Chapter Text
Itโs wednesday
6:33. Still early, even for me. I woke up because of the warm sun hitting my skin, it felt nice. Almost as if someone was trying to tell me today wasn't going to be so bad. School doesn't start in another 3 hours, but still I wanted to get ready. I changed into something normal, brushed my teeth, got my headphones and went outside to get some breakfast.
I checked my phone, 7:42. Enough time to get a bagel at Jonesieโs. I always liked their bagels. Their bagels are always perfectly toasted with enough cream cheese on them. The sun was starting to rise as the city slowly woke up. It was one of the last days of school today, and so far the year had gone alright. I mean, I'm in my dream uni at 17, studying something that makes me happy, and on top of that I have my own dorm! Life was not so bad. However, making friends wasnโt going so well, Iโve never even been good at making friends, let's be honest here. But Iโve always longed for a bond, someone to go on adventures with, to share everything with. You can do that on your own, but it wouldnโt be the same.
Jonesieโs was basically deserted when I arrived. No line today because it only just opened. I entered the restaurant and a warm toasted bread smell filled my nose. I didn't need to look at the menu. I come in almost every day, even the staff knows you.
โHey Lucy! could K just get the cream cheese bagel with salmon?โ Lucy is the girl that works at Jonesies and is almost like a friend to me at this point. She of course knows your order by heart.
โOf cours, youโre up early? When is your next class?โ Lucy asked. โOh it isnโt for another few hours, but I don't know. I just woke up and decided to relax. Something told me to anyway.โ I told her. Lucy is such a good listener, you can talk to her for hours while she won't say a word but still she understands. I love that about her.
โWell you are very vague today that's for sure.โ She smiled while preparing the bagels. โBut it's nice to see you again, even at this hour.โ She said while smiling.
โLucy, you are too sweet, but I'm not gonna tip youโ We both laughed as she gave me my bagel.
โI'll catch up with you tonight! Iโm going out this afternoon with a friend.'' Lucy and I always meet up in the afternoon after weโre both done with school and work. But today I had different plans.
โOh so iโm being replaced great, thanks a lot. But tell me about your mysterious friend!โ she said sarcastically.
โWell he is a friend from school. He is a bit older but kind, wise and really funny.โ I explained to her.
โWell that sounds like you really like him. You sure he is just a friend?โ She asked.
โYes he is just a friendโ I said.
Is he though?
โWell please dont get kidnapped, and have fun!! And tell me about him tonight!โ She said while giving me my bagel.
โAlright, see you tonight.โ I replied while exiting the shop.
8:57 am. Only half an hour till you leave to go to uni. The dorm building was now slowly waking up as well, as the students curtains rose and people started walking towards the dining hall. Uni was a bit out of the city but not by much, of course they couldnโt afford to have both dorm and classroom buildings in the city. The elevator was still broken so I decided to take the stairs, the worst decision ever. All huffing and puffing I arrived upstairs.
There was something off though, you could see the door of your dorm being open. Hesitantly I walked over to my dorm. The door was open but no one seemed to be inside. I guess I just forgot to lock up.
But when I closed the door, I heard someone flush the toilet. A tall, scrawny dark haired guy walked out of your bathroom. โPercy what?โ you were flabbergasted. โHey! Yeah sorry about that. Do you have deodorant? It smells pretty bad there actually.โ He said. โMy god donโt youโve got your own toilet?โ I said while looking for deodorant. He smiled โGood to see you as well!โ He said
โYeah whatever Percyโ I didnโt want to smile but couldn't hold myself back. He smirked.
Percy was one of the fewer friends I have ever made. I met him this school year while on campus. There was just something about him that made me feel grounded. He came up to me while I was reading about Icarus. The book was great until I was interrupted by him. He started telling me about Greek myths and sometimes he seemed a bit mad actually. One time we were talking about Ares and he made it seem like he had actually met the guy.
I ignored those kinds of remarks because even though he was trouble, a bit weird and unique, he was a good friend. He cared and listened. We have been friends for about 4 months now, and have become quite close. I've never told Lucy because there was never a reason to tell her. But today you had to, because Percy wanted to do something together after school. And I desperately wanted to get to know him outside of school. He's kind of a mystery I wanna figure out. Just like an old Greek myth.
โSo why are you actually here besides making my bathroom a patient zero zone?โ I asked him.
โWell I wanted to surprise you, but you weren't home so I sort of broke your lock, but I know a guy who might be able to fix it! So that's not a problem. but I wanted to take the train with you today.โ it was weird for him to ask me this, I mean weโd been taking the same train since the beginning of the year but he has never asked me to go with him.
Maybe it was because he wanted to get closer to you.
Nope, probably just for some random reasons. โYeah sure why not. Have you got your notes with you?โ I asked Percy. โShit no, I totally forgot Iโve been busy that's all.โ He said. I couldnโt help but notice he kept touching his arm. I knew something was up.
