Dahlia Wakabayashi

Dahlia's heart raced as she made her way towards the Hypnos cabin for the slumber party. She clutched her small bag of snacks and nervously adjusted the strap of her overalls, the only child of Demeter among a sea of other Demi-gods. She wasn't used to social gatherings like this, always more at home in the peaceful company of plants and the soothing presence of her mother's green thumb. As she approached the cabin, the soft murmur of voices and laughter reached her ears. A wave of apprehension washed over her, and she hesitated for a moment, considering whether to turn back and retreat to the comforting embrace of the Demeter cabin. But she had promised herself that she would try to make more friends, and this was an opportunity. Taking a deep breath, Dahlia entered the cabin. The interior was dimly lit, with the other campers her age there talking. Seeing Savannah and Rebecca she felt a little more at home. "Ummm hi everyone" she gave a smile as she walked over to the cookies. "Hey rebecca" she grinned as she took a cookie. 

Dahlia couldn't help but be filled with joy as she looked at Winnie, her new friend who had brought so much light into her day. The connection they had formed in such a short time was something she cherished, and she felt a sense of gratitude for the universe for bringing them together. "Yes, the universe brought us together, and I'm so glad it did," she replied with a warm smile.

As they held hands and ran toward the Demeter cabin, Dahlia couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement bubbling within her. The cabin was like a sanctuary to her, a place where she felt the most connected to her divine heritage and where she could share her love for nature with her siblings. Stopping just short of the cabin's steps, she turned to Winnie with a bright smile. "I'm more than ready, Winnie," she replied, her voice filled with anticipation. Together, hand in hand, they climbed the steps and entered the Demeter cabin, ready to explore the cozy garden that awaited them and create new memories that would solidify their blossoming friendship.

The End~~~~~~~~~

Winnie's enthusiastic squeal of happiness was contagious, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of happiness herself. As Winnie extended her pinky finger for their promise, Dahlia smiled warmly and hooked her own pinky around Winnie's. "I, Dahlia Laurence, pledge to share souls with my wonderful friend Winnie," she said with a touch of playfulness, sealing their promise with a pinky swear. It made her giggle and cover her mouth with her other hand. The moments of loneliness she felt in the past really made this worth it now that she was making a new friend. "You already sparkle, Winnie, in your own unique way," she reassured her as she blushed. As Winnie spoke about the universe's love, Dahlia couldn't help but nod in agreement. "Exactly, the universe has a way of guiding us and showing us the path we're meant to take," she said, her voice filled with a quiet wisdom beyond her years.

With Winnie's enthusiasm to see the Demeter cabin, Dahlia's heart swelled with happiness. "Oh, my siblings will be thrilled to meet you," she replied warmly, feeling a sense of pride in her cabin family. "Let's go, Winnie. I promise you'll love it there, and you'll always have a place in our cozy garden." Dahlia began leading the way through the forest, excited to share her world with her newfound friend and create even more cherished memories together. They made it out where the whole camp laid in front of them. Looking towards the cabins, she saw cabin four, held out her hand for winnie to take. They could then skip, run or walk to the cabin to explore it more!

Winnie's suggestion of singing together filled Dahlia with excitement and a hint of nervousness. It was a vulnerable proposition, but Winnie's sincerity made it feel right. "That sounds wonderful," she agreed with a warm smile. The idea of sharing their musical worlds felt like the perfect way to strengthen their friendship. As Winnie mentioned French music, Dahlia's curiosity piqued. "French music sounds lovely, and I'd be happy to swap songs with you," she replied, her eyes shining with anticipation. "It's a deal – a piece of our souls in each note." 

