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DEATH LETTERS
[ On Thalia's desk, there are a set of folded letters. Though she has a hard time writing, you'll find the handwriting is impeccably practiced and the wording is carefully chosen.
...It seems for the rest of you, Ancient Greek is translated quite well. ]
...It seems for the rest of you, Ancient Greek is translated quite well. ]
FOR EVERYONE / IN GENERAL
I apologize first and foremost for dying before doing anything substantial to break from the Hollywood Tower Hotel. I may only pray that my fall was for a noble cause and has furthered either your safety or our cause in some way. Or that it was particularly annoying for Roddy to clean up. That would also be a plus.
In the event that Reyna has perished as well, please find a way to reach my home and deliver the letters addressed to those I leave behind, except for the one addressed to Lady Artemis. When out of this infernal hotel, away from its isolating magic, simply burning it should give it the ability to find her.
[ the follow is hastier; it's been written later. ]
The time has come for me to act. I don't know what this night is to bring, but I've learned the true nature of this motive and I refuse to let it pass. I've no plan. But I don't doubt the man can do it. They're threatening our loved ones, our histories and I can't let it stand.
I've no sentimental attachment to the items I've amassed, so you may divide them among yourselves as you see fit, with three exceptions:
My shield, Aegis, is to be left to Reyna. It should be returned home.
My spear is to be left to Belle.
The ambrosia is to be left to Reyna. No one else should touch it.
It's been a struggle at times to work together, but in spite of all the differences and arguing, I've been honored to fight by your sides. It is my strongest wish that you are able to escape this place and return to your respective lives. Use the fire that's been dividing you to surge forward. Become the storm, do not fall to it.
Your Friend and Comrade,
First Lieutenant of the Hunters of Artemis
~ Thalia
PS - If any of you got drunk at my trial, I'll find a way to personally and horribly haunt you for the rest of your life.
SALLY
It has been rough for you in this place. It's impossible not to see that. Your own difficulties have been in a different way than the rest of us, however, so it has likely seemed that we've been taking them lightly. That I had been taking them lightly. I want this letter to be my formal apology. I've lived in a way so outside of "normal" that death is part of my own life, but not as it is for you. As such, I should have been one to reach out to you. Obviously, I could not, and that troubles me.
I hope you don't lose the wonder and curiosity that makes you who you are. At the same time, I hope you can adjust to this harsh reality, without it hurting you anymore.
You mentioned your friend Jack and his potential ability to free the souls trapped here or revive the dead. Should he be able to, I am content being returned to the Underworld. I've been living on borrowed time for years now. Honestly, I've probably been living on borrowed time since I was born. If it's still in the cards for me, I'd rather just like to try for reincarnation. Perhaps a quiet life.
Enjoy your Halloween. Do something fun.
Your Friend and Comrade,
First Lieutenant of the Hunters of Artemis
~ Thalia
VIRGIL
I found an odd sense of kinship with you, even after learning you aren't a son of Zeus or Jupiter. That may have only furthered it; I've never met a person before who could do some of the same things I can without being a demigod. It's regrettable that we could never spar, especially with our abilities unhindered. I think I would have greatly liked it.
Your energy for superheroism has inspired me since you told me of it. As a demigod, especially one of Zeus who was born at an incredibly inopportune time, my life's always had an element of fighting to it. Let me not mince words: I've been fighting since before I ran away from home. Therefore, for you to receive these great powers and use them voluntarily to help others sounds like something more out of a myth than my own life. I think it shows your quality of character. I hope that you can leave this place and continue your noble goals.
Your Friend and Comrade,
First Lieutenant of the Hunters of Artemis
~ Thalia
DONALD
I have truly enjoyed hearing of your family. They seem so precious to you, in a way family sometimes can't be. These are but a passing girl's words, I know, but I hope you all continue to cherish each other.
Don't give up hope on your sister. Have faith that she's out there, and that she will return to your side. Should my prayers ever reach the gods, my wishes for your reunion will be among them.
