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Home is wherever I'm with you [W7, Sat]
Mom,
There are a lot of things I have to explain that I don’t know if I have time to. I wish I did. I wish I had all of the time in the world to tell you everything that I couldn’t say in my voicemail. I know I told you I’m on a quest because Hera put me to sleep and then took my memory, but this became a sidequest.
The girl who gave you this letter is Natalie and she’s my friend. The other girl is Xion and the boy is Jason. They’re very important to me and I’m sending them to the apartment until I can come home. They’re all my friends and they need to be looked after. I couldn’t say no. I’m sorry, I should have asked sooner, but I know it’ll be okay.
A long time ago you told me that if life was going to mean anything, we have to live it ourselves. Find the courage to do it on our own. I want to give these guys the chance to do that, but they need a little time to get back on their feet. It’s been two months together and they’re some of the bravest people I know. You guys have that in common. I know they’ll be good but they may not be used to having a roof over their head or people to look after them.
Natalie’s used to being invisible. She’ll be a little sarcastic and moody because her defenses are up until she feels comfortable. She’s actually really sweet. She’ll take time to warm up but I know she’ll adapt quickly.
Jason’s kind of like me? He’s reckless and impulsive but loyal. He needs to be pulled in sometimes but he’s very protective and very smart. He’ll be a huge help.
Xion’s quiet now but with time and healing she’ll return to her brighter self. She doesn’t know a lot about the world and she’s like Tyson that way, curious and earnest in everything she does. She will listen to those two.
The three of them together were some of the best friends I’ve made in my time in the town.
I can’t tell you about the town. Not yet. I’m not ready. I don’t know if I can without crying and I don’t have time to do that with my quest still going. But I will be home soon. I promise I’ll make it back in one piece. I have Annabeth. (Which…we should talk about when I get home.)
I know they’ll keep you and Paul safe. And I know you and Paul will help them. I just wanted my family in one place for me to come home to. And I will.
I love you. I’ll see you soon.
-Percy
There are a lot of things I have to explain that I don’t know if I have time to. I wish I did. I wish I had all of the time in the world to tell you everything that I couldn’t say in my voicemail. I know I told you I’m on a quest because Hera put me to sleep and then took my memory, but this became a sidequest.
The girl who gave you this letter is Natalie and she’s my friend. The other girl is Xion and the boy is Jason. They’re very important to me and I’m sending them to the apartment until I can come home. They’re all my friends and they need to be looked after. I couldn’t say no. I’m sorry, I should have asked sooner, but I know it’ll be okay.
A long time ago you told me that if life was going to mean anything, we have to live it ourselves. Find the courage to do it on our own. I want to give these guys the chance to do that, but they need a little time to get back on their feet. It’s been two months together and they’re some of the bravest people I know. You guys have that in common. I know they’ll be good but they may not be used to having a roof over their head or people to look after them.
Natalie’s used to being invisible. She’ll be a little sarcastic and moody because her defenses are up until she feels comfortable. She’s actually really sweet. She’ll take time to warm up but I know she’ll adapt quickly.
Jason’s kind of like me? He’s reckless and impulsive but loyal. He needs to be pulled in sometimes but he’s very protective and very smart. He’ll be a huge help.
Xion’s quiet now but with time and healing she’ll return to her brighter self. She doesn’t know a lot about the world and she’s like Tyson that way, curious and earnest in everything she does. She will listen to those two.
The three of them together were some of the best friends I’ve made in my time in the town.
I can’t tell you about the town. Not yet. I’m not ready. I don’t know if I can without crying and I don’t have time to do that with my quest still going. But I will be home soon. I promise I’ll make it back in one piece. I have Annabeth. (Which…we should talk about when I get home.)
I know they’ll keep you and Paul safe. And I know you and Paul will help them. I just wanted my family in one place for me to come home to. And I will.
I love you. I’ll see you soon.
-Percy
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Promise me no dead end streets and I'll guarantee we'll have the road [W7, Thursday Night]
[The hotel explodes just like he knew it would. He's out of the way as promised, but that's a pretty loud and obnoxious boom. He peers out of the saloon where he'd been hiding out, watches Hal walk past and stares at the debris around town. Whole Ass really is crashing to the ground, isn't it?
Oh well. No one's sleeping tonight, but as he stares out into the quiet nearly empty town, he spots a light.
...no, not a light. It's the bonfire. He blinks curiously, wondering why the fire's on now and without thinking he leaves the saloon to approach the flames.
It's only when he spots a familiar figure that he gets it and he feels his mouth go dry. He stands off to the side to watch for a moment before he speaks up.]
