Reaching For The Stars

Chapter 12

Annabeth Chase

There's always something special in camp.

Annabeth studied the map of Camp Half-Blood: the forest, the creek, Zeus' fist—all confined within the borders where Capture the Flag would be played. It was a final glance before heading to the meeting ground, even though she knew the map by heart at this point.

Her eyes drifted to a necklace with a single round bead—a bead adorned with stars swirling around a silver dot. The design was chosen from what the camp witnessed over the hills when she, Artume, Thalia, and Luke first entered. A day shrouded in mystery for most. They could only discuss the event superficially.

Annabeth took the necklace from the table, sitting down on her bed—the privilege of the Head Counselor and, at her age, the youngest demigod to hold that title. Her drive didn't come to achieve glory but from a determination not to be helpless in the face of danger, not to rely on others for protection. The memory of Artume sacrificing herself lingered as the most heart-wrenching sight she'd ever witnessed.

As her thumb traced the orb, memories flooded back—the silver explosion, Artume holding the Furies at bay, and the serene look on her face as she longed to be reunited her family. Annabeth wished she could have done more back then.

"I promise..." Annabeth murmured to herself, nodding firmly as she pocketed the necklace before leaving. Typically, Chiron provided the camp beads and necklace, but in this case, she insisted on handling it for Artume.

While most necklaces were simple, made from ropes, leather, bronze, or other modest materials, Annabeth wanted Artume's to reflect her divinity. She asked the Hephaestus cabin to craft a silver necklace. Though unable to do the metalwork herself, Annabeth contributed by adorning it with glowing crystals, resembling dim stars. She hoped it would serve as a reminder of Artume's identity—the Goddess of the Stars.

As night came over the camp, groups of campers came together at the gathering place for the game. Thalia was with Luke, their conversations growing tenser—an occurrence Annabeth found more frequent than she'd prefer. Most of the groups were only those that belong in the same cabin. Hermes being the largest, but Artume walked alone, separated. As Athena's cabin needed no instructions, Annabeth approached Artume to keep her company and present the necklace.

"Artume, how has your day been so far?"

"Hmm, it was an interesting day," Artume replied, offering a faint smile as a greeting. "The mortal life is curious. I never knew so much came with it. I think I'll enjoy my time here. Unless Aphrodite's children decide to act against me—they seem to dislike me, though I hold no opposition to what they preach."

"You're the child of the moon goddess. Romance isn't her forte. Maidenhood is more important to her," Annabeth explained. "Something the Love goddess considers very unimportant."

"I see. Well, in time, they may change their minds. After all, I am no virgin, at least not in my previous form."

"You weren't?"

Artume chuckled, causing Annabeth's cheeks to become rosy, causing an embarrassing flush in Annabeth. "Surprised? I am old, Annabeth. While I've hardly been interested in male companionship, I did try it out. I was young once. However, I didn't enjoy it much; I find female companionship more pleasant."