Chapter 3
Game-time
Perseus POV
"You ready for this?" Luke asked as he stood beside me on the side of the football field. Today we were facing Brooklyn High, for our first game. They have an out-standing defense, and average offense team. They've always had three or four seniors be taken by the top 10 schools in the country since they've opened up almost fifty years ago.
Their star player was a safety by the name of Carter Kane. His body size wasn't that much bigger than my own, but he was able to play any position that needed to be filled. He did his best work as a cornerback and safety, his speed, rivaling mine. This was his last year, as he was already offered a full scholarship to Ohio State.
"Yep." I answered the question, connecting hands with him before he ran onto the field for kick-off. The other team was getting ball first, so we were getting it to start the second half. The kickoff returner was able to get the ball to their own thirty-five yard line before he was run out of bounds, giving them a good start.
I strapped my helmet on as I jogged out onto the field with the others on defense as we set into zone coverage, anticipating a run play to start off the game. The offense was set up in an I formation with one wide receiver out to the left. I was guarding that receiver, not getting any help from the others if a pass was decided on.
As the ball was hiked, I knew instantly that this wasn't a run. The wide-out faked a step to the sideline and took off in a post route to the middle of the field.
I was ready for it, not buying the fake and keeping step-for-step with him as I rotated my head around. I had looked over at the right time, to see the ball coming. I jumped up before he could and swatted it away from us. The whistle was blown as we both ran back to our respective huddles, grinning to myself when I was given many fist-bumps by my teammates.
The rest of the drive ended in three plays, as they weren't able to get any yards. So the punt team came out, but I was going to be receiving for this half. The coaches had decided to split up the position between Grace and myself, so each of us could get more playing time in.
Before I knew it, the ball was kicked in my direction, low, but a direct kick. I caught it in the middle of my chest, looking up to see a defender coming right at me. Making a split-second decision, I stepped to the right, making the defender fly past me. Seeing a possible path in front of me, I took off, sidestepping incoming defenders, I was able to keep moving without being touched by the other team as I had gotten to mid-field.
I could hear rising yells of energy from the stands, but kept myself locked in.
Glancing to my right, I could see two others, including the punter running at me, trying to cut me off on the sideline that I was currently running inside of. Gritting my teeth, I continued on my path, waiting for them to get a little closer.
Right as both of them launched themselves at me, I stopped on a dime, jump cutting towards the inside of the field as I ducked my head, letting them fly into the sidelines, completely missing me. But there were still people behind me, so I resumed my sprint, making my way into the end-zone, completely untouched by the other team.
As I crossed the goal line, I looked back to not see anyone close to me. So when I was able to stop myself, I was in the middle of the end zone by myself. I had out-ran all of my teammates in my punt return. So when they caught up to me, I had already given the ball to the referee and was jogging back to the sideline.
The rest of the team was visibly split between those who were excited at my ability to run my first punt return back for a touchdown. And the other part of the team was glaring at me in envy, backing up their star player and keeping his values ahead of the team.
But I ignored them as the coaching staff yelled excitedly in my face. I got many swats to my rear, but made sure to not snap at them. It was still a trigger for me, but I had a better hold on it than I used to, after the incident.
The rest of the half went scoreless, as neither side could seem to get their offense to move down the field successfully. Both of our defenses were not allowing each other to even get a first-down. There had also been no turn-overs either.
Carter Kane had made a couple of big plays, but never being able to intercept the ball like he had always been able to in the past two years. His fellow safety teammate, Walt Stone had a couple of big plays, but they both seemed to be a little off.
As I was making my way into the locker room, a shout caught my attention. "Percy!" I looked back into the stands, for a second and then located who was calling my name. I smiled under my helmet when I recognized him.
"It's so good to see you up and about, Nico. I got to go, but I'll talk to you after the game, okay?" He nodded back at me, waving for me to go.
Our head coach was waiting at the front of the locker room, his hands on his hips as his eyes swept over everyone. When his gaze met my own, they hardened a little bit more and he started to rant about our performance. "It's been a long time since we've played as bad as we have tonight. The only score coming from Perseus on a punt return. I thought you all wanted to win this game, but it seems like that's not going to happen."
