Reaching For The Stars

Chapter 9

Artume

"To the Big House..."

"What a bother... unclear."

"Camp... Great and kind people... Miss you."

"Been months now... Wondering what you're dreaming about... Got to go, I'll be back tomorrow."

"Sleeping Beauty... away..."

"My Lord, it's a first... time."

"Are you there, Artume?"

Artume slowly opened her eyes, blinking as the blinding white light momentarily disoriented her. Everything felt strange; her senses were dull, her mind muddled and sluggish, and her body weaker. She blinked again, the surroundings slowly sharpening as she tried to focus.

She observed a wooden ceiling, soft golden light filtering into the room, which she was beginning to see clearer. She was confused by the unfamiliar setting, her gaze drifting across the room, noting several empty yet orderly beds, cabinets stocked with unidentifiable items, probably bottles and towels Artume guessed

Next, her ears caught the sounds around her: the creaking of wood, the rustle of wind through leaves, and a soft humming tune. This unfamiliar tune made her to search for its source, perplexed why there was a melody she didn't recognize. Wasn't she finally home?

When she spotted a golden-haired girl engrossed in a book, she couldn't believe her eyes. This girl wasn't supposed to be here; Annabeth was meant to be safe among the Demigods, not in the afterlife. Was this a dream? Artume struggled to understand what was happening. She was supposed to be dead.

"Annabeth...?" she called out softly.

Annabeth swiftly turned, her eyes widening as a bright smile spread across her face. She appeared older, her features sharper, her hair longer and slightly curlier, and more wisdom visible in her stormy grey eyes.

"Artume! You're awake!"

"Huh? What are you talking about?" Artume murmured, her voice weak and hoarse, a strange sensation coursing through her body. Something wasn't right.

"You collapsed, remember? During the fight with the Furies at the camp border?" Annabeth explained, putting her book aside as she approached Artume, settling into a comfortable wooden chair. Her gaze was kind and relieved at seeing Artume awake.

"Right..."

"Well, you collapsed when there was a bright explosion. I don't know exactly what happened, but something changed you. That much is clear," Annabeth explained, observing Artume's growing sense of disbelief at finding herself alive. Everything felt unnervingly flat.

"It's been a year, Artume. You were in a sort of coma, and you look... human," Annabeth continued, attempting to maintain a positive tone. However, Artume sensed that Annabeth wasn't entirely at ease; she was trying not to alarm or upset her.

A year had passed? Artume had never lost an entire year, no matter the circumstances. Even after being gravely injured in her battle with Bellona, she never fell into a coma, only to awaken a year later. Something felt off, even more so as she attempted to sense what was wrong and found nothing. It was as if she couldn't grasp it the way she used to. As Artume struggled to comprehend, Annabeth continued her explanation, noticing Artume's lack of response.

"You're not blue anymore, and you're still sparkly, but not as much as before. Your skin is pale, and your hair is platinum, which sparkles in the sunlight. Don't get me wrong, you're still beautiful, just very human," Annabeth described.

Artume glanced at her hands, confirming Annabeth's words. Her skin resembled Annabeth's, lacking the familiar blue hue. When she took a few strands of hair to examine, she observed the pale blond strands, shimmering in the morning sunlight. It made her heart beat faster, urging her to stand. Every movement felt rigid, and the first step nearly caused her to collapse if not for Annabeth catching her.