It was rare to see Clarisse in such a weakened state, even rarer to see her not get angry at something or someone. The only other time I've seen her like this was when Chris returned from the Labyrinth, completely insane. They must have known each other before I arrived at the camp all those years ago, as I had never seen Clarisse show any kind of affection or emotion that wasn't rage towards anyone until that point. It was what made me change my mind about her just being a hotheaded brute, if only a little.
Now, here we are again, almost like history was repeating itself. Except for this time, Chris wasn't crazy, he actively chose to cause harm, and we were going to find out why. Me, Clarisse, and Reyna headed down to the basement to get started, everyone else stayed up top because the basement wasn't big enough for seven people, two canine automatons, and a centaur. Our trio made sense as me and Clarisse were the most affected while Reyna obviously needed to be present to use her dogs to know if Chris was lying again.
The first thing I noticed upon entering the basement was that the cage and bed I woke up in were dismantled and placed against the basement wall. Chris himself was in a chair and tied up with the same chains I was originally in. His eyes were frantic and had a crazy look to them, his veins visible. He was sweating and shaking, looking down in shame and guilt after seeing us descend down the stairs.
This was the guy who turned me into a monster? He looks like someone that would stay awake at night for forgetting to do some menial task, like taking out the trash...
Even though we hadn't started yet, I was feeling confident that Chris was coerced into partaking in this crime. I couldn't think of any reason he'd do this unless he was forced to, it's just not in him.
Once we were all on the basement floor, Reyna summoned her two automatons, making Chris flinch at the sight of them. He also made brief eye contact with Clarisse before looking away, shutting his eyes. I didn't know how to start, but luckily there was a former praetor in the room with plenty of experience doing exactly this.
"How long have you been planning this?" Reyna asked in an authoritative voice.
Chris shook, his sweating increasing. "I-I haven't been planning it..."
The dogs started to snarl, scaring him.
"You know there's no point in lying. Just tell the truth so we can get this over with." Reyna sneered.
"A day, at most." Chris admitted in a defeated voice.
"But why?! What reason could you possibly have? This is our home, Chris! I don't understand..." Clarisse pleaded with him in the same manner she did back when she was caring for his madness.
He looked down in immense shame, his face pained. "I... I had to do it. I didn't have a choice..."
"So, you were blackmailed?" I asked, wanting to confirm my suspicions. "Because this... just isn't something you'd do."
Chris took a deep, shaky breath and I knew we were about to hear a long story.
"It all started about... I think four days ago? It was the day after we returned from Olympus, after Gaea's defeat. Me and Clarisse had a fight recently and I was avoiding her to cool off. I got permission to leave camp temporarily—" He started before I interrupted him.
"You did? How? Mr. D practically never lets anyone leave unless it's a quest or end of summer." I asked.
Now that I think about it, Mr. D didn't try to stop me from leaving to go to Ogygia. Maybe he was asleep or something? It was pretty early and he normally doesn't get up until almost noon...
Chris made a face of bewilderment and shrugged. "I don't know either, to be honest, I thought he was going to say no and tell me to get lost. I think something was bothering him that day, though it was hard to tell since it always seems like something is bothering him... Anyways, I got permission so I left camp for a few hours. I took a pegasus to New York City and walked around to clear my head. I went to the movies, had a bite to eat, then I decided to go to the library. Well, that was my intent, but I never made it there. As I passed an alley, I was grabbed by some unseen force and pulled inside an abandoned building. Don't ask me for their name or what they looked like, they were wearing a mask and trench coat and never told me their identity."
"Could you tell what this figure was—meaning, a monster or a god or what?" I asked him, to which he shook his head.
"No idea, really. They definitely weren't a demigod or mortal, though. The aura they gave off was inhuman, though I don't know if it was a monster or not. Not to mention they used magic to pull me inside the building. Their voice was also strange, I couldn't tell if they were using something to alter it or if it was what they actually sounded like, it didn't sound male or female," Chris tried to explain, clearly not understanding what he saw either. "I'll call this guy the Dealer, because that's what it offered me: a deal. It said that it could offer me what I wanted in exchange for doing it a favor."
Out of the corner of my eye I saw Clarisse start to grip her arms so tightly that she broke the skin.
"I guess I should start by saying that the thing was relieved to have found me, it said I just made its job much easier. I didn't know what it meant yet, but I can say I didn't like it. I then asked the... thing how it could possibly know what I wanted and how it could grant me it. It... somehow knew me, like it could read my mind or something. It knew all about my recent relationship problems and my desire to go to college. I was freaked out how this thing knew so much about me, but something in my gut told me not to try to escape or fight. It then said that, if I fulfilled a favor, it will help me get into any college I wanted and cast a blessing on me that would repel monsters. It sounded too good to be true, so I hesitantly asked it what favor it wanted from me." Chris then took another deep breath.
"The Dealer said it would tell me only if I agreed on the Styx to do it no matter what. I declined, saying that's risky and stupid of me since I didn't know them. It then... threatened me with something so horrible, I almost had a panic attack..." He said, mumbling the last part.
"What did it do, Chris?" I asked.
"It threatened to put me back inside the Labyrinth, it said there was an entrance nearby. The Dealer told me that it knew all about my last trip to that maze and said I could use another visit. I nearly passed out from fear at the thought of returning to that hellhole," Chris then looked away suddenly, I turned my head to see Clarisse glaring at him, holding her tongue for now. "I... then swore on the Styx to do whatever the Dealer wanted. It then started to laugh and mock me about how easily I gave in, how it didn't actually know of any entrances into the Labyrinth..."