Standing in a patch of sunlight, Winnie's words about stardust touched Dahlia deeply. She had always felt a connection to the natural world, and now she felt a similar connection with Winnie. "I believe we're all connected to the universe in some way," she mused, her gaze softening as she looked at her new friend. "And I'm glad I haven't lost my stardust." Winnie's request to visit her cabin and have a sleepover took Dahlia by surprise, but it was a delightful surprise. "Of course, you're more than welcome anytime," she replied warmly, her heart swelling with the thought of sharing her safe haven with Winnie. "We'll have the best time, I promise." That was when she thought of the cleaning harpies. They just had to make sure they were in their cabin by a certain time. "Do you want to see it now or later? I bet one of my siblings are baking something good!!!" 

Winnie's laughter was like a soothing melody, and Dahlia found herself giggling along, feeling a sense of lightness she hadn't experienced in a while. She noticed Winnie's curiosity about J-POP, and her cheeks flushed slightly as she explained, "J-POP stands for Japanese pop music. It's this really catchy and fun genre from Japan. I love how upbeat and energetic it is." She appreciated Winnie's interest and felt a sense of connection, knowing that they could share their musical tastes with each other. Listening to Winnie's description of her cabin and their musical talents, Dahlia found herself intrigued. It seemed like a lively and creative place, and she could imagine the vibrant energy that must fill the air during their campfire gatherings. When Winnie mentioned that she did her singing in private, Dahlia couldn't help but smile reassuringly. "I'm sure your voice is lovely," she said sincerely. "And it's great that you have your own space for it."

Winnie's question about the Demeter cabin made Dahlia's heart swell with pride. "Oh, our cabin is like a little piece of nature inside," she explained, her eyes lighting up with fondness. "There are plants everywhere, and it feels like a cozy garden. Plus we have really good cooks so you best bet there is good food being made." Dahlia's gaze then drifted to Winnie, her newfound friend who had brightened her day in ways she couldn't have imagined. 

Dahlia felt a warm sense of camaraderie with Rebecca, their shared enthusiasm for learning and improving their skills making her day brighter. As she retrieved her arrows, she couldn't help but appreciate the bonds being formed at Camp Half-Blood. "I'm glad you're excited," she replied, a genuine smile on her face. "We can start right after this practice session, if you want. The sooner we get our hands in the dirt, the better!" Dahlia started to put her things away as the two of them had been shooting for most the day. It wasn't like she had a watch, but the sun was in a way different position then it had been last time. "Let's wrap up here, and we can dive into the world of gardening!" Dahlia's heart swelled with anticipation, looking forward to not only honing her archery skills but also sharing her love for plants and nature with her new friend. Maybe camp could get better after all. Once her things were put together she waved for Rebecca to follow her.

the end

"You're right, nature has its own rhythm, and honestly I just loving giving a boost to things" she said, as she blushed a little. "Oh yes I do love to sing, I sing to a lot of JPOP in my room."  As a rush of joy as Winnie took her hand and twirled her around. In that moment, the forest around them felt like a magical place where anything was possible, and Dahlia was grateful for this newfound friendship. They continued walking, Dahlia's gaze settled on the gleaming Apollo cabin in the distance. It was a striking sight, and she couldn't help but admire it. Winnie's comment about finding each other made her giggle, and she felt a lightness in her heart. "Well, it was a memorable entrance, to say the least," she quipped, sharing in Winnie's amusement. It felt good to have someone who appreciated her quirks and found humor in them.

Winnie's suggestion of picking strawberries together with the satyrs brought a smile to Dahlia's face. "I'd love to," she replied eagerly. The idea of helping out and making friends with the satyrs sounded like a delightful adventure. As they walked deeper into the forest, Dahlia couldn't help but feel that her life at Camp Half-Blood was taking a turn for the better, all thanks to the unexpected friendship she had found in Winnie. "So ummm what do you do for fun? Like is your cabin always singing or playing music?" 

As Winnie's eyes sparkled with interest and her questions continued, Dahlia found herself opening up more and more. The dreamy curiosity in Winnie's demeanor made Dahlia feel like she was sharing her world with someone who genuinely appreciated it. The idea of controlling plants made her chuckle softly. "Well, I can help them grow, but it's more like encouragement than command. Well and in battle I guess it is more of a command to control them, I do love to sing to them" she explained, feeling a certain warmth in discussing her abilities with Winnie. It was a skill she was still honing, but being able to bring life to the natural world around her was a gift she cherished.

