When I'm dead I will join their ranks

There's really just one thing that we have in common Neither of us will be missed.

[fight-like-a-man]

Senator. Member of the First Cohort.

Child of Mars. Descendant of Nero.

Brutus.

**************

- No known divine powers, only the ability to sever a man's head without a second thought.

-can summon ghosts of those lost in battle

- insanely intimidating

- doesn't talk much, but when they do, people listen

-trains Probatio and new campers

-on their 11th year of enrollment (refuses to retire)

*************

5'9"

17 years old

light brown/dark blonde hair

black eyes

heavily scarred

always wearing pants and long-sleeves

PEOPLE/RELATIONSHIPS:

@demoted-but-not-forgotten - Little Wolf. Nice, oddly anxious.

@onlymythologypersonincamp - Eve Jordan. My friend. Makes me talk a lot- though I'm not mad about it.

@redwine-super-nova - Veronica. Friend? Greek.

[unlucky-fuck]

im bored and I wanna do an open starter again 💔

choose an oc (except I forget some of their names)

Goldman (Hepheastus kid) @forged-in-fire-and-brimstone

guy who might get deleted... (nemesis kid) @demigodvigilante

brutus (mars kid) @fight-like-a-man

hellisrisen (child that just sorta. escaped tartarus) @hellisrisen

archie (tyche kid) @unlucky-fuck

ghost guy! @demigod-ghost

the new oc (child of aphrodite) @c0nfl1ct-0f-1nt3r3st

Voting ended onJun 7

(reblogging this to all their accounts so its not just archie bias)

[fight-like-a-man]

btw if brutus had a choice with his life (and never discovered he was a demigod) he wouldve become a ballerina (hes still absolutely obsessed with ballet)

[fight-like-a-man]

//rewatching heated rivalry and thinking about how this show would wreck brutus emotionally. he is the worst of these two men. he even looks a little like a mix of them.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

Brutus, kindly put, looks like shit. He's got dark circles under his eyes, a giant cast on his foot- and he's using crutches instead of a cane now.

Upon seeing Lucian, he lights up- but suddenly realizes.. something. He looks away from Lucian, but shakes his head- clearly lost in thought.

He finally says "Little Wolf! Do you.. want to make uh.." He hates saying this- but he's literally out of swords to sharpen. He's out of useful things to do. "Would you like to do a sort of craft with me?"

@fight-like-a-man

Lucian was excluded from practice, as always- not like he was complaining, he'd avoid it if people want him to. Not like he was ever any good at it, anyway. So he was just walking around the grounds, when he saw Brutus- good gods, he hasn't seen him in so long... well, ever since he cried at his injury. That was really pathetic of him. He's such a baby-

Either way, his tail started wagging when he saw his friend. Can he call Brutus his friend? He had no clue, but he hoped he could! "Brutus- hi! Hi, hello-"

He was so happy to see Brutus. It was sad that he had to be in crutches, but at least it wasn't severe, right? His ears perked up at the mention of an activity. "A craft? Yes! I'd love to- what kinda craft? I like doing things-"

[fight-like-a-man]

"Uh... I'm gonna be honest, I haven't crafted in years. I've spent my time training or helping others.. I was hoping. You knew something like that? The uh.. The medics said I should. Take a break-they suggested crafts." Brutus seems ashamed- because he is. He's made himself completely useless- he's a stupid cunt and he can't fix that. He's useless.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Oh-" He paused for a moment, to think. He needed to think what they could do. He knew how to do a couple of crafts, did Brutus know crafts? He says he hasn't done it in years. Maybe they can make bracelets! Or do origami- or maybe pins? Does Lucian have any pin making stuff around? His tail swayed from side to side as he scratched behind his ear in thought. "Bracelets? Pins? Uh- origami?" He thought out loud.

[fight-like-a-man]

"Origami sounds.." what a waste of paper. What is the point of crafting? You can't use a paper swan for anything once it's finished. It's a waste- this is all a waste, Brutus is trash.

"Fun."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Really??" He snapped out of his train of thought, ears parking up again, pure excitement in his eyes as his tail started wagging once more. "Yay!! I- yippie-! I'm so so glad I can spend time with you!!"

He was basically jumping around Brutus excitedly, almost like a happy dog.

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus nods, beginning to ease slightly- Lucian's joy was adorable. He was so carefree-

He's in danger. Anything could happen to him and you would be responsible because you're useless. You can't do shit. You're horrible.

His shoulders squeeze together and his posture straightens. "Yes- I'm happy to spend time with you too."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Yay-!!" He was so excited... because well, he was still a kid. Just thirteen years old. He didn't seem to notice the way Brutus tensed up. "Oh oh oh I can grab colored paper! And it's gonna be so fun because we could make colorful things-"

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus nods. "I.. Am unaware of any craft storage we have, so you will have to assist me.. In getting there."

What if you get ambushed? What if there's another attack on camp and he dies? It will be your fault. You're dumb for ever thinking Elle would want to talk to you- now you've just ruined yourself for no good reason.

Brutus leans on his crutches, legs already beginning to get tired.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"I can run to my house- we've got paper! I can-" He jumped around Brutus, completely unaware of everything that was wrong with him- well, aside from the crutches. "You can pick the spot and- and we'll have so so so so much fun!!"

Or at least he hoped they would. Gods, he liked his friends- little as there was of them.

[fight-like-a-man]

"Yes- Of course." He's leaving to his house. How far is that? Should Brutus go? No- he's far too slow, and he wasn't invited.

"We can sit by the tree over there," Brutus suggests. "I like that tree."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Oooo, that tree looks really good!!" He nodded enthusiastically before running off, giggling like a little kid- the scar on his leg didn't even bother him all that much at that moment.

He came back a couple moment later with a messenger bag and sat down by said tree. "I got the paper!!"

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus had caved- he felt weak- he was actually sitting when Lucian approaches the tree. "Amazing- are you ready to begin?"

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Yeah! I'm so ready!!" He was practically beaming with excitement, pulling out the paper from his bag and handing some to Brutus.

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus begins fidgeting- folding the paper into a ninja star; then frowning and unfolding it. He tries again, but attempts to get the folds sharper.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

Lucian didn't actually know how to do origami- aside from a few basic things. He made a paper plane (does that count as orifami...?), then started trying to turn another sheet of paper into a dog.

[fight-like-a-man]

Stupid, stupid, stupid. Can't even make a functional weapon out of paper- you are useless. You should just roll over and die- and stop wasting everyone's time and resources.

Brutus growls in anger, tearing up his paper and hiding his face in shame.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

Lucian looked over to Brutus and tilted his head in confusion. Why was he so angry? The younger boy pushed over his paper plane towards Brutus. "Hey. Um. Here you go."

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus looks at the paper. He doesn't deserve any sort of gift. No kindness.

"...Thanks." He doesn't make any move to take it.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"I'm not very good at doing this." He admitted, setting the very crude dog on the ground between them and making another paper plane. He released it into the air, and it didn't fly far. "But I don't have to be good at things to have fun."

[fight-like-a-man]

Oh no, the kid was horrible. Brutus.. wasn't much better. His folds were perfect and neat- but his origami still fucking sucks.

Because he sucks. He's a bad person. Brutus is a bad person- so everything he does is bad.

"No, no, yours are amazing- I don't have any done, so you're doing far better than me."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

Lucian reached out to grab his paper plane before looking at Brutus. He knew something was up- it was sort of like a dog knowing something was wrong with their favorite human. "...they don't have to be perfect, you know? This is just- for fun."

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus nods- but that's pointless. Fun is pointless. They do have to be perfect- They have to be. If Brutus isn't perfect, people get hurt.

"I know," he lies. "I just am not very good and can't make anything cohesive."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

The younger boy gently bumped his head against Brutus's shoulder, ears twitching a little as he looked at the son of Mars. "I'm not good either. You don't have to be good. You could just make a silly paper plane. Or a little boat. Or anything. It doesn't have to be good."

[fight-like-a-man]

He flinches at the touch. "I- No, yours are good. I just.. I'm not good, really. You're much better than I am." Brutus shakes his head.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

He looked at his two planes and the little dog. "That's your opinion. I think they're silly, even if they're not perfect. Yours is silly, too."

[fight-like-a-man]

"I.. I ripped it up, though. How can it be silly if it's just scraps?" Brutus begins picking up the tiny pieces.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Because you made it." Was the simple answer from Lucian, he grabbed one of the pieces of paper, "You can make a shape with the bits if you want."

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus stares at Lucian. "I.. I don't understand? I am not silly- how. How can this.. I don't-"

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"I think you're silly." He said in that calm, childish tone- letting himself relax a little as he leaned on Brutus slightly.

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus tenses- he is.. not relaxed.

"What.. what makes you think that? I try very hard not to be silly, little wolf, I try to be serious."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Because you're you. You're silly in your own way. I think that counts as silly." He looked at the pieces of paper, "Being silly sometimes isn't a bad thing, you know?"

[fight-like-a-man]

"I- Uh.." Brutus just seems more confused than anything. Do words mean anything? At this point he was gonna default back to Latin or ASL- maybe he actually didn't know anything.

"I don't think it's a bad thing.. I just. Am not silly- and do not want to be?"

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Oh-" He sat up and looked at Brutus, tilting his head in confusion before just smiling. "That's fine, too. Sorry. Did I make you feel bad-? I'll stop."

He didn't seem sad or anything, just- asking for clarification, really.

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus nods. "Thank you- sorry. I'm. I just do not want to be silly. I want to be serious."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Yeah, that's fair." Even if he didn't understand it. But that was fine. He didn't need to understand. "...what are you going to make out of the paper?"

