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I hear all, the oaths, the debts, the failure and the success. Despite my lack of action in recent years, I could remember fondly on ancient times where people spoke my name in fear. Their determination and the desperation of their oaths fed and kept me satisfied.
I was merciful enough to bless those who against all odds kept their weight in the end. They were the good ones, my name was never one to be taken lightly.
To those who defile their oaths, they would suffer and eventually perish in vain. To the Gods, they'd become ostracized and seen as a fool.
If i was bitter enough, some scars would serve them right.
Never an ounce of pity whenever I do. They should've known better than to tempt me.
But by now I grew angry, not just at the hubris mortals and the egotistical gods who claimed they were above me. In these times mortals threw their promises around like dirt. The Gods were getting irritable as well, especially those slippery sons of Kronos.
In a couple millennia my name will just become a minor caution. A small shudder in the wind of life. As the mortals become more ignorant of their past my powers will turn weaker, and so will my reach. The Gods would surely take advantage of that.
But its as if the Fates heard my grievances they gave me a solution..
I am an ever flowing river, connecting to all parts of the underworld and tatatrus. When I caught the familiar pull of, an injured demigod? It left me confused. I ignored the miniscule water in me itching to go and care for them - him? I had no idea why a demigod scratch that. Two demigods were in Tartarus, or why the child's own power called to mine. No matter how familiar the pull felt, I would simply ignore them, they served no use to me.
My water's shifted and danced in ripples at the familiarity. Calling the demigod closer, I could feel the child's part divine blood calling back, begging safety and sanctuary. The river's waves swished in reply, the water quickly seizing the ground in attempt to try and get to the child. The child's blood crying for the waves, and the waves cried back, begging, pleading me to let him in.
It irked me, no ordinary demigod could influence my water's even to that small degree, was it even really a demigod?
The waters begged me to aid the child. The Prince..
The prince? The son of...
My water's relaxed as two bodys entered. Expanding all my senses i could now see the injuried demigods. One of them was all too familiar, the smell of the ocean and power of the disobedient waves that were his aura.
He had grown since our last encounter.
I could feel his relief, his fear, his desperation. Surely he was at his last sense to be seeking my aid, not since the last war had I felt his soul threatening to crack. Despite this, I had tested him like I did with Achilles that poor fool. But to my suprise he had not perished because of my curse, only to have it washed away, saving him from a destined end.
No doubt this was the boy who got away, held in the arms of my river was Perseus Jackson.
The son of Poseidon.
Truth be told, I was still somewhat bitter, the boy was an ever familiar reminder of my biggest grief with the "all powerful" Olympians, the three kings foolish pact i had no choice but to accept, I knew deep down those Gods didnt take kindly to limits. And I wasn't suprised when I finally heard Zeus' ivory chain snap, not long after Posideon' rust incrusted chain broke as well. I didn't count Jupiter's interfearance, the Roman's had nothing to do with their foolish greek counterparts.
I was getting too old for their foolish shenanigans, truly I just wished to rest for a mellinium or so, no pacts to be worried about or oaths to manage. I just needed one to help with the extra management and fat. One to enforce my word as I get a much needed break.
Curiously, the boys mere presence pulled me from my greivances, the child oozed power at his fingertips, despite being well maimed. Interestingly enough, it appears his time was slowly running out, his body slowly being burned away by his own power that cannot be contained in his mere half mortal body. He could be the one, my powers awakening with his. Yes, he's the perfect choice.
Jumping at the opportunity, I created a makeshift form for me to occupy, less I risk accidentally killing him.
Ignoring the other demigod who I offhandedly left in a nearby bubble. I held the prince in my now humanoid hands, allowing the water access as it tended to him. It immediately started to heal the hurt demigod- though hopefully my waters were not too foreign to him but. As the naiads whispers had shared, if he could survive my water's once, he could survive again.
So small and confused, after some sputtering, his body straighten in a stance ready for a fight. Good, he'd need some spunk. He looked me with his eyes that now reflected my own dark water's.
My, my the spitting image of his father. But thankfully with a more gentle demeanor.
I only had less than five encounters with Posideon when he was still no less than a century of age, but it didn't take me long to be heavily amused by the brash young man who'd sworn to my face he'd rule over the once unruly and unforgiving sea.
I wonder how his son will amuse me too.
"Perseus Jackson, to what I owe such an honor." I greet.
"River Styx, where-" He looked around for a moment, ignoring his wounds. Getting increasingly distressed when he couldnt see what he was looking for, I could feel his small vibrations of anxiety in my waters. "Where is Annabeth?" He asked in desperation.
