Once my vision returned, I found myself back in my cabin in Camp Half-Blood. I didn't have the strength or desire to lift myself off my bed, recent events still freshly hot in my mind. I just laid there for what felt like hours, staring up at the coral roof of the Poseidon cabin. Invasive, panicked thoughts filled my head as I stared off into space.

What am I going to do to get out of this one? There's not a single girl who would say yes to becoming a concubine, let alone five of them! Not to mention they'd be stuck with me of all people! I'm just... Percy!Like—ok, I know a few girls had a crush on me in the past, but it was either years ago or just a small one! Even if they were madly in love with me, I doubt they'd agree to become my mistress! Then there's Annabeth... She gets jealous so easily. I still remember how she acted when Rachel liked me, and we weren't even dating yet!I can't imagine what she'd be like with numerous girls all vying for my attention alongside her!

My mental rant was interrupted by a sudden knocking on my cabin door.

My body stiffened up, I didn't know if I should answer it or not. It could be Annabeth, but I didn't really want to face her. I didn't want to face anyone right now. Practically everyone at both camps now knows of my predicament, it's embarrassing! That's not even to mention the teasing I could receive...

I sighed and decided to open the door. Better face my demons now then later.

I opened it to see Annabeth, who then pushed me back and closed the door behind her. I stumbled a bit before catching myself, turning to sit back down on my bed. I could tell she was looking at me intensely, like if she was deciding whether to be angry, worried, or sad. She then sighed and walked over, plopping down onto my bed with me.

"This is a fine mess we're in now, Percy. I think I'd rather fight Gaea again, if I'm perfectly honest," Annabeth said with an annoyed voice. "What are we going to do? I don't want you with... other girls, but we don't have a choice now."

Just as I predicted, her jealousy was already surfacing. She was very possessive of me. I found it kinda cute but also terrifying at times. But right now, it was breaking my heart. I don't want any other girl besides her!

"Annabeth, I just want you to know that no matter what happens, you'll always be my number one. Even if I'm forced to add a hundred women into my harem, you're still going to be my one and only. The gods can't make me love the others like I love you." I stated seriously as I looked into her grey eyes.

She held my gaze for a moment before letting out a sigh. Then she flicked my face!

"Ow!"

"I already know that, Seaweed Brain. Your fatal flaw is loyalty, remember? Aphrodite herself could try to seduce you and I'm sure you'd turn her down if for no other reason then you'd be scared of what I'd do to you," She said with a smirk as she then kissed my lips, which tasted like honey. After a moment, she pulled away with a frustrated look. "But honestly, what are we going to do? We have a week before every female friend of ours is forced to become your concubine! Do you also remember what Zeus said? This is only the first step of the harem's requirements."

I groaned, not knowing what to do either. "I guess we won't have a choice. I hate it, but... I'll have to try to get some of our girl-friends to join my... group. I can't think of another way out of this."

I leaned back on the bed, my head resting against the wall as we sat there in silence. I thought about the various girls I befriended over the years, wondering if a single one would ever willingly become my concubine. It just seemed degrading to even use the word concubine. I then remembered what Zeus said, about how I had more admirers than I thought. I decided to ask Annabeth about it, since she talks to girls more often than me.

"Zeus also mentioned that I had more admirers then I knew. Do you know anything about that? Do some of our friends still... hold feelings for me?" I asked her quietly, not meeting her gaze.

Annabeth was silent for a few minutes, contemplating how to answer such a loaded question. "As much as I hate to admit it—yes, Percy, some still do. I guess for once it's a good thing you're such a womanizer."

She then playfully punched my arm, causing me to gasp in fake pain. "Womanizer? Oh how you wound me, Annabeth! It's not my fault that I literally resemble a Greek god!"

We then both laughed, but it quickly died down once the reality of the situation settled in. I had a feeling I already knew which girls had a crush on me still. This was going to be so painful, especially for Annabeth.

"Let me guess: Reyna and Rachel still have a thing for me? Just a guess on Reyna, that was a month or so ago, but Rachel definitely liked me as more than a friend for a long time. I know Calypso does too—or at least she did before Leo found her. She even admitted to being in love with me when I was on her island a few years ago. Speaking of Calypso, I should take Blackjack to Ogygia to finally free her." I said as I knitted my eyebrows in thought.

