Thunder and Blood

4

Percy

I lay on the roof, listening to them talk to each other. I had let the water die down half an hour ago, and after they searched the area for ten minutes, looking for me, they went back inside. 

Since then, I have learned 5 things. 

1. The Japanese spirit I'm looking for is called a nogitsune, a.k.a. Void.
2. Stiles is someone's name.
3. The nogitsune is using Stiles (their friend) as a host.
4. They all have school in an hour.
5. And I'm insanely hungry right now.

When they leave I'll follow them to school and act as a student. It shouldn't be that hard, I'll just wear a sweatshirt to cover up my tattoos. Sure, Scott has one, but it will seem suspicious if a weird new kid shows up right when their friend went missing, and revealing my tattoos won't help my case. 

I lay on the roof until I hear them begin to leave. I sit up, Blackjack should have been here by now. I called him a while ago. And of course, as soon as Scott and his friends are out of view, I hear the flapping of wings. 

The Pegasus lands on the roof, skidding to a stop. "Follow them." I say, urgent. 

He snorts. "Hello to you too, boss."

I hop onto his back. "Sorry Blackjack, it's been a long night."

"I can see that. You look rough."

"Thank you." I roll my eyes, bracing myself as he gets a running start and leaps into the air. We sore through the air, directly above Scott, who's riding a green dirt bike with the girl carrying the sword. There are two cars following him closely behind. Though I don't know everyone's names to pick them out, I know the redhead, Allison, and the girl think to be Malia are in one car, the boys in the other. 

"You think you'll need me anytime soon?" Blackjack asks against the wind.

"Maybe, not sure. But can you stay nearby? Just in case?"

"Sure thing, boss." He flaps his wings, I clutch the hairs of his mane tightly.

Stupid Zeus and his lightning. 

The group pulls into the school parking lot, I don't dare go there still riding blackjack. I don't know what mortals see, maybe just a normal horse, but I don't want to risk it. He drops me off in the woods beside it, I walk the rest of the way to the front.

First things first. I need a sweatshirt.

I go into the school, making my way to the front desk. "Hey." I say to the lady behind it, flashing a smile. "I left my sweater here yesterday, did it by chance end up here?"

"Let me check real quick." I stands and goes to the back room, emerging a minute later. "These two were brought in by the custodians last night, recognize either?" She holds up a white zipup sweater and a dark blue hoodie. I point to the blue one, obviously. It looks about my size. 

"That's it." I say, she holds it out. "Thank you so much, have a nice day." I smile again.

"You too sweetie."

I pull the hoodie on over my t-shirt and my SPQR tattoo, making me look like a normal kid again. Well, save for the grey streak in my hair. But hopefully the kids here will think it's just dye. 

Second order of business, I need to wash up.

I find the closest boys bathroom, hoping no one is in there. I wash my hands and face, wetting my hair as well. As soon as my hands touch the water, I instantly feel better. I wanted to brush my teeth as well, but I have to settle for rinsing my mouth out. 

I'm still wondering why Chiron would send me here with absolutely nothing. 

I stare at myself in the mirror. 

I look... old. Not physically, but as if I've been through Hell. 

In truth, I have.