I felt panic rise up within me at the sight of the inferno. I prayed to the gods that Calypso was ok.

"Blackjack, take me down now! I'm going to look for Calypso on foot. You look for her in the air. She has caramel hair and was wearing a white chiton last I saw. You can't miss her!" I shouted out as Blackjack then dipped down onto the shore of Ogygia.

I'm on it, boss! Good luck!

I then jumped off Blackjack and we both took off, me towards the house while Blackjack soared over the island. I used my powers to call upon the nearby sea, summoning hundreds of gallons of sea water to douse the flames on the dwelling. After that I rushed inside, hoping to find any trace of Calypso or at least her attacker.

However, running inside was a waste of time. The rest of her home was incinerated to ashes, there was nothing left. I didn't spot her body anywhere in the rubble, so there was that at least. I ran back outside, thinking about where I should look next.

"Calypso! Can you hear me?!" I screamed at the top of my lungs, though I doubted she could have heard me over the roaring flames consuming her island.

Silence.

My heart was pounding like a drum, sweat dripping down my face. I then dashed over to the cave Calypso nursed me in when I arrived originally. Upon entering the cave, I immediately saw signs of a struggle. Parts of the cave were singed black and slightly melted, like as if someone took a flamethrower to it. A further section of the cave was collapsed, a massive indent in a nearby cave wall with cracks signified to me that something was violently thrown against it. My best guess was that this is where Calypso was attacked first. I then heard powerful wings flap overhead, the voice of Blackjack calling out to me.

Boss! I found her! Come quick, she's under attack by some... horror!

I sprinted outside the cave to see Blackjack waiting for me. I wasted no time in climbing on and he took off over the inferno. Blackjack swiftly flew over to a cliff side, where I saw a badly wounded Calypso barely holding back a large dragon, maybe somewhere between thirty to forty feet in length. It had jet black scales covering most of its body, with blood red scales on its belly and neck. I could tell it was taking all Calypso had to keep the monster at bay with her telekinesis, her body was covered in cuts and burns. She was just barely out of range of its fiery breath, but that wouldn't last much longer.

I jumped off Blackjack as he flew me over the monster. I then pulled out a pen from my pocket and clicked it, revealing my sword, Riptide. I slammed down onto the dragon, impaling Riptide deep into its back. It roared in agony, bone-melting flames shot out of its mouth as it writhed to get me off. The thing was strong, I couldn't hold on and soon enough it bucked me off, my sword still stuck inside it.

I landed on my feet a good couple dozen feet away, stumbling for a split second as the dragon thrashed around, knocking over burning trees and rocks. I knew it was only a matter of time before it collected itself and turned on me, and I was weaponless for the time being. I quickly scanned the area, looking for anything to help. I also thought about just grabbing Calypso and flying away on Blackjack, but she was seriously injured. I didn't know if she would survive the trip, plus the dragon had wings, meaning it could fly as well. I knew my only option was to kill it somehow and then heal Calypso before she succumbed to her wounds. I peered over the cliff, seeing the pristine, clear blue ocean splashing against the rocks. I then had a crazy idea.

I turned to Calypso, yelling at her. "I'm going to give you a signal, then I want you to push the dragon as hard as you can over the cliff!"

She looked at me weakly, blood flowing down her face, but nodded. I then mustered up my courage and ran towards the dragon. This may have been the dumbest thing I've ever done, in hindsight. The behemoth was still trampling its surroundings, breathing fire everywhere. Any tree that got directly hit by the breath was instantly incinerated, reduced to ash. I then quickly decided that getting any closer was suicide, so I instead opted to do the much more reasonable thing.

I taunted it.

"Hey! Do you kiss your mother with that nasty breath?!" I yelled at it. The dragon then let out an earthshaking roar and stopped moving to look at me, hate in its eyes.

Great, it worked.

"ROOOAR!" The dragon bellowed as it charged at me, opening its black maw to unleash hellfire.

I narrowly dodged to the side, avoiding the breath but still feeling the intense heat of the flames, the hair on my arms singing off. I then swiftly got to my feet and jumped onto its back, finding the spot where I stabbed Riptide into. I grabbed hold of the handle with a death grip, refusing to let it buck me off this time. The dragon stopped its charge near where I was previously standing, which was by the cliff's edge. I then yelled at the top of my lungs at Calypso.

"NOW!"