Annabeth shifted awkwardly at the mention of her past love rivals, but she nodded. "They aren't the only ones either, I'm afraid. Piper... also has feelings for you. I'm not sure about Hazel, she safeguards her emotions even more than Reyna does. I vaguely remember Katie Gardner mentioning that she found you hot when I passed by the Demeter cabin one time."

I looked at Annabeth in shock. "Wait, what? Piper has a crush on me? But she's in love with Jason!" I blurted out.

She just gave me a sad smile. "They... broke up recently. Piper didn't give me the specifics on when this happened when I talked to her before coming here, but my guess it was either before or after the battle with Gaea. It was a mutual breakup from what I understand, neither of them knew if their love was genuine or just a manipulation by Hera," Annabeth then shifted in the bed, turning her body towards me. "She's actually confided in me a few times about how attractive you are. I assumed at the time she was being nice, you know, complimenting a friend's lover to show support. But now, I know better..."

I remained silent with a perplexed expression, taking her words in. I had no idea Piper ever felt like that about me. I always got the impression that she was afraid of me at times. I mean, I guess it didn't help that I nearly killed Jason while the two of us were possessed by eidolons, and our battle caused a hurricane, but still. I was always extra nice to her when I could be, I didn't want her to feel like I was a dangerous loose cannon or something, you know?

"She was jealous." Annabeth suddenly said.

"Huh?" I asked dumbly.

"Piper. She was jealous of our relationship. Do you remember when she would see us kiss? Pure jealousy was in her eyes each time. She even admitted to this today, before I came to your cabin," Annabeth explained to me, her stormy eyes locked onto mine. "She was an emotional wreck, Percy. Her recent breakup combined with your new condition, it's really torn her up. She doesn't know how to feel about it yet. I'd say give her some time before you try anything."

I swallowed at her words. They made me feel like a predator, but in a way I guess I kinda have to be. I won't force myself on anyone, but I'll admit I am desperate to fix this harem mess. But still, knowing that I'll likely be making moves on a girl that's been a great friend and just had her relationship end made me feel scummy, even more so considering I already had a girlfriend. Damn the gods for forcing this on me!

"Yeah, I'll give her time. It's not like I'm exactly eager to do any of this," I said simply. We then heard the familiar horn call that signified dinner time. "Time for dinner, oh boy..." I mumbled.

"I can bring you back a plate, if you want. Unless you'd rather have the entire camp stare at you," Annabeth offered, taking one of my hands into hers. "Is that what you want?"

I smirked at her. "Yeah, think I can go without being the center of attention for once. Thanks, Annabeth."

She giggled and gave me a peck on the lips before getting up and leaving. After she left, I got up and headed to the small fish fountain in the back of the cabin. Someone repaired it since the last time I was here, I remember slicing it in half some years ago. Thankfully, there was still an endless supply of drachmas at the bottom of it, along with a rainbow of course.

"Show me Calypso on Ogygia. Assuming she's still there, anyways..." I said after a quick prayer to Iris.

The mist then shifted and changed before showing a breathtakingly beautiful girl with caramel hair, perfectly tanned skin, and wearing a white chiton. She was kneeling down, tending to a moonlace flower in her garden. The sight of her and the flower caused my heart to ache, the memories from my visit rushing back to me.

It baffled me how the gods could be cruel enough to keep someone as innocent as her locked away from the world. But, since my message went through, I guess they finally kept their word and freed her.

I couldn't help but wonder why no one took her off the island yet, though. Were they really that lazy?

"Hey there." I said like an idiot.

Calypso was startled, nearly falling over onto the moonlace she was tending to. She whipped herself around, looking for the sound of my voice. She then looked up and saw my Iris message, her eyes widening in shock.

"An Iris message? Here? But that's... wait, Percy?" She stuttered out in shock, her lips curving up into a smile.

"Hi. It's... been a long time, Calypso." I said with a soft smile.

"My hero, how are you doing this? It shouldn't even be possible to send an Iris message to Ogygia." She asked in a soft voice.

I rubbed my neck, a blush creeping up onto my face. "I... uh, finally got the gods to make good on their promise. It's a long story, I'll tell you later. What matters now is that you're free, Calypso."

