The Spirits of the Universe (PJO)

Chapter 60--I Learn History

While Liam and Aridne were dragging the unconscious soldiers away, I decided to speak with the priestesses.

And I know what you're going to say—Percy, why don't you do something useful for once and help your questmates?

Fortunately, I'm one step ahead of you. You see, I did try to do something useful for once and help my questmates, but Aridne refused.

Well, she didn't exactly refuse. Before I could even take a step in her direction, she gave me a petrifying glare that would've even had Kronos shivering in his boots. I didn't know what—or who she was mad about, but I wasn't trying to find out.

So I turned towards Daphne and her helpers. "Order wanted me to give you something."

Daphne looked at me curiously. "What are you talking about, my lord?"

With a start, I realized that Order hadn't told her about our . . . situation. She probably thought that the immortal had been reborn, not that he shared a body—my body. And I didn't really want to tell her; given her extreme devotion to Order, I wouldn't be surprised if she tried a kick-Percy-out-of-his-body-and-give-it-to-Order ritual. 

I straightened my back and made my voice as deep as it could go. "I'm a little fried—I haven't been getting enough sleep for the last couple of days. I meant to say: I want to give you something." I pulled out a pouch.

Daphne studied it carefully. It fit snugly into her two palms, weighed a bit more than the average car key, and was made of a blue leather that seemed unimportant. However, I knew from experience that the material couldn't even be pierced by Riptide. 

Daphne untied the string binding together the top and peered inside. She gasped in shock.

It was filled with shiny gold coins—the kind that could each rent a room for a month in an inn in any city on Planet Chaos, even Deeplige.

"It's my personal gift for being my most . . . dependable priestess," I said, struggling to mimic Order's choice of words. "It's connected to my ancient vaults—so it's only natural I give it to you. Use it to better my temple. It won't run out."

Essentially everything in that sentence was a lie. First of all, Order hadn't told me to do this—End had. Only, she was still throwing a tantrum like a kid, and had commanded her brother to tell me.

Secondly, the pouch wasn't exactly owned by the siblings in my head; in fact, it had been a gift from Ananke, after we had stormed into our castle. It certainly didn't have infinite coins in it, but given the lavishness of the primordial's throne room, I was betting that it'd be a while before Daphe would make a big enough dent for Ananke to notice.

By that time, I'd hopefully be out of the city.

Daphne didn't have any reason to doubt my intentions. Her eyes shined with admiration and gratefulness as she handed it to one of the priestesses behind her and ordered her to keep it safe. "I am forever thankful to you, my lord. I promise you, I will ensure this place becomes known. By the end of the year, the masses will understand how generous you are!"

"Those Chaos soldiers didn't seem to appreciate that. Why would they have a grudge against us?" I asked. When Daphne looked at me weirdly, I quickly added, "My mind's a little fuzzy—being in this form takes a lot out of me."

"My lord, you have to be careful. This planet is dangerous for you. Outside of this temple, no one will come to your aid."

Upon hearing this, I was taken aback. Daphne sounded serious—then why were her words so untrue? Ever since I had come to this planet, the people were nothing short of polite. And even though my last several encounters with them were quite the opposite, I couldn't blame them—I was a criminal. It didn't make any sense.

Sure it does. To my surprise, End was talking directly to me. However, there was a cold tinge to her words—as if she hadn't forgotten about my stubbornness. Chaos wanted to be leader, so she ostracized us. These people are her loyal subjects—they'd follow any command she gives. Right, Order?

Right.

But there was a pause in his voice—a slight hesitation that I normally would've waved off. 

However, today wasn't a normal day.

I'd already been blindsided by how little the beings in my head cared about my future—and I wouldn't let myself make that same mistake again.

So I turned to Daphne and said, "Tell me honestly: is Chaos ostracizing us, or is this something much more . . . deserved?"

She couldn't meet my eyes, which told me everything I needed. 

You guys never fail to gaslight me, do you? I hissed.

Percy . . . Order tried.

Don't even, I spat. It'll just be another lie. 

With that, I stormed back into the temple.