23: The Message

Percy POV

It was mesmerizing watching Wise Girl sing on stage.

I was someone who's watched thousands of other singers and performers, so I wasn't saying this lightly. Annabeth was a fantastic vocalist.

The performance aspect was simple but effective.

She stood center-stage in a stunning white dress and sang a meaningful song on female empowerment. It was moving and captivating. The spotlight made her blonde hair shine and skin glow as she sang with her heart.

Everyone's attention was on her and her voice.

"So breathe it in the feel the life..."

I breathed out in exacerbation as I listened to the extended note. It was so smooth and silky. Her voice steadied as she strongly finished the song.

For a second, it was very quiet.

Then, suddenly, everyone exploded. The applause and cheers were deafening as the whole crowd got onto their feet. I felt so proud and happy on behalf of Wise Girl. She was incredible up there.

It was at that moment that I realized that I was doing the right thing. I wasn't going to let anything or anyone jeopardize her future because she had a lot to offer. Her voice deserved to be heard respectfully without a cloud of scandal.

I smiled as I clapped.

Annabeth smiled brightly as she took it all in. It was a wonderful feeling to be on stage and have people love you. It made all of the pressure and stress worth it.

Her gaze locked onto mine as she walked off of the stage.

Annabeth walked past me as she went back toward her seat. I want to reach out and take her hand as she walked by, but I resisted the urge.

Regardless, our gazes locked for a few seconds, and that acted as a loving interaction between us.

Finally, the crowd settled as Jason and Thalia took the stage again.

"Wow, that was an amazing performance, Annabeth," Thalia cheered. Surprisingly, Thalia had tears in her eyes because of how proud she was of her best friend.

"All right, everyone, the show must go on," Jason said. "Next up, we will have a dance group known as The Gladiators."

The show continued. As I flipped through the schedule, I realized that we were nearing the end of the program. I would be on stage very soon. I was excited to perform. Since getting famous, I've never taken this long of a break from performing for a large audience.

"Percy, are you ready? You're up next," Chiron whispered next to me.

"I am. I'm actually excited. It's been a while," I said quietly.

"I'm quite proud of you, Percy. Despite everything that's going on, you retained your passion for music. I know that it's been so hard."

"I'll always love music, Chiron. I'm just disappointed that they have so much power over me," I expressed.

"I'm sorry that I couldn't do anything," he said with shame and guilt.

"it's not your fault, Chiron. Don't blame yourself."

"When I became your manager, I promised your mother that I'd look after you. She wanted me to make sure that you'd be happy. I feel like I'm letting you and her down," he said quietly.

I turned my gaze to my mother. She was sitting on the other side of me. Yup, my mom and Paul were in the VIP section because they were related to me. My mom cared so much about me, so I wasn't surprised.

"I just wish that I could do something, Chiron."

"You can, Percy. You can show that you have autonomy. You can show that you choose who you love," Chiron expressed.

"How? They have all the leverage," I said.

Chiron and I started clapping automatically as another dance performance ended. They were good dancers, but we were distracted in conversation.

"They also need you, Percy. Zeus and Atlas won't release their leverage on you that easily. You can show hints of defiance. If anything, it'll make you feel better, and it'll send a message," Chiron said firmly.

I nodded as I digested his words. Chiron was wise, and his advice made sense.

"You're right, Chiron. I can defy against them. Maybe, I'll start tonight," I expressed boldly. I already knew what I was going to do.

I quickly texted Leo my idea. He responded quickly with a confirmation message. Yup, the plan was underway.

My eyes turned towards Jason on stage.

My best friend was killing it today. He had an excellent stage presence and really knew how to control the audience.

I smiled. Jason also knew how to support me. He wasn't fake about it though. He was genuine about his love for me but also realistic about me and about life. I admired and loved my best friend so much.

"All right, everyone, let's give another round of applause for all of our students. They worked incredibly hard to deliver this showcase for you all," Thalia exclaimed.

The audience cheered in support.

I stood up and started walking towards the side of the stage. My band was already waiting with their instruments. A drumset and piano were already on stage.

"Are you guys, ready?" I asked excitedly.

"Absolutely, boss," Blackjack cheered. His real name wasn't Blackjack, but we all called him that.

"Viva La Vida is a standard. We could play it in our sleep," Arion expressed. Tempest nodded in agreement.

Blackjack, Tempest, and Arion were three members of my band. Arion played the piano, Blackjack played the drums, and Tempest was a guitarist. A few others were in my band and tech team, but they were already setting up the music backstage. Leo was directing them.

"Yes, well, we're not doing Viva La Vida. There's been a change of plans," I said.

They all turned in surprise. I certainly had their attention now. I quickly explained that we would be performing one of my recent demos.

The song was done, but it wasn't released. It was going to be on the new album (planned for next year). However, singing this song way ahead of time would be defiance against the label. I didn't care about the consequences because I wanted to be free.

Jason and Thalia were giving concluding remarks to the crowd. They were reiterating Goode Academy's sponsors, VIPs, and students. It was a long speech yet again, but it was necessary.

"All right, now, what everyone's been waiting for. Percy Jackson," Jason hollered.

I smiled as I walked onto the stage.

