The Spirits of the Universe (PJO)

Chapter 20--I Surprise Fate

A/N--This took me so long to write . . . tell me if you like it . . . I'm going to need some time to recover :(

Enjoy :)

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The castle of Ananke was a lot to process. Situated in the middle of the clouds, its pale blue merlons rose from the walls. We treaded up a path of what must've been hundreds of stone stairs while the sun beat at us. Green trees rose up on both sides as we headed towards the gate, which towered above us. But . . .

"Why is it so boring?"

I didn't realize that I said it out loud until Liam gave me a surprised glance. "What's boring about this? It's not like any of us could afford such a fortress. Other than you." 

He glared at Aridne, who just shrugged. "I'd prefer something closer to the ground." Her flawless skin was tinged slightly green.

"I think I expected something more . . . shocking," I continued, gazing up at the castle as we climbed further. "Sure, it's humongous, and it's in the sky, and it was probably built in an hour, but . . . I've seen all this before. I wanted more from the primordial of fate—something from the distant future, rather from the past."

"It's something about not meddling with the future," Liam said with a roll of his eyes. "Apparently, 'if you leave the future alone, then it will spare the present.' That's what she always says—but it sounds like a load of nonsense to me."

"You've met her before?"

"Unfortunately," Liam said with distaste, and it didn't seem like he would elaborate. 

Aridne looked at me. "Only a few people know the way to Ananke's abode is in the Chaos Museum. How'd you even know where to go?"

"It's the voices inside his head," Liam said, and I felt like pushing him off the ledge into the forest below.

Aridne looked confused, so I quickly took over. "He means through my demigod dreams. I can witness conversations in the most bizarre places, right, Liam?" I shot him a deadly glare.

"Right," Liam quickly said, understanding. "The voices in his dreams."

I almost let out a sigh of relief as Aridne nodded in understanding. "Fate must've wanted this meeting."

I don't get it, End said. Why can't you just tell her about us?

Because you're still keeping secrets from me. What if Aridne has a massive grudge against you two? Then that'll just break the team.

There is no way that the girl hates us, Order said. We were universally loved.

For some reason, I highly doubt that, I said drily.

Two quiet minutes later (well, if you don't include Liam's unusual grumbling), we were at the stone doors, which were tall enough to let even Typhon through if he crouched. Only . . .

"Where's the guards?" I asked. Except for the birds chirping, we were all alone.

"She's the master of fate, and arrogant," Liam grumbled, then walked forward. "She thinks that being able to predict any attacks on her castle means she doesn't need anyone standing guard—which is utter nonsense. Sometimes, I feel like launching an invasion of my own and showing her."

He kicked at the door like a child throwing a tantrum. Surprisingly, they opened without a sound—a creepy invitation. Liam stalked in.

"Is he okay?" I whispered to Aridne as we followed him. "Why is he so . . . grumpy?"