5 Chapter 5
"Excited for your first day at Yancy, Percy?" Sally's voice interrupted the morning tranquility as she began washing the breakfast dishes.
"Yeah, I guess," I replied, my mind partly elsewhere. With a flick of my wrist, I conjured a small bubble of water, watching it dance between states—liquid, mist, and ice. "Corvus has been keeping me up all night, eager to start studying at Yancy."
Sally chuckled at the idea of a mythical bird studying. My mom quickly learned that I had known about who I was and she surprisingly took it well. She loved Corvus when she met him, always spoiling the crap out of him. "He can't go to school; he's a bird. Though I have to say he really is such a curious little guy."
"Yeah, try telling him that," I sighed, banishing the swirling mist around my hand. I rose from the table and stretched. "Anyway, I should get going. Can't be late for the orientation."
"You sure you don't want me to drive you?" Sally asked, drying her hands.
"Mother, I can walk; it's fine. Besides, I wouldn't want you to be late for your hospital appointment," I replied, looking at her pregnant belly. "Speaking of which, where is Paul?"
Sally thought for a moment before answering, "I don't know, he made breakfast then left to go to the store to get some things. He said to tell you good luck in school."
"Okay, okay. I better head out before I am late," I laughed.
"Okay, sweetie, just be careful, and make sure you stay out of sight," Sally said as she handed me my backpack. "I still don't know why you wanted to go to Yancy, with how smart you are you could go to any Jr. High. Yancy is a school for troubled kids."
"Thanks, Mom, you're the best," I said, slipping on my backpack and grabbing my luggage. "Don't worry; I'll be careful. Besides, you can say that I am a troubled kid. Bye!"
"Bye, Percy," Sally replied, giving me a final hug and a kiss on the forehead before I left the apartment.
As I closed the door behind me, I heard my mother's quiet sigh. "He's growing up so fast."
<----------------------------- >
"Welcome, new students, to Yancy Academy. My name is Karma Umbridge, and I am the new principal here at this institution," the tall and tan-skinned woman introduced herself with authority. Her stern, black eyes, prominent nose, and softly shaped jaw gave her an imposing presence. She sported curly brown hair layered with amethyst dye, subtle eyeshadow, metallic lipstick, and a natural-looking foundation.
"You are all troubled kids who have all gotten in trouble and have been sent here for one reason or another. In this school you shall all behave yourselves and you will all become great model students. You will be respectful to your teachers and to each other. I will expect nothing but the best from you, Any questions!" Principal Umbridge inquired, her hands clasped together.
A solitary hand shot up, and she pointed to the girl who sought answers. "Yes, what is your question?"
"I'm Megan Winters, and I was wondering about how the dorm pairings will work," the girl asked.
"Well, Miss Winters, the dorm situation has undergone some changes this year as we're experimenting with a new approach. If it proves successful, it will continue. This time, one boy and one girl will be selected to share a dorm room." Murmurs rippled through the assembly. "A list will be posted at the office, indicating your assigned dorm and your roommate for the year. Make sure to check it so you know where you'll be staying."
"Excuse me, Principal," A boy next to me spoke up when the commotion subsided. Mrs. Umbridge raised an eyebrow and turned her gaze to him.
"Yes, Mr...."
"Johnson, Peter Johnson," He replied alittle arrogant.
"Yes, Mr. Johnson, what is your question?"
"Excuse me, Principal, I couldn't help but notice that the cafeteria's selection of caviar and champagne has been lacking lately. As a student of considerable means, I find this unacceptable. When can we expect an upgrade to more suitable dining options that cater to students of my stature?"
"Please elaborate, Mr. Johnson," Mrs. Umbridge said, folding her arms.
Mr. Johnson cleared his throat, a smug grin spreading across his face as he leaned back in his chair, reveling in the attention his question had garnered.
"Well, Mrs. Umbridge," he began, his tone dripping with condescension, "it's quite simple, really. As a student of considerable means, I believe it's only fair that the school's amenities cater to my discerning tastes and preferences."
He paused for dramatic effect, allowing his words to sink in before continuing.
"However, I've noticed a distinct lack of options in the cafeteria that meet my standards. Caviar and champagne are basic necessities for someone of my stature, yet they seem to be in short supply lately. It's simply unacceptable."
Mr. Johnson's arrogance practically oozed from every word, his entitlement on full display as he addressed the principal with a sense of entitlement that bordered on the absurd.
"I demand to know whe-"
"Oh my god, will you just shut the fuck up!" I yelled as I smashed my fist into the kids face.
"You what is your name!" Mrs. Umbridge yelled to me. "What do you think you are doing?"