The band quickly set up in a matter of seconds. They were used to fast setups and busy venues. This was actually a breeze for them compared to some of the shows we've done.

I fist-bumped Jason as he gave me the mic.

"I hope that you like the song, mate," I whispered.

"What do you mean? Everyone likes Viva La Vida," Jason said quickly. "Well, prepare to be surprised," I said slyly.

Jason pulled away in confusion. He wanted to ask more questions, but Jason and Thalia had to go off stage.

I took a deep breath before turning on the microphone.

"Guys, what a night it's been?" I cheered towards the audience. Everyone cheered loudly as I walked towards the middle of the stage.

"I really hope that you all enjoyed my amazing classmate. They're awesome," I expressed genuinely. The students cheered happily.

"I LOVE YOU," an audience member shouted.

"And, I love you," I shot back with a smile. I turned towards the backstage where Leo was standing. He gave me a thumbs-up, indicating that everything was ready.

My gaze fell on the cameras that were focused on me. I was glad that they would capture this performance.

"All right, everyone, I know that you all were looking forward to Viva La Vida. However, I wanted to give ya'll something special," I expressed genuinely.

My gaze fell on Zeus and Atlas. Their smiles had faded immediately. They hated deviation from the norm. Actually, no, they hated defiance of their rules and schedules.

I looked around the crowd. They were all staring at me in confusion and curiosity. Even Annabeth was gazing at me in anticipation.

"This song is called Brother. I hope that ya'll enjoy it," I said. "Hit it."

The music started playing. I sang the first verse fluidly. The song started softly and grew in power. My voice was firm and delicate at the same time.

I had everyone's attention for the first chorus.

"If I was dying on my knees, you would be the one to rescue me. And, if you were drowned at sea, I'd give you my lungs so you could breathe..."

"I've got you brother-er-er-er. I've got you brother-er-er-er..."

My gaze turned to Jason as I sang parts of the song. I wrote this about him.

The song continued melodiously.

The music and my voice reverberated throughout the audience. Everyone was on their feet by the second chorus. My voice raised for the climax.

"And if we hit on troubled water, I'll be the one to keep you warm and safe. And we'll be carrying each other until we say goodbye on our dying day..."

After a few reiterations of the chorus, the song came to a close.

"I've got you brother-er-er-er. I've got you brother-er-er-er..." My voice faded into the night as I finished the last verse.

I smiled as I absorbed the audience's energy.

I was incredibly proud of this song and its message. It was for Jason, but it was also about life and friendship. It was about the highs and lows, and the people that stick with you throughout all of it.

"Thank you, everyone," I exclaimed. "And, once again, give it up for my amazingly talented classmates. Have a great night, everyone."

The audience was still on a high as I walked away. The applause and cheers didn't stop or fade until I was completely off the stage.

"Percy, bro," Jason acknowledged immediately.

I smiled as I embraced my best friend. He bro-hugged me back. Jason practically crushed my chest in the hub, but I didn't care. I was glad that he liked the song.

"Bro, that song was amazing. Thank you," Jason whispered. His eyes were sparkling with emotion.

"All right, don't go all sappy on me now, Jason," I commented.

"Percy, eeek, that was amazing," Piper shrieked ecstatically. "And, babe, you were incredible." She crashed into Jason's embrace and kissed him.

"Aww, baby, you're feeling emotional," Piper said with a smile.

"Yeah, I'm a little sensitive right now. Gosh, Percy..." Jason whispered. I patted his shoulder. I knew that we'd always support each other.

A bunch of interviewers and paparazzi were crowding us. I tried to answer their questions, but my eyes were looking at Annabeth. I couldn't find her. Of course, she had probably gone to meet her family. That's what everyone was doing.

The paparazzi noticed my searching gaze, though.

"Percy, are you looking for your girlfriend?" someone asked. "Tell us, everything," another female reporter shrieked.

The paparazzi were too much. Voices were coming from everywhere. They had effectively pushed Jason and Piper out of the way so that I was stuck in the middle of a mass of reporters.

"Excuse me? I'm not answering anything. Excuse me," I said boldly.

I pushed my way through the paparazzi, but they were everywhere. Finally, Terminus and a few security guards came to my rescue.

"Sir, Directors Zeus and Atlas want to see you right now," Terminus said seriously. He sounded like he regretted telling me, but I was expecting it.

My security team ushered me off the football field and towards the school. They led me through the music hallway towards the studio room.

"Terminus, do you know what mood they're in?" I asked.

"I'd rather not say, Percy. That probably answers the question though. I'm sorry that this will potentially ruin your night," Terminus replied.

"I was expecting it," I said firmly.

My mind raced as we walked towards the studio room. Terminus and the security team stopped outside as ordered by Zeus.

I hesitantly opened the door. Chiron, Zeus, and Atlas were waiting for me inside. As soon as the door opened, Zeus whirled around.

"PERSEUS JACKSON," Zeus exlcaimed. His face was contorted in anger.

"Zeus, I can explain," I said quickly.

"SHUT UP, KID, and SIT YOUR ASS DOWN," Zeus's voice boomed.

I wanted to run. However, the door closing trapped me in the room. I walked towards the couch as Zeus and Atlas's cold gazes burned into me. I was not living forward to this.