Elijah Quinn

"My voice? Really?" Elijah was surprised at her comment, given the raised eyebrows. He'd get compliments on it like appealing, fruity, or silvery but something like hot did not fit like a ring to a finger. He was still grateful at the thought anyways, so he thanked her after her next comment. Now that felt better. He could say that every child of Apollo sings in way specific to them and that they too sing like sunrise or even sunset. "This song... is relatable. I suppose it reminds me of the time I arrived here in camp," he paused with a breath, "Jeremy's voice isn't that great but the way it melts into the tune makes it catchy even for me." 

"Actually, believe it or not, I was timid. I was reserved and shy. It seems like the contrary for my half-siblings but I turned out to be unlike them at first." Elijah began. "My mother was a singer so she thought singing would help me get out of my shell. And it did. I couldn't care less for my father but I'm thankful to them for granting me this medium of expression." The grey skies and the cold wind can be so depressing, but the fire she conjured lifted what was already his cheerful spirit. The flame hovered over the couple, providing them the warmth they need to persevere in these moments of this melancholic climate. After letting the hot chocolate warm his throat, his head began to nod to signify the beginning of the song.

'Cause you're a sky, 'cause you're a sky full of stars
I'm gonna give you my heart
'Cause you're a sky, 'cause you're a sky full of stars
'Cause you light up the path

I don't care, go on and tear me apart
I don't care if you do, ooh-ooh, ooh
'Cause in a sky, 'cause in a sky full of stars
I think I saw you

"I'm not that big of a fan of Coldplay, but I do like some of their songs. I'll send you a link to my Spotify if we ever get out of here. I consider myself to be genre-fluid, if that's a word, because I don't stick to one genre... but you'll find me listening to k-pop, ballads, upbeats, good voices..." He was trying to summarize his music tastes at the moment, but it grew difficult because of the amount of songs he listens to.

Like all of his half-siblings, Elijah was able to hum perfectly to the tune of the song. It wasn't upbeat but it did not feel melancholic either. When the boy heard it, it felt relatable and he was ashamed to have discovered it recently when it was uploaded on YouTube three years ago. He can't listen to every song the minute it goes online but songs like these are quite the gem to him. He took the liberty to make a cover as well but he never bothered recording himself. Seeing that Akemi was enjoying it, he would be more than happy to sing for her. He preferred it that way instead of keeping his lips sealed.

Smiling upon her request, he began singing as soon as he approached the chorus.

Now I'm shaking, drinking all this coffee
These last few weeks have been exhausting
I'm lost in my imagination
And there's one thing that I need from you
Can you come through, through?
Through, yeah
And there's one thing that I need from you
Can you come through?

Elijah could not help but laugh. It's a rare occurrence for him to sing in front of her and she asked this time. A tongue brushed over his lips to wet the damp surface before he drew a satisfied breath. "Got another request?"

"Why? Are you interested?" He narrowed his eyes in suspicion but with a playful tone that left his lips. Once she gave it back, he took the moment to put it on as well. The balm's head brushed through the vermillion to the oral commissures, making sure every bit of his lip is covered before he could put back the cap on. Elijah was looking at her with concern. It felt like she had something serious to say when prompted to sit down with her which may entail a serious topic.

It was like they are opposites but the two of them seem to mesh well together. He who finds thrill in the spotlight, she who shies away from crowds. He did not think he would get along well with her but maybe that's because of that personal charm of hers. Her mischievous smirk whenever things go according to plan, her desire to get what she wants... She may find himself in his company long for a ghost but perhaps he wanted to be in her company. Light and shadow. There's a warmth in Akemi but he wouldn't say that to her face.

"Sure thing." Elijah nodded, taking the moment to think of a song in his head. His eyes were momentarily shut until he made a choice. With his mouth closed, he mimicked the tune of the song. Hmm hmm hmm, his head nodding to the somewhat slow rhythm as the steam from his hot chocolate passed through his nose and possibly hers before evaporating into thin air.

