Amphitrite frowned as she strode through streets of Las Vegas.
It was strange. No one have seen her stepson ever since he enters Las Vegas. That has to be three days ago.
There's thought he had already gone to the next city, or even reach LA. But that would require some kind of Divine Interference. Not to mention, the Naiads and Cyclops stationed there did not see or smell the Son of Sea God, Daughter of Athena, and a Satyr passing through their territory.
Which means they are still stuck somewhere in Vegas.
Amphitrite hoped it was not Casino. They can't enter Casino. They are underage for one. While there are kids who pretends to be adult to come in, those trio are runts. Percy, especially. No way anyone would view them as adults. They're lucky if they can lied that they are rather short and babyfaced high-schoolers.
The Lotus scent wafted through the air and made Amphitrite stopped cold.
It… smells nasty. As in, too sweet it came off as rotten to her nose.
And Lotus is water flower. Why does this smell nasty to a Nereid like her?
Covering her lower face with a scarf, she followed the scent. Intent to finds out what the source of these chaos-awful smells.
She found herself at lobby of a place called Lotus Hotel and Casino.
Father Nereus, help her. She was just standing in the lobby and she's already gagging. This scent—no, stench, is Hades-be-damned awful (sorry, brother-in-law).
"Welcome to the Lotus Hotel and Casino." The Bellboy greeted with bland, business-like smile. "It has been so long since last time an Immortal visit us."
Amphitrite hope she can pass the pleasantries. "Have you seen child of the sea?"
"Nonsense-type, hm?" The Bellboy inquired. Amused. "The Child you ask for is currently enjoys our service. You are welcome to try to reminds him of his purpose."
Now, she is suspicious.
"How awfully nice of you." She murmured. "One would think you'll try to hinder me."
"We are not exactly the Combat-type, ma'am." He shrugged. "Though we have confidence in our charm. Human's inventions had been truly useful to our continue existence. Particularly games. Trapping them in perpetual bliss haven't been this easy in the old days."
Games. Bliss. Lotus smell.
Lotus Eater.
That… explains why the stench is torturing her. This is no-Lotus. It was misnomer. The actual plant is similar to Lotus, but was more of opium and other narcotics, jacked all the way to eleven.
"Charm can be broken if the bond to real world is strong enough." Amphitrite strode in. "And this particular child of my husband is peculiar in way his elder siblings are not."
"Then, between the eternal bliss and his ties that only bring him torment, shall we see which one he chooses?"
You're On.
Amphitrite grimaced as she enters the main room. If the lobby was bad, this was ten times worse. Must be the center of the Temptation of Bliss. Each game, food stall, and other entertainment reeks of 'Lotus' so badly.
(Even if the Mythomagic one looks interesting. The boy who played it looks like having deep understanding of it)
She needs to wash herself thoroughly after this.
Things she did for her husband…
She found her stepson in Water Slide Pool. Enjoying himself.
Amphitrite sighed.
Well. Here she goes.
"You seem to be enjoying yourself, dear." She approaches Percy with a smile.
Her stepson had the gall to beaming at her (she soothe her anger at knowledge that he is under charm of Lotus-Eater. It was so potent anything mortal makes looks like diluted wine in comparison).
"Yes ma'am." He beamed. "It was the most fun I had in ages!"
Considering Demigod lifestyle… Amphitrite can believe it.
"Oh?" She feigned interest. "What do you usually do for fun, then?"
"Well." Percy hummed, "Mom and I usually goes to Burger King and rents Video. During Summer, usually after long campaign against Smelly Gabe," Amphitrite take note of the hostile way her stepson spat the name, not unlike his father when talking about his sire, "we go to Montauk. Mom said that's where she met my Dad."
…this really explains why Poseidon like that beach.
"That sounds quite fun." Amphitrite replies. "I don't remember when was the last time my children and I spend time together. We were so busy with our own lives." Rhodes, Benthesikyme, and Kymopoleia often goes away from Atlantis. Kymopoleia, especially, after their last big debate. And Triton do his things as Prince of Atlantis and the Underwater Messenger. Things seems to mend itself, but at cost of them preparing for war. "Spending time with your family. You should cherish them. Now, where is your mother? Surely you can't be that heartless to left her out of fun, can you?"
"Well, she…" Percy paused and his expression become thoughtful mixed with terror. "She is…"
"Child?"
"Ah." He smiled at her, but Amphitrite know she had won the no-name bet with the Lotus Eater.
Percy had snap out of the Charm.
"I… I think I got sidetracked when I visiting her." He gulped. "Um, sorry?"
"Then you should be hurry up. Don't let her wait too long."
He nod. "Yeah. Yeah I should hurry up. Thanks for the chat, lady!" and with that, he scampers off.
Amphitrite follows him from distance. Watching him paused to talk with another prisoner of the Lotus Eater. She didn't have to step in and snap him out of it again, as Percy's expression become one of horror. Ah yes. The horror of not knowing how much time had passed. That would solidify his determination to get out of here.
He being nice to Daughter of Athena by snapping her out of it. Then… well. The Satyr need help. Odysseus Style.
"It seems that I won."
She smiles smugly at the Lotus Eater.
He sighed. "Indeed. Who would have thought that a small reminder would do? Demigods are harder to snare than regular mortals." Despite it, he doesn't seem disappointed much. Proud, even. "If that boy can learn to snap out of it by himself, he could be a formidable person in the future."
Amphitrite nodded.
She makes sure they are well on their way to Los Angeles before going on her way.
Her job is done.
Next in order: Bath.
She reeks.
