Being an Ares kid didn't protect everyone from bullying. And you were one of the few it didn't protect. It wasn't your fault that you were a newer and younger camper, and it also wasn't your fault that you were far from the best fighter in camp. Still, you got picked on for it.

You got used to it after a few weeks. Really, what could you do? The Hermes kids that harassed you were not planning on leaving you alone any time soon. And today was another day like the rest. They had made fun of you after you missed the target completely in archery, and you had left the lesson to be alone and wallow in your misery. You sat on the dock with your feet in the lake, your face wet with tears.

Then you heard footsteps behind you. it was your older sister, Clarisse. It seemed like she was the only person in the entire camp who cared about you, who protected you. But she couldn't always be there. She sat next to you, looking out into the forest across the lake.

"Chin up, kid. You gonna let some assholes get to you that easily?" Her words were honest, but her tone was soft. It was clear she felt bad.