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus frowns, looking at the paper he hasn't torn.

"A.. I'm not sure. What do you think I should make?"

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

He thought for a moment, scratching behind his ear. Brutus was different from him, that's for sure. He didn't know what his friend would like. "Well... what do you want to make?"

[fight-like-a-man]

"I don't.. know? I mean, I haven't really done this since.." he trails off.

"I haven't done it in a while. I used to be good at it." He fidgets with the zipper of his jacket, looking down so he wont meet Lucian's eyes.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"You can start with simple stuff?" He suggested, but didn't want to force Brutus into anything. He knew how that felt- and it sucked. Even if it was just some craft, he didn't want to make him feel like he was being made to do things.

[fight-like-a-man]

"I.. guess. I just feel like I'm wasting resources.."

because you are. you are useless and you don't deserve to be doing this.. for what? For fun? You arent even having fun right now. Did She die for this?

Brutus hesitantly grabs another piece of paper, making a swan.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"You're not. We don't really need paper all that much. It's just paper. We have a lot of it, anyway." He tried to reassure. He wasn't sure what was going on in Brutus's head, but he knew he wasn't going to let his friend talk badly about himself.

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus looks at the swan, frowning. "It could be used for better things, though.."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Like what?" He asked, sounding geniuinely curious about it- he didn't know paper had important things to be used on.

[fight-like-a-man]

"Well, I suppose the tree that provided this paper is already.. dead, but I still feel bad wasting this paper." Brutus sighs. "People with actual talent could have used this."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"It's not wasting it." Lucian couldn't understand why his friend was like this- why anyone would think this way. "Not everything has to have a 'practical use' or whatever."

[fight-like-a-man]

Everything. has a use. it has to- otherwise they're useless. Brutus is a weapon- but he cant fight right now. He's about as useless as that paper swan.

"What good is it if it's not practical?"

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

What good is it if it's not practical? He wished he could say something about it. Gods, he wished he could say something smart.

"I'm... I'm sure it has something." Was all that came out of his mouth, his voice more timid now. Maybe this was all powered by the fact he wasn't practical, but he wanted to has some use.

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus goes quiet, he hands the swan the Lucian, his expression painfully neutral.

"Here. You're good at making things useful, I trust you can find a good purpose for this."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

He looked at the swan, then at Brutus- almost as if he was scared of accidentally breaking it. He had a tendency to do that... even if he didn't want to. "I- I am?"

[fight-like-a-man]

"Yes?" Truthfully, anyone who can find a reason to tolerate Brutus is a magical creature capable of anything. "You are. Very capable, little wolf."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

He... didn't really believe these words. All his life he's been told the exact opposite, especially after they discovered that he didn't have any impressive abilities. Or any abilities at all. "Oh- oh, um. I- I'll try?"

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus nods sagely, but it's truthfully just because he's losing energy- starting to slump over where he sits.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

Lucian stared at the swan for a moment more, his eyes almost sparkling with amazement, before he looked at Brutus. "Hey- hey, uh. You shouldn't sleep on the ground. That's... I don't think that's good for you."

[fight-like-a-man]

"..mm- Hm?" Brutus sits up straighter- trying to appear more awake. "Oh- I- Uh.. I wasn't.." It doesn't look like he's gotten proper rest in quite a while.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Go to bed, Brutus." The younger boy urged, looking geniuinely worried for his friend. He was even willing to walk him back to the barracks and stuff-!

[fight-like-a-man]

"I- I'm not tired. I haven't been doing any physical tasks- I need to watch.." He objects; his eyes slowly drifting closed against his will.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"...sure, buddy." It was moments like this one that Lucian sometimes thought he was the older one, but whatever. He gently started to drag Brutus towards the barracks.

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus felt. Much lighter than normal. He looked ill- barely able to fight against Lucian. It was a bit concerning.

"What- what if someone comes to camp-"

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"No one's going to come to camp." He reassured gently, still dragging Brutus. Honestly he wasn't sure of what he said himself, but it was better to not make his friend worry more than he already does. If something happens, Lucian is more than ready to take full responsibility.

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus whines, muttering a few objections under his breath- he. He doesn't want this. He just wants to make sure everyone is okay and well.

"But if they do.. and I don't alert- it's all my fault.."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

Brutus, kindly put, looks like shit. He's got dark circles under his eyes, a giant cast on his foot- and he's using crutches instead of a cane now.

Upon seeing Lucian, he lights up- but suddenly realizes.. something. He looks away from Lucian, but shakes his head- clearly lost in thought.

He finally says "Little Wolf! Do you.. want to make uh.." He hates saying this- but he's literally out of swords to sharpen. He's out of useful things to do. "Would you like to do a sort of craft with me?"

@fight-like-a-man

Lucian was excluded from practice, as always- not like he was complaining, he'd avoid it if people want him to. Not like he was ever any good at it, anyway. So he was just walking around the grounds, when he saw Brutus- good gods, he hasn't seen him in so long... well, ever since he cried at his injury. That was really pathetic of him. He's such a baby-

Either way, his tail started wagging when he saw his friend. Can he call Brutus his friend? He had no clue, but he hoped he could! "Brutus- hi! Hi, hello-"

He was so happy to see Brutus. It was sad that he had to be in crutches, but at least it wasn't severe, right? His ears perked up at the mention of an activity. "A craft? Yes! I'd love to- what kinda craft? I like doing things-"

[fight-like-a-man]

"Uh... I'm gonna be honest, I haven't crafted in years. I've spent my time training or helping others.. I was hoping. You knew something like that? The uh.. The medics said I should. Take a break-they suggested crafts." Brutus seems ashamed- because he is. He's made himself completely useless- he's a stupid cunt and he can't fix that. He's useless.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Oh-" He paused for a moment, to think. He needed to think what they could do. He knew how to do a couple of crafts, did Brutus know crafts? He says he hasn't done it in years. Maybe they can make bracelets! Or do origami- or maybe pins? Does Lucian have any pin making stuff around? His tail swayed from side to side as he scratched behind his ear in thought. "Bracelets? Pins? Uh- origami?" He thought out loud.

[fight-like-a-man]

"Origami sounds.." what a waste of paper. What is the point of crafting? You can't use a paper swan for anything once it's finished. It's a waste- this is all a waste, Brutus is trash.

"Fun."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Really??" He snapped out of his train of thought, ears parking up again, pure excitement in his eyes as his tail started wagging once more. "Yay!! I- yippie-! I'm so so glad I can spend time with you!!"

He was basically jumping around Brutus excitedly, almost like a happy dog.

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus nods, beginning to ease slightly- Lucian's joy was adorable. He was so carefree-

He's in danger. Anything could happen to him and you would be responsible because you're useless. You can't do shit. You're horrible.

His shoulders squeeze together and his posture straightens. "Yes- I'm happy to spend time with you too."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Yay-!!" He was so excited... because well, he was still a kid. Just thirteen years old. He didn't seem to notice the way Brutus tensed up. "Oh oh oh I can grab colored paper! And it's gonna be so fun because we could make colorful things-"

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus nods. "I.. Am unaware of any craft storage we have, so you will have to assist me.. In getting there."

What if you get ambushed? What if there's another attack on camp and he dies? It will be your fault. You're dumb for ever thinking Elle would want to talk to you- now you've just ruined yourself for no good reason.

Brutus leans on his crutches, legs already beginning to get tired.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"I can run to my house- we've got paper! I can-" He jumped around Brutus, completely unaware of everything that was wrong with him- well, aside from the crutches. "You can pick the spot and- and we'll have so so so so much fun!!"

Or at least he hoped they would. Gods, he liked his friends- little as there was of them.

[fight-like-a-man]

"Yes- Of course." He's leaving to his house. How far is that? Should Brutus go? No- he's far too slow, and he wasn't invited.

"We can sit by the tree over there," Brutus suggests. "I like that tree."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Oooo, that tree looks really good!!" He nodded enthusiastically before running off, giggling like a little kid- the scar on his leg didn't even bother him all that much at that moment.

He came back a couple moment later with a messenger bag and sat down by said tree. "I got the paper!!"

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus had caved- he felt weak- he was actually sitting when Lucian approaches the tree. "Amazing- are you ready to begin?"

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Yeah! I'm so ready!!" He was practically beaming with excitement, pulling out the paper from his bag and handing some to Brutus.

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus begins fidgeting- folding the paper into a ninja star; then frowning and unfolding it. He tries again, but attempts to get the folds sharper.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

Lucian didn't actually know how to do origami- aside from a few basic things. He made a paper plane (does that count as orifami...?), then started trying to turn another sheet of paper into a dog.

[fight-like-a-man]

Stupid, stupid, stupid. Can't even make a functional weapon out of paper- you are useless. You should just roll over and die- and stop wasting everyone's time and resources.

Brutus growls in anger, tearing up his paper and hiding his face in shame.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

Lucian looked over to Brutus and tilted his head in confusion. Why was he so angry? The younger boy pushed over his paper plane towards Brutus. "Hey. Um. Here you go."

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus looks at the paper. He doesn't deserve any sort of gift. No kindness.

"...Thanks." He doesn't make any move to take it.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"I'm not very good at doing this." He admitted, setting the very crude dog on the ground between them and making another paper plane. He released it into the air, and it didn't fly far. "But I don't have to be good at things to have fun."

[fight-like-a-man]

Oh no, the kid was horrible. Brutus.. wasn't much better. His folds were perfect and neat- but his origami still fucking sucks.

Because he sucks. He's a bad person. Brutus is a bad person- so everything he does is bad.

