The sun was shining brightly in the morning sky as I got myself ready for my journey to Washington today. I fiddled with my toolbelt as I got excited to meet Piper after too long. I looked out at the water as I stood on the beach at camp as Chiron came to stand by me.
"Be careful on your way," reminded the old centaur as he looked down on me with a smile on his face. I nodded, pulled out my phone from my jacket pocket, and pressed a button I programmed to summon Festus to me instantly. It was something suggested by an Athena camper, like a panic button for emergencies. It was a good idea, so I added it to all demigod phones.
A single push of the button would transmit a distress signal to the camp, along with the location. I made mine to include that function and allow me to summon Festus to wherever I am.
Quite nifty if I say so myself.
"I will! I'll call you guys when I arrive there!" I replied as I placed the phone back in my pocket. In just a minute we heard the sounds of metallic wings flapping in the distance. I looked towards the wood and saw a glint of light that grew bigger with every second. Soon, we saw Festus in all his bronze glory approach. He neared us and flew around a couple of times before landing on the beach, scattering sand all over.
I walked to Festus and stroked his large head as he lowered it down. Clicking and whirling sounds came from him as he purred in satisfaction. Steps came out of his side, and I pulled myself up onto his back. I sat down on the leather saddle I added when I remade him and held on to the handle by the side. Immediately, I was enveloped by the warmth of his reactor from the vents I installed along his back. An addition I made from lessons learned when we used him during our quest to free Hera, years ago.
I looked down and waved to Chiron, who raised his hand back in salute. Festus spread his wings, and with a kick off the ground and a mighty flap, we were airborne. He circled the beach twice, during which I pulled out my phone again and entered the coordinates I got from Piper into the guidance program I installed, letting Festus take care of the flying on his own.
Festus beeped and roared once, then changed his heading and flew towards our destination. I leaned back and smiled, excited at the upcoming meeting that will happen in about 4 hours.
---------line break---------
Green
The forest stretched as far as my eyes could see; to my left, far into the distance, I could see the glint of the ocean. I squinted down, trying to spot where in all this green could my friends have made their home in.
After a few minutes, Festus slowed down and circled an area with a clearing below before descending with a hard thud. I looked around and saw nothing but trees all around; checking my phone, I confirmed we were at the correct coordinates.
I looked around again, searching for any sign that people lived in the area. 'Nope, nothing but trees,' I thought. I was about to call Piper to let her know I arrived when I noticed a shimmer in the air. The surrounding air rippled, and I saw the silhouettes of two people appear. I watched in fascination as the two people stepped out of the ripple and came before me and Festus.
One was a red-haired woman, a nymph, walking behind a tall, black-haired man who wore a confident smirk on his face.
The man was Percy Jackson, of course.
Arms crossed on his chest as he looked up at me on top of Festus. I smiled and climbed down my dragon mount and approached my long-lost friend. "Hey! Aquaman! Long time no see!" I shouted as I opened my arms to hug the taller man in front of me. "Good to see you too! Repair boy!" Percy murmured back as he hugged me back.
We stayed like that for a few seconds, then we pulled back. I looked up at the taller man and saw his eyes shining in happiness. We stepped back, and Percy gestured to the nymph standing behind him. "This is Ruby; she, along with the two other nymphs, takes care of me and the place," he said as she bowed to me.
'rumble!'
"Gasp!" The nymph yelled and hid behind Percy as Festus came closer to me. My dragon's size was quite intimidating to most people. The fact that it is a dragon makes it even more terrifying to nature spirits. I smiled in apology to the scared nymph, intending to assure her of her safety when Percy beat me to it.
"It's okay, Ruby, I won't allow anything to harm you. I promise," Percy said to the cowering nymph behind him. I saw her blush as red as her hair as she looked up at Percy; she then smiled as she held his arms tightly. I can see her love for him clearly from where I was standing, and I couldn't help but think about Piper and her relationship with him.
"When did you get this smooth?" I asked, teasing him about the nymph currently clinging to him.
Percy replied, "I've always been smooth, like fine sand on a beach." With a smirk, he turned and winked at the nymph beside him, who turned redder at his action, hiding her face against his shoulder.
I laughed at his antics as the nymph whimpered silently in embarrassment.
