Chapter 56: Attack on Percy

Six days later, at the museum during a class visit...

In the Greek gods' exhibition, Mr. Brunner, sitting in a wheelchair, was explaining to the students.

"These are the twelve Olympian gods," he began.

"The 'Big Three' are the brothers Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades," Mr. Brunner continued.

"They gained their power by overthrowing their father, Kronos, and dismembering him," he explained.

"The three gods have been rivals ever since, constantly arguing and threatening war," Mr. Brunner elaborated.

"Are there any other gods besides Zeus who can control lightning?" Alex, who had been listening silently, asked.

Upon hearing the question, Mr. Brunner paused and turned his head toward Alex.

"According to historical records, there are no gods who can control lightning other than Zeus," he responded.

"That's what makes Zeus strong among the Olympians," Mr. Brunner clarified.

"Now, on rare occasions, they would come down to Earth and..." Mr. Brunner paused, searching for the right words.

"How should I put this?" Alex wondered.

"Hook up," Grover interjected.

"They would hook up with mortals," Grover explained.

"The children of these unions were half god, half human," Mr. Brunner continued.

"Can anyone tell me what they were called?" Mr. Brunner asked.

"Percy," he called out.

But Percy didn't hear him, too lost in his music. Alex, who was sitting beside him, tried to get his attention.

"Percy," Alex called.

"Sorry, Mr. Brunner. What is it?" Percy finally asked.

"What is the proper name for the offspring of a human and a god?" Mr. Brunner inquired.

"Demigod," Percy answered.

"Exactly." Mr. Brunner affirmed.

"And many of them became great heroes, like Hercules and Achilles."

"Can you name another?" Mr. Brunner challenged. "Here's a hint: both of you have something in common."

As the letters on the wall started changing, Percy noticed the name "Perseus."

"Perseus?" Percy guessed.

"Correct," Mr. Brunner confirmed.

Afterward, Mr. Brunner continued his explanation. Percy moved back into the group, and the new substitute English teacher approached him.

"Percy?" Mrs. Dodds called.

"Yes, Mrs. Dodds?" Percy responded.

"I need to speak with you,"

"Okay," Percy agreed, and he followed her into a room. Alex sensed something was off and followed them as well.

Inside the room, Alex asked, "So, did I do something wrong?" He turned his head to look at Mrs. Dodds, but she was nowhere to be seen.

"Mrs. Dodds, where are you?" Alex questioned.

"Where is it?" a voice echoed from above. Percy looked up and saw Mrs. Dodds standing on top of a ladder.

"How did you get up there?" Percy asked, bewildered. However, he received no answer. Mrs. Dodds let out a beastly cry and transformed into a creature with six wings and six bat-like legs.

"Whoa," Percy exclaimed in astonishment. He started running, and the creature flew after him, aiming to catch him with its legs.

But Percy tripped and fell to the ground. The creature hovered in the air and demanded, "You stole the lightning. Give it to me."

"I don't know what you're talking about," Percy replied, trying to catch his breath.

Just as the creature was about to attack, the door swung open, and Alex entered the room.

"If you want the lightning bolt, here it is," Alex declared, conjuring a large bolt of lightning in his hand.

Upon seeing this, the creature said, "Give it to me."

"Release him, and then I'll give it to you," Alex negotiated.

The creature released Percy, who quickly ran toward Alex with fear etched on his face.

"Now, give it to me," the creature demanded.

"Here, take it," Alex threw the lightning bolt toward the fury.

The creature caught the lightning bolt with greed in its eyes. However, as soon as it made contact with the bolt, the lightning surged through its body, causing it to collapse onto the ground.

The fury's body turned black, emitting the smell of burning flesh. Lightning sparks continued to flicker around it.

"Alex, what the hell is that?" Percy exclaimed.

"Am I dreaming?"

"I need to take my medication," Percy muttered, feeling the need to ground himself.

Before Alex could explain, the door swung open.

Mr. Brunner and Grover entered, witnessing the lifeless body of the fury and the lingering lightning sparks.

"Percy, what happened here?" Mr. Brunner said, his eyes scanning the scene.

"Mr. Brunner, you won't believe this, but this creature attacked me," Percy explained.

"And Alex killed it with lightning," he added.

"What?" Grover and Mr. Brunner exclaimed in shock.

"Alex, is that true?" Mr. Brunner questioned.

"Yes," Alex confirmed.

"Then, who are you?" Brunner asked, his gaze filled with caution.

"Just a god who came to experience daily life," Alex replied calmly.

"Are you really a god?" Grover asked skeptically.

"Yes, I am a god. But right now, you should worry about Percy. That creature attacked him," Alex stated, concerned for Percy's safety.

Hearing this, Mr. Brunner turned to Percy and asked, "What did that creature ask you?"

"It said I stole a lightning bolt and demanded to know its whereabouts," Percy answered.

"This is a problem now. If they think he stole it, they will try to attack him," Mr. Brunner said, his tone filled with worry.

"Grover, take him to camp," Mr. Brunner instructed.

"Who will attack me? Please, someone explain," Percy pleaded.

"Percy, we don't have time to explain now. We're going to your house. It's related to your father," Grover revealed, urging them to leave.

"What can you guys tell me? Why would you know about my father?" Percy asked, confused.

"Because I'm your protector," Grover revealed.

"What? You're my protector?" Percy exclaimed, his eyes wide with disbelief.

"Alex, why are you coming with us?" Grover questioned, noticing Alex's presence.

"Nothing, just for fun. I can also help you. Having a god by your side is a good thing, right?"

"What? You are a god?" Percy asked, still struggling to grasp the truth.

"Why have I never heard of you?" Grover expressed his doubt.

"I know you won't believe it, but I'll prove it to you," Alex declared, causing time to freeze all over the world, freezing everyone in their tracks.

"What did you do?" Percy asked, bewildered by the sudden halt.

"I just stopped time."