and decided not to say anything. Like he mentioned, it's not like he was interested - at least, he was before arriving to camp but staying here at changed the way he looked at himself and others. He did figure the part where law and morality is a bit different within the mythology given what he read so far.

As the pair finally arrived at the dining pavilion, the smell of sizzling barbecue tingled his nostrils. He was giving himself a big whiff as they approached the grill but he checked in with one of the dryads as well - for it would be considered rude to take food without their permission and acknowledging that they had it ready before their arrival. The young man grabbed their plates before they could put their grilled meat skewers in before the two of them went over towards the lit brazier. Throwing in a piece he'd least likely to eat, the fire seemed to burn brighter after the two of them have deposited their tributes. And just like Azrael, he also threw in a pastry that he felt was stale - not wanting to be singled out.

To this day, he thought it's superfluous for demigods to only sit within their (cabin) table as there is also nothing wrong with sitting with people who aren't from your cabin but nevertheless complied. Settling down across from him, he began with a chomp of the meat - teeth chewing through its tenderness and tongue brushing over them to get a taste of that grilled finish. Accompanying his mouth his a gulp of lactose-free chocolate milk of his favorite brand but ice-cold fresh water filled his goblet as soon as he finished it. "I do have time today if you are up for it. I'm not the best but I do like the exhilaration." He paused. "I'm sure you are much better than your first days at camp. I've seen demigods scale the wall by jumping so they get to the top fast without gripping every edge or stone."

He nodded. "I have heard the rumors as well. I suppose soon we will have enough people to participate in the game. Some have decided to back out given its extreme nature." Joaquín gave some thought to his question as he continued to chew on the meat. He was looking down on his plate but it did not take him long to form a response. "It depends on our initial tactics but I prefer to pretend to be a ninja and scout for opponents and apprehend them if the situation calls for it. I'm not the best fighter myself but I can stall. What about you? I prefer to have you as an ally now that we are talking about it."

When Lilythe curled her legs, Joaquín crossed his legs into a butterfly and placed his hands together in case she had more to say. "I'm sure it will die down soon as long as you find a way to deal with it. We all can't run away from our problems forever so we would have to face them anyway we can. Just like the gods. I hear they have so many problems piled up that it would take centuries to resolve all of them. Maybe that's why they indirectly had monsters attack us, yes?" A soft chuckle parted his lips.

He was not so keen in letting her go when he already had plans since he preferred sticking around when she feels unwell. He's already aware that she can take care of herself - he just prefers being there for her and made it a habit which brought some campers to proclaim him having a sister complex. He did not mind as he felt it was more of a banter instead of an insult. He narrowed his eyes. "Hmm, I don't think so sis. If you absolutely insist that you can take care of yourself, then I will go but in the mean time... you're stuck with me. I will try not to annoy you too much, okay?"

Her half-brother stood up first upon the suggestion of taking a walk to which he was more than eager to do. "Of course. Cabin 16 won't see us walking past. I mean the cabin itself, not the children of Nemesis." He grinned as a hand reached out for her to take. "Relax, sis. You're in good hands. We could even drop by our cabin so I can stock up on those color powder balloons or something. Maybe pull a prank or two. Or just a walk is fine with me." He understood the reason she wanted to avoid that cabin but it was only temporarily until she can get settled with her emotions. Until then, it stays out of her mind.

Joaquín loved having company in his cabin but the fact that demigods get claimed upon their god parents' whims only fed into the dislike he already has for them, especially his father. He never hated others for crashing in but he can get annoyed when the place becomes too loud or too messy but he was growing used to the pandemonium. "I'm glad too and we all have Percy to thank for giving them an ultimatum. Our god parents are quite... something, but at least they made that promise. I suppose that even when the deal is never made, it is better to make the unclaimed campers feel at home when they have nowhere else to go. Even if it means building an extra cabin when Cabin Eleven is full... Wouldn't you agree?" He asked with a hopeful smile. He's a firm believer in the people being the campers' home, not the exact location albeit having a force field that prevents monsters from entering is giving them a sense of comfort and safety.

