A Rivalry is Forged

[Henrietta Abbot]

Henry was enjoying the summer courses; as any child of Athena would agree, a lot of the fun CHB offers is in the competitions and training sessions. Goddess of war tactics, Henry's mum blessed her with a natural knack for fighting. And that was the aim of the game today: hand-to-hand combat. While she preferred to wield a weapon, Henry never had any trouble getting her knuckles bloody. She'd gotten into a far few fights during her time in mortal schools... lots of timid, bullied kids that needed protecting. 

One thing she didn't like about summer courses, though, was when they were randomly paired. As it was, Henry had few friends and even fewer confidants. She wouldn't suffer fools or tolerate idiots. So, when she was assigned Liam as a partner, safe to say she was pissed. He was a big, brutish Ares boy whom Henry hated as soon as she first saw him; a fool and an idiot through and through. 

"I am gonna have so much fun handing your ass to you, Daddy's boy." Henry scowled, her fists rising to block her nose from attack. Ares children always played dirty.

@ Liam Santos

[Liam Santos Rare]

Liam had been at camp for four years now, which meant he had a lot of time to train with his brothers. Today's class at camp was taught by none other than his brother Dustin who he knew was the best in the camp at hand to hand. He of course knew this as they trained today off and on through the years...pushing each other to make themselves stronger! But that didn't mean he wasn't good himself, HA he was definitely one of the best in camps which was why it was so funny for him that he got paired with the little puny little Athena girl with the big mouth. He spit on the ground as he walked up towards her as she spoke to him. 

Liam smirked confidently as he sized up Henry, enjoying the challenge that lay before him. He cracked his knuckles and took a step closer, relishing the opportunity to prove himself against someone who doubted his abilities. "Well, well, look who's all fired up," he retorted, his voice dripping with arrogance. "You think you can take me on, little Athena girl? You're in for a rude awakening." 

[Henrietta Abbot]

Henry gave Liam a disgusted look, wrinkling her nose as the boy spat on the ground before her. "We're demigods, not Neanderthals," snapped the girl. Something about this boy was so wildly irritating: she was buzzing with fury and he'd barely spoken. Yes, you could attribute that to his Ares heritage -- the god of war definitely had that effect on people -- but Henry had met Ares campers before. She disliked all of them, but none so much as Liam Santos. 

"I could take you on in my sleep, asshole!" Henry hated being called little girl by this brute. It was true though; from afar, they must have looked nothing short of comical. Scrawny, petite Henry and broad-shouldered, buff Liam, squaring up to one another like lions. Swiftly, she ducked swiftly around his side and swept her leg against the back of his knees. Classic Athena move. "You're not Ares's gift to humanity, you know. You're just a walking steroid."

[Liam Santos Rare]

Liam's lips curled into a half-smirk as Henry retorted, the disdain in her voice only fueling his determination to teach her a lesson. He was well aware of his Ares lineage and the reputation that came with it, and he relished the challenge of proving his mettle even to someone as sharp-tongued as Henry. He tightened his fists, ready to engage in combat with the Athena girl who seemed so eager to put him in his place. "Well, little Miss Know-It-All, let's see if you can back up that mouth of yours," Liam shot back, his voice laced with an arrogant edge. He took a step forward, his instincts honed by years of training with his brother and fellow campers. He anticipated Henry's move as she darted around his side, but he was prepared. He pivoted on his heel as her leg swept toward his knees, his own well-muscled leg lifting to counter her attack.

 

[Henrietta Abbot]

Eyes widening slightly as Liam countered her move, Henry stumbled. It was a nearly imperceptible movement, just a slight shift forward in her weight; to a daughter of Athena, though? It had the sting of complete failure. "Why you--" the hot-head cut herself off by ducking under his muscular arm, scowling so deeply her line of sight suffered for it. She quickly calculated that agility was the only way she could triumph. Liam was obviously stronger than her. Her mind was rushing with adrenaline and rage. Elbows are among the strongest joints in the body, she recalled to herself. Biology in elementary school, you were helpful after all.