"Chris!" I heard Clarisse yell so loudly I thought my ears popped.
"Trying to make all of us go deaf?!" I angrily yelled back at her as me and Reyna cupped our ringing feelers.
Why the Hades was she so mad anyways? She knows more than anyone how badly traumatized Chris is of the Labyrinth!
Clarisse ignored me, stomping up to Chris whom was shaking. She then grabbed hold of him, lifting him and the chair he was tied to a few inches off the ground.
"C-Clarisse, I—" Chris tried to muster up a defense, but his girlfriend drowned him out in her rant.
"I'm not mad that you're behind this, Chris! I know you're terrified of the Labyrinth, everyone is! What I am mad about is how you admitted not only to avoiding me, but also that you left camp without telling me, and most of all, that you kept this from me!" She seethed, every word laced with that signature Ares rage. "I'm also a little miffed at how easily duped you were! Entrances into that place are very hard to find!"
A little miffed, huh? Coulda fooled me...
"I'm s-sorry! I truly am, I know it was cowardly of me, but I was just so scared! If I had to go back into that place..." Chris scrambled together an apology.
Uh oh, he ignored the part where he neglected his girlfriend, rookie mistake. This is going to be ugly...
I instinctively covered my ears tightly, as I had a feeling a rage storm was about to erupt. I was immediately proven right as I saw Clarisse screaming and shaking Chris in his chair like how a baby shakes their rattle. I had pressed my hands so hard against my ears that I couldn't really hear what she was saying, but I'd bet on the Styx that it was nothing pleasant. Their argument—realistically more like Clarisse's verbal beatdown of Chris—lasted for many minutes before she finally set him down, gave him a teary, angry glare before storming up the stairs and out of the basement. Chris just sat there motionless and crying himself. My guess was that they just broke up. I removed my hands from my ears, which were now hurting from how hard I had pressed them into my skull.
"Damn, I've never seen her that upset before, and her default emotion is anger." I remarked quietly after she left.
"You should probably go comfort her, Percy. I can handle Chris on my own." Reyna said as she massaged her ears.
"Me? Comfort Clarisse? Yeah no, that sounds like a terrible idea, especially when she's in that state." I snorted derisively, shutting the idea down.
"I thought she was your friend?" Reyna asked me in confusion. "She also just broke up with him."
Ah, so they did break up, I had a feeling...
"Define 'friend'. She used to hate me, now she's just indifferent towards me. I'm sure Annabeth or Calypso will soothe her." I said adamantly, not wanting to risk getting yelled at or attacked by Ares's daughter.
"Hm, that's odd, Calypso told me all about your little therapy session with her a few days ago," Reyna snarked at me with a look that sent a shiver down my spine. "Plus, need I remind you of the current situation? Last I checked, you still need a couple girls."
I groaned. "I'm not going to try to be a rebound for a girl that doesn't even like me. Clarisse and I go together like water and fire, literally."
"Water and fire make steam, Percy," Reyna told me, making me gag at the implication. "Fine, be that way. But if you ask me, you're making a big mistake here. I assume you managed to convince Rachel since you walked here with her, but you need two more. The deadline is tomorrow, Percy."
"But it's Clarisse! She'd never do the same for me!" I protested. "I think the only reason she even told me about her relationship problems is because she had no one else! It's not like she values me as a person, she literally called me her favorite punching bag!"
"I thought holding grudges was a fatal flaw of Hades, not Poseidon? Yet, you seem to be holding a big grudge against her." Reyna snapped at me.
"Of course I'm holding a grudge! She's been out for me almost the entire time I've been at Camp Half-Blood! First time I arrived she tried to dunk me in the toilets! Then she tried to literally kill me in my first game of Capture the Flag! I don't even need to bring up how she nearly got me, Annabeth, Tyson, and herself all killed back in the Sea of Monsters! She also would have kept the entire Ares cabin from helping in the final battle against Kronos if it wasn't for Silena masquerading as her! She's tried to make my life hell every chance she got! The sole reason she isn't out for me anymore is because of Chris, and they just broke up! I have no desire to rekindle her hatred for me!" I ranted furiously.
"So you'll forgive Silena and especially Luke but not Clarisse? Is that what you're saying? Are you implying that what she has done is worse than what they did?" Reyna snarled at me in a dangerous tone, as if daring me to say yes.
I went silent and looked down.
Gods damn it, she's right... What those two did was a million times worse than anything Clarisse has ever done to anyone yet I forgave them. I'm being such an asshole for no reason...
I sighed in resignation. "No, I'm not... Clarisse, despite her faults, has fought through thick and thin to save this camp. I'm just bitter about it, she reminds me of my abusive ex-stepdad in a lot of ways. But... I've seen for myself that she's changed, while I haven't. I need to let go of the past..."
"That's the Percy I know and love. Now, get your butt up there and help her!" She ordered me in a soft yet firm voice, pointing up the stairs.
"Yes, praetor!" I mock saluted, Reyna rolling her eyes in response.
I then went up the stairs and out of the basement in search of Clarisse. As soon as I emerged in the main room of the Big House, everyone turned towards me. First thing I noticed was that Chiron and Mr. D were gone. I assumed the former was likely helping with reconstruction while the latter was off doing nothing like usual.
"We, uh... saw Clarisse run out earlier. Did you finish?" Jason asked me, looking uncomfortable.
"No, Reyna will be finishing it on her own. Did any of you see where Clarisse ran off to?" I asked.
"I saw her head in the direction of her cabin. No idea if she actually went there, though." Rachel commented while doodling on herself.