"Let's get inside for now," I heard Percy say. He turned back the way he came and welcomed me into his land. "I, Percy Jackson, allow Leo Valdez and his dragon, Festus, onto my land," he declared. The air shimmered again, and I followed them through the invisible barrier. I felt as though water was flowing over me as I passed through it. What I saw beyond the barrier was more woods, unsurprisingly.
"Piper sent you the coordinates opposite of the driveway to the mansion; actually, that's why it's much more forested here," Percy explained as I followed him through the trees. It took us a couple of minutes more until we came out of the woods into a clearing. The first thing I saw was the large mansion nestled along the edge of the clearing, with a lake sparkling under the sun a distance away. The driveway, as Percy said, wound in front of the mansion from the other end of the clearing.
In front of the mansion, I paused and turned to Festus, walking behind, "Stay here and behave, okay boy," I told the metal dragon, who huffed and dropped on the ground, creating a mountain of metal in front of the mansion. Percy waited for me a few steps from the front door. I joined him, and we went in through the door.
"Leo!" The moment I entered, I heard a familiar voice shout my name. I didn't even have time to look around before I was tackled from the side, and then slim arms wound around me as I found myself in the arms of my best friend, Piper McLean.
I hugged her back. "I missed you, Piper!" I whispered in her ear as I felt her shiver; her silent sobs rocked through me as I held her, and she did the same. "Let's leave the two of them for now," I heard Percy say to someone, earning my gratitude. We stayed like that for a few minutes, hugging in the hallway as Piper cried silently as she clung to me. After a while, Piper lets go of me. She looked up at me with red-rimmed eyes and smiled. I smiled back, and she grabbed my hand and pulled me along with her as she took to the stairs to the second floor, past a few doors to what I assumed to be her room. She stopped before a wooden door, opened it, and pulled me inside.
Inside the room, Piper pushed me down a chair in one corner, which appears to be a sitting area, her bed on the other side of the room. I was looking around when Piper sat down in the chair beside mine and stared at me. I did the same, studying my friend who I have not seen in a long while. Looking for changes I could notice beyond the obvious.
"You've changed; you're taller now," Piper said after studying me too. I grinned, rolled up the sleeves of my shirt, and flexed. "That's right! I'm more of a chick magnet now!" I joked. I wish I was. But after Calypso, I've not had any luck with girls in general. I wish I could change that.
Piper laughed, a sound I missed dearly. "I see nothing's changed inside," she said after she calmed down. "Hey! You can't change perfection!" I shot back. I reached deep in me for that old Leo she once knew. The playful yet traumatized demigod that went with her to save the world. The friend she held as they both grieved the loss of Jason.
We stared at each other before dissolving in a fit of giggles and laughter.
Soon enough, though, we stopped, and a serious look appeared on Piper's face. Something I'm sure I mirrored as well. We stayed silent for a few precious seconds before we started on the serious talk. I waited to see if Piper would start, but it seems she was waiting for me to do the honors.
"I already heard enough about your reasons for leaving from Drew, so I won't ask about that," I started. "What I really want to know is if you're sure with Percy and if you're really happy with how things are with you three?" I added. Her being with Percy while he is also with Hazel is still weird for him. Piper smiled at that; she smoothed her pants with her hands before answering.
"I'm sure of my choice, Leo; I am happy, and I don't regret making it," she said, looking into my eyes. Her multicolored eyes reflecting her feelings quite clearly. She truly was happy and at peace with her life here. Her sharing a man with another woman was not bothering her even a little bit.
I nodded, respecting her choices.
"Alright! I don't understand it, but I accept." I told Piper, who just smiled at me. "How about the nymphs, though? I saw how the red-haired one clung to him outside the barrier. The way she looked at Percy was just like how some of the female campers looked at him back then." I asked; I was curious how they figured in this relationship. "Are they also involved with him like you?"
I could tell Piper was caught off-guard by that. She paused, her brow furrowed in thought. I waited for her to decide about whatever it was she was thinking of. Her reluctance to readily share it made it obvious that the topic would be important.
After a few minutes of contemplation, Piper looked back at me. Shoulders squared in determination. She opened her mouth for words of both a plea and a warning.
"I'm going to tell you something, Leo, but before I do, I need you to promise something," Piper started. I gestured for her to go on. "I need you to promise to keep an open mind to what I'm about to tell you," Piper said. I was about to reply when she continued. "I also need you to promise to not make any rash actions," Piper continued.
