Caleo One-Shots - How Will They Reunite?

#2 - Take It Or Leave It

Leo Valdez stood at Cupid's lair.

Cupid was hidden in the shadows, but Leo knew he was there.

Leo had ventured off to see Cupid, Aphrodites' son. He had gone with Hazel and Frank. They had come looking for a healing medicine for Piper - she had gotten a horrible venom struck in her arm. And according to Cupid, he had the answer. Jason had suggested less people go, because he had heard of the embarassing things Cupid made people say about their love life. Leo hadn't really gotten that, for as far as he knew, he had never confessed anything to Cupid, but he went along with it. Better safe than sorry, he said.

But now standing before him, the Cupid himself, he got nervous. He almost wished he hadn't voluntered for this job. But he had to do it. Besides, it might mean answers to... his 'love' life. Leo sighed.

"Are you okay, Leo?" Hazel asked, startling Leo.

"Oh, yeah, fine. Why?"

Hazel frowned. "You looked a little down."

"I'm fine," Leo said again, then turned around before Frank or Hazel could see his face flush red. His 'love' life? He didn't have a love life! Getting a love life would be as possible as swallowing a jar of broken glass without bleeding.

So you have come to greet me, I hope? A horrible voice said. The three of them jumped. It was Cupid.

"We're here to help a friend." Frank said. Leo wished he was as confident as the big guy.

Yes, I know that! The venom went in deep, I can see. Oh yes, I can help your friend.

"We were told we'd have to pay a price," Leo said, keeping his hands in his pockets to keep them from shaking. The god was creeping him out, and he couldn't even see him. "Name it."

The god laughed sickly. You are correct, Leo Valdez. There is a price. But I do not ask for jewels or winnings.

"Then what do you want?" Leo had a bad feeling about where he was going.

I want you to tell me, and your friends, what you have been keeping to yourself for nearly a month now.

"What?" Leo was having trouble processing.

He could hear the god snarl. Love is hard and cold, Leo Valdez. You already know that. Love has no forgivness. Its a trick of the mind, luring you in and leaving you empty. You are running in circles, Leo. You will not find her.

Leo stumbled back. Was Cupid saying what he thought he was saying?

Admit it Cupid ordered.

Leo shook his head, refusing to make eyecontact with his friends.

I have named my price, Leo Valdez. Admit it to your friends, admit it to me, admit it to her. Tell them the truth.

Frank and Hazel looked at him. "Leo what is he saying?" Frank asked. Leo shook his head, eyes closed tightly. He didn't want to tell.

Tell them, Cupid bribed. Tell them...

Admit the truth....

"Stop it! Don't you see he's stressed?" Hazel yelled. Cupid ignored her and decided messing with Leo's thoughts would be fun.

Admit it, Leo Valdez. That is my price. Leo fell down to his knees, clutching his ears

Tell them... You have no choice...

"Get out of my head!" Leo yelled. "Stop it! Stop it!" He yelled louder. Hazel and Frank were yelling at Cupid, but he knew they couldn't hear what he heard, or see what he saw.

Cupid was showing Leo a shot of Calypso. Ogygia had been the only love life he'd ever had. The voice echoed in his head.

Calypso looked confused, like she didn't understand. Just like Leo.

She set down her basket and looked at him. She said something that looked like "Leo,", but it was drowned out by Cupid's voice.

"Get-Out!" Leo yelled.

Do it or your dear friend dies, Leo.

"N- no!" Leo stammered.

Why are you so scared, Leo? You don't think you can get back to Calypso? Leo saw Calypso in his head looking at him like she was wondering the same thing.

"Yeah." Leo said. "I'm scared because I'll be dead before I see her again."

Calypso looked hurt, but not out of insult. She vanished from his head.

Fine, Cupid said. Then, outside his head, he said, You have paid your price, Leo Valdez. Which is why I'm giving you a deal.

Oh no, Leo thought.

Gaea will let you go back to her permamentaly, if you abanden your quest.

"W-what?" he said. Frank and Hazel helped him to his feet.

This is your only chance. Take it or leave it, that is your choice.

"Leo, what is he talking about?" Hazel asked.

Leo gulped. "Calypso of Ogygia." Was all he could muster. Hazel gave him an odd look. Frank rubbed the bac of his neck thoughtfully.

Take it or leave it, Leo Valdez. I don't have all day.

Leo didn't know. Leave his quest to stay with the girl he loved for the rest of his life, or continue his quest to defeat Gaea and, if he didn't die first, have a horribly slim chance of finding her again?

Responsibilaty, responsiblilaty.

Leo couldn't chose.

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Question of da day: What happens next? Does Leo go with calypso, or does he stay and finish the quest? Comment, comment, comment!

~Alex