BEEP BEEP BEEP

Percy shot up in his bed, looking erratically around his room as the Alarm rang loudly in his ear. His eyes finally landed on the bright red numbers of his clock.

9:32

The it read, blinking frantically.

"Fuck" he muttered as he flung his covers off, and climbed out of his bed. "I'm late again" He grunted out. Percy stumbled his way towards the bathroom, where his roommate, Jared was currently in the shower. They've been roommates for a while. Shoot they've been more than roommates. Ever since 1st Grade, when Jared first transferred to this school, him and Percy have been practically inseparable. Rooming together, eating lunch together, playing games together, staying up late and having "deep coversations". Every roadblock of a friendship has been hit by these two.

"Hey Jared I need the bathroom, I have class in like 10!" Percy called, banging on the door. Percy's life at boarding school has been great in general. School was never too much of an issue, so his grades were always solid, He had a great group of friends aside from Jared that made his life enjoyable, even his bedside window had this fantastic view of the large school field, that was bordered by a forest. Life wasn't too bad, especially for a boarding school.

"Fine, give me a few minutes." Jared grumbled, turning off the shower. Percy dashed to his drawer, and pulled out his uniform.

He had been going here for as long as he could remember. A lot of his life was spent on this 10 Acre plot of land. Aside from the summer and winter breaks, he slept here every day, ate breakfast lunch and dinner here everyday, and had his late night study sessions here.

Percy adjusted his tie, and tried to smooth out the wrinkles in his shirt.

Strangely, he enjoyed this life a little more than break. His house situation wasn't that bad, but Percy didn't really have a family, well beside his mom. He loved her though, even if their relationship was complicated. He didn't really see her that often since she had major responsibilities outside of him. Still though, there was one thing that was a constant. Every year, 1 day before his birthday they would talk. Tomorrow Percy would turn 13. He shot one last look at the clock.

9:50

He was running late.

Percy wondered what gift his mom would give him this year. His options were vast, his mother could really give him anything. Last year was a new sword, he got daggers when he was 10. Percy's favorite though, was a small toy car his mom gave him when he was 7. It was sort of the only gift that made him feel like a regular kid. It made him feel normal. Human. Even though he was far from it.

He fastened the last button on his blazer right as Jared exited the bathroom

"You're running late boy wonder!!" He called. Percy's eyes shot to the clock

9:57

Shit. He was right.

He grabbed his satchel and dashed out the dorm.

"You're not gonna brush your teeth?" Jared exclaimed .

"No time!" Percy called as he sprinted in the hallway. Leaving Jared standing in the empty dormitory.

"Gross." He muttered.

Percy's first 3 periods weren't particularly bad. But, it was school. Work. Classes. There was only so much he could take before he became exhausted enough to check out for the day. He was nearing that point a the beginning of 4th period. The class before lunch

Percy slipped into the back of the classroom, dropping to his seat with a heavy sigh. As his first few classmates slowly trickled in. Percy decided he had enough of this. He pulled out a thin, leather bound book his mom had sent a week ago. Full disclosure, Percy wasn't much of a reader. But after picking it up for the first time yesterday, He could never really put it down. It wasn't the stereotypical book that Percy considered "boring." . It was a sword fighting book. Unorthodox yes. But probably the most detailed manual that you could imagine. It started off teaching the 3 types of moves you could make as a swordsman. Attack, defense, counterattack. Then it moved into positioning, analytical precision, and attack potency with each move.

If we're being honest, the only real reason Percy decided to give it a read, was because of how the cover looked. Aside from the leather bound casing, and the gold script that titled the novel. There was this tiny violet gem that was embedded smack in the middle of the cover.

It's what kickstarted this reading journey for Percy, and was honestly the only reason he was reading it now. Unfortunately, Percy barely even had a chance to finish a page , because seemingly out of nowhere, the teacher, Mr. Willis was at his desk. His eyes peering at the book. There was a small frown on his face.

"er- sorry sir, I'll put it away now." Percy said uneasily. He hastily began to try and stuff the book back in his bag. Mr. Willis stared at Percy's struggles for a few seconds before speaking

"There's no need for that" He said keeping his eyes squarely on the book. Percy paused his attempts of forcing the book in his bag. He felt a chill throughout his body. Not one of fear, but a physical chill nipped at his skin. Percy slowly placed the book on the table.

"I'm sorry?" He said. Mr. Willis's eyes remained on the book. He was slightly chewing on his bottom lip, as if he was in deep thought. This wasn't particularly weird, because Mr. Willis always came off as a strange man (I mean who wears 2 piece wool suits and is normal) But he never did anything to Percy that made him outwardly dislike him. That changed the moment Mr Willis decided to speak again.

"I'll need to confiscate that." He said. His gaze never strayed from the book. Percy gave Mr Willis a puzzled look.

