The Son of Hermes (a Percy Jackson fanfic)

chapter 3: I borrow lifelines from a stranger

I have been on the run for about ... four hours. But that was enough time to realise that I was going to have a tough time. I took the subway to some really wierd place and with my dyslexia, I couldn't even read the name. As soon as I stepped out of the train, it finally sank in. I was all alone in a strange city with strange people. There was no one to help me and from now on, I had to survive on my own. I looked up towards the sky. It was getting hot.

That was the first observation. The second observation was that I hadn't packed any water. I thought about some solution to the water problem. I could ask at some house for water but I hated begging more than anything. I thought about looking for a job. It was common for kids to become slaves in ancient Rome but in the modern times...Well I doubt anyone would give me the task to fight lions.While I was thinking this, a woman came to stand beside me. She was waiting for the train to arrive. I couldn't help but stare at her. She seemed rich and was the typical fat lady in expensive clothes and jewellery.

"Do you want something from me, dear?"she asked me in a kind voice which sounded a little fake. She must have seen me staring.

"Yes, ma'am," I said, trying to quickly think of some excuse but I decided that for once, I could tell her the truth,"I was wondering if you could give me some water, if possible. "

I must have sounded respectful enough because she smiled and said,"Of course."

She shuffled around her purse and took out a small bottle. I took it after giving her a lot of 'how kind of you!' and 'Thank you very much' comments. It felt strange to have a stranger be kind to me but I soon noticed that every one here seemed sweet and kind. The day passed quickly. I wasn't very hungry and ate one of my snicker bars for dinner. It got dark sooner than I expected. I huddled up in an alleyway and tried to go to sleep. I must have slept deeply because when I woke up, it was broad daylight and the passerbys were looking at me as though wondering what such a young boy was doing on the streets.

I thought about my mother. Would she have informed the police by now? Maybe not. It is possible that she didn't even notice that I was gone. I wondered about what she had said about me being the son of Hermes. I realised that I was starting to believe her. I remembered the stories of Hercules and Perseus, who were incredible monster fighters. Were the Greek gods still there? And what about the Titans? I shuddered to think of them. I decided to start the day with a prayer. I looked up, towards the sky and said aloud,"Dad? If you're there, please send me some sign. A signal to tell me what to do? "

I waited. And waited. And waited. Nothing came. No lights flashed across the sky, no magical banner appeared saying that - 'Welcome to the myth world , Son!'. In short, if Hermes existed, he didn't bother to acknowledge me as his son.

I spent a month in that town living off the little supplies that I had. During that time, I worked on my swordplay. I realised that I was a good swordsman. Except a hellhound no monster attacked. I took care of the hellhound easily. I was fast asleep when it attacked but the dumb mutt growled loudly and began to bark. The sound was slightly louder than an artillery gun, so ,it naturally woke me up. The last thing the hellhound saw was my sword. I still wonder what it was made of. I was sure it wasn't steel or iron. I made the mistake of going to the blacksmith to ask about it. It turns out that to him, the sword looked like an iron sword. It's like there's something that shields their eyes from magic. The police haven't come searching yet, which means that Mom didn't inform them. I know that the town which is my new home is called Shunpike Village. Strange name, huh?

I'm also getting adapted to living as a runaway. I have strange abilities. I can convince people to give me food and water. I'm good at stealing and breaking into places. I can open locks at will. I'm not proud of these qualities but I guess they come with being a demigod. In short, I'm getting used to surviving on my own , hiding from gangts and living off whatever I can find.

Time will pass on. I'll get older and figure out what to do with myself but for now I'm just a kid. A question is always troubling me- are there others like me? I'm sure I'll find out soon.