"Good luck, Percy. You're definitely going to need it for this one." Annabeth said, immediately understanding my intentions and giving me a thumbs up.
"Thanks, see you guys later." I said appreciatively before bolting out of the Big House.
First thing I noticed upon leaving was that the mob from earlier was dispersed now, no one was out front. I'm assuming Chiron had something to do with that, but it didn't matter; I needed to find Clarisse.
I headed towards the Ares cabin first to check if she was actually there, the sounds of construction filling my ears as everyone else was working on repairing the camp. The cabin must've been pretty banged up from my onslaught, as I could see all sorts of new parts on the outside with a fresh coat of paint, even the boar head was different. I then knocked on the door and waited.
A muscular guy with a large scar on his head opened the door and gave me a mean look. "Can I help you, runt?"
"Is Clarisse here?" I asked, ignoring the standard Ares cabin insult.
"Well, she was for a minute. She came in suddenly, her face all teary and red. She looked at me and yelled 'get my spear, Sherman!' I knew better than to say no when she got like that, so I did. She then stormed off towards the forest, almost making me pity the monsters we keep there." The guy who identified himself as Sherman said.
"Thanks, Sherman." I nodded at him gratefully before turning to leave and heading towards the forest.
"Wait!" I heard Sherman call out.
I turned back to look at him. "What is it?"
"You aren't seriously going to go out and find her, are you?" He asked with wide eyes.
"Yeah, I am. What of it?" I replied in agitation.
I don't exactly want to, but I need to. I definitely don't need distractions, however!
"You have a death wish or something? When Clarisse gets like that, you need to be out of her way and gone. She won't hesitate to attack and try to kill you if you push her. Just let her blow some steam off." He warned me with fear in his eyes.
"Trust me, Sherman. I'm very aware of how unhinged Clarisse gets when she flies into a blood rage. I'll be fine though. You should be more concerned about Clarisse than me." I tried to reassure him, but neither of us felt convinced by my words.
Sherman sighed. "Your funeral, Percy."
He then closed the door of the cabin, leaving me with my thoughts. I then resumed my search for Clarisse by heading towards the forest.
I know I can handle Clarisse in a fight, but I'm not sure I can handle the emotional abuse that might come from this. If anything, I'm more concerned about her safety than my own. Because of my grudge, I don't know if I'll be able to control my anger if things escalate too far.
It didn't take me long to find her, I just had to follow the disintegrated remains of dead monsters and the sound of her cursing like a sailor. When I finally laid eyes on her, she was covered in sweat, blood, and monster dust.
"Clarisse!" I called out to her.
She turned and glared at me. "What are you doing here, Jackson? Shouldn't you be interrogating that bastard?"
Well, this is going exactly as I thought it would so far...
"Reyna can do it on her own, I came here to check on you. You were pretty upset earlier." I told her.
"Well, as you can see, I'm fine! Now scram!" She growled at me.
I groaned internally. I was already regretting coming here.
"You're not fine, you just went through a major breakup and you're covered in monster bits along with your own blood. I can heal your cuts in the nearby stream, come on." I said, waving at her to follow me.
"I said I'm fine! Don't you have better things to do? Quit pestering me or I'll make you my next target!" Clarisse threatened by pointing her spear at me.
"Why are you like this? I'm just trying to help you!" I said in frustration as I put a hand to my face.
"I don't want or need your fucking help, Prissy! This is your final warning to get lost before I turn you into a pincushion!" She snarled as her eyes narrowed.
"Clarisse, come on, calm down. Stop venting your anger at me and use your words," I exasperated as I crossed my arms and stared at her. "Besides, you know you can't beat me. You couldn't even beat me when I was twelve."
Maybe I shouldn't have said that last part, because she got really mad.
"You're dead, you punk ass bitch of a sea spawn!" She screamed at me as she charged in a blind fury.
Yep, this went exactly as I thought it would. Why did I listen to Reyna?
I reached into my pocket and pulled out Riptide just before Clarisse jabbed at me with her spear. I riposted it then kicked her, causing her to stumble.
"Will you calm down for five minutes for once in your fucking life?! This is why you don't have any friends, Clarisse!" I snapped at her.
"Shut up, momma's boy! I'm going to grind your teeth into the gravel!" She roared after catching herself and charging at me again.
She stabbed at me wildly, trying to overwhelm me with the speed and number of her thrusts. However, I easily dodged or parried each one before finding an opening and hitting her with the butt of my sword. She fell to one knee, both from the force of my attack and her own exhaustion from her fighting earlier.
"Ready to talk now?" I asked as I held my sword at her chest, feeling indignant.
She spat at me, narrowly missing my face.
I was seeing red.
"What is your problem?! Why do you hate me so much? I'm just trying to be nice to you!" I raged at her.
"Oh how noble! Who asked you to?! It sure wasn't me!" She hissed.
I was so angry I couldn't even see straight anymore.
I lowered my sword and put it away.
Then, I went off on her.
"You are, without a shred of a doubt, the biggest, meanest, rudest bitch I've ever met in my life! You'd give Hera herself a run for her money in the attitude department! Why do you have to antagonize everyone, especially me?! I know it's not because your dad is Ares, I'm friends with a son of Mars and he's one of the nicest guys I've ever met! So tell me, Clarisse, what's the reason for your malfunction? Grace my ears with some bullshit sob story that justifies your behavior! Go on, let's hear it! I want to compare it to my own hellish upbringing! Well?! I'm waiting!" I bellowed out of pure loathing and hate.
Clarisse glared hatefully at me for a minute before looking down.
