Hi guys! Its my first fanfic so constructive criticism is welcome! Don't flame! It DOES hurt! Enjoy and remember to review!
I know my grammar is off and there might be confusing passages, but please try to read around them!
Review will encourage me to release the next chapter faster. Please, please, please review!
Enjoy guys!
Calypso gazed toward the sea, longing to see her hero's face again. Sure, that Leo brat was annoying and stubborn, but something about him made her feel soothed. Maybe it was all the arguing with him that got her frustration out. She still clearly remembered the day he left. For once in her immortal life, she has counted the days since he took the magical raft off her island. She sighed and etched another tick onto the workbench Leo had built. She counted for the 20th time that day, 45. It had been 45 days since he left.
"Calypso, this has happened to you so many times, why are you so upset by this one hero?" she lectured to herself, "He's not handsome, he's not strong, he's just annoying and bothersome!"
As much as she told herself that, she still wanted him here, sitting next to her. She remembered the many bangs he made while building his boat. If she could just get over that lame boy, she would finally enjoy the peace and quiet. But she couldn't let it go, and the silence became more and more deafening by the hour.
"Oh the Fates are cruel!" she exclaimed, "Why must I always be so heartbroken?"
She reluctantly stood up and walked toward her cave.
Another day of my incredibly boring life, she thought.
"Hey Leo, let's go get some food! I'm starving!" Jason cried.
"Uhh, you go, I'm gonna work on Festus's body. I need to get him flying again", Leo replied with a grim look.
"Leo, you haven't been acting like yourself ever since we came back from the quest", Jason said, with a worried face on, "Why is it so important that you need Festus flying again? We already destroyed Gaea's plans."
"Its nothing, just go on without me!" Leo cried, his face red with frustration.
Jason raised his eyebrows and left, knowing his best friend obviously needed some time alone . Ever since the seven came back from their quest, Chiron has set up many celebrations in their honor. Leo has gone to none of them, which was very unLeo-like. He stayed in his cabin or the hidden bunker all day and night. The only times when he ate were when Piper was forced to charmspeak him into relaxing.
"Just wait for me Calypso, I'll be there soon", he murmured.
The hours ticked by and Leo worked relentlessly. Soon the sun set and the moon took its place. There was a knock at the door. Leo ignored it, hoping the person would just walk away. He did not want to be bothered at a time like this. The knock grew louder and more constant. Whoever it was, he or she must be persistent. Growling with anger, Leo put his tools down and went to open the door. Outside stood Percy and Annabeth, arms linked with each other. He left the door opened and went back to his workbench quickly.
"Leo, you need some time to relax", Annabeth stated, "Ever since we came back, you have worked day and night".
"You haven't been talking to any of us", Percy added, "We are your friends, you can tell us your problems! We can help!"
"Just go away!", Leo shouted. He pointed to Percy, "I don't need any advice from YOU of all people!"
Percy frowned. Leo remembered how upset Calypso looked when he mentioned Percy's name. Percy broke her heart and forgot about her. Leo would never do that. Since the moment he left Ogygia, he felt more and more upset. He managed to keep a smile for the team while on the journey, but he grew tired of it. He hated faking smiles.
"Well, we got you some pizza from dinner, its still warm, so eat it now, alright Leo?", Annabeth said, "C'mon its your favorite!"
"Okay, whatever!"
Annabeth sighed and walked out with Percy, closing the door behind them. The moment they left Leo broke into tears. He couldn't hold himself together anymore. It hurt so bad not being able to hold her. He was tired of being the seventh wheel. Everyone on the team found happiness. Everyone but Leo.
The smell of pizza drifted to his nose and his stomach growled in reply. Leo decided to ignore it and keep working. He hammered and worked through the night until his body gave up in exhaustion. He laid down on the floor and went to sleep. The slice of pizza lay on the table, cold.
Calypso dreamed of Leo that night. He had washed up on the shores of Ogygia. She ran over to him and jumped in excitement. She held his hand, but it was cold and limp. She pushed her head to his chest to hear the thump, thump, thump of his heart. But there was none. She screamed and cried into his shoulder. Why? Why can't she get what she wanted. She just wanted to love someone, and someone to love her back. She was stranded on Ogygia for several millennia. Just one wish couldn't hurt.
