Percy felt a weight on his chest as he slowly started to wake. Despite sleeping with his back propped against a stone wall, he couldn't remember a better night's sleep he had had. He slowly opened his eyes before they shot wide open. Lying on his chest was Zoe's head. Percy was caught between wanting to run for his life and close his eyes again and enjoy the fact that there was a beautiful girl sleeping on him.

Before he could make a decision, Zoe started to stir from her place on his chest. As her eyes slowly opened he could see the confusion on her face before her eyes widened just as his had done as she lifted her head off his chest and looked up into find his nervous face.

Zoe was just as frozen as he was before Percy decided to try and play it off like it never happened.

"We should get moving." Percy said quickly as he hurriedly got to his feet.

Relief flooded through Zoe's body as Percy ignored the fact she had spent the night cuddled up next to him. She quickly agreed as they packed up their stuff and set off into the Labyrinth again.

After a couple hours, the smell of smoke caught both Zoe and Percy's attention. The warily made their way to a doorway before taking a peek inside where they saw an enormous man pounding away on a red hot sword. The man was muscular but his face was slightly deformed and his leg was strapped into a large metal brace.

The duo slowly walked into the room before they bowed about ten feet away from the god of the forge.

"Lord Hephaestus," Percy said loudly causing the blacksmith to stop mid strike and turn around.

"Ah yes, Perseus Jackson, I've been expecting you. My mother said you would be stopping by." Hephaestus grunted.

Percy was a little surprised but nodded, "Yes we were told we had to find you in order to get to Daedalus' workshop."

The god waved his hand, "Please stand up there is no need to bow to an old cripple like me."

Percy and Zoe slowly stood up and waited for Hephaestus to continue speaking.

"I can help you find the old inventor but I require a favor first." The god explained.

Percy and Zoe exchanged looks before Percy nodded, "Whatever you need Lord Hephaestus."

Hephaestus smirked at their blind willingness to accept the task,"Someone has been using another one of my forges. It is located inside Mount Saint Helens. Every time I try to catch whoever it is, they run off before I can get there. They sense my godly aura before I can capture them. I need you two to find out who is using my forge. Find out and come back and let me know and I will tell you how to find my old friend Daedalus." He explained.

Percy nodded slowly, "Of course but how will we find your forge?"

Hephaestus snapped his fingers as a mechanical spider appeared in his hand, "Follow this to the forge and then follow it back when you find out who the culprit is. It's not too far from our current location; you should be there in a few hours."

Percy and Zoe both bowed again before Hephaestus dropped the spider on the ground where it quickly scurried out of the room with Percy and Zoe in pursuit.

After an exhausting three hour jog, the little mechanical spider stopped in front of a doorway as Percy and Zoe stopped to catch their breaths. They slowly pushed the doors open where they saw another tunnel. This one was different than the Labyrinth though. It was entirely made of metal and seemed endless. The mechanical spider took off again racing down the tunnel. Percy and Zoe started making their way inside until a faint roaring sound in the distance caught their attention. They continued as the roaring got louder.

After another half mile or so, they emerged in a cavern the size of a Super Bowl stadium. Their spider escort stopped and curled into a ball. They had arrived at the forge of Hephaestus. There was no floor, just bubbling lava hundreds of feet below. They stood on a rock ridge that circled the cavern. A network of metal bridges spanned across it. At the center was a huge platform with all sorts of machines, cauldrons, forges, and the largest anvil they'd ever seen-a block of iron the size of a house. Creatures moved around the platform-several strange, dark shapes, but they were too far away to make out details.

Percy picked up the metal spider and put it in his pocket as they made their way a little further into the cavern. The heat was horrible. In no time both Percy and Zoe were drenched with sweat. The smoke stung their eyes as they moved along, trying to keep away from the edge, until they found their way blocked by a cart on metal wheels. Zoe lifted up the tarp and found it was half full of scrap metal. Before they could climb over it, they heard voices from up ahead from one of the side tunnels.

Percy and Zoe silently crept around the cart, avoiding the eyes of the monsters until the creatures were behind them. They ran forward and snuck through a doorway where they saw three more monsters carefully handling a large weapon. Percy and Zoe jumped behind another cart before they could be spotted as they listened to the monsters.

"The blade is almost complete." One said. "It needs another cooling in blood to fuse the metals."

