The next couple of days were really peaceful. Thanks to my spell, we did not encounter even a single monster. Thalia and Luke were particularly grateful for that, as they had already been on the run for quite some time, even before meeting little Annabeth and me.
We spent the first three days going from one city to another, using the bus terminal, by fooling the mortal's senses and just getting past them. Well, I know that doing so, it's not quite ethical, but neither is being abandoned upon birth by our divine parents, so I guess we are even now, stupid world!
By that time, something I wasn't expecting happened. One day, while we were waiting for the bus to arrive at the terminal, Thalia aproached me and asked.
"Hey, Lysandros, I have been wondering, why do you not stink?"
"Why do I not stink?" - I repeated not too sure if I had heard it right. Then, as if suddenly taking notice of something, I started sniffing in the air, before saying with all seriousness.
"I have been using my magic to clean myself. That being said, Thalia... when was the last time you took a shower?" - Hearing my question she blushed, looked away and said in a small voice:
"It's been a week..."
"So that strange smell was Luke all along... no wonder..." - I say with a face as if I just had a realization, eliciting a small laugh from Thalia, as she gave me a playful punch on the shoulder. Have I said that at times, she is really cute?
Luke, who was hearing on the side, started glaring at me with a dark face, as if he had just seen something disgusting.
"Can't you find a better place to flirt?" - He asked.
"Don't care." - I said at the same time a flustered Thalia shouted.
"We are not flirting!" - To which Luke only gave her an emotionless gaze.
All the while Annabeth came closer and tugged at my shirt.
"Big bro Lys, I want to take a bath." - She asked while looking at me with puppy eyes. Really, this little tomboy is just too cute at 7 years old!
Thalia also seemed somewhat interested in the idea, but she still asked a question that had been bugging her.
"Can't you just use your magic to clean us as well?" - She seemed unwilling to use this method, but she valued reaching the camp sooner in higher regards than taking some of our time off to bathe.
"Well, I could, but I don't think you will like that. The spell is quite invasive to your personal space. Though I am not really against it if you want to have a try!" - I flashed and expecting smile at her - "But both Luke and Annabeth are out of question."
Seemingly getting my cue, she gave up on the thought, but not before hitting me in the arm, again, like, come on, aren't you too violent, young lady? You will never find a boyfriend with that attitude! But fine, I am willing to sacrifice myself. Ouch! She hit me again!
"Why did you hit me again!? I did not do anything this time!" - I asked sounding wronged, while rubbing my arm, as she really went all out this time.
"Nothing really... I just felt like you thought something offensive..." - She said as she flashed a sweet smile in my direction, that sent a cold shiver running down my spine. Yup! I really should not mess with her.
Oh! Right! Before anything, I better recast my stealth spell! It only lasts for 3 days. I could make it last shorter for improved hiding capabilities, but since we suffered no attacks for the last 3 days, I guess just this much will do, as it could hide even the tracks of a daughter of Zeus.
And so, I ask them to hold for a second while I cast the spell again, only for me to be hit by the fatigue caused by losing over half my mana in one shot. I think I'm feeling lightheaded... but before I could sit onto the ground to rest, Thalia rushed over and offered me support. She is such a nice girl... all my hard work for the past three days was worth it!
"Are you okay?" - She asked with some worry.
"Y-yeah... just a bit dizzy as this spell takes too much mana all at once... thank you..." - I thanked her for helping me out, to which she blushed but did not say anything.
And so, after asking around, we found out where was the nearest hotel, or even a motel, just so we could all take a well deserved bath. After arriving, we ""booked"" two rooms, and separated ourselves into groups of girls and boys. Leaving me alone with Luke.
I had messed so much with him that the atmosphere between us had even started to become awkward. But I still don't regret it one bit!
We decided I would bathe first, and then, later, after I was done, and I can't emphasize this part well enough, it would be his turn (Yes, I am judging you bunch of weirdos who shipped Luke and Percy!).
But before I could even enter the bathroom, Luke asked me a question that made me stop in my tracks.
"What do you want to do with Thalia?" - He asked the question that had been bugging him for quite some time. To which I just looked at him weirdly.
"Are you fucking stupid?" - I kept looking at him, as if to see if he was joking, and after confirming he wasn't, I released a sigh and started rubbing my nose bridge, finding him troublesome.
"Listen, can't you see she is just drop dead gorgeous? Why would one not try to get closer to her at all? Wait! Could it be you swing the other way!?!?" - I made a dramatic voice, as if I had just uncovered some astonishing secret, and started to shake as if I was afraid of something, which made Luke almost pop a vein, as he started seriously considering beating me to a pulp.
The very next moment I dropped my act and continued saying - "But really, she is not only beautiful, but also fun and strong, she is the perfect girl! I really can't seem to understand why she used such heavy make-up... if she started to grow her hair a bit longer on top of that, then I might have a really fierce competition!"
Understanding I was talking seriously, he decided to let go of the matter.
*puf*
Huh? What was that? Did something fall? I looked around but could not find a single thing out of place. Meh! Must have been the wind! And so I entered the bathroom and took a really long bath.
Then came Luke's turn, and I waited, as I dressed up, and used some magic to dry my hair. After I was done with that, I took out some snacks to help me recover my lost energy.
Hey, have I already told that leaving the orphanage was the best decision in my life? Not only did I find good friends, I even managed to eat my fill every single day!
Is it ethical to eat other people's food? No, but I don't even care anymore! I also have another piece of good news! Now that I have enough food to not starve, my energy reserves are increasing at a much greater rate than before. Many fold over in fact! I am becoming OP! Maybe becoming stronger than a primordial might be much more doable than I initially expected!
But I kinda do regret putting up such a difficult goal, I should have put something like creating a great harem, or having many children! Now that would be an amazing goal! But no, I had to play around like that... guess I can only do that on the sides now! But I guess that is not too bad of a goal either.
After Luke was done and got dressed, we left the room and went to find the girls. Before long we reached their room, only to find out they were also leaving, probably to find us. Guess I took too long bathing, that even they were already done, Tehee! (Insert cute blink)
Annabeth seemed to be in a really good mood, humming as she jumped around happily. Making me glad to be here, as I don't remember reading her being anywhere close to this happy little bundle of energy. She is just 7 after all.
When I looked at Thalia, I was momentarily stunned. She seemed somewhat more beautiful than before, with her usual choice of clothing, but considerably less make-up, and a cute rosiness on her cheeks, I wonder why is that. Not going to complain though, as I like this version of her better than the other.
And so, we continued on our journey.
* * *
Author notes:
Once again, thanks for all the support! I hope you have enjoyed the new chapter!
I think I will keep on doing this Author notes thingy to talk a little about my thoughts and ask your opinions on some things.
First, I would like to give you all a clue about who MC's mother is, she is a titan. We had some nice tries, but no one seems to have gotten it right just yet. I think I will even announce the name of the first person to guess it right in a future chapter!
Second, I want to ask how you guys are liking the pacing. Is it too slow, or maybe too quick, maybe it could even be good the way it is, so I would like to know what you all think.
Also, what are your thoughts on Thalia? Am I going too quick, or do you think it is okay the way it is?
Peace out!