Chapter dedicated to OceanBlueSeaEyes
December
"Percy can you stay behind for a moment?"
I raise a brow, confused to why I'm being asked to stay. Nevertheless, I stayed seated as everyone got up and left when the bell rung. I waved away a hesitant Grover, silently telling him to go on without me.
Once all the students left Mr. Hermes rolled his chair next to my desk. He had a book in his hand.
"I hope you're a reader Percy. I'll highly recommend adding this to your list, in might come in handy in the future." He put the book on my desk.
"How To Successfully Get Away From A Prison Sentence " I looked up at my teacher in alarm.
"Is this why you asked me to stay behind? With all due respect sir, I'm not interested in any committing crimes. I already have enough on my plate as it is."
"Well this might help with the load on your plate. From what I heard and researched, your grandfather is a mastermind behind crime, and has manipulate anyone in law enforcement. This very well may become your future, hence why I'm giving it to you." He shrugged.
"You know about my grandfather?"
"I have been friends, practically brothers with your cousin Apollo. We knew each other since as long as I can remember, so yeah I knew about your grandfather for years. He mentioned to me last month he made an appearance. I just haven't connected the dots that you're the same Percy as his cousin Percy until Mr. Brunner pointed it out. And yes he knows the history about of your grandfather as well. He actually plans to speak with you after his class too, just to give you a heads up."
"Just humor me with this request. It details many loopholes in law. Before you ask I've already tried to give this to Artemis who is studying law, but she refused to take anything I give. She hates my guts." Mr. Hermes pleaded.
I snorted and took the book from his hand, "She hates every male, don't take it personally. If that's all you wanted to talk to me about, can you write me a pass? My next teacher will not let me by unless I have a pass."
"Will do. Which teacher do you need to make it out to?" He rolled back to his desk to get the pass form and pen.
"Miss Dodds."
"That old hag still works here? Man, I feel sorry for you. I thought she retired?"
"Unfortunately she hasn't. I have no doubt I'm going to feel her wrath regardless of the pass, especially since that project is due tomorrow."
He hummed in agreement as he scribbled on the pass. He tore the pass out of its pad and gave me it.
"Have a good day Percy. I'll see you tomorrow ."
"You too, see you tomorrow." I exited out of the classroom with book and pass in hand. That was rather strange. I just shrugged the odd encounter off, and made my way to the most despicable class. I held my breath in before turning the knob.
"Jackson! You're late again honey." Miss. Dodds growled.
I put on a cheeky smile and hand her my pass which she snatched from my grip. She narrowed her eyes at me after reading the pass. She just angrily pointed to my desk. Which I graciously followed her silent command.
Annabeth already moved her desk next to mine as she has done for the past week. Miss Dodds only let us work on our project in class this week.
Annabeth glared at me "Jackson, the project is due tomorrow! Why are you late?"
"Mr. Hermes asked me to stay behind." I whispered trying not to raise attention from the other students.
"Mr. Hermes? What did he want from you? Did he steal your wallet?"
I patted down my pockets in alarm. Remembering the demonstration he did on Malcom on pickpocketing. I sighed in relief realizing it's still there, "He just wanted to talk about some legal stuff, I guess he knows my cousin Apollo."
"You didn't know that? When I hang out with Thalia and Apollo is there, him and Hermes are practically glued to the hip. I think there's only a handful of times I didn't see Hermes with Apollo."
I frowned upset that she knew more about my own family than I did, "No I did not."
"That's weird. I thought you would have known. How many problems did you complete last night?"
"I did twenty five, I only have another twenty to complete then I'm finished. I already completed that stupid essay why algebra matters."
"I guess that's better than nothing, I was hopeful that you finished the whole project. We would've had more time to double check everything".
"We? I think you mean only you. You're the one who persists on checking everything, not me. It's fine as it is."
Annabeth buried her face into her hands, slightly pulling a few curly strands out from her ponytail. "Seaweed brain, how do you even pass your classes with that logic? It is vital that every problem is doubled check to ensure at least a decent grade for this project."
I shrugged, "Technically we can score a one on the project and still pass the semester."
Annabeth threw her hands in the air, "A one is a D. I will not accept a D, nor will I ever. If a miracle happens we can pass with an A. Though I have strong doubts by working with you, I do believe we can manage a B."
I snorted but did not say anything, not willing to destroy what progress we've made at friendship. Fighting my internal instincts to take control of the project, I let her steer it, for the sake of keeping her wrath down.