"No, no, yours are amazing- I don't have any done, so you're doing far better than me."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

Lucian reached out to grab his paper plane before looking at Brutus. He knew something was up- it was sort of like a dog knowing something was wrong with their favorite human. "...they don't have to be perfect, you know? This is just- for fun."

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus nods- but that's pointless. Fun is pointless. They do have to be perfect- They have to be. If Brutus isn't perfect, people get hurt.

"I know," he lies. "I just am not very good and can't make anything cohesive."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

The younger boy gently bumped his head against Brutus's shoulder, ears twitching a little as he looked at the son of Mars. "I'm not good either. You don't have to be good. You could just make a silly paper plane. Or a little boat. Or anything. It doesn't have to be good."

[fight-like-a-man]

He flinches at the touch. "I- No, yours are good. I just.. I'm not good, really. You're much better than I am." Brutus shakes his head.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

He looked at his two planes and the little dog. "That's your opinion. I think they're silly, even if they're not perfect. Yours is silly, too."

[fight-like-a-man]

"I.. I ripped it up, though. How can it be silly if it's just scraps?" Brutus begins picking up the tiny pieces.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Because you made it." Was the simple answer from Lucian, he grabbed one of the pieces of paper, "You can make a shape with the bits if you want."

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus stares at Lucian. "I.. I don't understand? I am not silly- how. How can this.. I don't-"

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"I think you're silly." He said in that calm, childish tone- letting himself relax a little as he leaned on Brutus slightly.

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus tenses- he is.. not relaxed.

"What.. what makes you think that? I try very hard not to be silly, little wolf, I try to be serious."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Because you're you. You're silly in your own way. I think that counts as silly." He looked at the pieces of paper, "Being silly sometimes isn't a bad thing, you know?"

[fight-like-a-man]

"I- Uh.." Brutus just seems more confused than anything. Do words mean anything? At this point he was gonna default back to Latin or ASL- maybe he actually didn't know anything.

"I don't think it's a bad thing.. I just. Am not silly- and do not want to be?"

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Oh-" He sat up and looked at Brutus, tilting his head in confusion before just smiling. "That's fine, too. Sorry. Did I make you feel bad-? I'll stop."

He didn't seem sad or anything, just- asking for clarification, really.

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus nods. "Thank you- sorry. I'm. I just do not want to be silly. I want to be serious."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Yeah, that's fair." Even if he didn't understand it. But that was fine. He didn't need to understand. "...what are you going to make out of the paper?"

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus frowns, looking at the paper he hasn't torn.

"A.. I'm not sure. What do you think I should make?"

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

He thought for a moment, scratching behind his ear. Brutus was different from him, that's for sure. He didn't know what his friend would like. "Well... what do you want to make?"

[fight-like-a-man]

"I don't.. know? I mean, I haven't really done this since.." he trails off.

"I haven't done it in a while. I used to be good at it." He fidgets with the zipper of his jacket, looking down so he wont meet Lucian's eyes.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"You can start with simple stuff?" He suggested, but didn't want to force Brutus into anything. He knew how that felt- and it sucked. Even if it was just some craft, he didn't want to make him feel like he was being made to do things.

[fight-like-a-man]

"I.. guess. I just feel like I'm wasting resources.."

because you are. you are useless and you don't deserve to be doing this.. for what? For fun? You arent even having fun right now. Did She die for this?

Brutus hesitantly grabs another piece of paper, making a swan.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"You're not. We don't really need paper all that much. It's just paper. We have a lot of it, anyway." He tried to reassure. He wasn't sure what was going on in Brutus's head, but he knew he wasn't going to let his friend talk badly about himself.

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus looks at the swan, frowning. "It could be used for better things, though.."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Like what?" He asked, sounding geniuinely curious about it- he didn't know paper had important things to be used on.

[fight-like-a-man]

"Well, I suppose the tree that provided this paper is already.. dead, but I still feel bad wasting this paper." Brutus sighs. "People with actual talent could have used this."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"It's not wasting it." Lucian couldn't understand why his friend was like this- why anyone would think this way. "Not everything has to have a 'practical use' or whatever."

[fight-like-a-man]

Everything. has a use. it has to- otherwise they're useless. Brutus is a weapon- but he cant fight right now. He's about as useless as that paper swan.

"What good is it if it's not practical?"

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

What good is it if it's not practical? He wished he could say something about it. Gods, he wished he could say something smart.

"I'm... I'm sure it has something." Was all that came out of his mouth, his voice more timid now. Maybe this was all powered by the fact he wasn't practical, but he wanted to has some use.

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus goes quiet, he hands the swan the Lucian, his expression painfully neutral.

"Here. You're good at making things useful, I trust you can find a good purpose for this."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

He looked at the swan, then at Brutus- almost as if he was scared of accidentally breaking it. He had a tendency to do that... even if he didn't want to. "I- I am?"

[fight-like-a-man]

"Yes?" Truthfully, anyone who can find a reason to tolerate Brutus is a magical creature capable of anything. "You are. Very capable, little wolf."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

He... didn't really believe these words. All his life he's been told the exact opposite, especially after they discovered that he didn't have any impressive abilities. Or any abilities at all. "Oh- oh, um. I- I'll try?"

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus nods sagely, but it's truthfully just because he's losing energy- starting to slump over where he sits.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

Lucian stared at the swan for a moment more, his eyes almost sparkling with amazement, before he looked at Brutus. "Hey- hey, uh. You shouldn't sleep on the ground. That's... I don't think that's good for you."

[fight-like-a-man]

"..mm- Hm?" Brutus sits up straighter- trying to appear more awake. "Oh- I- Uh.. I wasn't.." It doesn't look like he's gotten proper rest in quite a while.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Go to bed, Brutus." The younger boy urged, looking geniuinely worried for his friend. He was even willing to walk him back to the barracks and stuff-!

[fight-like-a-man]

"I- I'm not tired. I haven't been doing any physical tasks- I need to watch.." He objects; his eyes slowly drifting closed against his will.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"...sure, buddy." It was moments like this one that Lucian sometimes thought he was the older one, but whatever. He gently started to drag Brutus towards the barracks.

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus felt. Much lighter than normal. He looked ill- barely able to fight against Lucian. It was a bit concerning.

"What- what if someone comes to camp-"

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

Brutus, kindly put, looks like shit. He's got dark circles under his eyes, a giant cast on his foot- and he's using crutches instead of a cane now.

Upon seeing Lucian, he lights up- but suddenly realizes.. something. He looks away from Lucian, but shakes his head- clearly lost in thought.

He finally says "Little Wolf! Do you.. want to make uh.." He hates saying this- but he's literally out of swords to sharpen. He's out of useful things to do. "Would you like to do a sort of craft with me?"

@fight-like-a-man

Lucian was excluded from practice, as always- not like he was complaining, he'd avoid it if people want him to. Not like he was ever any good at it, anyway. So he was just walking around the grounds, when he saw Brutus- good gods, he hasn't seen him in so long... well, ever since he cried at his injury. That was really pathetic of him. He's such a baby-

Either way, his tail started wagging when he saw his friend. Can he call Brutus his friend? He had no clue, but he hoped he could! "Brutus- hi! Hi, hello-"

He was so happy to see Brutus. It was sad that he had to be in crutches, but at least it wasn't severe, right? His ears perked up at the mention of an activity. "A craft? Yes! I'd love to- what kinda craft? I like doing things-"

[fight-like-a-man]

"Uh... I'm gonna be honest, I haven't crafted in years. I've spent my time training or helping others.. I was hoping. You knew something like that? The uh.. The medics said I should. Take a break-they suggested crafts." Brutus seems ashamed- because he is. He's made himself completely useless- he's a stupid cunt and he can't fix that. He's useless.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Oh-" He paused for a moment, to think. He needed to think what they could do. He knew how to do a couple of crafts, did Brutus know crafts? He says he hasn't done it in years. Maybe they can make bracelets! Or do origami- or maybe pins? Does Lucian have any pin making stuff around? His tail swayed from side to side as he scratched behind his ear in thought. "Bracelets? Pins? Uh- origami?" He thought out loud.

[fight-like-a-man]

"Origami sounds.." what a waste of paper. What is the point of crafting? You can't use a paper swan for anything once it's finished. It's a waste- this is all a waste, Brutus is trash.

"Fun."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Really??" He snapped out of his train of thought, ears parking up again, pure excitement in his eyes as his tail started wagging once more. "Yay!! I- yippie-! I'm so so glad I can spend time with you!!"

He was basically jumping around Brutus excitedly, almost like a happy dog.

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus nods, beginning to ease slightly- Lucian's joy was adorable. He was so carefree-

He's in danger. Anything could happen to him and you would be responsible because you're useless. You can't do shit. You're horrible.

His shoulders squeeze together and his posture straightens. "Yes- I'm happy to spend time with you too."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Yay-!!" He was so excited... because well, he was still a kid. Just thirteen years old. He didn't seem to notice the way Brutus tensed up. "Oh oh oh I can grab colored paper! And it's gonna be so fun because we could make colorful things-"

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus nods. "I.. Am unaware of any craft storage we have, so you will have to assist me.. In getting there."

What if you get ambushed? What if there's another attack on camp and he dies? It will be your fault. You're dumb for ever thinking Elle would want to talk to you- now you've just ruined yourself for no good reason.

Brutus leans on his crutches, legs already beginning to get tired.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"I can run to my house- we've got paper! I can-" He jumped around Brutus, completely unaware of everything that was wrong with him- well, aside from the crutches. "You can pick the spot and- and we'll have so so so so much fun!!"

Or at least he hoped they would. Gods, he liked his friends- little as there was of them.

[fight-like-a-man]

"Yes- Of course." He's leaving to his house. How far is that? Should Brutus go? No- he's far too slow, and he wasn't invited.

