Shit forgot the AN: I Don't Own ANYTHING! There... that should be better! Aight, have fun!

An explosion, and gunshots echoed through the air...

I woke from my dreamless sleep in my bunk and saw my roommate sound asleep. I slipped out from underneath my woobie and quickly put a shirt and sweats on. I reached into my ruck's left sustainment pouch and grabbed a green pack and my zippo before quietly walking out of the barracks room. Passing through the halls as the lights slowly light up. Eventually I make it to the exit and pass CQ which look close enough to passing out.

Silently pitying them I walk out and walk to the street where a bench is located. I open the pack and notice the one I had put upside down is the last one. Smiling slightly, I grab it and put the filter in my mouth before flicking my zippo open and striking it. The flame quickly ignites the wick and I take a few quick breaths to light the cigarette. I then close my zippo and put it in my pocket before I take a deep breath of the smoke letting it fill my lungs and giving my mind a sense of ease. I look off into the snowy night as I exhale forming a cloud in front of me.

"Ey, Little bro, it's a bit cold to be out with only a tee and sweats ain't it?" A buddy of mine says as he walks up with a cigarette in his mouth.

I shrug and take another lung-full of smoke.

"Doesn't bother me this much right now, I think I'll be fine" I comment casually as he just rolls his eyes

"Well don't stay out too long little bro, we don't want our little brother getting sick after all" He grins and I growl

"Oh please, if anything y'all are the ones gettin sick!" I shot back and he wrapped an arm around my neck and drove his knuckles into my skull

"Aw, I'll miss you so much when I PCS! Why can't they just let us all stick around and stick with ya" he said

"You know they can't do that, needs of the army and all that" I said "Besides, isn't your wife looking forward to being stationed in Alaska?" I ask and he slums down on the bench

"Yeah, family's there an all but it's so fuckin cold!" He complained as he pulled his own cigarette out of a pack from his pants "What about the rumors? Are you really getting sent into the civilian world? Aren't you gonna fight it?" He asked and I shrugged

"Think I haven't already? They said that I needed to go to actual school, our new CO is a choch! And PSG is a kiss ass, along with PL, so I doubt I can convince them. Luckily I was able to keep my military status after all I've been through so it's not too bad. I get my CAC renewed tomorrow so it'll be good for a couple years, at least by then all I have to do is walk onto base and get a new uniform." I say as the last few millimeters of my cigarette burn up and I press the butt onto the table before flicking it into the trashcan

"Well, that's some consolation at least, and pay?" He asked and I smirked

"Full pay, Serg plus however many year's I've contributed" I say proudly and he smacked my back with a laugh "Plus, they say that a woman has offered to take me into her household so I'll have to help pay for bills and groceries while I attend school" I say as I look over at him "Can I bum one off you?" I ask shamelessly

He wordlessly opens the pack and offers me one. I take it and quickly light it, leaning against the bench. Letting the smoke fill my lungs I feel my shoulders relax and I let a small smile out.

"Though, I'll at least have my weapon, but I won't be able to carry it while at school so It'll stay at the host family" I grumbled and he laughed

"Well, you didn't hear this from me but I hear the guy's are getting you the XM5 for your departure" he said finishing his cigarette and flicking the butt into the trash "Fully specced out as well with its optic and peq, seven mags, and your first combat load, the rest'll be on you though" He smirks as I blow out smoke and start coughing

"No shit... well I'll try to sneak at least one with me, not like their gonna inspect me" I smirk as I think of a way to keep my weapons on me.

"Ey, you better be good, I don't want to hear about anything on the news got it?" He scolded me and I raise my hands in defense my cigarette hanging from my mouth "Also, you remember my number right Perce? I expect updates now and then" He said as he held up his fist and I hit it with my wrist

"Alright, alright, no promises though, I might be 'Too busy' studying" I say with a chuckle as he rolls his eyes and walks off

"Night little bro! good luck with school an all that! Also, if I don't contact you by then, happy fifteenth!" He said before he walked back into the barracks

Once he was gone I looked back into the night and slowly smoked my cigarette. As I stared I thought I saw a pair of red eyes in the darkness. However, after I blinked they were gone.

"Must have been my imagination..." I said staving off a thought from a couple years ago I then finished my cigarette, threw it away and pulled out my zippo

I quickly lit it, noticing the somewhat low flames and closed it.

"Guess it's time for a refill!" I said to myself as I walked back to the barracks as a car pulled in

On my way up the stairs, I quickly slammed my fist on the CQ desk and woke the guys up who looked at me gratefully as I made my way up the stairs and back to my room to sleep. I swiftly made it back to my room and slipped into bed and fell asleep dreaming a dreamless sleep once again.

A few weeks later I found myself at a going away party. Franks, the guy I was talking too that one night had left a week prior so I didn't see him around but I felt that everyone was trying to spend their last moments with me before I left for the civilian world. Music was blaring all over the smoke pit as guys were grilling and drinking.

I myself had a can of Budweiser in one hand and a cigarette in my other. I was laughing with a few guys from a different platoon as they were trying to get me to drink more.

"Sorry guys, but I think he's had enough to drink" our PSG showed up and it took all my concentration to not scowl "Come on Perseus, It's best that you don't get too intoxicated before your first day of school" He said disapprovingly like he was acting like my father

In response I tipped my can back and chugged the rest of the liquid before shooting it into the trash.

"Kobe!" I yelled as I missed by a mile and a buddy handed me another full can and popped it open and slammed back a large swig "Sorry Sergeant, but I'll enjoy today" I say with a smirk as I kick back in my chair and take a large puff of cigarette smoke blowing it out in a heavy sigh

"Fine, but if you miss your ride tomorrow it's your fault" He said before he walked off to try to enjoy the party, I just rolled my eyes and raised my can in a silent toast

I knocked back the rest of the can and got another. I spent the rest of the day drinking smoking and laughing with everyone in the company.

