A Forgotten Maiden

Chapter 3

The next morning, Calypso found Percy sitting by the edge of the water, staring out at the horizon. She approached quietly, not wanting to disturb his thoughts.

"Mind if I join you?" she asked softly.

He glanced up, a small smile on his lips. "Not at all."

She sat beside him, the sand warm beneath her. "What are you thinking about?"

"Annabeth," he admitted. "And everything that happened. I keep replaying it in my mind, trying to figure out if there was something I could have done differently."

Calypso placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "It's natural to feel that way. But sometimes, no matter how hard we try, things are beyond our control."

"I know," he sighed. "But it doesn't make it any easier."

"No, it doesn't," she agreed. "But holding on to that guilt won't bring her back. And I don't think she would want you to be consumed by it."

He looked at her, his eyes filled with a mixture of pain and gratitude. "You're right. She wouldn't. She'd want me to live, to keep fighting."

"And you will," Calypso said firmly. "But for now, you need to focus on healing. Both physically and emotionally. One step at a time."

He nodded, his expression resolute. "One step at a time."

They sat together in silence, watching the waves and the endless horizon. It was a new day, a new beginning, and for the first time, Percy felt like he might be able to face it.

***

One evening, as they sat by the fire, Percy turned to Calypso with a serious expression. "There's something I need to do. Something I need to tell you."

She looked at him, her heart pounding. "What is it?"

He took a deep breath, his eyes filled with determination. "I've been thinking about Annabeth, and everything we went through. And I realized that I can't move forward until I let go of the past."

Calypso nodded, her heart aching for him. "I understand. What do you need to do?"

"I need to say goodbye," he said quietly. "To her, to the pain, to everything that's been holding me back."

She reached out, taking his hand in hers. "And I'll be right here, supporting you every step of the way."

He squeezed her hand, gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thank you, Calypso."

***

The next morning, they made their way to a quiet spot by the water, a place where the waves gently lapped at the shore and the sky stretched out endlessly above.

Percy stood there, holding a small token in his hand—a seashell that he and Annabeth had found together during one of their many adventures. He stared at it for a long moment, memories flooding his mind.

"Annabeth," he began, his voice trembling slightly, "you were everything to me. My guide, my partner, my best friend. I don't know how to say goodbye, but I know I need to. You would want me to live, to keep fighting, and I promise I will. I'll carry you with me always, but it's time to let go of the pain."

He took a deep breath, tears streaming down his face, and threw the seashell into the ocean. The waves carried it away, and with it, a piece of his grief. He stood there, feeling lighter than he had in a long time.

Calypso stood beside him, her presence a comforting anchor. "I'm proud of you, Percy. That was a brave thing to do."

He nodded, wiping his eyes. "It was hard, but I feel... better. Like I can breathe again."

"Good," she said softly. "Now, let's focus on the future. Do you have any idea how you want to move forward?"

He turned to her, a newfound determination in his eyes. "I need to find a way off this island. Not because I don't want to be here, but because I have to keep going. For Annabeth, for myself. And I think I have an idea."

Calypso raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Do tell."

"I've been thinking," Percy said, his mind racing with possibilities. "There must be a way to build a boat that can travel through Ogygia's barrier. It won't be easy, and it'll take time, but I think it's possible."

Calypso's expression shifted to one of skepticism. "A boat? Percy, I've tried everything. Enchantments, different materials, even help from the gods themselves. Nothing has worked. The magic of this island is too strong."

Percy met her gaze, determination shining in his eyes. "I know it's not going to be easy. But if we combine my knowledge of the sea and your understanding of the island's magic, we might just pull it off."

Calypso sighed, her skepticism not entirely dispelled. "We've tried so many things, Percy. I'm not sure another attempt will be any different."

He took her hands in his. "I understand your doubts, Calypso. But I can't just sit here and do nothing. I have to try. We have to try. For our future."

She looked into his eyes, seeing the resolve there. Finally, she nodded slowly. "Alright. We'll try. But know that it won't be easy, and it might take a long time."

He smiled, relief flooding his face. "Thank you, Calypso. We can do this. I believe in us."

***

Together, they began planning their project, their spirits lifted by the prospect of a new hope. As the days turned into weeks, Percy and Calypso worked side by side, gathering materials and crafting the boat. Calypso's servants, unseen but ever-present, lent their assistance, weaving vines into ropes and shaping wood into planks.

Though Calypso remained skeptical, Percy's determination was unwavering. He spent hours sketching designs, consulting with Calypso about the island's magic, and meticulously crafting each piece of the boat. Calypso's skepticism gradually gave way to cautious hope as she saw the progress they were making.

One evening, as they worked by the light of the setting sun, Percy paused to look at Calypso. "I couldn't have done this without you. Thank you for everything."

She smiled, her heart full. "And I couldn't have done this without you. Together, we're stronger than we ever could be alone."

As they continued building, the boat became a symbol of their shared hope and determination. It would be their ticket to freedom, a testament to their resilience and their bond.

When the final plank was set and the last enchantment cast, they stood back to admire their work. The boat was sturdy and elegant, its hull glowing faintly with magical protection.

"It's beautiful," Calypso said, her voice filled with awe despite her lingering doubts.

"And it's ready," Percy added, his eyes shining with pride. "Ready to take us through the barrier and beyond."

They knew the journey ahead would be challenging, but they faced it with courage and hope. As they prepared to set sail, their hearts were full of anticipation for the adventures that awaited them.

And so, as the first light of dawn broke over the horizon, they set sail, leaving behind the pain of the past and looking forward to the endless possibilities ahead.