Unlikely Heroes

Chapter 109: Sister Bonding

Aileen Corvius

The meeting was over and I stood near the handrailing that gave me a view of camp Half-Blood. I sigh deeply as I watch everyone prepare for the coming battle. Materials were carted off to the entrance. Weapons were sharpened, and armor and shield were inspected. Everyone prepares for war.

"It's hard to see them go off to battle. Even after dozens of times, it never gets easier," Chiron says as he joins me. Zoe and Calypso too came to stand with me as they watch the preparations.

"No, I think I wouldn't get used to it too..."

"It will be fine, Pistis. I have a strong feeling we will survive. Kronos can't stop us. Annabeth was right, you know, I looked into the future myself and can say she was right. Probably," Calypso says reassuringly.

"You looked into the future? What did you see?" Chiron asks, turning to his niece with a pleading look. "How many will die?" He asks in a softer tone.

"I don't know. The only thing I saw was that Camp Half-Blood survived. That I stood from a distance with Bianca looking at the sea. I am not sure what exactly will happen," Calypso explains.

"I guess that is something..." Chiron mutters. "I need to help in preparing camp. Good luck in the coming battle," he says and walks away to help his students and probably those he sees as his own children.

Calypso takes a breath as she looks to the horizon. Despite the coming battle, she looks content. Not surprising when she knows that Bianca will survive, but the state of the world seems to be in the balance. It doesn't make me feel calm at all. Kronos could still cause much destruction and death. Looking at the ocean does not give any answers concerning the war.

In the meantime, Zoe looks her sister over. Very much curious as to how she landed in camp. Probably wondering what she is doing here. And even more curious when she noticed a smiling expression as Calypso's gaze follows Bianca. I can see that Zoe hasn't improved much with the whole love business. Now that I mention it, Nico, what is going on with you...

~~

"Nico, Nico..." Aphrodite tisked while a finger caresses the red cheek of Nico, "So, stubborn! Aren't we getting along?"

"You practically kidnap me and want to go all the way?! Aren't we missing some steps here?!" Nico exclaims while swallowing a thick lump down.

"Oh, you sweet boy. I know all about how things will go between us. We will go very far..."

~~

... Well I am sure he can handle himself. Aphrodite wouldn't be too hard on the boy.

"Calypso, can I ask how thee managed to be here?" Zoe asks.

"I made a wish and it was granted by Pistis! Bianca and I came here with the usual raft I make. Well, a bit larger as I had to bring a lot of things with me," Calypso says happily.

"You broke through all the barriers? Impressive, Aileen. You are in the granting wishes department now? Care to grant one of mine?" Zoe asks with a smile.

"Only under a shooting star, Zoe. They are special for a reason, and I still won't grant Percy immortality. If that is your wish," I say. Zoe rolls her eyes as she leans against the handrailing.

"Never mind then, so Bianca? I assume the two of thee are in a relationship?" Zoe asks the Titaness.

"I am! But, you know, I can grant it to Percy. It is not full immortality, though. He can still die from a sword or a big fall, but he won't die of age or disease. I already gave it to Bianca," Calypso points out, "Not that she knows..." she mumbles the last part.

"Eh, not the worst secret," I say with a shrug.

"You would? Why would thee offer a portion of your power for someone thy never met?" Zoe asks with shock underlining her words. Even I am surprised at the offer. Bianca was a given, but Percy...?

"First of all, you're my sister. A sister I care very much for, despite the whole war thing in the past. Secondly, I know Percy. Well, I have seen him and he seems like a nice guy. And thirdly, it isn't how you think it works," Calypso starts to say while turning her gaze to us.

"It is similar to what Artemis does for her Hunters. They won't age, and they won't get sick, but they can still die. Unlike Artemis, I can only do it for two to three people," she finishes.

"Aah, I see. Got no idea how to do such a thing. Well, happy for you Zoe. Seems like you'll have an eternity with Percy. Good luck with that," I say while putting an arm around the girl. A chuckle leaves Zoe as she nods.

"Will he gain any powers like the Hunters?" Zoe asks further. Calypso shakes her head. "No, if I do that I start to sacrifice my power. So, what I said is what you get."

"Beter than nothing, no? I mean, Percy can take a beating, believe me. I have seen it before," I assured the copper-skinned girl.

"I suppose," Zoe says with a sigh, "Still, I am very grateful, Calypso. I was even considering becoming mortal..." she says. That caused Calypso to snap her head towards Zoe. Surprise and shock swam in her expression.

"Don't even think about it, Zoe! You're my precious sister. You know our family, it was terrible! Only you and our niece, Asteria, were actually nice to me. Don't leave me too, Zoe," Calypso says with plenty of emotion in her voice. Her eyes pleading while she held both of Zoe's hands. I kept quiet as I watch the two sisters. It is heartwarming to see as I smile.

"That- I never thought someone wants me around so much," Zoe says softly. "You know, I have been very lonely for thousands of years, Cal. Percy was the first to... Thank you, Calypso. I'm glad to have thee in my life again," Zoe says, winding her arms around the Titaness. Her eyes were pricking with tears. I am happy I broke Calypso out of the island.

"You'll always have me, Zoe. Don't forget it. I shielded you from father before and I will shield you again from the world. Sisters stick together, aside from those nymphs we have for sisters. They can suck a tree for all I care," Calypso says with a huff. Zoe laughs as she tightens her arms around Calypso.

"Thanks, sister."