Calypso just stood there, processing the information. She looked completely stunned, but there was also a hint of doubt on her face, like she didn't believe me.

"I'm... free? Are you sure? It... doesn't sound real..." She whispered, her voice cracking and tears welling in her dark eyes, her facial features glowing brilliantly in the setting sun.

"Yes, I'm sure of it. I wouldn't be talking to you right now otherwise, since Ogygia was blocked from Iris messaging beforehand. I promise I'll come first thing in the morning to pick you up. You're going to see the world, just like you wanted," I responded back with a warm smile. I then heard a knock on my door again, likely meaning Annabeth was back. "Look, I sent this just to tell you I was coming. I've got to go now. Just hold out a little bit longer for me, ok?"

Calypso was now full on crying, tears streaming down her gorgeous cheeks, but I could tell it was from pure joy. "Of course, my hero. I'll be ready for you. I need to pack my things. I can't wait to leave this accursed island for good!"

"In less than a day you'll be free," I whispered gently. "Ok, I've got to go now, I have someone waiting on me. Talk to you soon!" I said as I then moved to end the message.

"See you soon, my love." I heard Calypso say as I swiped through the mist, ending the message.

Did she just call me "my love"? Damn, guess she really does still have feelings for me, even after all this time.

Wait, I just realized she never even asked about Leo. That's... odd. From what Leo told me, they had some feelings for each other.

Maybe she was caught up in the moment? But wouldn't she prefer if Leo came to save her? Does she somehow already know he's dead? That can't be, she's been stuck on Ogygia. Maybe a messenger came and told her? But why? Why wouldn't the gods also have the messenger take her off the island? Also, she didn't even know she was free until just now, so that can't be it, right?

My head was spinning as I thought about it, more questions popping up by the second. Now I was dreading that conversation as well, let alone the one about asking her to join my harem.

I let out a sigh, then got up and turned away from the fountain, heading towards my door to open it. Annabeth then walked inside, carrying a plate of barbecue brisket. She also looked quite cross with me.

"Took your sweet time, Seaweed Brain. Were you that engrossed in your conversation?" She asked me with an annoyed look as she then sat down on my bed and held out my plate towards me.

I closed my door and took the plate before sitting down next to her. She then pulled out a fork and napkin from her pocket and gave them to me. "So, who were you talking to?"

"Calypso. I tested an Iris message to see if my dad meant what he said about making sure the peaceful titans were freed. Turned out the gods kept their promise—this time. I then told her I was going to come rescue her from Ogygia tomorrow morning. She started crying in joy as you knocked," I explained to Annabeth as I then took a bite of the brisket, which was delicious. I then took a deep breath. "She... also called me 'my love' before I ended the message. So, I can attest she still has feelings for me, and they likely just increased..."

I nervously waited to see Annabeth's reaction to that. I felt really bad about it, but with this harem thing... Well, let's just say I was feeling like Calypso was going to be the second member, in spite of my previous concerns.

"Ah, I see..." She said in a tone that made me quiver. "I take it you're going to try to add her to... the harem?"

I was wracked with guilt, but I nodded. "Yeah, I think she'll be easy to convince, as messed up as that sounds," I then shook my head, my grip on my plate and fork tightening. "I feel like such a piece of Minotaur dung. Here I am, telling my girlfriend I'm going to hit on another girl..."

Annabeth's expression softened, placing a hand on my shoulder. "It's not your fault, Percy. The gods forced this on us. I hate it too, but we have to face the music. We have to do this, or else every girl we know will suffer. I'll try to keep my jealousy in line, but you know how I get," She said gently, suppressing her distaste. She then leaned in close to my ear. "But, I am going to be your first. Your virginity is mine, Perseus. I won't let anyone else have it."

I nearly dropped my plate and choked on my food after she said that. My face turned red hot in an instant. My brain was turning to mush and I didn't know how to respond. I eventually got out some incomprehensible mumbo jumbo, which caused her to giggle.

"Oh come on, Percy. We were going to do it some day, no need to get so flustered. Besides, I have a feeling that the second step to this harem custom that Zeus alluded to will involve sex," She said with a mischievous grin as she winked at me. "I'm just marking my territory now."

