Reaching For The Stars

Chapter 25

Camp Half-Blood
2005

Artume

Never in all the years she had spent in camp did the celebrations ever reach this height. The moment the group returned with the help of Artume, they became part of the largest parade in the last few hundred years. Artume watched as all three of them with laurels on their head were out on their chariots, passing through camp toward the arena. Artume stood to the sides, watching contently from afar as Annabeth and her friends passed the lines of Demigods, nature spirits, satyrs, and Chiron.

"I am quite certain that these three will be more important than any of us will realize," Artume said, standing together with Nebula.

"Maybe, at least they seem to be involved in plenty of danger. Usually that says enough," Nebula shrugged, sipping from her cup filled with coffee. As Artume glanced once again to Nebula, she saw the gaze of the girl directed to the Big House. That is certainly curious.

"Anything special in the Big House?"

"Huh," Nebula looked rather flustered as she turned to her mother, a soft grin on the Goddess's face. "No, not particularly..."

"I almost thought it would be the recovering Hesperid that occupied your mind," Artume said with a chuckle, waving to Annabeth. As the blond passed her by, she blew a kiss to her. Annabeth blushed fiercely yet her lips formed a bright smile as she looked lovingly at Artume.

"W-what are you talking about!?"

"Hmm?" Artume hummed questioningly as she looked at Nebula. "Am I wrong, child?"

"I only tasted her sap-like blood! Who-"

"You tasted her sap?" Artume asked as a brow was raised upward, cutting in as Nebula groans with embarrassment. "I didn't know their bodies held sap. Hmm. Curious. But very disrespectful, Nebula. Not a very good impression to your-"

"She's not my girlfriend!"

"Hmm, you could make a wish under the stars," Artume said while wiggling her brows. "I am sure Aphrodite would be more than happy to send in the wish for you. Especially since Zoe is a Hunter."

"Oh by the Gods...." Nebula muttered irritably as she started to stomp away, her cheeks ablaze. It only made Artume laugh softly, feeling the joy of a mother at seeing her child embarrassed. Artume couldn't help but tease Nebula, even if it is to help her along the path she's embarked on.

"Before you go too far, Nebula," Artume said in a more serious tone, walking to a more quiet corner a bit away from the parade.

Demigods were glancing at them yet paid not much mind. Their focus was more on the three returned heroes, and soon enough moved away toward the arena. Nebula watched as Artume guided her toward the coffee stand/car, lowering herself to be equal height.

"Listen, I don't know what it means yet," Artume spoke, glancing across to the other side where the Hermes cabin was. "But every time I am here, I feel something in the shadows. It is as if something is being carried around like an oppressive passenger. Be careful, Nebula. Keep your eyes open."

"What's it you feel, mother?"

"I am not certain. It's old yet the presence is too elusive, hiding from my senses," Artume answered as best she could. "All I know is that you need to be careful. This thing is not a good thing. It's all I can tell for certain."