"Aye," a second said. "It shall be even sharper than before. "

"What is that?" Percy whispered.

Zoe shook her head like she didn't know but her eyes gave away her worry.

"They're Telekhines. They betrayed the gods long ago and Zeus banished them to Tartarus with Kronos." Zoe explained before her eyes got big. Percy followed her gaze until his face paled considerably.

"Kronos scythe." Zoe whispered.

Percy could only nod numbly.

"We need to get back to Hephaestus and tell him what they're doing." Zoe whispered.

Percy nodded but he reached into his pocket and pulled out the spider.

"Find Hephaestus and tell him to hurry. We can't take the chance that they'll leave before Hephaestus can stop them." Percy said as he put the spider in Zoe's hands.

"I'm not leaving you." Zoe hissed.

Percy shook his head, "We don't have a choice. I can cloak you in water on your back to the tunnel but no further without going with you."

Zoe scowled, "I swear to the gods I will kill you if you stay behind by yourself." She threatened but her eyes only showed worry and concern.

"We don't have any other choice. Besides, the fates already have a date for my death and it's not today. I'm sorry Zoe but this is the only way, we can't let them finish that weapon and bring it to Kronos." Percy explained.

Zoe's eyes narrowed and her glare was harsh but before Percy could do anything she leaned forward and crashed her lips onto his.

Percy's mind went blank. He forgot where he was, when it was or why he was there. He suddenly thought of Babe, and a wave of guilt washed over him. He put all of his will power into the kiss so it seemed specvial for Zoe

When Zoe pulled back her face was red before her expression turned stern, "Do not die Perseus or I will find a way to resurrect you so I can kill you more painfully myself."

Percy nodded as his brain slowly started to work again, "I won't, I promise." He whispered before mist engulfed Zoe's body and she disappeared from their hiding spot.

Percy sat there for a few more seconds as he thought about what had just happened. He could still feel the sensation of Zoe's lips on his and despite the situation, a big grin stretched across his face at the thought of testing his new 'tricks'.

Percy stood up out of his hiding spot, hoping he was right about his death being destined for a day other than today. Even if he did die today, at least he would do so preventing Kronos from receiving his symbol of power.

Percy summoned his sword and spear out of the ground before hurling his spear into the back of the middle Telekhine; the monster shrieked before dissolving into dust. The other two whirled around, one letting loose an ear piercing screech for help. Percy held up his sword as he got ready to fight.

"A son of Poseidon," One of the Telekhine growled as the second nodded in agreement, "Yes I can smell it in his blood."

Before Percy could charge, the doors of the forge flew open as dozens more Telekhines poured in. Percy tried to think about the best way to handle the situation.

Before he could make up his mind, the tallest Telekhine said, "Let us see how strong he is. Let us see how long it takes him to burn!"

He scooped some lava out of the nearest furnace. It set his fingers ablaze, but this didn't seem to bother him at all. The other Telekhines did the same. The first one threw a glop of molten rock at Percy and set his pants on fire. Two more splattered across his chest. He dropped his sword in sheer terror and swatted at his clothes. Fire was engulfing him. Strangely, it felt only warm at first, but it was getting hotter by the instant.

"Your father's nature protects you." One said. "It makes you hard to burn, but not impossible, youngling. Not impossible. "

They threw more lava at him, causing Percy to scream. His whole body was on fire. The pain was worse than anything he'd ever felt. He crumpled to the metal floor and heard the sea demons howling in delight.

Percy felt a presence enter his mind just like it had on Othrys.

The sea is within you Perseus. Call to it and it will answer. Poseidon said.

Percy was in too much agony to even reply back as the fire consumed him.

He had no choice, he called to the sea. He reached inside himself and thought about the waves and the currents, the endless power of the ocean.

Percy let loose one last terrifying scream before he was consumed by what he could only describe as raw power.

An explosion, a tidal wave, a whirlwind of power simultaneously sent Percy blasting downward into the lava. Fire and water collided and he was shot upward from the heart of the volcano in a huge explosion. The last thing he remembered before losing consciousness was flying, flying so high he couldn't help but smirk internally at Zeus' outrage before he began to fall, smoke and fire and water streaming from him like he was a comet hurtling toward the earth.

Zoe was sprinting after the mechanical spider when she was suddenly knocked off her feet and thrown to the ground from what could only be the most powerful earthquake or explosion she had ever felt. When the cavern stopped shaking, tears fell from her eyes as she thought about Percy being in the center of whatever it was the almost literally shook the earth to its core.