Her asking me those weirded me out some more, but like she wanted. I promised to be on my best behavior about whatever secret she was going to tell me. "So you know about the place and that we have to pay a price to be able to stay here, right.?" she asked. "Drew touched on that when she was telling us about your meeting," I said.
"Yes, but I never told Drew what the price was," she cut me off. Piper took a deep breath, and I braced myself. Knowing whatever was coming next would be the crux of the matter.
"So, you know that I am engaged with Percy, but that's not all there is to our relationship." 'Not all there is? Was there more?' I thought, but held my tongue. "Now while Me and Hazel are both his fiancées, Percy is also," Piper paused, took a steadying breath, and continued. "...He is also our Master," she added.
'Master'
What the Hades? What does she mean by that? some sort of fetish play between the three of them?
I knew I wasn't going to know just by thinking of it, so I asked her directly.
"Master?" I asked.
Piper nodded before clarifying, and the words that came out of her mouth shocked me to my core.
"Yes, as in Harem Master," Piper dropped a bomb.
"And Me and Hazel are both members of it," Piper finished.
It took me a while to comprehend the words that came out of her mouth. The ridiculousness of the fact that she shared was so overwhelming my mind refused to acknowledge it. Piper, my friend who I have not seen for years, was in a harem with another friend who has also been missing for years. And both of them are serving in the harem of yet another friend who has been unseen for years.
And a harem of all things. It was already unbelievable that both she and Hazel are dating, or rather engaged to the same man. Now she's saying the two of them are in a harem with the same man. What could have happened to them that they allowed themselves to be convinced to agree to this?
And Percy, how could he have done this? I knew he was hurt by Annabeth, but to actually start getting with multiple women at the same time... It was something I never thought he would do. Oh, I knew he was more than capable of it. Even back then, when he was still with Annabeth. The number of girls and a few boys that were attracted to him were in the double digits.
If he wanted to, I'm sure he could have gotten with any number of them, even at the same time. He didn't, though, even when his memories were taken by Lady Hera. He still remembered Annabeth and refused all those that approached him romantically.
But now he's with Hazel and Piper, and if he's right. Then even the nymphs are with him.
Leo felt bothered about the whole thing. He also felt mad about Piper and about Hazel. And Percy.
Looking back at Piper, I saw her looking at me apprehensively. Waiting for my reaction. Making up my mind, I stood and approached her. I held her by the arms and stared at her eyes.
There is a question I need to ask her. And I needed to make sure of her answer. My next actions depend on her answer.
"Do you want out of this, Piper?" I asked, staring her straight in the eye. Reading her to see how she really feels.
"What?" she asked, brows furrowed as she tried to lean away, but I held her tight.
"Do you and Hazel want out of this harem bullshit? If you do, just say the word and I'll make it happen!" I told her. I may not be as strong as Percy, but like him. I've made the impossible possible. Just like what I did for Calypso.
I watched as Piper slowly smiled, then she shook her head. I stared at her until I was confident that she wasn't just refusing because she was holding back. Then I let her go and stepped back, sitting back down and waiting for Piper to explain why she chose to stay.
Piper took a deep breath before speaking. "I appreciate your concern, Leo; really, I do. But you don't need to do that for me or for Hazel. For me at least, I was already deeply in love with Percy when I joined his harem. By that time, I was willing to do anything for him, so being a member didn't really change anything for me," Piper began.
"When I joined, I had to make a pledge of loyalty and obedience, which was so much like marriage vows, only more binding," she added, cheeks turning pink. I wonder what she was remembering?
"And the benefits of being in the harem far outweigh the cons of being part of it," Piper said.
"Benefits? Like being free of monsters?" I asked, trying to guess based on the few things I knew.
"Not being attacked and tracked by monsters is one of the benefits, yes. But the biggest benefit is being free of the gods interference and influence," she clarified, a serious look on her face.
"So, basically, being in the Harem grants you the same perks as Percy got from the gods?" I theorized. Piper nodded, affirming the idea. And I have to admit, it was a great perk, something I wanted for myself even. It was something I wished was available to all of us demigods when it was made known to us when we found out about Percy and his wishes.
I just didn't think it would be available to others by being a Harem member.