"Uh what?" He asked. Mr. Willis held out his hand. His eyes finally shifted off of the book to look at Percy. There was a wild look in his eyes. His lips were a bit dry, and a couple of sweat beads began to sprout from his head. There was a mixture of frustration, annoyance, and urgency rippled across Mr Willis's faces

"That book needs to be confiscated." He repeated. This time, it was firmer. Closer to an order. Percy's look of confusion remained on his face

What was with this dude?

He thought as he slid the book away from Mr Willis.

"Why though?" He questioned, with a hint of defiance. "I was just reading a bit." Percy added warily. If his mom, found out about some teacher stealing his book, Percy knew he was gonna get an earful.

"I will not ask you again Perseus, give me the book." Mr. Willis growled. But he didn't look as calm as before. His hands trembling. Percy narrowed his eyes

What's going on with-

But before Percy could even react, Mr Willis

tore the book from his hands.

"What the fu-" Percy started

"Silence!" Mr. Willis hissed. The two glared at eachother. Percy gazing at Mr Willis as if he was a wild animal.

What is going on with this guy? Is he suffering from dementia?

Percy thought to himself. He glanced around to his peers, They had to be seeing this. They stared at the two who were practically nose to nose as if they were some kind of wild animal. Percy whirled his head back to Mr Willis,

"But-" He started. He couldn't get another word

"Another word it's detention for you" Mr Willis spat in a threatening tone. Percy just stared at Willis, completely confused. His mouth hung agape as bewildered cries slipped out. After a couple seconds of stunned silence. Mr Willis tucked the book under his coat, and whirled around. He stalked back to the front of the room. The stares of his peers following him. Percy slunk back into his seat. His face frozen in complete shock.

"What just happened?" He muttered to himself

Mr Willis froze at the front of the class.

"Students. I must apologize, something has come up." He said in his usual calm tone. "I must exit, Class is cancelled. You are free to do as you please." He added. Percy's mouth somehow dropped lower than it already was. As he watched Mr Willis bow, before rushing out the classroom, still holding Percy's book. Silence hung in the now teacherless classroom, before the kids erupted into cheers. Percy just sat there. Slack jawed, and staring at his now empty desk.

Line Break

"So you just got ROBBED?" Ava asked, leaning over the table and gawking at Percy. Ava was the third member of their friend group, and was Percy's first friend in the Boarding school. She was a constant in his life, alway there as a voice of reason, or a person to poke fun at him. Whatever was needed for him, She was there. Jared just completed their small little puzzle.

"Yeah." Percy said. "I couldn't do anything about it either, he just took it and threatened detention." He groaned. Ava shook her head in disgust

"There's no way that's legal" she said. "Can't he get-like- arrested for that or something?"

Jared nodded. "Yeah i think that's theft" He added. Ava leaned in "You have to tell someone" she said, nodding encouragingly. Jared shook his head and backed up.

"Uh that would be snitching though." he said. Ava turned and stared at him like he had 3 heads

"He took Percy's fucking book what do you-"

"Guys guys guys" Percy called holding his hands in the air.

"It's whatever." He said. Jared smiled smugly and looked at Ava.

"Yeah, it's whatever" He said pompously,

"He can't just let his book get stolen you idiot" Ava spat. Jared paused for a moment, then looked at Percy

"Why don't you just ask for another one for your birthday?" He asked. "It's in like 2 days."

Percy rubbed his chin thoughtfully. He had almost forgot. His 13th birthday was this Thursday. He also had to speak to his mom today too. Usually . Percy felt a nudge on his elbow.

"So what about it? Couldn't you just ask for one." Jared asked, Looking at Percy expectantly.

"Uh yeah sure"

"HA!" Jared belted. He turned to Ava and imperiously pumped his chest up.

"I told you!" He grinned.

A teacher swiftly walked past them and waved at the group. Ava waved back.

"Who was that?" Percy asked

"On of my teachers. Ms Carmen" Ava said

"What did she teach." Percy asked

"Funny, she actually taught me and Jared algebra last year..." Ava trailed off, as her eyes latched onto Jared. Percy followed her gaze.. Jared was focused intently on Ms Carmen. Who continued to make her way across the lunchroom. Percy nudged Jared.

"Stop staring, you weirdo." He hissed. Jared ignored his words and turned back to the table. He had a look of utter shock on his face

"Wh-what..was in her hand?" He asked in a quivering voice. Percy gave him a puzzled look

"I don't focus on random teachers hands..." He said. Jared looked around. Like he was trying to Keep a secret. He leaned in and whispered

"She had a cinnamon roll in her hand" He said. Ava surprisingly didn't feel like this was world changing information and rolled her eyes.

"Really?" She asked.

"Yeah" Jared said. He paused for a second

"In fact..." He said, trailing off. Jared looked around, His eyes darting to different spots in the room.