Percy woke up feeling like he had been burned alive and blasted half way around the world. Then he paused, that is exactly what happened to him. The biggest question in his mind was how in Hades was he alive. He knew for a fact he was alive, otherwise he wouldn't be in so much pain. His eyes slowly opened and saw he was in some kind of dark room. The walls and ceiling made him believe he was in a cave. The cave was surprisingly beautiful, the ceiling glittered with crystals. Percy moved a bit and noticed he was on a bed, a rather comfortable bed. Just as he tried to sit up, a soft voice spoke to him.

"Rest. You are too weak to rise." A gentle feminine voice said to him.

Percy's eyes darted to his right where he saw a beautiful girl. She looked around sixteen years old. She had caramel colored hair and almond eyes. Her skin had a familiar coppery tint to it. Percy felt like he should know her. Her features seemed so familiar in his mind.

"Rest and heal. No one can harm you here. I am…" She started before Percy interrupted her.

"Calypso." He said softly.

The girl's eyes widened in shock. She looked at Percy confused, "How did you know?"

Percy's lips quirked into a slight smile despite the pain it caused, "Theo told me about Odysseus." He answered.

Calypso's shock only grew, "But how is that even possible?"

Percy forced himself to sit up despite Calypso's protests, "I have many friends I should not."

Calypso stared at him confused but Percy ignored it as he looked around the room for a mirror. He saw one on a dresser in the corner of the room, "Can you hand me that mirror?"

Calypso looked strangely at him but got the mirror anyway and handed it to Percy. Percy prepared himself for the worst but was shocked to find his body not horribly disfigured. Instead, he looked normal other than his skin which was a few extra shades of red. His shirt was off and it looked like she had tried to treat some of his scars but he knew that was pointless.

Percy shook his head and smiled, "Good, just the normal amount of disfigured."

Calypso just looked at him bewildered but Percy held up his hand to stop her from asking.

"Follow me out to the sea and I will explain things to you." Percy said as he slowly and painfully rose to his feet.

Calypso silently followed Percy outside. Percy covered his eyes from the blinding sun as it took him a few minutes to adjust. Percy finally made his way to the shore where he dropped himself into the water, allowing the urge for pain relief outweigh his sense of .

Percy looked up to find Calypso staring at him a little nervously but also curiously.

"So can you explain how you knew who I was Percy?" Calypso asked.

Percy's eyes widened, "How do you know my name anyway?"

Calypso shook her head, "I asked first."

Percy smiled and nodded, "I'll give you short version of a very long story. I am a Son of Poseidon, but my stepfather abused me in ways that would make a adult cry, so me and my Mom 'took care of him'. All these scars you tried to heal, they're rather old and beyond your power to heal."+

Calypso nodded her head sadly, "I am sorry, I didn't know.

Percy waved her off, "Don't worry about it, you were only trying to help."

Calypso gave him a small smile.

"After I ran away, I was found a few days later by people who would later became my friends. They took me to a safe place for Demigods. So I trained and went on a few quest and Theo shared his knowledge of myths with me so I can survive the stupid things I do. You are just as beautiful as Theo said Odyesseus described." Percy said sincerely.

Calypso blushed and smiled at Percy, "And how is it that you washed up on my island?"

"I was on a quest down in the Labyrinth. My friend and I were in Hephaestus' forge under Mount Saint Helens where I had lava thrown on my body. I don't remember what happened other than the explosion and flying through the air. The next thing I knew, I woke up on your bed ten minutes ago." Percy explained as he watched the water slowly but surely heal his burned skin. "Now it's your turn; how did you know my name?" He asked.2

Calypso stared at Percy in shock. After a minute she composed herself, "You talk in your sleep. That's how I know your name. By the way, who is Babe? And Zoe? I have a sister named Zoe, but who is Babe."

Percy's eyes widened as he remembered that Calypso was a daughter of Atlas as well.

"Well you remember the friend I told you I was with inside the forge? That was your sister Zoe." Percy said as he chuckled at Calypso's shocked face.

Calypso just stared at Percy incredulously, "She is a hunter. Why would she be in the company of a man? I hear enough from the outside world to know she is not fond of them."

Percy couldn't help but chuckle, "Was a hunter actually."

