Clarisse La Rue leaned against a tree, her eyes glinting with mischief as she watched Alex fumble with his shield. "I bet I could give you a piggyback ride all the way across camp," she challenged, her voice dripping with confidence. "There's no way you could carry me," Alex replied, brushing his sandy hair out of his eyes with a skeptical smile. The son of Athena was known for his strategic mind, not for doubting the strength of a daughter of Ares.

Clarisse grinned, flexing her muscles with exaggerated bravado. "Well, are you ready to eat your words, brainiac?" she teased, motioning for Alex to hop on. "Alright, let's see if you can back up that big talk," Alex replied, climbing onto her back with a mix of amusement and doubt.

Clarisse adjusted her grip, her strong arms steady as she began to move forward. The crowd cheered, their voices a lively backdrop to the rhythmic crunch of footsteps on the path. "Easy peasy," she quipped, her breath steady despite the weight. Alex held on tight, his initial doubt giving way to admiration. "I can't believe you're actually doing it," he admitted, a hint of awe in his voice.

Clarisse stopped, letting Alex slide off her back with a triumphant grin. The crowd erupted into applause, their excitement echoing around them. "Told you I could do it," she declared, her eyes sparkling with victory. "Alright, alright, you win this round," Alex conceded, offering her a good-natured bow. "But next time, I'll come up with the challenge," he added with a competitive glint in his eye.

[@ch_1]Clarisse[/@ch_1_d]"You know, you're not so bad for a brainiac,"[/@ch_1_d] she teased, nudging him playfully. "And you're not so bad for a musclehead," Alex replied, matching her playful tone. As they strolled back to their cabins, the camaraderie between them was as strong as ever, a testament to the bonds formed in the world of demigods.