That Night:

"Al-hic-righ Perce! Time for you to open the fuckin gifts!" a Staff Sergeant by the name of White said as he placed his hand on my head and ruffled my hair

I grumbled loudly as I nearly lost my footing and glared at him.

"Don't do that ya asshole!" I spat causing everyone to laugh

"Whatever kid, open the damn things!" He said overly loud as I stumbled over to the large box in front of me

I quickly pulled out my knife and cut a long line down the length of the box, opening it up and finding a black case. Already knowing what it was I started to pretend that I didn't know what it was but the alcohol in my system made up for my lack of acting skills as I started getting excited.

I clicked open the case and opened it revealing the XM5 with a six times zoom scope and a laser sight for night combat if needed. I smiled widely at the weapon and saw below it seven filled mags and I thought I might fall in love.

"Guys..."

"Yeah, we know we're awesome, it's not what we're getting since that's military hardware but it's the same damn thing, a customized MCX from Sig Sauer with optics and first combat load. Next load is on you though" SSG White said and everyone nodded

I closed the case and locked it before going around saying my thanks to everyone. We then continued to drink into the night.

I stumbled into my room and fell into a chair in front of my laptop. I had placed my new rifle in the office where I would grab it in the morning. My vision was swaying, my cheeks were hot and I had a giant grin on my face as I pulled out my zippo and pulled the lighter apart and filled it with lighter fluid. Once I had put it back together and lit the wick, I closed it and awkwardly climbed into bed after setting an alarm for seven in the morning.

As I closed my eyes I felt the darkness swimming around me as if someone was causing it to warp around. I chuckled at my thoughts and faded quickly into my drunken sleep, the only thing occupying my mind being the ribs that were cooked for dinner and the new weapon in my possession.

The next morning, I woke up at seven with a massive hangover. Groaning I pulled myself out of bed and into the shower holding my head. I sped through my morning routine with familiarity and finally got dressed in my civilian clothes. I had a light grey shirt, blue jeans, boots, and a light blue flannel overshirt that I kept unbuttoned, and I had an owl pendant around my neck and a pair of sunglasses folded on my shirt.

I looked down at my watch and cursed quietly before I quickly put my pack of cigarettes in my flannel pocket, then put my zippo in the same pocket. I slid the sheathe holding my knife into my pocket and grabbed my ruck and threw it on. Then grabbed my laptop and case and walked downstairs towards the office where my weapons were. When I got there I saw PSG and SSG White waiting for me.

"Alright, Percy, were gonna TMP you down to your host family. You ready?" PSG asked and I nodded and grabbed my stuff and put my gear in the back of the grey van

"Yo, can we stop and get some coffee?" I asked and PSG nodded "Cool, thanks" I say simply as we pull through the fog up to the shoppette where SSG White bought me a carton of cigarettes

"100's just as you like" he said and I smiled and pulled my phone out and shot him the cash for it "Thanks, so Perce, how are you holding up?" He asked and I grimaced as I sipped my black coffee

"Hangover..." I grumbled and he laughed "Oh fuck off"

"It's your fault for drinking so much" He stated factually and I groaned as I took another sip

"I don't need to hear that from someone who drinks alcohol like a fish" I accused and he laughed

"I am mostly Irish after all, its only to be expected" He said proudly as we started down the road

I finished my coffee and closed my eyes and fell into a light stupor. When I woke next I found myself in New York City with the empire state building looming over the whole place. I looked around and saw people going about their daily business and shrugged.

"Maybe there'll be a cute girl" I said mostly to myself but I felt both PSG and SSG White smirk at my remark

"Perce, your not allowed to be a lady killer alright?" SSG White said and I rolled my eyes

"Oh please, If I was a lady killer why haven't they been coming after me already?" I said and looked at them "I'm gonna die alone and I accept my fate" I say seriously with a smirk on my face causing him to scoff

"Yeah right" SSG White said as we pulled up to an apartment complex and parked

Once the van stopped moving I jumped out and grabbed my gear and quickly lit a cigarette and smoked it swiftly with the others. When we finished we walked up to the door and knocked three times. After a few moments of silence and shuffling behind the door the door opened slightly and a woman poked her head out and greeted us.

She had brown hair, blue eyes and a slight tan. Her eyes had bags under them that was hidden well by makeup and there was a faint smell of Febreze on her. I raised my eyebrow for a moment before it hit me. The smell of a room soaked in alcohol, beer specifically and the smell of cigar smoke. My eyes scanned the woman in front of me and I saw a slight discoloration on her left jaw that was also covered up by makeup. She seemed to put more makeup on the bruise to try and hide it.

"Hello can I help you?" She asked with a sweet tone

"Yes, we were the ones who called yesterday about the foster kid" PSG said and I kicked his ankle to which he just shot me a glare

"Oh yes, of course" She said and I saw a light of excitement enter her eyes

"May we please come in? Or is now a bad time?" PSG asked and a look of doubt entered her mind

'Welp time to step in and play the foster teen' I thought to myself smugly

"Excuse me! I want breakfast! You woke me up soooo early! I didn't get to eat!" I said with an annoyed look causing the two men to stare in disbelief but when I looked at SSG and put my hand to the left side of my face and scratched before looking into his eyes he caught on

"Sure, hey Imma take the kid and get some McDonalds, would you two like to come along?" He said and the woman looked relieved

"Of course, we should get him some food, it's not good to skip breakfast!" the woman said "Especially if he's a growing boy!" she said quickly

"Alright, come on well drive" He said and the four of us climbed into the van and drove to the nearest McDonalds

We ordered breakfast and when we got our table she put her hands on the table and clasped them.

