𝐖𝐀𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐒 | percy jackson

the lotus casino

The Lotus Casino was the epitome of people's neon-drenched fantasies when 'Las Vegas' came up in conversation. Thousands of hustlers and women with short, glittering dresses were diced across multiple carpeted rooms. The air buzzed with the sounds of poker chips clinking, roulette wheels spinning, blackjack dealers calling out bets, and the soft whirl of cards being dealt at baccarat tables.

Deep, pulsating music oozed from hidden speakers in the ceilings. It was a soundtrack to the constant chatter. For a girl who found comfort in the rain, the chaotic mess of sweaty bodies and alcohol made Ciarda particularly uncomfortable. "Can we find Hermes and get out of here?" She cringed when a lanky boy mistook her age and started trying to sell her things in plastic bags. 

Meanwhile, Percy was entranced by the arcade section of the casino- a multitude of brightly lit games including basketballs and buttons attracted his attention. Grover was fond of the spinning car on display, flamboyantly put out for the big spenders who entered the Lotus. Annabeth, ever vigilant, was too busy scanning the exits, as well as potential mythological threats to be worried amidst the half-dressed dancers and ecstatic winners.

Abruptly, a strange wave of enjoyment shuddered down Ciarda's spine, a feeling she had rarely experienced in her time under Chiron's care. Perhaps the time all the kids danced around the fire, or when she and Luke used to go off on fantastic adventures - stressing Chiron out exponentially. 

Percy huffed, standing between everyone. His face was a mix of delight and conflict. "I know we're supposed to be saving the world, but would it be wrong if we just hung out here for a bit?" 

Although her gut was pulling her toward the door, Ciarda couldn't help but want to agree. The warm glow of rose and tangerine lights made her feel perfectly safe. She just wanted to have fun: be a kid. Preferably without the pressures of the world weighing cracks into her collarbones.

Annabeth gripped her arm with a struggling disgruntled expression. "We're here to find Hermes, get a ride to Los Angeles and hatch a plan to get into the Underworld," The harshness of her words broke Ciarda from her daze. She nodded complacently and headed off into the mass of people in search of the messenger god. 

"Let her do her thing," Annabeth paused Percy, who stepped to go after her, with a firm hand. "She's been through a lot. I'm not sure she could handle the news of her sister being the Lightning Thief, we'll tell her when the time's right. For now, just leave her."

Percy watched helplessly as the short brunette blurred her way into the sea of colours. "Your mom read you all the stories. Did she ever read to you 'The Odessey'?" Grover interrupted Percy's train of thought. The demigod nodded, a faint smile touching his lips at the memories. "The graphic novel," He specified, earning a disapproving glance from Annabeth who thought reading was a holy art. "It counts," He shrugged. 

"Odysseus lands on a beach. There were these guys who forgot where they came from, forgot everything that was important to them. And they got that way because they ate-" 

"The Lotus flowers," Percy finished Grover's story with serious eyes. Annabeth nodded, her braids slipping off her shoulders. "If we go inside and forget everything that would be bad on a number of levels." 

The three of them then felt the gravity of the situation. They exchanged anxious glances when the second realisation hit them one by one: Ciarda had already made her way inside. "If Hermes is in there, what choice do we have?" Percy's voice was low and tense, trying to not think about the fact that Ciarda could be lost to the intoxicating pull of Lotus.

"What do you think, Wise Girl?" Percy turned to Annabeth. She, however, wasn't looking at the boys, but at the path Ciarda had taken to disappear into the casino. "Just don't eat anything," She huffed desperately, beginning to track toward her friend. Percy followed suit without argument.