Percy Jackson and Andromeda's Lament

Chapter 6: Prodigy in the Making

Pulling up to the designated parking spot for the principal of Yancy Academy, Astra brought the car to a park and shut off the Panamera's engine. The sun was still well up in the sky being only around 3pm.

Lunch had been a great success and they had achieved what they set out to do: have Percy's consent form signed. He was officially permitted to join in the training and sword tournament.

Their meal began with them being sat at a table in the middle of the restaurant. Astra waved a waiter over, an Asian-looking young man, who smiled like he just won the lottery. Judging by the looks the other waiters were giving him, it was fairly obvious that they were silently arguing on who would wait on the hot blonde's table.

Since the trio had already decided what they'd have in the car, said blonde swiftly listed their orders, in fluent Chinese even, and the man rushed to keep up. Good thing their waiter was actually Chinese.

The main reason for their visit was broached by Sally right after their orders were taken. It did not take much convincing. Sally herself seemed pleased with the idea. Even before their food arrived, the form was already signed.

Astra was really glad that things went smoothly. She was sure that there wasn't a chance for a refusal but there was still that small, niggling feeling that things would go wrong. Sally was a smart woman and she probably knew what Percy was gonna face in the future. She was also a really good person and Astra could really see herself becoming friends with her. They'd talked about all sorts of things during lunch and she really enjoyed their conversation.

"Well, that went well." She commented aloud to the boy sitting next to her. He had been uncharacteristically silent during lunch. She thought that he'd gone back to normal after the whole tickling thing but then this happened and he retreated further into himself.

"Yeah." Percy replied absently, locking eyes with Astra. He looked troubled, like there was something weighing on his shoulders.

"Are you okay?" Astra asked. Was he still thinking about her question? Damn. "If it's about the thing back in Central Park…"

"No." Percy denied. "It's not that." He sighed. "I… I think I'll go rest in my room. Thanks for the date, Astra. It was really fun." Leaning over the center console, Percy gave her a quick peck on the cheek. "I'll see you later, 'kay?" He opened the car door and stepped out. "Pop open the trunk for me, yeah?"

"No problem…" Astra whispered to no one as she unlocked the car trunk and watched Percy walk to the back. He retrieved the case full of clothes and started walking back to the dorms, easily lifting the large case, leaving Astra to stare at his retreating figure. She was rubbing her cheek where Percy had kissed her, savoring the feeling of his rough lips on her skin and the tingling sensation below her navel. "Percy…" What was up with him?


Percy was walking back to his dorm room that he shared with Grover, lost in thought. Right now, his mind was plagued with worry. He wasn't fretting about Astra anymore; he already found the answer to her question. No, he was worried about his mom.

She knew. He was sure of it; his mom knew what he thought of Astra. And Percy was worried about what she'd do with the information.

Sally Jackson was the sweetest, kindest woman in the world but she also had her bouts of rebelliousness. Just ask his stepfather, who had been subjected to all sorts of blue food just because he told her there was no such thing. (On second thought, don't. He's a dick.)

Now, she knew something that Percy was trying to hide. It wasn't as if he was ashamed; far from it, he wanted to scream to anyone who would listen that Astra was his. She was perfect to him. Smart, beautiful, talented, funny, she was the whole package and he was lucky that it seemed she was willing to settle for him. That was why he wanted to be better, so that they could stand as equals. He didn't want her to settle, he wanted her to be with him because he was deserving of her.

'The kindest, bravest, most loyal'

Her words from last night echoed in his mind. It was hard to believe that not even 24 hours had passed. Those words would be his mantra for the years to come. To be the kindest, bravest, most loyal man in the world, perfect for the smartest, funniest, most beautiful woman in the world. To have her be his.

That was how deep his resolve to be with her went.

Aside from Percy's own desire to be good enough for her, there were other things that kept him from just taking Astra right there.

There was the age difference, though Percy knew that it didn't really matter. If what Astra claimed was true, she was younger than what Percy assumed. Below twenty-five. And if he was to take for example the numerous high-profile couples, a difference of ten or so years wouldn't matter in the long run.

Besides, judging by the way puberty hit him early, he'd grow up real fast.

Another fact that kept him from being with her was his status as a student. He wasn't really sure, but wasn't it illegal for student-teacher relationships? What more if the other party was a principal. He didn't want Astra getting in trouble.

Then again, he'd be graduating in a few years. Hell, maybe he'd even get expelled and he'd have to transfer schools again. If that happened, then they won't be principal and student anymore, just boy and woman.

That was the worst-case scenario though. He didn't want to be expelled again, not just because it would be the sixth time in six years and he was starting to get tired of transferring but it also meant that he'd see Astra a lot less. No, if he wanted to be good enough for her, he'd have to strive to be better in everything he did, whether it be his behavior or his schoolwork.

However, to him the largest obstacle would be if his mom disapproved. He loved his mom. But he wanted to be with Astra too and he honestly didn't know what to do if he was forced to choose.

He let out a tired sigh. Why was this so complicated?

Lost in thought as he was, he didn't notice his surroundings. He had been absently walking towards the dorm room, trusting his body's familiarity with the route to get him back.

That was why he didn't notice when he walked right into someone.

"Ooof." He felt a tug at his shirt collar, knocking him off-balance and the case he was carrying clattered to the floor, scattering all the expensive clothes within. Luckily, his newfound muscles lent his body the stability it required to stay upright, though it took a moment for him to re-orient himself.

The person he bumped into was a girl, judging by the soft body the person had. "Sor-" Percy tried to be apologize, offering a hand to the downed party when he was cut off rudely.

"Hey! Watch it Prissy!" It was Nancy. She was on her butt on the floor, legs spread apart. Percy immediately looked away, cursing his luck. That was a sight he did not want to see. She was wearing a skirt too.

"Yeah… sorry Nancy." Percy stammered. He offered his hand once more to help her up but was rebuked when she just slapped it away.

"You better watch out twerp." Nancy warned him, dusting herself off after standing up on her own. "You're gonna pay for that."

Percy looked back at the girl with a glare – here was trying to be nice and she was all hostile – when he noticed she was red with embarrassment. She was hiding it behind a veil of anger but Percy could see the truth in her eyes. They weren't angry like her voice was.

"Yeah yeah. Won't happen again." He said simply. He didn't want to pick a fight, not right now.

There was something inside him, bubbling right underneath the surface that was egging him to fight. He wasn't supposed to be insulted like this. He could have crushed this offending girl with a flick of his finger.

'The kindest, bravest, most loyal…'

Still, the words Astra said to him last night kept him from acting. He wanted to be better. She was beneath him. She wasn't even worth his time, so he won't bother.

"It better not, Prissy!" Nancy said as a parting shot, dragging the hated nickname out. She glanced around the shirts, pants and shoes that littered the floor and she grinned evilly. "Or you'll never see this again…" Nancy grabbed a piece of clothing randomly and held it up gleefully.

Percy's eyes narrowed. Really Nancy? He was really tempted to give in to his instincts. To crush this mortal like a bug but then he noticed what she held up and all thought of exerting his superiority vanished.

"Okay… keep it… for now…" Percy said straight-faced, making Nancy's eyes widen in surprise. Guess she wasn't expecting him to give in without a fight. "But make sure you take good care of them, 'kay. Those boxers are dry-cleaned only." His blank face disappeared as grinned cheekily at her when she dropped the pair of underwear like she had been burned.

"Prisssyyyy!" Nancy yelled angrily, her face burning red. Percy only laughed gregariously. He wasn't embarrassed at all, he hadn't worn that pair yet. He didn't even know if they were dry-cleaned only.

"Walk away Nancy!" Percy said between his bouts of laughter. Here she was trying to act all tough and bullying him again. Well, guess what, you just got played. "Walk away before you embarrass yourself more…"

The girl reddened further and Percy imagined steam coming out of her ears she was so mad. Without warning, the infuriated girl screamed shrilly and swung a punch at him. Before Percy could register the assault, his body reacted on autopilot.

He caught the offending arm by the wrist and twisted.

When Percy finally found his bearings, Nancy was face down on the floor. He was in a crouching position, with one knee resting lightly on Nancy's back. Her arm was held against her back with one of Percy's hands while his other was on Nancy's head keeping her pinned to the floor along with his knee.

"mmmphf…" Nancy struggled to get free but Percy's hold was solid. There was no escaping this one. She was at his mercy.

'What the hell just happened?' Percy thought to himself, still not moving from his position. This happened before, when he beat up the men from last night. His body acted on his own and somehow, kept him from getting hurt.

"What's going on here!" A stern voice nearly screamed from one end of the hallway and Percy froze. His heart started pounding nervously and ice filled his veins.

Of all people who had to witness his automatic response to Nancy's attack, it had to be her. The one person who wouldn't listen to him and take Nancy's side. The bane of his existence in Yancy Academy, surpassing even the girl pinned to the floor on the list.

Mrs. Dodds had just turned the corner of the hallway and saw the position he and Nancy were in. And she looked furious.

"Mr. Jackson!" She yelled as she stomped towards them and Percy felt his world shaking with each step she took. "Get off of Ms. Bobofit this instant!"

He scrambled to his feet, a bead of sweat trickling down his face. He was utterly fucked. This woman hated him and loved Nancy. Now he'd probably get weeks of detention or maybe even suspended. Just for protecting himself. But he didn't do anything wrong! He didn't deserve to be punished and especially not by this vile woman.

There was a roaring in his ears and his mind got fuzzy. His earlier dangerous thoughts resurfaced but he struggled and managed to bury them once more. The roaring stopped and he could think clearly again.

Nancy got on her feet and went to Mrs. Dodds side. She dusted herself off, glaring sharply at him all the while. Then her face brightened, like she had an idea, and she smirked at him victoriously for just a moment before she schooled her expression to a horrified look. He thought he'd humiliated her, Nancy Bobofit? That little twerp wasn't even worth the dirt on her shoes and she'd show him exactly how pitiful he is.

"Percy pushed me down ma'am…" Nancy said weakly to the teacher, playing the part of a helpless little girl. "I… I didn't know… he… then…" She whimpered, sniffled and started to tear up. "I think he was…" She didn't finish her thought because she sobbed convincingly.

Percy hated Nancy but you've gotta hand it to her, the girl could act.

He wasn't letting this go without a fight though. If Mrs. Dodds bought what Nancy was selling, then he wouldn't just be looking at detention. He might be expelled on the spot.

"She's lying!" Percy defended heatedly. "She started it. She threw the first punch! I just reacted!"

"Percy… bumped into me…" Nancy said now hiding behind the teacher, as if afraid of him. "Then… he made me hold that…" She pointed at the boxer shorts she'd recently tried to take. "Then when I tried to push him away, he pinned me to the floor…"

"Mr. Jackson!" Mrs. Dodds finally had enough. She was about to give the boy the punishment he so rightly deserved, at least judging by the way this poor, sweet girl trembled behind her. "You're e-" She didn't manage to finish.

Percy didn't deserve this. He was just defending himself. Now, he was about to be expelled while the real instigator got off scot free. No. This wasn't happening. This isn't fair.

His eyes found the cowering form of Nancy Bobofit hiding behind the hated Mrs. Dodds and he started glaring daggers into the girl. It was her fault. This wouldn't be happening if she wasn't such a bitch.

He felt a tug in his gut.

The teacher felt the power radiating from the youngster she was punishing. It felt… familiar. But different at the same time. And his smell, it was similar to that of her master's, but also like something else. Something salty.

She had to find out more. This boy was a mystery. He smelt like two different deities, and powerful ones as well.

Percy was not going to be expelled from this place. This was where she was. He could not go before he had what was his. She was his! This woman was trying to stop her from taking what was his! And that girl. She was lying! Lying to get him away!

The thing he'd been burying came back with a vengeance. His mind got fuzzy. He couldn't think straight. The only thing that kept repeating in his mind was a few simple words.

'LIES! MINE! BURN!'

Then something roared inside him.

