James Selway

James crouched behind a thick tree trunk, his heart pounding with anticipation. He peered through the foliage, keeping a close eye on the flag fluttering in the distance. Ryo appearing to him as he was getting closer to the flag. James admired Ryo's dedication, but his focus remained on the task at hand. He tightened his grip on the sword in his hand, ready to spring into action when the signal was given. A mischievous grin spread across his face as he visualized the victory that awaited him. Today, he would prove himself as a formidable contender in this intense game of capture the flag. Jumping out he laughed "Well hello there Ryo."

James felt a surge of warmth and gratitude as Asher embraced him. He returned the hug, holding her gently but firmly, allowing her to find solace in their connection. Her words hit him deeply, and he couldn't help but feel a lump forming in his throat. He had always cared for Asher, but hearing her say those three words touched a place in his heart he didn't know existed. "Thank you, Asher," James whispered, his voice filled with genuine appreciation. "Your friendship means the world to me, and I'm honored to be one of your best friends."

In that moment, James realized the impact he had on Asher's life, and he vowed to continue being there for her. He recognized the importance of expressing love and appreciation to the people who mattered most. "Asher, I love you too," he confessed softly, his voice filled with sincerity James smiled warmly at Asher, a renewed sense of purpose and connection coursing through him. As they stood there, he knew their friendship would only grow stronger, rooted in honesty, understanding, and a shared desire to support one another. James was grateful for this moment, knowing that together they would navigate the challenges ahead, helping each other discover their true selves and find the happiness they both deserved. That was when he realized what time it was. "Oh crap it is dinner time, want to go grab some food?" His smile was one of happiness as the two would plan their trip later but for now food was in order.

[[go ahead and finish it]]

As she pressed on, James deftly countered her attack, redirecting her dagger to the side with a swift and calculated motion. "Not bad, Katie," he remarked, a mix of encouragement and challenge in his voice. He took a step forward, closing the distance between them, his eyes locked onto hers. With a sudden burst of power, James swung his sword in an arc, aiming to catch her off balance. He had been at camp since he was 10 years old. Meaning 12 years of training which had him very strong. But that didn't mean Katie could not make him go off balance or miss step. 

This game always brought out the best in all the demi-gods....well maybe not the Ares campers but that was beside the point! Looking at Katie with her dagger he knew she was going to give him a good fight. Preparing himself he made sure his feeting was good as she attacked. Letting his sword clash with his dagger as he fought her off. Smiling he could see the growing girl in front of him. "Nice strike......come at me again" he pushed her back as he laughed. 

Seeing the spunk that came out of her made him smile. It was only a year ago when he welcomed her to camp and since then she had grown so much! It made him proud of a camp leader and as a teacher of one of the classes. "That you have, but will it be enough to get by me" he smirked as a laugh escaped his lips. He knew not to think that Katie was not capable as she was a daughter of Athena. Holding out his sword he began to get ready for an attack. 

James was sitting in a tree close to the flag. Waiting for someone to come by so he could defend the flag. Smiling he watched the birds and such as the time past! It was then that he noticed katie. Smiling he watched her see the flag and then stepped to get it. Dropping to the ground in front of it he was smirking. "Not so fast there katie" he laughed as he put himself in between her and the flag. Pulling out his sword he looked at her dagger with a smile. "Show me what you got!" 

James noticed the concern and fear in Jules' eyes as he mentioned the possibility of a war. He gently squeezed Jules' hand, reassuring him, "I won't let anything happen to you or your sister, Jules. We're a family here, and we look out for each other. As for the gods, well, they're unpredictable. But they do care about us in their own way, even if they don't always show it." He knew this was a lot to take in but he was trying the best he could. It honestly came easier with time but it of course still hurt as the Gods never really spent time with their children.  He paused for a moment, considering Jules' question about other gods. "Yes, there are other Gods.....I know of the Roman ones....you can only go to Olympus if you are invited...which is rare sadly but the Gods do show from time to time" James took a deep breath, his determination evident. This was going to be a lot to explain he took another cookie and began to eat it slowly as he tried to come up with the best way to say things.  "But we have each other, Jules. We have this camp, and together we'll navigate this world and face whatever challenges come our way. We'll train, we'll learn, and we'll fight if we have to. But most importantly, we'll support and protect one another. That's what being a demigod is all about. And I promise you, we'll find a way to make sense of it all. You see there are things that threaten earth like Giants or even Titans. We fight them to keep the world safe." Hoping this was good he wondered if it was time for them to take jules sister to a place to rest and then give him a tour of the camp. 