A sudden powerful force slammed into the beast, sending both of us careening over the cliff towards the ocean. The dragon tried to extend its wings to fly off, so I called upon the ocean to rise up and grab hold of the monster's legs. It roared in frustration as it flapped its wings, struggling to gain altitude. It was taking all of my concentration to simultaneously drag it down while also keeping my grip on Riptide.

The dragon then suddenly lurched to the side, slamming into the cliff wall. I lost my grasp on my sword and hit the stone of the cliff head first, hard. I felt blood on the back of my head, my vision turning blurry as I fell off the dragon and plummeted towards the ocean. I don't know how I managed to keep a hold of the monster with the sea water during my fall, I thought I was going to black out any second.

I was then enveloped by salty sea water, my body healing and growing stronger. I felt my vision stabilize and a new energy surged within me. I closed my eyes and focused intensely to call upon as much strength from the ocean as I could.

A vortex of sea water exploded outwards towards the dragon, enveloping it completely. It struggled, shooting fire that would steam the water before it was immediately replaced by more. Soon the creature was dragged under the surface, it's roars of frustration turning into gargles as its ugly head submerged. I then felt Riptide return to my pocket and I pulled it out, preparing for my final strike. I raised my hand to keep the dragon underwater, using water tendrils to restrict its movement. It continued to thrash violently, even under the water. If I was in fresh water instead of salt water, I doubted if I could have kept the thing restrained. I then gathered the last of my strength and used the water to propel myself towards it like a torpedo, where I used Riptide to slice through the neck, decapitating the terror.

Its body began to disintegrate at last, all except for the head. I grabbed hold of it to serve as my trophy. The head was as big as my entire body, so I had to put away Riptide just to carry it. Luckily, it wasn't too heavy. Or maybe I just thought that because I was being empowered by the ocean, I couldn't tell.

I soon reached the surface, spotting a shoreline nearby which I then swam to. Upon exiting the water, my previous strength faded and I felt exhausted, the dragon head suddenly feeling a million pounds heavier. I immediately dropped the thing down onto the sand, panting. After catching my breath, I then whistled for Blackjack, who appeared in almost no time at all as he descended towards me.

Thank Pegasus, you made it! I was so worried when you fell over the cliff with that thing! You nearly gave me a heart attack, boss! Wait—what is that thing next to you?! It's butt ugly!

I looked at the head of the dragon, its black scales shimmering along with its orange-black eyes rolled over into its skull. I then looked at Blackjack with a smile.

"It's my new trophy." I said with pride.

Eww, I see it now. It's the head of that dragon! Well, if you insist on keeping it, who am I to deny you? You did kill the thing, boss. Anyways, hop on. Your friend isn't doing too well.

My smile was instantly replaced with a grimace. I had totally forgotten about Calypso during the last several minutes. I then climbed onto Blackjack, deciding to leave the head on the beach for now. I needed to make sure Calypso was ok first.

As soon as we landed I got off and rushed over to Calypso, worried sick. Upon getting a closer look at her, I cringed at the sight of her injuries. She had a large gash over her forehead, her arms and legs were badly burnt. There were also cuts all over her feet and hands, like she ran through a field of broken glass. Her dress was torn in several places. I didn't have any nectar or ambrosia on me, so I did the next best thing I could do, which was take her to the nearby water.

She didn't make a sound or react at all to me as I picked her up, blacked out from the pain. I then climbed back onto Blackjack and told him to take us down to the shore immediately, which he readily complied.

Upon touching down on the sandy beach, Blackjack knelt down. I then carefully climbed off and carried Calypso over to the water and placed her down in it. I immediately began to use the water to heal her injuries as best I could. The cuts on her hands and feet closed, the gash on her head was reduced to a faint scratch, and her burns were greatly alleviated.

She was still injured, but her wounds were now minor compared to before. She should be fine for the trip back to camp where I can give her some ambrosia, assuming we had any.

Calypso coughed and opened her eyes slowly, meeting mine. "Percy...?" She whispered weakly.

I gave her a small smile and held one of her hands. "Thank the gods you made it. I panicked when I came and saw Ogygia on fire. I thought you were going to kick the bucket before I could dispose of the dragon."

Her face broke out into a wide smile as she sat up and pulled me into a tight hug.

"Thank you, my hero." She whispered into my ear.

"Y-You're welcome." I whispered back, a little flushed.