Surprising the servant of the god of death, something overpowered the godly scent the boy was giving off. It was stronger than even her master's scent of death and the salty, sea like presence. It was feral, like a wild animal behind a cage. It smelled like fire and brimstone and destruction. It might have been trapped, but that was only because it wanted to be. If it so wanted, then it could break out at any moment and right now, it wanted out.

The Fury in disguise stepped back, herding the girl behind her away. She, a fury, one of the most feared servants of Hades, was getting scared of a young boy who by all means should be unaware of the divine world. But his eyes were frightening, like a beast who could both impress you with its majestic strength and raze your whole world at the same time.

Nancy herself had stopped the fake horrified girl act. She had stopped a while ago. Now, she was trembling for real. There was just something in Percy's eyes that freaked her out. It was like he wanted to rip her to shreds and right now, Nancy could believe that he could do it with ease.

The girl froze and if it wasn't for the algebra teacher between her and the… thing Percy was then she'd have probably wet herself in fright. Right now, she was doing everything she could just not to faint on the spot. She felt the heavy tension in the air and it felt like she was suffocating. His eyes were locked on them and if glares could burn, she'd already be incinerated.

Mrs. Dodds, on the other hand, tried to find a way out. What happened? What caused this reaction from the usually rambunctious but kind young man that was Percy Jackson.

This wasn't just about gathering information now. It was about escaping the wild beast that she had been faced with.

"Mr. Jackson…" Mrs. Dodds said tentatively. She saw the boy tense at her words, like he was getting ready to pounce, but she had an idea that just might work. Looking at the surrounding hallway they were in and noticing the scattered garments all over the floor, her resolve hardened. This was the right choice. The only choice if she didn't want witnesses to a hard-fought fight.

"Please pick up your belongings and go back to your room." She said and readied herself for the boy to pounce. He didn't but it didn't hurt to be prepared.

The teacher looked at Percy who was blinking owlishly, obviously confused, but the beast was still there, bubbling beneath the boy's sea-green eyes like magma ready to engulf everything in its path.

"I will escort Ms. Bobofit to the disciplinarian's office to decide on her punishment for assaulting you…" She reached behind her to grasp the said girl's hand. "Come along now sweetie…" They took a few steps away from the boy who looking puzzled at the turn of events. She tried to be nonchalant about the whole thing, afraid that something could set the boy off once again.

Fortunately, there wasn't. They managed to walk away without a fight. Losing sight of the boy when they turned the corner, Nancy suddenly collapsed to her knees. She was breathing hard, like she'd just run a marathon. Mrs. Dodds herself breathed a sigh of relief.

"What was that ma'am?" Nancy asked after catching her breath. That was so scary. She didn't think Percy had it in him to fight back properly but after that display, she was afraid to even be in the same room as him.

Mrs. Dodds looked at the girl oddly before snapping her fingers. "Something to watch out for." She mumbled to herself. Manipulating the mist to make the girl forget the encounter, she pulled her to her feet and started walking to the disciplinarian's office like she said to Percy. "C'mon now Ms. Bobofit. You know, you shouldn't attack others like that…" She said as she dragged the resisting girl.

"But Mrs. Dodds, it was Percy! Percy pushed me down and tried to…" Nancy said struggling against the teacher's grip. Why was this happening. They were supposed to punish Percy. They were supposed to believe her.

"Hohoho, come along now sweetie…"


Percy watched Nancy and Mrs. Dodds turn the corner with a puzzled look on his face. What the fuck just happened? Wasn't he just about to be expelled? Somehow, Mrs. Dodds did a 180 and punished Nancy instead of him.

His anger abated once her words reached him. He wasn't going to be punished and the one who was at fault got what she deserved. His mind which was foggy with restrained righteous anger cleared. The pressure that was building in its throat, just begging to be released, eased up until it disappeared completely.

He shrugged. Don't look a gift horse in the mouth. Turning to the scattered clothes all over the floor, he sighed and crouched down to start packing it all back in the case.

"Awww… damn it Nancy!" He exclaimed in the deserted hallways as he picked up the fang pendant Astra gave him. He had been wearing it since she gave it to him but somehow, the cord snapped when Nancy grabbed at his shirt earlier.

He held the pendant by the snapped cord and examined the dangling fang. There were curving, swirling designs on the tooth like what he noticed earlier but now it just hit him what the designs looked like. The swirls and swooping curves formed stylized outstretched wings.

"That really looks nice." Percy commented as he pocketed the pendant for now. He'd replace the cord later. There should be something suitable in his belongings somewhere. "Though why wings?"

Finishing up, he repacked all his new clothes inside the case and restarted his trek back to his room. It wasn't far now, maybe another five minutes of walking and unlike last time, he was paying attention to his surroundings. He didn't want to start another incident. He wasn't lucky enough to escape trouble twice.

Luckily, he didn't end up encountering anyone of note. There were a few people walking around, it was a Saturday, after all. Most of the students were probably lazing around in their rooms since you couldn't leave school grounds without permission.

This was a boarding school, after all, where all the rich people dump their kids in. Besides, there wasn't a lot to see in Upstate New York where Yancy was and the city was a good two hours away. The most exciting thing in the area was actually the school since there are mostly just sparse forests and small communities around.

Anyways, here are the ways to get permission to go out of Yancy during weekends:

Of course, emergencies are a given. There was this one time when Grover had to go out for family reasons and the school didn't even ask questions. He was gone within the hour.

The best way is to be enrolled as a scholarship student like Gregor was. Those guys are free to go as they please since they're mostly the poor students that commute from the city. It was a two-hour bus ride one way. If Percy didn't know better, he would have thought that the scholarship students were actually given the privilege of attending the school just to make the other rich brats feel good, but he knew Astra wouldn't let that happen.

Another way is to have the student's parents make a written agreement with the school that they are allowed permission to go out. Percy tried to get this one but his mom wouldn't let him. Said it'd be better to stay in school so that he'd focus more. Gabe was against it as well, saying that he'd not waste his 'hard-earned' money on his weekend.

Recently, he'd discovered another way to get out of Yancy without getting in trouble. Astra. The school field trip was a sanctioned event so there were no problems there but afterwards? That was a different story.

He'd asked Astra during dinner if he'd get in trouble since the field trip was over and he was still outside school grounds.

"I'm the principal, Percy. I've got it handled." She'd winked at him slyly and gave him a smirk.

Percy didn't question it. It was, after all, her fault he and Grover as ditched by the school bus.

His thoughts were interrupted when a basketball rolled to his feet. He'd cut through the courts outside as a shortcut to get to the dorms. Their school was so big that aside from the indoor gymnasium where Yancy Academy often used to house sporting events that they had an outdoor field area. Including the amazing library, massive pool and assembly room and dorm rooms that had their own bathrooms, Yancy was actually a very elitist-type educational institution and Percy was very lucky that he went there.

"Hey Perce! Pass it over here, will you?" A voice called from the basketball courts and Percy recognized one of his classmates. Percy nodded in reply but instead of simply throwing the ball towards the courts, he decided to go for a shot.

The distance was about a half-court shot, maybe a few meters farther.

Percy carefully placed the suitcase he was carrying on the ground. He rolled up his sleeves, exposing his newly toned forearms and making some girls gossiping in the bleachers giggle. Ignoring the giggling gaggle of girls, Percy picked up the basketball and lined up a shot. He wasn't really expecting to make it, half-court shots were notoriously difficult but hey, what did he have to lose?

The ball sailed through the air in a graceful, high arc. Instead of the usual half-court shots, which admittedly were more like random throws in the vicinity of the basket, he went for a more orthodox jump shot, imitating the forms of famous players like MJ or Kobe.

To his pleasant surprise, the ball went through the hoop with a clean swish of the net. It didn't even touch the rim.

The players around the basketball court and the people watching from the bleachers fell silent.

"Nice shot Percy!" The boy from earlier complimented, breaking the silence as the girls who were watching from the bleachers clapped and cheered. Guess it was pretty impressive.

"Thanks." Percy replied to the boy before shooting a wave at the girls which made them giggle. He smiled. The attention he was getting was usually of a more negative nature so this made for a very welcome change.

Having returned the ball to the courts as requested, Percy continued his trek to the dorms. He wasn't far now, the building he was aiming for was just beyond the soccer field. The boy felt the stares the girls were leveling on him. Snippets of their conversations reached his sensitive ears.

"Is that Jackson?"

"He looks different…"

"Look at those arms… and that bum… mmmmm…"

"He's a sixth-grader, Jane."

"Doesn't matter. He looks yummy…"

"Yeah… besides, he's only what? One, two years younger than us?"

As the girls started bickering on whether or not he was fair game, Percy blushed at the praise he was hearing. Definitely different from the normally critical reception he received from his peers. He picked up his pace, trying to get away quickly. Even though he appreciated the change, he didn't like feeling like a piece of meat.

"Ah… he's running. How cute."

Now getting self-conscious, he started running in the manliest way possible. Determinately hiding his face from the group of girls watching him and giggling, he pouted childishly. "I'm not cute, I'm macho…" He muttered under his breath as he jogged straight to his dorm room.

He didn't stop until he was at the door.

Not bothering to knock, it was his room after all, he opened the door and declared his arrival. "Grover? I'm back!" He said as he closed the door behind him.

Percy heard some panicked rustling and a drawer closing before Grover replied. "H-hey Percy…" His voice cracked, like was nervous. "Where've you been…"

"Somethings happened and I ended up staying the night at Astra's…" Percy looked around the room suspiciously before his gaze dropped to the fidgeting Grover. "What's up with you?" He noticed some cans perched on the desk Grover was sitting at. "You doing some arts n' crafts?"

Grover glanced at the half-eaten tin can on his desk and his eyes widened. He missed one. Crap. "Y-yeah… just some project for…" He trailed off trying to think of something… What class did he not have with Percy? Crap, they had everything together. "Just for fun…" He said chuckling weakly.

"Huh… sounds fun…" Percy said absently, making the goat boy let out a breath of relief. He bought it. Good.

Clearing his throat, Grover tried to steer the conversation to safer topics. Well, safer for him. He was sure that Percy thought otherwise. "So…" He tried to give his friend a knowing grin. "Spending the night? Not at Miss Black's but at Astra's?" He waggled his eyebrows teasingly. "Percy you sly dog!"

The accused boy sputtered. "It's not… Nothing hap…" An image of a topless Astra from this morning flashed in his mind and he trailed off. The sound of her ragged breaths and moans and her orange and rose petal scent filled his senses and his face flushed.

Grover grinned even wider. "Oh ho ho…" He sniggered at the face his friend had. To be honest, he was a little impressed with the boy. Not even thirteen and his demigodly charisma and charm had already ensnared an incredibly desirable woman. Grover wasn't gonna let him live it down though. Let the teasing begin.

"What happened? You kiss her?" He badgered, trying to get the information out of the tomato-faced boy.

"Nothing happened." Percy repeated trying to sound convincing but failing miserably. "We just got mixed up in…" His tone darkened. "stuff…"

Hearing the grimness in his voice, Grover shifted from his teasing grin to a more serious expression. "What happened Percy?" Let it be said that despite all of Grover's shortcomings, he took his job as protector very seriously.

"We…" Percy tried to pass it off as nothing but something gave him the feeling that telling Grover what happened with the thugs last night might be a good idea. "Astra and I were walking back to the car from the restaurant..." He started telling his friend the story. How he bumped into some thugs trying to take Astra's car, then Astra herself when they laid eyes on her. How… something… happened and he easily beat up all the bastards until he blacked out after taking out the last one. How he just found himself waking up in Astra's place the next morning.

When the demigod finished his story, Grover was silent. Percy had sat down on the bed while talking, the case he was carrying was resting on his lap.

"So…" Grover started after a moment. "You beat up… four guys?"

"Five. There was this one guy in the beginning… six-foot five and solid muscle." Percy corrected him. "I kicked him into the wall a few meters away."

"Riiiight…" Grover thought about what he said. "You kicked a giant and he went flying."