"Annabeth?" I question, hm, that must have been the other demigod accompanying him.
"Yes she's-" He grew increasingly worried that cross the line of histerics. "Styx please, where is she?"
"Do not fret child." I try to soothe, "Your companion is unharmed." I say, moving to reveal the demigod in the bubble. She was squriming, kicking at the magical confines that kept her breathing despite being so deep in my waters. Annoying as it was, I had no intention to do anything, at least, not with her.
"Don't hurt her!" He yelled out. The sorrounding water turning hot as the ground holding myself rumbled. My if I was not slighted I'd be giggling with interest. He was already giving me quite a sight.
"Do not think so low of me, Little Prince. I am nothing like the squriming, dreadful monsters that treck these grounds, I am nothing like Tatatrus who throws tantrums over minor inconvenience like two demigods in a dead mans land. I have no interest in harming either of you"
He was taken aback as if struck, then a guilty expression enveloped his face. I knew I could not be too offended, the boy was in tatatrus, the home of monsters. It wasn't the most ideal place for a demigod let alone a war hero to be trapped in.
"Im sorry, I-" He began
Absentmindedly I waved the athenas spawn away for now, I had enough of her kicking.
"Do not think too much about it child, thankfully I am in a good mood. So I will let it pass" the boy looked as if he wanted to ask a question but I cut him off, I needed to get to business.
"Child, you are trapped in a place not meant for Gods, let alone Humans. You should be thankful your half God has kept you alive so far, but you will surely die if you continue at this pace"
He wilted at the notion of dying. But jumped back and refuted "I have no choice do I? I'm not gonna stand here and let the monsters kill me, I have a friends to protect, a family to get back to. I've stayed alive this long, I can go on a bit longer."
I smiled, such radiant determination, such hope that he might make it. Examining him more left me suprised. The boy had almost no hate in his heart, his aura was glowing, obviously adment on surviving, and his loyalty to his words intrigued me. He was the first hero in a long time that spoke with words so true.
My smile weakened knowing what lay ahead.
"Child your resolve is genuine, but I know Tatatrus will never let you go. So I will offer you a chance"
He looked intrigued but hesitant. I figured he heard words like mine before. But unlike those, I always kept my promises.
"A chance?" Everything sorrounding him stilled. Like it held it's breath. I giggled, the child truly had no idea how much potential he held. His body was already preparing for it as I spoke.
"Yes, a chance to escape with both your lives intact, and maybe such a gift will aid you in the trials and tribulations that wait for you ahead."
I figured since the boys body has already started it's process, I'd help speeden the pace. His body had the sea in it- any of my essence or power would cause little to no unnecessary harm.
The boy ackwardly shifted, usure of my intentions- I was positive.
"Um, I appreciate the help and refudge, I really do. But I've been doing good so far, i dont think i need to make any deals with nothing in return."
At least the boy was honest, I will give him that.
"Dear boy it has to do with your mortality, Tatatrus has never been seen by any God or past demigods of yours. They're is no fessible way you'd be able to leave less the realm or inhabitant Gods themself gives you a blessing of some kind. Luckily I am apart of this relam as much as I am in the Underworld, I offer you my blessing"
"Sorry but I'm not going to become immortal-"
I laughed, pitying this poor demigod, Fates have been cruel on his soul. He was certainly adament on remaining mortal. I could assume the boy went through many tragic situations, but it was too late to consider the Isle or Elysium. This boy was a black hole of power. Never ending and evergrowing, he was always destined for immortality whether he wished for it or not.
"My child you have already crossed the road of Mortally long ago, your body is growing more unstable the more days your immortal soul's power leaks out. Soon without proper precaution, your ascenion will leave you in agonizing pain, it will take long to recover from. Will you take the risk of missing the on going war and leave your loved one susceptible to Gaia's wrath?"
It was silent, the water wavered with anxiety. The boy breaths stilled. Truly he was not like most heroes I've heard, most yearned for glory. But this boy wanted nothing of the sort.
Though it had been awhile since I really interacted with the world above.
"I'm.. I'm turning immortal..what about my family, my friends?" The boy was perplexed, eyebrows furrowed in shock. The water around him changed a degree hotter, yet only I knew this.
"Yes you are ascending at a fast pace, I assume it's from the duress of tatatrus, if it doesn't directly kill you, you'll emerge a different person then who fell in. I afraid my child that nothing but my blessing is the only way to come back to the sun with only minor change"
The boy didn't answer, sadness wallowing in his eyes. No doubt immortality would not come easy.