Something Percy always goes through is some days are good, and some days are not. The bad days made his adhd worse, he kept beinf hyper aware, like something was about to happen. And sometimes I swear, he was grieving someone or something. I tried my best to cheer him up on those days but some days were impossible. I just hope today is not one of those days.
โAlright, could I borrow your notes then?โ he asked me. โYeah sure but Percy I'm two years under you, so the notes are not the same, plus I need them as well, so weโll have to share.โ โThatโs not a big deal, I'll just stick with you the entire day, youโre stuck with me now.โ He smirked. โGreat.โ I said sarcastically while Percy laughed.
The day went fine, we only had like 2 hours of school today anyway. The last days of school meant short days with nothing to do. Percy was super annoying today so that was pretty normal for him. We spent almost the entire day together, which was rare. Also he is finally turning 20 this summer and is entering his third year of college. I'm only entering my second year and turning 18 this summer as well. So our classes are never aligned. I guess it is pretty weird why me and Percy are such good friends. I mean, he is annoying and a trouble maker, but still he was cool, funny, kind and well, really good looking. I wouldn't say I'm ugly but just not on that level. I know that he's got other friends but he almost never mentions them by name. And they also don't go to our college. It's like Percy has got these two lives, one which I'm a part of and the other is a mystery. Anyway it doesn't matter now, it's just me and him. together.
"Soooo where are you kidnapping me, Perce?" I asked. We were taking the train somewhere, a spot Percy likes to come to, he told me. "It's a secret, so you have to promise me it's just going to be between us." he said. I knew it was a joke but I'd like the idea of a place where it's just me and him. Our secret. "Sure i'll promise ahaha. Just get me back home on time" "Ofcourse, we've still got hours though!" He was right it was only 16:42. The train carriage was basically empty. It was just me and him and some older women, they were sitting somewhere at the back. Percy kept looking at them curiously, like he was on the lookout. I didn't get it though, they weren't doing anything just being old ladies I guess.
The sun fell into our carriage and a warm hit of sun rays hit our skins. I looked over at him. His sea green eyes sparkling in the sun, he looked beautiful. I could sense that something was up with him, his eyes had this dark grim expression. He looked back at me.
Shit he saw I was staring.
He smiled. Everything felt just right.
We arrived at Jones Beach state park, a very long beach on Long Island. It was beautiful. Percy taking me here made sense, he had always told me the beach was his favorite place. He said that the ocean always calms him down. "You are quiet today, why?" he asked all of a sudden. "Oh I was just thinking, nothing serious." I told him. It was true, I was too much in my head today. "Well I know this amazing pizza place just down there, maybe that'll get you out of your head?" he said to me. "I would love that Percy".
The pizza place was your typical New York pizza place. Grease stains everywhere and red green colors filled the wall. The pizza was the best though. I needed to eat something so bad, I guess Percy just kind of knew. While walking down the beach the sun was almost setting and yellow red colors spread in the sky above us. The weather really has been nice today. "So it's just up there" Percy said while leading me up a dune. "Views always the best up here plus i've kind of build my own spot right, here." His spot was right on top of the dune. It had this tree close by and percy grabbed this chest which was next to it. He opened it up and I couldn't see much but I saw all sorts of sea stuff; shells, coral, sand. He grabbed a blanket, a ukulele, some wood and a lighter. I must have imagined something but I thought I saw a gold shield in the chest. But he closed it before I could take another look. "Wow so you're homeless and this is where you live?"I said "Aha very funny." He said sarcastically. "No I don't live here. I live in Manhattan with my mom and her boyfriend. This is just where I like to go to take my mind off things." "And write songs I guess?" I asked pointing at the ukulele. "Ahaha no. I just like to play from time to time." "Well play me something?" I asked. He started playing. I knew the song, "Green eyes" by coldplay.
For that moment it was just me and him. While the sun set. No one seemed to exist, not even time seemed to exist. I took in the sun. I felt his eyes on me. His singing was something else, his voice was kind of husky and scruffy. But it sounded so sweet. I leaned my head against his shoulder while taking it all in.
20:54. Time to leave this place. Even though I didn't want to. I still had my plans with lucy. I kept gazing at Percy while walking back to the train. There was something to him, and you just couldn't stop staring. That is probably not natural. I can't catch feelings, he's the only friend i've made at school so far. Let's not mess up one of the only good things in my life right now.