"Yep" Percy said popping the p. "Took him by surprise though. Had to beat up the other guys while they were carrying weapons."

"Okaaay…" Grover believed him. They already expected Percy would be a strong half blood but this? And nothing had ever lead him to believe that the boy even knew of his heritage. "So… great?" He didn't know what to say. He could've told Percy what he knew but that could only bring him more trouble. Ignorance was one of the things that hid his scent.

Percy nodded. "They would've taken her if I hadn't." He almost growled out the words. Shaking his head to try and clear the murderous thoughts that started swimming in his mind, he changed the subject. "Anyways…" He rummaged inside his pocket. "Enough of that. Everything's over now. I'm here and Astra's probably driving back to her penthouse by now…" Bringing out the fang pendant, he showed the snapped cord to Grover.

"What's this?" Grover asked as he looked over the necklace curiously. He couldn't see it clearly but it looked very nice.

Percy smiled softly at the fang, giving Grover a good idea as to who gave it to him. "A gift. That brat Nancy snapped the cord earlier. You have anything to fix it?"

"Yeah… give it here…"

Percy gently tossed the necklace to Grover who caught it deftly. The crutch-bound boy studied the intricate designs on the fang, not recognizing any of them. They looked familiar, though he couldn't place them. Something European but definitely not Greek.

"I have a leather cord somewhere here…" Grover said as he rummaged in the many drawers on his desk. It was one of the camp necklaces, sans the beads. He always carried some with him to give to the campers he was leading. "Would that do?"

"Leather huh?" Percy tried to picture it. Instead of the black, synthetic cord, leather seemed to be a better option. "Can I see?"

Grover brought out the leather rope necklace. "It should be tougher than what this is." He raised the flimsy black cord that was currently looped through the small hole the fang had.

"Great!" Percy said making up his mind. "Looks good. And as long as it doesn't snap as easily…"

"Believe me." Grover said smirking as he replaced the old cord with the new leather. "This thing won't ever break." It was true. The campers usually undergo rigorous training and quests were almost always dangerous. For the camp necklaces to be kept for long, it had to be made with great care and was even blessed to be nigh unbreakable.

"Thanks G-man!" When the pendant was safely back in Percy's possession good as new, the boy grinned brightly and put it back on. He almost purred in delight. It was a perfect fit, the fang resting on the middle of his chest.

"No problem… so… Perce…" Grover said as he finally noticed the case atop Percy's lap. "What's with the case?"

"Oh." Percy blushed, realizing how Grover might take the other gift Astra gave him. He conceded though, didn't even try to delay the inevitable. Had to unpack sometime. Opening the lid, he brought out the contents and laid them out on the bed. "Just some clothes…"

"Woah…" Grover stood as he started looking at the garments. He walked to Percy's bed and gently felt the fabric of a dark blue button-up. "This is some really quality stuff… where'd you get it?"

"Astra…"

"Hmmm… That's nice of her…" Grover said nonchalantly and Percy felt hopeful. No more teasing please? "So… when's the wedding?"

Percy sighed in defeat. "Grover…"

"What?"


After the conversation with Grover on Saturday afternoon, which ended with Grover getting whacked on the head for his incessant teasing, Percy spent the rest of the day resting.

His choice of activity for a Saturday afternoon would come off as lazy to some, but after the hectic last night and morning he'd just experienced, it was perfectly understandable to want to just lay around.

Of course, his worries still plagued him. He was blankly staring up at the ceiling as he brood.

In the forefront of his mind was his mom. She didn't confront him and Astra or anything like that but still, the knowledge that Sally had an idea of their complicated relationship made things frightening for Percy. The knowing smirks and glances that his mom was shooting him throughout lunch and the drive back to Sweet on America were enough to make him shudder and shift nervously.

Then right after was the violet-eyed girl and the dreams that brought her to him. That was the main reason he didn't take a nap even though he felt tired. He didn't really know how dreams worked and he was worried he'd have it again in an afternoon nap. Once a night was bad enough, but to have them multiple times a day? He'd be drained of all his energy by the end of the week.

There was also the minor thing that was his homework. Yancy might have been a dumping ground for rich people to load off their troubled kids but it was still a fairly serious institution. They gave butt loads of homework to make up for the rather unruly classroom environment.

Right now, he had to write an analysis on a given short story for English, a sheet of Pre-Algebra questions to answer, Mr. Brunner's question, the "how myths are relevant to real life", for Latin and a bunch of other assignments to work on.

Groaning, he promised to finish everything tomorrow. Right now, he just wanted to rest.

Percy's eyes snapped open as he woke the following morning. He abruptly sat up, breathing hard as he felt the after-effects of the dream. He felt his sheets damp with his cold sweat.

It was that girl again. He remembered a bit of it, but it was mostly about that girl.

They had talked.

He didn't know how, but he remembered talking to the girl and she was replying. Percy didn't know what they were talking about, he forgot all about the words they exchanged, but he felt that it was important. He did remember though the girl's eyes, full of cold fury at him when he was first noticed but then changed to shock and surprise.

That made him shiver. Her eyes were so striking and there was only one other pair that made him react as much. Blue doe eyes specked with green flecks framed by platinum blonde hair. Amethyst violet eyes that expressed so much, as if to compensate for the normally blank face they rested in.

These were the eyes that haunted him. Astra's comforting eyes full of promise and the mystery girl's eyes that intrigued him greatly.

As he heaved in an effort to catch his breath, the boy tried to take stock of his surroundings. It was still dark out, though the slight dregs of sunlight peeked from the drawn curtains, signaling dawn.

He shook his head, clearing them of the troubled thoughts about his dream, and stood up from the bed. It was no use trying to go back to sleep, he was too shaken up about the blurred memories he retained.

Stretching his sleep-laden muscles, his joints popped and cracked satisfyingly as he yawned. "Ah… that hits the spot…" Percy's gaze landed on some running shoes that peeked out from inside his closet. Astra gave him those.

He walked to the window and peeked through the curtains. There was just enough light for him to see.

Shrugging his shoulders, he decided to do something that he'd always wanted to do but never really did.

A morning run.

'The kindest, bravest, most loyal…'

That was what Astra's words said but Percy wanted to be more than that. He wanted to be good enough for her both in personality and physically, just like how she attracted him both with her beauty both outside and inside.

Percy opened his closet door and picked out some suitable clothes. A loose t-shirt and some basketball shorts were what he picked, along with some white socks and the yellow Nike running shoes that he saw earlier. Astra really did buy him too much, there were at least four new pairs of shoes in his closet.

Carefully tiptoeing towards the door, picking up a towel on the way, in an effort to not disturb Grover who was mumbling in his sleep about tin cans and enchiladas of all things, Percy successfully exit the room. Sighing in relief at his success, he walked briskly to exit the dorms in the shortest time possible. Might as well warm up on his way there.

He opened the main doors of the building and was promptly greeted with a welcoming breeze. It was a bit cold and crisp but it only helped him wake more as his blood started pumping in anticipation.

Jogging to the track field because Yancy was so big that the outdoor field area had, besides the basketball courts, a baseball, soccer, football and track field. He reached the pill-shaped tracks and Percy did a few stretches at the starting line. Better safe than sorry.

Once he did a few sets of different stretches, Percy took to the tracks. He started off slowly, his engines just starting to rev. After a pair of laps, he started picking up speed to a trot. Not really slow but not fast either. Percy wanted to build up stamina first as this was something he planned to do every morning starting today.

At his medium-paced jog, Percy ran around the tracks for around thirty minutes. Since one lap equaled to almost 400 meters and he ran around one lap per minute, he figured he'd made good progress. He didn't really realize that he just ran almost 8 miles in, double what an average person without training can do.

And he didn't even feel tired. He was barely sweating! Additionally, he was just jogging. He ran a lap a minute while jogging.

Percy didn't notice any of these abnormalities, ignorant he was. All he was focused on was the thrill of the run. The endorphins flowing through him egging him on to keep running.

So, he started running faster and faster until eventually he was sprinting. He was running full-tilt as he experienced his first runner's high. His pace from before, thirty laps in thirty minutes turned into a full lap in twenty seconds. Percy's form was almost a blur as he ran like a maniac, a speed demon finally let loose.

And that was what he felt. He felt the crisp morning wind in his face and tousling his hair and he whooped in glee. This was great! He didn't know why he just started doing this now. His legs pumped as fast as they could and Percy almost felt like he was flying.

A purr built up in his chest at the idea. Soaring through the air above the clouds. The freedom of spreading his leathery wings and speeding up with every beat of his powerful limbs. Roaring in such a way that all the mortals on the ground gulped in fear and clutched their babes.

He felt great, running. He would feel even better flying.

Percy had been running for almost an hour now. The sun had risen already to a pleasant morning and the students and teachers inside the school grounds were beginning to stir.

Voices started reaching his ears. People were slowly trickling into the tracks, eager to start on their own morning runs. It was still fairly early and it was a Sunday. The joggers usually got up at an earlier time but it seemed they slept in today.

Percy slowed down to a normal jog. The trance he was in ended. He felt weird, like he didn't know his own body. Did he just think he had wings? Further thoughts were interrupted by company and soon, Percy forgot all about his daydream of flying under his own power.

"Hey! Your early… and new." A voice said from his right as someone joined him. "Name's Ted. What's yours?" Ted said offering him a hand.

"Percy." He took the proffered hand and shook. It was always good to meet new people and Ted seemed nice. He was older, probably part of Yancy's High School.

"Great. How long've you been runnin'?" Ted asked him as they jogged around the tracks side by side.

"'bout an hour."

"Really? That is early…" Ted looked at him curiously. "And you're not even sweating…"

Percy raised an eyebrow. He wiped his forehead with an arm. Yep. No sweat. "Huh… that's weird…"

"Maybe it's because you haven't been running fast enough… generating enough heat…" Ted suggested. "It's still pretty chilly after all…" He rubbed at his long-sleeved tracksuit. "And you're just wearing a tee and shorts…"

Ted grinned at him and Percy felt a shiver run down his spine. That grin looked dangerous. "Wanna race?" He said excitedly and Percy couldn't find it in himself to say no. The older boy just looked so excited. "Just two laps."

"Oka-" Percy didn't even finish. Ted had already sprinted ahead, too happy to have found a new victim. He was infamous in the fact that he had monstrous stamina and speed. No one could keep up with him in any of the sports in school, given that he had the skill to go along with his physical traits. Basketball, soccer, football, volleyball, track and swimming, he was the best athlete in the whole school. Even the teachers respected him which gave him considerable influence over school sporting events.

"Wha! Get back here!" Percy called out as he sped up himself.

"Hahaha! Catch up little Percy!" Ted replied as he ran ahead of the younger boy. He kind of felt sorry for Percy but sometimes it was just so fun racing with someone who had no hope of winning. Don't get him wrong, Ted loved the thrill of competition. The feeling of being down a point with only five seconds left or going head to head with a fast opponent with only fifty meters until the finish line was something he cherished and craved but sometimes it felt good to just run and see your opponent fall behind.

Ted looked behind him, expecting to see Percy maybe ten meters behind. Imagine his surprise when Percy pulled up right beside him and overtook him.

"On your left!" Percy called out as he ran past the surprised older boy. What the?! How could someone so small with such short legs be so fast.

"Who are you?! Captain America!" Ted said as he started sprinting, trying to catch up. It was no use though. The younger boy was fast and Ted had just started his run. He wasn't at all warmed up and by the time he did, Percy was too far out to overtake. He wasn't expecting him to be that fast. It was just supposed to be an easy win, a chance for him to feel good about himself.

Though, maybe this was fate. Percy was clearly a good athlete, and he looked young too… Maybe this was the guy that'd save their sports program! Even though Ted did everything he could to win league games, he alone wasn't enough and his teammates usually lacked the passion required to win. Maybe Percy could help him turn things around…

Percy though was frowning. He was sprinting with all his might but he couldn't seem to reach the speeds he reached earlier. His previous one lap in twenty seconds lagged to just below forty seconds and he wondered why. Maybe he was too tired?