Calypso gasped, "What happened?"

Percy sighed as he told her the story of how he met Zoe and Theo's quest with her and how, with the help of Hades, Theo managed to save her life. When he told her about the Fates, she interrupted him.

"What do you mean he defied the Fates? That's not possible." Calypso said disbelievingly.

Percy shrugged, "Apparently not. They said Zoe was supposed to die, but didn't because of Theo and Hades's interference. The girl who was supposed to replace her as lieutenant of the hunters, Thalia Grace, was a day from turning sixteen, and besides, she can't join the Hunt because she has fallen in love with some one. Have you heard of the great prophecy?"

Calypso shook her head.

Percy nodded and told her about the prophecy and how the Fates said it was his destiny and not Thalia's.

"They said Zoe needed to either accept her death or leave the hunt. So Artemis released her. but being the arrogant prick he is, Zeus said he wouldn't let the daughter of a Titan roam around freely. He particularly didn't like when Theo's told him that by his own reasoning he shouldn't be trusted as a son of Kronos. But Zoe came to camp with me and another friend of mine. Since then, she has become slightly less resentful of men. Well at least she doesn't want to castrate me on sight anymore anyway."

Calypso raised an eyebrow making Percy chuckle.

"No she's no bad at all. She's actually my one of best friend in that worthless camp." Percy explained.

Calypso smiled, "Well I am glad she has at least on friend in that camp."

Percy nodded before his face became worried, "How long was I out?"

Calypso looked at him sadly, "I am not sure. Time is very different here but it was at least a week."

Percy eyes widened as he stood up from the water he was floating in, his skin feeling slightly better, "I need to go."

Calypso's face fell a bit but nodded. Percy looked at the nymph sympathetically, "I know you hope for someone to stay with you but I cannot. I will get you off this island though, that is a promise."

Calypso sighed, "That cannot happen Percy; this is my prison."

Percy nodded, "Yes I know but I think you've served your time. I have never made a promise I didn't keep and I don't plan to change it. I have a few Olympians who owe me a favor and I will get you off this island."

Calypso looked at him curiously, "Only Zeus could lift my punishment and he will not."

Percy shook his head, "He will, he won't have a choice. If he thinks I'm going to die to save his throne, he's going to have to do me a few favors first."

Calypso was about to ask what he meant but Percy shook his head, "My sixteenth birthday is a little more than a year away. If Zeus thinks I'm going to die to save his ass without doing some things for me, he has another thing coming. So like I said, I will get you off this blasted island, Theo owes it to Odysseus and it would soothe his and Odysseus's conscious ."

"Why do he owe it to Odysseus?" She asked curiously.

Percy looked at her sadly, "He loved you. If he didn't have to leave for the sake of his kingdom he would have stayed with you. He said not a single day went by where he didn't think of you. It might be too late for him but I will make sure you have a chance to find love and it won't be on this island, at least that is what Theo said."

Calypso looked like she was near tears before she waved Percy over, "Follow me. There is a raft on the other side of the island."

Percy followed Calypso across the island. When they reached the other side Calypso showed him the raft.

"This raft will carry you home; you only need to be on it and it will know." Calypso explained.

Percy nodded and took a step towards the raft when Calypso grabbed his arm, "Wait, I must get something."

Percy raised an eyebrow but nodded. Calypso ran back inland and returned a few minutes later with a small clump of dirt in her hand. She walked up to Percy and handed it to him.

Percy looked at her questioningly.

Calypso smiled, "It's moonlace. It can only be planted at night. I was wondering if you could give it to Zoe. I have missed her over the centuries."

Percy smiled and nodded.

Calypso stepped forward and pulled Percy into a hug. Before she stepped back, she planted a kiss on his cheek, "Babe is a lucky girl." She whispered.

Percy's face turned beat red, "She only my friend." He argued.

Calypso rolled her eyes, "By how much you said her name in your sleep, I highly doubt that. Whether you can get me off my island or not, I am thankful for getting to meet you Percy Jackson. And also please take care of my sister."

Percy was about to say something but Calypso just gave him a warm smile and began to walk back inland. Percy shook his head and hopped onto the raft which magically began to sail. After about an hour, the sun began to set and Percy could feel the magical barrier that kept Calypso trapped vanish. He wasted no time in 'cloaking' himself and quietly and quickly walking to the beach by Camp Half Blood.