[Perseus Jackson]

Prologue

"Understanding is a three-edged sword. Your side, my side, and the truth."

J. Michael Straczynski

The bitter winds were sending shivers up and down my spine. The thin blanket was allowing no warmth, only providing me with freezing air that produced goosebumps on my skin.

My mom must've noticed my shaking, and she ran her fingers through my shaggy hair. The touch was soothing, but the blast of harsh breezes opened my eyes. Her fingers were trembling as well. Whenever they skimmed over my forehead, they vibrated, sending signals into my brain that she was uncomfortable.

I could hear her shaky breaths, the way mom sounded as if she were running a marathon to get air inside her lungs. My breathing was no better, but I wanted to make sure I wasn't a problem or an issue. I'd just worry mom more if I made any noise as she had.

All around us, coughs and groans of pain surrounded me. Some of my friends were sleeping with their mom and dad, while some were up hacking. Some parents like my mom, were up comforting their kids.

As I scanned the area attempting to find sleep in the wind, I found that most of the area looked a lot like me. They were folded in holey blankets, almost stripped of clothing to their boxers or long shirts. Most of the people were shaking, teeth chattering. Coughs racked in the space around me, showing that my mom wasn't the only one ill with sniffles.

Once more, I shook violently when the wind picked up. My mom hugged me tight, picking me up from beside her and placing me on her lap. My blanket was clutched in my fingertips, scared to let go. My teeth clanged together, and my fingers and toes were growing numb.

The wind howled louder than a train and my mom turned her back to the wind. It was pushing into her back, and I whimpered, cuddling closer to her warmth. She hugged me with all her might, her long chocolate hair flowing in my face. Her breath was warm on my temple, and I whimpered louder this time when the forceful winds whipped back.

My mom's dried and cracked hands ran up and down my back, her chapped lips pressing to my forehead. The affection sent a pull of heat flowing throughout my body.

I loved my mom with all of my heart. She gave me so much more than she could afford, and she never got upset with me. She always hugged me tightly in my sleep and whispered heartwarming words in my ear after nightmares. My mom wouldn't ever doubt me when we practiced numbers in the dirt below our feet. She taught me to read simple words and spell those words. She helped me with reading and spelling; I just don't understand it. She loved me through the tears, mischievous behavior, and my anger. She deserves someone better than me.

"Hold on, love." Her hot breath was by my ear, and I stuffed myself as far as I could into her chest. "Don't think about the cold."

I squeezed my eyes shut and I did exactly what my mother wanted. I imagined sitting in the heated sun, the light beaming down on me. I pictured playing with my friends in the alley, laughing and squealing on any open opportunity. The sky was blue in my picture, the trees at the end of the buildings were green and tall. From time to time, animals would come clipping around, sniffing for food.

The ice-like gale just about shattered my picture, but I ground my teeth together to stop the chattering. I pushed my orbs closed harder, putting more thought into my picture.

The sound of happy chattering made its way along the alley, laughing and cheers of excitement echoing along with the structures. Bustling from the busy part of town nearby carried over, their shouts and the clicks of horses' hooves slapping the cement in the air. Birds chirped in the sky, and flies buzzed by every so often.

I hadn't noticed anything different, but when I flipped around my mom was staring at me. She smiled fondly at me and cupped my cheek. In almost two realities I listened to the echo of her lips pressing to my temple and an, "I love you, baby."

I smiled back at her, tackling my favorite person in the world with a hug. They both giggled as she latched on, and I snuggled my nose into her neck. My legs snaked around her waist, and I laughed happily as she spun us around.

Both mom and I were gripping each other like a lifeline. We drew with our fingers in the chalky dirt below us. I drew some ponies and birds. Animals I'd seen in the sky before. Mommy drew some shapes she'd been teaching me, and ruffled my already messy hair when I got them all right.

The image continued showing scenes of me playing with my friends in the alley while mommy was going to get groceries. My best friend's name was Malcolm, and he was like my brother. We chased each other and played hide-and-seek while his parents watched us with grins on their faces. I was happier than I'd ever been. Those were the times I favored.

Whereat night, I would get numb, but I'd either be warm or perfect. I'd be droopy from playing with Malcolm and learning with my mommy all day. In the cold, I wasn't allowed to play chase or hide-and-seek with my friend because it was slippery and chilly for me to leave my blanket. The breeze wouldn't feel refreshing, but I'd bury myself into mom more to stay cool.