A couple of people looked at me when I was mentioned, but I didn't pay them any mind.
"We have strived for perfection every day in practice. Everyday! You all are playing with no heart! And it is killing me to watch all of this happen. Get your asses back out there because we still have a game to win!" The coach yelled, turning around as he led us back out onto the sidelines. The cheerleaders were doing their routine with the dance squad with the band playing behind them in a spread formation.
Unknowingly, I found myself standing next to Leo Valdez as we watched the two squads perform their similar routines. Once the song ended and they made their way back to the sidelines, I turned around only to be face-to-face with our quarterback. He tried to push past me, but I caught his arm and made him face me.
"We may not like each other, Valdez. But I'm not the villain you all think I am. I care about this team, on or off the field. And there is one thing we haven't done that has yet to be seen." I prompted, making him squint in confusion, but still listening to what I have to say.
"All game, you have been doing short passes and run-pass option plays. Try some trick plays, or long throws. Be sure to mix it up, and audible at the scrimmage line. Keep the defense on their toes. As a defensive back, there's nothing we hate more than last second changes." I advised, patting his shoulder as I turned away from him to mull it over.
A rough shove sent me tumbling to the ground. I looked up to see who it was, only to see Valdez standing in front of me. He had both hands on Grace's chest, keeping him back as they argued loudly. I guess the jock thought that I was talking shit to his friend, so he was the one who shoved me to the ground. But he was visibly shocked when his best friend told him that I had given advice that was incredibly helpful. He still offered no apology, nor did I expect one from him.
The third quarter started back up in no time.
Leo seemed to really mull over what I had told him, choosing to see if what I told him would really work. For the first play, he started up with a run-pass-option, just to give a false front, to trick the defensive backs. For the next play, he audibled at the line of scrimmage, leaving the cornerbacks to scramble as a long pass play had been called in. It only took a well-placed lob to get it to Grace as he took off with the man guarding him, no match for his speed.
The crowd and bench erupted in excitement as we scored so easily. And I couldn't help the smile from under my helmet, especially when Valdez fist bumped me as he came to the sideline. So the defense was called out as it was now our turn to do our jobs. I was still guarding their best receiver, even though the quarterback did his best to keep the ball away from my side of the field. They managed to make it to our midfield before I was able to make a big play.
I saw that they were lining up in a formation similar to the same one I had sacked Valdez in, on the first day of practice. But this time, I didn't make a gesture towards Frank, I signaled the other outside linebacker to drop back. He nodded and we switched tasks right as the ball was hiked and I rushed into the backfield untouched.
But since I knew that the quarterback had seen me, he tried to throw it over me. But he had misjudged how high I could jump. And when I jumped in the air, my hands high, I managed to prop the ball up so I could catch it before it hit the ground. And right as my feet hit the ground, I took off towards the end-zone, smiling broadly when I crossed the goal line for the second time tonight.
As I made my way back to the sidelines, I heard my name being chanted for a couple of minutes, as I looked back into the crowd. I caught Nico's gaze and held up my fist in a pumping motion, and he returned the gesture.
The rest of the game was evenly matched, but we managed to hang onto our win at 24-13 for our opening game. Our entire side of the stands erupted into a roar as the clock hit zero. I understood that the first win was a big deal, but this was insane.
I kneeled down next to Luke and Frank as our band played the school song, followed by our fight song. Once it was over, I was patted on the back by Valdez as we both pulled our helmets off. "There's an old tradition with our team that revolves around the first person to score for Olympus High. Even though you're new, I thought I would check in to see if you are up for it."
"Depends on what it is." I replied, keeping my voice level. I didn't trust them too much.
"The tradition is that the first person to score for us, hosts the after game party. You down?"
"Is everyone else going to be bringing food and shit like that?" I asked, waiting a few seconds before responding.
"Yeah. The only thing you would have to do, is ready your place and text me the address so I can tell the others." Valdez informed me.