Your Friend and Comrade,
First Lieutenant of the Hunters of Artemis
~ Thalia
CORNELIA
You've been a sensible voice in the chaos here, particularly during the trials, and that I truly appreciate. I hope you can continue to be that, until all of you can escape.
I wish you and your Guardians the best in the future. Were there more time, I would've loved to hear more about them. Our groups are fundamentally different, but in some ways the little I did learn reminded me of my own Hunters. It was a small piece of home, and I do feel grateful for that.
Your Friend and Comrade,
First Lieutenant of the Hunters of Artemis
~ Thalia
KYLO REN
From your description of your duties and devotion, I know you're one to stick to your convictions. I didn't need to speak to you for long to understand that. This may fall on deaf ears, then.
However, I've started to learn something here, or rather re-learn it. I was finding the place in my life for infatuation and maybe even love once more. It went against every creed I swore, but it also made me so very happy. I can't tell you how to live your life or to balance your duties and indulgences. But from one who had written off love as no longer necessary: Consider it, if you would. I've found it beneficial.
I will say, though, if you were lying to me and that infatuation is for Belle, you'd better not do anything to make her feel uncomfortable, or I shall fight my way to haunt you myself. She is far younger than you, after all. Don't be a creep, please.
Your Friend and Comrade,
First Lieutenant of the Hunters of Artemis
~ Thalia
MARNIE
To you I must apologize specially. Though I said I would do my best to keep you safe, it's impossible for me to continue you that. Please don't let this sap your spirit. I saw in you the fire of a hunter. I hope you never lose that fire, Marnie. I think Lady Artemis would've taken a shine to that part of you, honestly. I don't pretend to know how she thinks, but she may have even offered you a place in the hunt.
Though you are a strong girl, I worry you'll take too much on. Even in a place like this, you should be allowed to be a child. I don't mean this in a condescending sort of way. Really, for all the adventures I've had, I wish I'd gotten to be a child, for even a little bit longer. May the gods answer my prayers and let you leave this accursed place soon.
Your Friend and Comrade,
First Lieutenant of the Hunters of Artemis
~ Thalia
URSULA
You and I didn't get off on the best foot (or tentacle). To be honest I don't think I've ever felt we could come back from that. My distrust of you must have been palpable from the start, even without the misunderstanding. However, I have grown to appreciate your bombastic attitude. You've been a valuable ally. I don't think anyone, especially myself, could deny that. I will then, in more sincere words say: I do apologize for the trouble I caused when we first met. Though we differ in many ways, perhaps we could have come to work together better, had I not acted rashly. There is a part of me that truly wanted to learn from you, as an older woman influence. I suppose we'll never know, in the end, what could have been.
I have a last request. Marnie looks up to you, as a fellow witch. She's a good girl. I can do nothing more for her, so all I can implore is: Please, don't do wrong by her.
Your "Friend" and Comrade,
First Lieutenant of the Hunters of Artemis
~ Thalia
RATIGAN
If a banquet is held in my honor and there is a drop of alcohol, [ ...it seems she stalled on this for awhile; there's pencil marks and scribbles, and this letter seems far from complete.
In the end, it continues: ]
It is my only request that none is consumed there. I can't do anything about it but ask.
Your Comrade,
First Lieutenant of the Hunters of Artemis
~ Thalia
JOSHUA
I've never spoken to a true immortal as an equal before. If you're anything like the ones I've met, I'm sure you hate even the thought of that. Were you with your full abilities, you could have snapped us out of here in an instant, and that would have obviously been preferable. As things were, I found myself enjoying our conversations. Perhaps it was the knowledge that you couldn't snap your fingers and change me into an inanimate object or that my life wasn't pledged to yours, but it felt like a magical experience, one that I've always wanted to know, ever since I learned of my parentage and the world I was to live in.
This is far more sentimental than it should be. What I truly want to say is, you proved a unique companion inside these walls. I'm grateful I got the chance to meet you. Please, try to protect the others as best you can, if there's any bit of your abilities you can tap into. Please help Reyna return home. She'll be crushed by this, but she's very strong.