9th period
I clenched my pencil. I was seated behind the one and only Nancy Bobofit. She kept quietly giggling at the pictures in the Greek Mythology Textbook.
I dutifully kept my mouth shut at her stupid comments about why she even needed to know about story of Hercules in her adult life. I rolled my eyes and biting my tongue to hold in the retort about it being an elective. Don't know why she chose to to take this class if she was going to get this prissy about it?
The bell rang and Mr. Brunner called out for Thalia, Jason, and I to stay behind. Remembering Mr. Hermes warning, I knew what this is about, while Thalia and Jason had confused faces.
He motioned for us to bring chairs to his desk. Luckily I don't need any crutches anymore and have adapted to my prosthetic, so maneuvering a chair is so much easier than what it used do to be.
Thalia Jason and I move our chairs to his desk and sat down.
"You three are not in trouble, I just wanted to discuss what I've heard concerning your family. As you know I've been really close friends with your fathers and know of the strange and dangerous family relations they have. I was talking to Hermes earlier and he mentioned there was an encounter with your grandfather last month. I just wanted to make sure you're okay and safe."
"Thanks Mr. Brunner for the concern, but we're good. Fortunately there was only one encounter, there hasn't been any other signs of him since last month." Thalia answered.
"That's why I'm concerned. Your grandfather is never the one to do things quickly, he likes to drag out each blow before tackling. Kronos was never lenient, not even when he was younger. Something very devious lurks within him, a malicious aurora hangs off of him, making him ever so dangerous. I've been around for some decades. The things I've seen and heard coming from him is inhuman."
The three of us all exchange a glance before we look back towards Mr. Brunner.
Jason swallowed, "Is he that bad? I mean I know what he did about Bianca, but can someone be that evil?"
"Never question what someone is capable of, Jason. That's the downfall of society today, they don't expect people to commit such heinous acts, and are blindsided when those acts come to light. They won't do anything about of course, still willing to be ignorant and continue as nothing as ever happened."
"As for Kronos, he is and will continue to be evil. No law enforcement will stop it, they will be ignorant of his crimes and will not care about his involvement. Which is why I stress to you not to take it lightly, he is capable of anything. I know this is a difficult situation for your family to discuss with you, so I kind of taking it upon myself to talk to you about this. Percy did Hermes talk to about this yet?"
I nodded in shock, "He has. He gave me a book earlier today."
Mr. Brunner nodded his eyes combing all three of us, "Anyways that is what I wanted to discuss. I do hope you three think about what I've said, and always come to me with questions. I love your fathers, but I don't have faith in them to give the exact truth or sincerity about your grandfather. You're dismissed, I'll see you tomorrow."
We all stood and said our farewells before shuffling out of the classroom. We all looked at each other. Not knowing what to say, I blurted, "Wow, that was... strange? I didn't know that Mr. Brunner knew so much."
Thalia shook her head. "Neither did I. From what I've heard they were very close friends in school. Though what he said is quite disturbing."
Jason sighed, "Well, he's right. Dad doesn't really talk about grandfather, and I doubt your does either Percy?"
I shook my head no, before he continued.
"Then maybe we need to listen to him. He's been around when all of this stuff has been going on. He has no reason to hold it back from us."
We all nodded our heads in agreement before we took our separate ways. I headed towards the parking lot where Triton's car is located.
Triton wasn't in the car so the car is locked. I let out a groan, it is cold. I wasn't used to the below freezing temperatures, California didn't get this cold in the winter.
Triton has been late for the past couple weeks and I've been getting more agitated with him. I haven't spoke with him either in the past couple weeks, not since the incident last month with Luke.
There hasn't been an other situation with Luke. No matter how much I try to ask Triton, he pretends like it didn't even happened. I'm starting to believe that it might of been a hallucination, since it was way out of Triton's character.
Luckily I didn't have to wait too long, as Triton walked over with keys jingling in his hands. I chose not to ask why he was late, since I knew it was going to be answered with silence, like all the other times I've asked.
I just embraced the warmth of the car heater as he drove to the aquarium.
The Next Day (6th period)
I rolled my eyes, "Annabeth I swear it's fine. Calm down!"
"Don't you dare tell me to calm down Jackson! It's perfectly reasonable why I'm a bit frantic. The project is due today! I've got to make sure everything is correct."
I rolled my eyes once more annoyed. Choosing to stay quiet and let her do her thing. I glanced over at Grover who was engrossed with his apple.
"What's up G-man? Why you looking so intensely at the Apple for?"