The train ride back was good. Percy smelled like the sea and sand. He kept making jokes and we started talking about myths again. It was one of my favorite things to talk about with him. It was around 21:17 when we arrived at the subway station. He said he was going to take me to Lucy which I appreciated. New York is New York but I never liked the city at night. Especially when I was alone. The subway station was deserted. We were waiting on the train while this young woman walked into the station. I paid her no mind. Just a good looking young woman. Percy tensed up though. He kept staring at her. As if he knew her. I made eye contact with him trying to tell him whats up. But he looked at me while trying to tell me be careful. I didn't understand. The station was quiet and still empty and the woman was looking at the subway maps. As if she couldn't find the way. Eventually she walked towards us. "Excuse me kids, I really can't find my way around here. See i'm not from around here. I need to go to Whitlock avenue." She said. Her accent was southern and her voice was very high pitched. She sounded normal to me, but Percy looked cautious and stressed. Eventually I told her where to go and she walked off. "Why are you so tense? She was just lost, that's all." I asked. "Yeah whatever. Be careful, some people are really not what they seem." He sounded stern and stressed. Whatever I thought, maybe he was robbed once and that's why he has trust issues with strangers. I noticed her handbag laying close to us, she must've dropped it. I stood up to go up to her and return it, but Percy grabbed a hold of my wrist. "Where are you going? She's a stranger, jesus." He said "It's nothing, she just dropped her purse. I'm going to return it. Be right back" I told him. He stood up. "I'll walk with you." "Jeez Perce she's not going to do anything, it's just a tourist." He didn't reply and walked with me. "Excuse me ma'am, you dropped your purse?" "Oh dear, I must've. Thank you child." "Ofcourse!" We walked back to our seats.
"See that wasn't so hard.โ Percy just stayed quiet. "Sorry children but could I ask you one more thing?" The woman said. Percy gave me a serious look but I walked towards her. "Sure thing!" It was kind of weird how she kept calling us children, she was like 27 herself. "Just stand a bit closer dear" the woman said, I didn't hesitate. Percy was now close by and gripping his pocket. "So what's your question m'am." "Oh well I was just wondering how are you still alive?" She asked in an eerie way. "Uhm sorry I don't think I understand m'am" I told her. She was stretching her neck and her arms, and her body kept making these cracky sounds. "I think you know child. A powerful child like you with the almighty Percy Jackson, that is not a coincidence." Her body was now growing bigger every second. I started walking back and bumped into Percy.
what is going on!
"I'm just happy i've got two snacks instead of one now." The woman said joyfully. Her clothes started slipping and under her skirt was a giant thick snake's tail. Half human, half snake. She revealed her fangs, and she had terrible eyes. They were red. How didn't I notice it before? "Percy, why does this woman know your name?" "It's a long story, just get to the stairs. I'll deal with this." He said. He didn't sound freaked out at all but something told me he was indeed scared, not for himself but for me. "I'm not leaving until I know why the hell she's half snake half human, Perce". I tried sounding brave but I think they could both tell I was shitting my jeans. "Look, it's not the time to be brave- wait, you can see her? Like you can actually see a snake woman?" He sounded shocked. "Uhm yeah I dont think that's a good sign. Is it?" "Nope" He said. "Enough talking you two, I shall finally have some delicious demigod food again! We will rise." She yelled while charging at me. I backed off quickly enough but she almost had me. Percy magically had a sword. He fought her, but she was strong and very big. With every charge it's like she was becoming stronger and he was wearing out. "No water to save you here almighty Percy Jackson." "I don't need the sea Lamia!" Lamia why did that name seem so familiar. I couldn't think right now. "Go to the exit of the station now!" I didn't want to be a coward but I also didn't want to be dead. besides I didn't have anything to defend myself with except some dorm keys. So I ran. But Lamia or whatever her name was, noticed me and ran after me. She swung her tail so that the exit was blocked. She gave me the scariest look I've ever seen. I've felt my energy draining. Percy jumped on her tail and stabbed her. She screamed but then became furious.
The next part is hazy.
I remember Percy running with me towards a different exit, he gave me this look that everything was going to be fine. I felt okay. But that feeling was crushed like 2 seconds later when Percy was stabbed by Lamia's tail. He screamed and everything stopped. He fell down to the ground and I crouched down next to him. I remember I felt helpless. "Now no one can protect you. 17 years but you are finally found. No hiding anymore, it's just you and me." The woman said. I looked down at Percy, He was still alive, but barely. I started breaking down. I can't believe this is the way I go. Lamia started surrounding us with her tail, I guess to choke us out. But that is about the last thing I remember. I felt extremely scared and then I felt an excruciating pain all over my body. Then I blacked out. I felt warm. I felt a rush of power until everything went cold and black again.
I heard cars, I felt a carseat under me. At this point I knew I couldn't be dead. I slowly opened my eyes hoping for the best. I looked up and saw Percy driving. He looked alright. Some small wounds on his face but he seemed to be alright. I looked over at him. He noticed, and smiled. I tried talking but I couldn't get enough energy to actually talk. I don't think I've ever been this drained. "I know, I know. Look, I'll tell you what happened later. You must be extremely confused, I get it. Trust me I do. But right now i'm going to take you somewhere safe and that's the only thing that matters right now.'' He sounded more hopeful but there was a sad tone in his voice. "I would have brought you here if i'd known. I didn't know." he got teary eyed. "I promised myself something like this would never happen again. AndI let it happen, right in front of me. Iโm sorry. I'll make it all better trust me." I was wondering what safe place he would take me. it's like he was reading my mind.
"Somewhere safe is a place I've called home for 8 years. it's called camp half blood."
I slowly fell asleep.