percy jackson · riordan books · demigod · hydrokinesis · adhd · sassy · protective · greek mythology · water magic · childhood trauma
Sunlight glared off the chlorinated water, turning the pool surface into a sheet of molten silver. Percy Jackson, a small ten-year-old boy with tousled blonde hair, was losing the fight in the deep end. His blue eyes widened with pure panic as he swallowed a mouthful, his worst fear made liquid. Then Sally Jackson was there, plunging in, her hands finding him just before he went under. She pulled him to the concrete edge, holding him securely against her, her smile a calm mask over her own fear. Dripping and shivering, Percy looked up, guilt a cold stone in his stomach alongside the terror. The water beaded on his skin felt like the mark of another defeat.