Still, he won the race easily, though Ted managed to make up some ground by the last hundred meters. By the time he reached the last lap though, Percy was already there, wiping off with a towel. He'd started sweating again during the race.

"Haa… haa… What was that?" Ted asked, hands on his knees. He wasn't usually this quick to tire but he started sprinting without warming up first which took a hit on his stamina.

"Running." Percy deadpanned like it was the most obvious thing.

"I know you were but how were you so fast!" Ted exclaimed, his breath all caught up. "You're what, thirteen? fourteen?"

"I'm twelve." Percy replied which made Ted's jaw drop. This kid was only twelve but he could outrun him, granted not at his best. Still, his potential was off the charts!

"Percy, Percy, Percy…" Ted picked up his jaw from the ground and laid an arm around Percy's shoulder, offering the boy a bottled water. "I think we'll be seeing a lot of each other…"

"Huh?" Percy asked, confused. Was this guy coming onto him?

"Let me reintroduce myself. I'm Ted Robins… freshman highschool student and sports chairman of Yancy Academy…" Ted explained. "And you are my new best friend!"


When Percy had gone back to his room, Grover was still snoring away. It was well and truly morning now and breakfast was already being served in the cafeteria but here his friend was, hugging a pillow close and mumbling about some Juniper.

Percy had his towel draped around his shoulders and his hair was damp with sweat. Without waking Grover, since they still had more than enough time for breakfast, he headed for the shower, eager to get his body cleansed of the sweat and grime it accumulated in his and Ted's vigorous activities.

The older boy had explained what he meant earlier and to be honest, Percy was excited with the idea. Ted wanted Percy to be his protégé of sorts and help him get Yancy some Ws in the sports columns.

That meant that starting next year, Percy would be joining the Yancy junior sports teams. All of them in. The only reason he hadn't joined now was because it was too late because the school year only had four months left.

He'd join the teams in rotation in an effort to bring Yancy to glorious victory in the largest number of events possible. Then he'd join the high school teams on his freshman year where he and Ted had a year where they could finally team up and destroy the opposition.

Originally, he was only supposed to join the track team but in the short time between the end of their race and now, Ted and Percy discovered that Percy had talent in numerous other sports.

The younger boy had already told Ted about his talent for swimming and he'd believed him without question. That earned him a spot on the swimming team. Hearing that Percy had talent in things other than running had Ted excited so he all but dragged the younger boy to the other courts.

But first, they had to stop at a shed where most of the outdoor sports equipment was stored. The shed was locked being so early in the morning. Good thing Ted had a key of his own.

Sports equipment in hand, the duo headed to their first stop. The closest was the basketball courts so they went there.

Percy found himself laying one-on-one basketball with a guy taller and more experienced than him. It was a tough time since he didn't actually know how to play. The only thing he knew was to put the ball in the basket for a point, nothing else. Good thing he was very good at it. A good number of his shots were baskets.

He dribbled for crap at first but in maybe fifteen minutes of game time, Percy could suddenly maneuver like he'd been playing for years and he was quickly improving. Crossovers, behind the backs, between the legs, spin moves, Percy could do it all by the end of the game and the frequency of his baskets only increased.

Of course, it wasn't enough. Ted wasn't known as the sports prodigy for nothing. He could do almost everything with a basketball and he was taller and more experienced than Percy.

Counting on his athleticism to rebound the balls on missed shots, Percy kept jumping and reaching but he couldn't do anything against Ted's stature and box-outs. Then there were the back-to-the-basket moves which Percy couldn't even defend against.

He put up a good fight but eventually the game ended with a 21-15 score with Ted winning.

"Good effort Perce!" Ted clapped him on the shoulder.

"Thanks… I still didn't win though." Percy replied. "Though not bad for a noob though, right?"

Ted nodded but suddenly a thought came to him that made him both fearful and excited. "Don't tell me this is your first time playing basketball."

"No…" Percy said which made Ted sigh in relief. Good. This kid wasn't a genius athlete though he was a bit disappointed. "I usually play with the other guys my grade but just as a sub…"

"You're that good but you're only a sub? What are they, blind?" Ted was confused. How could talent not be used?

"I've never actually been on the court…" Percy said sheepishly rubbing the back of his head. "This was my first time actually dribbling and stuff… though there was the half-court shot I made earlier!"

Ted twitched. "C'mon, let's go to the other places." He said shaking his head. He was wrong. This kid wasn't talented, nor a genius. He was a monster.

As Percy came out of the shower in nothing but a towel, he thought about the rest of his morning playing sports with his new, older friend. They'd played a bit of soccer where Percy attacked and Ted defended, with one of Ted's friends being a goalie. Then baseball where they took turns as pitcher and batter.

For every sport they tried, Percy started off pretty shaky until a few minutes into the game where he'd quickly improve. By the end, he'd play really well, not super star good but starter good. Ted got really excited, wondering how good Percy would get when he had the proper training and the rules were explained to him.

"Grover" Percy called out as he rummaged in his closet for something to wear. "Wake up. We only have an hour left before breakfast is over."

Groaning awake, Grover sleepily sat up from his bed and looked at towel-clad friend. He was rubbing his eyes when suddenly they snapped open as they noticed Percy's toned back. "Hey… Perce?"

"Yeah man?" Percy said as he found some cargo pants and a t-shirt that'd do for the day. He turned around exposing his muscled front to Grover.

"Um… what's up with that?" Grover pointed to his stomach where the beginning signs of abs was formed. "Did you… go on steroids?" He asked lamely. Grover knew that wasn't the case but he honestly couldn't think of a better explanation. He was sure that Percy had a normal twelve-year old body when they'd left for the museum. Demigods matured quickly but not like this. Not overnight.

"What? No… of course not…" Percy was a bit offended at the question. "I guess I hit puberty early?" He shrugged signaling his lack of knowledge on the matter.

"Right." Grover said. Sorry Percy, but puberty doesn't work like that. Guess he'd have to go back and report to Mr. Brunner again.

"So… breakfast?" Percy had already finished putting on his clothes and he stared at Grover expectantly. He was still sitting in bed with his pajamas on.

"Oh… right… give me a minute…" Grover said as he picked out some clothes quickly and rushed to the shower.

Percy chuckled as Grover tripped on his fluffy bunny sandals. Turning to sit at his desk, he decided to use the time to try and read the story for his English homework. Might as well try to at least do the assignment. After all, a dumb boy couldn't be with the woman he wanted.

Percy and Grover entered the school cafeteria in the main school building. They still had maybe thirty minutes before breakfast was over and they hurried to get in line before the food was taken away.

Luckily for them, there was a short line since most students had already received their food.

"Good morning!" The lunch lady greeted them as they reached the front of the line.

"Morning. What do you have?" Percy asked the woman as Grover took a tray for the both of them.

"We have some beans, eggs, sausages, oatmeal…" As the woman listed off the available breakfast food, Percy looked around at the selection. Since Yancy was a school for rich kids, there was quite a large variety of food to choose from.

"I'll have some oatmeal, yogurt and a banana please. Oh, and some orange juice." Grover requested as he held out his tray. The woman smiled at him and started piling the food onto it. Then she handed a tall glass of orange juice to the boy.

"Pancakes, bacon, sausages…" Percy started as he felt his stomach growl. Wow, he didn't realize he was this hungry until the food was right in front of him. "A hash brown, a scrambled egg and can I have some toast… plus some chocolate milk."

Percy felt some drool at the corner of his mouth as his breakfast was handed to him. There was so much food that it barely fit on the tray. He looked at the lady in surprise. This was a lot of food and he'd never gotten this much before.

She winked at his surprised face. "Ted told me you'd be coming. And that you'd be starving. Percy, right?"

"Um… yeah. How'd you know it was me?" Percy asked. "And how do you know Ted, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Oh, that boy is always bugging me about more food." The lunch lady replied with a smile. Ted was a good kid and if he vouched for this one… "Said his stomach needed all the food it could get if Yancy were to win any games… He told me about this twelve-year old kid he met earlier with black hair and sea-green eyes. Told me I'd know you when I saw you…" She looked him in the eye. "Have to say, he was right. Your eyes are very beautiful, young man."

"Ah… thanks…" Percy said a bit embarrassed. The lady was a nice, almost motherly woman and he felt like he was talking to his own mom. "And thanks for the extra food! We'll be sure to come and get our next meals when you're serving!" He said smiling cheekily at the woman who laughed at his declaration before he and Grover looked for a place to sit.

The cafeteria was packed. It was a Sunday and since there were no classes, everyone seemed to sleep in or have long breakfasts. There wasn't an empty table anywhere, though there were vacant seats scattered around.

The two friends were about to give up on eating together and separate to sit on one of the vacant seats when a voice called them over.

"Hey Percy! Over here! Bring your friend along too, we have the space!" It was Ted. He was waving at them, trying to get his attention and Percy strolled towards him with a grin.

"Hey Ted." Percy held up a fist which Ted promptly met with his own. "Glad to see you. This is Grover, my best friend and roommate." He introduced which led Grover to utter his own 'Nice to meet you' and offer a hand for a shake.

Percy and Grover took the remaining seats on the table as Ted started introducing everyone.

"Hiya Grove! Percy this is Carlie," Ted pointed at a brunette that was sitting next to him, "Seth, you met him earlier at the soccer field, John," He pointed at the two boys Percy assumed was Seth and John who grunted in acknowledgement. "And that's Jane. John's younger sister."

"Hi…" Jane called out to him with a small wave. It was one of the girls he overheard yesterday in the bleachers, the one who called him yummy. She had long light brown that were curled and dyed blond at the tips.

"Everyone, this is Percy. He's the guy I was telling you about, the monster on the fields I met this morning." Ted introduced him to the group which earned him some hiyas and hellos. "And that's Grover."

"Are you guys really sixth-graders?" Seth asked. "I admit you guys are a bit on the short side but you don't really look like you're twelve." From what he could see, Percy had some lean muscle on him and Grover had that wisp of a beard on his chin.

"Yeah… I recently hit puberty or something." Percy said making Seth nod in understanding. "And I understand I don't look twelve anymore." He turned to Jane who eeped at the attention she received. "I heard I look yummy now…" Percy waggled his eyebrows at Jane who hid her blushing face behind her hands.

"Hey! Back off kid." John warned him, thinking he was making a move on his sister. "You're a few years too early to be hittin' on my sis, literally."

Percy raised his hands in surrender when Jane interjected. "Don't, Johnny. It's my fault." She said lowering her hands from her blushing face. "I was with Jenny and the rest of the girls yesterday when he walked by and I…" She hid her face once again, unable to look at the others at the table. "called him yummy. Guess he heard us talking."

"Loud and clear." Percy confirmed making Jane blush harder. She was making a very convincing argument that she had tomato in her ancestry.

The group laughed at the girl, but John seemed a bit embarrassed as well. Considering his sister just admitted to finding a twelve-year old hot, it seemed a bit understandable that he would be.

"Sorry Jane…" Grover told the still blushing girl once the laughter died down. "But Percy's taken." He glanced at the fang pendant hanging from Percy's neck, drawing attention to the piece of jewelry.

Percy had been wearing the necklace ever since it had gotten repaired, even sleeping and showering with it on. It just made him feel better to have it there around his neck and on his person.

"Oohhh that's cool." Seth said as he examined the patterns etched into the fang.

"Yeah. Who's it from?" Carlie asked and Grover since it seemed she'd get no answer from Percy himself.

"It's from Pr-"

He didn't finish. Percy smacked him on the back of the head. "Stop talking."

Instead of getting mad, Grover simply laughed heartily at his friend's reaction. Whenever Percy hit him it didn't really hurt since it wasn't serious and besides, it was kinda his fault anyway.

The group became even more curious upon seeing Percy's reaction but no matter what they did the two's lips were sealed. Even Grover's.

