An Assassin's Guide to Family

Chapter 1: Present

-------------- Percy's POV: --------------

My chance at a normal life died the day I became a demigod. Maybe it died the day I was born. Who could really know? all I know was I could never be normal.

I couldn't be like the people who grew up with normal, loving parents, like the kids my age who's only worry was grades or maybe which boy or girl they had a crush on, like the people who grew up and left for college, to have a family. This was all lost the day I was approached by the fates, by Mr. Brunner, or even Grover for that matter.

I never stood a chance.

Now, as I sat here, the cool wind whipping against my face, I couldn't help but wonder had I had a chance to change this? To change any of it? Maybe I could've asked for a normal life from my wish, maybe I could've ran, ran until my legs couldn't carry me and I was the furthest away from society. What if my mom and I had left together for some unknown land, or dad had taken us to live with him in his castle. What if he'd just told the truth.

The thought sent stinging pains to the back of my eyes, a burning feeling growing in the base of my throat as the wind dried any tears I may have carried.

A sigh escaped my lips as I overlooked the city, the mask on my face making everything darker then it already was but I didn't mind, it helped in a way. Hiding me from the reality of my life. Giving me the chance I was never allowed before.

A chance to make my own path. To be normal, or to change things. To not be Percy Jackson, daughter of Poseidon, two time savior of the world. No. Here on this ledge, overlooking the people below me, I was just a random person with a mask on my face, knives adorning my outfit in various locations, hidden from common view but poking into my skin as almost a warning to their presence.

This wasn't normal. It was kind of funny that when presented the opportunity to be normal, to not risk my life and to pursue the one dream I'd had since I was twelve, that I'd toss it to the side, proceed to live in the unusual and risk my livelihood for the sake of others.

I guess it just wasn't meant to be.

Over the sounds of the howling wind I could hear the sound of footsteps coming from behind me. I didn't turn, I could tell due to the light nature it could only be a few people that I knew. I didn't move, instead closing my eyes as the wind pushed my hair, the bulk of it sitting on my shoulders unmoving.

"We need to get moving. There's someone I need you to meet." The voice spoke from behind me, low and calming, almost like a sad song. I took in a deep breath, admiring how the cool air froze my lungs, sending a chill through my body. Ignoring how they found me to begin with.

Talia had brought this up before, but I'd been busy out in the night, even during the day training took up a lot of my time. It was better than doing nothing. I loathed the silence. In the city it was never quite silent, another reason I enjoyed just watching. Something was always happening.

"Right" My voice came out sounding like a scratchy record, like someone was trying to hush me, it was something I didn't quite like or understand, but put up with though because with the mask it hid my identity.

I stood up, bringing my arms to my sides, taking one long last look at the city around me, the lights bright against the pitch black sky, a few clouds hanging low and casting a gray look. It was probably smog, but it helped to imagine it was just a storm cloud, that maybe someone I'd known was walking around free. Having a normal life now.

I shook my head, readjusting the mask to make sure it was tight enough and kept its proper position. My eyes lined up with the small slits I could look through, significantly brightening my view. The wind ceased as if reminding me it was time to go.