As the new school year kicked off at Elysium Prep, Percy took his mom's advice to heart and made it his mission to befriend Nico. And let me tell you, it was anything but a tough task! Percy was drawn to Nico's dry humor and morbid jokes like a moth to a flame. There was something refreshingly real about Nico that Percy couldn't help but admire.
In return, Nico found himself hooked on Percy's infectious energy, passion, and, well, let's just say a hint of reckless charm. Percy's vibe seemed to have this magical effect on Nico, coaxing him out of his shell and encouraging him to mingle with others in their year. Before they knew it, Percy and Nico had formed a bond so tight, they were practically inseparable.
But hey, they weren't about to form some exclusive club! Percy and Nico were all about expanding their little circle and welcoming others into their fold.
As they roamed the halls of Elysium Prep, they encountered all sorts of characters among their peers. Friendships flourished, bringing together a bunch of mismatched souls who somehow just clicked together perfectly, like pieces of a puzzle. Percy's outgoing nature complemented Nico's more reserved demeanor, creating a dynamic balance that just worked for their crew. Before long, the once-isolated misfits had become a close-knit group, celebrating each other's quirks, embracing their differences, and taking on the challenges of teenagehood together as a team.
Their friendship wasn't just about hanging out and liking the same stuff; it was like a rock-solid foundation, built on knowing each other inside out and having each other's backs. Percy, drawing from his own life lessons, became a pillar to Nico, helping him navigate through whatever life threw their way. And in return, Nico was always there to listen, offering genuine understanding that went beyond just words.
School days were like a mix of wild adventures, cramming for tests at the last minute, and the sound of their laughter echoing through the halls. Percy's knack for spontaneous fun added this exciting twist to their daily grind. And even though Nico was a bit cautious at first, he couldn't resist getting swept up in Percy's infectious energy.
At Elysium Prep, Percy and Nico were like the dynamic duo. They kinda got these unofficial titles—Nico was like the king, 'cause he knew everyone and owned the school, and Percy, well, he was cool being the prince. But you know what? Despite the fancy titles, Percy was still the same awesome guy who couldn't stand bullies. Together, they pretty much ruled the school, not with power or popularity, but with their friendship, their laughter, and just by being themselves. For Percy, who'd dealt with his fair share of bullies in the past, being at the top felt like a sweet victory. It showed that being kind and standing up for what's right could totally turn things around.
But those titles didn't change Percy's core values. He was still the guy who'd protect Nico from jealous haters or those trying to take advantage of his school owner status. What started as a promise to his mom turned into real love for Nico. Percy wasn't just being protective; he genuinely cared about his friend. In the crazy world of high school drama, Percy was the guy who stood up for what's right and stayed fiercely loyal. And now, Nico was a big part of that loyalty. Their friendship wasn't about authority – it was about being real and having each other's backs.
In the bustling halls of Elysium Prep, Percy and Nico found their own little haven amidst the chaos. Every day was an adventure, filled with laughter and friendship. One day, Percy decided to shake things up a bit with a harmless prank. He slipped a fake spider into Nico's backpack before class, just to see his reaction. As Nico opened his bag, the spider popped out, prompting a comically exaggerated response. The whole class burst into laughter, even the teacher couldn't help but crack a smile. Percy beamed with pride, his mischief-making skills on full display, while Nico couldn't help but chuckle along, shaking his head at the absurdity of it all.
Nico's dry wit became their trademark. During boring school assemblies, he'd drop sarcastic comments that had Percy struggling to contain his laughter. When the teacher went on about some new rules, Nico leaned over and deadpanned to Percy, "Looks like my big date with destiny will have to wait." Percy nearly choked trying to stifle his laughter, narrowly avoiding a detention.
Their friendship wasn't confined to the classroom; it spilled over into the chaos of lunchtime at the cafeteria. Amidst the jostling crowds and questionable food options, Percy and Nico found humor in the absurdity of it all. Nico, with his dark sense of humor, would joke about the mystery meat being a slow and torturous demise, while Percy dreamed up fantastical plans for a lunchtime revolution, complete with mythical-themed dishes.
One day, between bites of questionable cafeteria fare, Nico fixed Percy with a deadpan stare. "You know, Percy, if we ever had to face monsters in this school, your brand of crazy might just throw them off guard. They wouldn't know what hit 'em."
Percy, grinning, fired back, "And your sarcasm would be our secret weapon. Monsters wouldn't know how to handle it, and bam – victory would be ours." They shared a laugh, though Percy couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Nico's words than met the eye. Brushing it off, he dove back into his lunch, content to enjoy the moment.
Their dynamic wasn't just about words; it was about action too. One unforgettable day, Percy decided to bring some music to the lunchtime chaos. With an old-school boombox in tow, he dragged Nico to the courtyard, where they danced like nobody's business. The sight of them busting moves drew cheers from their classmates, who soon joined in, turning the courtyard into an impromptu dance floor. Nico, usually reserved, found himself swept up in the infectious joy of the moment. It was an odd pairing, but somehow their differences just worked, blending into a beautiful friendship.