Listening to Winnie reveal her own heritage, Dahlia felt a sense of awe. Apollo's child – the sun god's daughter. It suited her somehow, with Winnie's radiant energy and the way she seemed to light up the forest around them. "Daughter of Apollo, wow" Dahlia echoed, her tone holding a mixture of admiration and fascination. Cabin 7 – that must have been where all the Apollo kids resided. Winnie's comment about not having made friends yet resonated with Dahlia. It was strange how they could be surrounded by others like them, yet still feel alone. With a sympathetic smile, Dahlia nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's pretty surreal to discover you have a whole bunch of siblings you never knew about, plus we can all be so similar but yet different" she said, her voice tinged with understanding. "But hey, at least we found each other." She squeezed Winnie's arm gently. 

"Yeah, like the flower," dahlia replied, her smile growing wider as Winnie's dreamy expression made her seem even more enchanting. Her innocent perspective was refreshing, and it made her feel surprisingly at ease. Dahlia chuckled at her comment, raising an eyebrow playfully. "Well, I'll take that as a compliment." Her curiosity about manga seemed genuine and endearing. It was refreshing to meet someone who wasn't familiar with the term but was open to learning about it. As she hooked her arm in Dahlia's, she felt a warmth spread through her, the feeling of an unexpected bond forming between them. Winnie's casual gesture felt like something a lifelong friend would do, and it was a comforting thought. Dahlia had made friends with those in her own cabin sure, but people outside seemed to avoid her for some reason.

Walking alongside Winnie, she couldn't help but enjoy the shared exploration of the forest. Winnie's questions flowed freely, and her curiosity was infectious. Dahlia could not help but chuckle at her rapid-fire inquiries, finding them endearing rather than overwhelming. "My mom is Demeter, goddess of agriculture and the harvest," she began, feeling a sense of acceptance in sharing this piece of her identity with Winnie. "I'm in the Demeter cabin...... A manga is a type of Japanese comic or graphic novel, and for the hair, it's all about using the right shampoo and conditioner, I guess," She began to giggle again as she found this all too funny. "What about you, you got claimed the other day right?" 

Dahlia steadied herself on the ground as Winnie's arms reached out uselessly, attempting to catch her during the fall. Despite the minor embarrassment of the tumble, the genuine concern in Winnie's attempt warmed her cheeks. She accepted the offered hand and allowed Winnie to pull her back to her feet, the corners of her lips curling into a grateful smile. Winnie's soft giggle in response to the situation was infectious, causing Dahlia to chuckle along. There was an unexpected comfort in Winnie's presence, as if they had been friends for longer than this brief encounter. The comparison to a swan's attempt at flight, though unconventional, drew out another laugh from Dahlia. "I suppose graceful falls are my specialty," she quipped, amusement dancing in her eyes. She even moved her arms out like a birds arm flap!

Dahlia mirrored the gesture, extending her hand for a handshake. "Dahlia," she replied, her grip meeting Winnie's with a sense of excitement. Watching Winnie pick up her fallen manga and express genuine fascination with the artwork, Dahlia felt a blush come on. She had not shared too much with others about her heritage as she had been picked on in school for it all. "Ohhhhh that is my manga" she said still blushing "One of my favorites." 

Dahlia had been feeling a bit lonely in her cabin, so she found a book in her room of one of her favorite manga's Miramaya!!! Taking it with her, she went outside where she felt most connected!!! Her mom was Demeter and even though she just found out. Dahlia thought it brought a lot of light to her life as she had always been one that being outside in nature made her feel connected and grounded. Once she made it to the forest, Dahlia began to look around for her favorite tree. It only took her a few minutes to spot it as she ran over to begin climbing. Humming a JPOP song to herself, she made it perfectly in the branch she loved to sit in day after day!!! Stretching she then pulled out her manga and leaned back to read. 