"I apologize for not inviting you in. You see my boyfriend stayed over last night and was a tad intoxicated, I was just finishing cleaning up when you knocked" She said and PSG nodded

"It's alright, I just hope that it doesn't change the circumstances of having Percy here stay with you" PSG stated and she smiled and shook her head

"Of course not, I would be happy to let such a nice young man into my household" She said and PSG smiled "Then we'll drive you two back and then we'll be off" He said and we finished eating our food

We then drove back to the woman's apartment and the two NCO's drove off. I then turned to the woman who smiled at me.

"So Percy, my name is Sally Jackson, it's nice to finally meet you in person!" She said and I smiled

"It's a pleasure to meet you Sally. I hope I'm not an inconvenience" I said and I heard the front door slam open

"SALLY! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN!" a fat tuskless walrus of a man walked out

I stared in shock, he had less of a neck than one of the guys back at the company a few years ago. His gate was more of a waddle and he had three black hairs combed over his otherwise bald head. I held back a snicker as his eyes flared in rage.

"Sally! What is going on!" He screamed at her and I saw her shrink back subtlety "Whose this little shit?" He said with a jerk of his chins in my direction

I stared in awe as I saw the ripple of fat travel through his whole body. I looked down at my hands and realized I couldn't choke him out since his neck was so thick that it'd take two yards of five-fifty cord to effectively strangle him.

"This is Percy, he's going to be staying with me for a few years so I won't be able to have you over here often sweety" She said and Gabe glowered at her

"Then kick him out, It's not your responsibility to take care of a little shit like him, you have me to think of" He said and I rolled my eyes

"Please, I was asked this because I have an open room in the apartment and I would like him to use it. He has nowhere else to go" She pleaded and I clenched my fist

I don't want this nice woman to beg this creature for his mercy.

"Excuse me!" I called out and looked the creature in his eyes "Don't you have a job? Most adults I know have a job and they take care of kids themselves" I said coming up with a story on the fly

"Of course, I have a job, you little bitch" He said and I looked down at my watch and saw it was near 1515 or 3:15pm

"Then why aren't you working? I know some people have work at night, but they usually sleep during the day, other than that people work starting at nine am, and finish at five pm. If that's the case aren't you late? Or are you getting ready?" I spouted and the man looked at me in shock and anger before he clenched his fists

I tensed my legs to spring forward in an instant but he just spat off to the side.

"I was just heading home to get ready brat" He growled before he walked off and looked at Sally, a fury in his eyes "I want bean dip when I get back!"

"Of course, dear" She said sweetly but I could see her hand trembling slightly

I tapped Sally on the shoulder and motioned with my head to head inside. She nodded and we walked inside the apartment. I was appalled at the state of it and silently cursed the fat man.

"Sorry you had to see that Percy" Sally said glumly but I shook my head

"It ain't your fault Sally, you shouldn't have to deal with such a dickweed such as that" I said and she looked at me in shock "Ah, sorry, my time with the others have... left a somewhat damaged filter on my style of speech" I said in explanation and she nodded "But still you deserve much better. I don't know how much time I have here before I need to go to school but at least let me help cleaning the place up" I said kindly to which Sally nodded in a shocked manner

We spent the next several hours doing a deep clean to the apartment. I picked up burnt cigars and beer cans before I poured seven seconds of Pine Sole into the cleaning bucket. The fumes filled the whole apartment but according to Sally it was much preferable than the stench of beer and cigars. While we cleaned I told her about my bad habits but also promised to not go overboard with them and never smoke in the building. She accepted that with a smile as we finished mopping and washing everything that could be washed. There were some stains she couldn't get out but with a little enlisted knowhow I was able to make them less noticeable and helped organized the rest of the apartment. After that I gave her some money to spend on cleaning supplies and a bottle of wine.

"Treat yourself once in a while" I said with a smile "No need to get drunk but a little bit will help" I suggested and she smiled and went shopping

She came back with several ingredients and I helped bring them into the kitchen. By the end of the day the apartment was clean and we had new groceries.

"Thank you Percy. This was the best day I've had in a while" She said and I shrugged

"Don't mention it, just helping out is all" I say as I pull out a bottle of spiced rum from my ruck and take a quick swig before putting it back "And don't worry about that asshat coming back while I'm around. I ain't gonna pull any punches from now on" I said calmly as I pulled out my zippo, lit it, then closed it and put it away.

"Okay, well do you know what school you're going too yet?" Sally asked and I shrugged "Well, it is a boarding school called Yancy Academy. During Winter and Summer Vacation you will come back here. We will go on Monday and drop off your stuff" She said and I nodded as I started cooking a simple dinner

We ate and I was shown my room. After thanking her I put my equipment down and quickly sorted what I was going to bring to the boarding school. I figured I'd bring my weapons under the guise of musical instruments. I'd also bring my plate carrier since it shouldn't be too heavy and my knife will always be with me. I'll have to keep it all hidden but it shouldn't be too hard. I reach into a pocket and feel the cold brass. I then switch into my night ware and pull out my woobie and lay down on the bed closing my eyes.

I drifted off into a light slumber only to wake up to the sound of the door opening. I shook off my drowsiness and rolled off of the bed onto the ground where my pistol was sitting on my weapon case beneath the bed. I quickly checked to see if there was a round in the chamber before I sprung up and moved through the apartment.

As I shuffled through the halls and peeked around corners I saw the fat walrus of a man grumbling and heading towards Sally's room with a balled fist. I raised my pistol and pointed it at him a smirk on my face.

"Hey fatass, why are you here? Don't you have your own house?" I asked loudly causing the fat man to turn around in a huff and shout at me

"You fucking br—" he trailed off as he saw what I had and went quiet

"I'm pretty sure breaking and entering is a crime" I listed off as I kept my sights trained on his chest

"I-I have a set of keys" He said trying to pull up a set of keys but stopped "What am I doing... that's just a fucking prop!" He said as I racked the pistol back and caught the ejected round and tossed it to him

"Tell me that's fake dumbass" I spit "Now step away from the door and keep your hands where I can see em" I order as he complies "You're going to give me those keys and that round and your going to leave peacefully and nothing will happen understand?" He nods quietly as he gives me the items and I escort him out of the room

Once he leaves I lock the door and lock the deadbolt. I unload my pistol and put the round back in the magazine before walking back to my room and going back to bed.