Henry twirled around and delivered a blow to Liam's abdomen; she was sure she made contact because his rib caught her funny bone. Suspecting she had hurt herself more than her opponent, Henry winced off the pain silently and repositioned. "I'm not a know-it-all. I just look that way in comparison to you!" she snapped, furious at the heat she felt in her cheeks. She couldn't let this big oaf get the better of her, but she was obviously disadvantaged: a simultaneous battle of wits seemed the only way to keep her pride in tact.

[Liam Santos Rare]

Liam's muscles tensed as he countered Henry's attempted leg sweep, a sense of satisfaction coursing through him as he managed to predict and thwart her move. He wasn't about to let her sharp tongue and swift tactics undermine his abilities. He could almost hear his brother's voice in his head, encouraging him to stay focused and angry. Liam could feel the energy of the training arena buzzing around him as he squared off against the Athena girl, his determination mounting with every passing second.

He watched as Henry stumbled, a small flicker of triumph dancing in his eyes before she quickly recovered. She ducked under his arm, and he felt a rush of air where she had been a split second earlier. He turned to face her again, impressed by her agility but unyielding in his resolve. He braced himself for her next move, his instincts taking over as she twirled around and aimed a blow at his abdomen. The impact made him grunt and he instinctively took a step back, her strike having found its mark.

Liam's cocky grin didn't waver, even in the face of Henry's fierce retort. "Oh, is that so? Guess I'll have to prove you wrong, won't I?" he shot back, a playful glint in his eyes. As the heat of the battle raged on, Liam was starting to gain a begrudging respect for Henry's determination and strategic thinking. He was relishing the challenge, both mentally and physically, and he knew that whether he emerged victorious or not, this skirmish would leave a lasting mark on his memory.

[Henrietta Abbot]

Henry couldn't help but glow with pride as her elbow jab made Liam stumble. She held her fists up to protect her face once again, glaring up at him -- he had some inches on her, perhaps even a foot. Henry knew she was small and scrawny, but sometimes that could be an advantage. She just had to figure out this infuriating boy's weak spot. His eyes glimmered a little golden in the sun. Whatever Henry thought, revolted at her wandering mind. He was a big, oafish brick wall that she needed to knock down a little. That was all. 

Liam's playful boasts only made her more angry: it was as though he wasn't taking her seriously. Without thinking, Henry tugged her knife from the belt loop of her shorts and slashed Liam's hand very slightly. Enough to slow him down. Sure, that was very much against the rules of this combat course, but he was pissing her off. "Prove me wrong? You must be joking, Daddy's boy! As if you have the brain capacity for anything but picking up heavy rocks and shit." Henry didn't like to curse, but she was enraged now. Hoping her delicate appearance didn't undermine the verbal attack, the girl held the knife blade down to the ground, keeping her fists up and her posture completely correct. 

She never faltered. Except for when she did, which was just about every time Liam Santos smirked down at her. What was this boy's problem? 

[Liam Santos Rare]

Liam could feel the sweat beading on his forehead as the battle continued to unfold. Henry's determination and resilience were proving to be more challenging than he had initially anticipated. He wiped his brow with the back of his hand, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the situation. He knew he couldn't underestimate her; her strikes were quick, precise, and she seemed to have a strategy for every move she made. He mentally acknowledged that there was more to this Athena girl than met the eye. His words seemed to only enrage him more which just made him feel even more powerful as he fed off this type of anger. Maybe this was a little payback from that iris message when he was in just a towel! Well maybe he liked hearing her say she missed like......pfffff what was he thinking!!!

Liam couldn't deny the sparks of irritation Henry's words ignited within him, but he was also aware of a growing fascination with the fierce determination radiating from her. This wasn't just a physical battle; it was a contest of wills, and Liam was starting to understand that Henry was far more than just a "little Athena girl." He repositioned himself, ready to continue the battle, the grudging respect he felt for her only adding fuel to the fire that burned within him. "What you have to rely on your dagger?" he said to her with a smirk. "Come on grapple with me or are you too scared" he said challenging her. He knew that if she would do it he might have a chance to win this one. The thought of her body on his made him feel a way that he tried to push down....it's just henry right? 