"We can sit by the tree over there," Brutus suggests. "I like that tree."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Oooo, that tree looks really good!!" He nodded enthusiastically before running off, giggling like a little kid- the scar on his leg didn't even bother him all that much at that moment.

He came back a couple moment later with a messenger bag and sat down by said tree. "I got the paper!!"

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus had caved- he felt weak- he was actually sitting when Lucian approaches the tree. "Amazing- are you ready to begin?"

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Yeah! I'm so ready!!" He was practically beaming with excitement, pulling out the paper from his bag and handing some to Brutus.

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus begins fidgeting- folding the paper into a ninja star; then frowning and unfolding it. He tries again, but attempts to get the folds sharper.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

Lucian didn't actually know how to do origami- aside from a few basic things. He made a paper plane (does that count as orifami...?), then started trying to turn another sheet of paper into a dog.

[fight-like-a-man]

Stupid, stupid, stupid. Can't even make a functional weapon out of paper- you are useless. You should just roll over and die- and stop wasting everyone's time and resources.

Brutus growls in anger, tearing up his paper and hiding his face in shame.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

Lucian looked over to Brutus and tilted his head in confusion. Why was he so angry? The younger boy pushed over his paper plane towards Brutus. "Hey. Um. Here you go."

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus looks at the paper. He doesn't deserve any sort of gift. No kindness.

"...Thanks." He doesn't make any move to take it.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"I'm not very good at doing this." He admitted, setting the very crude dog on the ground between them and making another paper plane. He released it into the air, and it didn't fly far. "But I don't have to be good at things to have fun."

[fight-like-a-man]

Oh no, the kid was horrible. Brutus.. wasn't much better. His folds were perfect and neat- but his origami still fucking sucks.

Because he sucks. He's a bad person. Brutus is a bad person- so everything he does is bad.

"No, no, yours are amazing- I don't have any done, so you're doing far better than me."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

Lucian reached out to grab his paper plane before looking at Brutus. He knew something was up- it was sort of like a dog knowing something was wrong with their favorite human. "...they don't have to be perfect, you know? This is just- for fun."

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus nods- but that's pointless. Fun is pointless. They do have to be perfect- They have to be. If Brutus isn't perfect, people get hurt.

"I know," he lies. "I just am not very good and can't make anything cohesive."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

The younger boy gently bumped his head against Brutus's shoulder, ears twitching a little as he looked at the son of Mars. "I'm not good either. You don't have to be good. You could just make a silly paper plane. Or a little boat. Or anything. It doesn't have to be good."

[fight-like-a-man]

He flinches at the touch. "I- No, yours are good. I just.. I'm not good, really. You're much better than I am." Brutus shakes his head.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

He looked at his two planes and the little dog. "That's your opinion. I think they're silly, even if they're not perfect. Yours is silly, too."

[fight-like-a-man]

"I.. I ripped it up, though. How can it be silly if it's just scraps?" Brutus begins picking up the tiny pieces.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Because you made it." Was the simple answer from Lucian, he grabbed one of the pieces of paper, "You can make a shape with the bits if you want."

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus stares at Lucian. "I.. I don't understand? I am not silly- how. How can this.. I don't-"

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"I think you're silly." He said in that calm, childish tone- letting himself relax a little as he leaned on Brutus slightly.

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus tenses- he is.. not relaxed.

"What.. what makes you think that? I try very hard not to be silly, little wolf, I try to be serious."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Because you're you. You're silly in your own way. I think that counts as silly." He looked at the pieces of paper, "Being silly sometimes isn't a bad thing, you know?"

[fight-like-a-man]

"I- Uh.." Brutus just seems more confused than anything. Do words mean anything? At this point he was gonna default back to Latin or ASL- maybe he actually didn't know anything.

"I don't think it's a bad thing.. I just. Am not silly- and do not want to be?"

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Oh-" He sat up and looked at Brutus, tilting his head in confusion before just smiling. "That's fine, too. Sorry. Did I make you feel bad-? I'll stop."

He didn't seem sad or anything, just- asking for clarification, really.

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus nods. "Thank you- sorry. I'm. I just do not want to be silly. I want to be serious."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Yeah, that's fair." Even if he didn't understand it. But that was fine. He didn't need to understand. "...what are you going to make out of the paper?"

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus frowns, looking at the paper he hasn't torn.

"A.. I'm not sure. What do you think I should make?"

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

He thought for a moment, scratching behind his ear. Brutus was different from him, that's for sure. He didn't know what his friend would like. "Well... what do you want to make?"

[fight-like-a-man]

"I don't.. know? I mean, I haven't really done this since.." he trails off.

"I haven't done it in a while. I used to be good at it." He fidgets with the zipper of his jacket, looking down so he wont meet Lucian's eyes.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"You can start with simple stuff?" He suggested, but didn't want to force Brutus into anything. He knew how that felt- and it sucked. Even if it was just some craft, he didn't want to make him feel like he was being made to do things.

[fight-like-a-man]

"I.. guess. I just feel like I'm wasting resources.."

because you are. you are useless and you don't deserve to be doing this.. for what? For fun? You arent even having fun right now. Did She die for this?

Brutus hesitantly grabs another piece of paper, making a swan.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"You're not. We don't really need paper all that much. It's just paper. We have a lot of it, anyway." He tried to reassure. He wasn't sure what was going on in Brutus's head, but he knew he wasn't going to let his friend talk badly about himself.

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus looks at the swan, frowning. "It could be used for better things, though.."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Like what?" He asked, sounding geniuinely curious about it- he didn't know paper had important things to be used on.

[fight-like-a-man]

"Well, I suppose the tree that provided this paper is already.. dead, but I still feel bad wasting this paper." Brutus sighs. "People with actual talent could have used this."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"It's not wasting it." Lucian couldn't understand why his friend was like this- why anyone would think this way. "Not everything has to have a 'practical use' or whatever."

[fight-like-a-man]

Everything. has a use. it has to- otherwise they're useless. Brutus is a weapon- but he cant fight right now. He's about as useless as that paper swan.

"What good is it if it's not practical?"

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

What good is it if it's not practical? He wished he could say something about it. Gods, he wished he could say something smart.

"I'm... I'm sure it has something." Was all that came out of his mouth, his voice more timid now. Maybe this was all powered by the fact he wasn't practical, but he wanted to has some use.

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus goes quiet, he hands the swan the Lucian, his expression painfully neutral.

"Here. You're good at making things useful, I trust you can find a good purpose for this."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

He looked at the swan, then at Brutus- almost as if he was scared of accidentally breaking it. He had a tendency to do that... even if he didn't want to. "I- I am?"

[fight-like-a-man]

"Yes?" Truthfully, anyone who can find a reason to tolerate Brutus is a magical creature capable of anything. "You are. Very capable, little wolf."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

He... didn't really believe these words. All his life he's been told the exact opposite, especially after they discovered that he didn't have any impressive abilities. Or any abilities at all. "Oh- oh, um. I- I'll try?"

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus nods sagely, but it's truthfully just because he's losing energy- starting to slump over where he sits.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

Lucian stared at the swan for a moment more, his eyes almost sparkling with amazement, before he looked at Brutus. "Hey- hey, uh. You shouldn't sleep on the ground. That's... I don't think that's good for you."

[fight-like-a-man]

"..mm- Hm?" Brutus sits up straighter- trying to appear more awake. "Oh- I- Uh.. I wasn't.." It doesn't look like he's gotten proper rest in quite a while.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Go to bed, Brutus." The younger boy urged, looking geniuinely worried for his friend. He was even willing to walk him back to the barracks and stuff-!

[fight-like-a-man]

"I- I'm not tired. I haven't been doing any physical tasks- I need to watch.." He objects; his eyes slowly drifting closed against his will.

[fight-like-a-man]

(@neptune-is-the-worst, Alexandria Marie, Girl, RP request)

Hi.

So I'm a roman demigod, who hypothetically hunts monsters for fun with....(ahem), other roman demigods (who may or may not have been on the other side of the war- cough- who said that?). I heard you trained other demigods like me. Wanting to know who you heard any rumors about the OG Jason's hammer?

Brutus freezes at the mention of war. Despite being a child of Mars, it seems to disturb him. Recovering from his shock, he starys again "I.. Uh. I do train demigods, but-" Brutus cuts himself off. "What about the hammer? I haven't heard anything about it recently.."

[neptune-is-the-worst]

“Oh nothing much,” she’s clearly lying. “I’m just kinda looking for it for the fate of historical research. And not the fate of an entire group of demigods. Just history.”

[fight-like-a-man]

"Alright." Brutus is. Painfully oblivious. "Why are you.. asking?" He glares at Alexandria, sitting back- leaning on his non injured foot.

[neptune-is-the-worst]

“I need it,” she deadpans. She puffs her chest out and flexes her muscles “my old hammer kinda sucks and I need to find OG Jason’s hammer for a model.”

She’s cocky about it. She does seem capable of swinging such a battle hammer but she also seems a bit overconfident.

[fight-like-a-man]

"...what is wrong with your current hammer?" Brutus steels himself, almost offended by the suggestion that someone should need a weapon.

"If you cannot deal proper damage with your current weapon, maybe you are not yet prepared for one from old myths."

[neptune-is-the-worst]

She makes a face realizing her lie was ill fit for the situation. “Ah, yes, but you see, this has been my weapon since I was like….”

She paused and looks at her fingers and counts them. She then raises eight of them. “Like a kid. Pretty sure it still has safety features on it?”

She keeps digging herself into a deeper hole.

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus pauses. He shakes his head. "What do you mean. Safety features? It's a hammer, not a bomb."

