First thing I did after leaving the Big House was making a pit stop to the medical tent to grab a piece of ambrosia. I then gulped down the divine brownie, the familiar taste of chocolate chip cookies filling my mouth as it restored my energy and healed the rest of my head wound that wasn't done so by the water. I then left the tent to continue my search for the pair.
It actually took me awhile to find them. They were deep in the forest on the outskirts of the camp, close to Zeus' Fist and the entrance into the Labyrinth. The first thing I noticed was that Calypso was wearing new clothing, a simple white Greek dress. The second thing I noticed was that I could hear Calypso talking Chiron's ear off as I approached, asking a million questions a second and looking at everything. It was adorable, but I didn't think Chiron felt the same. His face gave off "help me" vibes. I couldn't help but smile, the sight easing my mind from the emotional rollercoaster I was currently on.
"I take it you've enjoyed the tour, Calypso?" I asked with a smirk as I stopped near a tree a few feet away from them.
"Oh yes, Percy! You were right, this place is incredible! I've met so many colorful people and seen so many amazing things already, Chiron has been an exemplary guide!" Calypso beamed while Chiron just gave me a pleading face.
I chuckled and decided to help out the poor centaur. "I'm glad to hear that. Listen, can I speak to you real quick, Calypso? Won't take long, I promise."
Calypso's face turned serious as she nodded, which told me she knew what I wanted to discuss. As she started walking towards me, I saw Chiron do a small prayer of thanks. Poor guy, was she really too much for him?
"I'm assuming this has to do with our talk earlier?" Calypso asked quietly.
I nodded and grabbed her hand, leading her behind a tree for privacy. I then took a deep breath and looked her in the eyes.
"I know how much you love me, and how you would rather have me love you back unconditionally, but I can't. I won't abandon Annabeth. At least, that's what I would say if things were normal, but they're not," I began, slowly building my confidence as I spoke. "I know you don't like it, but if you were to join my... harem, then we can be together in some way, even if it's unorthodox. What I'm asking of you is extremely selfish and wrong, but I don't have a choice. We were interrupted before I could get your answer earlier, so..." I then gathered up all my courage, hoping I could find the strength to speak my next choice of words. "Would... would you..."
"Would I join your harem?" She finished for me, a small smile on her face.
My entire face burned red, but I nodded. I couldn't believe I just asked a girl something so perverted. Why me...
"We were interrupted earlier, but our kiss signified my answer," Calypso then let out a huff. "While you are right that I don't like the idea of becoming a concubine and I'd prefer to have you to myself, I also must accept that can't happen as things are now. I know you're also devoted to her. Why that is, I don't know, but you are. So, that wouldn't be possible even without the harem. Ironically, this is the only way I get to have you in my life, even though I'll be forced to share."
She then paused before grabbing my face and pulling me into a quick kiss. She pulled away just as quickly, smiling lovingly. "So yes, I will join your harem. In spite of my better judgement and feelings about being in a harem, I absolutely refuse to let you go. I meant what I said earlier and back on Ogygia. I love you, Percy—and I'll say it as many times as it takes for you to say the same."
Thunder and lightning flashed as she spoke the words, which I guess meant it was official. Calypso is now the second member. Only four more to go! Huzzah!
I smiled at Calypso, letting out a sigh of relief. "You have no idea how much I appreciate this, Calypso. I know it's asking a lot."
"Don't thank me, I'm the one who should be grateful. I finally get to be with the one I love after thousands of years of heartbreak," She whispered, resting her head against my chest. "Don't think this is the end, though. I'm still determined to win your heart over her."
I sighed, a mix between happiness and annoyance. "Why, though? You're essentially on equal footing with her now, there's no need for competition."
"Am I? Percy, you said it yourself that you love her more than anything. I have no doubts that you care for me, but I know you don't love me the same way you love her," Calypso explained, pinning the tail on the donkey that was me. "But don't fret, I plan on changing that. One day, I'll be the one that makes your heart sing."
My face felt very hot all of a sudden.
She uh... sure has a way with words...
"I see..." I muttered before collecting myself. "You seem to still have a grudge against Annabeth. I thought we talked about this already?"