[Henrietta Abbot]

Liam's taunting got the better of Henry; she cast the dagger aside, and it landed with a satisfying thud in the dirt. "Fine," she snapped, "but you asked for it". Even though she knew he was stronger, Henry lunged forward and grabbed his wrist. The sudden movement should provide an adequate distraction, giving her room to knee him in the crotch. Once he was down, she could take charge and hopefully best him. Children of Athena always thought a few steps ahead -- battle strategy was ingrained in them from birth. Unfortunately, Ares children were much the same way, being descendants of the god of war. "I'm not scared of you, Santos." Henry sneered, trying desperately to maintain her grip on his wrist. 

Sweating and panting in the early afternoon sun, Henry felt her eyeliner melt and run. Liam seemed tired, but less visibly affected by the exertion than her. The girl tried hard to push down the feelings that bubbled to the surface. Liam was good-looking, in a cocky kind of way. You could tell he knew it, and Henry hated that. Shaking her head to dislodge a clump of rogue bleach-blonde hair, she deepened her scowl. Gods, he was so frustrating! "Your dad is gonna be so disappointed in you when I take you down," she grinned, letting her knee make contact between his legs. She had to play dirty, but she was trying desperately not to think dirty. Liam Santos was a bumbling buffoon, her biggest rival. The flush on Henry's face was just from the sun, surely. 

Edited August 16, 2023 by Henrietta Abbot

[Liam Santos Rare]

Liam's heart raced as he watched Henry cast aside her dagger, her determined expression only serving to further ignite his competitive spirit. He couldn't deny the exhilaration he felt as she lunged forward and grabbed his wrist, her sudden movement taking him by surprise for a fraction of a second. But he was quick to react, his instincts kicking in as he tried to counter her maneuver. He could sense her determination, her resolve to prove herself in every move she made.

As Henry's knee aimed for a particularly sensitive area, Liam's body instinctively reacted, his leg shifting slightly to partially deflect the blow. The impact still made him wince, and he grunted through the discomfort. He was impressed by her audacity, her willingness to use any means necessary to gain the upper hand. But he wouldn't be beaten that easily. "You talk big for someone who's about to eat dirt," he retorted through gritted teeth, his own determination shining in his eyes.

Despite the heat of the battle and the strain on his body, Liam couldn't help but notice the flush on Henry's face, her slightly disheveled appearance somehow making her even more intriguing. He couldn't let himself get distracted by such thoughts, though; he had a battle to win. That was when he tried to wrap his arms around her. This was how he saw them tumbling to the ground as they were then fight that way.

[Henrietta Abbot]

Henry hit the ground pretty hard under Liam's weight. As she fell, she caught a glimpse of the other campers in the course: all were sparring, but none so passionately as Henry and Liam. Nobody else was on the ground with their opponent. She felt shocked for a moment, all of her battle instincts and tactics seeping away for a moment. They had toppled because he had wrapped his arms around her, the shock made her lose her balance and fall, taking him with her. His arms restrained her, enough that she began kicking and attempting to heave him off of her body. 

The frustration that none of her usual tactics had worked was getting to the girl; she was so used to winning that this new challenge had her both stumped and infuriated. She was competitive, but she was also a sore loser. "Gods, I can't stand you! What are you, some kind of pervert?" Still unable to escape from underneath him, Henry instinctively moved her hands to his chest, pushing hard. The action was too familiar, seeming charged with an unspoken feeling. Henry scowled up at him, fighting off the blush in her cheeks. "If this was weaponry training you'd be begging for my mercy by now!" she snapped, stubbornly trying to snatch some dignity from the jaws of defeat.

[Liam Santos Rare]

Liam felt a surge of triumph as he managed to bring Henry down with him in their tangled struggle, their bodies hitting the ground with a solid thud. The flurry of emotions that played across Henry's face didn't escape his notice, and for a brief moment, he allowed himself a small internal victory. But his satisfaction was short-lived as he felt her kicks and attempts to dislodge him, her determination unwavering even in this compromising position.

