I'm sorry, Annabeth

Annabeth I

How could she be so stupid?

Annabeth slapped herself mentally.

Why didn't she notice the trap?

She stood in front of her cabin, horrified.

Luke.

He and his army were invading Camp Half-Blood.

Why hadn't she seen them hiding?

Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.

They were having fun. They were celebrating Percy's birthday. Even Mrs. Jackson was there. He was just about to cut his freshly baked blue birthday cake. The whole camp was there.

It wasn't fair.

She felt tears forming in her grey eyes.

No. She couldn't cry. The children of Athena do NOT cry.

She took a deep breath and walked to the Big House.

"Annabeth!"

It was Chiron.

Annabeth blinked away her tears and turned her head towards him.

"Wha-" her voice cracked. "What do they want?"

Chiron looked at her sadly.

"We don't know. We suspect they want to fight, but they haven't done anything-well, except from injuring a young demigod from the Demeter cabin."

Annabeth sighed.

"It wasn't just any demigod, it was Katie."

Chiron breathed in deeply.

"I-I'm sorry, Annab-"

"No, it's okay." She cut in. She turned to the enemy.

Luke.

Luke is there.

The one who took care of her for so many years

The one...

Not anymore. A voice in her head said. You've got Percy.

Yes... but can't you forget the days he took care of you? With Thalia? He called you sister. Can you do this to him? Another voice whispered.

No. Annabeth said to herself. He's turned to the bad side, and this is what he deserves.

Suddenly, someone clutched her hand.

It was her best friend.

"Thalia." She smiled.

Thalia was panting. Her huntress tiara glowed brightly under the sun. It gave off an aura of power that made Annabeth shudder.

"Came here just for you, girl." She smirked and held up her bow and arrows.

Annabeth gave a weak smile.

"Thanks."

She turned to Chiron.

"I would like to have the permission to speak to the enemy."

Chiron froze.

"Are-are you sure? That's Luke." Chiron stammered.

Annabeth nodded slightly and Thalia gently patted her back.

"I'm all for this, Chiron. She'll manage."

Chiron nodded and walked to the side slightly to let Annabeth and Thalia cross.

Suddenly, there was a cry.

"Hey!"

The two girls spun around.

Annabeth melted a bit when she saw him.

Percy.

He grabbed her hand.

"Waddup, kelp head?"

"Good luck, you two, and be careful Annabeth."

"Let's just wish for the best." Thalia said.

Annabeth stared into the sea-green eyes of his while he stared into hers.

"Um... not wanting to interrupt, but its war time? Hello? Earth to Annabeth?"

Annabeth blinked and blushed slightly.

"Yes, of course."

Percy grinned his troublemaker grin and ran off to find Chiron.

Both girls turned and started to walk towards the enemy.

"It's a family reunion, Annabeth." Thalia said softly.

Annabeth swallowed down a tear.

"Yes. Thalia. It's time for a family reunion."