Reaching For The Stars

Chapter 5

Annabeth Chase

Annabeth gazed at the Goddess, a figure believed to possess extraordinary powers beyond her wildest imagination, powers that even her most extravagant dreams couldn't match. One would expect this Goddess to exude authority, strength, and inspire awe, yet Annabeth found herself taken aback by the Goddess's demeanor.

An hour after bidding farewell to Nebula at Hawk Falls, Annabeth observed Artume from a distance as she sat next to the fire. The goddess lay contently in the grass with her hands tucked behind her head, leisurely observing the twinkling stars above. This sight slightly shattered Annabeth's image of her own mother. The only saving grace for her perception of Athena was that she didn't belong to a destroyed and forgotten pantheon.

Thalia and Luke had already settled into the tent gifted by Nebula, seeking some comfort in their sleep. Annabeth felt a pang of sadness as she watched Nebula depart, having grown fond of her during their time together. Nebula had helped her pick up the pieces and had provided her with a home ever since she had run away. Nebula had emphasized the need for their separation, particularly due to her impending destination, a place deemed unsuitable for Nabula.

With a sigh, Annabeth stepped away from the campfire and approached Artume, who remained fixated on the stars. Without averting her gaze, Artume patted the space beside her, silently inviting Annabeth to join her in stargazing, an invitation which Annabeth accepted.

"Are you okay?" Annabeth asked, causing Artume to momentarily shift her attention from the sky to focus on Annabeth. It seemed to catch her off guard, as if she wasn't accustomed to being asked about her well-being, a scenario likely stemming from her former status as a Goddess.

"You're kind, Annabeth. Don't let the weight of future endeavors overwhelm you. As for me, I believe I am doing well. It's been quite some time since I've traveled with companions."

"Nebula was also on a journey. Why didn't you join her?"

"It's her life, Annabeth. Her choice was to explore the world on her own terms. I can only accept it and help her along. But it seems you have something you wish to ask me? You appear a bit lost."

Annabeth let out a breath, lying beside Artume on the soft grass, the natural cushion offering a comfortable position for observing the starry night. She couldn't help but feel that the night appeared brighter, as if the stars were striving to display their ethereal radiance for Artume.

"I don't know... I know I ran away from home," Annabeth confessed, her discomfort evident as she absentmindedly scratched her arm.

"All three of you Demigods ran away from home. Different reasons, but with the same outcome. It was fate that brought you together, Annabeth."

"It's somewhat comforting to know it's a shared experience among us... Do you really think it was fate?"

"I believe so, but I cannot say for certain. My foresight left me hundreds of years ago. I can only glimpse very specific events, making the past as shrouded as the future. However, the present is more accessible, especially beneath the stars."

"Could you perhaps show me something about my father?" Annabeth's voice tightened as she thought about her father's possible reaction to her departure. She had spent countless nights contemplating his feelings. Annabeth hoped to see he cared in the end or to confirm that she was never truly wanted.