Chapter 18: Rescuing Artemis
We appeared on top of mountain. At first I thought we never let. Then I turned around. There was a huge gathering of Mamias standing in front of a girl who couldn't be more than 15 in a silver dress looking like she was struggling with the weight of the world. It took me a minute to realize she was Artemis and she was holding the weight of the sky. My bow was still in my hand, "After you!" I said tuning towards Thalia and gesturing towards Artemis. She picked her bow from behind her back and notched and arrow. I notched mine, we marched forward together. The first 20 or so Mamias didn't know what had hit them. They were gold dust in seconds. The rest charged. I drew my sword and met them. I was rolling, dodging, and slashing. Thalia was right beside me. We hacked our way through the small army. Until there was only one Mamia left. I notched an arrow and pointed it towards him. He ran over and pressed a blade against Artemis's neck. "Drop it!" I yelled. He snarled. I felt and arrow whip by and stick out of his hand. He shrieked and held his hand. I let my arrow fly. It stuck out of its temple. He crumbled into dust. I ran over to Artemis. "Lady Artemis, how can I help?" "Need….Atlas….hold up the sky!" She sputtered out. Atlas wasn't here. An idea came to me, I squatted down beside her, "we'll hold it together." I pressed upward. She released a little of her hold, even with us sharing it was a huge burden for both of us. Another idea came to me, a stupid one, but it was an idea. I lifted my half with one hand and put the other around Artemis. "What are you doing?" She rasped. "Taking the burden from you!" I replied. I pushed her forward. She fell free from the weight of the sky. It felt like I was holding up three elephants and 4 buses times 1,000 up. I fell onto my knees. Artemis was on the ground breathing hard. Thalia was beside her helping her lean up. "You foolish boy, you shouldn't have done that!' Artemis yelled. "I'm just a boy, you're a god. Who's more important here? Me or You?" I replied. "Milady we need Atlas back. We need t pray to lord Zeus." Thalia said. Artemis nodded. Their eyes closed and thundered rumbled in the distance a few second later. There was a bright light and then the weight of the sky was off my shoulders. I fell to the ground. I didn't want to move. My whole body was aching. Thalia cradled my head. Artemis laid her hand on me. My body glowed silver for a second. Artemis leaned towards me. "Chase, I just gave you my blessing. You are the first man to ever receive it. Please don't misuse it." Artemis said. I nodded. She leaned down and kissed me on the cheek and then I passed out.