...what are you doing out here so late?
Oh well. No one's sleeping tonight, but as he stares out into the quiet nearly empty town, he spots a light.
...no, not a light. It's the bonfire. He blinks curiously, wondering why the fire's on now and without thinking he leaves the saloon to approach the flames.
It's only when he spots a familiar figure that he gets it and he feels his mouth go dry. He stands off to the side to watch for a moment before he speaks up.]
...what are you doing out here so late?
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Where do we go from here, and what did you do with directions? [W7, Thursday]
[He knew this was coming for a while now, but it didn't make it easier. He knew how it would happen, too, but it still didn't make it easier. Reading Noctis's letter was hard and there's a spike of shame and an equally large spike of affection for the boy when he reads it. It's why he immediately decides to follow his wishes and he seeks Milla out. He approaches quietly with an item in-hand, body obscuring it a little until he gets a gauge on her mood. No doubt she's feeling just as defeated.]
Hey, Milla...
Hey, Milla...
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When you lose something you can't replace, when you love someone, but it goes to waste [W7, Tuesday]
[He lets Jason rest. He doesn't know if Jason's even asleep or in that familiar pocket Percy's found, the one that feels like dreaming but it could never be a dream. A dream would be a kinder reality. This is just a suspension of time.
He lets Jason rest, but whenever Jason emerges from his mountain of blankets and his sleepless rest, he'll find there's something on the bedside table. It's a plate of toast that looks like Percy held them in the fireplace, along with a glass of juice. The toast is cold by now and the juice is warm, no telling how long it's been there. Percy's been up for a while.
When Jason looks, though, he'll find that Percy's standing with his back toward him and a pen in-hand. There are papers tacked up all over the wall, and a pen in his hand as he draws. It's messy and not exactly artistic talent, but it's clear that it's a city skyline. There's a large building hundreds of stories high. There's the curl of the ocean. There's a large pine tree.
And there's Percy staring at it all. He turns his head to lean down and grab a bottle of juice by his feet, stopping when he sees that Jason's eyes are open. He tilts his head and offers a half-smile.]
Morning. Or afternoon. Not really sure which it is.
He lets Jason rest, but whenever Jason emerges from his mountain of blankets and his sleepless rest, he'll find there's something on the bedside table. It's a plate of toast that looks like Percy held them in the fireplace, along with a glass of juice. The toast is cold by now and the juice is warm, no telling how long it's been there. Percy's been up for a while.
When Jason looks, though, he'll find that Percy's standing with his back toward him and a pen in-hand. There are papers tacked up all over the wall, and a pen in his hand as he draws. It's messy and not exactly artistic talent, but it's clear that it's a city skyline. There's a large building hundreds of stories high. There's the curl of the ocean. There's a large pine tree.
And there's Percy staring at it all. He turns his head to lean down and grab a bottle of juice by his feet, stopping when he sees that Jason's eyes are open. He tilts his head and offers a half-smile.]
Morning. Or afternoon. Not really sure which it is.
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Nobody said it was easy, no one ever said it would be this hard [W7, Monday]
[The town is quiet and sullen, but time marches on. It's the afternoon by now when Percy finds himself in the kitchen staring at a boiling pot of water. He can't recall the last time he actually cooked something, but with so few of them left it seems he has to self-provide.
He's lost in thought as he stares at noodles boiling in water and suddenly hears footsteps. He looks up, a little alarmed but relaxing upon the sight of someone familiar.
(But then again...aren't they all familiar now?)]
You should join me for lunch. I had no idea how much I was supposed to add to the water.
He's lost in thought as he stares at noodles boiling in water and suddenly hears footsteps. He looks up, a little alarmed but relaxing upon the sight of someone familiar.
(But then again...aren't they all familiar now?)]
You should join me for lunch. I had no idea how much I was supposed to add to the water.
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We'll have the bonds that we save, but we'll have the heart not to lose it [Letter, Sunday, W6]
To the girl who deserves a shred of happiness, and to the boy who deserves someone to trust:
It’s only been two days, but your absence is very noticeable. The trial was quiet without either of you. Maybe it’s selfish of me, but I’m glad the two of you went together. Maybe it’s more selfish of me that we didn’t fight harder to find your killers. For that, I’m sorry. You two trusted me to make things okay, and we failed in that way again. I’ll try harder.
I hope the train is treating you well, and I hope you’re safe with all of our friends. I want you two to look out for each other and I’d say try to stay out of trouble, but when have any of us ever been good at that?