"You don't know what it's like, living in the constant shadow of your own father! I'm a daughter of the god of war, I have to prove myself at any and every opportunity! I'm constantly under pressure to perform or else he'll abandon me, just like he's done to my past half-siblings, especially if they died somewhere that wasn't in battle! I'm... I'm scared of him!" She confessed, showing some vulnerability. "Do you remember back when Kronos went down and we all gathered on Olympus? How my dad praised me for killing the drakon? That was the first and only time time he's ever done so! I was so shocked I didn't even know what to say or do. Yet right after, it was back to business as usual where I have exceedingly high expectations at all times! It's exhausting!"
"If that's the case, then why did you stubbornly refuse to help us back in Manhattan? Ares wouldn't have approved of such behavior then! Are you trying to tell me a stupid chariot was worth more than your honor to him?" I demanded.
Clarisse looked back down, conflicted. She then mumbled something so quietly I didn't hear it.
"What?" I asked.
She mumbled slightly louder, but still not enough for me to make out what she said.
"Just tell me already!" I groaned in annoyance.
"I was scared, ok?!" She yelled at me, tears welling in her eyes. "I was so damn terrified! I would have died in the Sea of Monsters if your group hadn't shown up, I almost died on my mission in the winter after that when I ventured into that gods forsaken Labyrinth! So when Kronos invaded New York City, I was nearly pissing myself in fear! Facing a giant army of monsters and titans? I just couldn't do it, the thought made me shake... if my dad knew, he'd disown me..."
My rage simmered and for once I felt genuine pity for Clarisse. "You were? But, you charged at that drakon like a madwoman, there was no fear on your face then."
"I was overwhelmed with grief and raw hate because Silena just died, she was my only friend. If it wasn't for that, I'd have been mortified..." Clarisse admitted.
I stared at her in shock, it was hard for me to believe that Clarisse even knew what fear was. Far back as I could remember, Clarisse never backed down from a fight, even if she couldn't win it. I guess there really is more to her than I thought, old Clarisse would have never opened up to me. It really wasn't my imagination, she has changed.
"Clarisse, it's ok to feel scared. I was terrified when I had to face Kronos, I didn't know if I could win even with the Curse of Achilles. Heck, we were all scared shitless, there was like forty or fifty of us plus the hunters against a full-sized army. We should have lost by all accounts, but one thing happened that changed that. Do you know what it was?" I explained before asking her gently.
"That Nico kid showing up with Hades?" She guessed.
"Well, that certainly did help at the end, but no," I said before shuffling my feet and rubbing my arms then exhaling loudly. "Look, I never told you this because I thought you were enough of an egomaniac as is, but... we were on the brink of being wiped out by Kronos's army by the time you arrived. We were pushed back to the Empire State Building and we were running out of supplies and manpower. Then, Kronos summoned that damn drakon, and I felt completely hopeless. It was the size of Godzilla and we were exhausted and battered, with no back up coming. Then, when Silena died and you went into a berserker rage and charged at that thing by yourself... I was inspired, we all were. And when you actually killed it? Di Immortales, Clarisse! That was indescribably heroic! I legitimately believed that you were the sole reason we survived long enough for the gods to arrive. In that moment, you were everyone's hero, including mine."
Clarisse was left speechless at my confession, her mouth agape and eyes wide.
"You... mean that? You all were... inspired?" She asked in awe, not able to believe it.
I nodded. "Well, maybe I can't speak for everyone, but I certainly was and I know for sure that everyone else was at least extremely thankful. Oh, and when you started dragging the drakon's corpse around? Badass and scary, so much so it kept Kronos at bay. You were the hero of the battle, if you ask me."
"And... I was your hero? Yours personally?" Clarisse asked in a soft, delicate voice.
I smiled softly. "Yeah, you were, Clarisse. You saved our butts... thank you."
If it wasn't my imagination, her eyes were shining brilliantly after my admission and gratitude.
"This whole time... I had no idea. How come no one ever told me this until now?" Clarisse muttered in disbelief.
"Partly because everyone just collectively assumed you knew you were a hero, and partly because of what I said about your ego earlier," I replied with a shrug. I then held out my hand to her. "Come on, let's get you cleaned up."
She looked at my hand for a moment before hesitantly taking it, sheathing her spear behind her back. I then pulled her up to her feet and smiled at her before turning and walking to the stream, Clarisse following me. Once we got near the water I told her to stop by the shore of it, then I willed the water to rise and move to her.
"You'll get wet for a moment, but I'll dry you off right after." I said softly as I moved the water over her body, healing her wounds and washing off the blood and other icky substances.
Once she was healed and clean, I then commanded the moisture to leave her clothing and hair and return to the stream. I then looked back at her and smiled.
"Are you feeling better now?" I asked.
"Uh, yes. T-Thank you, Percy." She said, a faint blush on her face.
"Hey, you called me by my name again! I like that." I teased, her face reddening even more.
"I... I think it's time I started treating you and the others with more respect. I've been stuck in my old ways for too long..." Clarisse muttered quietly.
"That would be nice, you're a lot prettier when you smile instead of sneer." I stated with a smirk.
"Um... thank you." She mumbled, her ears pink.
"No problem," I simply said. "So... are you really through with Chris after this?"
"You heard me rage at him back there, Percy. What do you think? I know I said I wasn't mad at him for making you go berserk, but it was a lie. He chose to risk putting us all in danger to save his own ass, plus he admitted to avoiding me like a child." Clarisse said in disgust, her fists clenched.
"Chris was tricked, Clarisse. That Dealer being knew exactly how to mess with him. You know how scared Chris is of the Labyrinth," I rebutted. "But... yeah, him avoiding you was pretty scummy."