Seeing that nothing would come from this line of questioning, Ted changed the subject. "Looks like Mama Rida gave took my advice to heart." He said gesturing at the amount of food Percy had.

"Yeah…" Percy assumed this Mama Rida was the nice lady who served them breakfast. "Thanks for that, by the way."

"Don't mention it." Ted grinned at him. "We need you nice and strong if we want to win in the future so grow well, Percy!"

Percy grinned in return and started eating vigorously while Ted was talking to him about training regimens.

"What's he talking about?" Grover asked. He hadn't had the chance to ask Percy where he'd been this morning so he was the only one out of the loop. Ted had been telling his friends about Percy since the start of breakfast.

"Ted met Percy this morning at the tracks." Seth said in between mouthfuls of food. "Said he got beat in a race."

Carlie interjected, seeing as Seth was still eating and she had already finished. "Ted's full name is Ted Robins." She said and Grover's eyes widened in understanding. Ted Robins was famous in Yancy as single-handedly carrying the basketball team to the quarter-finals of the city tournament. Since they were part of the New York high schools, that was a big deal.

"Percy beat him in a race?" Grover asked, both surprised and proud at his friend.

"Yeah. Then they started playing a bunch of other sports and the kid did well so…" Charlie explained the plan to Grover. Ted wanted to take Percy under his wing so once he was a senior and Percy a freshman, they'd rule the high-school sports world.

"Wow." Grover said, amazed. Percy was supposed to have above-average physical abilities as a demigod but it was impressive to be this gifted without training. Imagine what he'll be like when he'd finally get to camp.

"So, we'll meet back at the tracks later?" Ted asked Percy who was now finishing up his large breakfast.

Percy thought about it for a bit then frowned. "Sorry Ted, but I've got a ton of homework."

"Oh." Ted looked disappointed but he couldn't do anything about it. "Alright. Guess there's no helping it since a student with failing grades can do sports anyways… school policy…"

"I'll see you tomorrow though." Percy told the older boy which brightened at his words. Like a true sports nut, Ted was happy as long as he was active, even at dawn. "Maybe like this morning?" After all, Percy still had the dreams that always woke him early.

"I'll be there." Ted said. "We'll race a bit, then I'll start teaching you how to play basketball…"

As the duo of Percy and Ted made plans for tomorrow, Grover ate his breakfast while listening in. This was good. With the recent turn of events, Percy would get some physical training even while in school while with the sword tournament Miss Black proposed, he'd get Chiron to teach him the ways of the sword. Even before reaching camp, Percy might already be a trained demigod. Maybe, with such a powerful half-blood with him, he wouldn't fail again.

His thoughts were interrupted when Percy stood up and clasped his shoulder. "Grover? You finished?" Grover glanced at his empty tray and then looked at Percy with a look that said 'duh.' "Right. Wanna go to the library? I need your help with stuff…" Percy said which surprised Grover. Percy usually didn't ask for his help. He was the kind of guy that would do what needed to be done by himself, even if what he could do was crap.

"Okay." Grover replied. It wasn't like he was against it. Quite the opposite actually, he always offered his help but Percy always refused.

"Bye guys." Percy said turning to Ted and his group. "It was nice meeting you, Carlie, Seth, John, Jane." He smiled at them earning him smiles in return though Jane's eyes looked a bit unfocused as she waved goodbye. "See you tomorrow, Ted."

"Definitely!"

"C'mon Grover. We can start with that blasted essay for English…" Percy said as the two friends walked to the school library to do their homework.


Percy and Grover had done everything they could to work on Percy's assignments and what they ended up with was something that Percy was happy with. It wasn't perfect – far from it, there was a number of points that Percy was doubtful of – but it was the best thing he could do with the time he had left.

Grover was a big help, especially in the English assignment. Percy's dyslexia made it difficult for him but with Grover by his side to help him get through the toughest areas, he managed to finish. Thing was, the longer he kept working, the less frequent he needed Grover's help.

It was Monday now and Percy and Grover had just finished their first period, English with Mr. Li. Yep, they had a Chinese English teacher.

Yancy required students to wear a uniform but fortunately, they had a bit of leeway in the matter. The boys could choose between a blazer, a cardigan or a vest to wear over a white button-up shirt and pants while girls had the same selection, though they had to wear pleated skirts. Of course, the Yancy Crest was on their chests. At least they were blue…

"How'd you do?" Grover asked Percy as they walked to their next class. He was wearing one of the stuffiest uniform combinations Percy had ever seen. Grover had on the required white shirt and black pants along with some nice-looking leather shoes but what bothered Percy was that he was wearing both a vest and a blazer, plus a tie. He looked hot just looking at him.

"Not bad… B+" Percy replied, holding up his essay with a smile. It was actually a pretty high grade for him. He was more used to getting Ds or Cs. Unlike Grover, Percy was wearing the least amount of required clothing. The white shirt and pants, of course, since those were non-negotiable but his shoes were sneakers and he had on an unbuttoned cardigan. He wasn't wearing a tie.

"That's nice…" Grover replied, honestly proud of his friend. He knew how hard Percy found English with his disability. "By the way, how was your run with Ted?"

"Not bad…" Percy told Grover, thinking over what happened this morning. "We had another race where he beat me barely…"

"I thought you won yesterday…" Grover interjected.

"I did, but he hadn't warmed up yet…" Percy clarified to which Grover nodded. Still, even though he won because his opponent wasn't ready, when your opponent was Ted Robins, that was something to be proud of. Especially with the height difference.

"Anyways, after an hour of jogging he taught me some moves on the basketball court." Percy continued telling him about his morning. "Said if I worked a bit on passing I'd make the perfect point guard for the team…"

"Did you have any trouble shooting jumpers?" Grover asked. This was one of the ways he could narrow down Percy's parentage. He had an idea and if he was correct, Percy was cursed in anything involving shooting from a distance.

"That was one of the first things Ted addressed. He had me shooting threes." Percy explained to Grover who was looking at him eagerly. "I made eighteen out of twenty shots." He finished proudly.

Grover's heart sank but he desperately tried to keep it off his face. "That's great! Only two missed shots…" Another point that lessened his chances that he was right with his guess. Children of Poseidon were notoriously bad at any form of shooting since Apollo cursed them because of Orion.

"Yeah… and he actually considered putting me in as a shooting guard but…" He held his hand up to over his head. "I'm still a bit too short… and I could dribble well enough so point guard for now…"

Grover nodded absently. He was organizing his weekly report to Mr. Brunner. It was just the start of the week, Monday, but already he had a lot of stuff to tell the legendary trainer. He hadn't even probed into the matter of the dreams yet.

"We're here." Percy told him which brought him out of his thoughts. "Pre-Algebra. Crap."

"Language." Grover said but he was starting to shake as well. "Let's go in before Mrs. Dodds marks us as late and gives us detention."

"Right." Percy said as he pushed open the door and walked in the classroom, Grover following behind him.

The duo rushed towards some open seats in the back, hoping that Mrs. Dodds wouldn't call on them in class. Weirdly enough, a few minutes later, their fears were unfounded as a perky blonde woman entered the classroom.

"Good morning everyone. I'm Mrs. Kerr. Mrs. Dodds has taken a leave of absence. I will be your substitute for the week."

"Good morning Mrs. Kerr." The class chorused, happy they wouldn't be subjected to a period with the leather-clad woman from hell. Though Nancy looked a bit disappointed. Guess it made sense, a hell-spawn like her would like Mrs. Dodds.

Percy looked around the classroom while Mrs. Kerr was writing something on the board. Things were normal except for Grover who was looking a bit strange. He'd guessed that his friend would be the most relieved person in the class with Mrs. Dodds absent but it wasn't the case. Grover was gnawing on his nails nervously and looking between the clock and the door. He was also pale and sweating. Maybe he was sick or something? Though he seemed alright this morning.

"Pssst… Grover…" Percy said under his breath, trying not to get noticed by their new teacher. "What's up with you?"

Grover didn't reply but tried to send him a reassuring smile, which was more like a grimace. He was worried about the reason Mrs. Dodds suddenly left Yancy. Did something happen that he wasn't aware of? He had to talk to Chiron.

"Grover?" Percy was worried. He wasn't taken in by Grover's attempt at reassuring him but was instead given even more proof that the boy was troubled. "What's wrong bud?"

The boy in question was opening his mouth to verbally assure that he was fine when the substitute got their attention.

"Hmmm… Mr. Jackson, was it?" The perky woman began as she approached the two boys sitting in the back. "Well… since you seem to be ignoring my lecture, why don't you go ahead and answer the question on the board." She gave him a smile, as if she was willing to let the interruption slide if Percy could answer correctly but Percy could see he was in for it if he got it wrong. "Don't worry. It's very easy!"

Percy looked at his friend who mouthed a sorry. Shaking of the silent apology, Percy stood with a grimace and walked to the board. Might as well get this over with.

Nancy was sniggering as Percy walked to the board. She knew the answer to the question, it was a simple equation that even she, with her C- in math, could solve with enough time. Percy was an idiot though who couldn't even read correctly. He was sure to get in trouble today!

Percy looked at the numbers and variables on the board. Math was usually no trouble for him. He could even say it was his best subject, though considering the dismal state of his other grades, his best wasn't much to talk about. Still, math was easy… until they involved letters.

He hated it. Math was so simple when all you had to do was put the numbers together or subtract a number from another but they had to add letters and make him miserable. What even was this? There was a 2 and an x inside a parenthesis and there was a small number three outside it. There weren't even any signs like plus, minus or divide. There was only the string of letters, symbols and numbers and then a plus. What was he even supposed to do?

Okay, calm down Percy. He took a deep breath and looked at the equation carefully. Trying to remember the homework he did – since the equation was similar to that except there wasn't the tiny number – and looking at the other examples Mrs. Kerr did on the board, he tried to think of the correct answer.

Percy tried to remember all the rules he was supposed to know and all the principles he needed when the answer came to him, clear as day. It was like a switch flipped and then he suddenly knew how to solve the question and after a few moments of mentally doing calculations, he put the answer on the board.

He wrote down his answer, thankful that he was given such a simple question. Looking to Mrs. Kerr for confirmation of an answer, he breathed a sigh of relief when she nodded approvingly. Giving the kind woman a smile, thankful that she was such a sweetheart unlike their previous teacher, he walked back to his seat.

"Don't be so happy Prissy! That question was so easy even a baby could do it!" Nancy hollered from her seat, fuming that the idiot had even gotten it correctly. She turned to Mrs. Kerr when the woman clapped her hands to get things under control. The kind teacher smiled at Nancy but the girl just glared at the woman. It was all her fault. If Mrs. Dodds were here, Percy would already be having detention! Instead he got off scot free just because this woman was such a wuss.

"Now, now Mrs. Bobofit…" Mrs. Kerr said, her sweet smile never faltering even under the girl's glare. She actually found it cute how such a little girl thought she could threaten her. "Why don't you answer the next question if you think Mr. Jackson got off easy."

The bad-tempered girl hmphed in rebelliousness but stood up anyway when Mrs. Kerr just looked at her with a smile on her face, though it seemed a little forced. Walking up to the board, Nancy grabbed the marker and was about to answer the question when she froze and her jaw dropped.

If Percy got such an easy question that even a baby could do it, in her words anyway, the question she received was something even rocket scientists would have trouble with, in her opinion at least. The equation was long, with several operations involved and large exponents. She doubted she could answer this even in an hour.

Nancy turned a questioning look to the teacher who only smiled brightly at her actions. "Well…" Mrs. Kerr gestured to the equation. "Go ahead! A smart girl like you should be able to answer this correctly!" She leaned in close until she was face to face with the girl and gave Nancy a sweet smile, though instead of reassuring the girl she seemed frightened more than anything else. There was something in her eyes that frightened her, even though the woman seemed bubbly and friendly.

Nancy turned back to the board, trying to avoid the perky demoness that replaced her sweet old Mrs. Dodds. Softly whimpering, she started solving the question, her calculations filling up the remaining space on the board unlike Percy who did his calculations mentally.