"My granddaughter, daughter of Atlas, you can have this young demigod", A voice whispered.
She instantly recognized the voice. Gaea. Did this mean that Leo had failed to prevent her rising? She looked around, terrified. The rocks? The water? The sky? Where was Gaea's voice coming from? She looked down and jumped back, startled.
Leo's eyes were green and dull, mist swirled around his body.
His mouth opened and Gaea said, "If you help me, I will let you keep this child's life. I can help you mend your broken heart. The gods have forgotten about you, but I will always remember. You are my granddaughter. You will serve me and command one of many armies I control. You will gain fame and make your titan father proud. You can spend the rest of eternity with Leo Valdez."
Keep Leo? Could she really find happiness? She longed for freedom. She wanted to be free, in the world of the mortals, with Leo. She snapped out of the trance and stood with her chin high. Obviously Gaea was trying to manipulate her.
"Enough, I know better than to trust you", Calypso spat.
"What a shame. The demigod will be fed to my sons, the giants. He is of no use. You could have been free with this ant." She replied, laughing coldly.
Calypso shot up from her nightmare. Gaea has visited her more and more often in her dreams since Leo's departure. She shook her head and got out of bed. She hummed a song for the birds and sat at her loom, beginning to weave a pair of jeans. She remembered when she wove Leo's fireproof clothes for him, 46 days ago. At the corner of her cave sat a stack of shirts and pants, all in Leo's size. All she could think about was that mischievous smile he always had on.
"Leo! Leo open the door! Its Piper! Open up!"
"Erggg", Leo rubbed his eyes, got up, and walked towards the door. He opened it slowly and was greeted by all six of his teammates. All with mischievous smiles on. Leo raised an eyebrow, wondering why they were all here. Suddenly in a flash, Jason and Percy tackled him to a chair while Frank tied a rope around him, strapping him down. Piper laughed evilly and took a golden lasso from her belt and tossed it toward Leo. It wrapped harmlessly around the confused demigod.
"What are you guys doing?", Leo growled, "What is this?"
"Gift from my mom, as a reward! I got it yesterday!", Piper smiled, "Its enchanted with her charmspeak, its like Wonder Woman's lasso thing!"
"Oh trust me, she was toying with that all day yesterday", Jason chuckled, "Guess she didn't believe me when I told her there was nothing between me and Reyna. She had to hear it from the rope to believe it!"
Piper rolled her eyes, "Just gotta double-check!"
"Oh hold up! That means you two are officially the super couple. Jasons Superman and Pipers Wonder Woman!", Frank exclaimed, pointing to the both of them. The six demigods roared in laughter. Leo just scowled.
"Piper, can I borrow that later?" Annabeth asked, "I just gotta use that to mess with Percy!"
Before Percy could reply, Leo screamed, "What do you guys want? Untie me, I don't have time for this!"
"Piper, you better do that trick soon or he'll burn that rope off!" Hazel joked. Frank laughed and wrapped his arms around her.
"Relax and stop shouting", Piper said calmly, obviously there was charmspeak flowing in her words. Leo's shoulders slumped and his breathing stabilized. "Leo Valdez, Son of Hephaestus, The lasso compels you to tell the truth. What's the rush in fixing Festus?" The lasso glowed a heavenly gold.
Before he could stop his mouth, Leo's mouth obeyed the command, "When Khione sent me flying off the Argo II, I landed on Ogygia. There I fell in love with Calypso, daughter of the Titan Atlas. I made an oath on the River Styx that I would return to her and take her home with me".
Piper smiled triumphantly, untied the lasso, and kissed Leo's cheek. "Awww, my baby Leos all grown up, hes running around chasing goddesses! See that wasn't so hard! You could have just told me. I would have TOTALLY understood!"
Leo's eyes widened as soon as he realized he had spilled his secret. Heat rose to his cheeks. He glanced at Percy nervously, his face was tensed and his eyes bewildered.
"She...-You...-You were on her island?", Percy stuttered.
Leo sighed, recovering from the shock, "Now you all know, just get out of here. I don't want anyone telling me I can't get there. She's waiting for me. I have to help her!"
