Percy is a 16-year-old boy who appears to his peers to be dyslexic, and has a unique ability to stay underwater for a long time. While on a school trip to the local museum, Percy is attacked by a Fury disguised as his substitute teacher, who demands the lightning bolt. Percy's best friend, Grover Underwood, and his Latin teacher, Mr. Brunner — both of whom appear disabled — help Percy and scare off the Fury using a pen from Mr. Brunner. Grover tells Percy to use the pen, and Percy discovers that it is a sword. Upon learning of the Fury's reason for the attack, Mr. Brunner has Grover take Percy and his mother Sally to Camp Half-Blood, leaving behind Sally's abusive husband Gabe Ugliano. However, the three are attacked by a minotaur that appears to kill Sally, who is unable to enter the camp. He uses his sword to fight the Minotaur, without initial success. Percy kills the Minotaur with its own horn, then faints from shock.