Chapter 2: The Not-So-Perfect Dream

Percy's POV

Once I fell asleep, I found myself sitting on the old, blue couch in my apartment. I could see the peeling paint on the walls, and the cars passing by through the newly cleaned windows. I stood up, and walked around the house. Photos of my mom and I covered the walls. Though, one was missing, and I knew what it was. It was the photo of my mom and I at Montauk beach from many summers ago. I looked around to find it, but then, something caught my eye. A shadow figure was standing in the hallway. I quickly pulled out my trusty sword, Riptide, and slowly walked towards the figure. Suddenly, the figure said something.

"No need to be afraid, Perseus Jackson, for I am no threat" they warned. I've heard this a little too many times. I attempted to slash the figure with my sword, but their finger touched it and made it drop towards the wooden floor.

"Who are you, and what do you want?" I asked in a commanding voice Annabeth would use. The figure snickered, and came into the light. He, or she, was a two-headed god, with one head being a girl, the other being a boy. As they looked upon me, they gripped on to their giant gold key, which must've been pretty important with how hard they were holding it. They wore a dark, navy blue cloak with a keyhole in the middle, which reminded me of something Annabeth told me about. Then, I realized who it was.

"You're Janus. The god of beginnings, change, gateways, archways, pathways, and doorways. You're supposed to be the Roman counterpart, right?" At that point, I saw how dumb that question was. They were a Roman god. They didn't have any Greek counterparts.

"Correct, Perseus. I am Janus, and I'm here to deliver a message." They said. Suddenly, the scene changed around us. We were standing between two cobblestone pathways. I glanced to the right path. It led to destruction. Fire wrecked havoc all across the land, and black figures were screaming, yelling for help. Then, I glanced to the left path. It led to a paradise, filled with spring water fountains and black figures playing and laughing.

"Uh…I think I'll choose the left." I blurted. Janus chuckled, but immediately put on a serious facade.

"Perseus, you must make a critical decision. Chaos, the creator of all and the first being to exist, is planning to erase all of Olympus. Since you have saved Olympus so many times, I have chosen you to make a choice. One path leads to a paradise, filled with goodness and light. The other leads to destruction, filled with darkness and evil. In order to take the path toward paradise, you, Perseus Jackson, must sacrifice yourself for the world, leaving your friends, family, and desires. Do you accept?" he informed. I felt as if my world shattered into a million pieces. Leaving everyone? My friends, my mom, Annabeth, the love of my life? I couldn't accept! Though, if I decided not to, I'd cause destruction and havoc, and it would all be because of my selfish choice. But I couldn't accept, I just couldn't! There had to be some other way to prevent Olympus from being destroyed. There just had to! My brows were furrowed, and my jaw was clenched. I looked up at Janus, and I finally had my answer.

"No, I can't accept." Janus raised a brow, and looked at me as if I were crazy.

"But there has to be some other way, some other solution." I reasoned. Janus sighed. They pulled out a piece of parchment, and scanned through the paper a couple of times.

"Well, you're in luck, Perseus. Though, choosing this path will cause you much trouble. Instead of a simple yes or no solution, you visit Chaos herself, which is a particularly challenging journey. To find her, you must travel to Tartarus and jump into the pit. Once you're in, you must travel across Tartarus to find a door. Inside, there is a spiral staircase that leads to Chaos's chamber. When you meet her, try your best to reason with her. Don't be upset if she doesn't agree, for she isn't one to change her mind as easily." Janus informed, "Are you sure you want to take this journey? The first options are still available for you!" I thought about the journey. A couple of years ago, Annabeth and I fell into the pits of Tartarus, and went through a lot. We only had each other for support, and I didn't even know if I'd even survive. For a second, I wasn't sure if I wanted to take this journey. But then, sacrificing myself and losing the chance to live my life, lose Annabeth, I had to.

"Yes, I'm sure. I'll be leaving once I'm awake." I stated sternly.

"Well then, good luck, little hero. You'll be needing all the luck you can get." he said. Suddenly, the scene blurred, and I found myself sitting in my bed, groggy and tired.

"It's time."

The next two chapters will be out next week! Every Thursday guys! If it isn't, I'll be sure to post it the next week.