"Do you truly believe Zeus will lift the curse?" Calypso was pacing around the living room. "After so long…just like that?"
"I don't know," Percy said, "Zeus won't admit he's wrong unless there's no other choice. But if he needs my help as badly as Hermes says, then I think there's a pretty good chance."
Thunder boomed in the distance. Percy brought Calypso closer to try and calm her down.
"Cal, look. I know it's a lot to take in. But if there's a chance I can set you free, then I have to take it."
She looked at him and sighed. "I don't know if I can trust them."
"This time is different. We have a common enemy. But there's more. Remember what I told you about Camp Half-Blood? The unclaimed?"
She tilted her head. "You think you can do something about it?"
Percy nodded. "Maybe it's time the gods started to change. But this isn't just about them. You–you could finally leave Ogygia. That boat by the shore? It would take you somewhere else. You could travel around the world. You could visit Germany, France, Portugal–and I'd be there with you."
Calypso's expression softened. Despite the magic of Ogygia keeping her youthful, she seemed older. It was like she'd aged with him.
"I understand what it means, but is the risk worth it? Think of our family."
Percy hesitated. Going back to the mortal world would mean dealing with monster attacks again. That wasn't something he wanted his future child to deal with. He wished there was some sort of safe haven, a place where people like them could live out their lives in peace.
"If my friends need me, I can't leave them. Even if they don't recognize me anymore."
Calypso's shoulders dropped. "I am familiar with heroes by now. And you in particular. You always do the right thing…even when it hurts you." She put a hand on his chest. "That is something I love about you. I know I cannot stop you."
She drew him into an embrace.
"Promise me you will come back."
"I promise," Percy spoke softly, "and then we can go wherever you want."
By the time they were finished with provisions, it was already noon. Percy had no idea when Hermes would come back, or if he'd followed through on his word. That night during dinner, Percy burned a portion of his food, sending a prayer to the gods, to let him know he was alive and ready to come fight.
The two of them spent the evening in the cove, watching the moon and the stars together one last time. They held each other tightly, succumbing to drowsiness before they could make it back to the cottage. This happened so often that Percy kept spare blankets in the cove.
When he opened his eyes, he wasn't in Ogygia anymore. He was watching Camp Half-Blood from a bird's eye view, as in the distance, a massive storm drew closer. A tornado swirled viciously in the center, a trail of destruction in its wake. The demigods below were scrambling in and out of the barracks, trying to prepare for battle as quickly as possible. As the storm clouds edged towards the camp border, Percy realized that this was more than simply bad weather. In the middle of the tornado, two eyes glowed a piercing yellow, like thunder lighting up a dark sky. Typhon. Wind whipped the trees, destroying the farmland and anything else unlucky enough to cross the titan's path.
The demigods quickly realized they were powerless to stop the rampage. The campers scattered as Thalia's tree was ripped out of the ground, along with the golden fleece, and thrown into the air like a skipping stone. Some of them weren't fast enough, and got sucked into the vertex, disappearing into the dark void. The Nymphs and Naiads were trying their best to help injured campers escape into the wilderness, but they weren't having much luck. Percy watched helplessly as each building was torn apart, until every cabin was nothing more than a pile of rubble.
Then his dream shifted. He saw Annabeth, carrying an unconscious Grover through the woods. He recognized the other two demigods with her–Will Solace and Beckendorf. They weren't looking too good either. Percy tried to reach out to help, but his arms were like jelly. He felt panic set in, and then the dream shifted again.
Percy looked around, and realized he was in the throne room of the gods. Marble columns lined the massive hall, supported by gold-plated pillars and covered in a long velvet rug. Blue light seeped in from the open archway by the entrance. Despite how much he hated Olympus, he had to admit it was beautiful.
