Hey guys! Ok, so I've been spending the last few days finishing up the plot. That way, I know how to further continue with my chapters. I honestly have been having so much fun writing this. And I really do appreciate your reviews.
Qoheleth: That's actually fascinating! I didn't know there was a quote associated with the term Faits, I kinda came up with it last minute loll. But yeah, hopefully i can find a way to smoothly add it into my story.
Klad-Black20: Okkk I honestly don't watch anime so I had to google what that was. WoW, I guess my premise wasn't as og as I thought it was haha. But hopefully as the story continues, it'll look more and more like me.
FlightfootKeyseeker:Thanks! I really appreciate the review. ngl i wrote the first chapter as a spur of the moment kind of thing, so hopefully i can keep the characters' and their personalities and arcs a constant.
annnd here we go.. There's a bit of insight between Annabeth's and Percy's relationship in this chapter, so i hope i did this well.. let's go!
O-O-O
"Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us."
― Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
O-O-O
"You guys heard about Krone and the rumors surrounding all the protests, right?"
She knows that first period hasn't started yet, and that it's the third time she brought up the topic, but Annabeth really did want to see their thoughts on the matter. Fortunately, her friend group is a particularly attentive one when it comes to social topics.
Piper scoffs. "Who hasn't? It was, like, the top news article last night and this morning."
"I kind of imagine everyone knows this by now. When isn't there news about Krone these days? He's a walking political satire," says Nico.
Hazel brightly laughs at this before Leo pipes up, "Okay clearly I'm like the only one who needs to keep up with the news tablets. Krone's been sending threats? To social rights figureheads? He's been in power for like, a few months so - "
"Two years, he's been in power for two years you hammerhead - "
"Whatever. Two years. Okay, but point is, term is like four, he's not even halfway through. Close, but not reaching his halfway point until January. How is his influence already rising this fast? The man spent most the time before this with all talk and no action."
"No, no," Annabeth interjects. "You're forgetting that he also has control over who's in board with him. He purposefully chooses these chauvinists to try and 'revive Olympus' when in reality, he's turning genetic modifiers into the majority of the population, and - "
"- and since he's surrounded by people with the same screwed-up Olympus ideals..." Grover cuts in.
"- his political goals are becoming a reality. Unfortunately." Hazel finishes.
The group heartily discuss this further until they reach their class with Dodds.
The bell gives off a loud screeeech to signify the beginning of the period.
The group quiets down, but Piper still rolls on with her rant.
"... and here's the thing: if Krone is still able to keep up with the majority of Olympus and their support, this country's gonna turn into a dictatorship if he thinks he can just send thre-
"Ahem."
The group is silent along with the rest of the class. Everyone is seated and staring at Piper, including an extremely agitated Miss Dodds.
Piper turns around sheepishly. "Uhh.. hey, Miss Dodds. Sorry, I didn't hear the bell."
"Obviously," Dodds sneers. Her voice is pinched, and her mouth curls up as if she smelled something disgusting. "I see you and your.. posse..over here seem to be talking about the recent rumors about President Krone and his threats to the radicals?"
Piper nods quickly before sitting down. Annabeth, however, frowns at the statement.
Miss Dodds gives a tight-lipped smile before turning around. "Anyways, Brunner is absent today, so I will be picking up the lesson starting from the Mongols an -"
"I don't think radicals was the right word choice." The words come out before Annabeth could control herself. Eyes instantly land on her, and she can feel the sudden blood rush to her face.
"I'm sorry, Miss Chase?"
Don't say anything say nothing just apologize and -
"I said I don't think radicals is the preferred word choice." Damn you, Annabeth.
She feels her friends staring at her. Grover sends her a frantic hand gesture of shut up shut up shut -
"I'm sorry. I just mean that I believe 'protestors' or 'activists' is a better alternative." Annabeth sends Grover an apologetic glance.
She can feel another two pairs of eyes boring at her head from behind. She glances around quickly. Luke Castellan seems irritated. He turns away quickly with an eye roll.
The other pair is bright green. Percy Jackson himself. Percy Jackson? Really? He looks at her blankly, there's no emotion whatsoever. She heats up again and turns back around.
"I see. So you believe that a group of ungrateful radicals- yes, I said radicals- " Annabeth clenches her fists at that remark. Dodds continues, "ungrateful radicals can attempt to slander our president and expect things to stay the same?"
"Well, I'm just saying that they do have a pretty good reason to be protesting. After all, the rumors of Krone being an Alteration Elitist has shown to be-"
"Rumors, Miss Chase. There's not much to say on the matter. There has been no proof that President Krone is some Alt Elitist. The only reason people are angry is because they want to have Faits play the is nothing to…"
The substitute's words fade out of Annabeth's mind. Dodd's mouth is still moving, there are still words coming out, but none seem to fully register with Annabeth.