Percy and the rest of the class watched the confrontation silently. Don't be confused, despite the lack of any obvious jabs and flaring tempers, what happened was a confrontation between an errant student and the new teacher on the block. Even without any action, the class was on the edge of their seats in anticipation, watching who would come out on top.

When Nancy was declared the loser in spectacular fashion, the class looked at Mrs. Kerr with newfound respect. This wasn't one of those substitutes that had no idea what they were doing. No, this was a true master in the art of keeping rude students in line.

"Now, what is everyone staring around for?" Mrs. Kerr clapped her hands with a smile, getting the attention of the rest of the students. "Please try and answer the equation Mrs. Bobofit is currently on. We'll compare later, okay?" She finished with a girlish tone but it made the students scramble for their pens and paper. They definitely didn't want to get on this woman's bad side, though she was a hundred times better than Mrs. Dodds if she can keep Nancy and her clique in line.

Percy and Grover were focused on the work at hand. Even though she wasn't too hard on Percy, he didn't want to push his luck and get Mrs. Kerr's attention once more. Despite their attempts, the woman walked towards the back and to Percy and Grover's seats.

"Are you alright, Mr. Underwood was it?" She asked laying a gentle hand on Grover's shoulder. She actually noticed him earlier because he looked ill like he was having a panic attack. All the signs were there: the short breath, the paleness of his skin, the gnawing and the cold sweat. The concerned teacher actually felt the dampness of his shirt on the hand laying on his shoulder.

"I'm fine, ma'am."

She gave him an unbelieving look and raised a hand to put to his forehead. The boy flinched but allowed the woman to rest his hand on his head though he was sure that it'd only be there. He was worried she'd accidentally feel his horns.

"You feel alright…" She began as she felt his temperature. He was fine, though a bit clammy. "Are you sure though? You don't look so good…"

Grover tried for another smile and this time, it didn't look forced or like a grimace. He was actually a bit happy that the teacher noticed about him and cared for his wellbeing. This was what teachers were supposed to be like, not like Mrs. Dodds, though he kinda understood why she was like that being a fury and all.

"I'm fine, ma'am. Nothing to worry about." He repeated himself. After thinking about it for a bit, he didn't actually need to report to Mr. Brunner immediately, though he still would as soon as possible. Mr. Brunner was a teacher as well and he probably already knew that Mrs. Dodds took some time off. "Thank you for worrying."

"Okay…" She said reluctantly turning away from the boy. "But don't hesitate to tell me if you aren't feeling well." It was actually the reason Percy got off lightly. She wasn't so cold-hearted a person that she'd punish someone who was just worried for their friend.

"Yes ma'am." Grover game her a grin and a thumbs up, making the woman smile at him before returning to the front of the classroom. Nancy still hadn't finished.

"She's nice…" Percy said from beside Grover, careful not to draw the attention of Mrs. Kerr. She might be nice but the memory of her putting Nancy in her place was still fresh in his mind. He definitely didn't want to get on her bad side.

"Yeah…" Grover said absentmindedly as he turned back to his work. "Though she kinda destroyed Nancy earlier, huh?"

"That was epic." Percy shot his friend a grin. "It's great to finally have a teacher that can keep her in line."

Grover nodded as he started solving the equation. The two friends' conversation died down as they solved the problem in earnest. Percy had a newfound interest in his studies and Grover didn't want to ruin it by chatting in class.

'Though Algebra really does suck…' Grover thought to himself as he tore off a bit of scratch paper for a particularly difficult calculation. 'I've been doing this for years every time I've gone undercover and it's still awful.'

"Mr. Bell, do you want to take the next question?" A voice called out sweetly, distracting Percy and Grover from their papers. Looking up, they noticed that Mrs. Kerr had her attention on someone in the front of the class, Bell probably. Percy just spotted the scribbles and doodles on the poor guy's notebook.

From a whole classroom away, Percy heard a gulp then Bell's trembling voice. "No ma'am…"

Mrs. Kerr let out a giggle. "You don't really have a choice mister… now please go up to the board and start on the next question."

Standing up dejectedly, the unfortunate boy took his place next to Nancy. Lucky for him, the equation wasn't nearly as long as the defeated bully's.

"Anyone else want to go?" Mrs. Kerr asked as all the students were looking at her and stopped working. A bunch of shaking heads were all the answer she needed.

"Scary…" One brave soul whispered under their breath.

"Oh, we have a volunteer!" Mrs. Kerr said perkily as she walked in the direction of the voice. Percy sweatdropped and hurriedly turned to his own paper. He definitely didn't want to get on her bad side.


A school week passed in a blur and now it was Saturday once more. Percy had found a new routine that helped him get through the grind that was school.

He'd wake up at the break of dawn, usually because of his dreams, and go out to the tracks to meet Ted for a run. They'd go running for maybe an hour before going to one of the sports fields. Ted would then spend another hour teaching him some sport, whether they be rules or some moves.

After his vigorous early morning activities, Percy would take a shower around the time Grover was waking up. Then together they'd go for breakfast in their uniforms. They always made sure to go to Mama Rida for some extra. Usually the two found empty tables but sometimes they would sit with Ted and his friends.

Jane didn't talk much when Percy was around. Whether this was because she really wasn't a talkative person or because she was still embarrassed because of their first official meeting, Percy didn't know.

After breakfast, classes started. Usually, Percy didn't pay much attention in class but recently he'd started getting interested. He didn't know why but as time seemed to pass, the lessons seemed to become easier. His old grades were mostly Cs but Percy was confident he'd get a higher grade this term. Maybe there'd even be an A. Percy hadn't gotten an A before.

At night, Percy would take maybe two hours to do his homework and study. This way, he wouldn't get swamped like what happened last weekend. Maybe this week, he'd be able to spend an entire day training with Ted. The older boy had been talking about getting some guys together for a game of basketball and Percy was invited.

The rest of the night, Percy borrowed Grover's phone and listened to some music. He hadn't forgotten his deal with Astra. She wouldn't force her guitar on him but when he got his own he'd have to play for her. Percy used the opportunity to discover his music tastes.

He wasn't particularly fond of music – he didn't have an opportunity to listen much – but he'd had fun learning guitar and he found a newfound appreciation for it. He started with the more popular pop songs but quickly found he didn't have a taste for it. Though there were a couple of artists that Percy found really interesting, he couldn't really get behind it. He would have to try some other things. The songs Juliet taught him were different. They had something that spoke to Percy, like the composers bared their souls in their music.

For now, Percy put all those things out of his mind as he listened to Mr. Brunner. He was standing in a line with a couple of his classmates. It was their first ever sword training session.

He expected more to show up, there were about fifteen of them, but it looks like the waiver Astra was talking about limited the competition. Understandable since not every parent wanted their kids to know how to swing a weapon around, though he didn't know why Nancy was here. If anyone should be kept from any kind of weapon, it was her.

"Swordplay is not a game." Mr. Brunner explained as he wheeled his chair from one side of the line to the other like a disabled drill sergeant tasked with training a bunch of kids to war. "You could get hurt if, like Ms. Bobofit, you don't pay attention." He said seriously, making Nancy who was sniggering at something snap to attention.

"We're going to be using wooden swords for training," He gestured to a rack full of well-made, leaf-shaped swords carved from some type of wood. "but still, be careful. They might be wood but they could still hurt. These were made from hickory trees and crafted by professionals. They are not toys." He said sternly at some boys who were getting excited by the prospect, making them nod in understanding. Mr. Brunner was a nice guy, but sometimes there was this air about him that made you want to listen.

"Mr. Brunner?" Percy asked, raising his hand. He was reluctant to interrupt since Mr. Brunner was in full swing in his opening remarks but fortunately, the man simply nodded at him to continue. "You said we'd be using wooden swords for training. Does that mean we'll be using something else for the actual tournament?"

Mr. Brunner grimaced, but nodded in a defeated way. "Unfortunately. Against my better judgment, Principal Black has already ordered a dozen steel swords from a forge here in New York. Where she found a working forge in this city I don't know, but nevertheless, we'll be using real swords, albeit blunt of course, for the final stages of the tourney."

At this the other participants chattered around excitedly. They couldn't believe they'd be using real, metal swords! Percy though was appalled. What was Astra thinking? Someone could get hurt, and some of his classmates weren't responsible enough to even participate!

Mr. Brunner cleared his throat to get the students' attention. It took a few tries but eventually the chattering died down and silence once more fell in the gymnasium they were using.

"Now, the Hickory swords are lightweight, but the steel swords will be a bit heavier so you must compensate by then." He said looking at the students lined up in front of him. "The training swords will be kept by me…" At this the gathered students groaned. "but you'll be able to borrow them as long as you ask me for permission." He finished making the groaning stop and cheers sound. "Though don't be surprised if I say no. The possession of these items is a privilege, not a right. Depending on what I see of you, both in training and outside it, I have the authority to disqualify you from the tournament."

Percy nodded in agreement. Mr. Brunner was a good person and Percy trusted him to do the right thing but it seemed some in the class weren't in agreement.

"That's not fair!" It was Nancy, as expected. "Why do you get that power?!" To Percy's annoyance, some of the others nodded in agreement. "You're just a guy in a wheelchair!"

"Principal Black has deferred to my judgement." Mr. Brunner said a bit of steel in his voice. "And regardless of me being 'just a guy in a wheelchair'…" he said making air quotes, "I am a teacher." He said making the students take a step back at the sudden anger in his voice. "It is my greatest pride: to teach the young and helpless so that they could grow into the formidable adults they have the potential to be. I assure you," Mr. Brunner's hard eyes shifted to each and every one of them, pausing a moment at Percy, before ending with Nancy. He stared deeply into her eyes with a hardness that made her shiver. "I am perfectly capable of teaching you. Please respect at least that."

Although Mr. Brunner's words were pleading his tone of voice was anything but. He wasn't asking. He as demanding. The idiots that Percy was stuck with hurt his pride and now he wasn't going to go easy on them. Percy could tell since he was the same. Hurt something he cared about and he'd go all apeshit crazy on you and it was obvious that there were few things that Mr. Brunner cared about more than his pride at his calling.

"Now!" Mr. Brunner called out breaking eye-contact with Nancy. "For those of you who don't believe me…" the man wheeled to the rack of training swords and gingerly picked one at random. "Let me show you what I mean… Ms. Bobofit!"

Nancy snapped to attention.

"Take one of these blades and take a position directly opposite me." He said calmly even though his eyes were lacking any of the warmth Percy usually found in them. "Let me show you what I mean."

The girl looked surprised for a moment but it soon faded into a look of glee. She didn't really hate Mr. Brunner. Nancy actually thought he was a decent man. What he didn't like about him, however, was the fact that he often talked down to her and that he seemed to favor Percy and Grover a lot. Well, now she had a chance to take her frustrations out on him and she wouldn't even be in trouble! It was all his idea anyway, so no one could blame her if he got hurt, though she wouldn't actually try to hurt him. Accidents happen, right?

She rushed to the racks and started inspecting a few blades. Not having the experience to know which blade the best was, she took one at random and started swinging the sword around. She grinned at her choice and walked towards the waiting Mr. Brunner and standing opposite him.

"Are you ready, Ms. Bobofit?" Mr. Brunner asked making the girl nod in affirmative. "Then let us begin at the count of three." He looked at the rest of the students still lined up. They were almost trembling in excitement, thrilled to watch a real swordfight. "I will be showing you what the fights will be like in the coming tournament."

Mr. Brunner looked Percy directly and ushered him over. "Mr. Jackson… Percy… will you referee. All you need to do is start us off and end the match when someone forfeits, disarmed or are hit solidly."

"Uh… sure, Mr. Brunner." Percy said as he took a place at the sidelines, right in the middle of the two combatants. "Okay… this match is an… exhibition match…" He said looking to Mr. Brunner for confirmation. The teacher nodded at him. Percy was right, this match was to exhibit his skill and make the students respect his ability to teach them the way of the sword.