James stood guard as he wanted to help his team protect the flag. So far the blue team had been off to a good start but he wanted to bring some luck to his team. Hiding up in a tree he would jump down to surprise anyone who might come at the flag. Wondering where the others might be. James thought about his girlfriend who was just stunning. He could not believe that Rissa was his after all this time. There had been some dark days before but not any longer!!! His life was looking better than it had been in such a long time!

As it seemed a few more took a view of him. James seeing he was the oldest here still ran for it. Dodging around this person or that as he attempted the flag once again. He had lost last year but he hoped to change that for his team this year. Smiling he was having a good time as he loved playing this year after year at camp. Starting the summer off right as camp should always do! Maybe later they would do fireworks again but that was a bit crazy last year so he would need to talk to lilythe about it all. Holding his breathe, would he get the flag? 

Sneaking up, James was trying to get a good view of the flag. Seeing that so many blue members were side track he felt like he could get a leg up on getting closer to it. He was kind of lucky like that!!! So without a word he found himself getting closer and closer to the flag as it seemed like no one was paying attention. If this worked then he would burn an extra offering tonight at dinner to his mother! The goddess of good fortune, Tyche! Smirking he made a quick run for the flag. Would he get it? Who knows?

James returned Lilythe's smile, feeling a mix of relief and gratitude. He was glad that he could be there for her, even if he couldn't provide comfort for her. As she stood up and enveloped him in a tight hug, he held her close, offering a comforting presence. "You're never alone, Lilythe," he whispered softly, his voice filled with sincerity. "I'll always be here for you, no matter what." The two of them had been friends for such a long time that it felt like they were more brother and sister than anything else. 

James knew that navigating matters of the heart could be incredibly challenging, especially when past and present tangled together. But he also believed in Lilythe's strength and resilience. With time, patience, and the support of those who cared about her, he knew she would find her way. As they finally separated, James looked into Lilythe's eyes and spoke with unwavering conviction, "You're not crazy at all. Love is messy and complicated, and sometimes it takes time to untangle the knots. But you'll figure it out. Trust yourself, Lilythe, and trust your heart. It won't lead you astray." The two then laughed as they walked out, on the way to the next thing at camp.

THE END

James pondered Arsen's question, the warm whiskey lingering on his tongue. He contemplated the future, uncertain yet hopeful. He had spent so much of his life living up to others' expectations, but now, with the newfound camaraderie between him and Arsen, he felt a glimmer of possibility. "You know, Arsen," James began, his voice tinged with determination, "I think the path ahead is about rediscovering ourselves. It's about embracing our passions, our desires, and not being afraid to take risks....I know I want to break free from the shackles of conformity and explore the depths of who I truly am. I've been so focused on being the dependable one, the problem-solver for others, that I've neglected my own dreams and aspirations." James paused, his eyes filled with a newfound sense of purpose. He wanted to take his music to a new level. He might not be an apollo camper but that didn't mean he didn't have a chance at making it in this world! 

"I want to travel the world, immerse myself in different cultures, and discover my own unique voice as a writer and musician. I want to create songs that will take this world by storm" James said, a hint of vulnerability in his voice. James felt a complex mix of emotions swirling within him. On one hand, he was excited about embarking on his personal journey of self-discovery and pursuing his own dreams. He craved the freedom to explore, to write, and to experience the world beyond the boundaries of his past responsibilities. But on the other hand, a deep sense of guilt gnawed at him. He couldn't help but think about the next generation of demigods, the ones who would continue to face the dangers and challenges that he had fought so hard to protect them from. The scars of two wars were still fresh in his mind, the sacrifices made by countless heroes to ensure the safety of demigods and the world they inhabited. James had played his part in those battles, and he couldn't shake the weight of responsibility that came with that knowledge.

He raised his glass once more, this time with a spark of excitement. "Cheers to embracing the unknown, to taking risks, and to finding our true paths. Here's to the journey, Arsen. Let's see where it takes us." As they clinked their glasses together, a sense of adventure and anticipation filled the air. James knew that the road ahead would be challenging, but he felt a newfound strength within himself, fueled by the connection he had formed with Arsen. They were both on a quest for self-discovery, ready to face the uncertainties of life together. With a smile on his face and a glint of determination in his eyes, James knew that this trip, this friendship, would forever change the course of their lives.