Whenever Nico had a rough day, Percy was there with his antics to lift his spirits. Like that time Percy brought a bunch of colorful balloons to school and tied them to Nico's locker – the sight of the gloomy kid with balloons was enough to crack everyone up.
But amidst all the laughter, there were also quiet moments of connection. Like when they sat on the rooftop, watching the sunset, sharing dreams and fears. Nico, who typically kept his guard up, found solace in Percy's presence. And Percy, appreciating Nico's honesty and resilience, cherished those intimate moments. Sometimes, as they walked through the courtyard, Percy would catch Nico gazing up at the stars. Without a word, Percy would take Nico's hand, and they'd lie on the grass, pondering the mysteries of the universe under the twinkling night sky. In those moments, Nico's tough exterior softened, revealing a vulnerability that Percy held dear.
In the end, Elysium Prep wasn't just a school – it was their playground. And Percy and Nico were the kings, not because of authority, but because they brought joy, laughter, and an unbreakable bond that made the whole place feel like home. Their friendship was a rollercoaster of laughter, camaraderie, and shared escapades. It wasn't just about being school buddies; it was about finding joy in the everyday chaos, crafting memories, and embracing the unique blend of dry wit, morbid humor, recklessness, and mischief that defined Percy and Nico's extraordinary friendship at Elysium Prep.
But all those flourishing friendships came to a halt when half of the student population realized that the other half was keeping a secret. None of them realized what it was, until one day Professor Felix gathered Percy's class for a serious discussion after the last bell rang. Percy exchanged confused looks with his classmates, puzzled by the tension in the air. Something was amiss, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.
As Professor Felix dropped the bombshell on the unsuspecting students, Percy's eyes widened in disbelief. He exchanged incredulous glances with Ethan, Alabaster, and the rest of the class, all equally stunned by what they were hearing. The room fell into a heavy silence, broken only by the sound of Felix's footsteps as he paced at the front, his face serious but determined.
With each word, Felix's speech seemed to peel back the layers of their reality, revealing a world they had never imagined could exist. The myths and legends they had dismissed as fairy tales were suddenly revealed to be the very fabric of their lives.
"As demigods, you carry the blood of the divine within you," Felix explained, his voice steady and sure. "Your parents are gods from the pantheon, and you are their mortal offspring. Each of you possesses unique abilities inherited from your divine parentage, and you are now a part of a world that exists beyond mortal comprehension."
The classroom erupted into laughter, a mix of nervous disbelief and incredulity at the absurdity of what they were being told. Percy couldn't help but laugh along with them, the sound tinged with a hint of uncertainty. The idea of gods and monsters walking among them seemed too outrageous to be true.
But as Percy glanced at Alabaster, he noticed something different in his friend's expression. While the others laughed, Alabaster's brow was furrowed in deep thought, as if he were struggling to come with terms with some profound revelation. Suddenly, Percy's laughter faded, replaced by a growing sense of unease. It was clear that for some of their classmates, this revelation was anything but a joke.
Laughter dwindled into a soft murmur, replaced by a ripple of confusion as Percy and others noticed the serious expressions on their peers' faces. Even Ethan, usually the quickest with a quip, looked puzzled. Percy and Ethan exchanged glances, silently sharing their bewilderment—what on earth was going on?
Professor Felix, undeterred by the mixed reactions, pressed on. He spoke of dormant powers inherited from godly parents who watched over their mortal lives. As Felix continued, Percy couldn't help but observe the range of reactions in the room. Some raised skeptical eyebrows, while others seemed to lean into the truth, their minds opening to the possibility of a hidden world intertwined with their own.
The weight of the revelation settled on Percy like a heavy blanket. Gods were real? Monsters were real? The fantastical stories that had seemed like mere fiction were now revealed to be a reflection of their own reality. Emotions swirled in the air, tangible in the shocked expressions and nervous glances of the demigod students. Percy's thoughts raced as he struggled with the implications. Alabaster, who had always joked about casting hexes, appeared strangely composed, as if finding validation in what he had long suspected.
Once the initial shock wore off, Percy's mind turned into an overdrive of trying to connect the dots. As Professor Felix continued his speech, detailing the existence of Camp Half-Blood, a haven for demigods to hone their abilities and connect with their divine lineage, it all finally seem to hit Percy like a tidal wave, making him question every weird thing that ever happened to him.
His superhuman water skills were the first red flag. Percy thought about how he could stay underwater longer than anyone else, swim like a fish without any lessons, and feel like a million bucks after coming out of the water. It was always weird, but he never dwelled on it too much. Then there were those trips to the aquarium with his mom. He remembered hearing whispers calling him "My Lord," but he figured it was just his imagination playing tricks on him. Still, the fish in the tanks seemed to follow him around, and that was just downright strange.