A hour went by when she was so caught up in her manga that she did not even hear the girl come walking towards her. It wasn't until she spoke that she was spooked. Dahlia lost her balance and began to wave her airs to catch herself "WOAHHHHHHHHHH" but it didn't help as she then fell out the tree onto the ground. Her manga falling at the feet of the girl while dahlia as another bit aways pushing herself up. "Well that wasn't graceful" her words to herself were stern as she began to rub her head. 

A genuine smile spread across Dahlia's face as Gael responded positively to her suggestion of dumplings. It was wonderful to see him excited, and she couldn't help but share in his enthusiasm. "I'm glad you're up for it!" she replied, her eyes bright with anticipation. As Gael began to open up about his experiences, Dahlia listened carefully, her heart going out to him. She could feel the connection forming between them, a bond of understanding that was both unexpected and comforting. When she reached out and gently squeezed his arm, she hoped her gesture conveyed the empathy she felt, reassuring him that he wasn't alone in his struggles. Gael's surprise at her words made Dahlia smile even wider. "Absolutely," she affirmed, her tone sincere and kind. "You're part of this camp now, and we're all in this together. It might take some time, but I believe you'll find your place here." As Gael complimented her, Dahlia blushed slightly, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. "Thank you, Gael," she said, her voice soft but genuinely appreciative. Maybe it was the fact that she had so often gone unnoticed by so many here that she felt forgotten. Even her sister Dawn was off doing something in the real world...making her feel so isolated. "Sooooo Gael what are you going to do for the rest of the day? Maybe we can go out and do whatever training or chores together?" 

Dahlia's excitement grew as she thought about the possibilities of teaching Rebecca about planting. She loved sharing her knowledge and seeing others discover the wonders of nature. "That's great!" she exclaimed, her eyes shining with enthusiasm. "Vegetable gardening is a fantastic place to start. We can learn about different types of vegetables, how to prepare the soil, sow the seeds, and care for the plants as they grow. It's such a rewarding experience to watch your own food come to life and eventually harvest it." Dahlia took a deep breath, focusing on her next shot as she knocked her arrow and drew back the bowstring. She tried to apply the techniques she had been practicing, her mind clear and determined. With a release, the arrow shot through the air, landing closer to the center of the target. She couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment, knowing that her skills were improving with every shot. "When do you want to start? We can go now orrrrr maybe sometime later?" 

Dahlia watched as Silvio stood up, his words lingering in the air. The conflicting emotions in her heart were mirrored by the uncertainty on his face. She understood that they both had their own battles to face, their own wounds to heal. As he walked away, she couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness, realizing that she might not have been able to fully reach him in that moment.

Taking a deep breath, Dahlia remained seated on the ground, surrounded by the embrace of nature. The tears on her cheeks began to dry, and a newfound strength flickered within her. She knew that healing wouldn't happen overnight, for either of them. But she was determined to be there for Silvio, just as he had been there for her. With a renewed sense of purpose, Dahlia slowly stood up, the forest whispering its encouragement. She would honor their shared connection and support Silvio in her own way. As she made her way back to the cabin, she carried with her a glimmer of hope and a commitment to be a pillar of strength for her newfound sibling.

THE END

Gael for you...he might be scary but i think he is cool dude

Dahlia's heart swelled with emotions as she listened to Silvio's heartfelt song. The melancholic yet soothing melody resonated deep within her, echoing her own feelings of loss and longing. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she allowed herself to be enveloped by the rawness of the moment, the vulnerability of their shared experiences. Silvio's words, though few, carried a weight that spoke volumes. It was as if he understood the depths of her pain and the importance of releasing those emotions. In that moment, Dahlia felt seen and heard, a connection forged through the words he sang. She couldn't help but feel grateful for his presence, for his ability to touch her soul with his music. Wiping her eyes she sat there as she let herself feel the sadness and weight of the day. "Thank you" she said in almost a whisper......."I" she began to try and say but more tears streamed down her cheeks "I am sorry for whatever you went through" she said looking over at him with the pain still in her eyes. "I hope one day I can be there for you as you have been for me" the words hung in the air as she did not want to push him to tell her things he might not want too. 

