CHAPTER 4: CALYPSO

Annabeth

Okay. So I didn't exactly talk to Chiron like I planned. I did some more digging for the past two days I've been waiting and then following Amelie back to the woods. Every single night. And each night, she seemed to be controlling the pebbles, and then rocks, and then boulders. Granted, I didn't hear the name Gaea again, but earth control? That's enough evidence I need. Enough that I called a counselor meeting this morning after breakfast. Amelie, naively, followed the rest of the Athena cabin to the lava climbing wall.

In the Big Cabin, twenty teens or so surrounded a ping-pong table, where Clarisse was currently playing beer pong with the Stoll brothers. The ball bounced off the table and landed itself into Clovis' mouth as he snored away the breakfast he barely ate. I rubbed my temples in annoyance. Percy flashed me a smile before pulling up his sleeves in order to extract the ball out. And of course, Chiron comes wheeling in, causing everyone to stand up, as well as Clovis, who promptly choked on the ping pong ball.

Chiron sighed, "Would someone help poor Clovis? And Annabeth, would you talk to me for a moment?"

I nodded before looking back worriedly as Piper used the Heimlich. I turned to a secluded area in the Big House where Chiron was staring at the leopard head hanging on the wall. He asked, "What is this meeting for?"
"Chiron. I found something. Amelie. She's not what she seems. I have reason to believe she's related to Gaea."

Chiron whispered and shook his head, "I told that child she would get caught."
"Excuse me?"
"Tell the other counselors they are excused."
"Wait, what? Chiron, we can't ignore this!"
Chiron's eyes bore into mine. "You shouldn't tread on what is not your business."

"I need to know."

"Fine. Piper, Jason, Percy, and you can stay as you are part of the Seven. I suppose you deserve an explanation. But not a word is to be uttered to anyone else. They all deserve the peace here."

I nodded. "Go get Ms. Gray."

After Amelie situated herself into the Big House and everyone else left, Piper asked, "Annabeth, what is going on here?"

I said, "Yeah, Amelie. What is happening here?"

The girl stared at me, confused and slightly angry. Jason said, "Annabeth, why is she even here? I thought this was a counselor meeting."

Chiron sighed, "Child. You weren't as careful as you thought. Annabeth, here, found out."

Suddenly, Amelie shook as laughter poured out of her. She said, "I suspected as much."

"Well, are you going to explain what you were doing in the woods at night?"

Percy frowned, "What was she doing?"
"She was levitating the earth or something, and you were talking to Gaea!"

Everyone except Chiron and Amelie stiffened at that, their hands reaching for the nearest weapon. Jason narrowed his eyes, his scar turning ugly, "I thought she's gone. After what happened with Leo."

Chiron nodded, "She is gone, yes."

"Then, what is happening here?" Piper asked.

"Child, would you like to answer that?"

Amelie crossed her arms, "Why should I?"
Suddenly the room erupted in anger and shouts. Percy and Jason drew their weapons and Piper was in a fighting stance. I reached for my drakon dagger. Amelie shook her head, "Demigods. Let me rephrase. Why should I trust you?"

Jason

Percy growled, "You better tell us what the hell is going on if you value your life."

I put a hand on Percy's shoulder and he visibly relaxed a bit, his hand, however, still firmly wrapped around his sword. I sighed, "She isn't going to trust us if we have our weapons drawn. Here."

I withdrew my sword and Piper did the same. I glanced at Percy and Annabeth and the two came to an agreement to follow my lead for now.

Amelie tilted her head, "Smart move."
"Who are you?" I asked. "And Chiron, how are you so calm?"
Amelie laughed, "You ask as if you expect Chiron not to thoroughly do background checks on each camper. Don't worry, I told him as a heads-up to an old friend. There was no way he was going to get the message from a PSA from the gods." Chiron smirked at that.

Piper asked again, "But who are you?"
"I'm a daughter of Athena."

"But why are you here?" Annabeth asked. "I noticed how well situated you seem to be with this whole demigod situation despite it just being three days."
"Nice observation. I'm here because Fate told me so."

I sighed, "Fine. Is Gaea awake?"

"Oh, she's still sleeping. I'm just her bed."

Percy growled, "Stop with the vague answers. Just explain yourself." His hand tightened around his sword. Amelie's eyes immediately darted to Percy, but her position remained relaxed.

Chiron frowned, "It would be in your best interest to tell at least some of how you wound up here, my dear. The gods can only do so much to protect you from their favorite children."
"Noted." Amelie sighed, "Fine. I'll explain."

