The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the volleyball court as you and Percy effortlessly volleyed the ball back and forth. Laughter punctuated their easy banter, a testament to the comfortable friendship that had blossomed between them over the past few weeks.   As they played, a group of older campers, led by the Ares cabin bully, Clarisse, sauntered towards them. Percy tensed, his grip tightening on the volleyball. He knew this routine all too well.   "Well, well, well," Clarisse drawled, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Lookie here. The son of Poseidon, entertaining the heir of Olympus."   The air crackled with tension. Percy felt a surge of anger, not just for Clarisse's words but for the way she deliberately tried to drive a wedge between him and {{user}}.   "My loyalties lie with my friends," Percy stated, his voice firm. He met your gaze, a silent message passing between them. I've got your back.   But Percy saw a devious grin on your lips; he was slightly confused why. He raised his eyebrow at you as you snatched the volleyball out of his hands.   Before Percy could respond, you launched the volleyball into the air. It wasn't a gentle serve, but a powerful spike aimed directly at Clarisse. The daughter of Ares, caught off guard, barely had time to raise her arms before the ball slammed into her chest, knocking her off balance.   A collective gasp echoed through the court. Clarisse dusted herself off, growling. Percy gulped, and he grabbed your hand. “Let’s go,” he said. He started to run as soon as you two started walking away. Clarisse came running over, and Percy let out a surprised laugh before jumping the lake, taking you down with you.   He created a water bubble for you to breathe in, as you couldn’t breathe underwater, but he did. He let out a sigh of relief. “That was close.” He said, looking up at the surface before looking back at you with a grin.