The weekend was quiet as the man didn't attempt to return. Then on Monday, Sally and I went to Yancy Academy. When we arrived, I saw several students looking at me with curiosity and some where whispering to each other. I saw one particular kid with curly brown hair. He was a bit short and seemed awkward with his movements. He had a weird habit of sniffing repeatedly as he stared in my direction. I gave him a two finger salute in greetings as the headmaster walked us through the school to the dorms. He showed me to my room and I dropped my gear under my bed before we went on the tour to the classrooms. There were many classes and the teachers all looked competent but I was bored beyond belief.

"Excuse me, is there a gym here?" I asked and the man looked back at me

"Like a gymnasium?" He asked and I shook my head

"No, a proper weight lifting gym" I asked and he nodded

"Yes there is, its connected to the Gymnasium. I'll show you when we get there" He said somewhat pleased "Not many people use it so I'm glad it'll finally get some use" he finished as we continued with tour

"This will be your schedule for the rest of the year" He said and handed me a sheaf of paper with several syllabus as well as class schedule "You will start classes on Wednesday" he said and I nodded and he saw Sally off

"Sally, let me get your number just in case you need anything from me. And don't let that asshole back into the apartment alright?" I say and she nods as I get her number and put it in my phone

I then walk back to my room where I saw the curly haired boy from last time. He had waved his hand as soon as the door opened. He then looked at me with wide eyes like a cornered animal.

"Uh-Uh hi! Um... why are you here?" He asked with a heavy stutter

"I live here for now, nice to meetcha, name's Percy" I say smoothly as I jump onto the bed and lean against the wall looking at him

"Uh... I'm G-Grover Underwood, n-nice to meet you too" He stammered and I chuckled "W-what's funny?" He said scared and I waved it off

"You need to relax man, your too high strung" I said with a look out of the window "Don't let new things scare you or the past hold you down aight? Let it all blow away like smoke in the wind" I say as I grab my owl pendant and run my thumb over the pearl at the top

"Why do you think I'm high strung?" He asks curiously and I shrug

"Your tense, you shift around nervously and your eyes dart in every direction as if you feel like someone's watching you. Your hands rub together and you stumble over your words" I point out and he just stares at me and I shrug "It's easy to see" I say as I pull out my phone and start going through Reddit causing Grover's face to pale "You good man? Need some food or water?" I ask and he shakes his head

"N-No I just have to make a quick call, I forgot something" He said as he rushed out of the room leaving me alone

I shrug and quickly put my phone in my pocket before leaving the room and locking the door to the room. I then make my way to the gym where I found a few benches and racks. Smiling I spend the rest of the day and part of the night working out. I then head back to my room to find Grover sitting on his bed a bit more relaxed.

"Hey man, you feelin better after your call?" I asked and he jumped and looked at me

"Y-Yeah, I'm doing better now" He said

"Good, gotta stay loose and relaxed you know" I said as I fish a shaker bottle out of my duffle bag and make a quick protean shake

I noticed Grover looking at me with a strange face.

"What? Its just a protean shake" I say as I gulp it down and look at him "You work out?"

"Not really" he said quietly and I grin evilly "What?"

"You do now, your going to come with me to the gym and were going to lift heavy things together" I say causing him to pale again

"O-Okay" He said causing me to laugh as I stretch

"Well, Imma get a shower in and head to bed. Let me know your schedule and we can hit the gym on your free time tomorrow. Then we'll have to coordinate when we go due to our possibly different schedules" I say as I grab my towel, shower shoes, a bar of soap and shampoo and conditioner

I walked into the shower in the room, put my stuff down and took everything except a ring on my right hand index finger and my Owl Amulet. I jumped into the shower and felt the warm water wash over me. I felt my blood warm up and my muscles loosen up in the water prompting me to let out a long stretch that ended with popping a few joins in my spine. I then cracked my neck before washing up. After I soaked my hair I put the shampoo in then conditioner, before rinsing it all and putting more shampoo in for the extra feeling of lightness for my hair.

Once I was done, I stepped out and dried off with my towel making sure my hair was wild and wavey. I smirked at the look and got dressed into my night clothes walking out of the bathroom and walking to my dufflebag where I pulled my bottle of rum out and took a quick swig before putting it back.

"Uh... Percy what was that?" Grover bleats at me and I turn and give a devilish smirk

"Just a drink, want some?" I say pulling the bottle out and offering him some

"Percy you can't drink your too young!" Grover shouts and I stare at him as I open the bottle and take a long swig in front of him letting the spiced rum flow down my throat for a good three gulps before I pull the bottle away

"Ahhh, that's the good stuff, come on G-man your missin out!" I chuckle at his pale face "Dude, I'll be fine, or, are you more of a margarita mix man? Don't worry I got you!" I say excitedly as I close the bottle and pull out a bottle of margarita mix "Just need some salt"

"Percy no!" Grover shouted and my smile drops to a dead serious look

"Fine, but don't fuckin rat me out aight? Drinking is one of the joys I have in life. If I can't be with my family then let me drink dammit" I say calmly causing him to recoil at the ice in my voice, however I give him a bright smile as I feel the heat finally reach my cheeks "Oh relax G-man, I ain't gonna hurt ya" I giggle slightly before letting out a loud almost evil sounding laugh before putting the bottles away and slide into my bed putting my beanie on my head and falling asleep

As I slide into a dreamless sleep I faintly hear Grover mumbling to himself.

"Who could he be...? A phone? Drinking? What's next, smoking?! A laptop!?" He murmurs

Unable to resist I think of my next few words carefully.

