Mystery Iris Messenger

Fourteen

Percy walked into the small cabin, wondering if this was all just a cruel joke by the Gods. Inside was much larger than the outside, probably something from the mist. Percy walked into a large sitting room filled with a couple sofas and a TV. He wondered if the TV would attract monsters. He went over and sat on one of the sofas, bringing his feet up so he was sitting Indian Style (Criss Cross Applesauce in case you didn't know).

He doesn't like you, the voice began. He could never. Look at you. You're scrawny from lack of food and your hair is a mess. Your arms are covered in scars. How could a God ever like you? Or anyone for that matter. You need a haircut. By this point, you're face is almost covered. On second thought, keep your hair long. Save some people their eye sight.

Percy closed his eyes tightly, trying to block out the sounds. Apollo shouldn't be back for a while, right? He could clean up in time. He'll be gone for a while alright. Who knows, maybe he left you here for the Monsters. Might as well be in charge of your own death. "Shut up!" Percy growled at the voice. Tears were streaming down his face and he found himself walking toward the kitchen. It was large, but Percy dismissed it, looking everywhere for a knife or something sharp.

When he opened up one of the drawers, there was a note:

Percy,

I knew you'd try something like this. Maybe it's because you don't want to trust me, which I completely understand after everything you've been through. But I wasn't lying when I said I loved you. You deserve life. And like I told you multiple times as Lester, it can be just me and you. Safe. So, I hid everything sharp for your own safety. I would give up your search now.

Love, Apollo.

Percy yelled. He didn't care if anyone heard him. His mind was tearing him apart, mocking him. No matter how many times he told his mind to be quiet, it wouldn't. Instead it pushed forward.

His mom was more focused on the baby.

The demigods hate him.

The Gods hate him.

Apollo doesn't love him.

Everything was building up, and Percy didn't know how much more he could take. He was lost in his screaming thoughts that no one else could hear. When the door opened, Percy didn't so much as turn toward it, too lost in trying to silence his thoughts.

"Hey," a voice said gently, breaking through the voice, "it's alright. I've got you, Percy. I love you. Never forget that." Percy could only nod, knowing his mind would say otherwise, but he didn't want to argue with Apollo. The God walked Percy away from where he'd ended up back to the sofa. Percy wrapped his arms tightly around Apollo as he cried, his voice breaking as he begged for the voice to stop.

"It's so loud," Percy muttered helplessly. "Please help me, Apollo. I need you to help me. I can't do this on my own."

"I know you can't, Percy," Apollo said. "And I plan on helping you. I am the God of Healing after all."