Reaching For The Stars

Chapter 32

Annabeth Chase

She stood near the front of the ship, her gaze scanning the ocean waters for any sign of the enemy. A ship would come toward them as far as they knew. Luke would not be ready. They have made preparations. Thalia and Percy know what to do and have been readying themselves.

There was not much she could do herself against a ship. She has laid out the plan, made sure all was understood. And just to be sure, she has a backup plan. Not the greatest of plans, but it never hurts to ensure success. Even if some were left behind while someone else went on with the Fleece.

She glanced behind her, looking toward her friends who seemed tense and alert. Understandable, she is tense and ready to spring into action. It would be idiocy if she wasn't when she knows about Luke and that ship of his. The only thing she doesn't know is what it looks like.

"It's almost night," Nebula said as she joined Annabeth, her gaze scanning the horizon before she looks at the blonde.

"I know. It will be harder for us to look out for this ship. Except for you. I think you're the only one that can see well in the night."

"Juniper as well," Nebula adds before letting a sigh pass her lips. "I wanted to thank you, Annabeth. Ever since the attack, I have been hyper-focused. But I should have thanked you for making sure everything runs smoothly."

"It's alright. I understand."

"Right. Of course, you would," Nebula let another deep breath leave her, leaning on the wooden railing. "Still, I should have said something."

"I don't care, Nebula. Not in this situation."

"Eh, I suppose," Nebula chuckled with a soft smile. "Well, I better start my meditation..."

"Your what?" Annabeth asked with a raised eyebrow. That's something she had never seen her do before. She never thought Nebula would be so spiritual. In all honesty, she found her the most down-to-earth person she ever met.

"Connecting to the stars. I will see much more if I can use the thousands of eyes in the sky. It requires a lot of concentration on my part yet it will help us greatly."

She watched as Nebula squeezed her shoulder before sitting in the middle of the deck. It truly makes her wonder what the limitations are of Nebula. Every time she does something new, she shows just to be as strong as a child of the Big Three. In fact, if it came to it, she thinks Nebula could defeat Thalia in a straight-up fight. The only reason why Nebula wouldn't is that she never trains. That makes Annabeth even more fearful of what her true potential is.

Annabeth turned back to the sea. The ship sailed smoothly through the water. They were midway the point to New York. It would only take a few more hours before they arrived. She would return soon. Save her girlfriend. Kiss her multiple times. Be happy. It made her smile briefly as she thought about it. The smile only went away when she saw what was coming toward them.

"Nebula, it's not necessary. They have arrived."

The group all quickly became aware of the large cruise ship that came straight for them. It is the moment of truth. The moment to see whether her plan would work. Annabeth looked at Percy and Thalia, nodding to give them the go-ahead. Let's see whether Luke can withstand the sea and sky.

"Give them hell," Nebula said as Thalia rubbed her hands together, intense sparks coming from them. The wind picked up, becoming intenser as the clouds turned darker. Thalia grinned as she let her electricity and power free.

"It will be my pleasure," she said, grinning like a maniac as her hands directed the storm as if it was an orchestra with her being the conductor.

Percy didn't slack either as he concentrated deeply on the sea as best he could. He was still very new to everything and only had some advice from Thalia. If he could make big waves crash against the sea, Annabeth would be happy. Thalia can bring down thunder to make the ship damaged, maybe even set it on fire. That would be very nice.