Xion. Ask Natalie about New York. Ask Natalie everything. Natalie will tell you the stories of my home and the things you two can do there if you wish to come with us. I will make sure Pluto is looked after in your absence. You were brave from start to finish and though I don’t know what happened and I don’t understand why this happened to you, why someone would take you away, I’m proud of how far you made it. I got your letter…I read the important part to the trial. I will work with the others to solve this game. I will keep the walking stick close just for your memory, and I look forward to that ice cream date. Don’t forget.
Shinnosuke. I’m sorry for reading what I read at the trial, but it was important. I needed people to understand that the lives in this game belong to real people and that there’s more than meets the eye in all of us. I will work with the others in your absence. I will never be able to fill the empty void that was your presence in our group, but I will try. I will make sure you get home. I will make sure you get the chance to keep fighting to save your sister. I will make sure you remember the importance of trust…a team.
We’re a team still, aren’t we, guys? I know you’re watching out for us. And we’re fighting to save you. We’ll work to bring everyone together again in the way that things should be. It’ll be harder than I imagined, but I believe the strength I’ve seen from you two is something I can remember.
I’ll see you both soon. Take care of each other.
-Percy
It’s only been two days, but your absence is very noticeable. The trial was quiet without either of you. Maybe it’s selfish of me, but I’m glad the two of you went together. Maybe it’s more selfish of me that we didn’t fight harder to find your killers. For that, I’m sorry. You two trusted me to make things okay, and we failed in that way again. I’ll try harder.
I hope the train is treating you well, and I hope you’re safe with all of our friends. I want you two to look out for each other and I’d say try to stay out of trouble, but when have any of us ever been good at that?
Xion. Ask Natalie about New York. Ask Natalie everything. Natalie will tell you the stories of my home and the things you two can do there if you wish to come with us. I will make sure Pluto is looked after in your absence. You were brave from start to finish and though I don’t know what happened and I don’t understand why this happened to you, why someone would take you away, I’m proud of how far you made it. I got your letter…I read the important part to the trial. I will work with the others to solve this game. I will keep the walking stick close just for your memory, and I look forward to that ice cream date. Don’t forget.
Shinnosuke. I’m sorry for reading what I read at the trial, but it was important. I needed people to understand that the lives in this game belong to real people and that there’s more than meets the eye in all of us. I will work with the others in your absence. I will never be able to fill the empty void that was your presence in our group, but I will try. I will make sure you get home. I will make sure you get the chance to keep fighting to save your sister. I will make sure you remember the importance of trust…a team.
We’re a team still, aren’t we, guys? I know you’re watching out for us. And we’re fighting to save you. We’ll work to bring everyone together again in the way that things should be. It’ll be harder than I imagined, but I believe the strength I’ve seen from you two is something I can remember.
I’ll see you both soon. Take care of each other.
-Percy
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I wanna go back but I can't back down, and you know me too well [Letter, Sunday, W6]
Dr. Lecter,
In theory, this letter is for you and for Will both but I don’t really think he wants to hear from me. He’s not the Will Graham I know, so I’m not sure I want to hear from him yet either.
However, I think I owe you both for multiple reasons.
The old Will Graham once said: “Neither of us have lied to you. I like you very much and I think you are a very good kid and I don't want to see you hurt. I know Hannibal feels the same way, all advice he's given you or conversations he's had with you are not out of anything but Hannibal wanting good for you.”
Despite how everything turned out, I’m kind of figuring that’s actually true. You didn’t have to give me your merit. He didn’t have to give me hints. You both didn’t have to hold my secrets. You both didn’t have to write me letters.
Neither of you had to do any of the things you’ve done, and even though I’m not sure how I feel about it now, I do know that these are the tools I needed to help me win.
It’s for that reason I will ask Hal to send you two to wherever it is you wish to go. A new country, the bottom of the ocean, I don’t know. I would ask you to stop hurting people in your new life, but I don’t know if asking will do anything at all.
And so, this letter is to thank you both for everything. The good and the bad. I’ve realized that even if I can never think of either of you the same way, you’ve forced me to change into who I am. And who I am now is the one who needs to win this game. I can only hope that I will continue to change for the better. I can only hope that your love for each other is enough to keep the two of you satisfied and save the rest of the world for a tiny bit longer.
You did what you had to do, Dr. Lecter. So did Will. And so did I. And that, I think, is enough for the three of us.
-Percy Jackson
In theory, this letter is for you and for Will both but I don’t really think he wants to hear from me. He’s not the Will Graham I know, so I’m not sure I want to hear from him yet either.
However, I think I owe you both for multiple reasons.