Calypso sighed softly and looked up at me, meeting my gaze. "I will apologize to Annabeth, have no doubts about that. However, I must admit I am not too fond of her from what I've seen and heard so far."
I cocked my head to the side. "What do you mean? Far as I know, you've only seen her once, and she wasn't exactly in a good mood earlier for obvious reasons."
"What I mean is—I don't think she's worthy of you," She boldly stated, a fire burning in her brown eyes. "From the way you talk about her, it sounds like you're afraid of her. While it is true that I don't know her personally, I've picked up on some things when you spoke about Annabeth. Maybe I'm jumping to conclusions, but it sounds to me like she treats you as more of a pet than a lover."
A pet? Really? I've never felt like that...
I pulled my lips into a straight line. "You think she treats me like a dog or something?"
The titaness nodded. "I do, based on what I know. I mean, you looked petrified when she saw us kissing and you seem to be scared of ever upsetting her about anything. I understand it to an extent, but it seems to me like this is a normal thing for you two. Instead of being equals, to me it appears more like she's your handler or owner. That's not what I'd call a healthy relationship between two people supposedly in love. Yet again, I'm the last one who should be giving advice on such things considering my recent actions."
She's understood that much from just one interaction? Does she have a point? Hmm...
I frowned at the thought. Does Annabeth really treat me that poorly? No one else has ever said anything. Maybe they were too scared to? I don't know... I mean, in the past if she gave me attitude for no reason I always snapped back at her. I never let her push me around or belittle me. Think Calypso might just be jealous or something.
"Maybe, but I don't think you've spent enough time around us to know for sure," I told her. "Don't think for a second that I'd let Annabeth bully me or anything like that. I always stand up to her when needed."
I felt her snuggle into my chest, her arms tightly around me. "If you say so, my love. I'll try to get along with her, but if she steps out of line and harasses you in anyway, I won't hesitate to confront her about it. You don't deserve to be mistreated, I hope you know that."
"Oh, uh—thanks," I whispered, red faced. "Though, I wouldn't be dating Annabeth if she was actually abusive, believe me. Let's just say I have a very bad history with bullies."
"Regardless, I won't let anyone hurt you." Calypso whispered as she started to plant kisses all over my face, making me laugh.
"Ok, ok, don't smother me now," I laughed. I then had a great idea to mess with her pop up in my head. "You kind of reminded me of Mrs. O'Leary just now. Have you met her yet?" I asked with an sly grin, to which she nodded.
"The giant hellhound, right? Yeah, we came across her earlier. She's... definitely not your typical hellhound, that's for sure. In size and behavior," Calypso responded back before pouting and putting her hands on her hips. "Wait—did you just compare me to a dog?"
"Well, you did just cover my face in kisses," I replied, grinning. "Though I have to say I liked yours far more than Mrs. O'Leary's. Being coated in dog saliva is not fun."
Her face went red at my words, realizing just how similar she behaved to the megadog. She then put her face in her hands out of embarrassment. I laughed harder and put an arm around her.
"Come on, let's go get Chiron." I chuckled, struggling to stifle myself as we walked from behind the tree.
I then waved at my old teacher, signaling that we were ready to go. Calypso lifted her head from hands, having recovered from her embarrassment. She then removed my arm from around her so she could take my hand.
"I'll get you back for that at a later time, Percy." I heard Calypso purr softly into my ear, which made me shiver.
Is that a good or bad thing? Should I be excited or worried? Eh, she would never hurt me, she's probably playing.
...Right?
Chiron then walked over and he looked... a little embarrassed? Did he hear that entire thing? I'm really putting him through the wringer today...
We trekked back to the Big House in silence, if you don't count Calypso holding my hand and humming to herself. If you also don't count the rampant gossip and whispering among the campers as they saw us pass by.
After a few minutes we arrived at the four story building. I then opened the door and let the other two in first before heading inside myself. We walked to the big table in the room, where I saw Annabeth sitting down and patiently waiting for us. It looked like she cleaned herself up, her eyes were only slightly red and her face was clean. I sat down next to her and rubbed her back as Chiron got inside his magic wheelchair and Calypso sat down on the other side of me, casting glances towards Annabeth.
Can these two please not kill each other? It's all I ask for.