"Your heartbeat is real, now I know this isn't some cruel dream. You're really here, Percy. You actually came for me. I'm so happy..." Calypso murmured as she pressed against me, soft tears staining my shirt.

I felt a lump in my throat and my heart throb. This poor, sweet girl. I wanted to give her the world in that moment. How anyone was capable of hurting her is beyond my understanding, they had to have a black heart or lack one altogether.

"Unlike some others I know, I always keep my promises." I cooed as I rubbed circles on her back.

...Even though it took me having to ask twice for her to be freed. Why they didn't do it the first time around is beyond me.

I held her gently as she sobbed, her arms tightening around me like I was the only thing that mattered.

Why would anyone try to hurt this literal angel? She's been trapped on this island for thousands of years, all alone. Hasn't she suffered enough? If someone was behind this attack, then they are pure evil. Plain and simple.

"I can't remember the last time I felt joyful. I-I've been alone here for so long, forced to endure eternal solitude for helping my family. I know the titans were the enemies of the gods, b-but did I deserve such a cruel punishment? I was only a child..." Calypso murmured, her voice happy yet also bitter.

"No, you didn't deserve this. But, that is irrelevant now. You're free, and that's all that matters." I whispered reassuringly. "Though I'm sure you would have preferred if Leo was the one to rescue you, but he... couldn't be here."

I think she noticed my brief pause as she narrowed her eyes slightly. She then relaxed and played with her hair for a moment before meeting my eyes again.

"I... don't mind that it's you, Percy. I'm just glad someone is getting me out of here finally," Calypso softly spoke. "I bet Leo is busy fixing things, because I'm assuming that since you're here, the war with Gaea is over."

I felt a wave of guilt wash over me. "Uh—yeah, it is. Sorry that Leo couldn't be here for you, I bet you would have loved to see him over me."

She put a hand on my face. "Maybe, but I'm not upset to see you again either. Seeing anyone at this point makes me happy. I'm guessing Leo talked to you about his visit here then?"

I nodded, trying to hide my unease. "Yeah, we... discussed it."

Nice going, moron! She definitely won't suspect anything from the way you said that!

Well, it's not like she isn't going to find out soon anyways!

Calypso noticed my awkwardness and gave me a pensive look. "Is there something you aren't telling me, Percy?"

Fuck.

I laughed stupidly. "Ah-hah, don't worry about it. We should—"

"Percy, you're not a good liar," She interjected with a worried frown. "Did something happen between you two?"

I swallowed. "Uh, not really. Look, we don't have time for this talk, we should leave and get somewhere safe first."

Please drop it, please drop it, please drop it!

Her eyes narrowed, making me feel very uncomfortable. I then tried to stand up and pull away from her, only for Calypso to latch onto me like a python and squeeze me even tighter.

"We're not in any danger now, Percy. Tell me the truth." She hissed softly.

"It's nothing important, we just had a misunderstanding is all." I quickly explained.

I'm not going to badmouth the guy in front of the girl he liked! Why does she have to be so perceptive?! Why does she even want to know about this? It's all water under the bridge now...

She then had a hurt expression on her face, like as if me not telling her the whole story about this really bothered her. She then grabbed my face and stared into my eyes, our faces mere inches apart.

"I'm not going to get upset with you, if that's your concern. Just please tell me what happened between you and Leo." The titaness practically pleaded with me.

Why does she want to know so badly?! It's not a pleasant memory, I don't want to dwell on it!

You'd think she'd be more interested in knowing where Leo is and what he's up to. Heck, I was expecting her to maybe get a little upset that he didn't come save her instead. But, it seemed like she didn't even care about him. Did she actually fall back in love with me when I saved her?

I let out a resigned sigh. "I don't know why you want to know so badly, it's not that big of a deal, but fine," I grumbled. "After Annabeth and I came back from Tartarus—"

"You were in TARTARUS?!" Calypso shrieked, her embrace turning into a death grip.

I winced in pain. "Temporarily, we fell into it on accident—long story. Anyways, some time after we escaped, Leo approached me about his visit to Ogygia..."

"Why were you in Tartarus, Percy?!"

"Do you want to know about my talk with Leo or not?"

"I do! I also want to know why and how you fell into that pit!"

I was tempted to roll my eyes, but her expression of horror and anguish stopped me. I get that she's concerned and all, but I came out of it alive. Mentally disturbed, perhaps, but alive.