It was for a moment when he locked eyes with her when he had his thumb on her lip. In no way was there total darkness in her eyes, but a light shining among it. Alluring, pleasant, and perhaps bewitching if he was looking for the right words. He gulped, realizing he had been staring at her for longer than he should. Any longer and he'd probably get done in by her shadows. "I could find many spirits but none of them could replace the real you. Relax." Finally letting go of her lip, it was time to give her the lip balm he just happened to have in his pocket. He was thinking of putting it on after finishing that hot chocolate. "Should I turn off my sirens then?" He asked, almost serious about his question.

"My lips aren't just for anyone." Elijah retorted, putting the balm in his pocket. Upon her request to sit with her, he did so in a cross-legged position as well but quite carefully since he did not want to spill his drink. It was still warm due in no part to the magic of the plastic up or is it perhaps the insulation. Either way, he preferred to savor this drink at least until during or the end of their conversation. Lips parting in a content sigh, he asked her curiously. "Something bothering you, Akemi?"

"Hmm, an abandoned home, cemetery, the Underworld... I could name a few more if you want." Elijah played along with her tease, inadvertently showing off his knowledge of spectral beings. There is a mythological creatures class in camp instructed by a cabin leader and he made sure to attend whenever possible. He loved learning about creatures big and small, good and evil. It came as shocking to him when he met harpies again but they were not the same types he faced before his arrival to camp. The young man chuckled at the mock curtesy, reminding him why he was drawn to her in the first place. Her sassiness, her confidence, and her eyes.

Her lips uttered in Latin as far as he could tell and the spell's cast began to take form. He observed the air channels come together in harmony until she released it towards him. The gust brought upon a chill in his person but it was nothing he could not handle, especially when the cup he his holding his keeping a liquid matter in place. Still, he could tell that it took a severe amount of effort to pull this off. Before he could congratulate her, he was more concerned on her lips that drew blood. "Wow. Keep it up and you might freeze someone to death."

Elijah approached her without hesitation, placing a thumb on her lips so he could inspect it. "I appreciate the work you've done but clench your teeth next time, please?" On his hand is a pina colada flavored lip balm with moisturizing and healing properties. He would often put this on to keep his lips from getting dry but he decided it would be useful in taking care of hers. "Put this on for me. It'll patch up soon."

"Wish I could refer you to a child of Zeus... if I knew one."

Currently friends but with a strong crush!

Elijah's chestnut curly hair had been ruffled by the wind but he liked it unkempt that way. He was wondering what sort of spell she was practicing when it involved air particles but he had arrived too late to observe. His lips curled into a grin upon the compliment though it seemed to meant more from her than from other campers. "Nope." He flatly spoke with confidence. He chose today to enjoy the dawn of the fall season and training is not what he should be doing. Another time, he thought.

"Looking to bother you, actually." He takes pleasure in enjoying her use of words and the antics that came along with it. Seeing her now made him pretty happy that she opened up to him more, but isn't quite exactly where he wants her yet. In turn, he enjoyed spending every moment in her company - seeing her shine every time in her own way. With the poke in his ribs, he suddenly let go of his drink for her to sip. But by the time he got it back, the marshmallows were gone, prompting a momentary frown. "Your welcome." He responded with a side of sarcasm. He was planning on letting her have some anyway. "I wouldn't dare find another ghost to annoy if that's what you're asking. I couldn't see them even if I wanted to."

He played along for a bit, evident in his coy smirk. He does find the leather jacket to be holding her attire well. "So what spell were you practicing? Going to move people out of the way with it?"

It is getting colder and darker; leaves are falling from the trees. There is a chill in the air overnight, frost on the ground in the morning, mist and fog in the air. Dry, dead leaves crunched beneath his feet and clouds appeared when he breathed out. All are signs that the fall season has bestowed Camp Half-Blood but he somehow finds ways to be thrilled with the weather in spite of thriving in sunshine. Other than the seasonal drinks at Starbucks, he liked wearing the outerwear for the chilly weather, keeping him warm from the next brisk blow from above. Elijah's hands were kept warm by the hot chocolate, marshmallows floating on top of the drink to give it a more fluffy texture upon consumption. Sunshine boy ventured into the forest knowing a certain ghost would be practicing at this time. Even if she wanted him to train, he will refuse out of respect for his fall clothes - a Hufflepuff sweater, blue jeans, and Converse tops.