"They all have food...good food" He muttered. Percy followed Jared's gaze. He looked at Mr. Browne. He was eating chicken tenders. Even though he thought what Jared was going on about was stupid, he had to admit that Mr. Browne's tenders didn't look as dry as the ones served here. He turned. Ms. Edward had a burrito. It lacked the sogginess that was served here. It didn't look microwaved like the school lunch. Percy turned to another teacher, He was eating a donut, another one, cake. Percy raised an eyebrow. He saw the principal munching on a Crissoant. How did he not notice these things before?

"Their lunch looks pretty good." Percy muttered.

"Is that a Starbucks Iced coffee?" Ava said. Pointing at Mr. Willis who was across the cafeteria, sipping from a plastic green cup . Percy looked to Jared who gritted his teeth, and stared down at his watery Mac & Cheese bitterly,

"Dang" She muttered.

"I don't blame him for being pissed."

The rest of the day was a blur for Percy. He just couldn't get Mr Willis's behavior out of his head. Even after class, during what was supposed be be free time before dinner, Percy was on his back, laying in bed. Staring up at the ceiling. Thinking. Or atleast least TRYING to think. But unfortunately, across the dorm room, Jared was muttering to himself.

"Hey!" Percy yelled. The muttering stopped

"Sorry" Jared called out

"Just stressed" he said. Percy rolled over to face Jared's bed. in the doorway.

"What is it?" He asked. Jared let out a sigh

"I want revenge." He said. A puzzled look appeared onto Percy's face.

"At lunch, I mean. Where we saw the teachers eating the food. You remember that?"

Percy nodded.

"I've kinda got pissed at that. And was thinking..." Jared paused to look at Percy, who was staring back at him. Waiting.

"What if we take some back?" Percy scoffed and rolled on his back. What an idiot.

"Not just cause I'm hungry" Jared added hastily. "It's more so to..." He raised a fist

"Make a statement."

"Oh lord." Percy said. "How would you even do that?" Percy asked. Jared bit his lip.

"Maybe if we sneak into the teachers lounge, we could get some of the goods." Jared said. A mischievous smile appearing on his face as the idea crept into his mind.

" Cool, what does that have to do with me?" Percy asked. Jared's grin shifted into a nervous smile

"Well, we'll need your help." He said. Percy laughed.

"Thanks, but I'm good" he said.

"I rather not get expelled over microwaved cinnamon rolls" Jared groaned and gave him a pleading look.

"It's tomorrow night! It'll be fun! There's food and-"

"I'm good." Percy said.

"Charlotte would be there" Jared said in a feeble attempt to draw him in. Percy shook his head.

Charlotte was Ava's friend and roommate. and unbeknownst to her, Percy had a little bit of a crush. He had only confided this in Jared, who had predictably teased him for it. Percy was also too terrified to tell Ava about it given her friendship with Charlotte. One benefit, however was that Percy and Jared often spent time with her through Ava. Despite this, Percy didn't have close to enough guts to express anything.

"Yeah, no. Nice try though" He said. Jared groaned and and walked over to his desk and sat down to start his homework. Percy checked his watch.

"Fuck." He muttered. He was late. Mom was not gonna be happy. Percy rolled off his bed slid his feet into his slippers

"I'm going out." Percy called. Jared grunted a response, barely looking up as Percy headed for the door

Percy trekked through the wild forest, stepping through and around various bushes, brambles and plant life that stuck out of the ground. He was always excited to talk with his mom, as he never really got to see her growing up. But these were the rare moments he was able to actually speak with her. Fully.

Percy strolled past a large Oak tree wounded with slash marks. He smiled warmly, then looked ahead.

Oh shoot.

Percy dashed past the tree, He lost track of time. He cut past the swaths of bushes and shrubs, leaping over the brambles and roots, before reaching a small clearing. A holographic image was floating there, captured by small beam of sunlight. It showed a woman's face. A stern woman's face. She had her arms crossed and her eyebrows raised. He bent down, breathing heavy and exhausted

"Your late" Hera, The Queen of the gods said.

Line break

"Excited for Thursday?" Hera asked. Percy beamed

"Yeah mom" He said. Fidgeting excitedly. He looked up.

"You did said you had a surprise for me" He added. Hera smiled.

"Have you been reading that book I sent you?" Hera asked. Percy chuckled nervously.

"Well I was initially..." He started. Hera narrowed her eyes.

" But my teacher took my book so I couldn't..." He added, wincing guy. Hera groaned and rubbed her temples.

"That book, was from your father." She said irritated. Father? Percy leaned in. His mom didn't talk about his dad often. Every time Percy would ask about him, Hera would always promise "You would know when you're older." Occasionally, Percy would recive a gift from him. He got a Dagger for his 6th birthday, a ring for his 9th, and now, a book.