The students find this a much better entertainment source than learning about ancient civilizations. Their eyes dart back and forth as the two keep their defense. Annabeth is quiet as Dodds drags on. Until she finds her own voice again.
"Are you kidding? The fact that it's even in the news should already be something to worry about. I mean, this group has already been oppressed and rumors or not, Krone has - "
"Leave it, Chase!"
Luke's voice comes up, laced with annoyance. There's a rumbling laugh throughout the class. If it were possible, Annabeth flushes even further and quickly sits back down. She can still feel the hard gaze of Percy right behind her. Her arms are crossed tightly, as if untangling them would release another fueled rant.
Dodds regains her previous stature. She is slightly red, too, but seems to think she won the debate, smiling smugly and turning back around.
"As I was saying, before being so rudely interrupted, the Mongols have proven to be one of the most..."
O-O-O
Thalia's car is back by time of the lunch bell. The group sees her casually stroll over to the tables.
"Afternoon, sophomores. What'd I miss?"
Leo snorts. "Annabeth thought it was a good idea to try and talk sense into Dodds."
Thalia stares at Annabeth for a moment, then breaks out into an obnoxious laughing fit. "Yo-you-you thought it was a good idea to call out Dodds? The old hag of all that is Goode? God Annie, I thought you were the smart one!"
Before she could speak, Hazel inserts, "Annabeth is the smart one. But to be fair, Dodds was being extra hostile towards the Faits today. And especially with the recent news, you'd guess it'd be fair to try and talk sense into the bat."
Thalia rolls her eyes. "That's the problem. You don't talk sense into fascists. You can shove it down their throat like a cumshot all you want, but it's not absorbing into their brain unless you fry 'em."
Nico fidgets, "Yes Thalia, let's refrain from using such crude imagery, shall we? I'm trying it eat my lunch." He gestures at a half eaten sandwich on his tray.
Grover doesn't seem to be enjoying his salad as much either. He discreetly places the lid back on and stuffs the bowl back into his bag.
Annabeth huffs, "Whatever. You guys shouldn't have left me hanging, though. I couldn't control myself, that was mortifying."
"I'm sorry, Annabeth. But to be fair, it's Dodds. I'd rather not get on her bad side. I mean, who knows how long till Brunner comes back." Piper gives her a quick side hug.
Annabeth doesn't seem fully convinced, but she lets it go. "Anyways. Piper: you ready for after school today?"
Piper is no longer paying attention; her eyes are glued to the table across from them. The group follows her stare to the group of Alts. It appears Rachel Dare just said something funny, and Percy and Luke laugh along with her. Jason isn't paying attention to his table. He has his glasses on, and is reading something intently on his tablet.
"Look at him. He's reading something. How smart is he?"
"Piper, he's an Alt -"
"-and his glasses make him look so good."
Leo waves a hand in front of her. "Erm.. I get both your eyes are focused on Jason, so can you maybe redirect one of them back to this conversation?"
Piper turns back suddenly, blushing. "Right, sorry. Um yeah, after school today. Track tryouts, I know. Can't wait. But Annabeth, you should really get something for a boost if you wanna make the team. There are gonna be some Alts there with an unfair advantage for, you know, speed."
Annabeth snorts, but agrees. "I'll just get an energy drink before school ends." She is pointed to the table with Percy and the rest of the popular Alts. There's a vending machine next to their table.
Oh, great. She strolls over, making a subtle effort to stay away from them, but Percy sees her approaching anyway. She ignores his eyes.
He stands up, too, and walks to the vending machine with her. "Y'know, you really should've kept quiet in class today," he says in a low voice.
Annabeth blinks. "Excuse me?"
"I'm serious. You don't kno-"
"I don't know. Yes, yes, Jackson. That's completely the case. I'm just gonna listen to some old sub tell me that the rumors of our President sending threats to local activists is supposedly okay."
"I'm not saying it's okay. I'm saying that you don't know the severity of this situation."
Annabeth is offended, but Percy keeps talking.
"Things are a lot more serious than a few protests going on. I don't know what it is, and I can tell for a fact you don't completely know either. It's not all news stories and rumors. Tensions are rising, you gotta be careful who you're talking to."
"Jackson, believe it or not, there's always been tension. It just so happens that people are actually acting on it."
Percy doesn't seem fazed by her statement. This irritates her further. "Besides, when have you actually given a crap about the well-being of a Fait?"
He frowns. "You honestly don't think I'm an Alt-Right or anything, do you?"
