"Focus, Percy."
Wiping the perspiration off his brow, Percy Jackson zeroed in on his target.
Of all the enemies he'd fought, from Hydras and Gorgons to hellhounds and giants, this one was arguably the most daunting. The metal cold in his hands, he went for the kill. A few quick swipes brought his adversary down. Feeling a rush of exhilaration, he whooped in triumph.
"Mr. Jackson, please remember that that your classmates are still working on their exams."
No, it was no monster. The opponent he'd just defeated was his final highschool exam!
Percy sat back in his chair, filled with pride. The last year hadn't been easy. After having to make up a tremendous amount of work over the summer (thanks, Hera!), he'd faced the toughest year of classes that he'd ever had. He had often struggled with his coursework. Numerous times, he tried to give up, but his girlfriend and parents had convinced and argued with him to the point of shouting each time.
He grinned inwardly. Annabeth had been especially determined to keep him in line. One night late in the semester, she had camped out overnight at his house, drilling him like a sergeant on his math work and staying awake via coffee and energy drinks. He doubted he would have survived the year without her. Miraculously, he'd earned the required credits to pass in each of his classes, so all that was left was the exam.
After a short time, once the rest of his classmates finished, the school was dismissed. For Percy, it failed to register immediately that he was done with school, forever. Saving the world? That was an average weekend for him. Fighting monsters with godly powers and swords? Just your typical day at the office. But this-finishing school, going out on his own- was a completely alien endeavor to him. Scooping up his Adidas bag, he left the classroom and headed for the exit.
"There you are, Percy!"
He turned to find his stepfather-and former teacher-Paul Blofis.
"Hey, Paul. Done for the year?"
Paul winced. "Unfortunately, no. My exams weren't computer-graded, so I'll be in grading them for some time."
"That's too bad."
"Well, never mind that, how are you? You've made quite an accomplishment today! How'd your exams go?"
Thinking for a moment, he replied, "Better than I thought they would. I think I did okay!"
Paul smiled. "Your mother and I are very proud of you, Percy."
"Thank you."
He clapped Percy's shoulder. "I mean it. Sally's coming to pick you up. We're going out to celebrate later tonight, once I'm done with these tests."
"Okay, Paul. See you later."
"See you."
Down in the parking lot, his mother stood beaming next to her car.
"Oh, Percy," she said, outstretching her arms.
They embraced. Sally fussed over him, asking if he needed anything or if he was hungry or this or that.
"Mom, I'm fine, really."
She sniffed. "Oh, I know, it's just- I can't believe you've made it!"
"Thanks for the vote of confidence," he grumbled sarcastically.
She gave him a playful swat. "Oh, you know what I meant."
As they drove, something in the back of Percy's mind nagged him. He couldn't put his finger on what it was, yet..."Mom?" he asked. "Can you drop me off in Long Island?"
She caught his gase.
"I think...I think something's wrong."
"What, Percy?"
"I don't know! I just have this...really bad feeling! I need to make sure everything's okay."
She altered her course, merging onto I-295.
"It's a long detour, Percy..."
"Just go." The feeling was unshakable now. Something was definitely wrong.