As her voice lashed out in a mixture of frustration and accusation, Liam couldn't help but let out a chuckle, though it was a bit strained due to the physical effort. "Pervert? Nah, just trying to make sure you're nice and cozy on the ground where you belong, with my arms wrapped around you" he quipped, his smirk still evident despite the physical strain they were both enduring. That was when what he said made him thing of them doing another type of wrestling. Trying to throw those out of his mind he tried to focus on the challenge at hand. He maintained his grip as she pushed against his chest, his muscles flexing with the effort. Her words about weaponry training only fueled his determination to prove himself in this hand-to-hand combat, a determination that mirrored the intensity of her own.

Liam's focus remained unwavering, despite the fierce verbal exchanges and the heat of the battle. His body ached, his heart raced, and a film of sweat coated his skin, but he was determined to emerge victorious. With a calculated move, he attempted to shift his weight slightly, aiming to catch Henry off guard and roll her onto her back while maintaining his hold on her wrists. As their struggle continued, he couldn't deny the mixture of exhilaration and frustration that coursed through him, fully immersed in the battle of wills that had consumed them both.

[Henrietta Abbot]

The way Liam spoke, and that infuriating smirk on his face, made Henry's heart race. Was he trying to embarrass her, put her in her place somehow? Why did the pit of her stomach feel warm, extending out into the rest of her body like a shiver? Struggling against him only went to highlight how close their bodies were, pressing together with a terrible sensation of belonging. He rolled her over so she was pinned under him, and something fluttered at her core. She stubbornly attributed it to adrenaline and rage, some symptom of his Ares powers. It meant nothing. She wasn't turned on. Quite the opposite, she was revolted! "Oh yeah, Santos, you're totally not a perv. You're just pinning me to the ground platonically" Henry jeered. 

With her wrists restrained and her kicking having no effect, Henry did the only thing she could think of: she kissed Liam hard. She didn't have time to wonder if her ADHD spontaneity had gone too far -- she used his shock to roll out from under him and get to her feet. She quickly grabbed the dagger she'd discarded and held it threateningly towards him. "If you want to play dirty, fine. I can play dirty."

She convinced herself that the kiss was just a strategy, that any Athena child would have done the same. She didn't enjoy it. She didn't like how soft his lips were, or how warm the sun had made his face. "You're a lousy kisser, by the way" she added for good measure. 

[Liam Santos Rare]

Liam felt a mixture of shock and confusion as Henry's lips crashed against his, his brain temporarily short-circuiting as her unexpected move caught him off guard. Her lips were soft and warm against his, sending a jolt of surprise through his body. He instinctively loosened his grip on her wrists, momentarily forgetting the fight as his mind raced to comprehend the sudden turn of events. Before he could even process what was happening, Henry had used his momentary lapse to her advantage, expertly rolling out from under him and getting to her feet. But he didn't want that to end so fast..........

As she held the dagger threateningly towards him, Liam blinked rapidly, his mind still spinning from the kiss. He registered her words, her threat, but he couldn't quite shake off the daze that had settled over him. The mixture of adrenaline, the lingering sensation of her lips, and the dagger aimed at him created a surreal atmosphere that he struggled to reconcile with the fierce rivalry that had consumed them just moments before. Her comment about his kissing abilities snapped him back to reality, and he shook his head slightly, his lips curving into a grin despite the tension. "Oh really? I'll keep that in mind for our next training session," he quipped, a glint of amusement in his eyes.

Liam's brain was still processing the whirlwind of emotions and actions that had transpired, but he was well aware that the dynamics between him and Henry had taken an unexpected twist. The battle of wills had transformed into something more complex, something that stirred a mixture of frustration, fascination, and an undeniable spark between them. He readied himself for whatever move Henry might make next, aware that this fight had moved beyond physical strength and strategy, delving into a realm of unspoken tension and connection. That was when they called for a break. Liam's eyes were still on Henry as if they did not want to leave her as they began to talk about the next lesson which would be later that week. He walked up behind her "You caught me off guard, so if you ever want to give me a second chance at that kiss. I will show you how it really is done." 

[Henrietta Abbot]

Not only was Henry a sore loser, she was a terrible winner. As the break was called, Henry couldn't help but smile gloatingly at Liam; while it wasn't a full-fledged victory, it felt like one. Especially after watching him process the kiss she had planted on him. He had looked almost disappointed that it was over, but surely that was a mistake. His flirting was just a strategy, a way to push her buttons. It was working: Henry wasn't used to that kind of attention, and she hated that it had an effect on her. 