Silvio responded, a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty filled Dahlia's mind. She shifted her gaze from the trees above to Silvio beside her, pondering his question. "I... I don't really know," she admitted, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "Something about being a child of Demeter. My dad... he told me I'm special, but I never imagined it would lead me here. It's all so overwhelming." The weight of her father's absence bore down on her, and she found solace in the nature that surrounded them. The sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling seemed to offer a comforting melody. "But being here, in this forest, it feels like I belong," she continued, her voice growing softer. "It's like I've always been connected to nature, even before I knew about this world of gods and demigods. I just... I don't know where I fit in yet." Dahlia could feel the tears welling up in her eyes as she began to wipe them away. Would she ever find her dad again or would he be lost or maybe worse ...killed from the monsters. Part of her struggled to understand why any of this was okay but she was here now. 

Dahlia watched Rebecca's arrow hit the bullseye with precision, and her eyes widened in awe. She couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement and admiration for her friend's skills. "Wow, that was incredible!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands enthusiastically. "You really are a natural at this, Rebecca!" Dahlia wondered if all apollo campers were just naturals or if any of them actually struggled a bit? I mean some in her cabin were connected to the earth but struggled to use their ability. As she listened to Rebecca's suggestion about sharing planting skills, a smile spread across Dahlia's face. "Oh, definitely!" she replied with genuine enthusiasm. "I'd love to teach you some planting skills. It's amazing what you can create with plants, and I think you'll enjoy it." Dahlia knew that each of the Demi-gods were so different with their skills based on their parents. So they could all bring things to the table. "So what kind of things do you want to learn or know?" 

Dahlia's eyes widened in surprise as Silvio abruptly walked out of his room, leaving the door ajar. Confusion mingled with her already tumultuous emotions, but her curiosity propelled her to follow him. She hesitated for a moment before stepping outside the room and quickly catching up to him, matching his hurried pace. "Ohhh okay" she said as she felt a bit confused but hoped he would do his best to help her. 

Silvio led her through the camp. They passed by cabins, training areas, and other demigods engrossed in their activities. The weight of Dahlia's questions hung in the air, but Silvio remained silent. But she felt so out of it that she didn't even know where to begin when it came to this camp. It was fresh and new to her. But it almost felt like a dream as she was with her dad not too long ago. Soon, they entered the serene embrace of the forest. The atmosphere shifted, and Dahlia felt a sense of calm wash over her as the canopy of trees enveloped them. Silvio finally came to a stop and lay down on the ground, his eyes closed. Uncertain, Dahlia followed suit, mimicking his actions. This place gave her a sense of being at home for some reason. More than even Japan did.....how could that be? 

Dahlia's fears and anxieties gradually faded into the background as she immersed herself in the present moment. The gentle breeze whispered through the leaves, the earth beneath her grounded her. She took a deep breath, filling her lungs with the fresh scent of nature. In that moment, she felt a profound connection to the world around her. "This place is so nice" she said as she looked around. "Dddddo you come here a lot?" 

Dahlia's heart fluttered nervously as the door swung open to reveal Silvio standing before her. His response instantly put her at ease, and she found herself feeling a glimmer of hope amidst the loneliness that had enveloped her. "Um, hi," she stammered, her voice barely audible. "Thank you for opening the door. I ummm found anyone to show me around....lilythe just dropped me off." She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, her gaze shifting between Silvio and the unfamiliar surroundings of the cabin. Dahlia's mind raced with a multitude of thoughts. She couldn't shake the memory of being forcefully separated from her father, the panic that had gripped her as she was brought to the camp, and the overwhelming weight of being claimed as a child of Demeter. The traumatic events of the day still haunted her, leaving her feeling small and vulnerable. 'I... I don't know if I can do this,' she thought to herself, her inner voice trembling with fear. 'Everything happened so fast. I miss my dad. I miss home. What if I can't fit in here? What if I'm not strong enough for all the challenges that lie ahead?' Closing her eyes she opened then back up to look at Silvio. "How .....How did you handle coming here?" her voice was full of emotion as she looked at him as if her eyes were searching for the answer in him. 

