The Spirits of the Universe (PJO)

Chapter 58-Liam Does a Little Ragebaiting

The girl's name was Elda. Her boisterous personality only served to enhance her beauty. I had to admit, if I wasn't on a mission, there was a chance I would've taken her up on her offer.

But I had things to do, and something told me that Elda wouldn't take it lightly if she figured out I was a fugitive. 

That's why I politely declined, "Sorry, but today's not really a good day . . ." Well, that was kind of true. In truth, there was no "good day," but I couldn't tell her that. It would open up too many cans of worms.

Unfortunately, Elda didn't mind. She knew her goal, and she was going to course correct as many times as it would take. "It's because of this stupid temple that you're busy, right? It's a pity, but I'm willing to wait. Let's reschedule for tomorrow."

There went my plan of staying silent about what we were going to do the next couple of days. "Uh . . . I'm busy then too. And the day after. And . . . the entire week as well."

Elda frowned, and I couldn't help but think, Go on—tell me that I'm not worth it and then storm away.

But then her expression cleared back into her bright smile, and my heart skipped a beat. It'd been a while since someone as pretty as Elda had paid attention to me in this way. "That's okay. Why don't you give me your alder info, and we can set up a time later?"

There's no way you're actually falling for her. But denying this only made me more confused about my feelings—if it was so obvious that rejecting her was the right answer, then why did I feel this was inside? Forget words—I didn't even know what I wanted in this situation.

Just as it looked like I would have to go on a date with the Chaos soldier, Aridne snapped, "Isn't it obvious? He doesn't want to go on a date with you."

Elda laughed. "I don't think you decide what my man will do. Unless . . . you're already his girlfriend."

"Don't be ridiculous," Aridne scoffed, but there was a slight lilt in her voice that showed that Elda had taken her by surprise. "Just look at his expression. He just doesn't want to hurt you, that's all—I'm not afraid to, though."

Elda locked gazes with her for a few seconds, as if trying to gauge if she was being honest. Then she faced me. "Is what she saying true?"

". . . Yeah. Sorry." Relief flooded through me. Maybe rejection wouldn't be as hard as I was thinking it would be.

But she looked as though she couldn't understand my reaction. "You do know that I'm a Chaos soldier, right?"

That's the reason I have to reject you! I felt like screaming. But I tamped it down and asked, "What's that got to do with anything?"

"Lady Chaos makes sure my job is worth it.  I have benefits, all verified by Lady Chaos herself. And, as a captain, even after I retire, I'm set for life. There's a reason why parents want their kids to become either healers, machinists, or Chaos soldiers. People want to marry soldiers like me."

"Sorry, but I'm not interested," I said apologetically.

"It's time to stop playing hard to get," Elda said stubbornly. "C'mon, I can take you anywhere your heart desires."

"Stop it with your games," Aridne snapped. "He isn't playing hard to get—you're just hard to endear. If I'm getting pissed off just looking at you for a few minutes, it doesn't take a genius to imagine how Percy'd feel alone with you."

Elda turned towards her with a frosty expression. "You. I've been ignoring your disrespectful attitude so far, but enough is enough. We wield the power of the ruler of this universe. Defy us anymore, and I'll rip every brick of this building off the walls and then feed you and your comrades to the dogs."

Liam raised his hand. "By 'comrades,' do you include Percy here as one of the people you're going to hurt?"

Something about the sarcasm and patronism in his tone—a perfect mix that made even me take the bait sometimes—made her snap. "You're all done for. Maybe after your so called 'friends' are eliminated, you'll finally go on a date with me."

"I'm all in for your relationship," Liam countered. "I was just asking for clarification. Feel free to take him—it'll be better for all of us."

His words were packed in a manipulative, bold velvet. If I hadn't known him as well as I did, I would've fallen for his ruse. Obviously, given the mission, he didn't really want to get rid of me. 

Liam was plotting something mischievous, but I didn't know what—and how was right now a time to mess around?

Unfortunately, I would find out soon enough.

"Go on," Liam urged. "What are you waiting for?"

"I can just . . . take him?"

"Sure. I'm his best friend, so take my words seriously: he's interested in you. He's quite the shy introvert, though. Why don't you guys go to eat, and we can deal with all this temple business later?"

Before Elda could decide what to do, Aridne bristled with rage. "Take one step towards Perseus, and I'll send you crying back to Lady Chaos."

"I wouldn't underestimate my power," Elda said, then took a confident step forward. "Immortals don't scare me—"

She didn't finish her sentence—more like she couldn't. One moment, she was staring at me intensely, and in the other, she'd collapsed to the floor, a red welt just above her right eye.

Aridne stood above her, her twin swords shining in the afternoon light. She'd moved so quickly that Elda didn't even have time to react. "I warned you, didn't I?" she hissed out.