Lightly elbowing his arm, he was pointing to the campers that were dueling. Their swords parrying before another camper drew this attention. They were sneaking up on one that was occupied with observing the duel that they threw a water balloon at them, causing the audience to disperse and begin a water balloon fight - promptly ending the duel. He imagined using this thievery skills to steal the balloons and render them powerless but the thought began to fade when his nostrils tingled at the smell of fresh food. The pair is nearing the dining pavilion.

"You don't suppose the children of Hermes would make fine criminals?" He snickered. "Not that I want to be. They can steal anything they want and miraculously never get caught so they have the benefit of not being labeled." He spoke, thinking back the time he used to steal expensive things he and his mother deserved but she eventually was fed up with it as she did not want to find her son in jail. He could tell that story but now isn't the right time. "Yes! I'd love to go bouldering with you. I'm a thrill seeker you see."

He also waved at the dryad and she also waved back, gesturing them towards the fresh foods that are presented in the table along with two empty goblets that could be filled with their favorite drink. He gulped. To heck with bell time, he would rather devour right now.

Hearing that he did not have anything scheduled in brought nothing but a hankering smile. Should he have plans, he would have spent the day going about in his regular schedule since he was supposed to be attending classes today. Attending especially when he told the instructors that he was going to take the day off would be embarrassing. The thought of it make him shudder. Once he mentioned his business at the Big House, he clapped. "Great. I'll tag along so we can have a chat along the way." He stood nearby the door with his hands on his hips as his right foot tapped on camp soil. It was clear he wanted to hang out with the veteran camper but he would not bat an eye if he was not Lilythe's love interest. Even so, he'd be open to it.

"Cabin Eleven?" He asked but before he could answer, a light bulb on top of his head lit up. "That's right, my cabin." Joaquín preferred to remember the cabins by the god parent only because each are designed based on their parents' aspects. Giving him a single nod, he responded, "Yes, Lilythe told be it was crowded back then with little to no room to sleep in. I still appreciate letting unclaimed campers use it in the meantime. Don't tell anyone but I wish their parents would claim them as soon as possible. Even I get tired of the messiness and clutter." Having to wait until one is thirteen sounds like a long time. "I still help her around with cleaning and maintenance. I still remind the cabin's tenants to try and keep the place clean so everyone is happy. No one has to clean after others."

"Been here since I was thirteen. It was not until then I learned the gods claim their children at that age." He paused. "They're only doing it because they made a promise to that Percy guy, not because they want to." He still could not believe it. How can his father just come and go? Not even seeing his child once? Even looking at his half-siblings would bring an inkling of frustration against his father but he is still working on acceptance albeit at a very stagnant pace. "Um yeah, sorry for that." He apologized with an awkward smile. "I do like outdoor activities. Brings the thrill factor and exercise well- depending on what it is anyway. I don't think I'm good at anything other than stealing..." He admitted.

"Of course. I'll keep our half-siblings occupied, let them know that their big sister is taking a break. Not that they care anyways. A little frustrating that they are not here but I'm sure they will help you in times of need. We're all here to help each other. We just.... prefer to go on our own ways first."

Joaquín made a mental note of her classes as well in case she wants to extend her self care though she is more likely to return so she could host the classes herself. The thing she is going through - he could not completely fathom, but he did try his best to comprehend it through this conversation. There was a pause between them until she recomposed herself and asked him if he had any plans. Her smile could only bring him to smile as well. He could not get enough of it. "Umm, I canceled my plans for today so I can be with you. Just one day though. A young man's gotta train and have fun." Then he was wondering what she had planned for the day but he wanted to provide some suggestions.

