Reaching For The Stars

Chapter 31

Annabeth Chase

She felt herself drift over the island, not feeling bound to her body. Her body was still attached firmly to her spirit. That much she could be certain of as she saw her friends run over the grass field. The group just behind Zagreus who led them through the golden sparkling field. Each sheep was killed by a silver arrow, bursting into golden sparkles.

The group soon reached the canyon where a single wooden bridge dangled over a deep ravine. It was a sturdy bridge from what Annabeth could tell, but definitely not pretty. But what caught their attention was the one of the rare trees. A tree that sparkled with a golden woven fleece; the Golden Fleece.

"There it is," Nebula said.

"Indeed, and there is the current owner," Zagreus said, pointing with his blade tip to a giant cyclops. Annabeth never met a cyclops before, but tales are not always in favor of them. Great craftsmen and engineers while others say monsters and oathbreakers. Zagreus gave the group one more look before trudging to the Cyclops.

"Well, let's get moving," Thalia said and led the way. As they moved away, she felt herself being pulled back to her body. Within a second, she opened her eyes, the same sensations she always felt rushing to her mind. She could see the green face of Juniper gently smiling down at her.

"Juniper..."

"Welcome back, Annabeth."

Annabeth let a sigh leave her lips. It was almost over then. They would have the Fleece and be on their way back to Camp Half-Blood. The only thing left to worry about is the fact that something will come in their way. That something is Luke. She just knows it.

"Be at ease, Annabeth. We soon will be on our way to Camp again."

"Yes," Annabeth breathed out. "I worry about what to expect. Luke will come and stand in our way. Artume warned me about a ship she saw. That they are watching us."

"Is that what my lady said? A bad omen. She is never wrong in what she sees."

"Yes, I am afraid so."

Juniper helped Annabeth sit upright again before sitting with her on the golden sandy beach. It is no use worrying about it. They will come whether they like it or not. Luckily, this time she is not alone in facing Luke. With Percy and Thalia, Luke will have his hands full. Let alone Nebula that has proven stronger than Annabeth could have thought.

"It will be alright," Annabeth said without a doubt. "I trust in my friends. Luke can do what he likes, but I won't let his plan come to fruition."

"Killing a Goddess... I don't know, but it seems counterproductive to what he aims to achieve," Juniper pondered, both sitting with their knees to their chest, watching as their group of friends shuffled in the distance. "I wouldn't have attacked Lady Artume."

"It is the best course to follow, actually," Annabeth sighed. It made Juniper look at her with a raised eyebrow, curious to hear more.

"I can't be sure, of course," Annabeth continued. "But if you think about it; he attacks her and she starts to die. Luke knows I would do anything to heal her. He also knows there is a limited number of ways to heal her. And whatever we get that heals Artume, it will also heal..."

"The Titan Lord."

"Yeah. I'm sure he wants us to get it for him like errand boys. He awaits us outside of this sea. Artume said as much."

"I see..." Juniper said softly, contemplating the news. "Well, I suppose it is good to have Poseidon's son at our side. Let alone Thalia and Nebula who have shown to be very capable. I am sure you'll do everything in your power to help Artume."