When it came to being himself, James had always been pretty good at it as maybe he found that he could relate to those around him when he did. James listened intently, his heart going out to Asher as she expressed her inner turmoil. He could sense the weight of her responsibilities and the pressure she felt to hold everything together. He reached out and gently placed a hand on her shoulder, offering her comfort and support. "Asher, it's completely understandable that you've taken on this role for your family. But it's also important to remember that you deserve happiness and fulfillment in your own life," he said softly. Asher was one of the hardest working people he knew at the camp. It wasn't like she had a choice though. Honestly she was thrust into that light when she was very young. He took a moment to gather his thoughts before continuing, wanting to offer her the best advice he could. "Finding out who you truly are can be a journey, Asher. It's okay not to have all the answers right away. Take your time to explore different things, try new experiences, and see what resonates with you. Allow yourself the freedom to make mistakes and learn from them. It's through these discoveries that you'll begin to unravel the layers and find your authentic self."

James looked deeply into Asher's eyes, his own filled with sincerity. "And as for vulnerability, it's true that it can be scary. We all fear getting hurt. But opening up and being vulnerable is also the gateway to genuine connections and meaningful relationships. It's about finding people who truly care about you and will be there for you, no matter what. I've been hurt before, Asher, but I've also experienced the incredible joy that comes from connecting with others on a deeper level. It's a risk worth taking because the rewards are immeasurable." He learned this the hard way as he had gone down a dark past after Amber broke his heart. The anger and pain that made him do the things he did pushed him in a direction he never wanted to be in again. It was when he was vulnerable that he got the help he needed to move on. To get better and become the better version of himself!  He gave her a reassuring smile. "You're not alone in this, Asher. We're all learning and growing together. And as your friend, I'll be here to support you every step of the way. We'll figure it out together."

70

James took the book from Shi Jin and flipped through the pages, scanning the descriptions of the different water monsters. "These are great suggestions, bro!" he exclaimed, pointing to the entries as he spoke. "The hippocampus would be a good one to start with. It's like a horse with a fish tail, pretty fascinating creature. And the sea serpent...we can talk about the legends and stories surrounding that one." As James continued to read through the book, he came across the entry for the sirens. "Ah, here they are," he said, showing Shi Jin the page. "The sirens were said to be enchanting creatures that lured sailors with their beautiful voices. Maybe we can talk about their mythology and how they were depicted in different cultures."

Excitement grew in James as he and Shi Jin brainstormed ideas for the class. They discussed various aspects of each monster, from their origins to their appearances, and even came up with interactive activities to engage the campers. James couldn't help but feel grateful for his brother's input and enthusiasm.  With a renewed sense of purpose, James made notes in his notebook, jotting down the ideas they had come up with together. He knew that with Shi Jin's help, the monster mythology class was going to be a hit, and the campers would have a blast learning about these fascinating creatures from the depths of the sea. But then realizing he hadn't even checked in with how Shi Jin was doing he stopped "So what are you up to these days?" 

James listened attentively to Asher's words, understanding the weight behind her admission. He could sense her genuine desire to change and grow, and he wanted to offer her support and guidance. "Letting your guard down can be difficult, Asher," he replied, empathizing with her struggle. "It takes time and practice. For me, it helps to surround myself with people I trust and feel comfortable with. Being in a safe and supportive environment allows me to open up more easily." When he hit rock bottom a few years ago it took a good solid friend or so to show him he was not alone in this battle that he had taken on by himself. That grew into a relationship he trusted to help he then slowly be able to ask questions to others with the things he held some dear to him. He paused for a moment, searching for the right words to continue. "Another thing that helps is finding activities or hobbies that bring you joy," James suggested. "Engaging in something you're passionate about can naturally help you let go of your guard. It's like finding a moment where you can just be yourself without any expectations or judgments. For me it is my music...when I play it is as if the world falls away and those who I play for can see me....it doesn't matter that I am not an apollo child or that I am as good as any of them"

James smiled warmly, hoping his words would encourage Asher. "Ultimately, it's about being patient with yourself and giving yourself permission to be vulnerable. It's not an overnight change, but little by little, you'll discover that opening up can lead to deeper connections and a sense of freedom. And remember, I'm here to support you every step of the way." If only Asher knew these words of wisdom came from years of heart ache and pain.....from trust issues and anger....the brokenness that he once went through got him to be the person most went to.

James looked at Arsen, his eyes filled with a mix of contemplation and empathy. He understood the struggle of hiding parts of oneself to fit in, and he appreciated Arsen's honesty in sharing his own experiences. He knew this trip was going to be good for him but he could see that it was good for Arsen too. Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, James replied, "You know, Arsen, I can relate to what you're saying. Growing up, I often felt the need to put on a mask, to present myself in a certain way to be accepted by others." He took a thoughtful sip of his whiskey, letting the flavors dance on his palate before continuing. "There were times when I felt like I had to suppress certain aspects of who I truly was, just to be that good cabin leader they always expected of me to be....I was james the cool headed one...the one that people always went to but who did I go to when things go rough with Amber or when I wanted to bash Kyle head in?"