[neptune-is-the-worst]

She stares at Brutus. She squints. "......" She sighs. "Are you gonna help me or question me all day?" She's not even sure if this is worth it anymore.

[fight-like-a-man]

"I don't like making a habit out of helping people who will abuse it." Brutus hums in a low voice. "What are you really plotting?"

[neptune-is-the-worst]

She cringes and looks him in the eye. “I’m not going to abuse it.”

She thinks for a moment then crosses her arms flexing them slightly. “If you must know, I’m collecting ancient artifacts for my group of demigods. We hunt monsters. But currently we’re in a bit of competition with another rebel group.”

Alexandria grits her teeth and spits at the ground cursing slightly. “The leader of that group made challenge. Who gets the most will lead the other people’s group. Otherwise, war.”

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus flinches. "Where are these groups? There should not be conflict between demigods. This- I do not endorse this. You should both-" Brutus is aggressively wringing out his hands- gripping onto his puffer jacket. "I am not helping either side. Prevent war."

[neptune-is-the-worst]

She makes a face then takes a deep breath. Her emotions rolling across her face like a tsunami. Then opens her eyes.

“First of all, I’m not trying to start a war. I’m trying to prevent it,” she says opening her palms to the air. “Second off, these groups are not in one place. We’re…they are refugees from the battle of manhattan. The ones who didn’t have a home after the war. Ones trying to avoid the wrath of the gods by avoiding Camp Half-blood and Jupiter as a whole.”

She’s getting very defensive. Her cheeks burning red as she fidgets with a drachmae in her hand unable to keep the eye contact up.

“My group is peaceful. We’re all peaceful. Well mostly. We hunt monsters down from harming younger demigods so that they can live their lives without knowing a little longer. I’m the lead for the south west group. But fricken demigod of-“

She takes another deep breath and turns around unable to face him.

“I just need help okay! I’m not about to face my dad and admit he was right!”

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus is glaring at her- his dark eyes unrelenting. He steps closer, just... staring.

"What is with the artifacts, then? It seems like an idiotic challenge."

Brutus crosses his arms. This girl lied earlier- she might be lying again.

If he has any sympathy for her situation he doesn't show it.

"Even if I knew where that hammer was, I wouldn't tell you. If you were really trying to prevent a war- you would call off this idiotic bet."

[neptune-is-the-worst]

She grits her teeth and then breaths. “I swear on the river of Styx I’m not lying when I say I’m trying to prevent the war from happening.”

She waits a moment because she’s nervous Styx will kill her since she’s a Roman demigod. Nothing happens. She breathes out.

“And I’m not the one who started the bet. The idiot Reese did it. Makes sense given he’s the demigod of discord. His mom started the whole Trojan war.”

Alexandria raises a brow to prove her point. “I’m just trying to go back hunting monsters. All the kids on my side are far too young to be apart of a war. And the veterans have had enough of war.”

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus mumbles a few Roman curses under his breath- something along the lines of

'curse you father, could this not have happened while I was at full health? You have horrible timing.'

Brutus takes a deep breath, running his hands down his face. "Why do we not just.. apprehend Reese? I do not see why this person will respect a victory if they are a child of chaos."

[neptune-is-the-worst]

“Oh right! Why didn’t I think of that? Silly me!” She says sarcastically. She stares at him like she did in fact try to do that.

[fight-like-a-man]

"It was quite silly of you to not think of that," Brutus says bluntly- the tone completely going over his head.

[neptune-is-the-worst]

She gives him a deadpan stare. “Good lord you are as bad as your dad…..no wonder my brother beat his apple sugar spice.”

[fight-like-a-man]

"What in Pluto are you talking about? Apple sugar spice?" Brutus shakes his head. His shoulders have tensed- the comparison to his father seems to have.. bothered him.

[fight-like-a-man]

(@neptune-is-the-worst, Alexandria Marie, Girl, RP request)

Hi.

So I'm a roman demigod, who hypothetically hunts monsters for fun with....(ahem), other roman demigods (who may or may not have been on the other side of the war- cough- who said that?). I heard you trained other demigods like me. Wanting to know who you heard any rumors about the OG Jason's hammer?

Brutus freezes at the mention of war. Despite being a child of Mars, it seems to disturb him. Recovering from his shock, he starys again "I.. Uh. I do train demigods, but-" Brutus cuts himself off. "What about the hammer? I haven't heard anything about it recently.."

[neptune-is-the-worst]

“Oh nothing much,” she’s clearly lying. “I’m just kinda looking for it for the fate of historical research. And not the fate of an entire group of demigods. Just history.”

[fight-like-a-man]

"Alright." Brutus is. Painfully oblivious. "Why are you.. asking?" He glares at Alexandria, sitting back- leaning on his non injured foot.

[neptune-is-the-worst]

“I need it,” she deadpans. She puffs her chest out and flexes her muscles “my old hammer kinda sucks and I need to find OG Jason’s hammer for a model.”

She’s cocky about it. She does seem capable of swinging such a battle hammer but she also seems a bit overconfident.

[fight-like-a-man]

"...what is wrong with your current hammer?" Brutus steels himself, almost offended by the suggestion that someone should need a weapon.

"If you cannot deal proper damage with your current weapon, maybe you are not yet prepared for one from old myths."

[neptune-is-the-worst]

She makes a face realizing her lie was ill fit for the situation. “Ah, yes, but you see, this has been my weapon since I was like….”

She paused and looks at her fingers and counts them. She then raises eight of them. “Like a kid. Pretty sure it still has safety features on it?”

She keeps digging herself into a deeper hole.

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus pauses. He shakes his head. "What do you mean. Safety features? It's a hammer, not a bomb."

[neptune-is-the-worst]

She stares at Brutus. She squints. "......" She sighs. "Are you gonna help me or question me all day?" She's not even sure if this is worth it anymore.

[fight-like-a-man]

"I don't like making a habit out of helping people who will abuse it." Brutus hums in a low voice. "What are you really plotting?"

[neptune-is-the-worst]

She cringes and looks him in the eye. “I’m not going to abuse it.”

She thinks for a moment then crosses her arms flexing them slightly. “If you must know, I’m collecting ancient artifacts for my group of demigods. We hunt monsters. But currently we’re in a bit of competition with another rebel group.”

Alexandria grits her teeth and spits at the ground cursing slightly. “The leader of that group made challenge. Who gets the most will lead the other people’s group. Otherwise, war.”

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus flinches. "Where are these groups? There should not be conflict between demigods. This- I do not endorse this. You should both-" Brutus is aggressively wringing out his hands- gripping onto his puffer jacket. "I am not helping either side. Prevent war."

[neptune-is-the-worst]

She makes a face then takes a deep breath. Her emotions rolling across her face like a tsunami. Then opens her eyes.

“First of all, I’m not trying to start a war. I’m trying to prevent it,” she says opening her palms to the air. “Second off, these groups are not in one place. We’re…they are refugees from the battle of manhattan. The ones who didn’t have a home after the war. Ones trying to avoid the wrath of the gods by avoiding Camp Half-blood and Jupiter as a whole.”

She’s getting very defensive. Her cheeks burning red as she fidgets with a drachmae in her hand unable to keep the eye contact up.

“My group is peaceful. We’re all peaceful. Well mostly. We hunt monsters down from harming younger demigods so that they can live their lives without knowing a little longer. I’m the lead for the south west group. But fricken demigod of-“

She takes another deep breath and turns around unable to face him.

“I just need help okay! I’m not about to face my dad and admit he was right!”

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus is glaring at her- his dark eyes unrelenting. He steps closer, just... staring.

"What is with the artifacts, then? It seems like an idiotic challenge."

Brutus crosses his arms. This girl lied earlier- she might be lying again.

If he has any sympathy for her situation he doesn't show it.

"Even if I knew where that hammer was, I wouldn't tell you. If you were really trying to prevent a war- you would call off this idiotic bet."

[neptune-is-the-worst]

She grits her teeth and then breaths. “I swear on the river of Styx I’m not lying when I say I’m trying to prevent the war from happening.”

She waits a moment because she’s nervous Styx will kill her since she’s a Roman demigod. Nothing happens. She breathes out.

“And I’m not the one who started the bet. The idiot Reese did it. Makes sense given he’s the demigod of discord. His mom started the whole Trojan war.”

Alexandria raises a brow to prove her point. “I’m just trying to go back hunting monsters. All the kids on my side are far too young to be apart of a war. And the veterans have had enough of war.”

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus mumbles a few Roman curses under his breath- something along the lines of

'curse you father, could this not have happened while I was at full health? You have horrible timing.'

Brutus takes a deep breath, running his hands down his face. "Why do we not just.. apprehend Reese? I do not see why this person will respect a victory if they are a child of chaos."

[neptune-is-the-worst]

“Oh right! Why didn’t I think of that? Silly me!” She says sarcastically. She stares at him like she did in fact try to do that.

[fight-like-a-man]

"It was quite silly of you to not think of that," Brutus says bluntly- the tone completely going over his head.

[fight-like-a-man]

(@neptune-is-the-worst, Alexandria Marie, Girl, RP request)

Hi.

So I'm a roman demigod, who hypothetically hunts monsters for fun with....(ahem), other roman demigods (who may or may not have been on the other side of the war- cough- who said that?). I heard you trained other demigods like me. Wanting to know who you heard any rumors about the OG Jason's hammer?

Brutus freezes at the mention of war. Despite being a child of Mars, it seems to disturb him. Recovering from his shock, he starys again "I.. Uh. I do train demigods, but-" Brutus cuts himself off. "What about the hammer? I haven't heard anything about it recently.."