The old Will Graham once said: “Neither of us have lied to you. I like you very much and I think you are a very good kid and I don't want to see you hurt. I know Hannibal feels the same way, all advice he's given you or conversations he's had with you are not out of anything but Hannibal wanting good for you.”
Despite how everything turned out, I’m kind of figuring that’s actually true. You didn’t have to give me your merit. He didn’t have to give me hints. You both didn’t have to hold my secrets. You both didn’t have to write me letters.
Neither of you had to do any of the things you’ve done, and even though I’m not sure how I feel about it now, I do know that these are the tools I needed to help me win.
It’s for that reason I will ask Hal to send you two to wherever it is you wish to go. A new country, the bottom of the ocean, I don’t know. I would ask you to stop hurting people in your new life, but I don’t know if asking will do anything at all.
And so, this letter is to thank you both for everything. The good and the bad. I’ve realized that even if I can never think of either of you the same way, you’ve forced me to change into who I am. And who I am now is the one who needs to win this game. I can only hope that I will continue to change for the better. I can only hope that your love for each other is enough to keep the two of you satisfied and save the rest of the world for a tiny bit longer.
You did what you had to do, Dr. Lecter. So did Will. And so did I. And that, I think, is enough for the three of us.
-Percy Jackson
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Here I am living a dream that I can’t hold, here I am on my own [Letter, Sunday, W6]
[This letter is slightly smeared with blood and water, but legible.]
Nat Natalie,
I told you once before that Annabeth asked Hal to install TVs to the train. I know this means you saw what happened this morning.
You only asked me not to let Jason do this. You never said I couldn’t. Plus, of course, Will himself asked me to. He said that he preferred I be the one to execute him. That Will Graham died the moment he hurt you. So I killed the imposter instead.
I’m sorry. I’m sorry if it hurt. I never wanted it to hurt, and I’m sorry you were still alone. I never wanted that. But you’re safe now. I know you are. You’re with friends, and soon you’ll be joined by other friends.
I found the piece we were looking for. Or, I guess, it found me. I know what I have to do now. I hope everyone will forgive me after this, but I have to end this game. You remember how we spoke in our second week? We talked about who would be decent enough to end the game with a good outcome and you said it was between Yuna, Xion, and me.
So many people seemed to know that it would come down to being me. Except for me. Maybe I didn’t know it, but it seems that way. We weren’t as off as we thought we were, were we? All of us have to go in order to go home.
I will fight until the end. I will be the victor. But I don’t know if I’ll ever be the same. Will you still like me after this? I’ll understand if you don’t. We can talk when I see you next.
[There are drawings here now, little skylines and taxis and monuments of New York.]
Keep dreaming of home, Natalie. The big skyscrapers, the city lights, feeding ducks in Central Park and the best pizza in the world. Dream of home, dream of a new life, dream of everything you want to do for yourself. Keep Xion close. Talk to Annabeth if you’re worried. Stay away from Hannibal and Will for now. Be brave in the way you’ve been since I met you.
I will try my best to do the same.
I told you I was a hero, didn’t I? Guess it’s time to be a little less humble. Is it okay to be scared? Don’t tell anyone else. It won’t do much for me now. Maybe a little fear is good. It’ll keep me alive long enough to die.
Thank you for everything you’ve done. Please remember that you matter, and please give Jason a hug for me when he shows up. Apologize for me if he figures out what’s happening. I don’t know what will happen to him, but I know he’ll be safe the moment he sees you.
And when it comes to the end…it’s okay if you close your eyes. I may have to do the same.
-Percy
I told you once before that Annabeth asked Hal to install TVs to the train. I know this means you saw what happened this morning.
You only asked me not to let Jason do this. You never said I couldn’t. Plus, of course, Will himself asked me to. He said that he preferred I be the one to execute him. That Will Graham died the moment he hurt you. So I killed the imposter instead.
I’m sorry. I’m sorry if it hurt. I never wanted it to hurt, and I’m sorry you were still alone. I never wanted that. But you’re safe now. I know you are. You’re with friends, and soon you’ll be joined by other friends.
I found the piece we were looking for. Or, I guess, it found me. I know what I have to do now. I hope everyone will forgive me after this, but I have to end this game. You remember how we spoke in our second week? We talked about who would be decent enough to end the game with a good outcome and you said it was between Yuna, Xion, and me.
So many people seemed to know that it would come down to being me. Except for me. Maybe I didn’t know it, but it seems that way. We weren’t as off as we thought we were, were we? All of us have to go in order to go home.