"But still, a harem? That means you guys have to have sex with him whenever he wants," I blurted out before I could stop myself. I immediately regretted my words as I said it. I looked at Piper, ready to apologize if I offended her.
Piper was looking at me guardedly, then she sighed heavily before responding.
"Yes, you're right. But we also have sex whenever I want," was Piper's answer.
Then she continued, "I knew you were thinking of that, and I don't blame you. I also thought of it that way at first. It took months for me to change the way I think."
"You mean it's not like that." I asked, honestly curious now.
"It's very different," she replied with a small smile.
Piper then proceeded to explain how Percy's harem was fundamentally different from what it is now known to be. She explained how, in the past, a harem was a place where women were protected and educated. How members of a harem were not powerless or devoid of rights.
She also took her time to explain how one can become a member of the Harem. She told me of the rules of and within the harem, and she told me the vows she took when she asked to be made a harem member.
Piper went quiet after her explanation, letting me think of all she said. Of all I learned.
"That was... a lot to take in," I confessed. Still reeling from the revelation presented to me, I asked again, "And you're okay?" making sure. "I'm okay," Piper replied, nodding her head with a wide smile.
Now that I'm sure that Piper was not being forced or coerced into this harem, I could think of other things. Things that a man like me should be thinking of. Like how it is like being with two women. A fantasy not all men can make a reality. Yet, Percy did, because of course he did.
"I'm still having a hard time thinking of Percy with the two women," I told Piper with a smirk on my face. Trying to tease Piper to lighten the mood from the discussion we just had. I was rewarded by the sound of Piper giggling, making me smile.
"Just an FYI, Leo. Percy is not with just the two of us. He's with five women in total!" Piper said after calming down. "Huh?" I responded, tilting my head. Piper rolled her eyes and continued. "Have you forgotten the nymphs?" she reminded me.
'Oh yeah! Them'
"You mean they are also...?" I was going to ask if they are also Harem members, but Piper beat me to it. "They are not members of the harem if that's what you want to ask," she said. "But they've been with Percy longer than us," she added. "They've been with Percy, taking care of him for 3 years before Hazel even came into the picture," Piper explained.
That makes sense, 3 years with 3 beautiful nymphs sent to serve you. Of course something was bound to happen between them. And with the harem situation they are in now. I guess they are still getting it on even with Percy being engaged with Hazel and Piper.
"Damn! I actually feel bad for Percy!" I said, leaning back on the seat.
"Why?" Piper asked.
"I can't imagine he gets enough rest with five women wanting to be with him," I said with a teasing smirk.
I saw annoyance blossom on Piper's face, then she returned my smirk with one of her own. "Actually, it's us who can't keep up!" Piper declared. "Wha...?" I could feel my mouth open in shock. I knew she was very open with her sexuality now, but to say that in my face was still surprising.
"He's just that good!" she finished, hugging herself as she visibly shivered. her eyes closed for an instant before looking at me. Then she laughed at what she saw, which I think was a comical look on my face.
"You should see your face!" Piper said after laughing to her heart's content.
I narrowed my eyes at her but otherwise felt happy. Here is my friend, happy and content with her life. Her heart healed, and she was in love again. best of all, she was being loved in return. The correct way, the way she should be loved. The way she deserved to be loved.
Piper suddenly stood up, breaking me out of my thoughts. "We should go down; lunch should be ready now," she said. I followed her out of her room and down the stairs. We walked in silence to what seems to be a dining room. In there we found the other occupants of this place as well as the campers sent to meet with Percy. As well as Nico, 'So he did end up coming,' I thought.
"Hey Will! When did Nico arrive?" I greeted the head healer of the camp. "He came last night," he answered. "I'm sure he did," I teased, winking at him, causing both Will and Nico to blush at my words.
I then turned to Clarisse, "Did Percy wipe the floor with you yet?" I asked her, earning me a glare from the daughter of Ares. "We haven't sparred yet" was her answer. I raised an eyebrow at that. I figured she would have challenged Percy by now.
"We'll have that spar later in the afternoon," Percy announced as we all sat down.
"Speaking of, anyone up for a bet?" Piper piped up, sitting on Percy's left. "There will be no bets happening!" Hazel interjected, vetoing the idea. Glaring at Piper with a smile.