[neptune-is-the-worst]

“Oh nothing much,” she’s clearly lying. “I’m just kinda looking for it for the fate of historical research. And not the fate of an entire group of demigods. Just history.”

[fight-like-a-man]

"Alright." Brutus is. Painfully oblivious. "Why are you.. asking?" He glares at Alexandria, sitting back- leaning on his non injured foot.

[neptune-is-the-worst]

“I need it,” she deadpans. She puffs her chest out and flexes her muscles “my old hammer kinda sucks and I need to find OG Jason’s hammer for a model.”

She’s cocky about it. She does seem capable of swinging such a battle hammer but she also seems a bit overconfident.

[fight-like-a-man]

"...what is wrong with your current hammer?" Brutus steels himself, almost offended by the suggestion that someone should need a weapon.

"If you cannot deal proper damage with your current weapon, maybe you are not yet prepared for one from old myths."

[neptune-is-the-worst]

She makes a face realizing her lie was ill fit for the situation. “Ah, yes, but you see, this has been my weapon since I was like….”

She paused and looks at her fingers and counts them. She then raises eight of them. “Like a kid. Pretty sure it still has safety features on it?”

She keeps digging herself into a deeper hole.

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus pauses. He shakes his head. "What do you mean. Safety features? It's a hammer, not a bomb."

[neptune-is-the-worst]

She stares at Brutus. She squints. "......" She sighs. "Are you gonna help me or question me all day?" She's not even sure if this is worth it anymore.

[fight-like-a-man]

"I don't like making a habit out of helping people who will abuse it." Brutus hums in a low voice. "What are you really plotting?"

[neptune-is-the-worst]

She cringes and looks him in the eye. “I’m not going to abuse it.”

She thinks for a moment then crosses her arms flexing them slightly. “If you must know, I’m collecting ancient artifacts for my group of demigods. We hunt monsters. But currently we’re in a bit of competition with another rebel group.”

Alexandria grits her teeth and spits at the ground cursing slightly. “The leader of that group made challenge. Who gets the most will lead the other people’s group. Otherwise, war.”

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus flinches. "Where are these groups? There should not be conflict between demigods. This- I do not endorse this. You should both-" Brutus is aggressively wringing out his hands- gripping onto his puffer jacket. "I am not helping either side. Prevent war."

[neptune-is-the-worst]

She makes a face then takes a deep breath. Her emotions rolling across her face like a tsunami. Then opens her eyes.

“First of all, I’m not trying to start a war. I’m trying to prevent it,” she says opening her palms to the air. “Second off, these groups are not in one place. We’re…they are refugees from the battle of manhattan. The ones who didn’t have a home after the war. Ones trying to avoid the wrath of the gods by avoiding Camp Half-blood and Jupiter as a whole.”

She’s getting very defensive. Her cheeks burning red as she fidgets with a drachmae in her hand unable to keep the eye contact up.

“My group is peaceful. We’re all peaceful. Well mostly. We hunt monsters down from harming younger demigods so that they can live their lives without knowing a little longer. I’m the lead for the south west group. But fricken demigod of-“

She takes another deep breath and turns around unable to face him.

“I just need help okay! I’m not about to face my dad and admit he was right!”

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus is glaring at her- his dark eyes unrelenting. He steps closer, just... staring.

"What is with the artifacts, then? It seems like an idiotic challenge."

Brutus crosses his arms. This girl lied earlier- she might be lying again.

If he has any sympathy for her situation he doesn't show it.

"Even if I knew where that hammer was, I wouldn't tell you. If you were really trying to prevent a war- you would call off this idiotic bet."

[neptune-is-the-worst]

She grits her teeth and then breaths. “I swear on the river of Styx I’m not lying when I say I’m trying to prevent the war from happening.”

She waits a moment because she’s nervous Styx will kill her since she’s a Roman demigod. Nothing happens. She breathes out.

“And I’m not the one who started the bet. The idiot Reese did it. Makes sense given he’s the demigod of discord. His mom started the whole Trojan war.”

Alexandria raises a brow to prove her point. “I’m just trying to go back hunting monsters. All the kids on my side are far too young to be apart of a war. And the veterans have had enough of war.”

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus mumbles a few Roman curses under his breath- something along the lines of

'curse you father, could this not have happened while I was at full health? You have horrible timing.'

Brutus takes a deep breath, running his hands down his face. "Why do we not just.. apprehend Reese? I do not see why this person will respect a victory if they are a child of chaos."

[fight-like-a-man]

(@neptune-is-the-worst, Alexandria Marie, Girl, RP request)

Hi.

So I'm a roman demigod, who hypothetically hunts monsters for fun with....(ahem), other roman demigods (who may or may not have been on the other side of the war- cough- who said that?). I heard you trained other demigods like me. Wanting to know who you heard any rumors about the OG Jason's hammer?

Brutus freezes at the mention of war. Despite being a child of Mars, it seems to disturb him. Recovering from his shock, he starys again "I.. Uh. I do train demigods, but-" Brutus cuts himself off. "What about the hammer? I haven't heard anything about it recently.."

[neptune-is-the-worst]

“Oh nothing much,” she’s clearly lying. “I’m just kinda looking for it for the fate of historical research. And not the fate of an entire group of demigods. Just history.”

[fight-like-a-man]

"Alright." Brutus is. Painfully oblivious. "Why are you.. asking?" He glares at Alexandria, sitting back- leaning on his non injured foot.

[neptune-is-the-worst]

“I need it,” she deadpans. She puffs her chest out and flexes her muscles “my old hammer kinda sucks and I need to find OG Jason’s hammer for a model.”

She’s cocky about it. She does seem capable of swinging such a battle hammer but she also seems a bit overconfident.

[fight-like-a-man]

"...what is wrong with your current hammer?" Brutus steels himself, almost offended by the suggestion that someone should need a weapon.

"If you cannot deal proper damage with your current weapon, maybe you are not yet prepared for one from old myths."

[neptune-is-the-worst]

She makes a face realizing her lie was ill fit for the situation. “Ah, yes, but you see, this has been my weapon since I was like….”

She paused and looks at her fingers and counts them. She then raises eight of them. “Like a kid. Pretty sure it still has safety features on it?”

She keeps digging herself into a deeper hole.

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus pauses. He shakes his head. "What do you mean. Safety features? It's a hammer, not a bomb."

[neptune-is-the-worst]

She stares at Brutus. She squints. "......" She sighs. "Are you gonna help me or question me all day?" She's not even sure if this is worth it anymore.

[fight-like-a-man]

"I don't like making a habit out of helping people who will abuse it." Brutus hums in a low voice. "What are you really plotting?"

[neptune-is-the-worst]

She cringes and looks him in the eye. “I’m not going to abuse it.”

She thinks for a moment then crosses her arms flexing them slightly. “If you must know, I’m collecting ancient artifacts for my group of demigods. We hunt monsters. But currently we’re in a bit of competition with another rebel group.”

Alexandria grits her teeth and spits at the ground cursing slightly. “The leader of that group made challenge. Who gets the most will lead the other people’s group. Otherwise, war.”

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus flinches. "Where are these groups? There should not be conflict between demigods. This- I do not endorse this. You should both-" Brutus is aggressively wringing out his hands- gripping onto his puffer jacket. "I am not helping either side. Prevent war."

[neptune-is-the-worst]

She makes a face then takes a deep breath. Her emotions rolling across her face like a tsunami. Then opens her eyes.

“First of all, I’m not trying to start a war. I’m trying to prevent it,” she says opening her palms to the air. “Second off, these groups are not in one place. We’re…they are refugees from the battle of manhattan. The ones who didn’t have a home after the war. Ones trying to avoid the wrath of the gods by avoiding Camp Half-blood and Jupiter as a whole.”

She’s getting very defensive. Her cheeks burning red as she fidgets with a drachmae in her hand unable to keep the eye contact up.

“My group is peaceful. We’re all peaceful. Well mostly. We hunt monsters down from harming younger demigods so that they can live their lives without knowing a little longer. I’m the lead for the south west group. But fricken demigod of-“

She takes another deep breath and turns around unable to face him.

“I just need help okay! I’m not about to face my dad and admit he was right!”

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus is glaring at her- his dark eyes unrelenting. He steps closer, just... staring.

"What is with the artifacts, then? It seems like an idiotic challenge."

Brutus crosses his arms. This girl lied earlier- she might be lying again.

If he has any sympathy for her situation he doesn't show it.

"Even if I knew where that hammer was, I wouldn't tell you. If you were really trying to prevent a war- you would call off this idiotic bet."

[fight-like-a-man]

(@neptune-is-the-worst, Alexandria Marie, Girl, RP request)

Hi.

So I'm a roman demigod, who hypothetically hunts monsters for fun with....(ahem), other roman demigods (who may or may not have been on the other side of the war- cough- who said that?). I heard you trained other demigods like me. Wanting to know who you heard any rumors about the OG Jason's hammer?

Brutus freezes at the mention of war. Despite being a child of Mars, it seems to disturb him. Recovering from his shock, he starys again "I.. Uh. I do train demigods, but-" Brutus cuts himself off. "What about the hammer? I haven't heard anything about it recently.."

[neptune-is-the-worst]

“Oh nothing much,” she’s clearly lying. “I’m just kinda looking for it for the fate of historical research. And not the fate of an entire group of demigods. Just history.”

[fight-like-a-man]

"Alright." Brutus is. Painfully oblivious. "Why are you.. asking?" He glares at Alexandria, sitting back- leaning on his non injured foot.

[neptune-is-the-worst]

“I need it,” she deadpans. She puffs her chest out and flexes her muscles “my old hammer kinda sucks and I need to find OG Jason’s hammer for a model.”

