The Prince of the Pit: Lightning Thief

Chapter 7: The Casino

I slammed the shield into Ares. "We did what you asked. A little warning about your brother's trap would've been nice," I stated angrily. "I suppose it would've, but where would be the fun in that. You guys looked great by the way," Ares answered, chuckling.

"How'd Zeus handle seeing my powers at such strength?" I asked. "Not well. Blamed Poseidon immediately," he said. "Anyways, you deserve a reward. Your ride, and some supplies."

The ride: a moving van for Humane Zoo Transport from Kindness International. The supplies: a bag of Ambrosia, some Nectar, some Drachma, and some Mortal Cash.

I nodded, and guided us to the truck. As we climbed aboard, it wasn't all kind. A albino lion sat in a cage with beetroot in front of him. A zebra and 2 gazelle's sat together with a large steak in front of them. Gum was in the zebra's hair, and a birthday balloon was tied to a gazelle's horn.

"Humane? Really?" I asked. Grover looked furious, and Annabeth looked just as angry. "Get your revenge, after our ride," I ordered, and dragged Grover to the ground.

"Killing them now won't do us any good. And let the lion do it, we don't want you pulled off to jail, we have a deadline," I said. Grover sighed, and kicked the truck.

Time Skip:

As the truck stopped in L.A. we opened the cages, and Grover blessed them, while also encouraging the lion to attack his captors. "They're coming around. Get ready," I said. The Zebra got ready to charge out the door at my words.

As they opened, he leapt out, running...somewhere. The Gazelle's followed, the lion slowly following behind. When the smugglers tried to get him, he let out a low growl. "Time to go," I whispered, and ran out, while they were distracted.

We got away from the scene quickly, walking aimlessly around L.A. I had no idea where to go. New York was easy, but this...this is the Labyrinth. Suddenly, we came upon the Lotus Hotel and Casino. The bellboy ushered us in, treating us like wealthy guests.

As we entered our room, there was enough space for all of us to be considered separate houses. After a quick shower in a actual gold encrusted shower, I felt all better. Too better.

I felt a lulling feeling at the back of my head, a lot stronger than Medusa's Emporium. The others were already entranced, falling deeper and deeper the more they had fun. I got suspicious real quick.

I always watched my back, my eyes scanning the rooms. A lot of buff security guards, even more cameras. The guests had many styles of clothing, ranging between different centuries. I even saw soldiers, World War 2 era, walking around.

"Hmm," I mumbled. I walked to the front desk. "Excuse me? I was wondering when this place was founded?" I asked, acting like an eccentric, snobby rich boy. "1620, sir," the bellboy said. "Well that can't be. 1620 is when the pilgrims sailed to America. Unless of course, this place is...divine in origin," I said.

The bellboy froze, and slowly reached for under the counter. I motioned my arm, moving his arm away with the water in the air. Then, I froze the button.

"Land of the Lotus Eaters, I assume?" I asked. He nodded. "Does Olympus know of this?" I asked. He shook his head. "They will soon," I stated. Dad! I called mentally. A little busy here, Dad called back.

I have a certain establishment Zeus should know about, I answered back. What? He asked. Land of the Lotus Eaters. Also, we need to talk about something after the quest, I said.

I only heard the start of the Shit! in my head, before he left. "Poseidon has just been informed of this establishment. As his son, he can track my godly signature, and get here. I have also called Zeus," I told the bellboy.