Once everyone was situated, Chiron spoke first. "Ok, Percy, go on. What is it that you wished to say?"
I then proceeded to explain recent events. My first dream, the dragon attacking Calypso and charring Ogygia, and finally my second dream. Everyone's ears perked up when I described that last part.
"Troubling news indeed. The first dream was clearly hinting at the harem that was forced upon you. I think we can all safely assume who the women in it represent. I can only hope it does not devolve to that," Chiron spoke warily as he glanced between the three of us, specifically the two ladies present in the room. "As for the second dream and the dragon, I'm also inclined to believe they are connected. Calypso is not a demigod, so there would be no reason for monsters to come after her. Even if she were, there is absolutely no way something as dangerous as a dragon would find its way to her in such a short time. Foul play is afoot."
Annabeth nodded in agreement. "Definitely. It's now critical that we find out who these two mystery women are. It won't be easy, we have a laundry list of enemies at this point."
"True. However, why would they attack Calypso? What could they gain from her death? She wasn't even directly associated with us before today." I inquired, knitting my eyebrows in concentration.
"Maybe they just don't like me?" Calypso guessed, her hand snaking under the table to grab mine. "Though it's anyone's guess as to what I could have done to anger them. I was stranded on that damn island since the gods first rose to power."
"Perhaps it was because they knew you wanted to free her, and it was their way to deny that. They are out for you, Percy." Chiron suggested as he stroked his beard.
Annabeth, however, seemed to think differently. "You're forgetting what they said. They also mentioned my wish too and how they wanted to punish me for it. In a way, my wish would also extend to Calypso. Plus, think about it like this: they know what Percy is having to do for the harem, meaning they know about the six girls requirement. So..."
She then took a breath before continuing. "So what if they knew about Calypso harboring feelings for Percy? Or maybe they knew of Percy's previous wish and correctly calculated that he would go for her? Perhaps they wanted to eliminate her as an option to fulfill the requirements. Maybe... they want him to fail. There could be a variety of reasons why they'd desire such a goal."
The room went dead quiet after that.
Want me to fail? But why? Wouldn't it be easier to just try and kill me? Or try to kill Annabeth? That would certainly make me give in to despair. I don't think I could go on without my Wise Girl. Maybe they just want all of my friends to suffer? But it sounded like they specifically held grudges against me and Annabeth...
"I won't allow it," I declare, clenching my fists. "I didn't ask for this stupid harem. I'm not going to let everyone suffer because of it. If these mystery people want to make me miserable, fine, then do it directly. Don't get at me by using my friends. That's an easy way to piss me off."
I felt Annabeth and Calypso squeeze my hands under the table.
"I understand your temperament, child. However, let's not be hasty. I have a feeling that these new foes are crafty. They will not expose themselves readily. We should exercise caution. We don't want another dragon situation." Chiron added in that sagely tone of his.
"If Calypso wasn't such a powerful sorceress she would have died to the dragon hours before I arrived! Who's to say they aren't already plotting their next move? All of our friends could be in danger even now!" I said, my frustration getting the better of me.
"Calm down, Percy. You heard what they said, they have to be discrete about their actions to avoid detection by the gods. I doubt they're stupid enough to try sending a monster after one of us in two camps filled with demigods," Annabeth reassured me. "Not to mention they'd need an insider to let said monster in."
"That is true, but monsters aren't the only way for our foe to attack us. However, other methods, at least as long as all of you remain inside the camps, would also require an inside agent to pull off," Chiron added. "What makes me curious though is why they are so afraid of reprisal from Olympus. They claimed the gods are keeping a careful eye on you, yet no help came when you faced the dragon, Percy. That is unusual for one supposedly under divine protection."
I hadn't even thought about that until now. I definitely could have used some help fighting the nasty breath lizard. Under careful observation my ass!
"Yeah, help would have been nice. If I wasn't so close to the ocean when I fought it, and if Calypso hadn't used her ability to push it over the cliff, I don't think either of us would have survived," I admitted, the behavior of my new enemies becoming more difficult to understand by the minute. "So much for 'being too valuable'."