Everyone released the tension and sat back down. "After your Giant War, the Gods were left with a dilemma. Gaea was weakened, yes. However, they worried she would rise again, for a third or fourth time. Plus, she wasn't as weak as they would have liked. They thought that she could rise again in the next five years if given time. So, they did what they had to. Have you experienced gods coming to earth in someone else's body?"
Percy and Annabeth shared glances as if remembering a story. They nodded.

"Well, this is what happened. I came to host, freaking, Gaea in my body, tasked with the job to be a virtual babysitter and controlling her power over earth and preventing her from taking over my body. Any questions? None, good!" Amelie promptly left, in what seemed to be a fit of annoyance and hurt.

Percy sat, gobsmacked, "I did not expect that."

"What did you expect, Seaweed Brain?" Annabeth teased.

"I don't know. Some Ethan Nakamura situation." Annabeth nodded.

I sighed, "Chiron, is that the truth?"
The centaur nodded sadly, "Yes, her previous life was robbed from her. She is now cursed to ensure Gaea will never rise again."

"Wait, where was she before coming here? Or rather, who was she? And why her of all people?" asked Piper.

Chiron's eyes twinkled, "Everyone has their secrets Ms. McLean."

Piper flushed in shame. Chiron wheeled out of the room, to go play a game of sorts with the Nike kids. The four of us were left with our thoughts. Annabeth sighed, leaning against her chair, "There is so much she isn't telling us."

"And yet, even this sliver of information seems unbelievable." I said. Everyone nodded in agreement and stared at the ping-pong table. Growl. Percy flushed and touched his stomach, "Anyone ready for lunch?"
I raised my hand. "Let's go dude."

Piper rolled her eyes, "Boys. Think with their stomachs."
"Agreed." said Annabeth.

As we went back towards the mess hall, I couldn't help but think about what just happened. It sounded so bizarre, yet it made sense of some sorts. The biggest question I had was who exactly is Amelie Gray? And could she really keep Gaea in check?

Amelie

I sighed, rubbing the bridge of my nose. After the intensely awkward situation that was lunch, I was launched into another very awkward situation.

Apparently, Fate really hates me, as I found myself with Annabeth, awaiting for someone named Leo Valdez to come back to camp. I expected a car, or a boat, or hell even a dragon to come. I did not expect for a group of people to suddenly come out of the shadows.

A dark-haired boy immediately collapsed, only held up by a tiny elfish kid. A blonde haired kid I recognized from Apollo's cabin rushed in and took the kid in towards the Big House, dragging him across the grass like a lion dragging his prey across the serengeti. The rest of us watched in a mix of awe and horror, deciding whether or not to assist him. That wasn't even the awkward part. No. Next to the elf was a girl a head taller than him, her braided chocolate hair flowed down her shoulders. She stared directly at me. She started to walk towards me, but was intercepted by Percy, Annabeth, Piper, and Jason, all of them hugging the visitors. Pesky demigods indeed.

I could overhear Annabeth say to the elf, "We need to talk" before glancing at me nervously. The newly reunited little group of demigods were dragged by Annabeth to some secluded spot or the other, even the girl. Though, she did glance occasionally.

So, I found myself in the Big House, helping the Apollo kid named Will take care of the kid, who apparently was the son of Hades, Nico di Angelo. The kid looked too thin for my liking, his jaw bones protruding against his too pale skin. "Does he eat enough?"

Will shook his head, "He's stubborn."

Indeed a stubborn little brat. He never let me kill him. Oh my god, would you stop?

I smacked myself internally, hoping a certain someone got the message. "So, Will, what can you tell me about the people that just arrived?"
"Oh, Leo and Calypso? Well, not much. I don't really know them, but Leo is one of the Seven. He apparently died when defeating Gaea." I raised my eyebrow. "Well, he cheated death and came back with Calypso."

"I thought in the myths Calypso stayed at O- some island?"
"So I've heard." It was clear Will was no longer in a mood to talk as he hurried out of the Big House for more nectar. The kids' eyes flew open, and he began groping around.

I hurried to help him up. "Will is coming back."
The kid groaned in response and looked at his surroundings. He groaned again, "I'm going to have to go through treatment again." He flung his arms back down on the bed. He looked up at the ceiling and then turned towards me. "Wait, who are you?"
"I'm new. Ask Annabeth."

"Ah, okay." Silence overtook us. How awkward.

"Why do I see two souls in you?" The kid stared at me, not at my face or anything, but something deeper. My soul. Of course, children of Hades do that.

"Ask Annabeth."

"Gotcha. And, if I want to -I don't know- kill you for being so anything, I should ask Annabeth?"