I'm sorry I won't get to try your ramen.
Your Friend and Comrade,
First Lieutenant of the Hunters of Artemis
~ Thalia
OSWALD
We've spoken of family before. To be honest, I've rarely had a happy one. Mother was good to me once in a blue moon, and Father has only ever looked at the achievements I can produce as a daughter of Zeus. My brother was stolen from me when we were young and I've only just reunited with him. Part of me can't understand a happy family life, and I don't think it ever will be able to.
But you. You only spoke sparingly of your troubles, but I could tell there was something disquieted beneath the surface. Those of us with troubled histories tend to seek each other out, in my experience. However, there was something different in yours. A love for your brother and a boundless energy to make your world a better place for the family you've made for yourself. I admire that. I more than admire it, I envy it, in the best way possible.
You've mentioned children in the past. I think they're lucky to have someone so caring as a father.
I would have loved to hear of your home, truly. I would have loved to sing your praises, and help you find a heart.
Your Friend and Comrade,
First Lieutenant of the Hunters of Artemis
~ Thalia
AMANDA
I'd first like to thank you for the friendship you've shown me here. It's meant a lot to me. I've felt that you were one who could understand me. Though you aren't a demigod, you were born something so that our experiences are "similar" in a way. In many ways, really. There's nothing wrong with finding your own family. When I ran away from home, I found my own in my friend Luke and in the young Annabeth, for awhile. That family didn't last, but I continued to find a new one in the hunters and in whoever I could connect with. Your Kingdom Keepers and especially your sister: I am beyond happy that you've been able to have them.
I've two requests. Please, help Belle with the mace spear I've left her. Reyna can help instruct you with training, but I think a slightly softer hand would be beneficial for teaching. There's a spark in her, and I feel like if I can't keep her safe then she can learn to for herself.
The second one is far more selfish. Please watch over Reyna. This will devastate her. She's a strong girl, but she's lost so much. I hate to be another person on that list.
Hold strong and keep your head level, but don't be afraid to grieve. It's something I have to remind myself, often.
Your Friend and Comrade,
First Lieutenant of the Hunters of Artemis
~ Thalia
TADASHI
You've been a wonderful friend to me. Were that we could hang out in a normal capacity, I think we would've gotten on even better. It's been awhile since I've hung out with boys close to my age like you and Virgil for an extended period of time. It comes with the territory, being a servant of Lady Artemis. I think I've missed it. I've missed the friends I could make.
Hearing stories about your brother made me long for my own, but it also helped to think about him. I wish I could've met him, your Hiro. I probably would have gotten along with him. He might have brought out my more mischievous side. Whatever the result would've been, I can tell you love him very deeply. I'm happy for the two of you, that you have each other. Hold on tight to him, alright?
I believe deep in my heart that you have the strength to carry on, despite all the horror we've seen here. You are resourceful, T. Use that to escape and help the others. I'm rooting for you.
Your Friend and Comrade,
First Lieutenant of the Hunters of Artemis
~ Thalia
CHIP
In the time since I've met you, you've proven to be one of the most resourceful and determined beings I've ever met, and I've met many who have been alive for centuries. Already you've seen such horror here. Don't let it snuff your spirit. Don't let that be yet another victim of this senseless game they're playing with our lives.
I'm sorry I couldn't make you more outfits. The ones I have will likely need some repair, eventually. I'm even more sorry I couldn't meet your friends. They sound all like brave and fantastic individuals.
Though chipmunks have never been a patron animal of my Lady Artemis, I think you've proven that you're just as brave as any falcon or wolf I've ever met. Thank you for showing me that bravery. I believe in your ability to find a way from this horrible place, and I believe in your strength to take the others with you. For one so small, you have an incredible heart.
Your Friend and Comrade,
First Lieutenant of the Hunters of Artemis
~ Thalia
BELLE
This is something I hope you especially never have to read, but I write it with the knowledge that it's likely. I hope you didn't have to take in the sight of me, and I hope there are those around to help you grieve. Your friendship here has been a treasure, and I will never forget it.