"Mortals" Hera muttered. Percy scratched his neck.

"Uh yeah I was going to ask you for a new one.." Hera slapped her head. "It's a one of one copy smart alek" she said, groaning. Percy winced. He knew she was going to be pissed.

"That could've really benefited you." She scolded. Percy agreed, he was sort of Pissed Mr Willis took his book. He actually wanted to test out the moves the book taught him. Suddenly, an idea popped in his head.

"I remember some of them..I can demonstrate!" Percy blurted out, he flung up to a standing position, with his sword drawn. Hera smiled. A small one.

"No that's okay, sit back down." She said.

"How excited are you for your birthday?" She asked. Percy shrugged

"Well, it depends..." He started.

"On what?"

"How good the gift is..." Percy trailed off when he saw the look on Hera's face.

"I meant..er-kinda like...how natural and-" Hera waved her hand.

"Its fine. and I know you will be excited about this." She said. Percy smiled

"What is it?" He asked leaning in.

"Well, You're leaving the school!" She said. Percy excited face dropped.

"What do you mean?" He asked. Hera smiled.

"Well, since you're turning 13, your time is done over there. I now can officially remove you and…

"Wait wait wai." Percy cut.

"I don't get it. What does this mean for me? Will I just be staying on Olympus?" Percy asked. Hera shook her head

"No, I'll transfer you to someone else. You'll live there-."

"Live!?!?" Percy spat.

"Do you mean this is permanent?!" He cried. Percy, sat, frozen. Hera frowned

"Yeah, What's the problem?" Hera asked. She thought he would be jumping up and down in excitement by now.

"I-I cant." Percy managed to get out. Hera narrowed her eyes

"Sorry it can't be the way you want it to" Hera sneered

"I..."

"Don't worry, this place is way more fun. You'll love it." She added waving her hand

"But mom, I have friends here, I can't jus-" he started

"Oh no don't worry about them sweetheart, we'll just use the mist, they'll forget it" she said.

"No. No that's not what i mean" Percy started This was a disaster.

"I can leave them. I love them" he cried out. Hera rolled her eyes. Percy sat up and rubbed his face. Things weren't going his way at all.

"Percy I'm afraid you don't have a choice." Hera said firmly.

"I-I can't-" Percy started. Hera furrowed her brows, she was getting a little irritated.

"You WILL be LEAVING." She repeated, this time, it sounded more like an order. Percy slumped down. And buried his face in his hands. Hera's gaze softened.

"I promise you it's for the best." She said

"Best? BEST!? You're ripping me away from my HOME and claiming it's for the BEST!!?" Percy cried

"Yes." Hera whispered.

"How about this." She said, leaning forward.

"I'll let you stay for one more day. Instead of leaving tonight, come early in the morning on Thursday." She said. Percy lifted his head up. Just enough to peek at his mother. That was in 2 days.

"Be there by 6 am. You know where to go. Trap door under your dorm. A portal should be open go before anyone wakes up. We cant have people seeing you" Hera said, back to her firm voice. Percy sighed. Hera's scowl turned into a chirpy smile

"I'll see you then, love you, BYE." She said. The image disapeared. Percy's shoulders sank.

One more day.

Line break

Percy walked out of the shower to Jared laying his head on the desk.

"Why are you so glum?" Percy asked throwing a shirt on.

"You still tired?" He asked. Jared looked up

"nah...just stressed. Look at this." Percy walked up the desk and looked at the ghastly scribbles that branded an innocent sheet of loose leaf.

"What is that?" He asked, a twinge of disgust in his voice.

"A plan to raid the Cafe."

"You're still on about that?" Percy asked. Jared nodded.

"You could always join. We could use more members.

"We?"

"Yeah, I roped in Ava and Charlotte. You could round out our crew" Jared said jabbing Percy in the ribs.

Jared and Ava huh?

Percy thought to himself. He looked over to his bed. A bed that would be empty in less than 36 hours. Jared and Ava. His friends for life would never remember who he is. He would never get to laugh with them. Sit with them at that lunch table, get made fun of for his mega crush on Charlotte. Or...

He looked back at Jared. He had a stupid grin on his face. A lump formed in Percy's throat instantly.

"Ah jeez." Percy muttered.

"I guess Charlotte sweetens the deal." He said with a small smile. His eyes began to moisten. Percy coughed

"Let me help with this." He blurted out. Jared fist pumped. This raid was wildly unexpected, and weird. But of course, it was a way to bring snacks to the students, maybe get some of his items back, and most importantly,

It was one last stand.

Hey, my mans!! Its chapter 2. Solid chapter overall.

PAIRINGS!!!!

I have a poll running where you guys get to decide who Percy gets paired with. Update on that later.

This chapter was 3000 words, which is around my goal for each chapter. Next one will be longer, I think. But for now, Its a wrap.

Peace.