"Give me 2 hours, and I'll have my place ready." I said, writing down my address on a loose piece of paper on the ground before handing it to him.
But as he gripped it, I kept my grip on it, making him look at me. "If this is a ploy to get me to lower my guard, you won't like what happens next. If you thought I was a bitch now, test me again and I'll make you regret it." I warned before grabbing my helmet and making my way into the locker room.
"Nico! Hey man, get over here!" I called out, one I saw him still in the lower rows of the stands, he was looking around for me. It made me smile that he was honest about wanting to be a friend.
"Dude, you were amazing out there." Nico complimented. "Hey, how about you come out with me to get something to eat?" He asked, a light smile on his face.
"I would love to. But I have to get my place ready for the traditional after party that this team does. I have two hours to get everything ready, and I could use some help. Please." I pleaded, knowing that he probably didn't want anything to do with the jocks that beat him up. But I really needed his help.
He seemed to understand my underlying message because he nodded. "Yeah, let me go tell my parents." And with that, he rushed off.
But he was back almost a minute later, with his younger sister, Hazel beside him as she smiled gently at me. "Great game. I don't know much about football, but I know that you were awesome out there." She added.
"Do we have to go out and get food, or not?" Nico asked, changing the subject.
"No the others are bringing drinks and other stuff. I just have to host. But I need some help in decorating the interior of my home." I informed.
"Alright, I brought my car, so we'll follow you on the way back to your house." Nico said, taking the keys out of his pocket.
As we pulled up to my apartment building, I made sure to wave them over from the parking lot to where my place was. We had to go up a flight of stairs, before we made it to my place, as I unlocked the door.
"Not a very big place." Hazel breathed out, looking around the main room.
"Nope, only a one bedroom for me." I responded, dropping my keys into the greeting bowl at the front. I kicked off my shoes at the door and turned to the duo of siblings. "Give me five minutes to shower and I'll explain." I spoke, getting a nod from each of them.
After I was done with my shower, I pulled on some comfortable but sharp looking shorts and a green t-shirt. I dried off my hair, before shaving the stubble of my face, and made my way back to the main room, satisfied to find the siblings still there.
"Where's your parents?" Hazel asked, looking at a family photo from a couple of years ago.
"Dead."
"And your brother?" Nico asked, looking saddened by my response.
I didn't even bother to reply to that question, instead pulling off a couple of family photos and taking them into my bedroom closet. The siblings helped me without speaking as we removed the rest of the photo frames from the main room, leaving the nails there so I could place them back after the night.
I gestured for them to sit on the couch as I pulled up a kitchen chair. "Last year, only a week before Spring Break came up, my parents and younger brother were killed by a road rage drunk. I was at spring football practice, and they were on their way to pick me up from the school." I informed them, looking each of them in the eye.
"I'm really sorry." Hazel offered.
I only nodded my head, not saying anything in return. "I got this place right after the school year ended, transferring myself over to this high school. My motorcycle is my own, completely paid off, as is this apartment for the next five years if I wanted to remain here." I explained, gesturing to the any number of cooking objects in the kitchen.
"But if you two are going to be staying here for the party, you need to be careful. This apartment is very small, not a lot of places to go. Nico, I need you to come with me for a sec." I gestured for him to follow me in my room.
He closed the door behind him as I motioned for him to. Letting out a deep breath, I pulled out a loaded 9-mil, and held it out to him. "Your sister is your responsibility, and if a fight breaks out, you need to be prepared."
"I'm not taking that." Nico rejected, pushing the gun away from him.
"Okay. But should the possibility arise, it will stay here." I replied, taking the other of the two in my dresser drawer, and strapping it to the inside of my thigh, completely covered by my shorts.
"Why do you have two guns, if I may ask?" Nico brought up.
"I lived on the Tartarus High side of town for a long time. It's best to be prepared for anything."
A beep went off from my wrist as I looked at it. "We have an hour left before people start getting here. We should rejoin your sister in the main room." I spoke, not allowing anymore questions about me or my life as I opened the door to my bedroom.