"Leo…, that's great and all, but no man can ever find Ogygia twice", Annabeth said carefully.
"You don't understand! You and Percy has always been the praised and famous couple", Leo retaliated, "No one ever thinks about her, shes always heartbroken. I won't leave her alone anymore!"
Hazel smiled softly, "Oh Leo, you remind me so much of Sammy. Always so stubborn and loyal". She patted his head and pressed her lips to his forehead.
Tears started welling up in Leo's eyes. He sniffed and whined, trying to keep it in. Piper gave a silent acknowledgment telling the others to leave for a few minutes. Jason nodded and closed the door behind him. The room was quiet except for Leo's weeping. His hiccups and gasps echoed against the wall.
"Leo, I am so proud of you for pursuing her. Even though you know it may not be possible, you still press on. If you are going on this journey, I swear to you, that I will do everything in my power to help you".
"I know Calypso is waiting for me. She must be in so much pain! I don't want her to be hurt!"
"I know", Piper lifted his head so his eyes met hers and spoke quietly, "If the gods are sane, they'll release her from her curse! No more crying! Where's that jokester Leo I know?"
Leo's frown slowly rose to a small smile.
"There he is!" Piper laughed, she stretched out to embrace him.
"Thanks Pipes"
"Anytime buddy"
The seven demigods worked quickly on Festus's body. Leo admitted that without their help, it would have taken much longer. Two weeks passed swiftly and the bronze dragon's body was ready. He imputed the memory drive and the dragon sprang to life. It roared with gratitude and stomped off to smell the clean air. For the first time in months, Leo laughed. The temperature in the room seemed to have risen a few degrees.
"Thanks for everything guys. I'm sorry for being such a baby", Leo smiled sheepishly.
Frank punched his arm playfully, "I always knew you had a secret crush!"
"Whatever Frank!", Hazel laughed.
"Well, I don't have a minute to waste! I got to get going now!" Leo replied with a confident smile. He whistled sharply causing Festus to zoom out from the clouds. Festus roared and landed beside him.
"We all knew you would leave right away so we took turns packing supplies for you", Percy said, he whispered into Leo's ear, "Tell her that I'm sorry. For everything". Leo looked away but nodded.
"This is your journey Leo, we'll wait here until you return!" Annabeth said, "Send Iris-Messages every night!"
Leo nodded and collected the bags. His clothes have been neatly folded and placed into the first duffel bag. In the second bag, he spotted blankets, food, and containers of Ambrose, labeled "For Emergencies". How could he have been so blind. His friends always looked after him, even when he was such a baby. As much as he tried shutting them out, they all had faith in him.
He mustered together an appreciative smile and cried, "Alright Papa Leo's going out! You kids better behave! When I get back, I'm bringing home a goddess!"
With that, Festus took off, speeding towards the sky. Leo watched his friends turn into tiny dots until he could no longer see them. Leo yelled, "Festus, to Ogygia!"
Calypso was singing to the birds from her window. The sound of her voice in unison with her harp seemed to quiet the island. The birds and wind stopped by her window to listen to the melody of the goddess. 58 days. She wished that Leo would come back to her. Calypso then reminded herself that no man could ever reach Ogygia twice, the curse enforced it.
She sighed and picked up a t-shirt from the pile in the corner. It was in Leo's size. Everything around her reminded her of that stubborn demigod. Suddenly the air felt hollow. Booms were echoing from the shimmering force field, the one protecting her home.
"Gaea?", she exclaimed, "No, it can't be! Anyone but her!"
Calypso grabbed the most weapon-like object in her house and raced toward the beach. She watched as the force field collapsed and the air erupted with a loud roar. Something was coming toward her. Something big and golden.
She raised her weapon, started running towards it, and screamed, "GET OFF MY ISLAND INTRUDER!"
Leo had bruises all over his body. He had lost track of time since he took off from Camp Half- Blood. He finally made it to the middle of the Mediterranean Sea after waves of monsters. The improved GPS installed on Festus was beeping like crazy.
"It says we're over Ogygia, but I don't see it at all!" Leo cried, frustrated.
Festus creaked and blew steam out of his nostrils.