Facing the possibility of being a demigod, Percy felt like he was standing on the edge of a new world, one where everything he thought he knew was about to change. The idea that he might have divine parentage, a connection to the gods themselves, was both exhilarating and daunting.
As he struggled with this newfound knowledge, Percy's emotions were a whirlwind. There was awe at the thought of possessing special abilities, uncertainty about what the future held, and a sense of being part of something much larger than himself. But along with that excitement came a healthy dose of nervousness. After all, being a hero didn't always end well in the stories, except for Perseus, ironically enough. Percy could only hope that he'd have the same luck and find his own happy ending amidst the chaos.
Then again suddenly everything in his life made a whole lot more sense. Ancient Greek? That explained why Percy had been acing the language effortlessly since he set foot in Elysium Prep. It was like his brain had an auto-translate feature for anything ancient and Greek. And the ADHD? Apparently, it wasn't just some random curse—demigods were hardwired to be constantly on their toes, defending themselves from sneaky monsters. Percy couldn't help but glance around the classroom, trying to gauge who else was as shell-shocked as him. It was like a secret club, and everyone in it just found out they had superpowers.
Then came the bombshell about the tower being monster-proof. Percy's eyes widened. All those times his mom had told him Smelly Gabe's stench was the reason they were safe—it wasn't just a weird joke. Percy's mom, his incredible and brave mom, had married that awful man to keep Percy hidden from the monsters. The realization hit him hard. That night, Percy hugged his mom tighter than ever. The warmth of her embrace felt like the safest place in the world. All those years, and he had no idea the sacrifices she made to keep him safe. Percy couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude and love for the woman who stood between him and the dangers of the world, even if that meant enduring Smelly Gabe's presence.
The next day at Elysium Prep was straight-up bonkers. The vibe in the school had done a total 180, and Percy could practically taste the weirdness in the air. It was like they'd stumbled into a whole new dimension, and everyone was still trying to wrap their heads around the fact that they were demigods.
After Felix's reveal, Percy and his classmates got claimed by their godly parents. And for the looks of it, so did every other class. As Percy strolled down the halls, he couldn't help but notice the way students were giving each other these wide-eyed, "Wait you too?" looks. The shock from the day before was still lingering, turning every interaction into a mix of awe and "What the heck just happened?"
Then came the moments of revelation—the sudden connections forming between students who found out they were long-lost half-siblings. In the midst of the chaos, Alabaster and Lou Ellen, Nico's friend, were practically doing a sibling dance, their laughter echoing like they'd just won the lottery. Finding out they were children of Hecate explained Alabaster's magical talents. Which was why he had not been that surprised when Professor Felix dropped his bomb yesterday. On the other side of the hallway, Ethan and Damien White, another one of Nico's classmates, were exchanging bear hugs, realizing they were half-siblings, kids of Nemesis. The whole scene was a mix of divine family reunion and high school drama.
Meanwhile, Percy hung back, soaking in the spectacle with a mix of amusement and genuine curiosity. He knew he was a bit of an oddball, being claimed by the almighty Poseidon. Percy Jackson, son of the sea god—it had a weirdly awesome ring to it. Grinning at the absurdity, he felt a sudden weight settle in. Percy couldn't wait for Nico to show up, ready to explore this family tie like it was the coolest adventure yet. However, for some reason, it also felt wrong to call Nico his cousin. He was more than that. How? Percy still had no idea, but he can't wait to find out.
It was then that Percy's gaze fell upon Nico. However, instead of smiling, Percy frowned confused. Nico was walking down the hall, head down, flinching at the judgmental gazes. It didn't sit well with Percy. Percy couldn't stand the way some students were treating Nico after the whole godly parent reveal. Nico, who had saved countless orphans and defeated the Triumvirate, deserved respect, not dirty looks.
Fueled by a mix of protective rage and maybe a hint of something more (because Percy did have a bit of a hero crush on Nico after hearing all the stories of his achievements from his mom), he stormed down the hall. Without a second thought, he lifted Nico onto his shoulder, prompting a surprised squeak from the Ghost King. Then, with all the dramatic flair he could muster, Percy proclaimed, "All hail to our hero! Nico di Angelo! Our Ghost King!"
The response was immediate. The hallway, which had been buzzing with whispers and judgment, erupted in cheers. Students joined in, giving Nico a hero's welcome. Percy grinned at Nico, who seemed both surprised and genuinely happy about the unexpected tribute.
Oh, Percy was watching them. Nobody messes with his Ghost King. The message was clear: Nico was a hero, a protector, and Percy would make sure everyone acknowledged it. If looks could kill, those students would've been on the floor. But for now, Percy just made a mental note to keep a close eye on them. No harm would come to his Ghost King, not on Percy's watch.
- END OF ACT I -