The nymphs came in carrying lunch, and we all took our portions and did the customary offerings to the gods. Then we all sat back down again and started the meal. I looked around the table and saw Hazel and Piper play fighting with each other. Each had a fork in hand, trying to feed Percy, Piper with her salad and Hazel with a slice of beef. Both arguing on who should be feeling Percy first.
Seeing that scene convinced me that all three were happy with their lives. There was no need for me to interfere. Hazel and Piper didn't need a hero. They had their own right there, sitting between them.
I smiled as I picked up my spoon, saying a silent prayer of thanks to the gods and to The Fates.
---------line break---------
It was the afternoon; we were all in the backyard of the mansion. Standing on the neatly trimmed grass under the cloudless sky.
Some of us, namely Hazel, Piper, and Nico, brought chairs with them.
We all came here to watch the spar between Percy and Clarisse. I was made aware that this spar has been delayed for days now due to Hazel not allowing it until Percy finished an order he was making. Which was another shock, Percy, and the girls running a jewelry store. That was unexpected to say the least.
Piper sat down beside Hazel with a pout on her face while Hazel just smiled. Her wanting to set up a bet for the spar was blocked by Hazel, and Percy eventually agreed.
I stood beside Malcolm and Will, who was standing behind Nico's chair, his hand on Nico's shoulder. Nico was holding a bucket of fries provided by the nymphs for us to snack on.
Percy and Clarisse were standing a few meters away from us. Beyond them was the woods, and to our right was the lake. A soft breeze was blowing from the ocean 2 miles away.
In the spirit of fairness, neither of the 2 fighters was using their own weapons. Clarisse, as always, wielded a heavy spear while Percy was using a Xiphos. Both weapons were made by Percy, another shock. I thought I was all out of surprises, but I guess I was wrong.
Learning that Percy learned forging and blacksmithing from my own father was unbelievable. Then again, this was Percy we were talking about.
I shook myself and turned my attention to the fight that was about to start. Percy and Clarisse stood facing each other in silence. No doubt studying their opponent, waiting for the spar to start. A white-haired nymph stepped forward until she was a few meters from the 2 fighters. She looked at both, getting a nod from each. Then she tossed a stick high up in the air, and then she returned to her fellow nymphs.
My eyes followed the stick as it flew up in the air and dropped down. Percy and Clarisse tensed as they both stared at each other. The moment the stick touched the ground, both Percy and Clarisse moved, racing towards each other. They meet in the middle in a flurry of strikes too fast for my eyes to see. Swings and slashes were traded as the air filled with the sounds of metal clashing.
Both fighters stood rooted where they were as their weapons flew at blinding speed as they both attacked and defended, doing their best to break the other's guard.
(Sample fight)
As a non-fighter, I admit I was clueless to what was happening. All my eyes could see were a blur of movements as both Percy and Clarisse traded blows. I glanced around me and saw that most of the others were also looking as lost as me with the exception of Hazel and Nico. Both children of a Big Three and great fighters in their own right.
Instead of looking lost like the rest were, Hazel and Nico looked at the fight with awe.
'Ugh!'
A grunt made me turn back to the spar just in time to see Clarisse take a few steps back. I figured Percy overpowered her and pushed her back, an amazing feat in itself. What followed was Clarisse changing tactics; she began thrusting her spear towards Percy, intending to stab and keep him at a distance.
Percy, for his part, started to use his sword to sweep and knock Clarisse's spear aside as he turned his body sideways with every block he made. I noticed that every time Percy made a move to sweep and block Clarisse, he was also taking a step forward, bringing him closer to his opponent.
Clarisse, being the fighter that she is, also noticed, making a wide, low sweep with her spear, targeting Percy's legs. Forcing him to jump to avoid, Clarisse took advantage of him being airborne, brought her spear, pointed it at Percy, and thrust it up.
Percy swept her strike aside with an underhanded swing and brought his sword over his head for a downward swing as he fell down. Percy swung down on Clarisse with such force she was forced to one knee. Clarisse tilted her spear sideways and pushed Percy away as she rolled forward, creating space between them.
Clarisse got up and faced Percy, who was standing with his sword at his side, waiting for her.
"It's been a while since I've gone all out!" I heard Percy say with a wide grin.
"Likewise! Prissy!" Clarisse shot back with a grin of her own.
I watched as they both attacked again, noticing a red haze envelop the daughter of war.