"Between Nancy…" He gestured to Nancy who scowled at him threateningly. "And Mr. Brunner." Mr. Brunner smiled at him, assured that he would win. He should, he'd been fighting and teaching for a long time. "On the count of three… one… two… three, begin!" Percy slashed his hand downwards and jumped back as Nancy sprang.

The girl pounced forward, pressing her advantage of being more mobile than the wheelchair-bound man. She wanted to end this quickly so that they could get started on some real training with a real teacher. Maybe Mrs. Dodds will be back soon.

"Hya!" She cried out as she swung her sword. The other participants still in line who were watching the match cheered. Her swing was quite fast and they were almost sure Mr. Brunner would get hit and the match would be over.

Percy didn't see it that way. He noticed Nancy's stance as she swung the sword. Her base was weak, her grip was all wrong, her arm overextended and her swing had no bite to it. It was all speed and no force. Percy doubted it would even bother him.

He was right. Mr. Brunner didn't even bother to bring his sword up. In a surprising display, Mr. Brunner's wheelchair jerked forward suddenly, surprising the girl mid-slash. The older man used his wheelchair to great use, leaning inside the girl's nonexistent guard and bumping into her and letting the backrest take the hit.

"Ah!" Nancy screamed as the teacher bumped into her. The wheels of the chair bumped into her knees and she was sent sprawling to the floor, her sword joining her as it hit the wooden flooring with a dull thud. She lost her grip due to the impact of the blade with the wheelchair. Mr. Brunner them simply placed his blade between the girl's eyes, now leaning back comfortably in his wheelchair.

"Yield, Ms. Bobofit?" Mr. Brunner asked calmly as he smiled down at her.

Although he probably didn't mean it, the smile came of as condescending to the girl. Even though she was looking up the blade at the man in one of the most submissive postures she'd ever been in, her glare would have burned a hole through his head if it could.

"You cheater! You bumped your wheelchair into me! That's cheating! That wasn't swordplay!" She whined petulantly like she was on the verge of a tantrum.

Mr. Brunner wasn't affected at all. "You questioned my ability to teach you because I am in a wheelchair. I beat you because I'm in a wheelchair and you accuse me of cheating." He chuckled, amused at the girl at his mercy. "Quite fickle, is she not, Mr. Jackson."

Percy, who was suddenly dragged into the conversation, grinned at Mr. Brunner. He was amazed at the movement and temperament he had just seen. He was sure the other students didn't see, being so far away from the action, but he sure saw. Mr. Brunner wasn't nervous at all and he was calmly waiting for Nancy to reach him. If he didn't move at just the right moment, he would have received a stinging cheek and a wounded pride for his efforts.

"Most women are sir." He replied with a smirk sent at the downed girl.

"Oh…" Mr. Brunner gave him his own teasing grin. "Speaking from experience, Mr. Jackson… I'm sure Prin-"

Percy coughed loudly and repeatedly, trying to drown out Mr. Brunner's words. He so didn't want to get outed as Astra's… something… because of this. That would just be stupid.

Mr. Brunner seemed to have received the message and shut up, though there was an amused twinkle in his eye that made Percy nervous. Great, another one. Grover was bad enough.

"Alright!" Mr. Brunner turned to the rest of the class, gesturing to the Percy and Nancy to get back in line. Once the two had returned, Percy a bit annoyed at Mr. Brunner for being one of them and Nancy fuming at being cheated, he asked what the class thought of the match.

"Nancy was right! Isn't using your wheelchair cheating?" A boy asked rudely though there didn't seem to be any malice into the question. He was just genuinely curious.

"Ah… no, my dear boy. What were the rules of this match?" Mr. Brunner asked them. When no one answered, either because they didn't know or simply because they didn't want to speak up, Mr. Brunner continued. "Exactly! We didn't put down any rules. That means that anything goes, obviously. Of course, rules will be carefully monitored during the tournament, but for today the only win condition was…" He turned to Percy expectantly.

"When someone forfeits, is disarmed, or hit with a solid strike." Percy answered promptly, remembering what the teacher told him earlier. "That means that Mr. Brunner both disarmed and hit, or as good as hit, Nancy, he was the winner." He nodded as if that made perfect sense.

"Thank you, captain, obvious!" Someone shouted from farther down the line and the whole group laughed, Mr. Brunner included.

"Hey!" Percy called back indignantly which only made the others laugh even more, though Nancy was still fuming the entire time.

"Alright. Now, are there any more questions before we get started? Or do any of you want to have a match with me as well?" Mr. Brunner asked the group. When no one said anything, he nodded to the rack. "Now, take a sword. We'll be starting with the proper grip and stance for today." He said as he watched the students take their swords. "There are several different grips and stances. We'll begin with the…"


An hour had passed since the training began. Percy was enjoying himself immensely. It seemed he had talent when it came to swinging around a stick.

Nothing of note happened during the hour except for one kid who asked Mr. Brunner a question at the start of the match.

"Sir?" It was a girl. She was one of the quieter girls in class and Percy was surprised that she was here. "Why did you show us this grip? I know some fencing and…" As the girl explained how her fencing teacher taught her a different grip and stance, Percy realized why she was here. The girl knew a lot, and I mean a lot about fencing. She went on and on about center of gravity, blade balance and a whole bunch of other stuff that went over Percy's head.

"Ah… we have a fencer in the group." Mr. Brunner said as he smiled fondly at the girl. She suddenly blushed as she realized she had been ranting and was the center of attention. "Well… Ms…"

"Kobayashi. Maria Kobayashi." She supplied, making Percy give her a closer look. It wasn't all that noticeable, she was probably a half who looked less Japanese and more like her other race. She actually looked pretty cute with her pale white skin, dark hair in a high ponytail and warm brown eyes.

"Ah… so not fencing but Kenjutsu." Mr. Brunner corrected himself and the girl nodded in confirmation. "Well Kobayashi-san, is that correct?" The girl nodded again with a smile. "the tournament was conceptualized because our esteemed Principal," Percy snorted at that. The Astra he knew was more like a kid. "thought it was a good idea to hold our own Olympics after the field trip to the Greco-Roman exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art." He explained calmly to the girl. "So, I will be teaching Greek style swordplay. The Japanese Kendo style and the Greek style have come from different sides of the world so there is sure to be differences. Nevertheless, I assure you that the style I am teaching is as good as the one you are used to."

The girl, Maria, nodded. "Alright sir, but I have another question." Mr. Brunner nodded at her to go ahead. "I still want to participate in the training, but can I use my shinai in the tournament?"

Mr. Brunner rubbed his beard, as if he was deep in thought. "Shinai is the bamboo sword, yes?" He asked making the girl nod in affirmative. "I'm sorry, but remember, we'll be using blunted steel swords in the tournament. I don't think a bamboo sword will last."

"I have a bokken at home." Maria said. It seemed she really wanted to try her kenjutsu against Greek swordplay. "It's really well made. Twice as hard as these." She hefted up the hickory sword. "Maybe if I use that?"

Mr. Brunner looked at her and the determination in her eyes and sighed. "Maybe. Let me examine this bokken sometime next week and I'll decide by then. Besides, I'm sure Principal Black will love the variety." He glanced at Percy, the resident Astra expert, who nodded.

It was true. Judging by the way she gushed about Soma, Astra liked things that came from Japan. She'd probably be ecstatic if Maria was any good and she could see one of her students doing Kendo right in front of her.

Right now, Percy was getting a taste of that eastern-style swordplay. Mr. Brunner paired them off after teaching them a few moves. They were tasked to practice the basic strike, a diagonal slash coming from the shoulder, and parrying with the angled blade.

He was paired with Maria and the girl was seriously good. She had good stability and form. Essentially, her basics were spot on. Problem was, the kenjutsu she practiced sometimes seeped into the Greek style they were training in which caused Percy some surprise.

Maria was having some trouble with him too. Somewhat similar to Maria's graceful hits, his were fluid like flowing water. When she tried to parry his hits by angling her sword like Mr. Brunner showed them, Percy's blade simply slid off and magically moved to an open spot where he could simply stab her with the end. She was seriously starting to get annoyed because she was doing the parry right – this was their second pair up and her defenses were solid against the other guy – but Percy's sword always managed to slip by.

It got to the point where, even without meaning to, Percy's slash flowed right past her guard and struck her on the arm.

Mr. Brunner wheeled towards them when the sounds of pain reached his ears. He had been constantly moving since the beginning of the session since the other kids were hardly prodigies, but it was the first time he'd managed to find an excuse to go to Percy. That was his main objective here. Give Percy some training.

He didn't know if he was lucky or unlucky because Percy had picked up his teachings with unbelievable speed. Mr. Brunner had been watching him at the beginning, hoping for a chance to get some time with the boy to train him personally, but within the first fifteen minutes, Percy had already gotten the motions down pat.

The shuffle of the pairs was in an attempt to get Percy a less talented partner but of all people he had to be paired up with, he'd gotten the one with the most practice in swordplay.

That was why the teacher pounced at the chance to go to his most talented pair of students, just so he could somehow get Percy to agree to some kind of extra sessions.

"What happened?" Mr. Brunner asked once he got close to the pair.

"I don't know! The sword just…" Percy replied frantically, having trouble finding a way to explain what happened. He didn't mean to do anything. He was just doing what Mr. Brunner taught them and now, he hurt someone. A girl even! The moment she cried out in pain, Percy rushed to her side and tried to find out what was wrong.

"It's fine, Percy. I'm alright." Maria sent the frantic boy a reassuring smile. "You didn't hit me that hard. Besides, I don't think it was your fault." She said looking at the sword Percy dropped in his panic. "Something's weird though. Since a while ago, your sword was like… I don't know? I just couldn't parry it right."

"What do you mean?" Mr. Brunner asked as he reached out to examine the girl's injured arm. Good. It was nothing but a small welt. It wouldn't even leave a bruise.

"It was like the sword was really slippery." Maria explained as she took her arm back from the man. She had received worse hits during her own training and knew that it was nothing. "Best I could describe it was like if you cracked an egg and a tiny shell was in the egg whites. You try to pick it up and even if you know you've got it, when you lift it out, it turns out it hadn't moved at all. Does that make sense? I manage to parry his blade like normal, but only for a moment, before it kind of… slips?"

Mr. Brunner was listening attentively to the girl while she spoke, trying to pick out some kind of clue of the boy's parentage from her words. He looked to Percy at the end of her little spiel and saw him nod.

"Yeah… like she parries my sword but then it ends up in an open spot!" Percy exclaimed. "It was a bit weird. That happened with the other guy too." He said talking about his previous partner. "I thought I was doing something wrong."

"Well now…" Mr. Brunner said, stroking his beard. "May I see?" He asked. Maybe this was it. The final clue to finding out the boy's father. He had always had a guess but the scent was muddled, like it was shifting between two distinct smells which confused him. "Are you up for it, Kobayashi-san?"

"Yes. Please." Maria said, bowing to the man at the waist. "I was also wondering if I was somehow doing it wrong. Please correct us, sensei!"

"Are you sure, Kobayashi-san?" Percy asked, stumbling at the name but successfully copying Mr. Brunner's form of address. He didn't know anything about Japanese speech but if Mr. Brunner was doing it right…

"Please, Percy. Call me Maria." Maria said to him with a smile. "Kobayashi might be a bit hard for Americans to say."

"Alright then. Maria." Percy said, feeling the word out. It was definitely easier than saying Kobayashi. The girl flushed at hearing her name, which Percy found a bit weird. She was the one who told her to call her that. "Are you sure. I think I hit you pretty hard. Percy reached for her arm and held it up so he could see the welt he made clearly.

Maria flushed a bit more at his actions. She wasn't expecting herself to react that much at him saying her first name, but she did, somehow. Now that she was looking at him clearly without trying to defend herself from his hits, she actually noticed how good looking he was with his dark-hair and sea-green eyes. There were definitely none of those striking orbs back in Japan.