I hope you remember: You are not, nor have you ever been, a "weird girl." What you are is strong and wonderfully smart. I do wish you could meet Annabeth. If you have the means and Reyna is unable to, I would be honored if you deliver the letter to her, Percy, and Grover. She will always, in part, be the wild little seven-year-old I met on the streets all those years ago, but she is a dear girl to me. I know she would be honored by the comparison between the two of you.
What you are is my friend, and I am going to miss you terribly.
Fight with all you have. You are a strong girl. Never let anyone make you feel otherwise.
Your Friend and Comrade,
First Lieutenant of the Hunters of Artemis
~ Thalia
[ the following is added, hastily ]
PS - I'm sorry to become yet another of your losses, but knowing what was truly at stake I could not sit by. If you could do me a favor, please watch after Reyna? We've grown close in the time here and she will have trouble with my passing. I'm sorry to ask this of you, but I think you're one of the most equipped to help her, if you understand my meaning.
REYNA
There are tear-stains on it. ]
Reyna,
We've both lived lives on the edge of death, so this should be easy for me to right. On the contrary, I'm finding it difficult to even begin. If there was one silver-lining to this whole place, it was meeting the friends I would make, and growing to know you better. Jason talked so highly of you that when we first met I was a little enamored. I wished to spar with you, and oh did I get that wish. More than that, I wished to talk with you. We had no opportunity with the war, but here, there's been ample. To talk, and otherwise.
In my absence, lead those remaining out of here. That's not to imply I'm any sort of leader. The Hunters have been enough for me, in that respect. What I am saying is, I know if anyone can, it's you. The girl who healed a schism centuries old. The girl who flew across the Atlantic against all odds. The girl who rose through the ranks after suffering horribly. I don't mean to make you into some sort of martyr: I know that sort of story isn't all it's cracked up to be. What I mean by all this is you are strong in ways I never could've imagined. That's the strength they will need to unite them. They have to be on the same side if they're to escape.
If I had to be stuck here with anyone, in my last weeks, I'm glad it was you. There were things I thought no one could ever understand that you seemed to. There were times I thought I had no one to show my vulnerabilities to, but you were there. It's my greatest hope that after all of this, you can return home, where you're needed, and you can live a long, healthy life. You are a hero who deserves that much.
Your letter is one I can't seem to bring myself to finish. I've even composed one to Jason, but maybe because of the ever shifting nature of who we are, this one is harder.
[ the rest of the letter is written hastily; it was completed at a different time ]
I pray I return from this but I can't wait for the morning to come. I'm not sure what I'm going to do, but I know it won't be let the night end without doing something. Perhaps I'll stop someone from dying. Perhaps I'll save our "hostages" from this fate worse than death. I can't
[ ah it trails off ]
Reyna. I think we were both fooling ourselves. At the very least, I know I was. Should the morning come and we're both alive, I would like very much to talk of that. But I've no delusions of that likelihood, so I will say here:
I was falling in love with you. I am so sorry this is how I must say that.
Yours,
~ Thalia
ANNABETH, PERCY, AND GROVER
This letter is one I've never desired to write or send. I'm sure with my state, you've began to get used to the idea that I will outlive you. I know I certainly had. Sadly, that isn't to be. You're receiving this because I'm dead. I pray Reyna is the one to deliver it, but regardless, please don't be mad at the messenger. It's likely that I've fallen in battle, and we've all known that was a possibility.
Annabeth:
I admit there's always been a part of me that's seen you as the plucky seven-year-old who almost brained Luke with a hammer. You're a girl for me to protect as well as love, but I don't think I've ever told you how much I've seen you grow. To think in the years I was gone, that little girl started blossoming into a smart, brave, young woman? Your comfort and encouragement during my time of uncertainty choosing the Hunters is something I could never full repay or express.
Though circumstance has pulled us apart, you will always be my first sister-in-arms, and I am so sorry I won't get to see the amazing things you're going to do with your life.
