Growing up abused, I always felt deeply for Percy as a person. As an adult, I want to keep him safe silly as that is.
Soon, far too soon, School at Yancy was over. Percy, though agitated from what Aaron knew was his father's temper ( the weather was a disaster due to the Theft and accusations) managed to excel at Yancy. He went from a D plus student to a solid B plus student with an actual A in Latin! Aaron was so proud, he tackle hugged the other boy.
Then there was his combat skills, Percy had already surpassed him in sword skills. He had never, even in watching Luke the few times he managed, seen anyone with this raw skill and potential as Percy. It was frightening to be honest, but he was proud nonetheless. Percy had amazing footwork, speed and stamina. He always adapted to his adjustments. It was something to behold.
Aaron's own skill in combat, staff and sword, had increased thrice due to sparring with Percy. He felt faster, stronger and more. Teaching really did wonders for his form and his confidence magnified from making friends with Percy. Percy didn't judge his mortalness, didn't loathe his lack of divine blood. The boy's lack of biases made him the optimal ally. So, Aaron made a point to show him a little magic.
Percy, as it turned out, was also a more natural mage than most. Something Aaron had guessed given his aura, however the boy decided to never practice... and that was something that Aaron only respected.
"You're a demigod, Percy, and emotion is always a part of your power. However, as a witch, I am more of an academic. My powers come more form knowing and thinking than feeling."
Percy nodded, looking at the purple flames dancing in Aaron's hands. "I can learn to do that?"
"Yes, and so much more. However, since you're so powerful, it is likely you'll have issues controlling the force of your spells. Essentially not starting a wildfire when you mean to light a candle."
"Ahh, that would... suck." Percy muttered, eyes wide. "Am I really that powerful?"
Aaron nodded. "More than you know..."
Percy frowned. "Than maybe I cannot... or should not, practice magic. If I am the much of a risk?"
Aaron's respect only grew from Percy, as the boy respected the world enough to not harm it with his potential... it was something that few would consider.
Soon, it was time for Percy and Aaron and Grover to leave, to go Camp and Home.
Which brought everything to Grover, who refused to actually train. He was too nervous and just never worked. Well, he worked once, but seeing Aaron's fiery magic he just stopped trying. This broadened the gap between Grover and Percy, it was something sad to watch. Aaron hated to see it, but also sort of liked it as Percy could really do better than Grover. Grover was cowardly, meek and though he had potential he squandered it...
By the day's near end, a happy Percy hurried home with Aaron, eager to get rid of Gabe with Aaron's help
They opened the door to the apartment, Aaron armed with his staff readily charged.
"Hey, Brain boy!" The man said, a tuskless walrus as Percy declared, oozed malice and greed on a scale no monster could match. He turned, glaring at Aaron, his idiot gambling friends looking at him confused. "Who's this creep? I didn't say you could bring strangers into my-"
And Aaron struck, slamming his staff into the ground. "Mover Cor!" His favorite spell, amplified by his and Percy's loathing of the man, washed over Gabe and the others. "Gabe's friends, leave. Gabe, start to clean this pigsty!"
The magic overwhelmed their feeble minds and boom, his commands were met. While Gabe cleaned, starting with the living room, Aaron and Percy sat and waited for Percy's mother. They were chatting for about ten or so minutes before they heard her voice. It was soft, gentle with an aura of magic that Aaron had never felt before.
"Percy?"
She opened the bedroom door, and saw Aaron looking at her with his staff in his lap.
"Oh, Percy." She hugged him tight. "I can't believe it. You've grown since Christmas!" She paused after a moment. "Are you Aaron? Percy's tutor?" Aaron nodded, and then got smothered in his own hug. "Oh Sweetie, thank you for being so good for my baby."
He laughed, but masked his own tears, missing so deeply the love of a mother. "It is no issue. He is a great student, especially in swordplay."
She froze, eyes wide. "Swordpla... y." She turned, seeing Percy's solemn look and her own heart fell. "You know." It was no question.
Percy nodded. "He told me after a Fury attacked me. He protected me, with a spelled bag. Taught me how to fight, how with a sword and about Greek myths so I won't be killed or bombarded by something unexpected. He also told me about camp, where my father wants me to go for safety."
She nodded after a long moment, her eyes wide and filled with fear and relief. "I see... well, I guess I guess we aren't going to Montauk, then?"
Aaron stood, patting her hand. "If I may go, for protection, than he can go. My spell bag has just enough juice to last him the rest of the week. But after that, he has to go to Camp. I will keep him safe, Miss Jackson. Oh, but I want to warn you. If you continue to see Gabe, I will not allow Percy to linger here." her eyes widened even further, shaking. "I will keep him away, for his own safety. You son deserves better, we both know that to be true."
"I understand. I only chose Gabe for his scent, but if you can mask demigod scent and auras... that I have no need of him." She shivered, tears falling downing her face. "He hurts me... I hate him, but I cannot..."
Aaron, having guessed this, hugged her. "I'll layer a spell on him, one that will have him throw himself in front of traffic. I am no hero, I have no issues taking human lives. now... get your stuff. When we return, your home will be safe and clean and all will be well."
She sobbed, soft and sweet. "You are always welcome here, sweetie, really you are."
And for the first time, he felt entirely at home...
Chapter end, tell me what you think in the reviews.
This was a lovely chapter.
Love, your Ninja Overlord,
Mika.