"I'm fine, Percy." She said, taking back her arm and putting it behind her back. She started rubbing the place she touched with her other arm, feeling the remnants of his warm touch. "Please, let's continue."

"Well… if you say so…" Percy said as he brought out his own sword. Maria readied hers and they restarted their drills.

As Percy swung his sword in the diagonal slash Mr. Brunner taught him, Maria's own blade intercepted at the perfect angle.

Mr. Brunner expected the Percy's sword to just harmlessly bounce off. Maria's parry was perfectly placed and timed to absorb the force and defend, but contrary to what he expected, Percy's changed direction and hit the base of Maria's sword.

Suddenly, as if by instinct, Percy twisted.

A loud thud reverberated around the room as Maria's sword went flying out of her hands and hit the floor a good five feet away from the sparring duo.

Mr. Brunner's eyes widened in surprise. That was a high-level disarming move. It was a nigh impossible to change directions mid-swing if someone was swinging a blade at full speed. That was what Percy did. Usually, a parried swing harmlessly bounced off the intercepting blade, locked with it, or slid down the tip. Percy's blade looked like it changed direction but it wasn't so. He just did a feint so believable that even Mr. Brunner fell for it. And it looked like the boy didn't even know what he was doing!

Even in camp, there was only one swordsman who could do that and it was Luke, widely regarded as the best swordsman Camp Half-Blood had seen in ten years.

Percy did the same maneuver on the same day he picked up a sword. He was sure that it was. Mr. Brunner was watching the boy closely in the beginning and in the first few minutes, Percy was a total beginner. Even the eight-year old campers could have probably defeated him.

Now, the boy was doing techniques that even the oldest campers couldn't do.

"Um… what just happened?" Percy asked as the gym slid to a halt. The flying blade caught everyone's attention and stopped all the practicing that was going on. The loud thuds of wood meeting wood had given way to a resounding silence as people stared at the trio of the armed Percy, the disarmed Maria and the wide-eyed Mr. Brunner.

The silence was broken by a loud thwap.

"Ow! That hurt Nancy!" One of the few girls shouted as she rubbed her shoulder where Nancy presumable hit her.

"It was your fault! You weren't paying attention!" Nancy yelled back as she moved to take another swing.

Her partner wasn't having any of it as she dropped her sword and leapt to the side, dodging the strike.

Giving a tired sigh, Mr. Brunner said one last thing to Percy before heading over and diffusing the ongoing tussle. "We'll talk about this later, Percy. Kobayashi-san, will you still be willing to practice with him?"

Maria nodded determinedly. She wasn't going to lose to something like this. It was only something to work harder towards. She turned to pick up her sword before facing Percy once again in a ready position.

Mr. Brunner gave her his thanks before wheeling off in the direction of the kleptomaniac, violent girl known as Nancy Bobofit.


It took Percy a few hours more than he'd have liked but eventually he'd managed to convince Maria to stop practicing with him. The training session had ended a while ago but Maria pestered and prodded him into a few more sets. A few more turned into several, and then before he knew it, two hours had passed.

He didn't even realize that he'd missed lunch until his stomach growled in hunger.

Maria was adamant in her desire to beat him. He guessed she didn't appreciated being disarmed by a newbie. They're practice sets eventually turned into a full on sparring session, with Percy using his surprising aptitude for Greek style swordplay and Maria using her Kenjutsu style with the leaf-shaped swords they were given.

Her moves translated well, even though she was using a vastly different sword than what she was used to, but Percy had this prodigious skill with his blade. Maria had soundly beaten him during their first few bouts but at near the end of the session, they were evenly matched, with Percy almost always ending up the winner.

Maria was unperturbed though. Even with her loss she wasn't discouraged and instead made Percy promise to keep practicing with her when he had time. He made the promise just to make her dismiss him. He was getting tired and hungry after all.

Promise made, the two went their separate ways. Maria had gone back in the direction of the girl's dorms while Percy went to the cafeteria. Hopefully, Mama Rida would be there and he'd manage to scrounge up a late lunch.

He was lucky enough to encounter the nice lunch lady who gave him a plate of leftovers from lunch. It was a few hours after the designated lunch time so the food was cold but Percy didn't really care. As long as he got to eat he was happy.

With his belly filled and hunger satisfied, Percy headed to Mr. Brunner's office. The man had told him to see him later as they hadn't had a chance to talk during the training because the other kids needed far more help than he did.

It seemed the man was as interested as Percy was in his newfound skill, maybe even more so.

Percy was close to the door when he heard two people talking. He usually wouldn't eavesdrop like this but considering who the people was, and their topic of conversation, he couldn't help but be interested. Pressing his ear to the door, he tried to listen in. Too bad for him, he only caught the tail end of the conversation.

"If that is all, Grover. I'm sure Mrs. Dodds being absent is nothing and if ever, I'll handle any of the fallout." Mr. Brunner's voice muffled voice said from behind the door.

"If you're sure, sir." The similarly muffled voice of his friend Grover replied. "And I'll be sure to tell you if anything happens with…"

Percy heard the squeaky sound of Mr. Brunner's wheelchair approach the door and he scrambled away. He didn't hear Grover finish.

The door opened revealing Mr. Brunner holding the door open for his friend. Percy tried to look innocent about the whole thing, acting like he hadn't been eavesdropping.

"Oh, Percy. You're here." Mr. Brunner said as he noticed the boy standing awkwardly in the hall. "Please, come in. I was just telling Grover the news of his… uncle…" He finished making Percy even more curious.

"Hey man." Grover said as he clapped Percy on the shoulder. "I see you've got some business with Mr. Brunner. I'll see you in the room later, 'kay?"

"No… I need to go to the library for that history assignment…" Percy said to his friend. "Can I rely on your help again?"

"Sure. Just come get me. I'll be taking a nap." Grover said as he started walking away. "And Mr. Brunner, I'll be doing what you said. Say hi him for me, alright?" He said trying to sell what Mr. Brunner said about his uncle while at the same time confirming his instructions.

"Will do, Grover. I'll see you next week." Mr. Brunner his farewells to Grover and turned to his other student. "Now, Percy. Come in. We have a lot to talk about."

Percy nodded and entered the room. This was the first time he'd actually gone inside Mr. Brunner's office and he couldn't help but compare it to Astra's.

It was smaller than the principal's, though that was to be expected. Its size didn't take anything away from the room though as there was a large window in view of the medium-sized desk Mr. Brunner used. On the desk were papers, waiting to be graded. Percy wondered if his own paper was there and what grade he received. He usually wasn't all that concerned with his grades, he always thought it was just a number, but ever since his date with Astra, he'd been trying harder and he wanted to know if he was making progress. Resting above the desk on the wall was the bronze sword Mr. Brunner had used in class.

In one corner of the room was a set of comfortable looking couches and armchairs. They were nothing compared to the luxurious sets Astra had but they looked warm and cozy enough. A coffee table was placed in the middle of the seating area with things like magazines on top.

There was a large bookshelf pushed to one side of the wall filled with all sorts of old dusty tomes. Some were in English but most of the titles were written in Greek and Latin. To Percy's surprise, he could read the unfamiliar letters, just like what happened to him in the Greek and Roman exhibit.

Next to the bookshelf was a small table with one of those things that play vinyl. A gramophone, Percy thought after thinking for the proper term. It was currently playing some jazz song, loud enough to be heard but not enough to disrupt conversation. Percy actually liked the song and promised himself to ask the man about more of his music tastes. Maybe he'd like classic jazz more than the modern pop he'd already tried.

"Please, Percy. Take a seat." Mr. Brunner said as he gestured to the couch, breaking Percy out of his examination of his office. "Do you want some coffee? Or maybe some tea?"

"Some tea, please." Percy said. He had just finished lunch and he wasn't sure if the coffee would upset him, but maybe some tea would help aid in the digestion process.

Mr. Brunner took a pot and some teacups from a small kitchenette Percy hadn't noticed earlier before wheeling towards the seating area and placing his haul on the coffee table.

"Sugar? Milk?" He was asked, as to which he just asked for some sugar.

"There. Now…" Mr. Brunner said as he handed him a cuppa. "I have a proposition for you…" The man looked Percy in the eye as he spoke. "To be honest Percy, you have a talent for swordplay." He said making Percy smile in pride. "I have taught hundreds of youngsters how to use the sword and you are easily among the ones with the most potential. I don't want that potential to go to waste." The man paused, like he was trying to formulate the write phrasing for his next words. "I… have… a summer camp. I want you to go this summer." Seeing Percy open his mouth to say something, Mr. Brunner interjected. "Hear me out. Aside from the sword training, there are other activities as well. We have a very good music program. Grover told me you were taking an interest in music. Our kids are very talented will all sorts of instruments. There's also archery, canoeing, arts and crafts…"

Percy was thinking about Mr. Brunner's offer as the man kept on giving him a sales pitch. To be honest, he was interested in this camp Mr. Brunner was talking about. It sounded like fun and the man was right, he was talented with the sword. It was actually one of the few things Percy had, aside from swimming and being a cheeky shit that he thought he was good at.

But there were some things that prevented him from going. His mom, for one. He almost never had any time to spend with her, with him always going to boarding school. Summer was one of the few chances he had.

"How about it Percy?" Mr. Brunner asked.

"I would like to sir. Really, I would… but…" Before Percy could refuse Mr. Brunner's offer, the man began talking again.

"Please. Think about it. I'll give you until the end of the term." He looked at him with kind eyes. "Talk to your mom. See what she thinks before giving me an answer." At Percy's nod the man smiled. The boy needed to get to camp soon and hopefully, Sally Jackson knows that as well. With Percy wanting to go to camp himself, maybe the woman would relent.

Mr. Brunner was just going to offer Percy some extra training, maybe the afternoons after their normal sessions but Grover's report changed things. The boy was improving by himself. He had noticed an increase in his Latin grades and when he asked around the faculty room, his other grades were also improving.

Now, Grover had just told him that Percy had been scouted by the resident sports prodigy. The training he'd undergo under Ted Robins would be enough to get his already impressive physical abilities to camp standards. His job had just gotten easier because now, he could focus more on the actual hero training instead of having to grind away at the grueling endurance and muscle training.

The mind and the body were already covered. Now, he'd just have to teach Percy all about the soul of being a hero. And, if all things went to plan, he'd have all summer to mold Percy into the elite of heroes, standing alongside the first Perseus and Heracles at the summit of the great heroes of old.


A.N.

So... Percy grows into his potential. If anyone is wondering, the abilities of the gamer have already started, though he won't actually notice until he gets to camp. This is an anomaly in the system that Chaos wasn't expecting. Remember in the previous chapter "Contact with the Creator" where Chaos was surprised that he'd already unlocked it a few months ahead of time? And the reward he'd give for surprising him. That was the activation of the gamer, though not all features were unlocked. The main interface hasn't even showed up yet. Think of reaching camp as Percy's starting point, where the game will begin in full swing.

Now, some justifications for the number of OCs this story is starting to have. I plan to make Yancy a major location where Percy will spend his school years. I won't gloss over that period and focus on the summer months because I have a lot of planned story arcs happening in Yancy and during the school year. Problem is, Yancy Academy has almost no information in canon. There were only a few characters I can think of Percy, Nancy, Grover, Mr. Brunner, Mrs. Dodds, and Mrs. Kerr introduced in the school so I had to add my own. I hope you like the ones I've already put in. Ted will be more like a sports nut and big brother to Percy while I have some plans for Maria.

I'm don't know if you guys noticed, (I'm sure some of you have) but I've been laying down references and crossovers all over this story and they will be used to drive the plot forward. Do you want me to just announce all the other series I have in mind to use in this story or should I keep it a surprise?

Also, I changed the summary. I don't think the previous summary did justice to the story since the plot kinda grew since I first started out all those months ago. Let me know what you think of the new summary, okay?

Anyway, this author's note is starting to get a little long so I'll just say bye here.

Thanks to all who reviewed this story. Hope you continue to like my work and will continue to read and review! Bye!