Annabeth Chase would not accept Ron Weasley as a demigod. In fact, she planned to challenge him to a duel. Let’s see if he’s good enough to fight me, she thought to herself.
The next day, Ron found himself at the training grounds. Everyone stared at him with anticipation. Jacquelyn was already there, and she had already beaten three demigods in three separate duels. She noticed him and said, “Have you come to watch me kick some butt?”
Ron said, “Well, I know I can’t fight well, so I’m at a proper disadvantage right now.”
“That’s good enough for me, impostor,” Annabeth snarled at him. “Draw your weapon.”
“That’s not fair to Ron,” said Jacquelyn as she turned in Annabeth’s direction. “Besides, he’s not ready to fight just yet. He needs time and training and to learn the proper linguistics of dueling.”
“And I suppose that you can teach him?” shouted a random camper.
“Well,” said Jacquelyn, “do you wish to challenge me then? You cannot. You will be badly beaten.”
“I know you’re a demigod,” said Annabeth.
“I know I’m not, but what are you?” Jacquelyn replied by way of speaking.
“I am Annabeth Chase, daughter of Athena, goddess of wisdom and battle strategy,” said Annabeth. “I never lose.”
“We’ll see about that,” said Jacquelyn. “Draw your weapon and step forth.”
Annabeth glared at her as she drew out her sword and was now facing the smaller girl. “You shouldn’t be doing this,” Grover warned. “I’ve seen what she can do.”
“It matters not,” said Annabeth. “I know I can beat her.”
“Oh spare me your earthy humor,” Jacquelyn glared at her. “Now begin!”
Ron watched awestruck as Annabeth tried to strike Jacquelyn but immediately was pushed to the side. “Oh my,” said Jacquelyn. “I’ve seen what you did there. Come back here and duel.”
Annabeth rushed at her and the two girls began dueling again. The other campers watched in interest. Annabeth was trying to get the upper hand, but Jacquelyn beat her down several times.
Just then, some camper running from Clarisse ran in front of Jacquelyn and knocked her over. She looked up and saw Clarisse. “You again?” she cried out. “You just never learn, don’t you? Next duel, I will totally destroy you!”
Annabeth rushed at her and went in for the attack, but Jacquelyn saw her and spun around, trapping her rival next to a tree. Annabeth was so shocked that she dropped her sword. Jacquelyn pointed her own sword at Annabeth’s throat and said, “Know this, Annabeth, daughter of Athena: it is both dangerous and unwise to challenge a spellcaster. You will always lose. And another thing…” Annabeth held her breath, as did the rest of the campers. “Even when I’m down, I can still beat you up.”
Everyone gasped and Chiron stepped forward, clapping his hands. “That was marvelous,” he said. “I have never seen such swordsmanship in my whole life.” To Jacquelyn, he said, “Where did you learn to fight like that?”
“Well, I blame my grandmother for making me go to six years worth of summer camp,” said Jacquelyn.
“Indeed,” said Mr. D. as he approached the group.
Percy said to Annabeth, “You did great.”
“But I lost,” said Annabeth. “I never lose a fight.”
“But she did say you shouldn’t challenge her,” said Percy.
“I know,” said Annabeth. “Sometimes, I just have to prove myself. I think I know what she is.”
“A demigod?” said Grover.
“No, a spellcaster,” said Annabeth. Percy and Grover stared at her. “Spellcasters are extremely powerful and very dangerous. No one messes with them and lives.”
“But she let you go,” said Percy.
“Well, if this were a fair fight, I’d have to kill you,” Jacquelyn responded. “But I can’t have your death on my conscious, or can I?”
Ron said, “Now do you think I’m a demigod?”
“I’ll…think about it,” Annabeth frowned as she stared at him.
Little did they know that a shadow was among the trees. When it reached the largest tree in the forest, it attacked…
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