Son of Wonder Woman

The Weight of Dual Lives

Percy Jackson's alarm blared at 5:30 AM, dragging him from the remnants of a restless sleep. With a groan, he swung his legs over the edge of the bed and rubbed his eyes, already feeling the weight of the day ahead. Living in Gotham City was a constant balancing act, one he had yet to master despite his extraordinary abilities.

Gotham Academy was a prestigious school, and Percy was one of its most unlikely students. As he walked through the towering iron gates, he couldn't help but feel out of place among the privileged teens. His classmates wore designer clothes and carried the latest gadgets, while he sported second-hand attire and a backpack that had seen better days. Yet, Percy's mind was sharp, and he excelled in his classes, driven by an inner determination to prove himself.

The bell rang, and Percy's first class began. He struggled to keep his eyes open as the teacher droned on about algebraic equations. His thoughts drifted to his first job of the day at Big Belly Burger. As soon as school let out, he would sprint to the fast-food joint, don his greasy uniform, and serve customers with a forced smile. The pay was meager, but it was a job, and Percy took pride in earning his own way.

The shift at Big Belly Burger ended at 5:00 PM, giving Percy just enough time to rush to the harbor docks. The work there was grueling, but it provided an outlet for his strength and stamina. He hauled crates, unloaded shipments, and did whatever was asked of him without complaint. The older dockworkers respected him, often commenting on his work ethic and resilience.

By 9:00 PM, Percy's muscles ached, and his body begged for rest. But his day was far from over. He had one more job, one he kept secret from everyone, including Diana. As darkness fell, he made his way to an abandoned warehouse, his stomach churning with dread. Black Mask, one of Gotham's most notorious villains, had somehow ensnared Percy into his web. Reluctantly, Percy served as a henchman, using his demigod abilities to carry out tasks he would rather not think about.

Percy's strength and perseverance were evident, but so was his constant exhaustion. Each night, he returned home with bruises and cuts, his body a canvas of his daily battles. Diana, who he believed to be his older sister, often tried to help him financially. She left money on the kitchen counter, slipped extra bills into his backpack, and even offered to pay his school tuition. But Percy, valuing his independence, refused her offers. He couldn't shake the feeling that he needed to stand on his own, to carve out his own path despite the odds.

One evening, after a particularly brutal day, Percy found Diana waiting for him in the small apartment  Percy paid for , Diana was visiting for the night . Her expression was a mix of concern and frustration. "Percy, you can't keep doing this to yourself," she said softly, her eyes scanning his injuries.

"I'm fine, Diana," Percy replied, though he winced as he sat down. "I can handle it."

Diana sighed, sitting beside him. "You're just a kid. You shouldn't have to handle all this alone."

Percy looked at her, seeing not just his sister but a fierce protector. "I have to. I don't know why, but I feel like it's my responsibility."

She reached out, gently touching his bruised cheek. "You're stronger than you know, Percy. But even the strongest need help sometimes."

As Percy drifted off to sleep that night, her words echoed in his mind. He knew she was right, but accepting help felt like admitting defeat. And Percy Jackson was not one to admit defeat easily. His double life in Gotham was his burden to bear, and he intended to carry it with all the strength he could muster.

Percy's days at Gotham Academy were a blur of classes and exhaustion, but one bright spot stood out among the monotony: Artemis Crock. She was sharp, confident, and had an air of mystery that intrigued him. Despite his nerves, Percy decided it was time to take a chance and ask her out.