The Cards Dealt

Being Is That and Outside of That, Nothing

"That's all I ask of you"

That's all? What does she mean by that's all?

She's asking for what's nearly impossible, in fact the only way I could even accomplish this task is if all previous events fall into place as she wants them to

"Will you agree to my terms or not?" Hestia questioned

Honestly, I wanted to call her plan idiotic, but I assume telling a goddess that, wouldn't end well for me

"Time is running out, I require an answer" she pressed

She wasn't wrong, the subspace we were inside was falling apart, what seemed like blood was pouring out of cracks that formed in the area.

Beyond the cracks lay nothing, only darkness

"Are you sure that you can heal my mind?" I asked

"Yes, not just your mental state, but your physical one"

"My physical one?"

"Ah- I forgot you couldn't see what is occurring outside, I could waste time describing your current state, but I'll keep it short. You're about to die due to blood loss and head trauma"

......

"I accept your conditions"

"I knew you were a smart one!" she smiled

It's not like I had a choice in the matter

"I'll need you to swear to the River of Styx" she continued

"Is that necessary?"

"I've lived for thousands of years, and I've witnessed betrayal again and again. Think of it as insurance"

"How do I know you won't betray me?"

"I'll also swear an oath"

"Does the oath even mean anything to gods?" I asked

According to her, ancient laws are lenient for Olympians, therefore she could be tricking me right now

"I won't deny that the consequences we face for breaking a sacred oath are much less severe than what you mortals experience. However, that does not mean we escape all punishment, we may be severely weakened or have our divinity diminished"

I needed to be sure though

"Can you swear that what you've just said is the truth?"

"I swear on the River of Styx that my previous statement was the truth" she calmly swore

This was good news for me. In essence, it would do well for them to keep their promises as well

"What do you want me to say?" I ask

"Simply swear that you will help me protect the world"

That's quite the tall order.....

"Simply?"

"I admit, that's not what I had wanted you to swear. However, time is limited, so you can't swear a specific oath"

......

"I swear on the River of Styx to protect the world"

"Wonderful!"

"Don't forget your end of the deal"

"I won't, I won't, if I did then all of this would be pointless since you'd be dead. I swear on the River of Styx to heal Michael Hines, both physically and mentally; and to shield and protect him from the other gods"