Unlikely Heroes

Chapter 97: Coming Home

Bianca di Angelo

Calypso and I were walking to the shore after she packed everything she wanted to take along. It was mainly many types of flowers. If I have to make a guess, she will be starting a garden at Camp Half-Blood. It may even serve as another source of income, the strawberry fields are a nice income. Still, I have seen Chiron worried about the coffers sometimes.

It was mainly due to the crazy building plans Annabeth proposed. I think she even wanted to build a large cathedral for all the Gods. The building would be a place for everyone to pray and give respect to the Gods. The glass windows would switch every hour between each of the Godly symbols. I wouldn't be against it, but I heard Chiron say it would take four million trucks filled with strawberries to cover the expenses. Not very doable.

"Where to, Bianca?" Calypso asks. Her hand has been glued to mine ever since Aileen assured us the barriers were away. Somehow I think she is scared that I will be gone too if she doesn't hold me close. Can't really blame her, she has seen it happen countless times.

"Camp Half-Blood. Our home," I say to her.

"Cheesy," Aileen comments.

"I don't mind! Thank the Gods I can hear her cheesy remarks forever," Calypso says as she snuggles into my side. Blissful...

"Don't you have anything else to do, Aileen?" I ask her.

"Nope! Annabeth is busy. Nico is also doing something to prepare for the coming trip. And Percy is trying to find the mortal girl. So, you're all I got," she says with a laugh.

"Lucky me..." I say through gritted teeth. Just my luck. A nosy immortal sister meddling in my love affair. I wonder if I am destined to not get any rest from these irritating family members.

"Be nice, Pistis!" Calypso says sternly to the bright star. She may have sounded stern, but the look she wore said the complete opposite. It was soft and very serene as she held me. The raft we will use is slowly coming to the beach. Too slow if you ask me.

"Throw the star in the water," I say to Calypso. "We will have some peace and quiet."

"Hey! Please don't," Aileen protests as we enter the raft. Calypso giggles as she puts everything on the large and surprisingly comfortable raft. It is more like a small ship if I am honest.

"Everything on board?" I ask as I attached the last potted flower securely to the ship. Calypso nodded and spoke some words that caused the rift to move. The island became smaller and smaller as we drift away.

"It's finally happening!" Calypso squealed out. "I really can't wait to see the world again!"

"You don't know what's happening?" I ask her. She shakes her head. "Not much information comes my way. I have been very isolated for a very long time. I mean, I didn't even know Asteria had faded," she answers. We sit down near the end of the raft, watching the horizon.

"You should know that the Titans make ready for war again. The Titan King is reforming and gaining strength. Several Titans have returned as well and are siding with him," Aileen informs her. Calypso frowned as she watches the horizon in silence for a moment. Thinking of the news she heard.

"I won't side with them again. They were cruel and ruthless during the war. I can't say the Gods were much better, but I can at least say they made an effort to limit the destruction," she says before sighing deeply again. "I won't take sides. This is not my conflict to fight in."

"Well, I think it is for the best. The Gods will not look kindly on your exodus. They did not consent to me breaking you out. I don't care what they think, but do not make me regret granting your wish, Calypso. This could turn the Gods not only against you but also me. It is for the best if you keep to the sidelines," Aileen says.