I will fight until the end. I will be the victor. But I don’t know if I’ll ever be the same. Will you still like me after this? I’ll understand if you don’t. We can talk when I see you next.
[There are drawings here now, little skylines and taxis and monuments of New York.]
Keep dreaming of home, Natalie. The big skyscrapers, the city lights, feeding ducks in Central Park and the best pizza in the world. Dream of home, dream of a new life, dream of everything you want to do for yourself. Keep Xion close. Talk to Annabeth if you’re worried. Stay away from Hannibal and Will for now. Be brave in the way you’ve been since I met you.
I will try my best to do the same.
I told you I was a hero, didn’t I? Guess it’s time to be a little less humble. Is it okay to be scared? Don’t tell anyone else. It won’t do much for me now. Maybe a little fear is good. It’ll keep me alive long enough to die.
Thank you for everything you’ve done. Please remember that you matter, and please give Jason a hug for me when he shows up. Apologize for me if he figures out what’s happening. I don’t know what will happen to him, but I know he’ll be safe the moment he sees you.
And when it comes to the end…it’s okay if you close your eyes. I may have to do the same.
-Percy
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Prepare for your greatest moments, prepare for your finest hour [Letter, Sunday, W6]
Sara,
Your hints confused us for a while and I don’t think Milla and Noctis understand yet, but I do. As I promised you, I am taking care of Mr. Barnham to the best of my ability.
And that is why I’m helping him with the final fight, the final mission, the burden he’s held close since who even knows when. He’s entrusted me to help him…and so I will.
Mr. Barnham says I will be the last one alive, and it’s for that reason I will do my best to help him. I will bring you all home. I will make you a sandwich as soon as I show up on the train.
What I ask of you is to please take care of the new passengers that come on the train this week. Be there to greet them and assure them. Be there to make sure they’re alright. Hug Noctis for me when he gets there, and have a drink with Milla for me. Hug Papika extra, too, and please make sure she’s taking care of herself. Damian and Jason, too.
More than that…take care of Mr. Barnham when he arrives. I think he might be afraid to see you again after all this time. Please forgive him for the secrets he’s had.
I told Annabeth about my fate. Please make sure she doesn’t do anything crazy before I get there. I’ll take a long nap on the train when I get there. I promise.
Thank you for your guidance to all of us. Thank you for being someone to look up to. I’ll see you soon.
-Percy
Your hints confused us for a while and I don’t think Milla and Noctis understand yet, but I do. As I promised you, I am taking care of Mr. Barnham to the best of my ability.
And that is why I’m helping him with the final fight, the final mission, the burden he’s held close since who even knows when. He’s entrusted me to help him…and so I will.
Mr. Barnham says I will be the last one alive, and it’s for that reason I will do my best to help him. I will bring you all home. I will make you a sandwich as soon as I show up on the train.
What I ask of you is to please take care of the new passengers that come on the train this week. Be there to greet them and assure them. Be there to make sure they’re alright. Hug Noctis for me when he gets there, and have a drink with Milla for me. Hug Papika extra, too, and please make sure she’s taking care of herself. Damian and Jason, too.
More than that…take care of Mr. Barnham when he arrives. I think he might be afraid to see you again after all this time. Please forgive him for the secrets he’s had.
I told Annabeth about my fate. Please make sure she doesn’t do anything crazy before I get there. I’ll take a long nap on the train when I get there. I promise.
Thank you for your guidance to all of us. Thank you for being someone to look up to. I’ll see you soon.
-Percy
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But if you close your eyes, does it almost feel like nothing changed at all? [Letter, Sunday, W6]
[There are varying spots in this letter that are smeared with blood and water spots, but for the most part it’s legible.]
Annabeth,
I understand.
It’s not about bringing you back to me. It’s about me coming to you.
I understand.
Mr. Barnham and I are working together. I understand everything. This was never what I wanted, but I have to save them all. I have to help Mr. Barnham end this. And then…
…Mr. Barnham says I’m going to be the last one left. He says we have to make sure it’s me. Will told me before his blood lathered my hands that I would be the victor. Others have told me that I would be the one. I thought maybe for once I wasn’t.
But I am. I will be the one to make a choice, and I will be the one to save the world one more time.
But…this time? It means I’ll die, too. Mr. Barnham said everyone needs to die for the game to be finished, but I’ll be able to make my choice before then. I will wake up tomorrow knowing that the lives of my friends will be taken. They may not understand why. I have chosen not to tell anyone else so they don’t have to live with dread that they’re working on borrowed time.
The game will end this week. Eight others will join you on the train, and I will make the choice.