I winked, "You got the idea."

Nico groaned and reached out his arm as if to air-choke me. Thankfully, Will came in to save me from my untimely death. Will immediately smacked Nico in the head. Ignoring Nico's groan, he said, "What were you thinking shadow traveling that many people in that far of a distance?"

"I wasn't."

"Clearly." Will huffed out to gather something else. I asked, "Is anyone else coming to visit you?"

"Doubt out. I'm kind of an outcast here."

"That makes two of us." Nico stared at me in disbelief, "You're hiding out in here. What did you do?"
"Couple of pranks. Lots of misunderstandings. The gist."
"It might seem hard at first to fit, so you might run away a couple times." Nico said nostalgically, "But someday, the walls have to come down, and you'll find someone to talk to."

"Have you found that someone?"

Nico stared at Will's retreating figure. "Yeah, I have."

I pressed my mouth into a thin line. Will came back in and started fiddling around with something. I waved a hand and walked towards the door. "I'll leave you two to it. Nice meeting ya, Will, Nico."

Tear down my walls? What a Βλάκας*/Vlakas.

Annabeth

"So, let me get this straight." said Leo as he paced across the woods and stroked his imaginary beard. "While I was gone this entire time, you guys were uncovering a secret conspiracy between the gods and some demigod-" (Percy supplied, "And Chiron") "-and Chiron… without me?!"

Leo immediately combusted into flames. I backed away slightly, "You were enjoying a much needed break at Camp Jupiter."
"You could have at least IM'd me! I would have totally enjoyed interrogating her as she shivered in fear. Muhahah." The trees above him caught on fire.

Calypso smiled weakly, "Hey, Leo. You might wanna cool down. I'm sure they had plenty of reason not to tell us immediately, right guys?"

Percy gulped. Jason said, "We literally found out today. If anything, Annabeth was doing all the sleuthing."

"Fine, fine. Sunshine." Leo grumbled. Calypso asked, "So, who is this girl that is suddenly the embodiment of my great grandmother?"

"Her name is Amelie Gray. We really don't know much about her except that she clearly knew about the gods before, she probably came from somewhere else, and that it is likely she is being punished for something." I said.

"Wait, wait, wait. Is she from Camp Jupiter?" Leo asked.

Jason perked an eyebrow, "I would have definitely recognized her."

"Hunters of Artemis?"

I shook my head, "I already asked Thalia during lunch today. She doesn't recognize anyone named that."

Percy asked, "Wait, could she be one of those people? Like the Kanes or your cousin?"

Everyone stared in curiosity. I waved my hand, "Seaweed Brain. She's a daughter of Athena. There is no way."

"Amazon." I looked at Calypso. "What?"

Calypso noticed everyone's eyes. She flushed, "Is she an Amazon?"

I hummed, "It's possible. Hey, Jason, do you think you could ask Reyna?"

"Oh, the Amazons are coming here soon." Jason said.

Percy shivered, "Really?"

"Yeah, they are here for a new weapon design that apparently the Hephaestus' cabin made. Reyna told me."

I clapped my hands, "Well, we have one possibility to hunt down. For now though, we should alert Hazel, Frank, and Reyna. They would want to know. And in the meantime, we have to keep an eye on her. She's dangerous. Enemy or not. Gaea is nothing to take lightly."

Everyone nodded and went their separate ways. The Gods were being sneaky. Something was up. More to the story. And I am going to find out what.

Amelie

It's finally the campfire. I stood near the shadows of the mess hall as I watched the fire turn a beautiful shade of purple and pink before turning yellow as campers cheered. I leaned against the marble pillar before walking towards the hearth in the middle of the cabins. There was a young girl wrapped in rags and silk as she tended to the fire with a stick.

I landed on my knees and bowed my head, "Lady Hestia. Mind I stay here?"

The girl smiled and nodded. I sat on the cool grass and waited. Soon, she came. Calypso in all her glory.

She sat next to me and smiled softly at Hestia.

"Fancy seeing you here." I said, staring at the dark woods.

"I could say the same thing." Silence.
"I see you've traded the robes for some modern ware. I didn't know that you escaped that island."
"I didn't know that you left Themyscira to practically babysit my great grandmother, Athenais."

I glared at her darkly. "One, don't call me that. I changed my name a long time ago. Two, you don't understand anything."
"No, I don't. Because you didn't tell me any of this was happening. In fact, you haven't talked to me in months."

I winced, "Sorry about that. There was a situation with Doors of Death opening. There was a giant invasion. It lasted a couple months."