My image crumbled when my eyes opened. White dots were falling from the grey sky, and I was happy to see I recognized the color from mom's teachings. I searched the area and saw unfamiliar people emerging from the woods. I didn't think anything of it, so I placed my head back on my mom's chest.

The winds had slowed down, and now the weather, in general, was cold. It was a million times better than the wind, the cold blast rather than a cold settlement. The others near me were all passed out, some snoring and others tossing and turning. I wanted to go back into the temperate weather, whether that vision was a dream or not.

It scared me in the dark without anyone else awake.

So I put my head into my mom's hair and breathed in and out. I thought about the happy memories, just like my mommy said to me if I was struggling to sleep. Just as I was slipping my way back into the colorful summer, I felt a hand fall into my hair.

I sighed blissfully, knowing it was my mom. I figured that until the hand yanked on my strands, having me cry out. I wasn't allowed to make a sound either as a hand covered my mouth shut. My eyes flew open, and people dressed in black were in front of me. One smirked before heaving me up. My blanket dropped to the ground beside mom who stirred.

"Hurry up. The kids need to be out of here by the time the parents wake up."

Just as the deep voice uttered those words, my mom gasped, grabbing out on her perimeter. Mommy jumped up, her dazzling eyes looking straight at me. She shouted, "Percy!" before her eyes and mouth both got covered by a man behind her. A cloth was forced over my mom's entire face and she immediately hit the ground again with a thump.

Through the hand over my mouth, I screamed and cried. I called out for mom even though they were dragging me away from her. I kicked my legs on the person's stomach, my arms flailing. I slapped the hard face, neck, chest, shoulders, anything I could reach. Mom still laid motionless on the stone ground, and I grew tired.

After a while, my struggling slowed, and I yawned, my head falling onto the shoulder of the man carrying me. The small jumps from every step he took soon lulled me to sleep.

My team cackled with glee as we poured our goods out of our bags. We had just escaped from the best defensive city in Greece; Olympia. It was the kingdom ruled by Mars, one of the most brutal rulers in Greece. If I were being honest, it was quite fun to watch his soldiers run around like monkeys to chase us. His warriors couldn't even catch the fifth-best assassins in the Nation, so why was he so high and mighty?

I snapped back into reality when shouts and cheers were heard throughout the small tent. In the middle of the tent, was a small crate filled with the coins we stole, and it was filled halfway. I grinned excitedly, eyeing the stash. My three bags would fill that up another eighth. Boss would be beyond thrilled.

When I stepped up to the crate the other six teens around me backed up. I dumped the bag that was halfway full into the wooden box, then I untied the sacks from my belt and emptied them. As I predicted, the crate was now filled with another eighth of money.

Another round of exciting shouts erupted from the tent. Most patted me on the back while others just complimented me from afar. Either way, I didn't care about the praise. The money was going for a good cause anyway, and everyone here supported that cause. We all put effort towards our goals. "Hey, it takes a team effort to get money like this. It's not all me, you guys get credit too."

The team responded with a quick shrug, and Percy mentally rolled his orbs. Boss will get informed of their participation when the time comes. Besides, the rest of the team was used to being demanded around with their leader, something they were used to until I took over. They still had trouble with self-praise.

"Guys. Take some of the credit. I only added an eighth of that giant pile. All six of you filled that crate up halfway." My voice rose, trying to sound more commanding. I pointed to the crate. If they weren't going to have some pride, I was going to demand pride.

Luckily, the deeper voice caused nods and murmurs of an agreement to flood through the group. While I was smirking in satisfaction, I yanked my hood off my head, revealing my triumphant smile. That got a groan of annoyance from Malcolm, who followed and pulled his hood off. Malcolm knew me up and down. Of course, he recognized my goal.

"Percy, you manipulate us!" He cried dramatically, putting a hand on his heart and his arm over his forehead like a lovesick woman. This earned an upburst of agreement from the group, all of them removing their hoods.

The blonde boy from the back soon stood up to the crate. He glanced up at me before hugging the crate. He settled his head on the coins inside, and he closed his bright eyes with a content sigh. "Maybe you are right, Perce. We can take the credit."

"Guys!" I dragged out, groaning and throwing his head back. The team broke into heavy laughter, soon affecting me into the laughing frenzy.

Soon tears were getting wiped from their eyes as Jason let go of the crate and hugged his stomach from all the laughter. The three girls were babying Jason, cooing teasingly at him and rubbing his arms and shoulders, giving light chuckles out of the rest of the guys. Jason on the other hand laughed, soon wheezing from the lack of oxygen in his lungs.