Who was this girl? This can't be my Annabeth, she never spoke so crudely! She just... talked about sex like it was the easiest thing in the world. We never even discussed it before now!

"I... duh... ok." I stammered out like I was a schoolboy.

Why are emotions so difficult? I'd rather fight Kronos again than discuss this!

"You're adorable when you get embarrassed, Seaweed Brain, you know that?" Annabeth sniggered as she then leaned in and kissed me passionately. She pulled away after a short moment, a brief smirk on her face before it disappeared. "But seriously, you should expect that to be the next step. I can't imagine what else it would be."

"Maybe there is no second step and Zeus was just messing with us?" I asked hopefully, causing Annabeth to laugh.

"I wish, but that's just not Zeus's style. I also think your father would have said something if that were the case. They clearly collaborated on this harem thing," Annabeth said before letting out a long, loud yawn. "Well, I'm going to go back to my cabin. I'm exhausted and you need to finish your food. I wish I could stay here with you, but rules are rules. Have a good night, Percy. I'll see you in the morning."

With that said she then kissed me goodnight and left my cabin, leaving me to my thoughts. I then quickly finished off my dinner and set the plate down on a nearby table. I got ready for bed next, taking off my armor and sticky clothes before quickly washing myself and putting on some pajamas. The second I got under the covers and my head touched my pillow, I was out cold.

Well, here I am again. Dreaming. Maybe I'll get lucky and it'll be a nice dream. Maybe one where me and Annabeth are holding hands while skipping through a flower field. But of course, it wasn't. I'm getting tired of these bad dreams. Wait, can I even get tired while sleeping? Whatever.

I dreamt I was in a derelict cavern. It was musty and a deep grey, stalactites and bats hung from the ceiling. I could hear a faint stream in the distance along with some dripping sounds echoing throughout the cavern. I then saw two black figures near each other, sitting on opposite ends of a campfire. The fire did nothing to illuminate them, however.

"Odd place you chose to meet up," One said, the voice sounding young and feminine but too distorted to tell who it could possibly belong to, if I even knew them. "Couldn't we have gone somewhere nicer?"

"I chose this place because no living god has dominance over deep places of the earth. I couldn't risk anything," The other figure said, also sounding feminine but older and more commanding. Her voice was distorted as well. "You should know I'd never choose such a location unless I didn't have a choice."

"I see, ok then. So, what is it you wished to speak with me about, my lady? I thought my kind were beneath your notice." The first female figure snarked.

"I'm sure you're aware of the recent developments on Olympus, all the rabble are gossiping about it endlessly. The first being that the daughter of Athena wished for amnesty for some of the gods' past victims. The second being that the Jackson brat got a harem, which has set the world on fire," The second figure responded back ominously. "I see this as an opportunity."

"An opportunity? What do you mean, my lady?"

"I mean it's a prime opportunity to dispense justice on those upstarts. However, not I or anyone else can act directly against them without all of Olympus knowing about it. They are under very close supervision now. As such, I need to use discretion. That's where you come in, my dear. While I'd prefer not to associate myself with your ilk, I need assistance and you're perfect for the job. I know you still hold a grudge against them for what they did to you all those years ago." The authoritative figure said. She may not have a face, but I could tell her eyes were piercing into her companion, as if daring for defiance.

"I-I see, my lady. I'm honored to help you in getting our revenge. Yes, quite honored. What is it that you wish for me to do?" The other woman said in a fearful voice.

Her superior then turned towards me. "First, we need to get rid of our unwanted guest." She then waved her hand, then I awoke.

I bolted up in my bed, breathing hard and my heart pounding so fast I could feel my chest vibrating. I looked out the window to see the early morning sunrise, so at least I got a good amount of sleep. I then let out an exasperated groan.

"Great, now on top of everything I have two unknown women coming after me. Like my life isn't already a mess as is." I grumbled as I looked down upon my hands.

I decided to tell Annabeth about my dream later. I still felt tired but I knew there was no way I was going back to sleep after that. I then remembered my promise to Calypso last night. I let out a sigh and got up, changing out of my pajamas before putting on a simple green t-shirt and pants. I then stepped out of my cabin and started heading towards the stables.

Luckily, it was early enough that no one else was up and about. I thanked the gods for that one. As I entered the stables, I saw a familiar black pegasus that instantly brought a smile to my face.