"Did you want to take a walk and talk more, or do something more thrilling like pegasus riding? How about some exercise like rock climbing or dueling? Zoren gave me an earful the other day but if it's with you, I'm cool." Her half-brother snickered - its not like he did not like Zoren but he kept nitpicking on his form. He wanted to complain but understood his sincerity in teaching him what is best for him.

Thinking about it now, actually bringing in pizza would be nice. A flattened disk of bread dough topped with some combination of olive oil, oregano, tomato, olives, mozzarella, and many other ingredients, baked quickly—usually, in a commercial setting, using a wood-fired oven heated to a very high temperature—and served hot. It's a good thing that he had not eaten yet because the first thing they could do is grab some grub. When the man slowly opened the door, he would see that the child of Hermes adorns the usual orange tee with the words "Camp Half-Blood" on the front above a picture of a pegasus. From his hips is a beige colored pair of shorts as he preferred not to feel restricted by wearing garments that cover the entirety of his legs.

A smile curled the corners of his lips while a hand reached out to his in turn, shaking it firmly for a moment before letting it go. "Joaquín De León, child of Hermes. I guess my visit is rather abrupt but I hope I did not interrupt you from something. If I can spare you a chunk of my time, I can accompany you to get some food so we can have a chat." His words were filled with confidence as he had never felt excited at the prospect of what this man has to offer as a role model of the campers here. "Anything you have planned, I'm sticking around. I'm up for anything." Well, not really anything but activities they can bond over with as two guys having a fun time. He is not one to just approach an arriving camper either but he is curious to know- what is it about him that prompts his half-sister to look his way.

Azrael's return to camp was not something he would expect to hear from Lilythe, the very woman he holds in high regard as a sister he never had. She needed the time to sort out her feelings so he took the initiative to remind their half-siblings not to give her a hard time- at least for now. He knew they can be a little too much but he was reassured when they agreed to his request. In the meantime, he decided to spend some time with the child of Nemesis for as long as either of them could. It was part of his intention that he wanted to help him assimilate but also to check him out. He was not sure even before he left that he was in love with his half-sister because he would usually be weirded out by his long stares at her, thinking that he may have some odd intentions. To his relief, that was never the case and even reassured since there is another person who cares about her just as much as he does. Maybe even more.

As he approached the Nemesis cabin, he suddenly decided to put a twist and have him lead the day just so he knows what he likes to do. The lodging area is pretty much empty as most of the campers had gone to do their camp activities in the middle of the day. Once he approached the cabin door, he began with, "Mr. Blackburn, your pizza delivery is here." He would do this every time he wanted entrance inside a cabin he was not given explicit permission prior but he figured he wanted to surprise the man himself. @ Azrael Blackburn

"I think so too." Her half-brother responded, but it was all he could say. He wanted to bring up to try to understand his point of view but it will probably get her to me more angry at him despite his initial thoughts at the man. And quite frankly, both Azrael and Shadow are immature so both of them did not wind up getting his approval- not that Lilythe actually needed it. He could remember the times when she would cry about him but he was not there to for all of them. He could not bring himself to watch her cry. Just not again. At the same time, he wanted to give Azrael a chance as well. He did not need her to take out his anger at him when he came back and sought to repair what they had before. A friendship. And possibly... a romantic bloom. "You're right. You don't need to take it out on him. He just came back to camp. This man did this just to say he loves you. I think that's pretty shameless but he came back. That's what matters. You are a big part of his life, sis. I hope your feelings don't get in the way with that."

Joaquín's hand made its way to place itself on top of Lilythe's, giving it a soft squeeze as he set an affectionate yet concerned gaze towards his half-sister. "What I want for you is to be happy. And I'm sure Azrael wants the same thing too. It takes time and we have all the time in the world for each other." He paused. "It's not like we know what to do. We have never experienced something like this before. Feeling lost... It's normal. Getting lost... is normal too. Just a matter of perspective. And that is what makes us human. The half of us, anyways." A soft chuckle parted his lips, spoken in a attempt to lift the tension in the air.