The Choice of Destiny
"Perseus Jackson, you must accept our suggestion."
Lord Zeus's voice hollered as Percy stood silently, saying nothing.
"It is the only way to save the world."
Percy remained silent. Normally, he would have reply to the lord of the sky, but now, actually, he couldn't think of anything from now.
He had refused to be a God once before, and he hadn't thought he would ever have that chance again. Never in this way.
Percy turned his gaze to the left. Right next to Zeus, there was Poseidon. His father's appearance was same as always, the black hair and sea-like green eyes. But his eyes weren't twinkling as usual. Poseidon's face was dark, and Percy presumed his father's mood was dark too. Percy knew Poseidon loved him, and for the first time of his life, he found himself feeling a great love to his father.
…Yes, he loved his father.
But he loved Annabeth too.
Not just Annabeth, but Grover, Tyson, Mom, Chiron, Paul, and so many friends. His life as a demigod also.
Percy didn't know anything, but he knew one.
He was in great dilemma.
"Percy, my son," called Poseidon.
Percy looked up to the Sea God. Percy's hands were trembling.
"Father." His voice was shaking. He couldn't even imagine what his face would be like now.
Percy didn't know what to say to his father. Well, of course, the gods would like if he says "yes" for the suggestion, but Percy?
Percy didn't want to.
"You don't have to choose right now," Poseidon said.
"IL know it's hard for you."
Percy suddenly felt annoyed. He was angry to this…situation. This fate. Why he only has to be what he doesn't want to be? If he could, Percy really hoped to kill the God of Fate.
Percy blurted,
"Why me? Why should I? Why…"
To Percy's surprise, no one said anything. Not even Mr. D or Ares.
So Percy added,
"I know you left me with only one choice. I know I don't have the chance to choice."
Looking-annoyed Zeus was about to speak, but Percy stopped his word. He knew, that it was a very rude thing to do to a God, especially Zeus, but now he didn't care it much. Not very much.
"…At least you should give me some time to talk to my mom.'
Lord Zeus looked very furious by Percy's not-polite action, but he allowed anyway. Percy guessed he didn't want to argue with him since it was very tiring.
"Very well. I'll give you some time. About an hour."
With his word, Percy was sent back home.
Percy stood saying nothing, though his mom and Paul seemed extremely surprised seeing him popped up in nowhere like this, and worried about him.
"PERCY! What…what's up? Are you okay, dear?"
Mom shouted as she hugged Percy tightly.
"I'm oka..," but before Percy finishing, tears flew down first. Percy told his mom everything. About Lord Zeus's suggestion, about what he said, and about himself.
"And then I…am here now. Mom, what should I do?"
Even though he knew the answer, he asked. However surprisingly, his mom said,
"Oh, Percy, love. You don't have to sacrifice yourself to save the world. If you don't want to, you don't have to."
Percy blinked. He hadn't thought about that. It was a new point of view, still…
"But then…what about the world? What about the people? Surely it will not be as same as before."
"It wouldn't be, yes. But you don't have to bear it, Percy. You already had too much hardships."
A new voice talked behind him. It was the familiar, longing voice. Percy didn't have to turn back to see who it was.
"Dad…"
Poseidon placed his hand on Percy's shoulder.
It was warm.
Percy did his best not to cry. He managed,
"Thanks. Dad."'
Poseidon smiled at is son.
Percy then was sent back to the reality. He didn't really enjoyed the thought of being a God.
No, He didn't.
However, He had no choice.
Sorry to Annabeth,
"Mom…Dad…" Percy trailed off. He didn't know how to say this to his mother.
Mom seemed to know what Percy meant to say. She just held her son's hand tightly.
"Percy, I love you, dear. No matter what you do, what you are, you are my son, and I'll always love you."
Percy nodded, and mom freed Percy's hand.
Percy turned to his father next to him.
"I'm ready."
Poseidon looked Percy with a sad smile. A small door heading to Olympus appeared right behind Percy. He gestured Percy to follow. The bright light was splitting from the inside of the door.
Standing still, Percy looked behind.
Mom and Paul were there, also with a sad smile.
Percy made a smile to them with difficulty to encourage them. Or, to encourage himself.
And together, Percy and his father walked into the light.