NICO

Nico found himself brooding as usual. The sun was too bright, the people around him too happy, people were laughing and gossiping and going about their day oblivious to what actually was going on right in front of their noses. All in all, just another dismal day for the only representative from the house of Hades, at least he didn't have to put up with annoying roommates usually. In fact Nico basically had the whole wing to himself if you didn't count the resident at House Zeus down the hall a ways. It was nice and peaceful and usually Nico could sleep in and relax, but this morning Nico woke with a start to a loud bang and crash. Not hearing any other noises afterwards Nico decided to start getting ready for the day thinking he was running late and someone must have just dropped something walking by. He gathered his clothes and headed to the shower, he began washing off the sweat and grime, lathering his body and his hair. A hot shower was always nice to start the day, Nico thought, that is until the temperature dropped to that of the arctic tundra. Nico shouted and clambered to get out of the shower as quickly as possible not sure exactly what happened but realizing it was time to leave anyways.

It was the first day of school. Nico was going to be a Junior this year attending Chiron's Academy for Boys a boarding school in New York. Staring up at the sign Nico became lost in thought. It being an all boys school, most would think Nico would have issues with the lack of ladies to look at, but frankly, that wasn't the case at all. Over the last few years, Nico had been noticing a few changes in what he viewed as hot or attractive. Most of the times, these thoughts led him to thinking of Jason the lead quarterback or Frank, the head of the Wrestling Team. As time grew on, Nico became more and more aware that girls just weren't doing it for him. However, Nico knew the humiliation he would face if he just came out at an all boys school, so he kept his trap shut knowing what was best for himself.

Nico shouldered forward, after all, what could happen. Its just the first day of school, its not like its the end of the world he thought to himself. That happened last year and we got through that just fine. Secretly though, Nico felt alone, he didn't have many friends. No one wanted to hang out with someone from the house of Hades. Walking down the hallway Nico passed a mirror. He checked himself out. He wasn't very tall, with short dark hair and an Italian olive complexion and dark eyes. Nico was sporting a tight fit black tee shirt and faded blue jeans with a slight tear at the right knee. All in all, with the silver necklace around his throat and the ring his sister Bianca gave him. He thought he made at least a half way decent looking individual but it seems no one else seemed to take notice.

With a sigh, Nico continued to head down the hallway stopping at his locker. The loneliness was wearing on him. Was it really too much to ask for someone to spend some time with. All he really wanted was for someone to notice him for what he was instead of just branding him as a stereotype and casting him aside. At least first period was Drama. Nico liked the teacher Persephone. She was always kind to him, and at least seemed to remember he was in the classroom, unlike his P.E. Instructor Coach Ares, who seemed to forget Nico even existed. Nico grabbed his books for the day and with one last look in his locker mirror, which was kept a hidden and strictly a secret as only girls would have a mirror in their locker, Nico checked for stray hairs or anything out of place. If he was going to go through the day, at least he didn't have to look like an idiot while doing so. Nico slammed his locker shut, whirled the knob and set off to class. Mildly wondering what new horrors awaited him, he took out his iPod and placed his ear-buds in and began listening to some new pieces by Within Temptation thinking about the song title "Paradise(What about Us?)" left Nico thinking strongly of what about me? Lost in his thoughts, absorbed in his own little world Nico headed off to Drama class. Looking at the watch on his wrist Nico noticed he had just enough time, it read 8:55 AM and class didn't start till nine, for once Nico wouldn't be late. Maybe the new year would prove to be interesting after all, even if it still does suck.

PERCY

It was a brand new day! Percy couldn't believe he had to move yet again. His step dad Gabe was such an asshat. Forcing him and his mom to constantly move. Well this time he lucked out, sort of. Instead of moving with the "Happy Family" he got to go to an all boys boarding school. At least he got to get away from Gabe, but honestly, he couldn't even begin to imagine what his mother was thinking staying with the guy. Always telling him, "Gabe does a lot for us sweetie, try to understand where he's coming from". All Percy could think, is I know exactly where he is coming from, The Couch!