"Ok, ok..." I said quietly. "Annabeth was on a mission to recover this really important statue and she was fighting this spider monster on her web that was directly over the pit. One thing lead to another and the room started to collapse, so I tried to rescue her. Right as I got to her, the web gave way and we then fell down," I took a breath. "Look, I get you're concerned for a friend and all, but I'm fine as you can see."

Her teary faced contorted slightly after I said the word 'friend'.

Does she really feel more than that for me again?

"Thank the gods for that," She whispered, her voice choking up. "At least that's one thing I can thank them for. If something happened to you down there..."

"I'm fine, Calypso. All I have are nightmares occasionally, but it'll pass... I hope," I said softly. "Can we go now? I'd feel a lot better talking when we're far away from here."

"Fine. But you will tell me about that other thing I want to know on the way." She demanded before hugging me again.

By the gods, this girl hasn't let go of me since she woke up! Is she just a natural cuddler or what? Whatever, we need to leave. There could be more monsters on the way for all I know.

I put my hands on her shoulders, concern in my eyes. "Alright, I will. But first—Calypso, where did that dragon come from? Your island has been exposed for less than a day. I'm thinking someone sent it after you."

Calypso bit her lip as she locked eyes with me. "I... I don't know. I was up early this morning, I could hardly sleep due to the excitement of finally leaving this place. I had all my clothes and belongings packed up, waiting for you. I then headed to the cave to reminisce when that monster showed up. It nearly killed me then and there. I barely managed to dodge as it charged into the cave, spewing fire from its maw. I used my telekinesis to slam it against the wall, buying me enough time to flee, but... well, you saw how that ended. I fought the beast for hours. Ogygia went up in flames, everything I've ever cared about here was destroyed. If you hadn't shown up when you did, I would have perished."

I felt a surge of anger build up in me after she finished her story.

There's no way this was just a freak coincidence. I just so happened to have a dream about some shady figures plotting revenge against me and then the next day someone I know is almost fried by a dragon? I'd sooner believe Zeus was a caring father than that! Some evil bitches really just tried to murder one of the nicest, most caring girls I've ever met, not even a day after she was released from her several millennia long imprisonment.

I'll make them pay for it, I swear.

"Let's get out of here. There is—quite literally—nothing for you on Ogygia now. I healed you as best I could, but you're still hurt. I'll take you back to Camp Half-Blood, we should have some ambrosia somewhere," I said softly to her, only knowing she heard me because she nodded against my shirt. "Err, you can eat ambrosia, right? You're a titaness, but I just want to be sure..."

"Yes, I can. Don't fret over it. The titans preceded the gods, after all." She replied, her tears dried on her cheeks as she looked back up at me.

"Oh goody, I was worried for a minute..." I said in relief.

The titaness let out a soft laugh. "Worry not, my love. I may not be fully immortal like a true titan, but I'm still sturdier than a mortal."

My love? So, that wasn't just a figment of my imagination when she said that yesterday...? What the heck? What about Leo? Questions for later.

"Well, it never hurts to check. Anyways, let's get you out of here," I whispered gingerly before waving over Blackjack. "Ever ridden a pegasus before? This one is mine, he's called Blackjack. Don't worry, he's a total softie."

Blackjack gently nuzzled Calypso, which caused her to let out a small giggle. She turned towards him and pat his mane. "He's beautiful, Percy."

Ohh, I like this one. You better take care of her, boss! I'll plant a hoof upside your head if you don't!

"Don't worry about that, pal. I'm not abandoning her," I said with an amused smile as Calypso then looked at me in confusion. "Oh, uh, son of Poseidon and all that. I can talk with all equestrian animals. Blackjack here just said he's taken a liking to you."

"Ah, I see. Well, I think I've taken a liking to him as well. Not many creatures can compare to the majesty of a pegasus," Calypso said as she planted a quick kiss on the side of Blackjack's head. "Though, I've never ridden one before, so I'd appreciate it if you didn't let me fall off."

I let out a chuckle. "Of course. Alright then, I'll sit behind you."

I then helped Calypso climb onto Blackjack's back before I got on as well, wrapping my arms around her waist. I almost told Blackjack to take off before I saw the dragon head out of the corner of my eye.

"Oh right, I nearly forgot about that..." I murmured.

How was I going to transport this thing?

It was the size of me, so I couldn't hold it with one arm. Even if I could, I couldn't hold it and Calypso at the same time. I then let out a groan, thinking I was going to have to abandon my hard-fought super cool dragon trophy.