She’s cocky about it. She does seem capable of swinging such a battle hammer but she also seems a bit overconfident.

[fight-like-a-man]

"...what is wrong with your current hammer?" Brutus steels himself, almost offended by the suggestion that someone should need a weapon.

"If you cannot deal proper damage with your current weapon, maybe you are not yet prepared for one from old myths."

[neptune-is-the-worst]

She makes a face realizing her lie was ill fit for the situation. “Ah, yes, but you see, this has been my weapon since I was like….”

She paused and looks at her fingers and counts them. She then raises eight of them. “Like a kid. Pretty sure it still has safety features on it?”

She keeps digging herself into a deeper hole.

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus pauses. He shakes his head. "What do you mean. Safety features? It's a hammer, not a bomb."

[neptune-is-the-worst]

She stares at Brutus. She squints. "......" She sighs. "Are you gonna help me or question me all day?" She's not even sure if this is worth it anymore.

[fight-like-a-man]

"I don't like making a habit out of helping people who will abuse it." Brutus hums in a low voice. "What are you really plotting?"

[neptune-is-the-worst]

She cringes and looks him in the eye. “I’m not going to abuse it.”

She thinks for a moment then crosses her arms flexing them slightly. “If you must know, I’m collecting ancient artifacts for my group of demigods. We hunt monsters. But currently we’re in a bit of competition with another rebel group.”

Alexandria grits her teeth and spits at the ground cursing slightly. “The leader of that group made challenge. Who gets the most will lead the other people’s group. Otherwise, war.”

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus flinches. "Where are these groups? There should not be conflict between demigods. This- I do not endorse this. You should both-" Brutus is aggressively wringing out his hands- gripping onto his puffer jacket. "I am not helping either side. Prevent war."

[fight-like-a-man]

(@neptune-is-the-worst, Alexandria Marie, Girl, RP request)

Hi.

So I'm a roman demigod, who hypothetically hunts monsters for fun with....(ahem), other roman demigods (who may or may not have been on the other side of the war- cough- who said that?). I heard you trained other demigods like me. Wanting to know who you heard any rumors about the OG Jason's hammer?

Brutus freezes at the mention of war. Despite being a child of Mars, it seems to disturb him. Recovering from his shock, he starys again "I.. Uh. I do train demigods, but-" Brutus cuts himself off. "What about the hammer? I haven't heard anything about it recently.."

[neptune-is-the-worst]

“Oh nothing much,” she’s clearly lying. “I’m just kinda looking for it for the fate of historical research. And not the fate of an entire group of demigods. Just history.”

[fight-like-a-man]

"Alright." Brutus is. Painfully oblivious. "Why are you.. asking?" He glares at Alexandria, sitting back- leaning on his non injured foot.

[neptune-is-the-worst]

“I need it,” she deadpans. She puffs her chest out and flexes her muscles “my old hammer kinda sucks and I need to find OG Jason’s hammer for a model.”

She’s cocky about it. She does seem capable of swinging such a battle hammer but she also seems a bit overconfident.

[fight-like-a-man]

"...what is wrong with your current hammer?" Brutus steels himself, almost offended by the suggestion that someone should need a weapon.

"If you cannot deal proper damage with your current weapon, maybe you are not yet prepared for one from old myths."

[neptune-is-the-worst]

She makes a face realizing her lie was ill fit for the situation. “Ah, yes, but you see, this has been my weapon since I was like….”

She paused and looks at her fingers and counts them. She then raises eight of them. “Like a kid. Pretty sure it still has safety features on it?”

She keeps digging herself into a deeper hole.

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus pauses. He shakes his head. "What do you mean. Safety features? It's a hammer, not a bomb."

[neptune-is-the-worst]

She stares at Brutus. She squints. "......" She sighs. "Are you gonna help me or question me all day?" She's not even sure if this is worth it anymore.

[fight-like-a-man]

"I don't like making a habit out of helping people who will abuse it." Brutus hums in a low voice. "What are you really plotting?"

[fight-like-a-man]

(@neptune-is-the-worst, Alexandria Marie, Girl, RP request)

Hi.

So I'm a roman demigod, who hypothetically hunts monsters for fun with....(ahem), other roman demigods (who may or may not have been on the other side of the war- cough- who said that?). I heard you trained other demigods like me. Wanting to know who you heard any rumors about the OG Jason's hammer?

Brutus freezes at the mention of war. Despite being a child of Mars, it seems to disturb him. Recovering from his shock, he starys again "I.. Uh. I do train demigods, but-" Brutus cuts himself off. "What about the hammer? I haven't heard anything about it recently.."

[neptune-is-the-worst]

“Oh nothing much,” she’s clearly lying. “I’m just kinda looking for it for the fate of historical research. And not the fate of an entire group of demigods. Just history.”

[fight-like-a-man]

"Alright." Brutus is. Painfully oblivious. "Why are you.. asking?" He glares at Alexandria, sitting back- leaning on his non injured foot.

[neptune-is-the-worst]

“I need it,” she deadpans. She puffs her chest out and flexes her muscles “my old hammer kinda sucks and I need to find OG Jason’s hammer for a model.”

She’s cocky about it. She does seem capable of swinging such a battle hammer but she also seems a bit overconfident.

[fight-like-a-man]

"...what is wrong with your current hammer?" Brutus steels himself, almost offended by the suggestion that someone should need a weapon.

"If you cannot deal proper damage with your current weapon, maybe you are not yet prepared for one from old myths."

[neptune-is-the-worst]

She makes a face realizing her lie was ill fit for the situation. “Ah, yes, but you see, this has been my weapon since I was like….”

She paused and looks at her fingers and counts them. She then raises eight of them. “Like a kid. Pretty sure it still has safety features on it?”

She keeps digging herself into a deeper hole.

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus pauses. He shakes his head. "What do you mean. Safety features? It's a hammer, not a bomb."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

Brutus, kindly put, looks like shit. He's got dark circles under his eyes, a giant cast on his foot- and he's using crutches instead of a cane now.

Upon seeing Lucian, he lights up- but suddenly realizes.. something. He looks away from Lucian, but shakes his head- clearly lost in thought.

He finally says "Little Wolf! Do you.. want to make uh.." He hates saying this- but he's literally out of swords to sharpen. He's out of useful things to do. "Would you like to do a sort of craft with me?"

@fight-like-a-man

Lucian was excluded from practice, as always- not like he was complaining, he'd avoid it if people want him to. Not like he was ever any good at it, anyway. So he was just walking around the grounds, when he saw Brutus- good gods, he hasn't seen him in so long... well, ever since he cried at his injury. That was really pathetic of him. He's such a baby-

Either way, his tail started wagging when he saw his friend. Can he call Brutus his friend? He had no clue, but he hoped he could! "Brutus- hi! Hi, hello-"

He was so happy to see Brutus. It was sad that he had to be in crutches, but at least it wasn't severe, right? His ears perked up at the mention of an activity. "A craft? Yes! I'd love to- what kinda craft? I like doing things-"

[fight-like-a-man]

"Uh... I'm gonna be honest, I haven't crafted in years. I've spent my time training or helping others.. I was hoping. You knew something like that? The uh.. The medics said I should. Take a break-they suggested crafts." Brutus seems ashamed- because he is. He's made himself completely useless- he's a stupid cunt and he can't fix that. He's useless.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Oh-" He paused for a moment, to think. He needed to think what they could do. He knew how to do a couple of crafts, did Brutus know crafts? He says he hasn't done it in years. Maybe they can make bracelets! Or do origami- or maybe pins? Does Lucian have any pin making stuff around? His tail swayed from side to side as he scratched behind his ear in thought. "Bracelets? Pins? Uh- origami?" He thought out loud.

[fight-like-a-man]

"Origami sounds.." what a waste of paper. What is the point of crafting? You can't use a paper swan for anything once it's finished. It's a waste- this is all a waste, Brutus is trash.

"Fun."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Really??" He snapped out of his train of thought, ears parking up again, pure excitement in his eyes as his tail started wagging once more. "Yay!! I- yippie-! I'm so so glad I can spend time with you!!"

He was basically jumping around Brutus excitedly, almost like a happy dog.

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus nods, beginning to ease slightly- Lucian's joy was adorable. He was so carefree-

He's in danger. Anything could happen to him and you would be responsible because you're useless. You can't do shit. You're horrible.

His shoulders squeeze together and his posture straightens. "Yes- I'm happy to spend time with you too."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Yay-!!" He was so excited... because well, he was still a kid. Just thirteen years old. He didn't seem to notice the way Brutus tensed up. "Oh oh oh I can grab colored paper! And it's gonna be so fun because we could make colorful things-"

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus nods. "I.. Am unaware of any craft storage we have, so you will have to assist me.. In getting there."

What if you get ambushed? What if there's another attack on camp and he dies? It will be your fault. You're dumb for ever thinking Elle would want to talk to you- now you've just ruined yourself for no good reason.

Brutus leans on his crutches, legs already beginning to get tired.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"I can run to my house- we've got paper! I can-" He jumped around Brutus, completely unaware of everything that was wrong with him- well, aside from the crutches. "You can pick the spot and- and we'll have so so so so much fun!!"

Or at least he hoped they would. Gods, he liked his friends- little as there was of them.

[fight-like-a-man]

"Yes- Of course." He's leaving to his house. How far is that? Should Brutus go? No- he's far too slow, and he wasn't invited.

"We can sit by the tree over there," Brutus suggests. "I like that tree."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Oooo, that tree looks really good!!" He nodded enthusiastically before running off, giggling like a little kid- the scar on his leg didn't even bother him all that much at that moment.

He came back a couple moment later with a messenger bag and sat down by said tree. "I got the paper!!"

