Mystery Iris Messenger

Four

Unknown Iris Message for Perseus Jackson.

Percy glanced over at the fountain where it had began glowing. He debated whether or not to answer, just in case it was someone from camp trying to harass him. You could never be too careful.

After glancing at the food that had been sitting on the desk by his bed for about half an hour or so, Percy decided to answer it. He threw a drachma into the water and watched as the message formed into the video chat like waves. No one was on the other side. When Percy was about ready to cancel it, thinking about how he just wasted his money, a voice spoke up.

"Wait, don't leave," a male's voice rang into the cabin. "I want to help you, Percy."

"Who are you?" Percy questioned. There was a pause on the other end. It was long enough to make Percy feel uneasy. The voice sounded familiar, but he couldn't pin point the person who it belonged to.

"Call me Lester," the voice answered finally. "Now, before you ask, no I cannot show my face. You would hate me, possibly shun me. And I don't want you to do that. You'll figure out who I am eventually, but for now, I'm your new friend, Lester." Percy thought about whether or not to believe him.

"You don't really want to help me," Percy said, glaring at whoever was there. "No one does. Except maybe Nico,  Will, and Renya. But probably not."

It was silent for a long time. Percy could hear the quiet breathing of the other person. Anger ran over him, knowing how little people actually cared about him. This was probably just another thing thrown at him by the Gods. No one could care about him after the past two wars.

On the other side of the line, Apollo sat still as a rock. His insides burned at the hearing of Percy's words. How could anyone bring themselves to hate the boy who's saved them multiple times. All they do is sit back and watch. "That's not true," Apollo whispered quietly. "You're amazing Percy. If the other demigods can't see that, then forget them. You can do so much better."

Percy didn't say anything. He couldn't say anything. If he did, he would have fallen apart. The tears built up would fall. All the words on the tip of his tongue would be let out. Percy would break, and he knew it too. It's only been a day, but he could feel himself breaking. Every bone in his body felt like he were really a sand castle on the shore, waiting for the tide to come in and destroy him.

"You don't have to say anything, Percy," the voice began. "Just know that even if you don't know who I am, I'll be there to guide you through all the hardships. I'll light your path, lead you through the day."

Percy cut the connection as soon as the last word left the stranger. He's lying, Percy told himself. You've killed so many people. No one likes you. Not Reyna. Not Will. Not Nico. And certainly not this complete stranger. With that, Percy laid on his bed. When he heard Will open the door, the aroma of food filling the cabin, Percy shut his eyes, pretending to be asleep.

A soft clink signalled that Will put down the plate. "Hey, Percy," Will sat on the bed beside him. "I know you're awake. Please eat at least a little bit." Percy rolled away from him, fighting tears. He could almost hear Will's frown as the son of Apollo stood up and walked out.

He's lying.

He's lying.

Gods dammit, Percy, he's lying.

He doesn't care.

Some of his siblings were killed.

Why would he care?

He'll start blaming you eventually.

Percy broke.

It was a slow process. His body became tingly before it was completely numb. Tears left his eyes, not listening to his wishes for them not to. He rolled on to his back so his blurry vision was focused on the bare ceiling. The pleasant smell of food was a distant memory now. And the voices just got louder.

They don't care.

You've been replaced.

You're a murder.

A disgrace.

Lift the silencing charm...

Listen to the truth.

Kill yourself.

That's the fate you deserve.

To be dead.

Just like all those other demigods.

Do everyone a favor and end your life.

Do it now.