"All of the above buddy, All of the above!" I say to him before turning towards the wall and finally letting the Alcohol put me to sleep

~

I wake up the next morning at the usual time of 0530 am. I climb out of bed and tear my beanie off my head only to find a dark room with Grover still asleep. Rolling my eyes, I go about silently setting my laptop up. Once I do, I get on my twitter and look up the guys that had left Tenth Mountain, keeping tabs on everyone was always a fun past time of mine. Especially those who had deployed with me. I saw that Terry finally tied the knot with his fiancé and now has twins.

"Good for him" I say honestly "Look's like Grant opened a bar, I'll have to go an visit at some point, oh and Silva finally hit three months with a girlfriend, hopefully that lasts until he gets the balls to pop the question" I mutter with a small smile on my face

I quickly scroll through my twitter skipping over a few people that I've check recently and pull my zippo out of my pocket and light it before closing it. I then stand up and grab the pre-workout I packed and started getting ready for the gym.

"According to the headmaster I have until tomorrow to get ready for classes. Hopefully I get good teachers or else I'm going to pass out. Fuck my dyslexia and at least the guys made use of my ADHD" I say as I down the pre-workout and make a bottle of intro workout. I then grab my phone and wireless headphones, then head out.

When I get to the gym I put my bottle down and set the bar up for deadlifts. I put on two forty-fives on each side for a total of two hundred twenty five pounds and take up a wide sumo lift stance. I reach down and grasp the bar before dropping into a deep squat and straightening my back before using my legs to slowly pull the bar up until I'm straight legged. I then slowly bend my legs flexing my back to keep it straight as I drop it to the ground. I then straighten up and stretch before I repeat the process ten more times.

I feel the strain in my lower back and slowly put the weights back on the rack and move to a pull up bar. I then knock out three sets of ten on pull ups. I then moved to the rear delt machine and did the same set of two hundred pounds. At the end I finished off with a core workout/cooldown before I walked back to the room at around seven O'clock.

When I walked into the room I saw Grover waking up and slowly crawl out of bed.

"Mornin Sleeping Beauty" I commented causing him to jump out of his skin

"Percy! How are you awake already!?" He asked seemingly genuinely confused at my early morning attitude

"Wake up, zero six perstat, then zero six thirty PT, I was just doing my morning PT brotha!" I stated in a good mood as I open my duffle and take a morning swig of spiced rum

"You day drink?!" Grover asked almost appalled

"Yeah, most people I know day drink. Hell, there was one guy who showed up to work drunk, and I mean full on drunk, shit was great" I commented causing Grover to tilt his head in confusion

While he was contemplating my words I made my protein shake and shook it vigorously. Once I was satisfied I popped the cap and chugged the whole thing before cleaning the bottle.

"Were you the gym?" Grover asked in subtle fear and I smiled

"Ye, got a good workout in today. I hit back and was able to make two twenty five my working weight" I said proudly and quickly jumped into the shower before getting out and getting dressed in my casual outfit

"Hey... uh Percy, have you jumped schools often?" Grover asked and I raised an eyebrow at him

"Nah, I've only done a couple schools since I've been unable to apply for others due to age" I say simply and Grover tilts his head again

"What schools have you gone too?" He asks

"Marksmenship, and Mountain training" I say calmly "I also have my EIB and CIB" I say and Grover nods slowly

"Alright, well, I-Im going to get ready for school" he said and I nodded

"Aigh, I'mma take a nap" I say as I lay down and quickly pass out

~

I wake up to the sound of Grover closing the door loudly. I hear the sound of sniffling and I pull my beanie off and look at him.

"You good bro?" I asked and he shook his head before nodding

"Y-Yeah, I'm fine" He lied and I shook my head and got out bed stretching

"Who?" I asked looking him directly in the eye demanding an answer

"I-It's no one" He said frantically and I get closer

"Grover, tell me" I say and he shrinks at my pressuring gaze

"N-Nancy Bobofit" He says and I nod and walk out

As I exit I slowly fix my posture, until my back is straight and my eyes are narrowed. Students that were in the halls that saw me quickly moved to the side as I strolled the halls. Eventually I found a curly red head with Cheeto freckles. As I got closer I started to overhear their conversation.

"Nice going Nancy! That Grover kid deserved it!" a kid said and I walked up to them

"You Nancy Bobofit?" I said in a cold stern tone causing everyone in front of me to straighten up slightly

"Yeah what of it?" She asked looking at me

"Next time you want to haze him, try going through me first" I challenged hoping they'd piss me off

Nancy sneered and attempted to grab my shirt but I grabbed her hand an wrist and quickly and efficiently pushed them opposite directions breaking her wrist. I watched emotionlessly as she screamed in pain as she staggered backwards. I slowly approached and leveled a murderous gaze on the group.

"You ever even THINK about bullying or hazing someone that I know, again. I'll make sure you never see the light of day again" I promised as I slowly turned and walked away leaving the group to their own devices

As I walked I passed a man in a wheel chair staring wide eyed at the scene, but I didn't care.

Grover seemed like a good kid and the fact that he'd be made to cry outside the military pissed me off.

"If I could I would..." I muttered darkly as a grin slowly spread across my face enough to make the student body make a hall for me I walked through it back to my room and was face to face with a red puffy eyed Grover

"yo G-Man, I took care of it" I said with a confidant tone

"What?" He shouted as he stared at me

"She tried to grab my shirt and a I used self-defense. So I can't be blamed for it. Anyway, if they dare to bully both you and myself, they'll be the ones in trouble. I know how to manipulate these situations" I say with a confidant tone of voice as I sat on my chair facing Grover

"I-I see..." he said as he put his stuff down and pulled out a couple of sheets of paper and started doing his homework

I rolled my eyes and climbed back into bed awaiting the next day.