I sighed "I apologize my child, but you are turning immortal, the best thing you can do is ensure gaia's plan does not come to fruition. It is for the best you create a future where new demigods can live without threat of war hm?"
The boy sat in silence for a while. Lost in thought. His eyes drifted to the place where the girl was moments before. He closed his eyes for a brief moment, then opened with unwavering determination.
"What do I need to do?"
I smiled, such devoted loyalty. Such love for ones he had in his heart. He'd become a perfect enforcer.
"My blessing will give your minor pain due to your ascenion, but do not fret. It will allow you all access to tatatrus's waters, it will awaken all blessings that laid dormant when you were a demigod. Especially ones that would directly give you hold one the earth itself- but I suggest to keep it one thing at a time less you accidentally break yourself so soon. Also make sure to stay clear from the River Lethe, only if your truly close to death."
"So I'll turn immortal, be careful with all of that- but what will I be?"
I giggled- "such impatience. The gods above will help decide your other domains but your first and most important priority will be my enforcer"
"Your Enforcer?"
"Yes, these days words of promise and oaths have become rather stale. Both mortals and gods alike throw oaths around with loopholes and exceptions, your position as my enforcer will be to remind those above of my power, curse and bless those who speak thy name, and if you do a good enough job you will be able to rest for a couple of centuries, the mortals will due the rest" I explained.
"So.. torment those who break promises and bless those who follow through?"
"Believe me it is a rather daunting task, your patience will be put to the test as mine has run thin, especially with your father and uncles infamous agreement of no more children- hmph, as that would last"
The boy cringed, "Yeah, sorry about that, i didn't really like it either when I found out"
"Do not apologize for something that was out of your control dear. Ill admit im impressed on how long they kept it, though I wasn't suprised that Zeus didnt fuck the first human he saw after breaking it." The boy choked at my sudden language, but i took the opportunity to rant.
"I knew your father would fall soon after, as he is a man with such passions, but thankfully he created quite an interesting demigod in the process. So I ask you, you'll make things more interesting, spice things up a little will you dear?" The boy blushed at the praise, it would be fun to have this one.
"I'm not sure I'll be able to handle all of it, how much will I have to do? Am I even worth the job- will I even have the power to change things?"
I frowned, Tatatrus seemed to wear out the boy more than I thought.
"You are a beloved son of an Olympian, more specifically the King of the Sea. The Sea brings change, and with change, chaos and order. It also brings more blessings than most I know, making you more powerful than your demigod brothers and sisters. Shared with my blessing it bounds your powers together with mine. Being my champion- my enforcer. Will bring great change, you will be feared yet respected. I imagine chaos themself will have great interest in you, and do not fret, I will take great care in your well-being."
The boy sat in either shock or contemplation. Taking in my words he knew were true.
"Why me? Why not any other powerful demigods like Jason or Nico?
"Jason? .. Jason, Jason...! Jason Grace! - Thalia Grace"
"One, you were birthed with water at your veins and command, water than most demigods your father use to sire. The water will come easily mixed with my blood and essence. Two. I'm not much of a fan with Zeus or his children at the moment, besides" I held the boy close, your father was such an amusing little thing, yet you have easily surpassed him, you have brought me great amusement more than I ever had in a long time.
"Oh, i see." The boy looked so dissapointed. Ha!
"Im offended little one" I said an mock hurt "That would not be all of course" He looked at me with such eyes of confusion. I could not help but coo.
"Your words, your motivations, your *hope*, I have never seen a demigod such as you breathe such promise. I admit I was dissapointed to find out you have broke promises with such emotional significance before"
His eyes turned dark, regret filled his eyes as he quickly lost himself in hatred and loathing.
"Yet you still walk with the determination to keep moving, to make things better. Know your heart bleeds to make what you wish into reality. Your loyalty has now brought you to me"
"So" I lifted his head with my finger- pulling him from such thoughts "Let me give you the chance to put your regrets to bed. As long as your loyalty sings, you will be able to make up for your past promises you've discarded. Now"
I almost forgot to get the other one out of my river. She could not withstand my power so it was best to put her out and wait.
I slowly opened my powers as not to overwhelm the boys body. The rivers swept in change, circling the boy as he nhaled my water.
"Perseus Jackson, Son of Poseidon and Savior of Olympus. Will you become my Enforcer? You will serve in my name and bring their words to full frution, bless those worthy and curse those foul enough to spit thy name?"
He breathe softly as he whispered "yes"
It went white as my champion went limp.