Reaching For The Stars

Chapter 55

Artume

There's something she never could agree with no matter what the person did. It was torture. If the person has done something horrendous, indescribably evil, then you should put that person down. But torture, one should never do that. It just makes you evil, indulging your own twisted feelings and demons.

Calypso is such a person undergoing torture. Well, not exactly as described. She wasn't evil for one. The Titaness was a kind person in many ways, yet too loyal. She'd stayed at her father's side, and now she paid the price. Torture by breaking one's heart over and over and over. Artume couldn't think of a crueler method.

While it was a prison for Calypso, Demigods and the Gods themselves could enter and leave. The Demigods do require Calypso's approval to leave, but she always did and she broke down in tears. Usually, another demigod she fell in love with and broke her heart by leaving. Yet this time, Bianca was there. And with Bianca, she had a direct link to one being who could solve the whole dilemma.

It is not easy to do, though. A powerful magic barrier surrounded the whole island. Making it move constantly. Forcing the Titan to stay where she is. She could break it with her staff. The only reason she could is because it is not part of the Greek realm. It was forged in her own. One could see it as a last remnant of where she came from. While it is not necessarily more powerful than the Greek weapons used by the other Gods, it is able to destroy Greek Godly magic more easily.

Her figure appeared within a field of flowers. It was calm on the island. A warm breeze traveling through the picture-perfect island. The Titaness had many years to spend on the island. To create her own gardens and raise the splendor of the island. She had to spend her time on something. And Artume would say she did very well.

"I thought I felt a presence arriving."

The voice came from a woman who approached from in between the trees. There is no mistaking it that she was beautiful. Long caramel hair swayed in the air. Gentle dark eyes twinkling with warmth behind them. Artume couldn't fathom why she would be punished.

"Hello, Calypso."

"You..." Calypso cocked her head curiously. "I remember you. You're from another realm. How...?"

"My realm has disappeared long ago, Calypso. But I'd rather not think about it. I am rebuilding my life within this one now," Artume explained as she walked toward her. "Now, I am here to speak with Bianca."

"To take her away?" Calypso whispered, her eyes looking down to the ground. But Artume let a hand squeeze the Titaness' shoulder, shaking her head.

"I am, but she certainly will not be leaving alone. But I need to discuss it with her and you," Artume told the Titaness. It made her look up, for once she could recognize the hope on her face. How long has she stayed on this island?

"I... what?"

"Haven't you heard? These are interesting times, but if you don't mind, I'd like to sit down. I'm carrying extra weight with me," Artume chuckled as Calypso finally sees the bulge and the hands that held it. It made her smile too, almost like a happy mother who is seeing a grandchild coming into the world. Artume didn't expect that. But perhaps it made her remember better times?

"Of course! Come, come, I have cushions where you can sit on!"

Artume was led through the mesmerizing field of colors. Each breeze carrying thousands of different scents. She couldn't stop admiring this place. The trees were so grand, it was twisting and turning to the heavens. A small river ran from the hills down, meandering through the fields of color, almost turning into a liquid rainbow.