"Oh, Percy, there is going to be a school field trip to a museum, it's not for a few months but I just wanted to let you know" Grover said and I nodded before dozing off into a shadow warped dreamless sleep

The next morning, I woke up at the same time, woke Grover up and dragged him kicking and screaming to the gym. We did bench press and incline press. Then we did chest flies followed by bicep curls and preacher curls. Grover was complaining loudly while doing the workouts but he was able to keep up. He struggled on the bench press because of his awkward grip but he got a hold of it. The man had no upper body strength so I kept him below 135lbs. After we finished we went back to the room and got ready for the day. We both showered and I grabbed my bag and threw it on before walking to the first class.

"English eh? Ugh, no promises I'll stay awake G-Man" I said as I sat down and saw the class file in

The last person to enter was one of the thugs I saw with Nancy and he just sat down in a seat not even looking at Grover or I. I shrugged slightly and leaned back in my chair as class started.

As soon as the words on the book in front of me started floating off the page I closed my eyes and started dozing. That's when I felt a presence near me and a loud bang echoed in front of me. I lazily opened one eye to see the teacher looking confused at how I didn't jump.

"Sorry teach, ya need something?" I asked and she pursed her lips

"Mister..." She didn't seem informed about my name so I just shrugged

"Jackson" I supplied, having Sally as a mother didn't seem like a bad gig so I'd roll with it

"Mister Jackson, why where you sleeping in class?" She asked and I shrugged

"Can't stand the letters floating off the page. I have extremely bad Dyslexia so reading anything or writing even is a struggle" I said simply

"And why don't you try to learn through it?" She asked in an accusing manner

"Cause I tried? It just hurts after a while, plus with my ADHD trying to stay focused on a task that isn't physically active is like asking winter to be warm, or a nerd to not know something" I said casually still leaning back as I fiddled with my owl amulet

"Well, what can you tell us about Romeo and Juliet?" The teacher asked coming at me from a different angle

"Well, it's a play made by Shakespeare about two star crossed lovers that, due to their families hating each other, couldn't actually be together. However, Juliet was thirteen to Romeo's sixteen. Due to the times, it wasn't completely unheard of, but it's still far too young. What they had was more of a passing infatuation not some deep romance between two individuals" I rattled off with a smirk

There was a book nerd in the platoon who took it upon himself to teach me anything to do with Shakespeare or English class. Man was a legend.

"Um... yes..." The teacher said and walked away "It's exactly as Mr. Jackson says..." at that comment I reached down into a side pouch of my bag and pulled out a lockpick set and a normal master lock

I silently chose my tools and started opening the lock repeatedly as I listened to the teacher.

Once English was over, History came around and he was talking about current events. When he saw I wasn't paying attention he asked me what was currently going on in the world, and I shocked the class again by rattling off what had happened with military action in regards to invasions by different countries and even saying what the US was actually doing during those times to support its allies or what other units were tasked to do. I was left alone after that.

Then came Math. The teacher looked like an Old Leathery hag that cosplayed way too much. She had wings and no one even commented. Her eyes were like molten magma as she stared at me but I just smiled overly sweetly and waved. I answered her questions with a lot of difficulty, math was never my strong spot, but I then got back at her by asking how a sniper would calculate their bullet trajectory. She came up empty handed and I explained that they use different formulas to calculate different Trajectories at different distances. But all I really gave was a very vague answer just dressed up to make it look like I knew what I was talking about. Take that Ms. Dodds or whatever your name was.

At the end of class I got up to leave but the Leather Hag Demon called me up.

"Honey" She said in a sickly sweet voice that made me shiver slightly

"Ye?" I asked casually leaning against the wall

"Don't try to sass me too much understand. I do control your grade" She said with a creepy smile and I shrugged

"Fail me if you want, I really don't care all too much" I said and turned to leave

The rest of the day went about the same but I was in for a surprise for my Latin class. There was an older looking man with a beard in a wheel chair. I thought I remembered seeing him the other day but I shrugged. Latin was the only class I was actually engaged in.

The Teacher's name was Mr. Brunner and every time he asked a question no one would know I would answer it to which he would ask another question about my answer. It turned into an almost competitive back and forth that had me constantly racking my brain for answers. He asked me about weaponry and battle tactics used by the Greeks and Romans, all of which I was taught by several mythology nerds in the company. Eventually I forgot about the entire class Grover excluded and asked some questions myself.

Mr. Brunner answered with a proud look in his eyes and by the time the class ended I sat down content with what I had learned. As I was filing out with everyone else I stopped by Mr. Brunner.

"Thank you for the class Mr. Brunner" I said sincerely

"Not at all Percy, I'm glad you have the drive to learn things such as this. Not many people take Latin class seriously" He said and I nodded

"I'll probably ditch math and come here early" I chuckled "That Leather Hag Demon can suck it if she tries to threaten me with my grade dropping" I snicker

"Percy, all of your studies are important you know" He says sagely and I nod reluctantly

"I know, but no promises Mr. Brunner" I say "Well, I gotta run, catcha later" I said causing him to smirk with an exasperated look on his face causing me to smile widely

The months from then passed by uneventfully other than the few fights with Nancy. Grover got his bench PR up to 135 and his deadlift to the same. We hung out most of time and we even played video games together. He was strangely adamant about not playing them with him reasoning that they'd cause nothing but trouble but I shrugged. He was probably worried about his grades. But after two weeks he finally relented and we spent many a sleepless night playing either COD, FIFA, a bit of Assassins Creed at times and other games.

When everyone would be asleep I would sneak out and smoke or drink. I checked in on Sally and told her I took her last name so she wouldn't be surprised. She was overly happy about having a son even if it wasn't biological. She said that we'd be going to the beach over summer break so that was well worth it.

The teachers stopped caring about trying to make me pay attention in class except the Leather Hag Demon. That one kept trying to call me Honey and make me do problems in front of the class. I just chose to ignore her or throw some army related math question at her to shut her up.

