I do not own Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Rick Riordan does.
Adjusting to normality.
Chapter Two.
Written by dippindots326
It's been exactly one year since the Titan army fell, and Kronos was defeated. Percy and Annabeth are both living relatively monster-less lives in New York, and are going to a boarding school together. Percabeth, might be OOC, this is my first story ever, so don't be too harsh please.
After a few seconds their lips parted with an audible pop, like when a rubber band snaps, only a lot more wet. Students passing in the halls made gagging faces or looked away as they passed them by. Percy winked at her and she grinned in return. They joined the mom of students rushing out of the cramped hallways into the school's courtyard. That had been their final mid-term, and they were now on break for the next four days.
"How'd you do on the test" Percy asked casually, as they strolled through the halls.
"Oh, I think I did well, but did you get the last bonus question…?"
Percy was staring at her as if she were missing a point.
"Oh, Right. Why am I even asking you?" Annabeth rolled her clear gray eyes. They reflected the gray, stormy sky and shined like polished silver. Sometimes Percy simply stared at her, and remembered how lucky he was to have her. However when she caught his stare she would often start making creeper jokes. She was his best friend, first kiss, first girlfriend; and he had never cared for anyone more than her in his life. Not even the feelings he once felt for Calypso could hold a match to this.
"Excited about our double date with Nico tonight" she asked, trying to start up conversation again.
"Um.. Not really. He always picks the freakiest people to go out with. Have you met this one yet?"
"No, but he seems to really like her."
"He seems to like all of them."
Nico, being a little short and baby cheeked, was instantly declared the "little cutie" of his grade and he seemed that every girl in his grade was willing to go out with him. Usually these feelings left them after the first date. Nico was not the most sociable person, and this rubbed pretty much every girl he asked out the wrong way. You couldn't really blame them, all he did was mumble a few things, and stare at his plate darkly. Sadly, Nico would tell them the date went well, and then be shocked into depression when the girl called the relationship off. Percy stopped feeling sorry for him after number four. Anyways, Annabeth and Percy were to meet lucky number seven tonight. They cared for Nico, but his love life had become something of a joke between them. As they walked into the schools courtyard, Percy willed the water droplets to miss them, somehow. A few people stared, but then just shook their heads, like they'd been hallucinating. Together they stole towards their favorite coffee house, where they both ordered cinnamon rolls.
"So you failed yet another test eh?" Annabeth grinned at him.
"Actually I think I did very good on this one." He replied with a little too much enthusiasm in his voice.
"I saw your paper. Did you fall asleep again while you were studying? Did you try those concentration techniques I looked up for you?"
"Yeah…they didn't work too well. "
Annabeth sighed. Percy was always screwing up like this. Neither of them had any idea how he was still in the school, but they both had an idea that some divine benefactor was behind it.
"Well," Annabeth said, getting up from her seat and brushing off her hands into Percy's lap, "what should we do until its time for the date?"
"Whatever you want. I don't have anything planned for today."
They eventually decided to catch a movie. As they neared the cinema they heard the sounds of scuffling coming from its alley. Percy looked at Annabeth. She nodded.
"Is anyone there?" Percy called into the shadowy alley.
No answer came.
"Hello?" Annabeth took a step forward.
There was a shuffling noise, and a boy in dirty rags with bloodshot eyes came into view. He glared at the two demigods and returned to the shadows. They realized he had been sleeping. A little shaken, they agreed to cancel the movie.
"We should call someone," Annabeth insisted, "he's obviously homeless and starving."
"There's something off about him though. I can't place it…" Percy murmured under his breath. The rain was still pouring. The boy was probably freezing.
"Okay, let's go get him." Percy said, and together they entered the alley.
As they stepped into the alley the air chilled. Something was wrong. Riptide grew heavy in Percy's pocket. He pulled it out but didn't uncap it. Not yet.
There was a sniffling sound, and the sharp ring of a blade being drawn. There was a bright flash, and suddenly two burning orbs were hovering in the darkness. They started moving towards them, slowly at first, than faster.
Percy uncapped Riptide. Annabeth pulled out the knife Luke gave her from its hiding spot on her ankle. There was another flash, and suddenly a long thin sword of celestial bronze was pushing against Riptide. Percy beheld the boys snarling face. His eyes were like fireballs. Just like….Hyperion. Suddenly the boy disentangled their blades with a masterful stroke, and in the same motion, brought it down again. A golden wave of fire followed in the swords wake.
Is it possible? Percy thought.
Annabeth sprinted forward, jumped, and kicked the boy in the chin, following up with a quick jab that cut his arm. The boy's eyes suddenly went out. They were golden.
There was another bright flash. The boy was gone, leaving nothing but large scorch marks on the wall and a smoking ring where he had been standing.