Calypso nodded in understanding, "Okay. But, do you know that your sister has been messaging me? Apparently you've gone missing. She has been looking for you."

I buried my head into my knees. "You don't understand. There are multiple variables in play."

I felt Calypso place a hand on my shoulder. "Then tell me. What is going on here?"

I looked at her. "Fine. But tomorrow. You must accompany me to visit New York. It's been too long since I've been here. Hmm, since 1856 I believe? And it's your first time outside of your island. It would be nice to reconnect over a nice sight-seeing trip."

Calypso eyed me carefully before smiling brightly. "It's a deal then."

I smiled, really smiled for the first time I've arrived. Perhaps that Hades kid was right.

In Happy Harbor,

The computer beeped to alert Batman's arrival. Robin swung his legs around from the couch to greet his mentor. The team gathered around, awaiting their next mission.

Kid Flash wizzed across the room, his arm wrapped around a jar of cookies. "What's the next mission? Huh? Is it fighting aliens? Zombies? Vampires?"

Robin shook his head and face-palmed. Aqualad said, "Perhaps you've had too much sugar Kid Flash."

"Nah." Kid Flash finally stood still but his arm was twitching and his leg kept vibrating.

Batman deadpanned. "There is no next mission. I'm here for Black Canary."

Canary tilted her head, "What's up Bats?"
"We have a mission tomorrow with Dr. Fate and Wonder Woman."
"Where at?"
Batman glanced at the team, who was still in the room. "I'll give you more details in a mission report later tonight."

Canary followed his gaze and nodded.

Robin whined, "Why can't we do this mission Batman?"

"Yeah! We're totally read for this." said Miss Martian.

"No. You aren't prepared for this type of threat."

Superboy grunted, "I'm pretty sure we are more prepared than you."
Robin chuckled and stood in front of Superboy to protect him from the Batglare. "I think what Connor means is that we are ready for a challenge."

Batman sighed, "No means no. Trust me on this. You may ask Aqualad about the kind of threat this mission consists of." With that Batman left the cave and Aqualad to be bombarded with a million questions. Batman knew that he was not going to let the Team get involved with the mission in Manhattan. The gods were not to be dealt with lightly.

Flashback

Athenais met her before, Calypso, when she was sent by Hera to come to the island to tell the Titaness the news of the outside world.

Athenais sailed towards Ogygia with a permanent scowl in her face, irritated at this so-called quest. It was pointless. Why did she have to cater to this Titan, a practical enemy of the Gods? She was a head tactician of Themyscira for gods' sake! She might not look like much as she seemed like an eight-year-old, but in fact, she was probably over 800 at the point. That's what happens when one lives on an island that negates aging. However, her eight-year-old appearance spoke volumes to the amount of quests she has gone on the outside world, enough that she has aged this far. And yet, she was supposed to be a simple messenger this time?

Athenais hopped off her little boat and threw the anchor overboard. Fog parted to reveal a tiny island, vegetation scattered everywhere. A little hut was centered on top of the beach, smoke piercing through the sky. A young girl stood on the shores, a plate of food in her hand.

The Amazon came towards Calypso. Calypso smiled softly, "Is this my decadely news?"

"Yes." Athenais opened a scroll and began reading off it. "The war between Troy and Sparta has officially ended. Odysseus-" Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Calypso shed a few tears at the name. Athenais sighed. "You fell in love with the wrong man. That is no crime, yet it seems you are suffering more than that man could ever. Πόσο βλάκας μπορεί να είσαι*?" Athenais sneered and was immediately greeted with the every-flowing tears of a maiden completely collapsed onto the sand.

The Amazon kneeled down and patted Calypso's hair. "You deserve better. It might take a long time to get over that νόθος* but you have a millenia to do so. At Themyscira, we emphasize our own personal strength. I can assist you in achieving personal strength, so that you won't need a man."

Calypso stared at Athenais with wide-eyes, "It is fine Amazon. Continue with the news."

Athenais glanced at Calypso warily. "Very well. That is all for the news, but my offer still stands." She handed the Titanness a bag of drachmas. "Just Iris Message me. My name is Athenais."

…

A couple days later, after Athenais had arrived back at Themyscira, she was greeted with an Iris Message with Calypso peering from the other side.

Here's the next chapter! Hope you enjoy! There will be a meeting between the two parties next chapter so look forward to the plot thickening

Translations:
Βλάκας= Fool
Πόσο βλάκας μπορεί να είσαι= How stupid are you?
νόθος= Bastard
(excuse the language)

Eat. Sleep. Read. Repeat! Reviews are welcomed! Stay healthy and safe!
-hope4all