Percy's Sixth Birthday
He had just turned six and was enjoying pizza at a local pizzeria with his Mother.
"I'll be right back, Percy," his Mother said as she got up and made her way to the bathroom. He stayed seated, like a good little boy, his feet swinging, his lips covered with melted cheese when a man sat across from him. He was big with dark hair and green eyes.
"Hello," he smiled.
"Hi," Percy said, waving at the stranger.
"I see you like pizza," he said, watching Percy playing with the pepperoni slices.
"Yep. I like pizza. I like the cheese," Percy smiled. The man cocked his head as he stared at him fondly.
"I know it's your birthday today," he said. "How old are you now?" He asked, even though he knew. "
Five!" Percy squeaked.
"How about six?" The man chuckled.
"Six," Percy said, nodding his head like it made sense.
"Here, I brought you a present," the man said, a super tiny snow globe shimmered in his hand, but it wasn't a snow globe. Inside the crystal ball, greenish water whirled around, with all kinds of fish coming into view and disappearing; sharks, octopuses, whales, Nemo. Percy grabbed it eagerly and oohed and aahed at it.
"Be ready, my son," the man said.
"A deadly world awaits you. Be safe, and remember," he said, leaning in and speaking softly as Percy looked at him with wide eyes.
"A Minotaur cannot stop a charge. So, wait and dodge, understand?" Percy nodded.
"Good. And keep your mother safe." The man stepped out of the booth and walked away, his form fading with every step.