RP Challenge Number:  RPC 19) Get captured!
Participating Characters:  Dahlia Wakabayashi and Annie Hernandez
Link to First Post: LINK

-4-

Dahlia's heart pounded in her chest as she witnessed Annie being restrained and overwhelmed by the enemies. Fear and desperation surged through her veins, but she knew she couldn't abandon her friend. Without hesitation, she sprinted towards Annie, her mind racing for a way to free her from the clutches of their captors. Summoning the power of Demeter coursing through her, Dahlia focused her energy on the surrounding environment. Vines sprouted from the ground, snaking their way toward the enemy players, aiming to entangle and hinder them. She fought with all her might, using her knowledge of the woods and her powers to create a diversion, giving Annie a chance to escape. That was when some of the others got her as well. Holding her down 'you are captured' they said looking all smug. Dahlia pouted as she was still thing of ways to try and escape. But it was no luck they had been taken by the red team.

[Last post for dahlia....go ahead and end it]

3 years ago in the Summer 

Dahlia's heart raced as she walked through the sprawling cabins of Camp Half-Blood, her eyes filled with a mixture of wonder and apprehension. The day had been a whirlwind of emotions, as she had been forcibly separated from her father and whisked away to this mysterious camp by her loyal satyr friend. Her mind still struggled to process the reality of it all. But upon entering the cabin she would forever call home. She saw Demeter etched at the top as she entered into the cabin. Taking in the lovely view, she found herself feeling lost and lonely. 

Hoping to connect with those in the cabin she wondered around as she talked to the half-siblings she had that were in their rooms. Finding herself outside a door labeled "Silvio," Dahlia hesitated for a moment, her small hand trembling as she mustered the courage to knock. She took a deep breath, her brown eyes darting nervously around the cabin's hallway, before she rapped her knuckles against the wooden surface. "Hello........my name is Dahlia I was claimed as your half sibling.....I just wanted to meet" her voice was trembling a bit as she was still coming down from the craziness of the day. 

@ Silvio Suarez

-3-

Dahlia and Annie moved with utmost caution, Dahlias own steps light as they trailed the lone enemy player who had strayed from the group. The tension in the air was palpable as they ventured deeper into the woods, the sound of their own breathing drowned out by the rustling of leaves underfoot. Dahlia could feel a knot forming in her stomach. As they crept closer, Dahlia's eyes narrowed, trying to discern the intentions of the enemy player. The figure seemed to be searching for something, moving with purpose through the dense foliage. A sense of foreboding washed over Dahlia, but her determination propelled her forward. She signaled to Annie to halt momentarily, and together they watched as the rival player reached a hidden spot, bending down and unearthing a concealed package. What did they have? But just then a sound behind them happen. Making her turn around to see that they were surrounded. "RUN" she yelled to annie. That was when Dahlia put her hands out as she made the vines on the trees attack those around them. Dahlia using all the fighting skills she had. 

Dahlia glanced around, her senses heightened as she tried to pinpoint the source of the voices. She motioned for Annie to stay silent, placing a finger to her lips. Slowly and carefully, she maneuvered through the trees, using her knowledge of the woods to remain unseen. As the voices got closer, she recognized them from the rival team. Peeking from behind a thick cluster of foliage, Dahlia saw a group of enemy players huddled together, strategizing. Their backs were turned, unaware of her presence. Dahlia's heart raced with excitement as she realized this was the perfect opportunity to gather valuable information. She strained her ears, trying to catch snippets of their conversation, but the wind carried only fragments of words. That was when she noticed one them going going off by themselves.....maybe they could capture this person "Lets follow them" she mouthed as to be very quiet but trying to tell annie what she was doing. 

-2-