It didn't take him long to find her since he used the winds' direction that were oddly coming together towards a focal point. Spell casting practice, he thought, as his shoes crush orange leaves with every step. With the noise he is making, they're bound to attract her. He appeared into the clearing, relaxing himself with a hot drink. "Good afternoon, Akemi." Elijah greeted her cordially. "Practicing again?"

Name of Character: Elijah Quinn

Aesthetic Collage? Sig? Please Specify!:  Siggy!

Images you would like included: Surprise me!

Their Face claim: Joshua Bassett.

Theme (dark and moody? light and cheerful?): Light and cheerful.

Any words/quotes?: "I promise you, the best is yet to come."

Any extra requests?: Nope.

"Oh please. You have to allow me. I'm one of the few, if not, the only one who starts a conversation with you." Elijah softly chuckled at the remark when he took a poke at her social habits. They weren't bad but he was content that she'd even talk to him. Getting ignored when reaching out is one of the worst feelings. Upon the request to teach her archery, his face lit up. A new student! "I'll teach you if you come by the archery range. Like I mentioned earlier, we're on a volunteer basis so you'd have to ask me or my half-siblings when I'm the one giving instruction." Sunshine boy made a soft fist bump to her arm as a smile formed from the corners of his lips.

"Honestly? I like talking to you. We're just getting started, Akemi."

Then a laugh can be heard from the porch of the administrative building.

"Oh, that's right, your cookie. Let's get it before the campers eat them all!"

fin.

"That's more like it." Elijah was pleased to hear that, preferring himself to a golden retriever in a simile. He let his mind wander off to what they have been talking about, a bit satisfied that they shared a part of their story they wouldn't speak of. When there is light, there is darkness. It was awfully a pleasant sight to see that their powers clashed one after another. There wasn't any sort of 'effective' effect towards each other since they can't exist without each other.

"Yeah, now that you mentioned it I'm starving." His stomach let off a soft growl but at least the fatigue wore off for now. He was thinking of grabbing some grub after this whole ordeal. "I'm not going to try since the dryads are serving them every so often."

It took them a while, but the two of them finally went out of the forest. Elijah was fine now so he didn't need to lean on her, preferring not to bother her anymore. "It's okay. I can take it from here. It won't take long for us to get there. "I'm sure you'll go back to people watching after I give you that cookie, right?"

Elijah listened with intent as part of her story unfolded before him, walking not slowly anymore now that he was used to the pain. He did not know until now that a part of her past has caused her to be like this but he wasn't determined to change her. That would make it her choice. Still, it got him worked up. "I don't like them already. A stain? I ought to give him these hands something if I ever meet him. Or them," he huffed, "Everyone deserves to be seen and heard. Call it cheesy but that's what I believe. We have our own individuality and nobody can change that but ourselves." He finally got the courage to look at her even though she wasn't looking back. It was for a moment but he returned his gaze.

"I won't pry any further, but I appreciate you telling me this. I'm always with you if you want to have a chat. I know it'll probably take a while, but I have the patience. A tremendous amount of patience." Elijah chuckled once more. "Come on. We're almost there. We should definitely grab food sometime. I've got an appointment after this, but at least consider it? I want to speak with you more whether you like it or not."

"So like hey, hello, hi?" He asked in conjoining amusement. "Hmm, I came to camp roughly five years ago. A little bit before I turned thirteen but I got claimed by then." The young man drew a sigh. "I was part of a singing competition. It was going great because I wasn't timid like I used to be, but it was the first time I faced against monsters. Everything went wrong and I was the only one to come out of it alive. The satyr I knew died from a high fall. Things grew hectic after that and my mom finally decided to send me to camp. We were against it the first time." He continued to walk slowly, keeping her close to him. It had turned out the chilling sensation came from her shadows but it was very subtle and barely noticeable.

"Sorry for the sob story." He didn't want to look at her out of embarrassment. It's a story only a select few has heard but he had told her after their meeting had just begun. "So what's yours, if I may ask? Is there a reason you're avoiding people?"

Little does she know is that Elijah was more interested in her behavior in seeing him like this.

He already knew how to temporarily patch himself up but he just wanted to see how she would react when a camper is in danger. Though what he did was a bit exaggerating, pulling that stunt would be worth the spectacle. "Thank you." He offered his gratitude and took the liberty to wrap an arm around his shoulders. Smiling as their faces almost came to a close, he locked eyes with her once more. Maybe even a moment longer. "I am grateful for your kindness, Akemi. Turns out you're not so bad after all."