Clarisse then looked me in the eyes. "Percy, if it was you, would you have chosen to risk being put in the Labyrinth or swear on the Styx to carry out that thing's commands?"
"I'd choose the Labyrinth, no doubt. No way in Hades would I ever willingly risk putting the camp in danger, it's my home. Nor would I trust some mystery person that won't tell me what they want upfront and have to use deception on me. Though, I'd likely try to fight my way out of that situation, but I'm a lot stronger than Chris, so that's not really fair to him." I casually replied.
She stared at me for a moment before stepping closer. "Yes, that's true, you are far stronger than him. But, it was a judge of character, and Chris succumbed to his fears instead of overcoming them. Once I can forgive, but twice, on top of putting our home in danger? I just can't look past that as a child of Ares, his weakness nearly got us all killed. You may view it differently, but that's how I see it. I can't go back to him in good conscience."
I looked down and rubbed my shoe into the ground. "So in the end, it wasn't the college drama that broke you up, it was this... I'm sorry, Clarisse, this is an ugly way to end such a long relationship."
"That means a lot, thank you, Percy." She choked out as her lips trembled and tears were building in her eyes again.
I opened my arms to offer her a hug, which she readily accepted. She started to cry into my shoulder while I rubbed circles on her back with my thumbs as I held her. We stayed like that for I don't even know how long, but I wasn't going anywhere until she felt better. She eventually stopped sobbing and pulled away from me, taking in a deep breath. She then locked onto my eyes.
Yeah, well, I'll just say I wasn't expecting it to happen.
It really was out of left field, I never thought...
Ok, this is officially NOT how I expected my encounter with Clarisse to go.
What am I talking about, you ask?
Clarisse La Rue just decided to kiss me out of the blue. Not even a quick one either, but full-blown tongue action.
To say I was lost would be the understatement of the millennia. How did she go from hating me to liking me in the span of one conversation? I felt a surge of emotions as our lips met: disgust, bittersweetness, sadness, but most of all—confusion. After our lips separated, I stared at her like she just grew two heads.
"Buh-huh?" I stuttered out like I was mentally challenged.
"Yeah, I know. You weren't expecting that, sorry. I guess I should explain myself, huh?" Clarisse said sheepishly, a light blush on her face as she scratched the back of her ear.
"Y-You literally hated me like, twenty minutes ago." I uttered, my mind collapsing on itself trying to understand how Clarisse developed feelings for me so quickly.
Clarisse twirled a lock of her hair with her finger, which was so unlike her I thought she was a body double.
"I... didn't suddenly start liking you just now. I've... always kinda had a small crush on you, to be honest. I just thought you were adorable and I found your bravery endearing, plus you're strong so that also added to it. I'm attracted to strength and all that." She confessed to me.
"Wha—bullshit! You treated me like dirt for years! There's no way you had a crush on me this whole time!" I immediately refuted the notion.
"Yeah, I knew you'd react like this... but seriously, I did. Like I said, it was a small one; I still vastly preferred Chris until today. You wanted to know why I picked on you extra, right? Well, that's why. Didn't your mother ever tell you if a girl is mean to you it means she likes you?" She said with a straight face, like that cleared up everything.
"But, you're mean to everyone! That doesn't even make sense!" I countered.
"True, but I was extra mean to you, Percy."
"You weren't mean to Chris!"
"Oh trust me, I was, before he left. I was extra sweet on him when he came back all crazy, it broke my heart."
"You tried to dunk me into a toilet because you liked me?!"
"Yeah."
I can't hear anymore of this utter bullshit!
"Whatever, Clarisse! I'm just going to pretend you magically fell in love with me after our talk, because if I try to accept you've had a crush on me after all this time, I'll go insane myself." I exasperated as I rubbed my temples.
Clarisse just shrugged. "Fair enough, I suppose. I've never really known how to handle my emotions in a healthy way."
I need to get out of here before I develop a migraine...
"Well, I'm glad I helped you realize your feelings, I guess. I'm going back to the Big House now, the interrogation should be over." I announced before I turned around and started to walk off.
"Hold on a second there, Percy. I think there's something you need to ask me." I heard Clarisse say as she grabbed my arm.
I looked back at her in confusion before I remembered.
Oh no, is this really happening...?! There's no way that Clarisse of all girls actually wants to join the harem, right?!
"You don't mean... the harem, right?" I asked hopefully, a sense of dread filling in my gut.
"Of course that's what I mean, dumbass! I'm not stupid, I know that's the only reason you came out here to talk with me!" She snapped, that familiar anger returning.
"And you want to join?! Why...?" I asked in horror, which just pissed her off more.
"Did you turn amnesic in the last minute?! You know why! Stop being a pussy and just ask me already!" She demanded.
"B-But you just broke up with Chris! Shouldn't you think about this until tomorrow at least?! I don't want to be your rebound and have you regret it later!" I protested, feeling very weirded out that Clarisse was actually hitting on me.
"Moron! I already told you I had a crush on you! That speech you gave me earlier also made me like you even more!"
"Crush? What crush? Silly Clarisse!"
"PERCY!"
"What?! It's weird to me! You say you've always liked me, but I thought the opposite for five years! I still don't understand why you suddenly like me so much, you wanted to kill me earlier, not to mention we weren't really friends before this! Just explain it to me in a way that makes sense!" I yelled at her, demanding an explanation.
I'm not about to have a girl permanently in my life that could snap and kill me at any second! I need a valid reason for her liking me before I even considered it, among other things!