"I'm tired too Festus, but we need to find her", he huffed, "Just wait, this will be all worth it when we get to her! She great! She beautiful, a good cook, a great weaver. Shes great at everything!"
"I'm sure she is", a voice replied.
Leo jumped and with instinct, quickly gripped his hammer, engulfing it in flames, and whipped it behind him. Before the hammer could impact, strong hands blocked it easily. The flames seemed to bend into the guest's hands.
"Great instincts there kid", Hephaestus smiled warmly.
"Oh, it's just you Dad."
"Leo, I've been paying close attention to you. No man can find Ogygia twice. I'm afraid your quest is destined to fail with-"
"No! I won't ever leave her back again!"
"Leo-"
"I save the world from Gaea and this is what I get? Can't you just let her go from her curse? She suffered enough!"
"Leo-"
"You're a god! Just snap your fingers and scratch your beard or something! Let her go!"
"LEO!", the god bellowed.
"WHAT?", Leo snapped.
"Geez boy, you never stop talking do you? Listen. As I was saying, your quest is destined to fail...", a smile formed on the old god's face, "Without my help".
Leo rage died down, he smiled and hugged his father.
"The island is encased in an invisible force field, making sure no mortal can see or even know about its location"
"I know it's somewhere beneath us!"
"Yes my boy, technology can be helpful", Hephaestus eyed the GPS.
"Agreed!"
"Before we take down that shield, drink this", Hephaestus pulled an odd vial filled with pink fluid from his pockets.
"What is it?" Leo replied, raising an eyebrow.
"One of Aphrodite's potion. Something to with the more love you have, the more your heart burns for them. The burning love takes physical form and produces fire, yada yada yada"
"Is it safe?"
"Probably. The point is, if Aphrodite believes your feeling are strong enough, she will lend you strength so that your flames are strong enough to melt the shield", the smithing god recalled.
"Okay I'm ready! I need to help her now!"
"Patience child! Drink it and state your full name, say who you're in love with, and your purpose", he spoke carefully but casually, as if this was a routine he did for all his crazy kids in love with imprisoned goddesses.
Thunder rumbled in the distance. "Zeus calls, good luck boy! Oh! I almost forgot, you'll be extremely exhausted after you break the shield, so get to land quickly! Aphrodite also said something about immense pain and to stop it, you have to be ki-"
He vaporized on the spot, leaving a thin cloud of smoke. There was a few minutes of silence. Festus creaked and whirled. His eyes flickered and his head tilted. Leo tried to piece together what his father tried telling him. Immense pain? If it was for Calypso, he would do anything! Festus grunted in impatience.
"Ya I guess I'm ready", Leo took a deep breath, then he declared, "I, Leo Valdez, is in love with Calypso, Goddess of Ogygia. I will harness my flames to melt the shield and free Calypso from her curse!"
He felt a blush rising to his cheeks. He must have looked like an idiot.
A minute passed with no effect. Leo felt a drop of sweat streaking down the side of his face. Silence hung in the air. Then, without warning his body started blazing. His heart pounded quickly. He felt fire coursing through his body. Leo drew his inner fire to his fingertips. With a scream, he pushed everything he had out of him, toward the force field. The flames hungrily lashed at the shield, melting holes. The opening became bigger and morphed into one. With a terrifying screech, the force field shattered, sending energy flying in all directions. The air took color and uncovered the serene island. Festus paused for a second, then flew directly towards the revealed island.
As the golden 'thing' came closer and closer, Calypso finally realized she was holding her frying pan as her weapon. When it got even closer, she could see red gleaming eyes, and rows of teeth. It roared, blowing fire into the air.
"A dragon?", Calypso gasped.
The dragon landed on the shores of Ogygia. A familiar boy collapsed onto the sand from the back of the dragon. No. It couldn't be. He shouldn't be here. Was this a dream? Was Gaea trying to manipulate her again? Tears poured down her cheeks, not knowing what to do. She ran towards the boy and took him into her arms. He whispered into her ear.
"Hey Sunshine, long time no see", Leo croaked.
"Shut up", she whimpered in reply.
"Why are you holding a frying pan?"
"Shut up"
"Did'ya miss me?"
"Shut up"
Leo laughed weakly, and his eyes fell shut.