Clarisse's POV
The bonfires flames roared intensely, glowing fiercely and giving my hair a coppery shine. However, despite the blasting heat, the mood at Camp Half Blood was bubbly and carefree. The campers stood in a circle as a few at a time danced and laughed in the center. The rest of us clapped to an unspoken rhythm, and for once in a long time, everyone was enjoying themselves. Even I smiled and clapped despite myself. The cool air mixed with the fires heat in a happy blur, and the oxygen around us seemed alive with laughter and song.
I watched as another random group of campers joined the center, taking the places of the previous. They found their ways to other random campers, and soon I found myself looking up into the green eyes of Percy Jackson. I rolled my own eyes, but he flashed a boyish smile, and I couldn't help but laugh as we switched places. As we did, he drew close enough to be audible.
"You should smile more often, Clarisse." He gave a tiny grin and kept clapping. I was shocked, but shook myself out of it quickly. As I turned to find another camper to take my place, a hush fell. Chiron was standing in the center with us, raising his hands for quiet.
"Percy Jackson, Clarisse La Rue, Grover Underwood, and Annabeth Chase. Please come with me."
Percy's POV
The four of us trailed behind Chiron, struggling to think of what could possibly be happening. The air that had felt so joyous before now seemed tense. Chiron led us into the Big House, where Mr. D was waiting. My stomach turned a bit in disgust.
"We are sorry to have to pull you from the bonfire." Chiron began, even though Mr. D didn't look apologetic at all. "But we have an urgent matter that only you four, our best heroes, can take on."
Beside me, Grover swelled with pride, but I noticed Annabeth shoot a nasty look in Clarisse's direction. I shifted uncomfortably and turned my attention back to Chiron.
"We found what looks like an old trap, set to kill demigods. We don't know who made it, or how many half bloods have fallen prey to it, but thanks to the odd location, we doubt it was too many. We need you four to go and make sure it doesn't kill anyone else." Chiron explained.
"So you're sending us to take out something that's programmed to kill us?" Grover asked, a bit wary.
"Wouldn't be the first time." Clarisse said with a smirk. Annabeth rolled her eyes and piped up.
"So where is this thing?" She said impatiently.
"Ah, thank you for asking, Annabeth. Its just offshore on a beach about 30 miles from here. The beach is located in a tourism town that is popular for vacationing."
I immediately felt relief wash over me. It was in the ocean. However, I didn't see my own relief reflected on Clarisse's face. Was it just me or was that a bit of fear in her expression?
"I'll leave you alone to settle things out." Chiron said, and after catching my eye with a little nod, he and Mr. D left the room, arguing about pinochle.
Not even seconds after they were out of earshot, Annabeth spoke.
"Are we really taking her with us?" She cried, quickly turning to Clarisse and then back to me. Her exclamation took me by surprise, and before I could speak, Clarisse defended herself.
"Hey, remember how Chiron said that WE were the best heroes at camp!? WE implying ME too."
"It's so funny how you're talking to me like you're my equal!" Annabeth said with a voice like cold snake venom. I was shocked she would say something so mean, so pompous.
"Yeah, it is funny. People don't usually talk to ants before they STEP on them." Clarisse had a look of pure hate on her face, and she took a threatening step towards Annabeth.
"GUYS! What the hell?!" I jumped in between them and held them apart with my hands. Clarisse wrenched away from my touch angrily, anger now mixing with a look of hurt.
"GO AHEAD! Defend her like you ALWAYS do, Jackson! Princess Annabeth is never in the wrong, oh, NO! It's always ME who's the bad guy, me who gets blamed." She spun around so fast her ponytail hit Grover in the face, and I watched in silence as she walked away. Her words rang in my ears as I turned to Annabeth.
"What was all that about?!" I cried. She folded her arms and gave a defiant look.
"I'm trying to make sure the mission goes well-"
"Yeah, you did a great job of that, Annabeth! She's gotten a lot better than when we first met!" Annabeth reeled back as if I had just insisted that Hades was a cheerful guy.
"She is INSANE, Percy! Did you see the way she threatened me!"
"No, Annabeth. This wasn't her fault, she was defending herself like anyone would!"
"And now you're defending her! She isn't worth it Percy!" Annabeth finished with conviction. I walked backwards, shaking my head in disbelief.
"You don't get it do you?" With that, I stormed out the same direction Clarisse had.