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus had caved- he felt weak- he was actually sitting when Lucian approaches the tree. "Amazing- are you ready to begin?"

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Yeah! I'm so ready!!" He was practically beaming with excitement, pulling out the paper from his bag and handing some to Brutus.

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus begins fidgeting- folding the paper into a ninja star; then frowning and unfolding it. He tries again, but attempts to get the folds sharper.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

Lucian didn't actually know how to do origami- aside from a few basic things. He made a paper plane (does that count as orifami...?), then started trying to turn another sheet of paper into a dog.

[fight-like-a-man]

Stupid, stupid, stupid. Can't even make a functional weapon out of paper- you are useless. You should just roll over and die- and stop wasting everyone's time and resources.

Brutus growls in anger, tearing up his paper and hiding his face in shame.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

Lucian looked over to Brutus and tilted his head in confusion. Why was he so angry? The younger boy pushed over his paper plane towards Brutus. "Hey. Um. Here you go."

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus looks at the paper. He doesn't deserve any sort of gift. No kindness.

"...Thanks." He doesn't make any move to take it.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"I'm not very good at doing this." He admitted, setting the very crude dog on the ground between them and making another paper plane. He released it into the air, and it didn't fly far. "But I don't have to be good at things to have fun."

[fight-like-a-man]

Oh no, the kid was horrible. Brutus.. wasn't much better. His folds were perfect and neat- but his origami still fucking sucks.

Because he sucks. He's a bad person. Brutus is a bad person- so everything he does is bad.

"No, no, yours are amazing- I don't have any done, so you're doing far better than me."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

Lucian reached out to grab his paper plane before looking at Brutus. He knew something was up- it was sort of like a dog knowing something was wrong with their favorite human. "...they don't have to be perfect, you know? This is just- for fun."

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus nods- but that's pointless. Fun is pointless. They do have to be perfect- They have to be. If Brutus isn't perfect, people get hurt.

"I know," he lies. "I just am not very good and can't make anything cohesive."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

The younger boy gently bumped his head against Brutus's shoulder, ears twitching a little as he looked at the son of Mars. "I'm not good either. You don't have to be good. You could just make a silly paper plane. Or a little boat. Or anything. It doesn't have to be good."

[fight-like-a-man]

He flinches at the touch. "I- No, yours are good. I just.. I'm not good, really. You're much better than I am." Brutus shakes his head.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

He looked at his two planes and the little dog. "That's your opinion. I think they're silly, even if they're not perfect. Yours is silly, too."

[fight-like-a-man]

"I.. I ripped it up, though. How can it be silly if it's just scraps?" Brutus begins picking up the tiny pieces.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Because you made it." Was the simple answer from Lucian, he grabbed one of the pieces of paper, "You can make a shape with the bits if you want."

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus stares at Lucian. "I.. I don't understand? I am not silly- how. How can this.. I don't-"

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"I think you're silly." He said in that calm, childish tone- letting himself relax a little as he leaned on Brutus slightly.

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus tenses- he is.. not relaxed.

"What.. what makes you think that? I try very hard not to be silly, little wolf, I try to be serious."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Because you're you. You're silly in your own way. I think that counts as silly." He looked at the pieces of paper, "Being silly sometimes isn't a bad thing, you know?"

[fight-like-a-man]

"I- Uh.." Brutus just seems more confused than anything. Do words mean anything? At this point he was gonna default back to Latin or ASL- maybe he actually didn't know anything.

"I don't think it's a bad thing.. I just. Am not silly- and do not want to be?"

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Oh-" He sat up and looked at Brutus, tilting his head in confusion before just smiling. "That's fine, too. Sorry. Did I make you feel bad-? I'll stop."

He didn't seem sad or anything, just- asking for clarification, really.

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus nods. "Thank you- sorry. I'm. I just do not want to be silly. I want to be serious."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Yeah, that's fair." Even if he didn't understand it. But that was fine. He didn't need to understand. "...what are you going to make out of the paper?"

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus frowns, looking at the paper he hasn't torn.

"A.. I'm not sure. What do you think I should make?"

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

He thought for a moment, scratching behind his ear. Brutus was different from him, that's for sure. He didn't know what his friend would like. "Well... what do you want to make?"

[fight-like-a-man]

"I don't.. know? I mean, I haven't really done this since.." he trails off.

"I haven't done it in a while. I used to be good at it." He fidgets with the zipper of his jacket, looking down so he wont meet Lucian's eyes.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"You can start with simple stuff?" He suggested, but didn't want to force Brutus into anything. He knew how that felt- and it sucked. Even if it was just some craft, he didn't want to make him feel like he was being made to do things.

[fight-like-a-man]

"I.. guess. I just feel like I'm wasting resources.."

because you are. you are useless and you don't deserve to be doing this.. for what? For fun? You arent even having fun right now. Did She die for this?

Brutus hesitantly grabs another piece of paper, making a swan.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"You're not. We don't really need paper all that much. It's just paper. We have a lot of it, anyway." He tried to reassure. He wasn't sure what was going on in Brutus's head, but he knew he wasn't going to let his friend talk badly about himself.

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus looks at the swan, frowning. "It could be used for better things, though.."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"Like what?" He asked, sounding geniuinely curious about it- he didn't know paper had important things to be used on.

[fight-like-a-man]

"Well, I suppose the tree that provided this paper is already.. dead, but I still feel bad wasting this paper." Brutus sighs. "People with actual talent could have used this."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

"It's not wasting it." Lucian couldn't understand why his friend was like this- why anyone would think this way. "Not everything has to have a 'practical use' or whatever."

[fight-like-a-man]

Everything. has a use. it has to- otherwise they're useless. Brutus is a weapon- but he cant fight right now. He's about as useless as that paper swan.

"What good is it if it's not practical?"

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

What good is it if it's not practical? He wished he could say something about it. Gods, he wished he could say something smart.

"I'm... I'm sure it has something." Was all that came out of his mouth, his voice more timid now. Maybe this was all powered by the fact he wasn't practical, but he wanted to has some use.

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus goes quiet, he hands the swan the Lucian, his expression painfully neutral.

"Here. You're good at making things useful, I trust you can find a good purpose for this."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

He looked at the swan, then at Brutus- almost as if he was scared of accidentally breaking it. He had a tendency to do that... even if he didn't want to. "I- I am?"

[fight-like-a-man]

"Yes?" Truthfully, anyone who can find a reason to tolerate Brutus is a magical creature capable of anything. "You are. Very capable, little wolf."

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

He... didn't really believe these words. All his life he's been told the exact opposite, especially after they discovered that he didn't have any impressive abilities. Or any abilities at all. "Oh- oh, um. I- I'll try?"

[fight-like-a-man]

Brutus nods sagely, but it's truthfully just because he's losing energy- starting to slump over where he sits.

[demoted-but-not-forgotten]

Lucian stared at the swan for a moment more, his eyes almost sparkling with amazement, before he looked at Brutus. "Hey- hey, uh. You shouldn't sleep on the ground. That's... I don't think that's good for you."

[fight-like-a-man]

"..mm- Hm?" Brutus sits up straighter- trying to appear more awake. "Oh- I- Uh.. I wasn't.." It doesn't look like he's gotten proper rest in quite a while.

[fight-like-a-man]

(@neptune-is-the-worst, Alexandria Marie, Girl, RP request)

Hi.

So I'm a roman demigod, who hypothetically hunts monsters for fun with....(ahem), other roman demigods (who may or may not have been on the other side of the war- cough- who said that?). I heard you trained other demigods like me. Wanting to know who you heard any rumors about the OG Jason's hammer?

Brutus freezes at the mention of war. Despite being a child of Mars, it seems to disturb him. Recovering from his shock, he starys again "I.. Uh. I do train demigods, but-" Brutus cuts himself off. "What about the hammer? I haven't heard anything about it recently.."

[neptune-is-the-worst]

“Oh nothing much,” she’s clearly lying. “I’m just kinda looking for it for the fate of historical research. And not the fate of an entire group of demigods. Just history.”

[fight-like-a-man]

"Alright." Brutus is. Painfully oblivious. "Why are you.. asking?" He glares at Alexandria, sitting back- leaning on his non injured foot.

[neptune-is-the-worst]

“I need it,” she deadpans. She puffs her chest out and flexes her muscles “my old hammer kinda sucks and I need to find OG Jason’s hammer for a model.”

She’s cocky about it. She does seem capable of swinging such a battle hammer but she also seems a bit overconfident.

[fight-like-a-man]

"...what is wrong with your current hammer?" Brutus steels himself, almost offended by the suggestion that someone should need a weapon.

"If you cannot deal proper damage with your current weapon, maybe you are not yet prepared for one from old myths."

[fight-like-a-man]

(@neptune-is-the-worst, Alexandria Marie, Girl, RP request)

Hi.

So I'm a roman demigod, who hypothetically hunts monsters for fun with....(ahem), other roman demigods (who may or may not have been on the other side of the war- cough- who said that?). I heard you trained other demigods like me. Wanting to know who you heard any rumors about the OG Jason's hammer?

Brutus freezes at the mention of war. Despite being a child of Mars, it seems to disturb him. Recovering from his shock, he starys again "I.. Uh. I do train demigods, but-" Brutus cuts himself off. "What about the hammer? I haven't heard anything about it recently.."

[neptune-is-the-worst]

“Oh nothing much,” she’s clearly lying. “I’m just kinda looking for it for the fate of historical research. And not the fate of an entire group of demigods. Just history.”

[fight-like-a-man]

"Alright." Brutus is. Painfully oblivious. "Why are you.. asking?" He glares at Alexandria, sitting back- leaning on his non injured foot.