---------line break---------
Clarisse was panting as she kneeled on the ground, bloodied and all scratched up from the spar. In her hand she held the broken shaft of her spear; the tip was sticking out of her shoulder. Stabbed there by Percy just a few moments ago.
Now while Clarisse was all banged up. Percy, on the other hand, was sweaty, just sweaty. He stood in front of Clarisse, breathing heavily but otherwise unharmed. His sword pointed at Clarisse's neck.
"Yield!" Percy demanded with a smile on his face.
"Fuck!" Clarisse growled out as she let go of the spear shaft still in her hand.
"Hell yeah!" I shouted as the others cheered for Percy's victory. I saw Piper run to Percy and engulf him in a hug while Will quickly approached Clarisse, checking her injuries and pulling the broken spear out of her shoulder. "This was only supposed to be a spar!" complained the blonde healer. "Nobody died," was all Clarisse replied.
"That was great!" I told Percy as I went close to him. "Thanks, man!" Percy replied with a smile, Piper still clinging to his side. "By the way, what was that red haze thing on Clarisse earlier?" I asked no one in particular. That was weird and something new. For me at least.
"That was the blessing of Ares. It allows the gifted warrior better reflexes and almost invulnerability in battle. Kind of like the Achilles's curse, but temporary," Percy explained. Wow, that was very useful in combat. But then again, "And you still won despite that?" Clarisse told Percy, her voice resigned. It seems that he was just getting stronger and stronger as time goes by.
"I did win against your dad when I was 12, you know," Percy said with a shrug. "Bastard!" growled Clarisse. Percy just grinned at her as she tried to get to her feet. Percy reached down and helped her up.
'Clap! Clap!'
I turned and saw Hazel to the side, hands together. "Now that that's over, I had the nymphs prepare snacks, so we should head back." she declared. She really is settling into her role as Mistress. And I can see that she is enjoying her role in this home.
We started to head back; I watched from behind the group as Will supported Clarisse as she tried to push him away. Typical Ares camper behavior. I kept my eyes forward, watching Percy lead us back, with his arms wrapped around Hazel and Piper on either side of him. I smiled at the sight, happy for my friend's happiness. I felt Nico step up beside me. "Looks like they really are happy with one another," I told him.
"That's good." Nico's reply was short but clear. I was looking straight ahead, not looking at me when he replied. We got to the pool area, and I saw a table set up on the other end filled with all sorts of sandwiches and snacks.
"Last one's a loser!" I shouted as I ran past Percy, heading to the table. "Hey!" I heard Percy yell behind me, but I didn't look back.
---------line break---------
"You and Chris really should join us in Vegas! We'll have so much fun there!" Piper said, hard at work trying to convince Clarisse to join them on a Vegas trip she was planning for her, Hazel, and Percy. She said that it was a way to blow off steam after a month of non-stop work for her.
We are currently in the car, an SUV, heading towards the airport. It's been 2 days since I arrived for a visit, and it was now time for us to return to camp. Percy was driving, and Malcolm took the front seat, discussing something with him. I decided to join them on the trip back, so I had Festus fly back alone. Nico took Will with him and shadow traveled back directly to camp. Will was getting worried about the potential wounded in camp while he was away. So it was only me, Malcolm, and Clarisse who were flying back.
Piper, Hazel, and Clarisse were in the middle seats while I sat at the back. I watched the outside and smiled as I remembered the conversation I had with Percy the night after I arrived.
---------Flashback---------
Percy was talking with Malcolm when I decided to finally have that talk with him. We had just finished eating dinner, and I figured now was the best time. "Yo! Perce. Can we talk?" I asked as I approached my friend. Percy and Malcolm turned to me, and I saw Malcolm look at me wearily.
Percy nodded, "We'll talk more tomorrow," he told Malcolm and led me to the second floor, towards an open balcony overlooking the lake. We took a seat on some chairs and relaxed a bit; I looked up and studied the stars. I was buying time until I was calm enough to be able to have this conversation with him.
After a few minutes, I gathered my thoughts and started. But before I could speak, Percy asked me a question first.
"So, what did you want to talk about?" he asked, tripping me up.
"I was just about to start, man! Come on!" I complained, good-heartedly. Percy laughed, apologized, and gestured for me to go on.
"What do you plan to do with Hazel and Piper?" I asked after I sighed. This question has been bugging me since I learned that both girls are with him. Even before I knew they were in a harem, I had been wondering how he was going to go about with this relationship.
