Reaching For The Stars

Chapter 57

Annabeth Chase

She couldn't see much ahead. Thick mist obscured her vision. There was little of good around her as she creeped her way up the mountain. Each step close felt like she could feel the thick, dark air weighing her down more. The rocks and scrubs seem different, twisted at times or so it seems. For one shake of the head and they looked normal. There is something wrong with this place.

"Annabeth, tread carefully," Calypso whispered from behind her. "There is magic swirling around us. If we do not stay on the path, we'll be discovered."

Annabeth glanced behind her over the shoulder. The Titaness, her new neighbour, and possible a friend to the family. A beautiful woman in many ways. Long caramel hair, skin as if she was ethereal, and a face with gentle features. One wouldn't think she is a daughter of Atlas. They are as far apart as she is from Zeus.

"Thanks, I'll keep it in mind. Why are you helping us, Calypso? Last time you were not able to be swayed away from the Titans," Annabeth asked, her tone not accusing just filled with curiosity. Perhaps it was not the time to ask yet as she sees the long winding path... they have plenty of time.

"Hmm, it's tough to answer. You have to understand, Annabeth. My father and uncles... they are bad. I know. I was not blind. But... the Gods were? I did not know them. They came and poisoned my King, coughing up blood and bile..."

"Along with his children," Annabeth added, carefully stepping over a particularly bad patch of the path. "That must have been a sign?"

"Hmm, Zeus has done the same. Eaten his wife, unborn child," Calypso argued. That's something Annabeth couldn't deny. "I didn't know at the time. I was not present to see the Gods flee the palace. Only the King coughing and screaming. At first I didn't want anything to do with the fight. Didn't seem like a matter for me to get involved in."

"What changed your mind then?"

"The war, Annabeth," Calypso sighed. "The Gods were destroying the lands. Their destructive powers rendered the earth barren wherever they fought. Countless nymphs and dryads and other peaceful beings were killed by them. By Zeus and Poseidon mainly. I saw it for myself, Annabeth. Hades... was more precise in her approach, calculating, and terrifying. So, how could I stand and watch, Annabeth? My friends were being slaughtered by them."

Annabeth wouldn't be able to stand by either. She never read about these records. In the books they talk about battles and duels between the various combatants. Artume mentioned how even the war was felt in their realm. There is much she does not know, and it made her more upset with Zeus. How could the gods have tolerated him for so long?

"I do not judge you, Calypso. In fact, I think I'd have done the same. As cruel as Kronos is, I understand."

Calypso gave a small smile in response, seemingly grateful to have someone understand her for once. Life must have been cruel for her, Annabeth thought to herself. But she felt more set in their current course as well. To put down the titans and cast down Zeus. It feels like a lesser version of his father's tyranny. That's still tyranny in the end. No matter how much better it is.

"You will be living with me and my growing family, Calypso," Annabeth promised after a beat of silence. "There won't be anyone who will disturb you and your life with Bianca. I promise. You'll be living at peace."

"It's why I am fighting, Annabeth. I fight for that promise of a better future," Calypso said, smiling as she feels happy for the first time in centuries.

It was enough reasons to trust her Titan companion. Besides, Artume trusts her. That's enough for her. And they knew one another, or at least seen each other in passing. But there was little time for banter as the first columns and walls were appearing. The first line of defensive structures. As they approached, Calypso stopped her from moving forward.