"Well, for the time being, the identities of these malevolent actors will remain hidden. We don't have much to go off of, and it would be highly foolish to make accusations without proof. We must remain vigilant as there is no telling what they could be planning next. I'll inform the rest of your friends here, but you should let the ones in Camp Jupiter know as well, Percy." Chiron advised me with a stern look.
I nodded simply.
Truth be told, I was already thinking about heading to Jupiter. I was still debating on which girl to... ask next. Rachel is here somewhere, so she'd be the closest. But, she's also the Oracle, meaning she has sworn off romance. I'm not sure if she'd break that vow for me, I'd also feel guilty for pressuring her into it. The other option is Reyna, but she's going through her deal with Aphrodite. I know she had a crush on me before, but would it be cruel to deny her a chance at a true romance? What if she's moved on already? I'd just be reopening old wounds. That's not even mentioning the infighting between the girls. If Annabeth and Calypso are already this competitive over me...
Why must my life be so complicated? I just wanted to laze about the rest of my days with my Wise Girl.
I then stood up. "That's that, then. I need to think about what I'm going to do next. I also need to get my dragon trophy before one of the Stolls make off with it."
Annabeth and Calypso also stood up, ready to follow me. They also gave each other small glares. Girls, please...
"Be careful, child. I hope whatever you choose to do next will be the right one." Chiron said as he waved us goodbye.
The camp was bustling now as we left the Big House. Sounds of swordplay came from the arena, satyrs were chasing nymphs, the Ares kids were trying to kill other campers over nothing, everyone that saw us stared.
Just another day here.
I turned and faced the two girls with a straight face. "Ok, now that that's out of the way—I think you two need to talk."
Annabeth frowned while Calypso shifted uncomfortably where she stood.
"About what, may I ask?" Annabeth asked, annoyance clear as day in her voice.
I gave her a look. "You know what. You two have some issues that need to be sorted."
She just scowled at me and turned to walk away. "I have nothing to say, plus I have more important things to do."
"You can't just walk away from this, Wise Girl. I know you're angry, but you two will need to get along if this is going to work." I said coolly, making Annabeth stop in her tracks.
"Percy, I'll just be honest. If you leave me alone with her, I can't make any promises that things won't turn violent. You two kissing earlier is burned into my mind, and it really, really pisses me off." Annabeth growled out. "Come find me if you plan on going to Camp Jupiter later."
"Wait, how did you know I was thinking about that?" I asked incredulously.
Annabeth turned briefly and rolled her eyes like I asked a really stupid question. "Really, Percy? We talked about this yesterday. We both know there's a certain someone there you're interested in. A certain ex-praetor. Just tell me if you're going or not, ok?"
I just stood there with a blush on my face and my mouth agape. Even though I had to, it still hurts to hear my girlfriend casually admit she is aware that I'm going after other girls.
"Ok, I'll let you know. See you later, Wise Girl." I said solemnly as Annabeth then stomped off, her fists clenched.
I would have preferred if they made up now, but I guess she needs time to cool off first.
I let out a frustrated sigh. I then spotted my trophy next to the tree Calypso dropped it by out of the corner of my eye. I was a little surprised it was still there after all this time. Were the Stolls on break today?
"I guess your apology will have to wait until later. In the meantime, think you could help me with that?" I pointed at the head. "Just need you to open the door to my cabin for me, I'll carry it."
"I can, but you don't want me to carry it? I don't mind."
"Nah, you deserve some rest. I need something to take my mind off things for a short time anyways, this head looks heavy enough to do that."
Calypso nodded and I walked over to the head. I then bent down and lifted the massive head up, having to wrap both arms around it. Now that I thought about it, where was I going to put this thing? Maybe over the door of my cabin? I shrugged and just decided to place it inside for now. At least then I won't have to worry about anyone stealing it.
As we walked to the cabins, it seemed like every single camper gawked at us as we passed, some whispering to each other. I didn't know if it was because of my situation or that I was caring a dragon head or both. Regardless of which, it still irked me. It reminded me of when I was new here several years ago. Oh well, I guess it could be worse. At least no one is trying to start something with me.
"Hey there, long time no see, Prissy." I heard a familiar voice call out.
I just had to jinx myself, didn't I?