"What do you mean what do I plan to do?" Percy repeated. I guess I wasn't clear enough. So I explained it to him. "Marriage? Are you going to marry them both? or just one?" I told him.
I watched as Percy's eyes widened in surprise, clearly not expecting my question. He was quiet for a few minutes, thinking of an answer. Then he looked at me, shoulders drawn back. A serious look on his face.
"I don't think marriage is on the table for us, for now at least," Percy said after thinking about it. "And it also wouldn't be fair to the girls," he added after.
"What do you mean it wouldn't be fair?" His answer confused me more, so I asked him to explain.
"At the moment, there is no ranking with the women of the Harem. What I mean by that is that both Hazel and Piper are equal within the Harem, even though Hazel became a member first," Percy started to explain. "And in my heart and mind, they are also equal. I love and cherish them both equally and in the same way," he added. "But if I marry one of them, that would create some kind of imbalance within the structure of the harem, as that would make the one I marry be the head of the women of the harem, second to me, of course," Percy explained.
I could see his point, somewhat. But not having a harem of my own makes it actually hard to understand. I guess I won't be able to fully understand his circumstances. His is a unique situation after all.
"And I don't want there to be any division between Hazel or Piper. I already failed in getting the nymphs to be more relaxed around us." He finished with a rueful smile and a shake of his head.
"The same thing will happen with getting pregnant. The first one to give me a child would have some sort of greater authority within the harem over the others. So, for now, no babies yet." He told me with a smirk, and I think that topic had been discussed before.
"Had any baby scare happen before?" I asked, teasing him. Trying to lighten the mood.
"Not yet, fortunately. I learned that being immortal, I can actually control when I want to be a father, so, like I said, no babies for us yet." That was a shock. I didn't know that. I doubt anyone in camp actually knows that. Maybe Malcolm and Chiron, but not the rest of us.
"We've had that conversation before. And both Piper and Hazel didn't want children yet." I nodded at that. So, they've had that talk before. No worry then. "Our parents, on the other hand, well, they are hounding us for grandchildren already." I snickered at his troubled look. "My mom is the most relentless. Always asking when I'll give her, her first grandchild. Then there is Aphrodite; she has been visiting often, hinting at little kids running around the place. She told me she misses the feeling of carrying a child in her arms the other day when she visited."
I laughed out loud now. Even though he got a deal from the gods, it seems he is still getting bothered by them. But at least he's not being sent on a quest, so that's always a plus. Though what he said Aphrodite told him. I don't think he meant it the same way she did. I shook the thought off my mind.
"Thanks for being honest, Percy, and I'd like to be honest with you as well." I started, "I was really angry when I heard about you being with Piper and Hazel. I thought being immortal got to your head or something. Then I learned about the harem from Piper, and I was about to go charging at you earlier. Piper explained it to me and made me understand. But I still don't get it fully. But I have accepted it, just a little." I followed up.
Percy was quiet, just listening to my words, and I took that chance to continue.
"So, I guess what I want to say is please, always treat Piper and Hazel with the love and care that they feel for you. And please, never ever hurt them," I said, staring him in the eyes. "Or else," I warned him.
Percy raised an eyebrow at that.
"Or else?" he droned.
"Or else. I promise I will do everything to free them from this harem of yours." I finished my warning. Letting him know exactly what awaited him if he ever fumbled both girls.
Percy just smiled and said nothing.
"Remember, Percy, like you, I also made the impossible possible. I am the man that found Ogygia, twice. I am the man that freed Calypso from her island prison," I told him, letting some of the anger leak out of me. Just to impress upon him how serious I am.
We were silent for a bit until Percy sat up and looked at me. "I swear to the Styx, to all the Gods, and to my mother. I would never hurt any of the girls under my care and will always treat them not as members of my harem but as women who I love and care for. for all time." Percy swore, and I heard the distant rumble of thunder, a sign that the oath he took was binding.
I stared at Percy, shocked at how easily he swore to my demands. But to acknowledge his words, I nodded in return. No words needed; his oath was more than enough. We sat back and enjoyed the quiet of the night until Percy asked me something I wasn't ready to answer in detail.
"What happened to you and Calypso, Leo?" I should have known he would ask. I shouldn't have mentioned her at all, but damn my big mouth! always getting me in trouble. I sighed and told Percy just the gist of it.
