him, in all of his glory.

7. 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘮 𝘪 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬?

It's been exactly 4 hours and 32 minutes since we left camp

At first we we're all chatty and excited to leave camp until the three of us realized that we could actually die on this quest. Malcolm had explained to Percy that we had to drive to Montana, specifically to Glacier national park. I could tell Percy didn't like Malcolm telling him what to do or where to drive too. But Malcolm was definitely much smarter than Percy. Even Percy knew that. We calculated the drive to be around 38 hours. So only around 33,5 hours to go!

Even with a weird, uncomfortable feeling around, I was happy to do the quest with Percy and Malcolm. I mean these hours havent been so bad. We danced to some music, ate some snacks the camp gave to us, chatted about our parental trauma's. And I even had some nice views from outside. Things could be worse.

And I was right. Things got worse.

After a total of 7 hours driving we arrived at a place called Lowellville, a town just inside the Ohio state line. We assumed motel prices were cheap because the town probably barely got any tourists. "Okay we can sleep in the car, sleep in a tent or we can find a cheap motel. I think sleeping in the car is the best option right now, we don't want to attract attention to ourselves in such a small town." Percy said. "Monsters usually don't hide in small towns. So I think sleeping in a motel is our best option. We can catch up on some sleep, raid the mini fridge and even shower." Malcolm said. I could tell Percy didn't like that. "Just because there are less monsters in towns doesn't mean there aren't any at all? We should still be carefull." Percy now said irritated. "I think you need the rest, you've been driving all day Percy. So I think a motel is our best option. I do think you're right, so I'll keep watch so that Malcolm can drive tomorrow. Deal?" I said to them. Both weren't exactly happy but knew I was right. "Deal." Both of them said.

After just 13 minutes of driving Percy found us a motel. The grand minos motel. "Well if that isn't a red flag, then I don't know anymore. Are we really entering a motel named after King Minos?" Percy said. "Minos is a very popular Greek name, you've got to take risks sometimes." Malcolm said. "Fine." Percy said while getting out of the car and slamming the door. "You know he is kind of right. This feels like a bad omen Malcolm." I said. "Don't worry, you'll take watch anyway. If you hear or see something just wake us up." Malcolm explained. I nodded and got out of the car.

The motel was basically falling apart. It was made of this dark brown wood and looked like it was themed after a hunters cabin. The entire place was filled with dead animal trophies or fur. It also had this horrible stench. We walked towards the reception which seemed to be empty. Malcolm rang the bell at the desk. A woman walked out of the door behind the desk. She looked young, around 28 or so. She had long black straight hair and a beautiful face. I noticed her hands were shaking. "Oh this? I had to skin this fish and it just wouldn't stop moving alright." She laughed. Her laugh was off. "Anyway, my name is Isadora but you can call me whatever you'd like. I'm guessing you young travelers are looking for a room?" Isadora asked us. "Oh yeah we just like to book one room for one night please." Malcolm said. "Just one night? That's a shame we love travelers around here. That'll be 30 dollars dear." Isadora said. She for sure sounded off but after being in a car for 7 hours I was so tired, maybe I was just imagining things. Malcolm gave her the money and she gave us a room key. "That's room 117, It's just up the stairs. Have an amazing stay, and a good night's sleep!" Isadora said happily.

We walked up the stairs and quickly found room 117. The room had two double beds, but I wasn't gonna sleep anyway. The couch looked good enough. "Okay well she was nice. And only 30 bucks, that's a good price. I think I'm gonna test the shower now, I'll be right back." Malcolm said while walking off to the bathroom. I sat down on the couch. "You know I don't mind keeping watch so you can sleep." Percy said. "You've driven all day Percy, you need your rest. Besides I'm fine, I can sleep tomorrow in the car." I told him. He smiled and put down his backpack. "This place is definitely off, just like Isadora. I just hope it's just a weird place and not a place with monsters." Percy said while sighing. I could tell he wasn't really ready for this quest. And now I felt bad for bringing him along. "I got the creeps as well. You just go to sleep and it'll all be over soon." I told him. "Yeah, I guess you're right." He said. I sat down next to him. Our legs touching each other. But neither of us pulled away. The only sounds were his slow breaths and the shower running. Until it was just his breathing. The bathroom door opened and I quickly stood up. "So great news, the shower is actually pretty good so now's your chance guys." Malcolm said. I looked back at Percy. He looked away and started grabbing his towel. He went into the bathroom. "What's up with him?" Malcolm asked. "Just leave it. Get some sleep Malcolm." I told him.

