Reaching For The Stars

Chapter 28

Annabeth Chase

It was a first. She was certain of it. Never before have Demigods marched off to selflessly fight for one God or Goddess. There have been wars before where they have fought together, but only because it was their duty to their Divine Parents. A sentiment suited for Nebula, yet not for the others.

They came on their own free will to dance with Death. Her reasons were clear, as were those of Nebula and Juniper. Their loyalty was to Artume, with either being birthed by her or by being part of her realm, respectively. There is no clearer reason for them to go. Annabeth was not sure why Thalia would come. Percy would help due to his desire to assist his friends. Whatever their reasons were, Annabeth couldn't ask for a better group.

"They've been talking for some time now, haven't they?"

"Well, aside from me, they're the closest to Artume," Annabeth said. "Juniper has known Artume the longest even with all of us combined."

"Really?" Thalia mused. "I heard she is from a time long past, but this is, I don't know. This group feels special somehow."

"Hmm," Annabeth hummed as she glanced at Percy for a second. He still gave a nod to let her know they were on course. How he knew where to go still eluded her. Something about a strange dream; well, whatever it was, she trusted him. The path she could see at times with the help of the North Star said the same. And his dreams have not been wrong before.

"It is, yes. I have never heard or read about a band of heroes consisting of a dryad, a Demigod of a realm that no longer exists, two elder Gods' children, and a child of Athena. It must be a first."

"Indeed," Thalia said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Our merry band of weirdos will get the job done. But you should rest, Annabeth. You have been awake for almost two days straight now. I can take the helm for a while."

"I can-"

"Don't worry, Wise Girl," Thalia chuckled. "We'll wake you if something happens."

"I have control over the entire ship. The sea is calm. And nothing around us as of yet. Take the time to rest. We all need it. First shift is on us," Percy said, giving a lopsided smile to lighten the moods slightly. It didn't help, yet it was sweet of him.

"Thanks, wake me if something happens," Annabeth said.

"Of course, sweet dreams," Percy said as he and Thalia watched her disappear into the lower portions of the ship. She settled in one of the rooms next to the stairs to quickly get above again. She felt restless the entire time she tried to sleep. They weren't wrong. It was good to sleep when you could, but like many on this ship, she had a hard time yet found it eventually.

Annabeth sat in a black space, barely lit by a silver light candle in front of her. A table with snacks and drinks, all of which she loved to eat. Warm chocolate drink with whipped cream. A cookie to dip into it and enjoy. Even some candies that she often has on her workspace. She knew the moment she saw it in front of her what this was.

"Hello, my sweet love," Artume said softly, her voice distant and weak.

"You should rest, Artume. You can't waste energy by visiting me," Annabeth said into the dark space.

"Perhaps, but I wish to say a few things you need to be aware of," she said. "The sea you're going to... be aware you are not alone. They are watching you. I do not know what the Oracle said, but heed her words. You have two powerful friends that watch your quest with interest. And, please, watch out for a large ship. That's all I know from what little I can see. Stay safe. Don't sacrifice yourself for me."