Time skip
As the doorbell rang out, I let out a deep breath and opened the door, letting a small smile come across my face as I greeted the first-comers. I was able to stop the scowl from making its appearance known as I saw that it was Grace and his girlfriend standing there. "C'mon on in." I gestured as I closed the door behind them.
"Nice place." The girlfriend said, her voice calm and even.
"I don't believe I caught your name. What is it?" I wondered.
"Piper McLean." She answered with a light smile.
"Perseus Jackson." I greeted, returning the expression. I then heard another knock on the door and excused myself. I opened the door to smile happily, seeing who it was. "Glad you could make it man." I said, pulling Frank, Luke and Octavian into the apartment.
Within the next twenty minutes, the main room was practically filled with football players and cheerleaders alike. The music was blasting, curtesy of a speaker I had always kept in the closet, was now blaring 'Powerglide' by Rae Sremmurd. And everyone was seeming to be having a good time, a drink in their hands.
At some point in time, I was pulled aside by Valdez, so we stepped outside the building. "I wanted to apologize for acting as I did this past week."
"I'm going to stop you right there, man. I don't hold it against you, because I understand the position you hold as quarterback, with your best friend as the captain." I explained.
"What exactly is with you two? I get that you have history, but I can't figure it out."
I looked away, not wanting to think about it. "That's for him to tell you. If I tell you now, there's no doubt in my mind that you would never talk to me again. You would believe that I'm trying to brainwash you, because you would never believe me. That's how crazy it's going to sound."
"So you're saying that it's something that would blow my mind, to say the least?" Valdez asked.
I turned back to face him, making sure to loo him in the eye. "Yes, that's what I'm saying."
An outraged yell caught my ear as I rushed back into the apartment. I rushed into the kitchen to find Luke and another cheerleader yelling at each other. I strode forward into the room, and placed a hand on both of their shoulders, making them look at me. "If the both of you want to stay at this party, take it outside or leave." I snapped at them before walking away.
A loud knock on the door, made me turn my head. I saw someone go to answer the door, but I waved him off, narrowing my eyes at the pattern used by the person behind the front door. I recognized it, but was shocked that I was managed to be found. The only person who knew where I lived now was…Thalia.
The door was opened quickly, but before I could shut it, a hand was placed on my shoulder that made me narrow my eyes in fury. "You know I'm hurt that you never sent me the new address, Perseus."
"There is a reason for that." I snapped back at him.
"We need you back." The older teenager said, stepping closer to me as he took a look around.
The noise inside the apartment instantly died as they recognized the tense situation between this guy and myself. A couple of people shouted at him to leave, but most were silent, wanting to learn more first. "Do I have to beat your ass, or are you going leave now?" I warned firmly.
The guy raised his hands. "Alright, I'm leaving. But this won't be the last time." He said, turning around and dropping his hands quickly. Before he could whirl around, I already pulled out the gun from my thigh and aimed at his chest, the muzzle resting against his ribcage.
The crowd behind me gasped out in shock at the sudden reveal, but kept back.
I pressed the muzzle firmer against his ribcage and leaned forward to whisper in his ear. "If you ever come back here again, I will not hesitate to blow a cap in your ass. I'm done with that life, and you be sure to tell Thalia that what I said goes for her as well." I said, shoving the guy back out through the front door, before closing it behind him.
I clipped the gun back to the inside of my thigh as I turned back around to face the partygoers. "If you want to leave now, go ahead." I said, before making my way into the kitchen to grab a soda can. I only heard a couple of people leave as the music started back up.
I felt someone's eyes on me as I opened up my drink. So when I turned around and saw Piper looking intently at me, I looked away, nodding to the back door for her to follow. But I didn't pay attention to who she was pulling along with her.
A/N: Okay, okay, I know I'm late with this update. Yesterday I was in a mood and completely forgot about the update. But I have great news for any of you that read my previous story 'The Son of Nyx', I'm working on more chapters to extend the story a little bit more. I won't be posting a sequel, merely extending the story by a couple more chapters.
