D/A: I wish to say that I was not planning to finish this story. Due to harsh comments given in the reviews, I wanted to erase my memory of this story forever but I could not force myself to do it so I left it. There are comments with good criticism. I can accept good criticism but what I cannot accept is the bashing of this story because you cannot digest my personal interpretations of the story. I started this story in high school but now I am in college. It's been four years since I've updated and I do apologize for those of you who actually enjoyed reading it and wish to read more. My friend actually found this story a few days ago and encouraged me to finish the story. I will continue to write this story on one condition: do not insult my work because of some ideas you have set in stone about the Percy Jackson & the Olympians. Furthermore, any personal vendettas against my work will be reported to Fanfiction to prevent anyone from getting hurt as I did. There is always room for good criticism but snarky comments will not be tolerated. Thank you.

"Annabeth…," Luke said, "is that really you?"

I just looked at him, keeping myself ready for any attack. Then I said, "What are you doing down here? Did you follow me?" I couldn't believe after all that he's done to hurt people, he believes that I will fall for his sweet demeanor. His eyes which show sincerity are obviously decoys for the evil plans he has in his mind.

"Of course I didn't follow you here. I've been hiding—"

"Hiding? From what exactly? Your own disgusting self? That's wonderful, Luke. I'm glad you feel some guilt for all the trouble you've caused. I hope you rot—"

"ANNABETH! Listen to me! I left them! I left Kronos' followers. I seek forgiveness that I cannot earn which has led me to this underground labyrinth. I needed time away from both parties to sort out which one gave my life more meaning…" Then he looked at me and slowly began to step forward, closer to me. "Annabeth…I missed you. I really did. And I know you, deep in your heart, wished that I would come back to you." He went to touch my face then but I flinched. "At least I hoped you would."

I couldn't believe this was really happening. I'm hallucinating, I thought. This isn't real life right now. A world where Luke has seen all the wrong things he has done? Impossible…

"Annabeth?"

"Why?" I asked. "Why after all this time? You had so many opportunities, Luke. So many opportunities to tell everyone what you just told me right now and you chose to hide out here instead of facing your crimes like a man or at least the man I thought you were before you became a traitor."

I hurt him by saying. His expression got weak and it looked as though he had lost an epic battle. However, I was not willing to forgive him that easily. It would be a waste of my time trying to hear him out. I cannot forget what crimes he committed or all the bad choices he made to become Kronos' right hand man.

"Don't ever think that I can just forget what you did. I wish you were the same person I met all those years ago when I decided to run away. I thought I could save you from becoming a villain but I couldn't because you can't change those who are born evil, Luke. You can't fix what cannot be fixed."

"Then why are you still here talking to me then? If you knew that any attempt you made to 'fix' would be to no avail then why bother telling me all this now? Why aren't you walking away from something that you believed to be a lost cause, Annabeth? Tell me." He wasn't angry but he wasn't too happy about what I said either.

I wanted to make him suffer but that would require time and effort which I do not wish to waste on him. I had to get to Daedulus soon before he tried anything so I began to walk away.

He grabbed my arm. "Answer me, Annabeth. Why were you willing to risk anything to save me from myself?"

"Because Luke." I felt that was all that could be said without revealing too much.

"Because what, Annabeth?"

I began pulling my arm but his grip tightened so I began to kick him. As hard and as fast as I possibly could. He grabbed other arm then and pushed up against the rock walls of the tunnel. "Tell me now!" He stepped on both of my feet to keep me from kicking and pinned my arms on both sides of me to keep me from punching him. "I need an answer."

I didn't want to tell him but I was hoping the shock of hearing my answer would make him loosen his hold on me. "Because…Luke…I…I loved you."