Alt-Right was the term given to those who heavily believe Alts are superior. It's an extreme one to use, so most don't usually refer to it that much. Annabeth doesn't know if she should continue. When he smirks at her brief silence, she scowls.
"Judging from the crowd you hang out with? You know the saying: if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, an-"
"Oh, so you want me to quacking now, huh? Is that enough for you to believe I'm not some Elitist?"
Her mouth stops sneering. "So.. you're not an Elitist?"
"No, I'm not."
Annabeth doesn't say anything. He's not? She always thought he was. Percy's group was purely consisted of Alts. There had to be some level of superiority in him at least. Right? Of course there was. He's an Alt. A popular one, too. Of course he thinks he's superior, if only somewhat.
She's still silent when he walks back to his table. His group turns in his direction and sees her.
"Hey Annie, nice freak-out today in class! Did your ponytail cut off the proper blood circulation in your head?"
Drew Tanaka, another Alt, gives a shriek of laughter for Luke's remark. Even Jason looks up from what he's reading and peers at her through his rimmed glasses.
Percy is quiet, but he looks straight at Annabeth. His eyes are daring her to say something.
"Remember what I said, Chase."
Rachel Dare, his girlfriend, frowns at him and looks at Annabeth confusingly.
She decides not to say anything. When Annabeth stalks back angrily to her table, her friends are deep in discussion about the possible cults their teachers could be in.
"I'm telling y'all: Ladon, Dodds; I bet you both of them are in some Satanic ritual every week. You see those bags under their eyes? I swear one time I saw ta— oh hey Annabeth. I thought you were getting your energy drink for the track meet."
Annabeth looks down at her empty hands. She was so distracted with Jackson she forgot about it. Her mood sours even more.
"They, uh, ran out."
O-O-O
The track meet after school is met with a large quantity of students.
There isn't some difference in the time for Faits and Alts. The requirements to make the team are the exact same. Though Alts have an unfair advantage, there have been some Faits that were able to pass through.
Annabeth is proud to be one of those Faits. She made it last year, but only on the frosh team.
"Junior Varsity Track: yikes Annie, you think you'll make it?" Thalia prompts. She wasn't going to try out, but she trailed along for moral support.
Annabeth shrugs. "I made it into frosh last year. If I make it this year, then I get bragging privileges. If I don't, then I get the satisfaction of blaming the system."
"Chill, sweetie, you're gonna make it," Piper pipes in. "It's top twenty fastest times, I'm positive you'll make one of the top. You've been practicing all summer and it's almost end of September. You'll be - guys ohmigod look!"
Annabeth and Thalia turn to where Piper is pointing.
To Annabeth's indignation (and Thalia's pure amusement), Percy and Jason are both talking and standing in the middle of the track. Percy says something that makes Jason laugh, before another figure joins them.
Rachel Dare runs up and grabs Percy's hand, planting a quick kiss on her boyfriend's cheek. He sends her a warm smile and looks back at Jason. The trio walk out of the track and turn around.
Piper, Thalia, and Annabeth look down quickly, and carry on with some conversation Piper attempts to make up.
"So anyway, if we can get on the coach's good side, he might be lenient. But I think we have a new one this year: Hedge, I think? He seems pretty tough, but I bet you he's a secret softie."
"Chase? You're trying out?"
To her pure disdain, Annabeth sees Percy and Jason walk up to them. Thalia has already seated herself on the bleachers along with Rachel.
"Yes Jackson, it's track season. And why are you here? You're already in like, varsity swim or something."
"Season doesn't start until spring. I need a sport to keep myself out of PE."
Piper and Jason don't seem to be paying attention. They give each other painfully awkward glances. Jason speaks to Piper first. "I, uh, like your shirt."
Piper looks down at her tank top. There's a DC Comics logo painted on the front. She blushes. "Ha. Thanks. I mean, I'm surprised you know what they are. DC Comics are like, old."
Jason grins. "Nah, I'm a bit of an old soul myself. You know Marvel, too, right?"
Piper brightens. "DC Comics are infinitely better, but Marvel movies still stay on top."
"Agreed. What are your thoughts on the last edition of the…"
Both of them leave, still chatting mindlessly about superheroes and comic universes. Annabeth sends Piper an encouraging thumbs-up before the two leave.
"Is Piper into Jason, by the way?"
Annabeth turns around. She gives Percy a nervous scoff, "Pssh, nahh. She's just a natural conversationalist. What does it matter to you?"
He shrugs. "That's a shame. Jason's kinda had a thing for her since last year."
"Oh." Oh. Wow. "I'll, uh, be sure to keep that in mind."