Malcolm spoke up again, heading over to Jason and patting his head. "Does the toddler need a kiss?" He puckered his lips, only to get his head shoved by Reyna whose cheeks showed the lightest dusk of pink.

I squatted down on the opposite side of the crate from the rest of the crew and peered over at the dark-haired girl. "Reyna volunteers!" Shouting, I avoid her demon orbs knowing she's glaring at me.

This caught Jason's attention, and he immediately sat up, his eyes mirroring Reyna's. I threw my hands up in surrender, smirking once again. I pushed myself back off the ground, turning my back to my troops. They began to argue with each other, as I exited the tent.

The sun was setting in the distance, the sky turning into a haze of pinks and oranges. The bleating yellow coming off the ball of gas beamed into my eyes, but I didn't mind. Clouds were hovering above camp, shaded to look like a fluffy treat. The leaves crunched on the ground as I made my way over to the edge of the woods. Blocking the sun and sky from view, I sighed as I sat down on a log.

At times, my mind demanded to stop the stealing I was doing. There was always another way to get the poor to get treated better, other than stealing money from the royals and donating it. Yes, my mom was probably dead, the winters without a home getting her sick. But if she were here, would she say I was doing the right thing?

If anything, I was looting for people like my mom. All my troops had a reason to help the ones in poverty from the spoiled royals.

Hazel had only been in the group for a few years, but she had been a maid in Pylos, Silena Beauregard's new kingdom. Silena had just taken over her mother's place, Venus, so maybe things had changed. Hazel had said it was just as bad as Athens, if not worse. The mistreatment and poverty were terrible and unforgiving in Athens, so I could only imagine what it was like being a maid in the drama queen's kingdom.

Reyna and Gwen had been transported over from Rhodes, which was the farthest away from anyone else in any legion. They had also been maids and despised being treated like that. They were just as easy as Hazel to join. All three girls had experienced first-hand what it was like being handled worse than others your age. They had lived in harsh conditions, but were around elegant and loving places.

Jason never mentioned where he came from, but he's been with the assassins for the longest. He said he doesn't even remember his life from before, but I had a sneaking suspicion he did know where he came from. It must've been horrible if he couldn't share it. All we knew about his past was that he had an older sister. He refused to share anything else.

Dakota, Malcolm, and I all shared the same story. Dakota had lived in poverty in Rhodes, sneaking onto the ship likewise to Reyna and Gwen when they escaped the palace. Dakota's mother had been killed by royal guards, at which he was never informed why. All he knew was it had something to do with King Dionysus. That's what set him off, causing him to make up his mind and head here.

Of course, Malcolm and I were from Athens, one of the worst cities you could be in poverty. They were the most spoiled, aside from Olympia. The Chase family did nothing to help out the citizens leaving millions on the streets. I could remember exactly. Rows and rows of families barely clothed, sick, and starving. Malcolm, being the same age as me, agreed with me.

We all had tough pasts and had reasons for the things we did. We were lucky enough to be trained with swords and arrows, knowing how to use the weapons. We had intelligent strategists who were knowledgeable enough to create impossible plans. The best of warriors couldn't catch us.

My heart was in the correct place. It pumped the blood into our veins, pushing us to do what's right. Yes, the looting is wrong, but it's for the right cause. Once the royals begin to see the drop in their savings, they'll be on the lookout. When they see the poor getting more money, they'd get suspicious. Then boss said that's when he'll reveal us as the threat. Give the ones in poverty more attention, give the maids more care and pay, then we'll stop.

That feeling I got when we rushed out of cities with our treasures was like taking a drink of alcohol. Something you don't need, but something you get addicted to the more you do it, craving for it when you don't have it.

"Hey Perce." I looked up to see Jason, who had recovered from his lack of air. His blonde hair was frizzy, leaves and sticks stuck in the roots. His face was coated in a loose layer of soot. Probably from the few things that blew up on our escape from Olympia.

Jason sat down beside me on the log, and I picked a stray leaf from his hair and picked at it, ripping it apart in my hands. "Reyna's kiss make you feel better?"

Jason elbowed me in the ribs, making my grunt, before laughing. His electric blue eyes shimmering in the fading sunlight. "You know, thanks for the confidence for the team. It's nice."

I just shrugged, kicking the leaves around me with my combat boots. I ran a hand through my hair before sighing. Being a leader was something Jason always reminded me that I was good at. He told me it wasn't natural for him, which is why he didn't choose to fight me in a duel for the leader of the fifth legion. Jason was great at leading, I figured, but he shook his head and with a tight smile informed me he didn't want to "stray to that path".