Clarisse glared at me like I would look good getting my neck wrung out like a towel. She then stopped herself and closed her eyes before breathing in deeply, exhaling loudly and opening her eyes to look at me again, calmly.
Did Clarisse just stop herself from getting angry? For me? I-wow, she really has changed since I last saw her. Maybe I should give her a chance...?
"Ok, Percy, I'll give you the full explanation for my sudden behavior." She said in a strangely calm voice, something I didn't know Clarisse was really capable of.
"I know you said you had a crush on me and all, but..." I started awkwardly.
"Yeah, I should have known you wouldn't believe me, I should have explained my feelings better earlier. Heck, I should have treated you better years ago, this wouldn't be such a shock to you otherwise. I'm really paying for my past mistakes now..." She admitted, looking down at her calloused hands for a few moments before looking back up at me with resolute eyes. "I'm sorry, Percy. For every single time I've ever belittled you or hurt you. I'm really, really sorry. Can you find it in your heart to forgive a rotten thing like me?"
I nearly fainted, I thought this must have been a fever dream. No way did I just hear Clarisse La Rue apologize to me about ever wronging me in the past. Not only that, but her voice truly meant it, let alone her face.
Oh gods, her face...
Her resolute eyes a second ago had gave way to deeply worried ones that were watery and glossy, her face contorted into a sad, lonely frown. She looked like she would break into pieces if I said no and rejected her. I've never seen Clarisse look so vulnerable and delicate, not even when Chris was insane.
Does she actually like me? After all this time...? This definitely wasn't the face of the arrogant and cruel Clarisse I've come to know...
There was a war waging inside me. One side wanted to push her away, while the other wanted to give her a chance. There was a part of me that doubted her sincerity and chalked it up to her just being emotionally vulnerable after her dilemma with Chris. But, was that right? When Clarisse normally gets upset, she just goes ballistic. Yet here she was, completely exposing herself to me.
Why am I having such a hard time accepting this? It's like, I know what I'm feeling is wrong, that I should just forgive her and move on, but for some reason I'm struggling so hard to do that. I know she's different now, I saw it back when I returned from Ogygia, I witnessed it again just now with her opening up to me and apologizing. And yet, I still want to refuse her. How can I get over my grudge against Luke—a guy who tried to kill me, my friends, and my family numerous times and nearly let the world be destroyed—but struggle so much with forgiving Clarisse, who has fought by my side multiple times to save the world? Since when did I become so coldhearted?
I then remembered what I had told Reyna back in the basement, how Clarisse reminded me of Smelly Gabe. Could that be the reason? I hated Gabe more than anyone, he made my childhood a nightmare. Then, when I came to camp, it felt like Clarisse replaced him. She tried to make my time at camp a nightmare too, though unlike with Gabe I could retaliate against her.
That must be it. I've always hated bullies and Gabe was the worst of them all. My grudge against Clarisse is fueled by him, not her. In the past, when I saw her, I saw him too. But now? Now, that's just unfair to Clarisse. She isn't a heartless bastard like he was, she fought to protect the camp and the world, she has a caring side under that boisterous exterior. Gabe didn't care about anyone but himself and leeched off us while simultaneously abusing me and my mom. Clarisse is a hero while Gabe was a monster.
I looked at Clarisse again. Her bloodshot eyes were trained on me with desperation. I could make out the uncertainty and dismal feeling in them, the loneliness and regret. She actually wanted to make amends, to show she is sorry. She wanted friends.
How could I ever compare her to Gabe? What's wrong with me? I need to apologize for my own awful behavior.
I looked down at my feet before closing my eyes and inhaling through my nose. I then lifted my head up and opened my eyes to look Clarisse in hers yet again.
"I accept your apology, Clarisse. I guess both of us need to accept that things happened in the past we aren't proud of, that we need to move on," I muttered, her face shining with relief in the light of the setting sun. "I have to confess something as well: I didn't want to come here and help you. I was holding a massive grudge, all the years of bitter treatment and resentment from you never went away. I thought I was more mature than that, but when the time came to behave like an adult, I acted like a kid. When you opened up about your relationship issues a few days ago, a part of me wanted to tell you to get lost, that I didn't care. Maybe I would have if Calypso wasn't there, maybe I would have given in to my ugly side."
"Percy—"
"Wait—please, let me finish," I said as I inhaled a ragged breath. "Earlier, when you ran out here, I had an argument with the other girl that was with us in the basement—I don't know if you know her, her name is Reyna—but, she was the one who wanted me to help you. Primarily, because of the harem deadline coming tomorrow, and she saw this as an opportunity for me. She... also thought we were friends. I ended up having a huge argument with her about it, all because of my grudge. Then... she compared you to Luke and... Silena."
Clarisse froze up once I mentioned her deceased friend.
"She demanded to know why I forgave them but couldn't forgive you. I... didn't have an answer for her, I realized she was right. I finally understood just how much of a jerk I was being to you, without you even knowing. So when I did come here, and you confessed to having a crush on me? A part of me felt disgusted, like you just insulted me. That ugly side of me just doesn't want to forgive you." I added before taking in a deep breath.
Here goes nothing...
"I just now realized why I've been like this, why it was so hard for me to let go of my grudge," I shakily spoke, my hands turning clammy. "When I was growing up, before I came here, I lived with my mother, as you know. But back then, she had married this awful man to protect me and hide my scent from monsters. He was the scum of the earth. He was an alcoholic, abusive, lazy, selfish, greedy, and every other negative thing I can think of. He tormented us for years, especially my mother. So, when I came to camp and met you? Well... I saw him in you. That's why I hated you for so long, why I struggled to forgive you."
