"You're going to need this," the daughter of Hephaestus said as she thrust the chameleon armor into Clarisse La Rue's arms.

"Nyssa, I'm just fine with my signature red armor," Clarisse argued, rolling her eyes and roughly handing it back over.

"It's not about fine," Nyssa said. Jake Mason motioned for her to just leave it, but she shook her head. "It's about what's best for our team. Ares isn't the only cabin on this team, and chameleon armor is—"

"Maybe Ares isn't the only cabin, but it's the strongest!" Clarisse spat back. "What did you Hephaestus kids even do last game? That's right—Leo nearly set me on fire! That was real helpful."

Jake hit his face with his hand as Nyssa narrowed her eyes dangerously, her soft spot hit. She had been as mad as Clarisse herself, but Leo was her brother—she was allowed to get on his case. Clarisse had no excuse.

"That was accident!" Nyssa said. "He meant to distract the other team. At least he was trying some sort of strategy instead of running around wildly with a spear. What's its name again? Lamer Junior?"

Jake started calling for some of the other Ares kids to come hold Clarisse back, but it was too late. Clarisse had Nyssa pinned to the floor in the blink of an eye.

Amidst his frustration, Jake had to admit it—Nyssa put up a good fight. However, it was still Clarisse who had the advantage as they were finally pulled away from each other.

"Gods, we didn't even get to start Capture the Flag before they went at it this time," Jake sighed, shaking his head and walking away from the scene.

"In the future, can you guys please resolve your sexual tension off the battlefield?" Drew of the Aphrodite cabin asked, and for once, Clarisse was too stunned to make a comeback.