Reaching For The Stars

Chapter 39

Zoe Nightshade

She watched Artume carefully, a person she had grown to respect ever since Lady Artemis helped her. But something was amiss, perhaps something that was bothering her. And it was not Annabeth who was taken. It made it hard to see, as the anger was like a perpetual veil over her. Yet she could see deep frustrations on her face. Their hunt already gave some of it away.

Her gaze took in the conversation between Thalia and Artume. While she couldn't hear what they said, she could figure out it had something to do with Annabeth. It was a strategic move to make Thalia hunt down Annabeth. Zeus would not do anything against his own daughter.

"Phoebe, move into the cabin. I must speak with Thalia," Zoe said the moment Artume took her leave. Bianca too remained in Camp, which Zoe found a bit strange. There must be a role she must play in Artume's plans.

"As you say, Zoe," Phoebe said, signaling for the Hunters to move out. One thing she would miss is her sisters. Or those that had become more like her sisters than her real ones. The moment the group started to disperse, Zoe went to Thalia.

Bianca was walking curiously through the camp, seemingly knowing where to go. It must be where Nebula had created her coffee bar. Despite all her talk about wanting to be on the road, Nebula didn't complain about settling in camp. Percy and Grover went with Nico to the Big House. Thalia seemed to be going there as well, only trailing behind.

"Thalia," Zoe said as soon as she was close enough. "What has Lady Artume asked of thee?"

Thalia looked up with furrowed brows. "What is it, Zoe? Since when does it matter to you?"

"There is something afoot. I cannot help but see a plan of Artume at work to achieve something."

"How is that your problem?" Thalia asked more sharply. Both had now come to a stop, facing one another as they conversed. Zoe wished Thalia wouldn't be so stubborn about past events.

"I will not interfere. Has she said I will be entering her service? There is no reason I wouldn't help her."

"You're what? Why would you leave Artemis' service... No way... You?"

"I am not without feelings, Thalia," Zoe said with a roll of her eyes. "In any case, what has she told thee? I can help."

Thalia sighed, her hands on her hips with her gaze to the cabins. It was not hard to see she looked at the Athena cabin; Annabeth. She realized it now. Artume charged Thalia with getting her back.

The typical way for Gods to do. Let the Demigods handle it as they were forced by Law to watch. Zeus truly made the Gods have a handicap. A perfect way to keep them down. Otherwise, he can threaten their very existence. Truly, he could take their divinity away.

"Get Annabeth back. I know what it will involve; a quest. She did say to take Nebula and Bianca with me. A portal for her to interfere and influence the Quest," Thalia explained. "I don't know if you can help. It depends on the oracle which I will visit as soon as I can."

"I see. Know I stand at the ready, Thalia. I will follow if that is what thy wish of me."

"Truly?" Thalia asked, her voice seemingly filled with disbelief. Is her reputation truly that harsh? Zoe didn't think it was. She has always been honest about what was on her mind. Is that truly a bad thing?

"I am. If Lady Artemis supports Lady Artemis, then I will as well. I will not force the Hunters, but they will follow if asked. Skeptical they may be, Thalia. But... I have my reasons."

Thalia let a breath escape her. "Thanks, Zoe. I need to see what I will be told by the creepy corps first. But... thanks. I appreciate it. Perhaps we can start over. Just don't expect me to follow your orders."