He gives a smug smile. "They're cute. I'll give them that."
Annabeth is about to say something else, but a high shriek of a whistle interrupts her.
A short, pudgy looking man approaches the students. He has this natural vibe of anger surrounding him. His features are scrunched up in distaste. On his shirt lays the words, "Hedge, Coach".
"Alright, cupcakes. I'm Coach Hedge, and I'm the new coach. I'll be in charge of making the cut for those to make track. Junior Varsity Track, if I must remind you. That means no nonsense. I'll be seeing if you're good enough to make the cut."
He starts separating the students into groups of four to race against each other. "Only top twenty can make the team, and there are a lot of you here today. I'll be expecting a show."
Annabeth is grouped with Percy, and two other Faits: Travis Stoll and some other girl she doesn't know.
"Good luck, Chase. You might need it."
"Don't push me, Jackson. "
"Scared?"
"Please, just watch me whoop your sorry a-"
She's cut off when Hedge blows his whistle, starting the race. Her mind is an instant blur when her legs shoot forward. She keeps a steady rhythm in her head, one two one two one two. Her summer of pure practice pays off. She easily overtakes Travis and the girl, but Percy is still ahead. Only by a few feet, she reminds herself. She tries to think of him as a handle. If she can reach him, she'll easily spring forward from there.
His genetic programming gave him speed, but he's still keeping his steady pace, she notes. She keeps herself powered through the lap, only keeping herself a feet or two behind him.
He doesn't see me, she realizes, he's still caught up in his own speed. Arrogant ass.
She knows she can use this to her advantage. They both near to the finish line. He's still steady, steady, now! She bolts whatever surge of energy she has left to overtake him when he slows. She's now a foot ahead, and practically leaps into the finish line.
"TIME! 40 seconds, 47 seeconds.. Good good…" Hedge counts their time off until the other two racers finish.
Annabeth doesn't seem to notice until now that she's almost completely out of breath.
"Nice lap, Chase. But you know I wasn't even trying, right?"
"Shut up. Told you I could beat you," she huffs each word between breaths. Percy chuckles at this but doesn't say anything.
Hedge comes up to the both of them. "Impressive, both of you. I see your parents gifted you well."
Percy nods. Annabeth suddenly pulls herself straight up.
"Um, actually, sir, I'm not an Alt."
Hedge is taken aback. "You're not? How about you, cupcake?" He points at Percy.
He rolls his eyes. "Yes. I'm an Alt. I was going casually, though. If I tried, I would've gotten better than her."
Hedge looks back at Annabeth. "Wow, a Fait, that's, um, pretty impressive." He sees Annabeth's skeptical look. "Oh, no. Don't worry. Not being judgy or anything, cupcake. I'm one myself."
She curtly nods and stalks back to the bleachers.
"Yess, Annie. That's my girl. Now come and sit down, Piper's about to go." Thalia says.
Piper and Jason weren't on the same team, but they do both end up first. Annabeth is proud of her. Especially when she sees Piper still talking energetically with Jason immediately after.
Percy comes and sits with her. "You were lying. She's totally into Jason."
Annabeth scoffs, "Whatever. Still bitter I beat you?"
"Hey, I wasn't the one who lost breath earlier."
"Seven seconds, Jackson. I beat you by seven seconds."
He rolls his eyes, "What was with you and Hedge? You know that was an honest mistake, right? You didn't have to be so hostile."
"I wasn't being hostile. And I'm sorry if my accomplishments are instantly toned down because not everyone knows I'm a Fait."
"What are you even complaining for? Aren't you like, top in the school?"
Annabeth sends him the dirtiest look she can muster. It's not that impressive when she's sweaty and most of her curly hair has fallen from the ponytail. "No. I'm second best. You're first, you grade-A asshole. You knew that."
"I do. Just wanted to rub it in your face."
Annabeth sends him a scowl, and juts him with her elbow. She knows he doesn't get hurt due to his edited pain tolerance, but he still gives a slight wince.
She's relieved to see Piper already walking back up to her. "Piper's here. I'm leaving now. C'mon Thalia."
When Thalia drives her home, she's still in a foul mood. But she beat Jackson today. Jackson.
Her expression brightens slightly.
O-O-O
So I was able to write quite a bit more than last chapter. I couldn't focus so much on the actual issues with this society and all that quite yet. So if you found it boring sorry :(. But I wanted to give you all a feel of the type of environment our characters deal with, and their relationships and whatever. There's not so much Percabeth next chapter, but something happens that sets off something even bigger. If you found this bad, please review and let me know what i'm doing wrong. I really want to do well, so criticism helps!
Review review review!
-MxxnandStxrs
