Callie was nervous as she stared at herself in the mirror. She couldn't recognize herself with the magic. Her mind was racing with facts. Her name was Megara and she was from Lemuria, but nannied in Shayeris for three years before taking a few months of leave on the surface world. Orm is who recommended her for this position. She fiddled with the french braid and the Atlantean clothing once again before leaving the room. Klarion was going to bring her to meet with Ocean Master before they headed to the castle.
Klarion did not enjoy this look at all. Ever since the magic started he had been avoiding her. Maybe it was because they could only see each other weekly unlike originally planned. More likely, she thought it was because of the dark hair and darker blue eyes. Callie had noticed her skin was now covered in freckles and a mole was by her eye. She went over to him and held out her hand.
"We should probably get going." Callie mumbled as Klarion nodded as he stood up. It was clear that there was something on his mind. To her, it was probably just the thought of her leaving after so long. Klarion liked things being exactly his way. In fact, it still confused her about why he agreed to this in the first place.
Klarion took them both to the meeting place where he glared at Ocean Master the whole time. He gave her a quick peck on the kiss with a promise of seeing each other in a bit.
"Ready Megara?" Ocean Master asked as she nodded. Klarion stayed on the shore as the two walked into the water.
Being able to breathe underwater was something that Callie was not yet currently used it. The idea she could talk as well was outstanding to her. Glancing down, she saw that the two necklaces were tucked away into her shirt. One was to keep her appearance up while the other would allow her to communicate with Klarion if she was holding it in her palm. It would also help to keep him pinpoint her for transportation.
Ocean Master led her towards the castle, swimming quite a bit ahead of her. She was surprised by how quickly they arrived to the city. There was a hustle and bustle of Atlanteans and fish swimming around. Everyone was staring at Ocean Master ahead of her but Callie was putting that toward the fact that he was quite handsome. Perhaps he was a celebrity in Atlantis?
She continued her pace until Ocean Master slowed down and she was swimming beside him. Ocean Master glanced over to her as he whispered quietly. "From this point on, you will call me Orm. You will not share this with that Chaotic fool or anyone else. Black Manta and I are keeping an eye on you constantly." Callie nodded as she bit her lip.
Klarion would know in a heartbeat if she was trying to hide things from him. But she supposed it was for the sake of the primary mission; and would work to help their secondary mission of overthrowing Ocean Master. Callie remained quiet as she was led to a small room. It had a table with sea shells and some string on it. Nearby was a chest holding different toys like a ball and to the far corner, Callie noticed a piano. She had no clue what type of room she was in but obeyed the orders to wait for Ocean Master- no, Orm there.
Swimming over to the trunk, Callie noticed the one ball was a pale blue and had markings similar to the ones on Aqualad's arms but underneath it was a large set of blocks. She smiled at this, knowing the must be Artur's as she glanced over. It was almost as if she called the young prince. He swam in and froze at the person in the room before tilting his head.
"Who you?" he asked as Callie smiled.
"My name is Megara. You can call me Meg though." she offered before pointing to the toys. "Are these yours?"
Artur nodded and swam a bit closer. "Which is your favourite?"
"Ball." Nodding a bit, Callie continued trying to treat the small child like what he was, an independent and living being.
"Would you like to play?" Callie asked him as she sat on the floor beside the chest, so that her eyes were closer to Artur's height.
The little blond child thought about it for a moment, before sitting straight from Callie. "Okay." he agreed. Callie leaned over to grab the ball as she gently rolled it over to Artur. He kicked it back to her with a smile. Tossing it again, this time the small boy caught it and threw it to Callie, who caught it with one hand. Although hesitant at first, both were beginning to enjoy themselves.
So when Orm returned with King Arthur and Queen Mera, the three were pleasantly surprised to see Artur and Megara making a castle out of the bricks, the ball was off to the side. Artur was leading the build, telling Megara where he wanted the bricks. Aquaman had to cough to get their attention.
"Daddy!" Artur cried out in happiness before running over. "Look at my castle!" Artur grabbed his father's hand to drag him back. "Meg helped." he added before tugging on his dad's hand. Aquaman knew that it meant his son wanted picked up.
"Did she now?" Callie looked over as she smiled and bowed.
"Your majesty." she spoke, before waiting to the count of three and looking up again.