"I won," Henry panted, lowering her dagger. "I totally had you." Tucking the blade safely back in her belt loop, she wiped an arm over her forehead. She needed a drink of water. And a lot of food. Trying not to think about how that had technically been her first kiss, Henry rolled her eyes, crossing her arms defensively over her chest. "Kiss you again? I'd rather make out with one of the cleaning harpies." She said it so forcefully that it almost sounded convincing. 

She began walking towards the mess hall, looking over her shoulder at Liam. "Next session you're dead meat, Daddy's boy. Maybe I'll pity you enough to give you that second chance -- but I doubt it." She called after him. Half of her hoped he'd follow her, but... no, that was stupid. She hated him.

[Liam Santos Rare]

Liam watched Henry's gloating smile with a mix of bemusement and fascination during the break. There was an undeniable tension in the air between them, a spark that he couldn't quite ignore. Her confident declaration that she had won only fueled his determination to come back stronger in their next encounter. "Sure, you won this round," Liam conceded with a smirk, his eyes lingering on her as she prepared to head to the mess hall. He couldn't deny the attraction he felt, though he was determined to maintain his cocky exterior. As she called out her challenge and her half-hearted taunts, he chuckled softly under his breath. He could feel the intensity of their rivalry, but he also sensed something more beneath the surface.

Liam's curiosity got the better of him as he followed her, his long strides catching up to her easily. When he reached her, he made a sudden move, disarming her of the dagger and swiftly maneuvering her into a hold. His heart raced, both from the physical exertion and the unexpected closeness between them. His breath was warm against her ear as he held the blade of the dagger just inches from her neck, his voice a low murmur. "I wouldn't mind that second chance, you know. But I suppose I'll have to earn it." His lips hovered near her ear, his voice a mixture of challenge and something deeper that he couldn't quite put into words.

[Henrietta Abbot]

Before Henry could even process what was going on, she felt Liam's unmistakable presence. His breath was hot but crisp, causing the hairs on the back of her neck to prick up. Goosebumps spread across her arms as she felt her own dagger pressed against her neck. Instinctively, she raised her chin, her breath quickened. He was cruel to do this in front of everyone, teasing her. It felt like a punishment for overcoming him during the spar. So... why did she feel this new sensation in every inch of her body? Why was it stirring her core like that? "No fair," Henry said quietly. Her voice was riddled with anticipation and fury. She was trying hard not to convey her arousal. "I wasn't ready." 

She reached behind, pawing at the boy in an attempt to free herself. When her hand brushed the waistband of his jeans, her breath hitched. "Y-you're insufferable, Liam Santos. That was a cheap shot." Her shoulders rose and fell with her breath. He was so close to her. The points of contact where their bodies met sent sparks of electricity straight to her brain. Henry was visibly flustered, burning scarlet as their fellow campers walked by with raised eyebrows. Henry raised her chin yet again, enough to catch a glimpse of Liam's face, smirking down at her. Something in her wanted to give in. What was she thinking? What was he doing to her?

[Liam Santos Rare]

Liam could feel the tension radiating from Henry as he held her in the tight, controlled grip, his heart pounding as he caught the faint scent of her hair. Her words, the mix of anticipation and fury in her voice, only served to intensify the complex emotions swirling within him. He was well aware that this move might be seen as a tease, a way to provoke her, and part of him reveled in the unpredictable responses he was eliciting from her. His lips curled into a half-smirk as he listened to her protest about fairness, her vulnerability oddly enticing. The touch of her hand against his waistband sent a jolt of electricity through his body, his mind momentarily wandering to places he knew he shouldn't be exploring in the midst of their standoff. Her stammered words and flushed cheeks only added to the charged atmosphere that surrounded them. He was acutely aware of their close proximity, the heat of their bodies, and the effect he seemed to be having on her. It was both exhilarating and unnerving, a mixture of sensations that he couldn't easily define.

