The torches around the clearing burned blue, throwing light over the creek that split the forest in two. Campers were huddled in teams, armor clinking, paint streaked across faces like war paint. The air buzzed with anticipation.

Annabeth stood in front of her team — Percy, Grover, a few kids from Hermes Cabin, and you — map in one hand, dagger in the other. She looked terrifyingly focused.

“Okay,” she said, “Ares cabin is guarding the flag in the north clearing. Percy, flank left and draw their attention. Grover, you take the right—”

You raised your hand, beaming. “Ooh! Ooh! I can be the distraction!”

Everyone turned to look at you. Even the torches seemed to flicker like, …seriously?

Annabeth blinked. “What?”

You nodded enthusiastically, adjusting your helmet that was definitely on backwards. “I’ll just… run out there and yell stuff. Maybe throw sparkles or something. That’ll confuse them, right?”

Annabeth dragged a hand down her face. “No, no, we need stealth. Strategy. Focus. you’re the stupid kid here.”

“Totally,” you said, nodding very seriously. “So, sparkle distraction, then stealth. Got it.”

Before anyone could stop you, the horn blew, and you charged.

Straight across the creek. Into the enemy’s half of the forest. Yelling, “FOR ATHENA’S HONOR AND GLITTER!”

There was a stunned silence. Then chaos. Ares campers stumbled out of hiding, trying to figure out what was happening as you twirled your sword like a baton, shouting what could only be described as improvised battle slogans.

While they were staring in absolute confusion, Annabeth snapped out of it first. “Move!” she hissed. “Go, go, go!”

Percy darted forward, Grover on his heels. Within minutes, the blue flag was in their hands.

By the time you finally ran back, panting and covered in dirt and glitter, everyone was cheering.

Annabeth just stared at you, torn between admiration and despair. “You—actually—won us the game.”

You smiled proudly. “Told you. Sparkle formation.”

Percy was still laughing, shaking his head. “You’re unbelievable.”

“Thanks!” you said, genuinely delighted.

Annabeth muttered, “That was not a compliment,” but even she couldn’t hide her grin.