He sighed dejectedly, "I had a field trip earlier this morning and Nancy threw her peanut-butter ketchup sandwich at me and I accidentally swallowed my whole apple."
Piper looked disgusted at the mention of peanut-butter ketchup sandwich. My eyes harden at the mention of Nancy. But I couldn't help but let out a laugh.
Grover looked like he a kicked puppy. I waited a few seconds before explaining. "Grover trust me, that is not that bad. I've done worst on school trips".
He looked up with an eyebrow raised, "Really?"
"Yes. I think it was in fourth grade we went to the San Diego Zoo, and we went into the aquarium exhibit. There was this cat walk going over one of the tanks and I accidentally bumped into a lever, and I guess you can say the class took an unexpected swim that day."
Jason and Thalia bursted out laughing, Piper had a smile, Annabeth looked unimpressed, and Grover looked a bit better.
"Then there was fifth grade, we went to a Wild West excursion, and you can say that I accidentally pointed the cannon at the school bus."
Everyone but Annabeth laughed at that one, though Annabeth let a smile lightened her features.
"Geez you weren't lying. Thanks man that did make me feel better." Grover said wiping his tears from laughter off his face.
"Anytime Grover, just let me know if Bobofit gives you any more trouble. I have the pleasure to sit behind her in ninth period."
Grover groaned, "I forgot she was even in ninth period."
I patted his back in sympathy. While Piper cleared her throat, "Christmas is in a couple of days do you guys have anything planned?"
I frowned. This is the first year I'm spending Christmas with Poseidon. I don't really know what they do. We didn't do anything for Thanksgiving, besides Amphitrite cooking a turkey.
I shrugged, "I have no idea" looking at Thalia and Jason, "Will there be a get-together?"
Thalia shook her head no, "Hestia, bless her heart, tried several years ago. It didn't turn out good. I think a few members ended up leaving with black eyes."
"What about you Annabeth?" Piper asked.
She shrugged, "It's the same every year. In the mornings my brothers and I open gifts with my father and stepmom. We usually just hang out for a bit before I go to my mother's."
"You have brothers?" I raised a brow, never hearing that she had any before.
"Stepbrothers. They're twins Bobby and Mathew." She clarified.
"It is nice that we get a two week break. I'm tired of studying for these finals." Annabeth continued.
Thalia put a hand on her forehead, "Did you just say you're looking forward to a break? Are you sick?"
Annabeth swatted her hand away, "Just because I care about my grades doesn't mean I cannot take a break. We all need a break sometimes, My fire is burned out by this math project."
"Sure Annie. Just tell us if you need us to take you the nurses office. I'm pretty sure that you're sick. I never heard you talk about breaks before." Thalia put her hand back on Annabeth's forehead.
"Don't call me Annie!"
8th Period
I smiled at Miss Dodds while I handed in the project.
Miss Dodds had the expression of a mad man who didn't get his way. Her eyes were twitching and her hands trembled as she stare in disbelief that I finished the project on time.
I turned my back to her, feeling her eyes burn holes into the back of my head as I walk towards my seat.
The project was our final. We get to sit back and watch the movie this period. It was a much needed break, since all the other classes had their finals going on.
I look towards Annabeth's seat and she looked relieved. I almost let out a laugh at her expression. She was leaning back in her chair as if the weight is lifted from her shoulders. She had a smile of pure contentment written on her face.
I decided to let her have her moment and leaned back to watch the Polar Express.
I as well could feel weight being lifted from my shoulders. It was as if the weight of the sky was on my shoulders for four months. The sudden departure of the weight makes me feel free. A sense of freedom I now have me feel light.
I couldn't help but smile as well.
I pulled my jacket closer, crossing my arms to save my body heat from escaping.
I cursed through my chattering teeth, as Triton was late once more.
I don't know why I still bother to even try to make it to the car on time? It's useless since Triton is never on time anymore.
After an agonizing ten minutes Triton was now walking over. I praised the gods for the small miracle that I didn't have to wait any longer in the frigid temperatures.
As I buckled my seatbelt, I couldn't help but notice to see Triton's hand bruised and has a cut that is bleeding.
"What happened to your hand?" I asked.
He pulled his sleeves lower in attempts to hide his injured hand.
"It's nothing."
Knowing I will be met by silence, I didn't push further. He pulled the car out and headed towards the aquarium.
Nancy Bobofit and the catastrophic field trips are in reference to Chapter 1 of The Lightning Thief.