James paused, searching for the right words to convey his feelings. "I've realized there is a difference though, from being myself of who I am or the person running wild. because I am running from something that deep down is bothering me." He raised his glass, meeting Arsen's gaze with a sense of camaraderie. James looked at Arsen, his mind drifting to his own past struggles. Memories of his lowest points resurfaced, and he couldn't help but feel a pang of vulnerability. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself, as he reflected on the painful chapters of his life. As Arsen continued to talk, James listened intently, but his thoughts raced back to the moments when he hit rock bottom. The pain of losing Amber and Rissa, the two great loves of his life, had sent him spiraling into a dark place. In his desperation, he turned to alcohol and gambling, seeking solace and escape from the unbearable weight of his emotions.

He remembered the nights spent drowning his sorrows in whiskey, the thrill of the casino as he chased the high of a winning hand, only to be left emptier than before. Those were the times when he felt like he was at the bottom of the barrel, lost and adrift in a sea of self-destruction. But as James glanced at Arsen, a glimmer of hope flickered within him. He realized that they both had experienced their own versions of darkness, yet here they were, sharing their stories and finding solace in each other's company. Maybe, just maybe, their friendship could be a source of strength and healing for both of them. With a renewed sense of determination, James raised his glass, his voice filled with a mix of gratitude and resolve. "So here's to being true to ourselves, to breaking free from the masks we wear, and to embracing the journey of self-discovery together. Thank you for sharing your story, Arsen, and for reminding me that we're all on this path of finding our true selves."

James nodded in understanding, recognizing the complexity of Lilythe's situation. He could sense her inner turmoil, and he wanted to support her in any way he could. "Absolutely, Lilythe," he replied gently. "Taking the time to sort through your feelings and making sure you're ready for a relationship is responsible. It's important to prioritize your own emotional well-being and happiness above all else." He knew this all too well when it came to when he was dating Amber but yet still felt a part of him love Rissa. Seeing her with Kyle only fueled his sadness as he tried to distract himself with Amber....well that ended badly and he wished he took the time to figure his own feelings out. He paused for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "As for Azrael, it's understandable that his reaction worries you. But remember, everyone is different. Just because Shadow reacted negatively doesn't mean Azrael will do the same. People have the capacity to handle situations in their own unique ways," James said reassuringly. "Keep an open mind and give him a chance to show you who he truly is. If he's the right person for you, he'll respect your boundaries and support your decisions." James reached out and gently touched Lilythe's shoulder, offering her comfort.

"You're doing the best you can, Lilythe. This is a difficult situation, and it's okay to feel confused. Trust yourself and your instincts. You'll find your way through this, and I'll be here for you every step of the way." He was worried about her as this was a big thing to deal with in the midst of just getting back to camp. Lilythe had a lot of responsibilities to do as one of the top cabin leaders. But as her best friend he would step up to help in any way he could. 

James relished in the sight of Rissa's pleasured expressions and the way her body responded to his touch. He could feel her desire building, her wetness coating his fingers as he skillfully explored her most sensitive spots. Her gasps and moans fueled his own excitement, knowing that he was driving her wild with anticipation. When she called out his name, it sent a surge of pride through him, knowing he was delivering the pleasure she craved. As he looked up at Rissa, James couldn't help but smirk, his eyes locked with hers. Her need was evident, her body arching towards him, silently begging for more. He nodded, understanding her unspoken plea, and slowly removed his fingers, savoring her intoxicating taste on his lips.

He wanted to take his time, to make her crave him even more. Kissing his way down her body, he relished in the way her skin reacted to his touch, every sensation amplified. On his knees now, James positioned himself between Rissa's legs, ready to give her the pleasure she desired. Her moans and the way she moved her hips only fueled his own hunger. He met her gaze, his eyes filled with lust and adoration, as his tongue replaced his fingers, exploring her with a deliberate and passionate intent. The taste of her drove him wild, and he eagerly used his mouth to elicit more sounds of ecstasy from her. 

