Reaching For The Stars

Chapter 56

Artume

One thing that has never crossed her mind is that she would be fighting while pregnant.

Well, Annabeth forced her and forbade her from even doing anything close to the front lines. That pretty much left her to twirl her magic stick in the air, causing stars to crash on enemies. Seems safe enough, but Calypso got charged with protecting, like a personal bodyguard.

As for their attack, Kronos seems to be gathering their forces at the Titan fortress. That means, a steep climb across the mountain of Atlas. Probably with plenty of traps or fire from monsters. To that end, Artemis and her hunters will be going ahead, to scout out the paths and kill any that stand in the way.

The rest of their forces will push on ahead, to face Kronos and any other Titan that may be present. Which will be headed by Hades herself, the one in charge of what can only be described as an army of undead monsters. Yet there was one part that consists of those of Elysium and the Isle of the Blest. There were many hungry for battle, which didn't surprise many. They were heroes and warriors, restless at the best of times.

The last part was made up by the demigods, rallied by Artume who pulled on their loyalty and respect. Besides, many were ready to do their part. Ares' kids the most amongst them. There's nothing they wouldn't do to earn Ares' respect. Useless but Artume wouldn't complain about what motivates them. Their parents or their own pride. She didn't care. This was what they could do. March toward them and hope for the best.

"You're thinking quite deeply, love. Tell me what's on your mind."

"I was just mulling over what we discussed with Hades. It's a risky plan. We don't know what we'll find there and when Olympus will come."

Annabeth wormed herself behind Artume, her arms wrapping around her. The hands finding their way to their favourite spot on the stomach. "I think you're worrying too much."

"You really think so?"

"Mhm, and dear, I truly think you need to stay here. It would make me feel much better." Annabeth pressed a kiss to her cheek. "Let me do this for you. I am more than capable."

"Yet I would like to contribute..." Artume mutters. "You're fighting. My daughter is fighting. Everyone in my service is fighting! And I am here. Doing nothing but being useless."

"Artume..."

She shook her head, turning to Annabeth fully. Her eyes studied her for a moment. The face gentle and patient as she looked at her. A losing battle, Artume could see it in those gray eyes. Even the soft smile and sparkling freckles of gold. Annabeth is adamant. "Why?"

"Because of her," Annabeth replied, laying her hand on where their child is growing. "Please. Do this for me."

Artume blinked her eyes dry, nodding in defeat. She let one deep breath enter her before stretching one hand out, letting the floor shine upward into her palm. Slowly, through shimmering radiant silver, her symbol of power appeared. The very heart of her realm, part of who she is, ever existing inside her. Whoever holds it, rules everything she has. One could see it as her essence of existence.

Artume laid it in Annabeth's hands.

"Take it. Use it. Let me help... in this way then."

"But you'll be weakened without it," Annabeth mutters, frowning as her hands held the brilliant silver staff. Artume merely gave a smile in response, a small breath leaving her.

"You're right. I will be weak. But the child will be okay. I'll be okay, waiting here. Within my realm. Waiting for you to return. I'm going to be fine. Just... use it, okay? If I can't be there, let my realm's powers be at your disposal, Annabeth. I want you safe too."