Author's Note: I had this idea kicking around my head for a while, but only now did I decide to write it down. I know it seems like most of the traditional characters don't get enough development. Bu I'm hoping to use this first "book" as an intro for this character. Enjoy!
The Man With No Name
Annabeth
Chapter 1
"I hate walking down this path". Annabeth walked down this street every time she visited Percy, but it never got easier. Flocks of the homeless always begged down this avenue. Seeing so many reminded her of Boston, trying to find her long lost cousin. Thinking of Magnus, made her heart sink, but no, she had to concentrate. Annabeth was with Percy and Jason, trying to find a sphinx. Jason seemed especially uneasy. With his glistening, blonde hair and gold rimmed glasses, he definitely stood out from the hoodies and rumpled caps. Annabeth looked at her own clothes, and felt a sense of guilt. She was wearing a designer jacket and a bright blue scarf. Percy seemed to fit in the most, he always dressed like a wino.
"Spare change for the cold nights".
He looked like a New York city troll, with his wrinkled face covered with a gray beard that touched his feet. Awkwardly, Jason said,
"Sorry, we don't have any money".
"Well that's full of sh-t", snapped the guy next to him. When Annabeth glanced at him, she saw a truly unique site. He had one eye. The left one was covered with a ragged old cloth. On his neck were two metal plates hung by a wire, a veteran. The tags oddly looked platinum. His accent was maybe Lebanese or Israeli. With his olive skin, and thick black beard, he looked like a one eyed mullah. He was lying down, reading a faded brown book, with no title. If there's one thing you don't see, it's the homeless reading.
"You're wearing brand name clothes, combed hair-he took a brief sniff-and expensive perfume. Judging by your outfit, you obviously don't live near, meaning you also have extra money for the ride home. "
Jason, deep red, quickly clarified, "n-o, that's not what I meant".
"Hey kid, we're homeless, not idiots like you. Just tell us you don't want to give money to some dirty panhandlers, or piss off."
Annabeth grew red with anger, who was this hobo telling them off. But before she can defend Jason, Percy did it for her.
"Hey at least he had enough pity not to say I don't want to give money to some lazy bum."
The vagrant suddenly flashed a cold glare, through his one eye. For a second, Annabeth felt a deep chill down her spine. She had a feeling this guy could drop all three of them with one move.
"You think I'm her 'cuz I'm lazy. You think I like sleeping next to druggies and winos, begging for money from rich prats like you. Go cry back to your distant mommies and daddies, where the only love they ever show you is the random crap they buy you"
That did it, as demigods, parents are a sensitive subject, especially their painful absence. Without thinking, Annabeth laid it out harsh to this bum.
"At least we aren't some sad pathetic middle aged bum, bitter that his life goal is begging to 16 year olds, who'll probably make more money than you can ever imagine"
The vagabond glared at her with such rage, Annabeth was prepared to make a run for it. But then they met eye to eye, and his face changed from anger to sadness. She could see a deep pain in his eyes. He looked at her, as if he...he knew her. To her shock, he apologized.
"I'm sorry, you're right. Who am I, an adult, picking on a couple of kids, with all the opportunity of the world. I'm just bitter I screwed mine up. My apologies. I'm sorry."
Percy and Jason looked at each other in bewilderment. Annabeth awkwardly accepted the homeless man's apology, before briskly walking off. Looking in his eye deeply disturbed Annabeth. She felt as if she gazed into a thousand tragic lives.
Percy decided to break the ice. "Well that was weird".
Annabeth mumbled, "I just wish we can find this stupid sphinx."
A crash, and then several screams followed. Annabeth's wish was fulfilled.