Chapter Text
The sweltering heat of the Desert was nothing compared to the guilt you feel whenever you think of the events of the past few months. So many things have gone wrong, so many lives ended or ruined, and yet you still find time to try to fix things, even if those attempts are found futile.
You step into the pirate camp, not really knowing what to expect. The emptiness was still a startle, opposed to it brimming with talk from the crew. You can still remember that day when you had to witness their corpses, how she had felt. The whole reason you came here was to check up on her, since Noobador recommended it. He always had the best advice for you, even though you beat him to pulp.
Walking farther into the camp, you spot Calypso standing by the sidelines. She seemed to be silently staring off into space, not even registering your presence. You sigh and slowly approach her. Not even an inch of movement from her. She almost seemed frozen, and images of the Blackrock King flash in your mind. If almost on impulse, you grab her hand. It was calloused, yet warm. She flinches, her eyes immediately darting over to you. Your eyes are locked on her hand, gently running your fingers over her palm.
“It’s warm…”
“What’re you doin’?” Calypso questions, looking confused. You finally let go of her hand, looking up at her eyes.
“I came to visit you. I’ve taken a break from battling for a bit after the whole Windforce situation, and I thought it’d be nice to relax for a bit,” you smile, dodging the question like a bullet. Calypso, despite her best judgement, decides to not question the hand thing. The weight the last quest left on your shoulders seems heavy enough, and she’s not about to make that worse.
The two of you travel a little ways away from camp, into Vermillion. The town seems bustling with chatter from merchants and customers, all trying to get something out of the other. Despite the crowded area, the two of you end up finding a place to sit. Before an awkward silence decides to make its home here, you decide to start up some conversation.
“So how’s life been treating you?”
Calypso sighs, looking off into space again, “Ev’ryday hurts more, the longer I stay there. It might be safe, it’s just….” she pauses, her hands clenching a little more, “Painful.” Her voice cracks a little. It’s clear staying in the camp is slowly becoming more difficult. This sparks an idea in you.
“What if I take you to Bizville?” Silence falls upon the two of you. She stares at you in genuine disbelief. Clearly she was not expecting that from you, of all people.
“No way. Nope. Never, there is no way in the world you can get me to enter a city full of land lubbers,” Calypso looks upset but also amused at the suggestion. You roll your eyes and lean back on your hands a little. A few small rocks are uncomfortably trying to nestle into your palms.
“Fair, probably not your kind of terrain. How about Turitopulis? I have a friend over there who I bet would love to meet you,” Calypso shakes her head, looking up at the sky.
“Despite how much it hurts to stay here, I wouldn’t leave this place for anythin’. It’s… my home, you know?” she looks back at you, at your eyes lock for a good minute. You finally look away, sighing. So much for trying to cheer her up.
“Oh well. Guess I can’t say anything to sway you,” you look out ahead. The town is almost as active as the camp used to be… how it used to be before you ruined it-
“Why’re you trying to get me to go anyways?” she asks, snapping you out of your thoughts. You shrug, as usual.
“Dunno. Kinda just thought you needed a change of pace. Maybe it’d clear your head,” despite the explanation, Calypso was still very much not convinced.
Calypso raises an eyebrow, “You sure?”
“Positive.” Despite still clearly looking unconvinced, Calypso leaves it at that.
While heading back to camp, Calypso is oddly quiet. You glance over at her, hiding your concern. Maybe she’s finally realising how much you messed up her life. You were about to speak up, before she beat you to it.
“Mind stayin’ tonight? I just… don’t want to be alone right now,” she mutters. Your eyes widen, before you smile. You were definitely not expecting that, but you weren’t one to pass up a sleepover offer.
“Sure, I’ve just gotta contact my boss first,” Calypso looks hopeful but also confused.
“Your boss?”
You scratch your head, a little sheepish, “He needs to know if I’m out of town incase something happens. Also he uh… pays for my housing and I can’t risk him visiting my apartment late at night and getting upset I’m not there.”
Calypso stares at you, before breaking into laughter, “Damn, you must desperate for a home if you let your boss pay for your apartment just so he can visit you unannounced.”
You roll your eyes but can help but smile, “Yeah, laugh it up.” In truth, you’re glad to see her smiling so genuinely.
Calypso was about knocked out when you woke up again. Images of everything that’s happened flashed in your mind. The king, Brad, Hatred, and especially the stuff in the temple. You glance over at Calypso, who seems to be sleeping peacefully on the other side of the tent. She looks so different while she’s sleeping, it’s almost jarring. That calms you down a little as you attempt to pace your breathing. Despite the lives you’ve ended and ruined, you cling onto the hope that maybe, just maybe, you can still make amends with her.