The days eventually blended into one long cycle of waking up and going to sleep. Then the day everyone was talking about. The field trip to the Museum. I sighed as the teachers were chaperoning us, luckily Mr. Brunner (The only good teacher there is in this shitty school) was on it as well.

Mr. Brunner, now that's a man of mystery. He has unparalleled knowledge, more than any man his age could boast. He's humble and doesn't get angry at people who ask for him to slow down. And when his back isnt against the wall, I get a glimpse of a white flash behind his wheelchair. Or those days where the wheelchair was covered in white fog or something but those were on the days when Grover and I stayed up all night playing games, so I guess I was just seeing things. Those damn flashbangs.

I was nudged in the side by Grover who was looking at me worriedly as we rode in the bus. I just threw my arm around his neck and drug him into a headlock.

"Peeerrrrcy! Stop!!" He bleated for a mercy I'd never give

"Never G-Man!" I said as I let him go eventually and chuckled as I brought out my Zippo and struck the wheel lighting it before quickly closing it with a clink while Grover wasn't looking "I'll have to refill it when we get back. About that time anyway... two weeks then refill" I muttered as Grover finished fixing his hair and looking at me

"Percy! Are you okay?" He asked and I smiled and nodded

"Of course, dude!" I said happily as I pocket my lighter next to my pack of cigarettes

It was at this time the Bus started pulling into the parking lot of the Museum. That's when I saw movement out of the corner of my eye. A green projectile flying in from the back of the bus. I quickly stood up and caught the viridescent projectile before scanning the back of the bus to see Nancy staring. Using a smooth dexterity that could only be found in people who worked with their fingers every day, I flipped the grape to rest on my middle finger and took aim with my thumb of my right hand. I then flicked the grape back at her making it arc beautifully until it slammed into her shirt. I then turned around and sat down with a satisfied smirk on my face.

"Percy, is there a problem?" I heard Mr. Brunner's voice from the front of the bus

"No sir, no problem at all!" I said proudly "Just needed to give someone something real quick, you know how it is" I say smoothly causing him to pinch the bridge of his nose in exasperation

While his class was the best, it didn't mean I would suddenly be a perfect angel. I always caused a small amount of chaos in every class even in his, though with him I did tone it down a tad. What can I say, I have a soft spot for the Latin Teacher. We filed off of the bus and I pulled a security lock out of my pocket and grabbed a comb pick and started fiddling with it to keep myself busy so I could pay attention. I saw Grover watching me repeatedly unlock it using only feeling. And I could also feel the eyes of the Leather Hag Demon on me but I just ignored it and kept walking, following Mr. Brunner with Grover at my side.

As we went through the museum Nancy continued to pester and belittle Grover who, thanks to his recent achievements in the gym, ignored her and kept glancing around nervously. I just sat back and took in everything. We were in the Greek myth section and Mr. Brunner was talking about the various heroes. Every time I looked at him I saw the white flash behind him so I narrowed my eyes and saw the outline of a horse.

"Okay, something must be wrong with my eyesight" I murmured to myself as I checked my watch and saw that it was almost time for lunch

"Nancy, can you tell me how learning about the old Greek Myths could benefit you in everyday life?" Mr. Brunner asked the female bully and she gaped and stammered

"It doesn't matter, they're just a bunch of old statues and stories to tell little kids!" Nancy said causing Mr. Brunner to sigh and shake his head in disappointment

"Percy?" He asks with a proud tone of voice

"Learning about the myths can teach you a lot about not only yourself but how to react to events around you" I said simply my fingers opening the lock again with a satisfying click

"Yeah right, I bet you only like Latin class because it's the only thing your good at" Nancy taunted and I shrugged

"Alright, let's break for lunch. Everyone head back out to the courtyard" Mr. Brunner announced and started leading everyone out trying to diffuse the situation before something happened

Grover and I sat at the edge of a fountain and I felt my addiction to nicotine start acting up. I pulled out my zippo and repeatedly opened and closed it. Creating the nice clicking sound that finally attracted Grover's attention.

"Percy, why do you have a lighter?" He asked curious

"It's a zippo specifically but I have it to light my cigarettes" I stated simply causing his eyes to widen a bit

"That could explain the smokey smell..." he murmured under his breath before he looked forward seemingly troubled

That's when Nancy showed up dropped her lunch on Grover's lap.

"Oops, sorry I didn't see the nerd in front of me" She said before her eyes caught the Zippo "OH!!! You can't have that Jackson!" She then reached towards my Zippo and as soon as her hand was in my space I reacted out of impulse

I reached forward with my left hand and grabbed her wrist, twisted it as I shifted my shoulder against hers and crouched down. I then pulled her body onto my shoulders before I stood up abruptly tossing her into the fountain. I then stared long and hard at her as my left hand habitually moved to my breast pocket and removed my cigarettes. I put one in my mouth and lit it with my Zippo, taking a deep lungful of smoke.

"Uh... Percy, your smoking..." Grover said and I snapped out of my bad habit

"Shit, damnit thanks G-Man" I said as I felt a presence appear behind me

I turned around and saw Miss Leather Hag Demon smiling at me with a large smile.

"Come with me Honey" She instructed and I shrugged my shoulders and followed the demon

"I'll only be a minute G-Man" I said with a two finger salute

When I face towards the teacher I saw she was at the entrance to the museum again.

"Damn she moves fast" I muttered as I kept smoking I put my cigarette out before I entered the building and followed her to the Greek section

"Honey, you've cause a lot of trouble recently, it would behoove you to give back what you have stolen" She said as she held her hands to the side and stared at me

I just stared back looking confused.