However, this was going to be a new year! He was going to be a Junior, and he was bound and determined, even if the new school didn't have a swim team, though he was very much hoping they at least had a pool, he was going to make the best of it and try to make his mom proud by not getting kicked out of this school. Percy had horrible luck, weird things were always happening around him, and no one ever seemed to believe him. It's like he was cursed or something. He kept getting knocked out and waking up in odd places, once the school from two years ago burned down, not sure how that one happened, evidence was pointing to Percy, but everyone including Percy was hazy on the details of just what exactly happened, somehow the fire was put out, even before the fire department showed up, unfortunately the remains of the school were already charred to a crisp.

The year after that there was a freak flood in the swimming pool at his next school. Once again, his coach somehow thought he had something to do with the prank, but thankfully there was at least some evidence to prove otherwise. Percy was getting bullied in the boys locker room, and since they didn't want anyone thinking they had something to do with the flooding they backed up Percy's story that they were in their with him. On the condition that if he mentioned the swirly he was going to get his ass kicked after school. Needless to say, Percy went along with it. It wasn't worth causing a scene and even more stress but even though Percy didn't get into trouble that time, Gabe decided to ruin it all by announcing that he got a job offer at a car lot as a used car salesman. So with his bags packed with his few belongings and clothes, Percy was on his way to Chiron's Academy for Boys with his mom. Thankfully Gabe was too busy to see him off, Percy preferred it this way, and reassured his mother that it was okay and that he understood Gabe being too busy. He just hoped he hid his delight well enough and showed enough remorse that he didn't get a scolding from his mother before she dropped him off. After all, it would be at least three months till he would see her again, and that was a big if, since winter break, he might not be able to come home. It would just depend on how their finances were doing. Percy knew what Gabe would say, so he wasn't really getting his hopes up. Come winter break, Gabe would come up with any excuse stating they didn't have the money and Percy was fine with that. A last he didn't have to clean up after Gabe during that time. It was by this time that Percy noticed they were pulling up to the front of the school grounds. Percy was already checked in, his mother saw to that, so all that needed to be done was to stop by the office pick up his dorm key, drop off his stuff and get to class.

"Now honey, I want you to take care of yourself, make sure to eat. The schools program came with meal vouchers, so your food is provided for. Oh, and before I forget I have a gift for you. I was originally saving it for your birthday but since we aren't going to be able to celebrate it together, I figured now would be as good a time as any. Its a gift from your father."

"That's okay mom, it's sweet and all, but I am sure Gabe didn't buy me anything, you don't have to pretend."

Percy's mother frowned "No honey, it's not from Gabe, this was left to you by your biological father. He had said to give it to you when I thought you were ready. I am not sure if you will ever be ready, but I think you could use a good luck charm for a new school and a new school year."

Percy's curiosity was piqued! A present from my real dad, but she never talks about my real dad. Never! I wonder what it is! Why wait until now, so many questions...thoughts started filling his head faster and faster. Percy just stared as his mother handed him a small rectangular box. Percy opened the box and was immediately disappointed, inside was a dark blue pen with gold lettering on the side spelling Riptide . Riptide? Percy thought, I wonder what that is about, he searched through the paper to make sure he wasn't missing anything else. Nope, just a pen.

"Well, its a nice pen." Percy tried for enthusiasm, hoping he didn't sound as deflated as he felt. Though all in all, at least he did managed to get another little piece of his real dad. So far he had no pictures, his mother claiming, he was camera shy. All he knew was that he went out to sea and never returned. His mother would never embellish, no matter how many times he asked. Maybe his mother was right, he needed a good luck charm, a pen is as good as anything else.

"I am glad you like it sweetie, I know you might have been expecting something different. I know we don't talk about your father much, its painful for me, but I can tell you he was a good man, and he would be proud of you and the man you are becoming" she said.

Goodbyes were always painful for Percy, everything in his life always felt so transient. Like a wave crashing on the shore, one moment here, the next moment washed away never to be seen again. Percy never tried to get his hopes up, but he did try to stay positive.