As their fellow campers walked by, their raised eyebrows and knowing smirks only fueled the fire that raged between Liam and Henry. He held her gaze, the challenge in her eyes mirroring the challenge in his own. "Cheap shot or not, Henry, sometimes life throws unexpected moments at us. The question is, what are we going to do about them?" His voice was a low murmur, meant only for her ears, as if he were inviting her to explore this uncharted territory with him. "Nothing is fair in love or war princess" he hummed once more in her ear. Part of him loved being this close to her for some reason. As if something inside called out to him.  He felt a rush of both uncertainty and excitement, fully aware that their relationship had taken a sharp turn from rivalry to something much more complex and intriguing.

 

[Henrietta Abbot]

"I'm gonna kick your ass is what I'm gonna do, Daddy's Boy!" Henry retorted, driving a hard kick into his shin. She wanted more than anything to stay at his mercy, to test how far he would really go... but there were people watching! She wouldn't let anyone see her be weak, especially not against Liam. He was surely just making fun of her, creating a joke that she wasn't in on. His reputation as a flirt -- and a desirable one at that -- was well known around camp. This what yet another tactic in their charged battle, and she was invigorated. There wasn't a muscle in her body that wasn't engaged in this strange dance.

"Who said anything about love?" the blonde snapped, scowling in such a way that hid her desperation. "You're nothing but a nuisance, Santos, and when you let me go I'll mount that big head of yours on my wall!" she spat defiantly. She struggled against him, managing only to turn around so that she faced him. Now, they were in an odd sort of embrace, the dagger held to the back of her neck. Her body pressed against his made her knees feel weak. He was beautiful, she guessed. Maybe another girl would find his bold, cocky advances charming. Definitely not her though. 

[Liam Santos Rare]

Liam winced as Henry's kick connected with his shin, the sharp pain momentarily breaking their tense standoff. He knew she was right; they couldn't let their personal battle become a spectacle for everyone to witness. Her words, though laced with defiance, held a vulnerability that struck a chord within him. He sensed her hesitation, her wariness, and the knowledge that their interactions were never straightforward.

He chuckled softly at her retort about love, his grip on her not loosening as he maintained their close contact. "Who said anything about letting you go, princess?" he countered, his voice a mixture of challenge and something else, something softer that he was beginning to recognize. Suddenly, he executed a fluid move, flipping her in his arms and positioning himself behind her, his arm firmly around her waist and the dagger still held to the back of her neck. His lips brushed against her neck, sending shivers down his own spine, and his words were a low murmur against her skin. "You're right. I'm a nuisance. But tell me, Henry, do you really want me to let you go?" And then, in a surprising move, he dropped the dagger to the ground and took a step back, his eyes holding a mix of challenge and something far more complicated. Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away, leaving Henry standing there.

[Henrietta Abbot]

His words were spoken into her hair, the moment feeling like a stormy sea; every feeling, every sensation, crashed into the other in a way Henry couldn't even begin to process. There was something tender about his treatment of her. If he wanted to win, he could've done so right then. She had been entirely at his mercy, and yet... he let her go. She heard her knife thud on the firm, dry dirt. She felt the warmth of his body suddenly depart. Her waist felt empty without his arm around it. She was free, so why did she feel so disappointed? Why did her heart lurch at the sight of him walking away? Angry and frustrated, she stamped her foot. Maybe it was childish, but she was furious. "QUITTER!" she called after him. 

Henry picked her knife off the ground. Its handle was warm, and she felt herself linger on it. Her hand echoing his, aligning with the heat. She snapped at a few curious campers, telling them where they could stick it, before dragging herself to the mess hall. She was completely shaken, her head buzzing and whirling with thoughts and images. Her mind wandered as she picked at her food. Gods, maybe I'm the pervert, she thought to herself furiously. He must be using some kind of Ares power on me. Dirty, shameless cheater.

--

Late that night, Henry slipped into the Ares cabin. She moved in near complete silence, afraid of being caught: the Ares and Athena cabins were not exactly friendly with one another. Finding a door marked Liam, she slid a folded piece of paper under, into the passage of light that escaped from the room beyond. Henry gave the door a tap and then darted out into the night, breathless.