He sat beside his father's throne, a muted sea-green mixed with pearly white. His own seat looked almost identical. All of the gods were talking to each other, laughing and drinking nectar. Percy looked down, and realized he was wearing a toga. Was this normal for them? He'd never seen the gods this happy before. Even Dionysus had a smile on his face. It was like they were a real family.
His father made a joke, causing the entire room to erupt in laughter. Even Athena cracked a smile. Poseidon looked at Percy for a moment, and in his eyes he saw pride. Percy was one of them. A god, just like his father. He felt like he should be happy, but something wasn't right.
"Percy. Percy!"
Calypso shook him awake.
"Wh–what is it?"
"It's Hermes," she said quietly. "He's outside."
They walked to the top of the hill, where Percy found Hermes sitting on his swing. He wasn't as sharply dressed as before. When he turned to face him, he looked weary, like he'd just pulled an all-nighter.
"Hello, Percy. Apologies if I seem a little discombobulated. I was fighting Typhon alongside Athena and Artemis, and things were going well until he managed to steal my staff. I am currently recuperating in Missouri. It's rather cold there, though surprisingly the agriculture business is very impressive. Did you know the gasoline pump was invented there? And pancake mix? It's a shame I had to land right on top of an IHOP."
"Did you talk to Zeus?"
"Yes. That is why part of me is here. He is willing to break the curse–under one condition."
Percy glanced at Calypso, who was listening intently.
"What does he want?"
"He doesn't want anything. In fact, it's quite a good deal if I do say so myself," Hermes stumbled. "Zeus will break the curse if you agree to be granted godhood."
"And if I refuse?" Percy asked.
"Then you will live here forever, until your natural death. You know, most demigods would be jumping at a chance like this. And you especially." Hermes pointed towards Calypso.
"No magic can undo immortality. Someday you'll grow old, and you will die, while she stays the same for eternity. And your children? They will meet a similar fate."
Percy took a step back, processing this new information. He looked at Calypso, who had a grave expression on her face. She opened her mouth to say something, but she bit her lip to stop herself.
"He wants me to become a god? Why?"
"There's only one thing Zeus really fears: the prophecy. You're a demigod, child of the big three. As long as you're alive, you pose a threat to all of us. Zeus can't directly kill you, unless he wants to start another war with Poseidon. But if you were to become a god…that would certainly change things."
Percy's head felt like a whirlpool.
"Can I have a moment to think about it?"
"You may. But I can only stay here for a few more minutes, so make it quick."
Percy turned to Calypso, who looked about as lost as he did.
"Are you sure you want this?" Her voice carried a note of concern. "There will be no going back. I know what it is like to be immortal. Time…much changes with time, Percy. You will live to see millennia, and far beyond. The ones you love–they will pass on before your very eyes. I can tell you from experience, it is not pleasant."
"I understand what it means," Percy said, "but that's going to happen whether I want it to or not. This way, I could make a difference in people's lives. We could have our own family. We'd be safe. No more worrying about prophecies, or monsters. Our children would be safe, no matter where we go. And more importantly, we'd be together for eternity."
Percy took Calypso's hands.
"I already pledged my life to you six years ago. Nothing's changed since then."
Calypso looked at him with loving eyes. She looked on the verge of tears.
"It is hard to believe this place was ever intended as a curse," she smiled. Percy blushed.
"Are you two done over there? I'm starting to lose focus."
Percy switched his attention to Hermes.
"I agree to your terms," he announced. There was an awkward silence. "Now…uh, what happens next? Do I come with you? Is it like a teleportation kind of thing?"
"Close your eyes," Hermes said.
"Wait! Percy, you forgot something." Calypso handed him a small bag. Inside was a plethora of food, all wrapped in leaves and flowers to keep it fresh.
"Thanks. I love you, Calypso."
"I love you too."
She stepped back as white light began to envelop them. Percy closed his eyes. The noise around him disappeared: the familiar breeze, the sound of seagulls in the distance, the waves crashing onto the shore. Even with his eyes closed, he could still see the image of Calypso waving goodbye.