Unlikely Heroes

Chapter 99: Helping In Different Ways

Aileen "Pistis" Corvius

"Lord Hephaestus... I don't know if I can do this for you," I say to the man that sits close to my bed.

"Are you going back on your word?" He asks sharply with a raised eyebrow. I sigh, shaking my head.

"Of course not, but I am just saying that I don't know if can make it work. It is not my domain... You know how difficult this is," I explain to him.

"I know lass. You're probably one of the few that are able to do it. Unsuspecting, you see? It's all about surprise and trust. Keep that as your ally and it will work," he says, getting up from the stool again.

"I see... Are you sure about this? There's no going back once I begin," I ask him a final time.

Hephaestus laughs heartily. "I am, Aileen. This is a thought I have been having for a long time. I just never had an opportunity to give it a go. Believe me, I am very sure about this," he assured me.

"Alright... One final thing, I am nearly done with this incapacity shit? You weren't lying?" I ask the God. He nods with a smile.

"Oh yes, I know when a project is finished. The day will soon come. My guess is five days to a week. Depends on how much energy you direct to it. It will also go faster with the star next to you. It makes the flow of your power more efficient," he explains.

"Okay, well, I will work on what you requested when I am able to leave this cabin. I... don't like it. I'll be honest about it, but I gave my word..."

"It is for the best. Goodbye, lass."

The God of the Forges leaves through fire. I am left to contemplate my work ahead. One that I am not so fond of.

—

Bianca di Angelo

I pace nervously near the lake for Calypso. She has been gone for two days and I am worried. The Gods usually don't take this long when deciding something. You can say a lot about them, but indecisive they are not. Another deep sigh leaves me as I sit down near the water.

"Damnit... why am I so impatient suddenly?" I mutter our irritated.

Gods, now I know what Annabeth feels like. Being apart from someone you truly care about is not fun. It leaves a heart that longs for the part you're missing. I sigh again.

I wonder what kind of powers she has. Goddess of Gardening, huh? Maybe she can make roses or something bloom out of thin air. For example, like these beautiful flowers with caramel and brown petals that suddenly grow around me. I smile a bit. They have the color of her and my hair.

"Beautiful, aren't they?" Calypso asks.

"Yeah... it's like both of our hair colors combined," I say, plucking a flower to smell it. Smells good, surprisingly.

"Anything for you, love," Calypso cooed as arms go around me. I smile as I turn my head to her. "You're back?" I ask her, leaning into her.

"Mhm, just got back. Gods got prickly when I said I was reluctant to join their side," she says shrugging.

"Well, tell me! Are you staying here or not?"

"Yes! But I need to be 'visible', you know. To make sure I don't go running back to dear old evil daddy," she chuckles. "Sooo, impatient to see me, huh?"

"Of course. Why wouldn't I? Have you seen Annabeth? She sometimes looks downright depressed by how much she misses Aileen. I get her now. And to be honest Calypso, you really reeled me in somehow. This isn't something... artificial, right? We... have something real, right Calypso?"