"Thank you for the gift mom, its means a lot, I have to get ready and settled into my dorm room and get to class. I hope you have a safe drive back!" he whispered to her as he hugged her across the car. Getting his things together proved quicker than getting them into the car, Percy began to think his mom had been stalling earlier. Though he couldn't really blame her, he wouldn't want to be stuck with Gabe all by himself either!

With his bags and belongings Percy headed towards the office, unsure of what was in store for him. Hopefully new friends and a place to belong. Percy was never able to truly be himself, while Percy had a sneaking suspicion that his mother might be on to him, no one else knew his secret and he preferred to keep it that way. After all, he didn't want the new guys he would meet to think he was a sissy or a weakling or anything weird like that.

Percy found the office easily enough there looked to be a student behind the desk so he wasn't 100% sure, but he walked up anyway, hoping for directions at the very least. The kid seemed nice enough, a Latino with curly dark hair and a deep tan. He looked like a guy who worked with his hands a lot, judging by the look of his forearms, after a further quick scan Percy rang the bell on the counter to get the students attention. " Hi, my name is Percy Jackson, I am a new student here and I am looking for the office to pick up my dorm room keys. Am I in the right place?" Percy asked.

The student looked out from behind the glass, surprised at seeing someone here this early, " Uh, y-yes, y-you are! Hi, my name is Leo, Leo Valdez! Sorry for the surprised look most students don't show up this early and I end up bored off my as-anyways! You mentioned something about needing keys?" said a startled Leo.

"Yes, I need keys for my room so I can get settled in and get ready for class. Classes start at eight in the morning correct?" Percy asked

"Ah, that explains a few things, you're actually early, classes don't start until nine in the morning, but that gives you plenty of time to find your room and get settled in before your first classes, and here is your schedule" Leo stated as he handed Percy his school schedule. "

The classes listed are chosen for you initially but there will be a time about 2 weeks in where you will get to choose one class to drop and replace it with something else. We here at Chiron believe that everyone should try new things, but some times those new things don't always work out, so you get a chance to do a little choosing for yourself a little down the way" Leo grinned at the expression on the new students face.

"Don't worry you'll get used to it, Also we have a Greek theme going on here so it looks like you are going to be in Poseidon's House" he said, as Leo handed Percy his Syllabus and paperwork needed as well as the keys to his room. Leo frowned, looking through the computer.

"What's wrong is everything okay?" Percy asked anxiously " You seem concerned that I am in that particular group is it a bad place or something?" Percy was starting to freak out, he didn't want to stand out, not on his first day, and on top of that the look Leo was giving him was kind of strange.

"W-what? Oh, no nothing like that, its just, well, its right next to the Hades house, the only other house in your wing is the Zeus house, which would be fine if you don't mind being popular. Ironically you and the Hades house have something in common, you each only have one member. The sorting process for the school is a little strange and it is based on interests and ideals when you filled out the aptitude test. I am sure you'll do just fine, you just might want to be careful who you talk to here. Who you know is almost as important as what you know, if you get my meaning. Anyways, here's your keys and you are good to go Percy, Welcome to Chiron's."

"Thanks" Percy said, feeling more than deflated. He trudged off towards the Poseidon house thankful that at least he wasn't late. He figured he could just avoid everyone, and this way he didn't have to worry about making friends with the wrong people. That would work...right? Percy thought to himself.

Percy found his room easily enough. The big sign stating Poseidon's House wasn't obvious at all, though he got caught up staring at the artwork and paintings all over the place. Was this place really a school or some sort of art museum?, Percy thought to himself, what did I get myself into. He was so occupied by the Greek sculptures and mosaics that he tripped over one of the rugs knocking over one of the art pieces as well as sending his bags and books and papers flying all over the hallway.