A hand was placed to his wound, clutching on the fabric of his shirt to apply pressure to it as the two of them sluggishly trekked across the forest floor. "You're kinda cute too, you know that?" He spoke suddenly with a boop to her nose in return. He sometimes doesn't hold back his thoughts but that is his way of getting out of his comfort zone.

The thought hadn't crossed his mind. He wanted to look cool in front of her and own up to his injury. That she inflicted as per the rule of their mock game. It's true that there are still monsters lurking in the forest, he thought he could be lucky in getting himself to the house without a problem. The pair of blades he had dropped from the ground earlier disappeared into thin air and he could feel the pick reappearing in his pocket. "Ironic. The ambulance is the one getting hurt, am I right?" A soft laugh parted his lips, only for his voice to halt and turn into an 'ow'. It felt nice to be shown some concern from a ghost. After she inspected the cut, he could only give her an abrupt nod. "Yes. I still have some energy left to defend myself against the monsters. If I'm lucky, I'll face some weak creature. Prefer my path to be smooth though."

Elijah winced as he trudged in the forest floor but it was only a couple of yards away when he almost tripped. A hand was clenched, upper body still as to not make the pain worst. And finally, he caved. "Want to help your sunshine boy and walk him there?" He asked politely, looking back to her. It was odd yet so sudden. Could be mistaken her kindness for flirting...?

Elijah gulped. He had been staring at her longer than he should and she took advantage of the situation by making a cut in the side of his torso. It was short and painful, relieved to see that she didn't do it slow. "Ouch." He grinned as he helped himself with her hand. Smiling at her back, he would withstand the slight pain but it'll only get worse the more he'll leave it like that. "You're good too, but I won't let this loss haunt me."  A sigh parted his lips as he gazed in the direction of the Big House. "It'll take me a while, but I'm gonna head to the house to mend myself. You should rest up too. Want to meet up again sometime? I know it's not my business but... I think you're more than just a ghost."

He couldn't bring himself to what it was, but he was almost certain there was a spark between them in that moment. His cheeks were still warm and he huffed just to make it gone somehow. His heart was pounding against his chest too when they locked eyes, a feeling that was unfamiliar to him until now. 

"We're trained to make up for what we lack." He added as he followed along his volley of arrows towards her. He was charging at her, quite impressed when she protected herself with a darkness barrier. Though he had unleashed it too early, he could feel a bit of fatigue eating at him. He shouldn't have casted that much light at once, but that's what training is for. He was attempting to slash at her, expecting her to use that umbrakinesis of hers again to parry but instead, she had jumped to his behind to cast magic at him again. So she preferred to maintain her distance, which proved to be an inconvenience.

When she casted violet light at him, Elijah was quick to deflect the beam with his dual blades. He was panting but he had to do it fast and close the distance. One bolt after an another, he swerved it away approaching her until he was just a few feet apart. With a tightned grip at the handle, he was aiming to make a small cut to her skin until he tripped over a stone, causing him to fall forward towards her. 

If she didn't avoid him, he wound up on top of her with his hands resting on her wrist as if he had intended on trapping her to the ground... He blinked, making sure this was exactly the position he is seeing right now. "Sorry about that. You alright?"

"An umbrakinetic and photokinetic. Interesting match up, am I right? You're not bad yourself."

Elijah spoke up, seamlessly dispersing his light arrows before they could touch him with a gesture of a hand. When she decided to throw balls of fire towards him, he was quick to dive to the side so he would not get burned, rolling over to the ground before halting himself with his knee. He huffed, drawing another arrow of light. It looks like long distance combat would not work, so it was better to create a distraction. An arrow was aimed at her but then he aimed towards the sky with several balls of light forming in front of him. His hand let go of the string, unleashing a volley of light arrows in a concave downward trajectory.

Immediately after that, he split the arrow into two blades and sprinted after her. 

