Gladiators

Chapter Four

*3rd Person's POV*

"Who is depending on you?" Hazel asked. "Well, my mom, my teacher, and my friends." Percy said. "Why can't they protect themselves?" Hazel asked quizzically. "They can... But I'm the strongest person there. We're prone to attacks from random, monstrous creatures. It's good to have extra defense." Percy shrugged.

"Are you gay or straight? Or maybe bisexual?" Hazel asked. "Gay." Percy blushed. "Do you have a boyfriend back where you came from?" Hazel tilted her head in curiosity.

"Well... I have a crush on this one guy, but I don't believe he likes me back." Percy answered reluctantly. "Don't tell Jason that." Hazel instructed sternly. "What? Why?" Percy asked anxiously. "Jason is crazy possessive and jealous. If he gets wind that he might have competition, you truly will never leave." Hazel answered, shaking her head sadly.

"How do you know?" Percy asked shakily, his heart beating rapidly in his chest. "One girl had made that mistake. She killed herself a few months after by walking off the highest balcony in this palace." Hazel shuddered. "I'm guessing you've never wanted to be in mine or the others' positions, have you?" Percy sighed. "No, I haven't. But he is a good friend of mine." She stated firmly.

"I see." Percy replied. Suddenly Percy was overwhelmed with fatigue. His eyes began drooping, he slouched, and he yawned a bit. Hazel noticed. "I'll let you sleep." Hazel said and walked out of the room. Percy didn't want to sleep- not on a bed provided to him by that crazy blonde Roman who wants to play with him. No, Percy refused to be a part of his game.

He tried to think of a plan, but the only plan he could think of meant gaining Jason's trust and waiting for the perfect time to run. He just wasn't sure if he could pull it off. Percy had never been known for his deceitfulness. The last time he'd tried to deceive someone- well, Percy never did it again.

Percy stood up and walked out to the balcony, looking down at the garden. He saw a little blue bird flying away from the garden, tweeting happily. Percy wished he could do the same. But he was stuck to the ground, his resentment of this place rising. He'd never been one to obey, stay still, or be tamed. He'd always had his wild, untamed spirit. His willful behavior had made it hard on his mother, but she never once complained.

She'd also never complained when he went out on his own for extended periods of time, but Percy knew she worried. That's why he had stopped. He hated worrying the amazing woman that had raised him on her own. She'd recently married, but still made time for him and his brother.

Now look where Percy was because he had ventured away from everyone else on his own. Percy wished he could talk to her now, assure her that he lived still. But he had no way to contact her or his friends and teacher. They were probably worried sick about him.

Percy yearned to be near water. He wished he was by the ocean once again. That's where Percy's little village was. Next to the salty ocean. They'd traveled far and wide, journeyed from far away places, to come to that place. They'd went through Athens, which Percy's best friend, Annabeth, had been reluctant to leave. They'd seen the first Olympics and had cheered on their favorites. A few of their friends had even competed. He missed those days.

Percy cursed himself silently- cursing his stupidity. He'd known that some Romans had been nearby, but he had ignored the threat. He had had too much confidence in his abilities, and he had underestimated his enemies. He'd never make that mistake again. He just hoped they hadn't found the village and taken his friends and family.

If anyone from his village had been hurt, the Romans would pay dearly for their stupid mistake.