And then I will end my own life. I don’t trust the Sheriff to do this for me.
I’m scared. But it will be done.
I understand why it wasn’t personal now. I understand how you’re not freaking out about being there. I understand so many things and while sometimes I wish I didn’t, it’s for the better. Mr. Barnham has had this burden on his own for far too long. I want to support him in this final week. I will do what I can with the time I have left.
I promise you. By the time this week is over, the game will end. We will go home, and I will come back to you. I need to come back to you. I miss you. It hurts. Annabeth, it hurts and I don’t know how to make it stop. I want to make it stop. I keep thinking maybe I won’t survive, but I keep surviving anyway. And now I know why.
I’m sorry if you saw what I did to Will. This was before I knew. I wanted the monster to be slayed. Please stay away from him. He would prefer that, and I would like that, too.
Natalie and Xion are there now. I’d like them to come home with us. They can stay with my mom until we get home from the ancient lands. Jason, too. Those three deserve loving parents and a family, and I don’t want to lose them.
This letter should be more cheerful, I think. I know how things will end and I know I will see you soon. I’m excited…I’m ready to see you smile again, I’m ready to kiss you again, and I’m ready just to be again…this time, I will never let you go. We have to get home, save the world, and then you, me and the beach. Think about the ocean. Think about me.
Thinking about you is the only thing keeping me tied here. Thinking about you and the friends we’ve made will keep me here long enough.
I’m ready to end this. I hope you’re ready for me. I will be the hero, and I will come for you. Like Orpheus and Eurydice.
I love you. I love you, I love you, I love you. I’m sorry for the things I have to do to end this game. Forgive me when you see me.
I love you.
-Percy
Annabeth,
I understand.
It’s not about bringing you back to me. It’s about me coming to you.
I understand.
Mr. Barnham and I are working together. I understand everything. This was never what I wanted, but I have to save them all. I have to help Mr. Barnham end this. And then…
…Mr. Barnham says I’m going to be the last one left. He says we have to make sure it’s me. Will told me before his blood lathered my hands that I would be the victor. Others have told me that I would be the one. I thought maybe for once I wasn’t.
But I am. I will be the one to make a choice, and I will be the one to save the world one more time.
But…this time? It means I’ll die, too. Mr. Barnham said everyone needs to die for the game to be finished, but I’ll be able to make my choice before then. I will wake up tomorrow knowing that the lives of my friends will be taken. They may not understand why. I have chosen not to tell anyone else so they don’t have to live with dread that they’re working on borrowed time.
The game will end this week. Eight others will join you on the train, and I will make the choice.
And then I will end my own life. I don’t trust the Sheriff to do this for me.
I’m scared. But it will be done.
I understand why it wasn’t personal now. I understand how you’re not freaking out about being there. I understand so many things and while sometimes I wish I didn’t, it’s for the better. Mr. Barnham has had this burden on his own for far too long. I want to support him in this final week. I will do what I can with the time I have left.
I promise you. By the time this week is over, the game will end. We will go home, and I will come back to you. I need to come back to you. I miss you. It hurts. Annabeth, it hurts and I don’t know how to make it stop. I want to make it stop. I keep thinking maybe I won’t survive, but I keep surviving anyway. And now I know why.
I’m sorry if you saw what I did to Will. This was before I knew. I wanted the monster to be slayed. Please stay away from him. He would prefer that, and I would like that, too.
Natalie and Xion are there now. I’d like them to come home with us. They can stay with my mom until we get home from the ancient lands. Jason, too. Those three deserve loving parents and a family, and I don’t want to lose them.
This letter should be more cheerful, I think. I know how things will end and I know I will see you soon. I’m excited…I’m ready to see you smile again, I’m ready to kiss you again, and I’m ready just to be again…this time, I will never let you go. We have to get home, save the world, and then you, me and the beach. Think about the ocean. Think about me.
Thinking about you is the only thing keeping me tied here. Thinking about you and the friends we’ve made will keep me here long enough.
I’m ready to end this. I hope you’re ready for me. I will be the hero, and I will come for you. Like Orpheus and Eurydice.
I love you. I love you, I love you, I love you. I’m sorry for the things I have to do to end this game. Forgive me when you see me.
I love you.
-Percy
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Well you're so sick and tired of feeling so alone [W6, Sunday]
[It's late. Very, very, late. The night is cold and still and Percy can't sleep after everything that's happened. He also can't sleep knowing he still hasn't found Jason Todd.