"Ah yes. My brother Orm mentioned he was bringing a new potential for nanny in today." Aquaman spoke as he looked at his brother. Callie gulped as she finally put the pieces together. Ocean Master was Prince Orm. Her life just got much harder. Aquaman looked back at her with a weird expression that she couldn't place as she tried to not run. As Callie, she had met him many times and it could be that Aquaman could see the resemblance of his friend's missing clone and the new babysitter. Artur tugged at his father's beard before whispering in his ear.
"I see." Turning his full focus on Meg, he smiled. "Artur seems to like you as his new Nanny. Perhaps we could try this out for a week under strict observation and go from there?"
Callie let out a relieved sigh. "That sounds amazing your majesty."
"Please, call me King Arthur." Callie nodded slowly as she took her hands from her clenched position behind her back and let them rest at her side. "So, why don't you join us for a meal?"
-
The first week had passed easily, without any issue and soon 'Megara' became the fulltime nanny. Callie had been worried constantly at first of being found out, but soon her main priorities was to make sure Artur grew up happy and healthy. It amazed her how much time King Arthur and Queen Mera gave their son while still running a kingdom as well as handling the mantle of Aquaman. Klarion had relaxed quite a bit about everything; although he was not happy of how little time he had with Callie but it would be worth it.
Her days were beginning to become instinctual. Wake up Artur, feed him, and then have a bit of time before he starts his lessons on the alphabet and other things,lunch with his parents if both were available followed by a nap, some play time, then dinner and bath time before bed. Callie would admit it was strange doing some of these underwater but thanks to magic and the cunning of Atlanteans, all were possible.
It was Artur's birthday, February 1, 2014, as he had told her many times. She was excited for him as he could now proudly state that he was three years old. Artur told her about how his parents were going to make his favourite meal for dinner because of this. The young prince was so excited as he went down for his nap. He was also clinging to Callie all day, to the point where he had refused to nap unless he could use her lap as a pillow.
"So Artur what are you hoping for as a present?" Callie questioned quietly to see if he was awake.
The blond prince stirred on her lap as he pulled his favourite blanket up more. "I want a toy sword." he responded before letting out a sleepy yawn and mumbling.
"What about your birthday wish?"
"Meg… stay." Artur mumbled as Calliope smiled a bit and brushed back the dark hair. She was becoming used to seeing her difference appearance and being called Megara. If Callie was being honest, she forgot many times that this was a mission until Orm pulled her aside or gave her a terrifying look when no one else was looking. Klarion had suggested just slitting his throat, but the amount of problems that would cause seeing as it was the King's brother was not worth it. Artur nodded off completely, as Callie read through a book recommended by Mera on the city so she could be more familiar.
A soft knock on the door was heard as Callie glanced up from her page, and nearly jumped had it not been for the weight in her lap. Kaldur was standing in the doorway with a smile as Aquaman stood behind him. Callie tried to not let her excitement show from seeing who she would have considered her best friend in the team.
"Megara, I would like you to meet my apprentice. This is Kaldur'ahm also known as Aqualad. He's here for the festivities and was hoping to spend time with Artur."
Callie nodded as she looked down. "If he wants to wait, Artur should wake up soon from his nap."
Aquaman looked to his apprentice as he nodded and Aqualad walked over to sit by Callie. She had glanced over to his eyes and immediately could see the warmth of an old friend as she smiled.
"It's been awhile Kal." She spoke softly, trying to make sure not to wake Artur.
"That it has Meg. It seems you've transistioned well to nannying." Callie laughed a bit as she rolled her eyes.
"Well its in the same ballpark of dealing with a bratty lord of chaos." She said, feeling comfortable enough to bring him up.
"Has everything been okay between you two?" Callie could see that Aqualad was choosing his words carefully.
"Although we have a different moral views, we have found common ground." Her head came to rest on the back wall. "But I'll admit I miss you all, and quite regularly here have to resist the urge to just tell Aquaman everything."
"But?" Aqualad spoke as Callie let out a sigh.
"But The Team needs me here and I made the mess I put myself in. I'll figure out the exit."
Aqualad's hand rested on hers. "Ca-Meg, your friends are here for you. After this, we can help-" Kaldur spoke, blue eyes in concern when a crashing noise came from the wall to the side.
