Learning that Percy was a demigod changed the way I see the world.
I swear I saw an ogre on the way to work once.
According to Percy there is war going on, and it's getting serious, so it shouldn't surprise me if I see more monsters around than usual.
I'm still getting use to the fact there is a usual amount of monsters.
But if my 15 year old stepson could accept this world, then I would too.
When I walked into the apartment, I think my heart stopped. There was a huge dog, and by dog I mean monster, I think this was a hell hound.
I had no idea what to do, that's when Percy came in he, had been parking the car.
"PERCY LOOK" but instead of looking scared he smiled and said, "Mrs. O'Leary here girl."
I was speechless. Percy saw the look on my face and said; "This Mrs. O'Leary she's my pet hellhound, but she spends most of her time between camp and with my one of my friends, he has a special connection to hellhounds."
O' I see. I guess this was normal for a demigod, to have a pet hellhound? Maybe one day I'll stop being surprised, but then again who got use to pet hellhounds?
As soon as I thought of this I got an answer to my unspoken question. "Percy if Mrs. O'Leary is staying, make sure she doesn't mess up the furniture."
Percy just nodded at his mom. That's when her attention traveled to me. The look on her face said it all. She was clearly amused by my shock. "Don't worry Paul you get use to it. Now can you help me with the groceries?"
I hadn't even noticed that Sally was carrying several bags of food. I just nodded.
When I was in the kitchen I heard Percy say he was taking Mrs. O'Leary for a walk. How he intended to walk something so big without attracting attention was beyond me, then again this may have to do with the mist. But really the whole mist concept still confuses me so I'd rather not dwell on it.
I thought perhaps I would grade some papers after I had finished putting away the groceries seeing as Sally started to work on her novel.
I had gotten through two papers when Sally mentioned coffee. I nodded. I loved this feeling, being so comfortable with my life even with the strange events I couldn't have foretold
Then out of nowhere and I do mean nowhere a boy appeared next to me on the couch.
I couldn't help the scream that came out of my mouth. This boy was perhaps a year or two younger then Percy and was dressed in all black with a skull ring and an obvious blade on his waist.
Sally had run in I think do to my scream. I looked to her and instead of fear at this strange and scary boy she smiled "Hello Nico."
He too smiled at he and said; "Hey Ms. Jackson have you seen Mrs. O'Leary? She got away from me today, and I can't seem to find her. If I lose her Percy with kill me."
She nodded; "She showed up here today, Percy took her to the park."
"That's cool can I wait her here for a bit shadow travelling tires me out." He did seem to be a little tired.
What on earth was shadow travelling? Perhaps that's how he arrived here.
"I'll be back with coffee and cookies" Sally said.
Soooo I thought in my head how are you suppose to start a conversation with a demigod. Normally Percy answered any questions I had. Like if Medusa liked to talk to her statues odd things that came to mind.
"Your Paul right?" I nodded; this brought me out of my own little world. I considered the possibility that Percy talked about me.
"Has Percy talked about me?" I hoped it was good things. Being a teacher I have learned teenagers tell their friends the truth not their parents.
"He told us that his mom was getting married, and that he liked the guy, which is you." I nodded that was it? Even though I was pleased he liked me, I had hoped he had talked about me rather than just in passing.
"Nothing else?"
"Well I wasn't really there. I was visiting my father" he winced as if it was an unpleasant memory. I wonder who his father is.
"Anyways nowadays all people are focused on is the war, and Percy is too busy keeping everyone calm and stuff."
Percy really was important. "What's Percy like?" I wanted to get to know more about Percy and his life in his world.
Nico looked like he was thinking and Sally walked in. Like any teenager he went for the food. Unlike Percy this kid looked like he could use some more nutrition and perhaps some sunlight.
After munching down on some cookies he started talking. "He is pretty cool, I mean he um saved my butt on a couple occasions" he seemed to be focused on a memory for a second. "I guess Percy is brave he would face down a god for his friends, but um really Percy is the only guy I trust."
He seemed to mean it even if he was uncomfortable expressing his feelings. I began to wonder what happened in his life to doubt everyone. Sally seemed to smile sadly at the boy which meant she had some idea of what was going on. I'll ask her about it later.
"Hey I'm home" Percy shouted and a loud bark followed so I can only assume it was Mrs. O'Leary.
Percy didn't seem surprised that Nico was here. I guess Nico was the friend Percy was referring to early, the one who kept track of Mrs. O'Leary when he couldn't.
"Hey Nico, What's up" Nico smiled at Percy well I guess it was a smile though it came off more as a smirk.
"Lost track of Mrs. O'Leary, but I also came to ask you if you had decided to come or not?"
Percy seemed to become a lot more serious. I had never seen this side of him before. He always seemed to be carefree and relaxed.
"It's something I haven't stopped considering, but I have to help Beckendorf first, the plan will be in motion soon."
What plan? I had notice Percy going to camp more often, but he hadn't mentioned a plan.
"Don't you think it would be better if we did this first?" Nico stared down Percy, but then backed off with one glare from Percy. They seemed to be in a silent battle of wills. One Percy clearly did not want to have now.
"The plan relies on me Nico..." he trailed off I think to find a way to say something without tipping off either me or Sally. He went out of his way to insure neither of us ever worried about him. Not that either of us can help it.
"Also your plan may have complications, and I can't leave Charlie, this is to important" Nico just nodded.
"You're running out of time." From what I understand; when he turns sixteen the battle will happen. But once Nico mentioned running out of time I realized how close the deadline really was. I couldn't help but feel a wave of panic for my step son.
Percy may have seen my apprehension.
Percy just nodded. "I know what's going on Nico. We will talk about this later."
Nico seemed to give up. I observed that Nico looked dejected and I think Percy seemed to pick up on it "Wanna stay for dinner? We can catch up."
Percy seemed to read people better than I thought.
Nico gave a small smile and nodded "If it's ok with your mom."
Sally just smiled "Your always welcome Nico."
During dinner Nico and Percy had hushed conversations, I only picked up a few words like 'Dangerous' 'necessary' 'doubt.' I had no idea what they were talking about but it seemed important.
Other than that I learned that Nico was a son of Hades, he and Percy were very close, and never make Persephone mad she will turn you into a dandelion.
For the first time I was getting a look it to Percy's world not just stories I was told, but a real connection. I had seen Percy look like someone who could lead people into battles. This small look into Percy and his friend's world had opened my eyes Percy really was a different kid. But that didn't mean he wasn't amazing.
First off i wld like to thank everyone who took the time to review i really appreciate it and to keep them coming.
The next chapter will be a some things Paul observes during the final Battle in Manhattan.
I hope u like my take on Nico and Paul
Enjoy :)