Of course he was going to miss but he was more interested in her next move in dealing with the arrow. A simple dodge is good too, but that wasn't his fastest arrow. What he did not expect is for her to also possess the same power that Asher so wanted to acquire. The black tendrils she called out held him to the ground in an attempt to prevent him to move just so she could conveniently get the first strike. He tried to move with strength, but to no avail. So the only thing he could think off... was to repel the shadows. Elijah extended his arms towards the tendrils, hands wide as he casts a luminescent light in hopes that they would retract. The light would also blind Akemi and such light screen enabled for him to disappear once it's clear.

Elijah stood behind her with another arrow drawn, and shot another arrow once again. This time, the arrow split into three mid air, hoping to make contact with the spellcaster.

Sunshine boy was intent on hunting monsters and using them for target practice but it seems like this is better for the both of them. Even when the sun's rays is giving him warmth, he could feel the very subtle chill from his spine. He doesn't know her at all, other than her magic being weak at this time. Tristan made up for it with umbrakinesis and fencing so he was curious on how she would fare. It is certain that the conditions are in his favor but he learned never to underestimate his opponent. "Sounds good to me. The ambulance will be ready no matter the outcome." He decided to part his lips for a bit of comedic relief before they start clashing weapons... or powers in that matter.

A hand slid into his pocket once more but he wasn't as anxious as he was back then since she is standing across from him. Once the guitar pick was visible to the naked eye, it began to materialize into a celestial bronze bladed bow with sapphire blue accents that made up the body of the blades before the rim.. A hand grips the weapon through the bow's possessed brown handle as the radiant light it emitted died down. It would have stuck out like a sore thumb in battle, but he liked the momentary attention. Next, a bow string connected through the blades' tip materialized as well along with an arrow of light. He drew it towards her, slowly.

A deep breath parted his lips and the string snapped, hurling the arrow towards her. 

Elijah did not take offense to her comment but instead, was satisfied with her choice of the animal. Having taken an interest in animals, he loved learning about them and their habitat, habits, and tidbits here and there. This very reason is why he converses with the animal spirits in the forest and most of the time the dryads join too. Whether people believe it or not, he considered it to be magic of speech. "Nice to know you don't fear monsters. We need more campers like that." He commented. It was okay to be afraid of them but those who aren't is already one step ahead.

It's true that he'll tend to her wounds but should she sustain fatal injuries would warrant a use of ambrosia but he doubt they'll ever get to that point. "Even I find the pleasure in being the audience of a lovers' quarrel but some couples can be appealing to the eye with their acts of intimacy, but that's not your kind of thing." Once the two of them arrived at the clearing, the sun's rays that pierced through the canopy hit his face and he suddenly felt refreshed. "I won't. Perhaps the sun is a morale booster for me. Consider it a challenge when your magic is at its weakest."

Eli took it upon himself to stand at some distance from her just like how two contenders are facing each other in a bout. A gust of wind swayed the flora, eyes gazing upon his opponent...

"That's only because you avoid them which goes to saying how much practice rarely do. Hate to break it to you, but people play a part in improving your ability. And it is not just in spell casting." He shot a glance at her but if she were to look back, he met her eyes. "I'm not asking you to break away from your spectral form- but I would be more than happy to be that one person you'd take. One person is better than none at all, if you're asking me." Elijah was growing happy at his use of terms when it relates to his nickname for her. It was not unique, anyone could be called that- but when she calls him sunshine boy, it meant more to him. If he were to elaborate further, it's better than calling her a wraith.

He nodded at her inference. "Yes, those two. Tristan is a friend of mine and he sometimes fills me in on their study sessions. They met up many times, but to no avail. I can tell Asher's trying really hard when I but into one of their sessions a while back. I do hope she succeeds." As the young man strolled further along the woods, he felt a sense of peace and tranquility fill him. He inhaled the crisp autumn air and closed his eyes, taking in the natural smells of trees and earth. Leaves were blowing gently in the wind, and the sun was shining brightly in the sky. "I've met all of my siblings, but doesn't mean I talk to them. You're right when every camper has their own lives, even I don't talk to everyone. I wouldn't have the time and energy. It's no obligation for me either- I just like talking and knowing stuff." 

"We're headed to a clearing we can use as training grounds. If a monster appears, that makes it even better." He responded. "If you're confident in your spells, allow me to test them in battle! But don't turn me into an animal or something. I prefer to have my human parts, please." 