He thinks then where Jason might go. He thinks of where he himself would go when he wanted to be alone. It's a crazy idea, and he knows Jason isn't like him, wouldn't seek refuge at the water...so he thinks of height and space. He looks out the window of the hotel, noticing there are no figures on any of the roofs of the buildings in town. It's only then he thinks another crazy thought...and begins his ascent up to the roof of the hotel.
His clothing is dirty and there are the beginnings of circles under his eyes again, but his face relaxes just slightly as he climbs and finds Jason on the hotel roof. He hauls himself up the rest of the way, wincing about his still-bruised hand but pushing forward until he's not dangling three stories up.]
If I don't make you come inside, can I join you?
He thinks then where Jason might go. He thinks of where he himself would go when he wanted to be alone. It's a crazy idea, and he knows Jason isn't like him, wouldn't seek refuge at the water...so he thinks of height and space. He looks out the window of the hotel, noticing there are no figures on any of the roofs of the buildings in town. It's only then he thinks another crazy thought...and begins his ascent up to the roof of the hotel.
His clothing is dirty and there are the beginnings of circles under his eyes again, but his face relaxes just slightly as he climbs and finds Jason on the hotel roof. He hauls himself up the rest of the way, wincing about his still-bruised hand but pushing forward until he's not dangling three stories up.]
If I don't make you come inside, can I join you?
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We've got no reason to be alone now [W6, Saturday, Post-Trial]
[And so after the Bounty meeting, Percy lingers back and waits for Noctis, watching the other two go before he walks up to him and taps his shoulder.]
...I'm going for a walk. Wanna come with?
[He figures they could both use the time to clear their heads.]
...I'm going for a walk. Wanna come with?
[He figures they could both use the time to clear their heads.]
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And forever for her is over for me [W6, Saturday, Post-Trial]
[He's curled up in a ball on the floor, a piece of paper clutched in his hand. He's not able to meet anybody's eyes right now but he knows this is important.
Shinnosuke and Natalie are gone. Jason's MIA. Their numbers are so small and not for the first time he wonders if he should be more scared than he feels.
However, he talks to the top of his shoes instead.]
...go ahead. Lay it on me. [About how he and Jason should have mentioned things sooner. There's a lot more he wants to say, but one step at a time.]
Shinnosuke and Natalie are gone. Jason's MIA. Their numbers are so small and not for the first time he wonders if he should be more scared than he feels.
However, he talks to the top of his shoes instead.]
...go ahead. Lay it on me. [About how he and Jason should have mentioned things sooner. There's a lot more he wants to say, but one step at a time.]
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Your faith walks on broken glass & the hangover doesn't pass, nothing's ever built to last [W6, Fri]
[He thinks of where she could be not long after he receives his letter from Hannibal. He remembers something Natalie told him not long ago, about how she and Jason came here once to drink away their sorrows and he finds it funny even now.
It's the only bit of humor he has left.
It's with this in mind that he enters the church quietly and shuts the door silently behind him. Churches are fake, he thinks, too boxed in and too reliant on only one god. Then again, it's not like the gods have ever helped him here, have they? And they won't help now.
Percy's spoken to Natalie before about losing friends. And his heart sinks as he realizes just how true those words are.]
...Natalie?
It's the only bit of humor he has left.
It's with this in mind that he enters the church quietly and shuts the door silently behind him. Churches are fake, he thinks, too boxed in and too reliant on only one god. Then again, it's not like the gods have ever helped him here, have they? And they won't help now.
Percy's spoken to Natalie before about losing friends. And his heart sinks as he realizes just how true those words are.]
...Natalie?
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As you step into the street and notice the distance between the hearts and homes [W6, Friday]
[Will might be surprised to find that one of the rounds Winston comes back, he's holding a new note. Upon unfolding it, Will will notice that it's one of Percy's wanted posters that he's torn down from the station and a note is scrawled on it almost sloppily. It happens when your hand's bandaged up.]
Will,
...I imagine you don't want company. I imagine you don't wantcondolances condolences and I imagine you're already planning on how to strike back.
But...I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything. I did my best. I wanted to do more, I wanted to try and stop this, I wanted so much but this town has proven to me you can't get what you want all the time.
I don't know what's going to happen tomorrow. I'm scared, honestly, but I know I can't be. That won't be good for anyone. I read Dr. Lecter's letter. I have some ideas. I don't know if I'm ready, but again, I know I can't be scared.
Please be well, Will. It's a tall order, I know. Know that despite what happens tomorrow, I'm grateful for all you've done for me in the weeks we've been here. I know you know exactly how everything will play out. I'll have to make do with my own clues and find a new way to win. Dr. Lecter had spoken to me about maybe working with us. I think he already knew it was too late. I appreciate him humoring me, at least.