Clarisse's face contorted into one of guilt and anguish. It made me feel even worse for thinking this girl was ever like Gabe. He didn't even know what remorse was.
"But, I know now that you're nothing like him. You are a good person deep down, you've proven that over and over while he was rotten to the core. I'm... sorry, Clarisse. I'm so sorry for my terrible behavior towards you, you didn't deserve it. You're a hero, I should have been treating you like one. I should have respected your feelings earlier. Can you forgive me as well?" I finished quietly, pleading for atonement as I was unable to look her in the eyes out of shame.
I then felt her hands intertwine with my own, making me gaze up into her puffy, red eyes as she smiled weakly at me. "I'm not any good with words or feelings, but I do forgive you. It would be hypocritical of me not to, you know? I understand why you're having such a hard time with this, I do. It all goes back to what I said, I should have treated you better back then. And you know what, Percy? It really makes me feel good inside that, despite you hating me and wanting nothing to do with me, you still went out of your way to help me. Not only with this, but also the college thing in New Rome. I was touched back then, now I'm even more so. You're... the nicest guy I've ever met, I can't remember the last time anyone did something like this for me—willing to put up with my temper tantrum and abuse to get through to me and just talk. You... remind me s-so m-much of... S-Silena."
She started to tear up again as she recalled her one and only friend, closing the distance and hugging me as she started to sob loudly, her tears staining my shirt. I wrapped my arms around her, rubbing her back and letting her get it all out.
"I miss her so much!" Clarisse bawled her eyes out, clinging onto me like I was a life buoy.
"She'd be happy for you, she would be so proud that you're finally coming out of your shell." I cooed into her ear.
"Do you think she got into Elysium in the end?" Clarisse asked me with a sniffle, her head against my chest.
"I'd like to think she did. I know her boyfriend, Beckendorf, was waiting for her in Elysium. Maybe they're together there, or maybe they chose reincarnation." I whispered.
"She better have. If I ever find out she got sent to Asphodel, or gods forbid, the Fields of Punishment, I will go berserk." Clarisse spat, her rage flaring up.
"I doubt that. If Luke qualified for Elysium, then why wouldn't Silena? Though, Luke chose reincarnation from what I recall," I reassured her gently. "I'm supposed to be getting a visit from one of the gods after the harem deadline, I can ask about her then."
"You mean we can ask about her." Clarisse clarified, pulling back slightly to look into my eyes. "I'm serious about this, Percy. I won't take no for an answer, I want you. Bad."
Her bluntness made me feel like all my blood rushed to my head, even though I wasn't upside down.
"You never did finish explaining to me why you like me so much..." I murmured, my heart racing.
She gave me a tender, sweet smile. "Well, aside from the things I just mentioned, there are many other reasons. You're fiercely loyal, a skilled warrior, immensely strong, courageous, a competent leader, not to mention an accomplished hero. The Ares side of me just goes crazy for that, while the mortal side of me loves your pure heart and kindness. Not even Chris treated me as nicely as you do."
"Weren't you angry with me for hurting your dad all those years ago when we fought? Also, I always thought you'd like it rough... yet again, you did date a softie like Chris for years." I asked, looking up in thought.
"I was angry with you for hurting my dad, don't get me wrong. But, I got over it, especially as I got older and realized that Ares... doesn't really care about me or his other kids. Also, you being able to fight my dad... don't take this the wrong way, but it really turns me on," She said that last part quietly, making my face feel like it was going to pop like a balloon from how much blood rushed to it. "Also, I do like it rough, but not all the time. I'm still a girl, I still have feelings, even if everyone thinks I'm just a rage machine. Yet again, I didn't really give any other impression..."
I then cleared my throat and glanced away. "Ah, I see. That's... um, good to hear, Clarisse. It does make more sense now that I think about it, your dad is violence incarnate yet he fell for the goddess of love. It makes sense that you'd be the same in that regard too. But, uh... you could have left out the inappropriate part..."
"What, you can handle facing the horrors of Tartarus but not the topic of sex? I thought guys were supposed to be all about wanting to bang hot girls? Chris was the same way as you, it was so annoying! He refused to ever do it unless we got married! I inherited my dad's hyperactive sex drive—you know, since he's the god of conquest also—and part of the reason I'm so damn angry all the time is because I'm so pent up, same with the rest of my siblings!" Clarisse ranted in frustration.
"W-What...?! I've never heard that about Ares campers before!" I blurted, taken aback.
"Of course you haven't, it's super embarrassing to talk about! We don't tell anyone except for our lovers! The Ares cabin gets enough flak as is, last thing we need is to have everyone in the camp thinking we're sexual predators!" She responded back in agitation before taking a deep breath. "Sorry, I got carried away again, that's just a sensitive topic for me. I'm very... frustrated, if you catch my meaning. Most children of Ares at my age—if they can live that long—have already lost their virginity, but I haven't yet."
This is one of the most uncomfortable conversations I've ever discussed with someone...
"That is... something, Clarisse. I had no idea you and your cabin had such a condition, I just thought you all were naturally angry." I said coarsely, unable to meet her eyes.
"We are naturally angry, but like I said, part of it is from our sex drive and it gets worse the older we get if we remain virgins." She lamented as she leaned against my chest again.
"Well—erm, once the time is right, I… will help you with that," I whispered, feeling scandalous. "Uh—assuming you still want to join..."
Clarisse looked at me with wide eyes for a split second before her lips crashed against mine in a frenzied kiss. She then pushed me onto the ground and continued kissing me hungrily as her hands went up my shirt, exploring my toned muscles. Clarisse then pulled her lips away, her eyes boring into mine with an intense desire.
