The Hybrid

4. Artemis

Percy's first day at Angel Falls High School confirmed Grover's warning: there was a tangible divide among the students, as if an invisible line had been drawn down the center of the school. The tension was ever-present, manifesting in the cold glares and hushed conversations that seemed to follow him from class to class. Every class with both groups present (even if not every member was present) had its fair share of animosity. 

At lunch, Percy and Grover settled at a table near the edge of the cafeteria. It wasn't Percy's choice to be so isolated, but Grover insisted on sitting away from the main groups. He practically pulled Percy away from both Woody and Damp tables.

"Trust me," Grover said, nodding toward the crowd. "You don't want to get caught up in their drama. The Woodies and the Damps don't mix well."

Percy glanced at the Woodies' table first. It was occupied by Rachel, the girl with the fiery red hair who had laughed so captivatingly earlier. Her laughter rang through the room, a magnetic force that drew Percy's attention. Despite himself, he smiled, finding a small comfort in her presence. Frank, Hazel, Reyna, Octavian and six or seven more students sat at the table.

Grover pointed to the other end of the cafeteria. "And over there are the Damps. That's Luke's crew."

Percy's gaze shifted to the Damps' table, which contained about a dozen students as well. This table was formidable in its own right with Jason, Piper, Leo, Luke, Ethan, Calypso, and many others.

Despite all the attractive teenagers at the Damps table, Percy's eyes landed on a blonde girl, her face hidden behind a sketchbook. A strand of hair fell across her face as she adjusted her position, and Percy couldn't help but be intrigued. He unconsciously wished he could just go over and tuck that blonde strand of hair behind her ear.  Her concentration was almost palpable, and he felt a sudden urge to see more of her. But when she looked up and their eyes met for a brief moment, Percy quickly looked away, his cheeks flushing.

The cafeteria was divided sharply. 

The Woodies and the Damps sat at respective tables on opposite sides, each group pointedly ignoring the other. Percy felt the weight of their stares, the sensation of being scrutinized by both factions. He tried to focus on his conversation with Grover.

"So, you really like art?" Grover asked, breaking the silence. "What kind of stuff do you do?"

Percy shrugged, trying to shake off the discomfort. "Yeah, I love it. Mostly sketching, though I dabble in painting sometimes. Art has always been my escape."

Grover's eyes lit up. "You should check out the art elective. It's in the afternoon. The teacher's a bit strict, but if you're into art, it's worth it."

Percy's mood lifted at the prospect. "Thanks for the tip. I'll definitely give it a shot."

The lunch bell rang, and Percy and Grover headed to their next classes. Percy was both eager and anxious as he approached the art room. normally, he was supposed to have study hall, but he was allowed to replace it with an elective if he wanted. And, he definitely wanted to take art. The large room was on the far side of the school, and as he entered, he was greeted by the sight of students working diligently at their stations. The teacher, Madame Artemis, stood at the front of the room, her presence commanding immediate attention.

Percy approached hesitantly. 

"Hi, I'm Percy Jackson. I'm new here and wanted to join the art class."

"Can I see your portfolio?" she asked.

'I didn't bring a portfolio, but I'd really like to be in the class. I didn't know we were supposed to bring our work."