Out of the shadows

Did I mention I hate Lotus Flowers

Did I mention I hate Lotus Flowers?

Rating: K+

Summary: Jason was grinning like this place was the best thing in the world. I on the other hand was not willing to even take one step further into this place then what Jason had already pulled us, except maybe to get us out of here.

A/N: Blame the sixth episode of the Percy Jackson TV show for this one. Also this is longer than I thought it was going to be but I'm happy with how it turned out.

The first thing I was aware of was the familiar noises of video games, and people talking. At first I thought I was dreaming, and then I heard Jason mutter to himself. My eyes shot open, I scanned the room, and we were in an all too familiar hotel room. My heart sped up.

"How long have we been here?" I demanded trying to keep panic out of my voice.

Jason looked surprised at my tone. "A few minutes, it's okay though the staff thinks we must be royalty or something."

That last part wasn't surprising. "How long are a few minutes?" I asked again.

"Uh," Jason glanced at the clock, "About fifteen I think. Why?"

Fifteen minutes wasn't ideal but at least we hadn't been here for hours. "We need to leave."

Jason looked confused, "Why?" he asked again.

"I'll explain everything after we get out of here." I said as I started tossing together our stuff.

"Nico, slow down you aren't making any sense."

I didn't answer. I had taken all of our stuff and trying not to run, flung open the door, and left the room. I made sure Jason was following me before I continued down the hallway. I knew I was freaking Jason out but I didn't care. Everything about this place was familiar, the color of the walls, the slight smell of lotus flower, but I didn't slow my pace.

I passed a game room, and kept going I went a few feet before I noticed that something was wrong. I turned and was about to mention it to Jason, only to realize he wasn't there. I muttered a quick curse before I backtracked trying to find Jason. I passed the game room and there he was watching someone else play one of the video games.

"Jason!" I said, some of my impatience carrying through my words.

He looked at me. "Oh, Sorry got distracted."

"All right, I've had enough of this." I grabbed Jason's arm and tried to shadow travel away from the hotel nothing happened. I growled in frustration and started pulling Jason towards the exit. Jason too stunned to protest let me drag him down the hall always and to the elevator. I let go of him, and pressed the button.

"Nico, could you please tell me what's wrong?" Jason asked.

"Nothing's wrong." I almost snapped. Why was the elevator so slow?

Jason crossed his arms.

"Fine, I'll explain once we are out of the hotel and not trapped in time."

That stunned Jason into silence. The elevator arrived and I pushed Jason into it. He stumbled and righted himself just as I pushed the button for the ground floor and as soon as the doors closed Jason burst, "What do you mean trapped in time!"

"Just what it sounds like, for every minute here hours pass outside the hotel." I said calmly.

Jason paled. "And you just now decided to tell me?"

"Alright I probably should have told you sooner, but this place is tricky and I was more focused on getting us out than telling you my backstory with the Lotus Hotel."

We rode down for a few seconds before Jason spoke up, "Wait? This is the place where...?"

"Yes."

"Oh." He squeaked.

I glanced over, Jason face was a mix of emotions but the most prominent was fear.

"Jason," I said.

He looked at me.

"Most likely only a couple of days have passed." I said trying to soften my tone.

He nodded.

After a few moments the elevator finally opened, revealing the first floor. We stepped out, I grabbed Jason's wrist again he blinked in surprise but allowed me to lead him to the door. There were too many distractions on this floor, let alone the hotel trying to get us to stay. We made it to the door, the bell hop was nowhere to be seen which I though was odd but I couldn't really do anything about it.

Jason had slowed his pace so I was literally dragging him, but I didn't stop not even when he started to fight against my grasp. I only tightened my grip on his wrist. We were so close. The second we were out of the hotel I dragged Jason to the nearest shadow and shadow traveled away.

Line break

The second we appeared in New Rome I let go of Jason's wrist. We were in one of the parks; Percy and Annabeth were a little bit away. They quickly stood and came over.

"Where have you two been?" Annabeth asked.

"Jason can show you." I said.

Jason blinked. "I can?"

"The card that the staff gave you," I informed.

Jason checked his pockets, before pulling out a green card.

"Ah." Percy said.

"Yeah, I'll leave you to explain." I said.

"Gee thanks." Percy said sarcastically.

I just shrugged in response.

A/N: This turned out longer than I thought it would but I think it turned out okay. Reviews would be appreciated.