Like I said, I imagine you don't want company and maybe that's for the best. I had enough people tell me to take time to grieve and I don't know if I ever really did. But you and Winston can probably guess where to find me. Otherwise, I'll see you tomorrow, I hope.
-Perseus
Will,
...I imagine you don't want company. I imagine you don't want
But...I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything. I did my best. I wanted to do more, I wanted to try and stop this, I wanted so much but this town has proven to me you can't get what you want all the time.
I don't know what's going to happen tomorrow. I'm scared, honestly, but I know I can't be. That won't be good for anyone. I read Dr. Lecter's letter. I have some ideas. I don't know if I'm ready, but again, I know I can't be scared.
Please be well, Will. It's a tall order, I know. Know that despite what happens tomorrow, I'm grateful for all you've done for me in the weeks we've been here. I know you know exactly how everything will play out. I'll have to make do with my own clues and find a new way to win. Dr. Lecter had spoken to me about maybe working with us. I think he already knew it was too late. I appreciate him humoring me, at least.
Like I said, I imagine you don't want company and maybe that's for the best. I had enough people tell me to take time to grieve and I don't know if I ever really did. But you and Winston can probably guess where to find me. Otherwise, I'll see you tomorrow, I hope.
-Perseus
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Now we’ve got a big, big mess on our hands tonight [W6, Thursday, Pre-Curfew]
[Another day, another meeting. This one's more tense than usual especially with the lack of a small bat-child. Percy's right hand is sloppily bandaged up and his jaw is tight as his eyes burn with anger.]
Dr. Lecter knows we know. He's known since Saturday. Hal confirmed with me he's the Deputy, just like Hal confirmed to Dr. Lecter that we were onto him.
[A shaky sigh.] What the fuck do we do now?
Dr. Lecter knows we know. He's known since Saturday. Hal confirmed with me he's the Deputy, just like Hal confirmed to Dr. Lecter that we were onto him.
[A shaky sigh.] What the fuck do we do now?
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So I guess that's a step in the right direction, clever composition in the honesty [W6, Wednesday]
[It was time. It was time, Percy decided, to face the monster head-on, just as he always has.
Is it fair to think of Dr. Lecter as a monster? Perhaps not. But Percy's negotiated with people before, people who have wanted others dead. Everything Will's told him sat with him for days and seeped into his nightmares, visions of blood and gore and mutilated bodies, a fucked-up version of love that left him sick and gasping any time he woke up.
So Percy slept. Monday evening onward until Wednesday. It's only after breakfast, after a confirmation that others know and suspect, that he realizes he's wasting time.
…at least he takes the time to shower, to get changed out of his pajamas and into other clothes, prepare himself. The water doesn't re-energize him the way it usually does but it helps clear his head. He has to be calm and diplomatic when he speaks. Dr. Lecter, surely, knows he's coming for him.
It's why Wednesday afternoon finds him approaching the man's room, Mrs. O'Leary left in his own room and no one else aware he's even awake now. He stands out in the hall, breathing in deeply through his nose before firmly knocking on the door.
There's no turning back. Not now.]
Is it fair to think of Dr. Lecter as a monster? Perhaps not. But Percy's negotiated with people before, people who have wanted others dead. Everything Will's told him sat with him for days and seeped into his nightmares, visions of blood and gore and mutilated bodies, a fucked-up version of love that left him sick and gasping any time he woke up.
So Percy slept. Monday evening onward until Wednesday. It's only after breakfast, after a confirmation that others know and suspect, that he realizes he's wasting time.
…at least he takes the time to shower, to get changed out of his pajamas and into other clothes, prepare himself. The water doesn't re-energize him the way it usually does but it helps clear his head. He has to be calm and diplomatic when he speaks. Dr. Lecter, surely, knows he's coming for him.
It's why Wednesday afternoon finds him approaching the man's room, Mrs. O'Leary left in his own room and no one else aware he's even awake now. He stands out in the hall, breathing in deeply through his nose before firmly knocking on the door.
There's no turning back. Not now.]
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Don't think you're more than this, or above all this [W6, Monday Afternoon]
[He manages to catch her after the fiasco that is the corpse pile and he jogs up to her with Mrs. O'Leary in his wake, easily falling into step with her and dropping his voice to a lower tone.]
Hey, can I talk to you for a minute? I think most of the town's busy dealing with our corpse pile.
Hey, can I talk to you for a minute? I think most of the town's busy dealing with our corpse pile.