"Percy, stop overthinking things." The teen chided, slapping me on the back. "I'm positive we're doing the right thing. The royal's poor treatment towards the peasants needs to come and bite them in the butt."

Jason sounded so confident, something I wasn't. The only thing I was sure about was Jason was right. The Kings and Queens of Greece sucked. The royal families needed a dash of reality. What the assassins were planning was right. I was glad to be a part of the new Greece that was sure to be made.

"Are you sure you weren't a peasant?" I questioned, teasingly pouncing off the dried log and backing myself onto a tree.

Jason chuckled, shaking his head. He ran a hand through his hair, yanking out the twigs and leaves. "I was quite the opposite."

I rolled up the map and shoved it into my pocket. I glanced at his friends as I unsheathed my sword. The rest of my group followed, Reyna, Jason, Hazel, and Gwen with their golden swords, while Dakota and Malcolm possessed celestial bronze daggers. Luckily, the moon was hidden under the clouds, so our weapons didn't reflect in the light.

Last night, we had decided to make a run for Athens, at Malcolm's request, and the rest of the troops quickly agreed. I hadn't been to my home kingdom in a while, but I was still filled with disgust every time I peered into this hellhole. The castle was visible in the distance, a good half-mile away from the town. The pinpoint of the kingdom was easy to spot from the woods, which we just emerged from.

The clearing was very familiar to me, and I knew exactly why. This was the area Malcolm and I used to run around in. The sad fact was, instead of the corner of trees and overgrown bushes getting trimmed, they only got worse. The edge of town where the homeless made temporary shelters were now overgrown. Vines and moss climbed up the sides of the stone homes. The dirt now mixed with the rocky road, the pebbles nearly impossible to see. There was no more living in poverty at this corner and I feared for the worse.

I snapped my fingers back at Malcolm, signaling the grey-eyed boy to go ahead. I smirked when I saw his bare feet, filled with cuts. His face and hair were dirty, and for more special effects, we ripped parts of his shirt. It was very old and ratty, something we ransacked from Olympia.

He appeared perfect, and he'd set the trap perfectly.

We let Malcolm race before us for a few minutes, until my impatiens got to me and he skimmed the outskirts of the kingdom. We stepped slowly and carefully, making sure our boots didn't stomp on the ground. We didn't want to wake up more than necessary.

The girls went to the right while Dakota and I went to the right. I didn't remember this way much, so I had the girls go the path I was sure I memorized. As we got further from the spot we emerged from, the houses got cleaner, and the stones got less cracked and worn. As I recalled, the middle of town was where the rich were.

When we got so close to the center to the point where the castle was almost straight on, I whistled into the night air. I sat there for a moment, Dakota at my side, as we pressed ourselves against the wall of a shop and waited for the signal back. When a high pitched tune carried to my ears through the air, I smiled knowing the girls knew to retreat to the outside of the town.

Dakota and I silently carried on. My green orbs never paused, watching every shadow and turn like a hawk. If anyone were to be out at this ungodly time, it'd be the poor. I also knew for a fact if I came across any that were there when Malcolm and I were taken, they'd scream for fear. With our all-black outfits and hoods on, we appeared to be the same humans who kidnapped us.

I clenched my empty fist together as I prayed to God that Jason was doing his magic. What magic? I had no idea. All he told me was to trust him, and that he could aid us with getting more money. How was he going to do that by himself? Again, I wasn't sure. I was sure of my trust in Jason, and I was sure he was doing the correct thing. Besides, he's been in this assassin business for far longer than I had. Jason was smart enough to be aware not to get himself killed. I had my trust and faith in Jason. I was sure he couldn't, no wouldn't let me down.

We crept along with the town, keeping our noise down to a minimum level. Now that we were far from the heart of town, he couldn't breathe louder than we had been.

Despite how much I despised Athens, my ears were ringing as I eyed the place I once called home. This was the place my mom most likely died, all because she wasn't born or married into privilege. Still, most people who were married to other royals were already high status and only participated in the marriage for more money. That's what upset me. They had gallons of money, while my mom had none.

Memories of my mom teaching me letters and numbers filled my head, giving my eyes a wet feeling to them. The way she'd comfort me from a nightmare, running her hand through my hair and whispering my ear. She'd hold me tighter than ever before at night, making sure I couldn't escape from her arms. My mom's smile was permanently drawn in my mind, along with her petrified face when she saw me getting carried away. I wanted to erase the pure agony from her eyes, but it was stuck.