I turned to see the familiar face of my old frienemy, Clarisse La Rue. Man, I think the last time I saw her was before I got memory wiped. She looked a little different now, it seems like she grew an inch taller and her muscles were more toned than I remember. She now had an athletic yet muscular build. She was wearing a tight, red muscle shirt that showed off her defined abs along with a pair of ripped jeans. Her skin was glistening with sweat, like she just got done going a few rounds in the arena. She looked good, in all honesty.
"Hold that thought, Clarisse. Let me drop this hefty thing off in my cabin real quick. Then we can talk or fight or whatever." I said as I then continued to walk towards the Poseidon cabin.
Clarisse made a growling sound but followed us. Good to see she still had a temper. I wonder how Chris keeps her in line and doesn't become a victim of her rage. While walking, I couldn't help but feel a little weirded out by Clarisse's sudden appearance.
I'm surprised she didn't just slap the head out of my hands and demand my attention. What does she want, anyways?We aren't really friends and I still don't like her for all the years of abuse.Maybe I should just tell her to leave? No, no need to antagonize her, we haven't seen each other in like, a year. Surely she can't still completely hate me, right? Plus, it would make me look bad in front of Calypso, which I don't want. If Clarisse wants to start something with me, I'll let her make the first move.
I silenced my thoughts once we stood before cabin three, where I asked Calypso to open the door, which she happily obliged. I then walked in with the head and heaved it onto one of the beds that wasn't mine. That's one benefit to having an entire cabin to yourself. After catching my breath and stretching, I walked back outside.
First thing I saw was that Calypso and Clarisse were getting acquainted with one another. Shockingly, Clarisse seemed to take a liking to her, or maybe she's just matured since I saw her last. Either way, it was nice to see her trying to make a friend instead of an enemy.
"You killed a drakon?! That's incredible, Clarisse!" Calypso exclaimed in awe. "Was it scary?"
Clarisse just snorted, that familiar Ares arrogance surfacing. "Of course not! It was a monster like any other. Everyone else was scared shitless though, bunch of pansies if you ask me!"
I couldn't help but roll my eyes and laugh. I'll give her that much, she definitely didn't fear the drakon back in Manhattan. I still remember her charging that thing like a madwoman in a blind fury after Silena's death. I'd never say it to her face—gods know she doesn't need more of an ego boost—but it was awe inspiring to me and the rest of us there. I genuinely think Clarisse was the sole reason Kronos's army didn't wipe us out in that moment.
"Good to see you two getting along," I said as I walked up to them, a smirk on my face. "So, how's life been treating you, Clarisse?"
"I guess better than it's been treating you, Jackson. I heard about your... what was it called? Your cult or harem or whatever? Anyways, sucks to be you." She said with a sneer.
"You could say that again. I'm in a real bind now, but I'll manage. I always do," I said with a sigh. "What did you want, anyways? You want to spar or something? You don't typically do small talk. You also don't really like me in general."
Clarisse then... blushed? Were my eyes playing tricks on me? Nah, it must have just been the summer heat. I then wondered where Chris was, they were still dating last I remember.
"What, I can't just catch up with my favorite punching bag? Even I got a little worried when you disappeared months ago," She scowled at me. "I also don't entirely despise you now. But don't get too comfortable, punk! I'll still rearrange your face if you test me!"
"Gee, good to see you too then," I quipped with an eye roll. "If you want to talk for some reason, then fine. How's Chris these days? You two were still dating last I recall."
"Yeah, we are. He's... doing alright." She said hesitantly, like this wasn't a subject she wanted to discuss.
'Great, then leave me alone.' I almost said before catching myself. I'll hear her out, if she wants to tell me more. I don't want her to hate me again, last thing I need is Clarisse trying to pick fights with me over nothing again.
"You hesitated there, everything alright?" I asked carefully.
Clarisse then glared at me, probably about to tell me it's none of my business, but instead she sighed and sat down on the steps of my cabin. "We... we are kind of having a fight right now. We had this huge argument recently. He wants to go to some mortal college, but I don't want him to. I told him it's too dangerous, I said it was stupid and pointless, that we can't live in the normal world. He got really mad and stormed off. We haven't talked since."
Calypso then had a sad look on her face and sat down next to Clarisse, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
"Damn, I'm sorry to hear that. How long ago was this?" I asked her gently.