"Do you need help with that?" I heard Calypso ask me.

"No, I can lift it up just fine. Problem is, I don't know how I'm going to carry it while also keeping you from falling..." I muttered in thought, rubbing my chin.

"Silly boy, that's not what I meant. I meant I could use my power to carry the head on our journey. I should have more than enough strength to do it, assuming we won't be flying for hours on end." She giggled.

I felt my cheeks burn red in embarrassment. "Oh. Yeah, that would be nice, thank you. Our flight should be around twenty minutes, no problem. Your island wasn't too far from the camp, thankfully."

Calypso nodded and then lifted her hand, picking up the dragon head with her powers. My steed then took off into the sky, heading for Camp Half-Blood and leaving Ogygia behind forever.

A few minutes into our flight, as we were zooming across the Atlantic, Calypso turned her head back towards me. "Percy, you owe me an explanation now. What happened between you and Leo?"

I groaned. "This again? I said it was nothing important, we just had a misunderstanding."

"Please don't lie to me, my brave one. I know something is eating at you, I can tell." She said, a little upset.

"You barely even know me, how can you tell?" I pouted.

Her lips curved into a sly smirk. "I became devilishly adept at reading your facial expressions back when you were marooned on my island. After all, I had nothing else to take care of or look at besides you."

I felt my face grow hot. "O-Oh, is that right? Is that what it was like for Leo as well?"

Her face dropped but she near instantly recovered. "It was a little different with him, but yes. Now then, tell me what happened."

Now she's the one not telling me something.

I groaned in frustration. "Fiiiiine. So like I said earlier, Leo approached me at some point to talk with me about his time on Ogygia with you. He was how I learned you were still imprisoned. He told me how much it upset him that you were trapped and unable to leave. I told him it upset me too since I specifically wished for you to be." I then paused.

"Go on." She whispered, almost too quiet for me to hear over the sound of Blackjack's wings.

"He... was upset with me. He blamed me for you still being unable to leave Ogygia, said I was careless and didn't bother to check," I swallowed. "For a while, I believed him. Especially after I found out you cursed Annabeth while we were in Tartarus. I felt like I failed you, like I should have at least asked at some point. But, that changed as time went on. After some contemplation, I realized I did nothing wrong. I became angry with Leo, and to an extent, you as well."

Her eyes widened in realization of her mistake. "Percy, I—"

"I just didn't understand why you and him were taking it out on me and her. It's not my fault that the gods didn't keep their word, nor is it Annabeth's fault that I love her," I ranted, getting heated as bad memories came flooding back. "It kinda upset me. It really upset Annabeth when I told her. When we had some downtime, she dragged Leo over to me and forced him to apologize. I forgave him, but I never really trusted him the same way I used to. I forgave you as well, Calypso, since your curse was fairly harmless in the end, but... I'd be lying if I said I didn't struggle with it. You cursed the girl I love, and it took effect when we were in the worst place imaginable..."

"Percy, there's nothing I can say that will justify or excuse my actions. What I did was stupid and selfish. I was just so... angry. I thought I was finally going to be free only for the gods to spit in my face again and forsake me," Calypso immediately responded, her voice panicked and high pitched. "I-I'm so, so sorry. I never meant for anyone to get hurt, I don't know what I was thinking..."

She then faced forward and leaned against Blackjack's neck. I heard her faintly mumble something that sounded like 'hates me'. I made a frowning face and scooted up to lean in next to her ear.

"I don't hate you," I whispered. "I forgive you. Just don't do something like that again, ok? You also need to apologize to Annabeth when you get the chance."

"I will never betray your trust again, and I will apologize to her. I swear on the River Styx, my love." I heard her reply just before thunder went off.

My love? Again? Did she seriously fall back in love with me? She knows I have a girlfriend, and I haven't told her about the harem or Leo's death. So why does she keep calling me "my love"? Did she just forget about Leo or what?

Before I could mull over the implications of her words any longer, I suddenly felt another pair of lips on mine. I focused my gaze to see the closed eyes of Calypso, her cheeks dusted red. The kiss was short and she pulled back after a moment. I looked at her in surprise.

"I've decided," She spoke before I could. "I don't care that you have a girlfriend. I'm going to fight for you, Percy. Even if it takes years, I won't stop until you love me back. You're worth it, my hero."

What?!

What?!

"What?!"