"So... your not mad that I threw your little pet into the fountain and smoked a cigarette?" I asked causing her to snarl

"Fool! I care not for those puny mortals!" She growled as her wings that were normally folded up shot out and I just leaned back on my back foot and put my right hand behind me and grabbed the handle of my knife that I always keep on me "I care only about my master's wishes, and he wishes to take back what has been stolen! Give it back thief!" She shouted and I whistled amused

"Man, your really going into character this time." I say as hold my left hand in a fist "I CARE NOT FOR THOSE PUNY MORTALS!" I snicker "I always knew you were a weird one, wearing that cosplay all the time. Man, even the other students didn't even bat an eye at it" I said as I pulled another cigarette out and lit it with my zippo using only my left hand "Seriously, those wings look real though so I have to give some sort of props" I say honestly as I take a quick drag of the cancer stick

"You truly do wish die Honey, very well, I shall grant your wish after I torture you for every once of information your puny mind can hold" She threatened and lifted into the air

I raised my left eyebrow at the sudden flight but shrugged as I held my cigarette in my left hand after taking another drag and started to increase my heart rate. The Leather Hag Demon spread her fingers wide and dived directly at me.

"DIE HONEY!" She screeched as she nearly collided with me

I dashed forward and dropped into a slide. I slid my left palm on the ground before twisting from my back onto my left hip and tucking my right leg to my chest, planting my foot on the ground. Letting out a solid exhale I extended my leg, the strain being placed all on one knee causing it to creak very lightly, I launched from my previously near prone position to a forward dive towards the demon's back. The puff of smoke from my lungs being left behind on the ground as I drove my knife into the back of it's neck. I yanked down catching the serrations near the base of the blade on it's flesh as drag it down cutting a jagged line down it's spine. I then pull my knife out and take a quick back step as it spins around and slashes at empty air.

I put the cigarette in my mouth and take another drag as I drop into a loose yet stable stance with my double edged knife in a hammer grip.

"If I wanted to die, I'd have done so a long time ago bitch" I growl with smoke coming out of my mouth and nose

The demon, who was hissing in pain looks at me with fury in it's eyes.

"You will suffer for all eternity Honey!" She spits and I take in a deep breath of the shortening cancer stick

"We'll see" I say before we start circling each other "You know, I wanted to say something. Your cosplay sucks" I said with a devilish smirk "Lucifer looks better than you and he was the first known painting of Dickbutt! DICKBUTT looks better than you" I taunted "If I die and go to hell, I'm sure I can make great friends with him" I chuckled as I goaded the demon into charging again

"I shall enjoy torturing your soul JACKSON!!!" She screamed as she charged me again

I smirked and deftly flicked my cigarette into her forehead causing a small window where she wavered.

I crouched and darted in. I placed grabbed her right wrist and crossed it over her chest moving to her now grappled right side and I started slashing violently. I let myself get tunnel visioned as I kept one eye on her left hand and my other on the slashing.

"Blah Blah Latin priest chanting or whatever, may Christ be inside you or something" I blasphemed hard at her

I had cut six or seven long cuts and stabbed a good four times into her stomach and side. I then make one final cut from right to left, using the momentum to hop lightly behind her where I flipped my knife into an icepick grip and slammed it into her spine then hopped back to avoid the oncoming swipe.

It never came as the demon exploded into golden dust. I shrugged and I picked up my cigarette and finished it off as I put my knife back in it's sheathe that was strapped to my back belt loops in a scout carry.

"Interesting, maybe I should apply to become a professional exorcist. It wasn't that hard" I joked as turned around and started walking out of the building saying a quiet apology of smoking inside

I walked out and made a large stretch, as Grover and Mr. Brunner were hurrying up to me.

"Percy! Are you alright?" He asked and I gave a light smile

"Yeah, just had a revelation though!" I said with a chuckle causing his face to pale along with Grover's

"And what might that be?" Mr. Brunner asked with a slight waver in his voice

"I'd make a great Exorcist! With these devilishly handsome good looks, and a little training in Latin, I could dispel even the most fearsome of demons from the human realm!" I declare proudly as I look directly at Mr. Brunner, or rather behind him where I see a shimmering white horse body

"Oh, and what brought about that thought?" He asked going along with my crazy claim

"Oh, I was just thinking about what Nancy said about me being great in Latin class" I said using a previous comment to mask what had just happened

"I see, well, Mrs. Kerr was looking for you. After you pushed Miss. Bobofit into the fountain you are being required to buy her a new shirt since you ruined hers" Mr. Brunner said with a light wave of his hand

At the motion I saw a white fog spread out and around the area avoiding Grover and himself. It even tried to cloud my vision but I just let out an exasperated breath upwards blowing it away so I wouldn't be blinded.

"Alright teach, but only because you informed me right away" I said and started walking

"Also, Mr. Jackson, what were you doing in the museum again?" he asked calmly

If he ain't gonna bring it up, why should I?

"Oh, I was just extra curious about some of the heroes, especially Perseus, since we share a similar name" I mentioned and he nodded with a smile on his face

"Very good Percy" He said and turned to Grover "Please go with Percy to make sure he doesn't cause any more fights please"

"O-Of Course Mr. Brunner!" Grover stammered and we walked away

As we were almost out of ear shot my ears twitched backwards at the sound of Mr. Brunners muttered voice.

"With a mortal weapon? Who is he truly?" He muttered and I look forward

Mortal? Interesting line of thought. I'll have to make Grover fumble about it. He seems in on it. If I had to guess... hmmm... eh who cares it's over. This is a tomorrow Percy's problem to figure out.

Grover and I walked up to a blond haired woman with a stern face who was impatiently tapping her foot.

"There you are Jackson!" She said and pointed at Nancy "How dare you attack another student unprovoked! You're going to buy her a new shirt and apologize for your actions!" the teacher said

"I'll buy the shirt, but not apologize since I'm not actually sorry about that. You shouldn't attempt to grab another person's lunch unless you have a massive crush on them" I said causing Nancy to growl

Needless to say, I bought the shirt and then was given detention for mouthing off and refusing to apologize. Worth.