Yo boss, long time no see! I heard the voice of Blackjack pop into my head as I approached him and picked up a brush.

"Hey Blackjack, you've been behaving yourself?" I asked with a happy smile.

Of course, boss! I'm always on my best behavior! Pegasus's honor!

He then did a small dance in his stall.

"Sounds believable, I suppose," I chortled as I brushed his elegant black mane. "Listen, I need to go somewhere, it's very important. I don't have any sugar cubes on me, but I promise to give you as much as you want when we get back. Think you could do that for me?"

No problem at all, boss! Where are we going?

"Ogygia. It's an island that used to be hidden. You should be able to find it now, right? You pegasi seem to have built-in GPS," I said with a smirk. "But seriously, how do you pegasi always seem to know where everything is?"

That's a trade secret, boss. My lips are sealed! Nah, I'm just playing! It's a blessing passed down to us by the original Pegasus. As for this island, Oh-gee-gee-uh, you called it? It sounds familiar somehow...

"Yeah, it's where the daughter of Atlas, Calypso, was imprisoned after the First Titan War. You know, it was in The Odyssey." I explained to him as I finished brushing his mane and put the comb away.

Oh yeah, I remember that story now! But, why do you want to go there? Does this Calypso owe you drachma or something?

I gritted my teeth, hoping I wouldn't have to explain this part. "It's... a long story, Blackjack, I'll try to make it quick. Do you remember a few years ago when everyone thought I was dead after St. Helens erupted? Well obviously I wasn't, but when the volcano erupted I ended up on Calypso's island thanks to Hera. She nursed me back to health and told me about her predicament, how she was imprisoned on the island for thousands of years just because she helped her father in the war. She was such a sweetheart, and oh so very lonely. She then told me that the Fates would occasionally wash up heroes on her island, heroes that she couldn't help but fall in love with. She wanted me to stay, but I couldn't. I then promised I would have the gods free her. It took me having to ask twice, but the gods finally released her yesterday. I contacted her with an Iris message last night, so she's expecting me."

Woah, that's a lot to take in. Poor girl. That's my boss though, a noble hero to a fault! But I have to ask, I thought you already had a mare? Er... I mean woman. The sassy blonde from the nerd cabin?

"Yeah, we're still dating. But... something has happened recently. I'm surprised you don't already know about it, it's all anyone is talking about apparently," I mumbled out, my mood souring even further upon remembering the harem fiasco. "I'll tell you on the way."

We then exited the stables and I climbed aboard Blackjack. I then noticed him wiggle his ears for a moment, like as if he was recalibrating his pegasus GPS. It amused me so much I temporarily forgot my worries.

"What are you doing? Is your horse GPS looking for Ogygia?" I asked playfully.

In a way, yes. It's not every day that a new island just materializes out of thin air, boss. Let me see... ah, I think I found it! There's a small island smack dab in the middle of the Atlantic that I haven't seen before. Let's go get your mare—I mean girl, boss!

I was going to correct him and say she isn't mine, but he then started running and took off like a bat out of Hades, soaring through the air at breakneck speeds. I wrapped my arms around his neck tightly as he suddenly ascended into the sky, almost falling off.

"Sheesh, warn me next time!" I yelled out as the wind whipped against us loudly.

Blackjack let out what I assumed to be a laugh, which sounded more like a constipated whinny. Sorry boss, I guess I got ahead of myself. What was it that you were going to tell me about?

I struggled to open my eyes against the turbulence as I then explained everything that happened yesterday with the gods. Blackjack was quiet for a minute afterwards, which actually worried me a little since he's normally not afraid to speak his mind.

I don't know what to say, boss. For a pegasus that would be a dream. If I had that many mares to myself, oh man... But, I know you humans and demigods normally only settle for one mate. I hope everything works out for you, boss. I promise to be the best wingman you could ask for!

I couldn't help but feel a small smile creep across my face. Blackjack always knew what to say to make me feel better.

We soared over the Atlantic, the ocean below a majestic blue with gentle waves churning. After about twenty minutes I began to see the outline of an island in the distance. As we drew closer, I then felt my breath hitch in my throat.

I saw Calypso's dwelling, and it was ablaze. The whole island was burning.