"Why wait? I'm ready to go now." She whispered back.
"I'm a virgin!" I immediately answered as I blocked my face with my arms.
"So? Wait—that means you and Annabeth still haven't done it..." Clarisse said in realization.
She then got off me and made a sound of frustration or a growl or both. I quickly stood back up and fixed my shirt, silently thanking whichever god was listening that Clarisse respected Annabeth enough to stop on her own before I had to force her to. However, as I finished tidying myself and looked back at Clarisse, she had a scowl on her face.
"You two better hurry the fuck up and bone each other! Because once you do, Percy?" She whispered in a tone that made my skin crawl as she got in my face. "I'm going to lock the two of us in a room and we won't be leaving until I can't walk straight."
I gulped, trying my hardest not to think about that, but boy, was it difficult!
"Thanks for the heads up, Clarisse," I squeaked as my cheeks burned. "However, you still aren't part of the, uh—group, yet. We should fix that, since it is clear you want this... but I should warn you that this will be a permanent decision. Far as I know, you won't be able to back out of this later if you have second thoughts. You'll also have to share me with the other girls."
Clarisse let out a territorial growl. "I almost forgot about the sharing part. I don't want any other girl touching you, you're my man now. At least, that's what I would say if it wasn't for this harem and if I didn't know you were in love with Miss Princess," She sighed. "It'll all be worth it though once I get to drain your balls and sate this insatiable urge finally."
How is she able to talk so perversely without any shame?!
"Ah, ok then. Good to know you understand everything before joining..." I muttered awkwardly, my face looking like a fire hydrant. "It seems you really do want this, then."
"You bet I do," Clarisse grinned wickedly at me. "I, Clarisse La Rue, pledge myself to your harem, Percy."
I expected to hear thunder, but it was silent. Maybe I have to accept her pledge? So far, I've done all the asking...
"I accept, Clarisse." I said simply, hoping that would work.
Turns out it did as thunder echoed in the sky above. I then smiled bashfully at her.
"Welcome to the club, War Girl," I said. "Do try to uh... temper yourself around the other girls, yeah? Last thing I need is more drama."
"I'll try my best," She snorted before pecking me on the lips. "You're mine now, Prissy."
"Back to the Prissy thing again?" I groaned as she laughed and hugged me.
"I like it, I think it's cute. I'm also used to calling you by it." She said with a challenging voice.
"Ugh, can't you think of something else? Or just call me by my name?" I grumbled, ticked off.
"If you're gonna be such a little bitch about it, then I will only use it sparingly." Clarisse growled before sighing.
"Thanks." I said sarcastically as I rolled my eyes.
Clarisse then grabbed hold of my face. "But seriously, you better remember what I said earlier, Percy. You and Owl Head need to get laid so I can have a turn, I'm so tired of waiting."
Great, the newest member of our little circle is an extremely horny demigoddess who wants to jump my bones at the first opportunity...
"Believe me, I won't forget. That mental image is seared into my brain." I replied, making her grin mischievously.
"You're already imagining me naked? Maybe you are a normal boy after all!" She cackled as I facepalmed.
"Just keep this to yourself until the time comes, ok? No one else needs to know you want to screw me." I said as I pinched my nose.
"Sure, I can do that. Just don't keep me waiting too long." Clarisse smirked.
"Probably won't be much longer if Annabeth is right about what the next step of this harem is..." I muttered.
"I'll pray for it then."
"Why must you be like this?"
"Because it's literally in my blood to be like this."
"You know? You're not wrong."
I then stretched and yawned, the events of the day having worn me down.
"I'm going back to the Big House now. I assume you want to tag along?" I asked.
"Yeah in a sec. I have just one more thing I want to say first." Clarisse announced, her tone sounding serious.
"Oh, ok. Go ahead." I nodded at her, signaling her to proceed.
She then walked up to me, put her hands on my face, and leaned in really close.
"Listen to me on this, Percy. That stuff you mentioned earlier about your ex-stepdad? I won't let anything like that happen to you again. I will never hurt you again and I won't let anyone else harm a hair on your head. Do you understand me? Never. If anyone is bothering you, tell me and I'll plant them into the ground." Clarisse spoke in a deadly calm yet also protective voice, staring into my eyes.
I was speechless for a moment before a tender smile appeared on my face. "That's really sweet of you, Clarisse. But, I don't need protection, I can fend for myself." I said.
"I know you can defend yourself, but I don't care. You're mine, and I don't let others mess with what is mine. I will protect you even if you don't need it." She instantly retorted, like she had rehearsed this.
I could see the intensity of her eyes as she spoke, the desire to keep me safe. It was a strange feeling, knowing she felt so protective of me all of a sudden. Strange, but not unwelcome.
I then took her hands into mine. "Thank you, Clarisse. I'll return the favor and promise that I won't let your dad scare or hurt you. You don't need to worry about him anymore, I'll keep you safe."
She went speechless for a second before smiling happily at me, tears building in her eyes.
"Thank you." She said softly, her voice cracking with emotion.
I wiped a single loose tear from her cheek. "Don't mention it."
We stood there silently, enjoying the moment. After Clarisse calmed down, I held out my hand to her. She took it and gave it a squeeze before letting go.
"So, shall we go to the Big House now?" I asked.
"I'm right behind you, Lover Boy." Clarisse said with a sly smile. "That's my new nickname for you, by the way."
"Well, it's better than Prissy, at least. Come on." I said as I turned and started heading back, Clarisse quickly catching up and walking in step with me.