Elijah was intent on practicing alone, not that he wanted to avoid people like the woman who stands before him. He always welcomed doing so with others but there are times when he wanted to be the judge of his own abilities. The children of Apollo for their marksmanship and excel in healing but it never hurt to just stick to those. Like every other demigod, they learn new skills and hone them to ensure their survival against creatures straight out of mythology. He figured she would choose training over being around a group of adolescent teens, meddlesome dryads, and campers intent on PDA without a care in the world. He could admit, however, they are part of what makes camp a great place for demigods. A second home and a safe haven so it is one thing to see it as a training regime. A bit of an exaggeration but no one wants to lose others in the hands of monsters. Not a single soul. Even if they have grudges.

Chuckling from her comment, he could not agree more with the camp's quirky sides. "Hmm, I suppose you practice your magic then. Spell casting, right? I heard umbrakinesis is a rare ability. Not every child of Hecate is born with it and to even learn it is even more difficult. I heard someone is trying her very best to acquire that power," he paused, "but I also know a half-sibling of yours who wields said power. He's been helping her out. Keeps to himself. Like someone I know." Elijah helped himself to a grin, clearly referring to Akemi. "He's a nice guy, but younger than you. I don't suppose you'd be interested in meeting him sometime?"

"How could I refuse you, ghost girl," he played along, smirking, "Come on. Let's walk a bit further so that no one else would bother us."

"A pleasure to meet you, Akemi." A cordial smile formed in his lips as he reached a hand out to shake her's.

It was awfully embarrassing whether he liked it or not to be found in such state. He knew it was no prank either- it was none other than a pure coincidence of their meeting. Still, what she had said next has shed a light on the identity of the eyes he felt when he was giving instruction to the campers earlier. Well, he felt the watchful eyes more than once so finding out those times turned out to be her brought a wave of relief. It was in no way stalking but simply observing from afar. He did see her once or twice but the moment he wanted to meet up with her, she was gone like a ghost. It was pleasant that she came to him first. "Chiron is off with the Party Ponies at the moment so I am filling in for him along with my half siblings. We have a schedule on a volunteer basis."

Elijah loved giving lessons even if it is a way to get out of his comfort zone. He remembered being asked to volunteer so he could go out and meet other campers, but the outcome is something he had not expected before. He enjoyed it. Seeing them hit a bulls eye, he was reminded that doing so was creating competition for him. Even if he is a gifted marksman like his other half-siblings, he can't just master it in one day. And then there is the medical skill set, the art of healing. "How have you been? Of course, it's none of my business..." He teased with a smirk, but he really was interested in getting to know her. "...but you do have a knack of ghosting. No pun intended, but since you are here, I wouldn't mind having a chat. Over training or lunch. Whichever works for you."

The young man drew a slow breath, heart pounding against his chest as the monster could pounce at him any second now. He did not think his first hunt of the day would come to him, but then again any monster would sought to kill a demigod. Close combat was not an option as he did not bring a blade with him, thinking he could solely focus on hunting strictly with his tools. Inside his pocket is a guitar pick with a symbol of a lyre etched in the celluloid, ready to be equipped in times like these. Elijah reached for it, standing still as to not aggravate the monster yet with his movement. Drawing another quiet and heavy breath, he decided to confront the monster on his own. It was in the spur of the moment when a bow materialized out of thin air in his hand and an arrow of light in the other, despite having a quiver slung over his shoulder. He was just about to let go of the bow string when he continued to hold it.

Elijah blinked. 

It was no monster, but rather another camper. "Oh! I'm very sorry about that. I thought you were something else." All this time, he was preparing himself for what could be a battle. The young women could tell he was embarrassed by the silent gasp as the bow began to dissipate and the radiant glow it was emanating grew dim until there was nothing left of it. The guitar pick made itself comfortable in his pocket while Elijah had to make up for that little scare. He wouldn't dare draw a weapon against another camper. Upon closer inspection, he recognized the girl after seeing her a few times. He couldn't forget a face even when he's met with a lot of campers. "I'm Elijah, son of Apollo, if it wasn't obvious." It was a bit ironic, considering his weapon of choice. "And you must be...?"

Even with word around the camp, he could not get everyone's names, especially when they chose to go under the radar.