"A couple days before the final fight with Gaea. I haven't even seen him since then..." Clarisse mumbled sadly, looking down at the ground. "I think he's avoiding me, which is breaking my heart."
"I admit, I do not know what a 'college' is. Why is it so dangerous?" Calypso asked softly as Clarisse rose her head to look at her in confusion.
"She's—uh, new to civilization. Long story, but basically Calypso here was stuck on an island for three thousand years or so. I only recently rescued her," I explained quickly to Clarisse before turning towards Calypso. "A college is like a school—actually you probably don't know what a school is either, huh? Hmm... well, it's like a place you go to to get a very high level education. Does that make sense?"
Calypso looked at me curiously. "I suppose so. But why would that be dangerous?"
"Because demigods attract monsters like moths to a flame! Our scent draws them in, they hunger for our blood. Out there in the real world, we're on our own! We don't have a camp to fall back on! I explained this to him over and over and he just scoffed at me! It's infuriating!" Clarisse ranted in rage, hot tears welling in her eyes. "He just says 'it's fine, I've got training' like that means he's invincible! I couldn't even believe he said something so stupid! There are scores of dead demigods with better training than him, all killed by monsters! I then asked him why he even wanted to go to a college. Guess what he said? 'Because everyone does'! Stupid, stupid, stupid!"
The last time I saw Clarisse this upset was when her best friend was murdered by a drakon. I was honestly surprised she was revealing this tender side of herself to me, I mean we never really grew close. I didn't really know what to say to comfort her. I thought about mentioning the college in New Rome, but only legionnaires can attend after ten years of service. Annabeth and I were exempt from that rule because of special circumstances, I doubt they'd do it for anyone else. Hell, Reyna isn't even a praetor anymore. I'd have to ask Frank and whoever her replacement is.
Honestly, I don't think I even want to attend university anymore. Not with this harem and immortality business going on. Clarisse did make a good point. I can't live in the normal world, at least not full time. Maybe a child of a minor god could, but I'm a son of Poseidon. I was attracting monsters since before I was twelve. Even if I did, what would I do? Get a normal, mortal job? I don't think so, my dyslexia and ADHD would prevent that. Not to mention monster attacks, how would I explain those? My degree would be worthless. Besides, I'll have an eternity to spare.
"Maybe you could attend together? Watch each other's backs?" I suggested carefully to her.
Clarisse just shook her head. "I have zero interest in going to some pompous nerd haven. That's just not in my nature. I'm a warrior, not a scholar."
Oh, what the hell? May as well try. If it works, she'll probably start to actually like me... right?
"Look, Clarisse. I know you probably won't like this, but over on the Roman side of things, they have a university for us demigods. Normally, only those who are part of the legion for a decade can attend. However, me and Annabeth were given permission to attend because we're friends with the praetors. I... I could maybe ask if they'd let Chris enroll there." I offered her, studying her face for a reaction.
She looked up at me with wide, teary eyes. "You'd do that for me? Wait—no, never mind, don't bother. Exceptions like that are exceptions for a reason. You're a great hero or whatever, while Chris isn't. Not to mention they'd probably say something like 'if we make exceptions for him then we'll need to let everyone attend'. Thanks though, Percy. I just... need to figure this out like an adult. I'm worried it'll tear us apart..."
Percy. She actually called me by my name. Not Prissy or punk or some other derogatory term. Not only that, but she thanked me. That's pretty major, coming from Clarisse. If I can do this, maybe we can both become actual friends?
I still hate her though...
Yeah, but like, what if we start to get along after this?
Assuming I succeed, assuming she'd be grateful, assuming she wouldn't just say thanks and go back to disliking me.
Ugh, what's wrong with me? Why am I behaving like this? Am I holding a grudge...?
"I can't say you're wrong, unfortunately. I was thinking the same, but I thought I'd ask you anyways. I just wish there was a way I could help you," I say quietly, feeling useless. "I hope you can mend things with Chris. You two seemed so happy together."
Clarisse just nodded robotically, tears rolling down her face as Calypso soothed her. In that moment, I decided I would pay a visit to the Romans. Now I had three reasons to go.
Yeah, I'm gonna ask anyways, even if it is pointless.
Clarisse better appreciate this!