Eventually we all showered in turns and it didn't take long before both Malcolm and Percy were both asleep. It was 2:30 am, and I started to get tired. Malcolm had given me all his books but they only made me more tired. I tried dancing, watching tv and even meditating. But my ADD made it hard to focus. Eventually I just started staring at Percy. Which sounds creppy. And it kind of is but he just looked so at peace. His dark floppy hair all over his face and pillow. I could almost count his freckles. Anyway my creepy staring contest was interrupted by outside noise. At first I assumed it was just another person getting into their room. But I heard 2 voices, a womens and a deep male voice. The womens voice was Isadora's. But the male one I couldn't quite figure out. I put my ear to the door and started listening.

"I'm sure they are. Young, a different feeling around them, just how you described them to me. Just be quick, okay? I'll have to clean everything up by morning." Isadora said. She sounded really scared. "I'll take as long as I want. Remember what happends to them could happen to you too. Now where's that key?" The male voice said. I could see why Isadora was scared of him. His voice was deep and raspy. And his commands are dominant and cruel.

I had to think of a plan right now. I put on the light next to Percy's bed. Which was either the dumbest or smartest decision I've ever made. In this case smart cause the voices went quiet and they walked away. I grabbed my coin that was actually Harpe and I flipped it. There she was, in my hand, my harpe. Whatever that guy is, I had to kill it.

I turned down the light and walked outside. I closed the door and hid behind a corner. I could see Isadora walking back up the stairs and saying something I couldn't hear. I wanted to walk closer until my heart sank. This 7 feet, huge minotaur appeared behind Isadora. This was the dumbest plan ever. I just left my only friends in a room where any second now a giant minotaur would start brutally killing them.

But maybe, just maybe I could actually beat this thing. I climbed this ladder to the roof and grabbed a couple of towels. I got up on the roof and made my way towards room 117. The minotaur was now standing in front of the room, patiently waiting. I started throwing towels at him. The minotaur was confused and upset. "Who's there!?" He roared. "Only the ghost of Christmas present." I said.

My gods really, is this the only thing I can come up with right now.

Not even the minotaur enjoyed this comment. "Show yourself ghost!!!" He roared again. I walked backwards until I felt like I had a good pathway. I started running forward and jumped on the minotaur's head. His horns almost piercing me, which I didn't even think about. He now couldn't see and stumbled backwards. And then we both fell down the first floor. He landed on his back and I had to think fast. He was trying to get back up but obviously I was still hindering his view. Until he grabbed me and threw me off him. I landed a couple of feet further on the concrete. Ouch, btw. I stood up again and grabbed harpe. He gave me a devious smile. And started running towards me. Like a bull. I went out of the way and charged him in his back. He roared out of anger.

I heard the door opening upstairs with confused and scared looks of both Malcolm and Percy. "What the fuck are you doing?" Malcolm screamed. "Saving your asses!" I screamed back. Until I was smashed against the wall a couple of feet further by the minotaur. "You know, I could use your help now!" I screamed while coughing up some blood. Percy grabbed riptide and made the same move as me. He jumped on the minotaur and started charging. I used my last bit of energy and started charging the front while Malcolm charged the back. The minotaur couldn't take it and roared. He became dust and evaporated.

"What in the gods name is wrong with you?!" Percy yelled at me. "You needed sleep so I just handeld it myself." "Yourself?! Look how that turned out. You could've died. Why didn't you just wake us up?" Percy said while grabbing me tightly by the arms. "I just- I- you know. I'm sorry. You're right Percy. I should have." I said. "Hey it's okay, because you did pretty good on your own. Plus we did amazing! Look at us! Taking down an entire minotaur on our own!" Malcolm said excitingly. "I guess you're right. We just need to start making rules. I dont want anyone being "brave". We fight, win or die together, okay?" Percy said. We all nodded.

We went back up to room 117 and started packing up again. Isadora came in. We all grabbed our weapons. "Hey! No! Listen! I'm mortal, no demigod or monster. Just a normal mortal. I was taken hostage by the minotaur to hunt demigods. I wanted to thank you guys for finally freeing me. I can now finally leave. So thank you." She said while tears came running down her cheeks. I could tell she had seen things no mortal should've seen. We wished her the best and even got our money back. It was now 5 am and we started driving again.

The sun was rising and we all sat in silence. Until I finally fell asleep.