Reaching For The Stars

Chapter 24

Annabeth Chase

It felt good. While she would admit, Percy did most of the heroic stuff. He fought Ares, the monster lady on the Arch, and swiftly saved Grover. Of course, Artume helped greatly. Her star never led them astray, no matter which realm they walked in, let alone the interventions she did during their quest. But still, Annabeth was not just a sidekick. She helped Percy at every step of the quest.

"So, which floor has the entrance?" Percy asked.

Annabeth looked up from the silver bead, the object she had been staring at the most. No matter how many hours she had already looked at it, it kept captivating her. This shining silver bead was the most beautiful and precious thing she had ever been given. It had been two days since the confrontation with Ares. Their journey was coming to an end, and Annabeth couldn't wait to dance during the celebrations. Perhaps she would see Artume on Olympus?

"The 600th floor is where we need to go," Grover answered, his eyes scanning the lobby of the Empire State Building.

Artume truly did something amazing. She was staring at the bead instead of the architecture around her. It was at this moment she realized she was in awe. Truly, what else could it be? Annabeth tucked her necklace under her clothing and paid more attention to her surroundings. It should be when entering the realm of the Gods, apparently a place where she would live with Artume.

"You can convince the guard easily by showing the Bolt, Percy. They may be hesitant to let us in, considering the whole fight between the two brothers," Annabeth commented.

A nodding Grover agreed, and so Percy approached the counter. The guard was currently on break, or so Annabeth guessed, as he was reading a thick book about wizards, probably a version of all the Harry Potter books combined. As expected, the guard was comically quick in handing them a card to enter Olympus.

As the elevator started to speed towards the highest point, the three of them stood in the confined space, accompanied by a tune commonly heard in waiting rooms or elevators. So neutral and able to remain in your head, it was just straight-up awful. Percy glanced at Annabeth, who had returned to gaze at the silver bead again.

"Say... Annabeth," Percy said, making Annabeth look up at him, tucking the necklace away. "I have been wondering about something. Luke seems like a great guy; kind and supportive. But did he... uhm, you know, do something with the shoes I gave to Grover?"

"Luke has been nothing but kind to everyone," Annabeth mused as she thought about it. "He was somewhat in a brooding mood when he returned from his quest. It was a failure, you see. His scar around his came from the quest. But nothing else really, he has always made me feel welcome. Luke is like a brother I never had. I don't think he did anything. It could be an effect from the Underworld that caused them to malfunction."

"I see, never mind then. I guess I am just thinking too deeply," Percy said, to which Annabeth nodded. She couldn't fathom why Luke would do anything to his friends. He may have been very skeptical of the Gods, but who wouldn't at times? Annabeth thinks there are certain things that can be done better, but even Athena is not able to correct everything.

Ping!

"Well, here we go..." Percy said and stepped out.

Olympus sprawled in front of them. A floating bridge connected the elevator to the streets of Olympus. In the streets, buildings with golden sheens and beautiful parks where plants and trees grew unlike anything seen on Earth. Even as they walked through the streets, they were met by dozens of nature spirits, Godlings, and minor Gods. On the squares, small gatherings with music and food could be heard and seen.