"Perseus Jackson, and I am doing us all a favor and shutting this idiot up." I responded.
"You're not afraid to stand up against others, I like you kid. I'll keep an eye on you." Mrs Umbridge smirked as she turned and headed into the Academy.
<-------------------------- >
I quickly ascended to the pinnacle of Yancy Academy's brightest students. Being a straight A student in my past life and forced to be knowledgeable in many topics, junior high wasn't that big of a deal. As the months rolled by, I started to get a lot of attention from the students and teachers. Some of my fellow students felt threatened by my intellect and attempted to bully me, but such endeavors invariably ended poorly for them.
On the first day, I had located my dorm and promptly claimed the right side as my own. After meticulously organizing my belongings for easy access, I departed and headed straight to the bookshop. There, I purchased numerous volumes on Greek mythology and spent the entire day in my room, immersing myself in the tales and myths of heroes and gods.
Late into the night, I remained awake, meticulously highlighting discrepancies and making extensive notes about the stories. Thanks to Adias' teaching, I gained access to knowledge of what really happened. Of course, there are no records thanks to one of my fathers. So I am using my free time noting what is right and wrong of our history; Homer has got it almost 70% right.
Turns out my roommate Peter, the annoying rich kid, upon learning that he was sharing a room with me, panicked and decided to drop out, leaving me with the room all to myself, which suited me just fine. My status as the smartest student at Yancy had afforded me the privilege of missing classes whenever I pleased, provided I aced the subsequent tests and exams—an expectation I had no trouble meeting. Instead of flaunting my superiority, I surprised many by seeking permission to establish my own study group, open to students of all ages.
I limited the group to ten participants every Friday and Saturday at the library, requiring students to sign up in advance to secure a spot. Earning excellent reviews for my friendly and helpful demeanor, I eventually gained the approval of both teachers and the principal to conduct my own classes to assist fellow students in passing their classes.
My mother, Sally, took great pride in my accomplishments and insisted that I embrace the role. After a quarter of the year had passed, I was bestowed with the title of "King of Yancy," a designation I hadn't sought but was officially recognized by the principal.
A week after receiving this somewhat unwelcome title, I crossed paths with the notorious bully of Yancy Academy. Nancy, the daughter of one of New York's wealthiest men, had been transferred to Yancy a few months into the school year. Her mean-spirited personality quickly earned her the disdain of her peers, except for a select group of "close friends."
I encountered Nancy as I was strolling down the dormitory hall after my run. There, I found a distraught boy sitting outside his dorm, tears in his eyes. Concerned, I approached him.
"Are you okay?" I asked gently, coming to a halt and studying the boy. Startled, he jumped up and mumbled a response.
"Y-yeah, I'm fine, don't worry," he stammered.
"Look at me," I urged, and the boy reluctantly lifted his gaze, revealing his red-rimmed eyes. His astonishment was evident as he recognized me.
"You're the King of Yancy Academy!" he exclaimed in disbelief.
"Please, don't call me that," I replied. "Now, what happened?" The boy hesitated for a moment before pouring out his story. He told me how Nancy had been assigned as his roommate and had bullied him relentlessly since her arrival—insulting him, labeling him a crybaby, and subjecting him to relentless torment. He explained that she had just kicked him out of their room for failing to clean her side and had locked him out.
Listening patiently, I stopped him when he seemed to have shared all he needed to. "Stay here," I instructed. I produced the master key I had been given and unlocked the door, swinging it open with a loud thud, startling Nancy.
"You're Nancy Bobofit?" I inquired even if I knew the answer, stepping inside. She responded with a sarcastic comment.
"Yeah, what of it? Don't tell me that you are here to help that crybaby." she retorted.
"No, I'm just a fellow student here, albeit one with a fancy title," I stated, "and I've heard you've been bullying your roommate." With a wry smile, I removed my towel that was arround my neck.
"Who are you to do anything about it?" Nancy's voice snapped.
"I believe it's time for you to understand the gravity of your actions," I replied, my tone carrying a hint of amusement as I closed the door behind me. Cracking my knuckles as Nancy's face paled and she started to back away from me.
Approximately ten minutes later, I exited the room and flashed a smile at the boy waiting outside. "Don't worry, kid. Nancy won't be a problem anymore."
"Really!?" the boy exclaimed with excitement. "Are you sure this won't come back to haunt you?"
"Nah, I highly doubt that," I replied confidently, and with that, I left to return to my own room. So that was Nancy, how interesting. I might have a use for her yet, hopelly our lettle talk helps her change her actions.