Percy:
Despite the tumultuous beginning to our friendship, you've been a steadfast and admirable friend and equal. Yes, equal. We'll never be able to settle our differences, really, but know I saw something special in you, even if I didn't always express it. We've had our differences, but there's no one I would've rather left the prophecy to. Still, I'm sorry to have thrust that upon you. That's something I don't think I've ever made up for. If I could, I'd take you for one last round of cheeseburgers.
Be good to Annabeth. I don't need to tell you, but I feel required to mention it. What I do need to say: Jason respects you so much. Please, be there for him. This will hit him hard.
Grover:
You've always been such a fragile boy. When we first met I wondered what such a small kid was doing as our camp escort. I was a foolish girl, for you were the only camp escort we could've had. The circumstances in the hotel I was held at lead me to think about those days again. You don't still blame yourself for what happened to me, do you? I must make this clear, if you do: It was never your fault, Grover. It was my choice to make a stand the way I did. It was the gods who sent the monsters after us. It was Luke who picked every fight he could. You got us to camp. Without you, we would've died on the road. And now, you're Pan's emissary, the one spreading the word of the Wild.
I am proud of you, Goat Boy. The things you've done surpass any satyr that has been or will be.
I just want to say I am so proud of all of you. You've grown each into your own hero, and you will continue to do so. Percy and Annabeth, continue to defy the odds of demigod survival. Grover, continue to spread the word of Pan, you great emotional goat. Live on, all of you, and make the world the better place I know you can.
Your Friend and Comrade,
~ Thalia
HUNTERS OF ARTEMIS
It is my greatest regret to inform you that I cannot return to the hunt. The circumstances involved will be explained by the one who delivers this letter, but know you are the greatest group of young women I could have ever hoped to serve with. I'm sorry I won't be able to rebuild our ranks, as I so fiercely wanted to. Follow the hunt, and follow your hearts. I will miss you, eternally.
Your Sister-in-Arms,
~ Thalia
JASON
If you're reading this letter, then I'm dead. The one who delivered it can explain the situation, and I pray that person is Reyna. Please don't be angry at them. I am the one who didn't return to you. I never wanted to abandon you like our parents, sweet Jason. I've never wanted to be apart from you. Sometimes I daydream I was able to keep you with me, and everything turned out alright. I could be your overbearing and obnoxious older sister, and we could live at camp.
Gods, I wish so much I could visit and see your smiling face once more. To find you again, only to leave so soon was never my plan. You know this is who I am, though. I was always to be a girl who fought and fell in battle. This is just a different sort of battle than either of us could have ever comprehended. For leaving you alone again, I apologize. For leaving you with the pain of our mother, I apologize. Please remember always that you're so much better than her, and than our father. You are the best thing she or he could have ever created. Don't tell Lady Artemis I've said that.
Don't let this steal your smile. You've so many who care about you, who will be able to grow with you. Keep them by your side. Love fiercely, live happily. I will be always praying for your happiness.
Your Beloved Sister,
~ Thalia
ARTEMIS
You are by now of course aware of the laws I have broken but I will put them in writing for you: I have, against my vows, entered into a relationship that I can no longer deny is romantic. I could no longer be a maiden for you nor lead your hunt, even before I had fallen in battle.
I know this is the most ungrateful action I could have committed. You had given me a place to belong and freedom from the prophecy that had shaped my entire life, and I've spat in your face by disobeying your most sacred law. Were that I returned alive, I was even considering resigning from my position. I'm aware this is beyond forgiveness. I'm aware that should my soul ever be freed and find way to the Underworld, it is your right to claim it and punish me in whatever way you see fit.
Please, though. Do not punish Reyna. She's suffered so much, and it was my duty to keep this from beginning in the first place. My Lady, my Mother, you know I would never ask for something beyond you. I pray that you grant me this one request, despite my transgressions.
I will always treasure my time as your lieutenant, wherever my soul should end up.
Former First Lieutenant and Your Everlasting Servant,
~ Thalia