"It's a long story, Percy. And maybe I'll tell you all of it someday, but for now, just know that Calypso and I broke up after dating for 2 years," I told Percy, my voice low. I was still hurting from that. I have accepted that I and she just didn't work out, but it still stings that after everything we went through. We weren't in the endgame, so to speak. It didn't help that I have no idea where she is or what she's doing.
"And after we broke up, she left, and I went back to camp. And I have no idea where she is or any news whatsoever, actually." I confessed, worried about Calypso but trusting that she is fine. With the belief that if she ever needs help, she'll reach out.
Percy frowned at the news. I knew, like me, he was worried for Calypso. Given their past, both good and bad. And Percy just being Percy, I knew he would be worried, but there was nothing for the two of us to do about it. Calypso was gone for now.
I leaned back on the seat and looked up at the night sky, tracing the stars that blinked against the black backdrop like jewels.
---------Flashback end---------
"Shut up!"
I was shaken from my memories by a loud shout from Clarisse. I looked over the seat and saw her leaning away from Piper, who was leaning over Hazel in the middle. A wide, wicked grin on her face, clearly hounding Clarisse for something. And knowing Piper, it must have something to do with her love life.
"Oh! Come on! Just tell me what sort of thing you enjoy doing with Chris! We're all adults here! I may even give you some tips to drive him crazy in bed!" Piper replied. I was right. This change in my friend was still jarring for me.
"I don't need any tip from you! Whatever I do with Chris is none of your business!" Clarisse shot back, now pushing Piper back. "Are you sure? I heard from Hazel that you grilled her about what you heard from her and Percy the first night you came over," Piper droned, a wistful tone in her voice.
"Do not pull me into this nonsense!" Hazel shouted as she avoided Clarisse's glare.
I smiled at the chaos happening and decided to add to it as well.
"You know, I remember Chris coming to me once, asking me to make a particular metal contraption that he wanted made for Clarisse. He said he wanted it to be a gift." I said slowly, and I grinned when Clarisse turned to me with murder in her eyes. Clearly knowing what I was hinting at.
"Really! Well, what is it? Don't keep me waiting, Leo!" Piper piped up. beyond excited now.
"Don't you dare say another word," Clarisse warned, but I was on a roll now.
"I can't help it! Her charm-speak is making me!" I shouted, hands on my head. Obviously I was not under Piper's Charm-speak.
"It was this thick, sturdy metal cuff, linked by celestial bronze chains. Chris said he wanted it for her for their anniva-hupasda" I was unable to continue as Clarisse reached over the seat and tried to grab my head. Either to cover my mouth or to pull my head off my shoulder, I wouldn't know.
I just dodged and kept away from her meaty hands as best I could while laughing my ass off.
"Wow! Way to go, Chris!" Piper said with a grin on her face. Malcolm was shaking his head at the front seat while Hazel was blushing but was looking at Clarisse with an admiring look in her eyes.
"I never imagined you as a submissive Clarisse. Then again, I have been wrong before," Percy said, looking at the rearview mirror straight at Hazel, and my mind went into overdrive. What did he mean by that? Was he saying Hazel was a submissive? Was she a dominant? Something else?
I just kept staring at Percy, lost in thought as the chaos in the car continued. Until it was time to get off at the airport.
It was late in the afternoon when we reached the airport. We were all standing at the drop-off saying our farewells. I was being crushed by Piper, who was hugging me, making me promise to call and message her frequently. Something I agreed to do willingly.
She let me go, and I saw Hazel, holding Percy's hand as he talked with Malcolm. Clarisse, still miffed about the reveal of her sexual escapades, just stood to the side, scanning our surroundings for any threat. Looking for something she can blow her stress to. I have to apologize to Chris later, I reminded myself.
After a few more words, we all separated, and I joined Malcolm and Clarisse. Percy gave us one last wave. "It's been fun having you all over. Remember, you're welcome to stop by anytime!" he said. "Just remember to let us know first if you're coming by," Hazel interjected. Piper just nodded, already clinging to Percy's arms.
I watched as they all turned and climbed into the SUV and drove off, back to their own little slice of paradise.
"Let's go back," Malcolm said, and we followed him into the airport. ready for the journey back to our own piece of heaven.