"Great, just great" Percy muttered to himself, glancing around grateful no one busted out of their doors to check on the commotion. He began gathering up his belongings quickly and put everything back into place. Pulling out his keys, he opens the door to what will be home sweet home for the next few months, unsure of what to expect, Percy was not prepared for the scene before him. It was like a swimmer's dream come true. The room a deep blue like the ocean with light blue sheets and white trim. Everything decked out in what looked like a sea shanty style for the rich and famous. The place was awesome!

This froze Percy in his tracks, he could just imagine what a room like this might cost. Thinking of all the damage that could be done Percy dropped his things on the ground. He found what looked to be a love seat which didn't look to be trimmed in velvet or anything fancy. He set his things down in a corner, and sat. Trying to absorb everything, he felt like he was living in a palace. An undersea palace that was for sure, and remembering a little from his Greek history, wasn't Poseidon the God of the Sea. So all in all, the shabby chic sea shanty get up made perfect sense, but were those actual pearls in the table he was staring at ? It as almost too much for him to handle. Knowing he didn't have a lot of time left to get ready, Percy knew he needed a good shower at the very least. Showers always made him feel good. Swimming was better, but when Percy found himself in a place he couldn't swim, he would settle for a shower at the very least.

Getting his things together he looked for where the bathroom was in this suite of a bedroom. What he found looked more like a spa then a bathroom. The fact that instead of a bathtub, there was what appeared to be a Jacuzzi or a hot tub instead might be a main factor in considering this. Relishing in the thought of a hot bath before class and realizing that he had about 2 hours before classes would begin Percy decided to draw a bath. After all, what a better way to celebrate getting away from Gabe and having a fresh start at a new school. Percy turned on the faucets, wanting a hot bath to ease some of the aches of the long car ride. A little unprepared for the force of water that came for Percy was splashed with water, in a matter of minutes the miniature pool went from empty to full of hot steaming water. Percy had to quickly turn off the faucets. He turned off the cold water first, just to give the tub a final blast of warmth with the hot water, when from somewhere on the other side of the wall, there was a loud shout and commotion. It sounded like someone dying and screaming to get out. Percy quickly turned off the water to hear what the noise was, but it had died down by the time the water stopped. That's weird thought Percy, I swear I could have heard someone, he shrugged it off, and began to undress.

Taking off his clothes, Percy glanced at the full length mirror in front of him. Percy knew he was a pretty boy, with his swimmers build and sea green eyes, most girls chased after him like a flock of gulls. He filled out his shirts well enough and swam regularly to maintain his physique, it didn't hurt that he made quite a package when stripped down to just his speedo. However, no one ever stopped to get to know him. All they saw was a pretty boy, they didn't care about his opinion, no one ever tried to make him laugh or find out what he wanted unless it was to get something from him or get in his pants. While most of the time this amused him and he was able to laugh it off, as Percy slid down into the steaming water he found his thoughts drifting. What it was going to be like being at an all boys school. With no girls around he wouldn't have to deal with the pressures of being hit on by someone he didn't like. Which led him to his next issue, what was going to happen when he was hit on by someone he did like. No one except for maybe his mother knew he liked or at least was interested in guys. It had been a secret he'd been keeping for awhile, as it stood he didn't thinking coming out at an all boys school would be such a great idea, even if the school was Greek themed, they would probably just laugh at him, or it would make it even harder for Percy to be taken seriously and they would just see a pretty boy that can't take care of himself.

An alarm went off letting Percy know it was time to get out of the bath and get ready for the day. Percy got dressed, dressing in a simple blue shirt and a black vest with navy trim, and dark blue jeans. He left his hair messy and damp as it always seemed to dry right when he did. He packed his bag and looked at his first class, Drama with Mrs. Persephone. Oh this was going to be great, just what he needed a class that he was sure to make a fool of himself in. Well at least he took heart in the fact that Leo did mention if it sucked that bad, he could possibly swap it out in a few weeks. Looking down at the time he realized he only had about ten minutes to get to class, he would have to check out his locker later he realized and with that he dashed out the door locking it behind him, making his way quickly towards the drama class in what he hoped what the right direction.