My mind fluttered to the races I'd have with Malcolm, drawing to the best of our ability the animals that we'd see in the forest. We wouldn't complain about never getting to keep our art, just only until our parents came to see them, then we'd whip them away. I loved our little games we'd play. We'd draw shapes on the ground, and if we didn't make it to the inside of a nearby shape, we lost. I remember the laughs of the bonding peasant parents as they watched their kids play, not a care in the world.

Being a kid blocked me from the true, cruel world I lived in.

I was easily deceived. Something I solemnly swore will never happen again.

I blinked away the moisture I felt about to fall down my face. I would never see my mom again, and she's all I ever had. I never knew my dad, he was gone the moment he had the chance. All my mom had told me was he loved me very much, even if he wasn't there. She was such a naive person to think that. I was arrogant enough to believe her. I mentally rolled my eyes at the thought of my mystery dad loving me. Let alone I doubt he even knew of my existence.

Another whistle sounded in the air, followed by shouts of horror and murmurs. All thoughts soared out the window as lights began to flicker on. This made me start to run, Dakota following my pace. Shouts and sobbing were heard throughout the town, coming from the middle of town. Malcolm had successfully moved people from their homes.

I whistled quickly, even if it was hardly heard through the crowd forming in town. I'm sure with the girl's impeccable hearing they knew the sound. Hurry up.

I was now dashing and weaving around homes, making sure none of the lights were on as we made our way closer to the middle. The castle was planted on the end of the town, right smack in the middle of the wall. Creeping against the stone wall, I never took my eyes away from the light radiating from there. I'd stick out like a sore thumb if anyone happened to spot me.

Luckily, the girls had just made their way. They had taken the path I knew better. In the worse scenario, I had to take off my gear and ask for directions. Besides, I could've been recognizable to someone else, so Malcolm and I could've reversed roles. Thank God we didn't have to do so. Under my dead body was I showing Percy Jackson here again. He was as good as dead to these people. Besides, once escaping from this Hell of a city, who'd want to come back?

The five of us met in the middle of the open gate leading into the castle. I grinned at them, showing my excitement. We were about to rob Athens dry. Although before we could make another move, a faraway sound pierced the air. It was Jason's whistling. I raised my eyebrow, not aware that was a part of any plan we talked out. I was about to storm up to the castle, find Jason, and scold him until I saw figures in the distance, walking towards us on the drawl bridge.

"Hide!" I hissed, shoving the girls and Dakota behind a house that was on the edge of the middle of town. Moments later, I peeked my head out from behind the stone walls of the house and saw something I never figured I'd witness in my short life.

Jason was surrounded by fifteen guards and wasn't fighting back. Just as I was about to jump into action, Reyna snatched my arms and held me back. My eyes narrowed as I glared at them. That was until I noticed that the guards didn't have him chained, or in their clutches. Jason was being considered a mutual. When they passed so I couldn't peek behind them from the house, I turned back around facing my team.

"What the hell?" I whispered, rubbing my eyes. "He was fine! The soldiers were escorting him!"

"What?" Reyna whisper-yelled, her voice pitching in a way to produce her worry. "Why didn't you stop me?"

I flipped back around, tightening the grip I had on my celestial bronze weapon. "He's fine. They were treating him like royalty."

That made Jason's girlfriend pipe down. By the way, were knuckles were white on her sword, I knew if she had to knock out a dozen or more guards to save him, she would. Reyna was scary when she wanted to be, and that was ninety percent of the time.

Cautiously, my gaze never left the scene. Whatever was going on in the middle of town was causing a lot of commotion. When a creaking sound erupted in the air, I winced but saw the giant gates closing. That caught the rest of my crew's attention and we leaped through the remaining space as they sealed shut. We brushed ourselves off, and I looked over my shoulder one more time. God, how did those guards not see us? Where we were hiding was just visible from here! Knowing Jason, when we get done he's going to scold us for our bad hiding choice.

After double-checking that everyone got in, I stared at the castle. The most spoiled royals were peacefully resting in their rooms, most likely completely unaware of the disaster downstairs.

I smirked, my eyes sparkling with a sudden desire. The Fifth Legion was about to have some fun.

Words: 4,944

This chapter is significantly shorter than the last, but I still enjoyed writing it! I hope you all enjoyed reading it!

[ANY RECOGNIZABLE CHARACTERS GO TO RICK RIORDAN]

-Bookworm-2026