As James watched Jules pace around the room, he couldn't help but feel a sense of empathy towards the young camper. He knew all too well the feeling of abandonment and the uncertainty that came with it. As the son of Tyche, he was all too familiar with the whims of the gods and their seeming lack of interest in their mortal offspring. Plus being young, it was as if a major trauma was being dropped into their lives. "All of them, maybe around a couple hundred campers are here" he said with a sad tone. "You can only get to this camp if you have a mother or father of a god...making you a demi-god." James sat back as he thought about the next point Jules brought up. Thinking if this was a possibility. He had seen twins before and even knew of Jason Grace who had a sister Thalia which that was extremely rare. "I mean since you don't know if you have the same mother...its a possibility but a very small one. She might be a child of another God." Taking in a big sigh he nodded his head as he knew where the God's were. Looking over to the side table he got a magazine with the empire state building on it. Picking it up he pointed to it. "Mount Olympus moves to where the power is in the world, which for now is the United States. So the God's are here" he pointed above the top of the building. "I have only seen my mom when I fought in the last war with all the God's." This was one of the things he was did not talk about too much. Because of the thoughts of all the demi-gods that died. But bringing himself out of that he smiled once again as he knew it wasn't this campers fault for wanting to understand. "Yes, Percy Jackson made them promise after helping them win a war against the titans that they would claim all their children by age 13....so soon you both will know your parents. At least your Godly one." 

AI Art

5 yr old James

10 yr old James

15 yr old James

20 yr old James

40 yr old James

James grinned as Shi Jin opened the door. "Hey, little bro. Sorry to wake you up. I need your help with something." James knew he could always count on his brother for help when he needed it most. The two were not too far apart in age which was nice. Like most of the campers in the cabin, he was the one of the ones he didn't have to worry about looking after. "It's for my monster mythology class at the camp," James explained. "I was thinking we could cover water monsters, like the Charybdis and sirens. Do you have any ideas?" He started to teach this class when he was around 17 or 18 years old. So being 23 it meant he had several years of teaching this over and over. He didn't want it to become boring....you know! So asking for a help on redoing some of the lessons was a good place to start! 

James was so shocked that Andralyn was turning sweet 16 already as he remembered when she showed up at the cabin all those years ago. The girl was sweet ....at TIMES while on other times she made him want to pull his hair out! But that was what siblings did best right? Speaking of siblings, he went to find Octavia who was working on a craft for her sister. Looking over at her, she showed him the card which he had a big grin. "That looks amazing Ocatvia, Andralyn is going to love it...I just know it! " The two were hand in hand as they went to their cabin where the party was supposed to be. But getting to the cabin , Ocativia dropped his hand as she raced to their half sister. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDRALYN" he said knowing this would not be the only time he would say that tonight. He could see a good amount of people showed up, even that Theo kid that got knocked out at Volleyball. 

James looked at Asher, contemplating her question for a moment. He didn't want to sugarcoat his answer, but he also didn't want to hurt her feelings. "I think," he began slowly, "people might see you as someone who is very focused and driven, and maybe a bit guarded. But I don't think they see you as incapable of having fun or displaying emotions."

He paused, trying to find the right words. "It's just that you've had a lot on your plate, Asher, and you've grown up faster than most of us. People might not understand that, but it doesn't mean they don't care about you or want to see you happy. I think they just want you to let loose and enjoy life a bit more. We all have our struggles, and we all need to find ways to cope with them. Maybe going to Disney World is a small step towards that for you."

James' eyes were filled with genuine concern and understanding. He wanted Asher to know that he was there for her, no matter what. "I'm not saying you need to change who you are," he continued, "but maybe it's worth exploring other aspects of yourself, too. Letting your guard down, having fun, and just being present in the moment can be incredibly freeing."

He smiled at her, hoping that his words had made an impact. "Remember, Asher, we're all works in progress. And part of growing is finding balance in our lives. If going to Disney World helps you find that balance, then I'm all for it."

James listened carefully, understanding that Lilythe was caught between her feelings for two people who meant a lot to her. He knew that she was right in believing that people could change, and it was only fair to give them a chance to prove it. However, he was also concerned about her well-being and happiness.

"I get that, Lilythe. It's tough to see someone you care about acting out of character," James said with a sympathetic look on his face. "But remember, sometimes people do things they wouldn't normally do when they're hurt or feeling threatened. Maybe that's what's happening with Azzy." He paused, looking at her thoughtfully. "It's not an excuse, but it might help you understand why he's acting the way he is."

James reached out and gave Lilythe's hand a reassuring squeeze. "No matter what you decide, I'll be here for you. But it's important that you take your time and really think about what you want and what's best for you. Don't let anyone else's feelings or actions dictate your choices. You deserve to be happy, and ultimately, it's up to you to decide which path will lead you there."