CHAPTER TEN
( the lotus hotel and casino )
ARES WAS WAITING for us in the diner parking lot when we got back."Well, well," he said in his raspy voice. "You didn't get yourself killed."
"You knew it was a trap," Percy spoke up first.
Ares gave him a wicked grin in response. "Bet that crippled blacksmith was surprised when he netted a couple of stupid kids. You looked good on TV."
Percy shoved the shield at him. "You're a jerk."
I agreed, but I would've never said it to his face. Annabeth and Grover caught their breath. Ares grabbed the shield and spun it in the air. It changed form, melting into a bulletproof vest. He slung it across his back.
"See that truck over there?" He pointed to an eighteen-wheeler parked across the street from the diner. "That's your ride. Take you straight to L.A., with one stop in Vegas."
The eighteen-wheeler had a sign on the back, which was easier to read because it was reverse-printed white on black: KINDNESS INTERNATIONAL: HUMANE ZOO TRANSPORT. WARNING: LIVE WILD ANIMALS.
Percy wasn't having it, "You're kidding."
Ares snapped his fingers. The back door of the truck unlatched. "Free ride west, punk. Stop complaining. And here's a little something for doing the job."
He slung a blue nylon backpack off his handlebars and tossed it to Percy. I peeked over his shoulder to see what was inside; fresh clothes for all of us, twenty bucks in cash, a pouch full of golden drachmas and a bag of Double Stuf Oreos.
"I don't want your lousy – "
"Thank you, Lord Ares," Grover interrupted Percy, giving him the best red-alert warning look. "Thanks a lot."
Reluctantly, may I add, Percy slung the backpack over his shoulder. I admit, it was quite surprising to see him stand up to the god in that way but it wouldn't do any good for him.
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LOVELY | PERCY JACKSON
Fanfictionisn't it lovely, all alone. TLT - TTC PART ONE OF THE 'SUN' SERIES