Shorter than I would like but a really, really good chapter.
I hope you will enjoy it.
Oceanus was a terrifying being, Aaron had rarely sensed so much power. Perhaps it had to do with being in his realm, since he was the First Ocean Lord ( Outside of Pontus of course) but sitting next to him was awe-inspiring. He was a handsome fellow too, tall and strong with rippling muscles and curly black hair that had crab claws sticking out like horns. His skin was the color of alabaster and his eyes sheer black. He had a thick beard on his strong jaw, warped by a real smile.
"I see why they sent you, your aura tells me a lot. You are respectful of nature, and the touch if it is on you. I can feel Gaia's magic infused in you, as well as the might of the Underworld." Oceanus' words were strong, his words drawn out in a regal way that even Zeus failed to manage. This was a real king. "Your presence soothes me, I think they planned on that."
Aaron nodded, bubbles forming around him. It was strange, sitting underwater but that is where Oceanus required them to be for this meeting. Amphitrite and Posiden had placed a special protection around him after Hades teleported him to the closest beach near Camp Jupiter. He felt odd here, weaker than ever without access to a connection to the Earth or Underworld, All he could tap into was the magic of his soul which compared to a god or titan of such magnitude wasn't much.
"To be fair they did. However there is more to it, they know I am not biased against Titans and can act as a reasonable ambassador here."
"Fair enough... so how do we start this?"
"Well, tell me what are your reasons for serving your brother in this war? I mean I can guess them, I know my mythology rather well... but I would rather hear it from you than make assumptions."
Oceanus smiled again, this time in a rather warm grandfatherly way. "I can sense that you truly wish to hear what I have to say. That is good... well to be frank, my reasons are vast and they are many. The first is the pollution of the rivers, streams, creeks, and fresh bodies of water." He waved his hand and bubbles formed together show an image of a sickly but gorgeous woman, one that looked a lot like Amphirte only more maternal and heavy set. "This is all that remains of my beloved wife, Tethys. She is dying, she is tied to all Fresh water. The pollution is killing her and our children. Posiden agreed, when he took over, to watch over our children and our realms. This is one of many, many reasons I have agreed to serve my foolish, cruel brother.
The next important reason is actually Hera. I raised her alongside my wife, for many centuries. Within a century of leaving us, she was raped by Zeus and forced into a cold, awful marriage where she has been abused, mistreated and cheated on for eons. Zeus is a terrible husband, and I will not tolerate the continued abuse of a girl who may as well be my daughter...
Speaking of, Zeus ate Metis, my other daughter. For that he must be punished. He will be punished for her death, that is something I will not settle for. She served him by aiding in Kronos' defeat. Without her this entire era would have never come about. Zeus owes her more than anyone. There must be recourse! Can you bring this about child?"
Aaron smiled and did something that shocked the man before him, he nodded. "In more ways than you realize. I am friends and allies with most Gods on the Council. Hades, Posiden, Hera herself, Artemis, Demeter, Persephone and a variety of others. I will present my case to them, if they do not agree to this then that is their issue. As for pollution, I have an idea for that... Hades has several souls cleaning up Styx's river. Why not have several of his many, many souls do the same for the Bodies of Fresh water? There are spells that can help, I know of several. This is not a perfect solution but it can be a start. We can also have demigods and legacies work on this.
I work for both the Greek and Roman Camps. I am trying to get the Fauns to be more useful, they possess powerful healing nature magic. They can do this for you if nothing else."
Oceanus smirked. "You are a kind soul... I will give you a month, if you can do at least help one of my demands come into reality, I will relent and fight my brother. But I need an oath, from Posiden himself and my Granddaughter to help undo the damage they allowed to occur." He turned to the now embarrassed duo of Gods.
To Aaron's pride, neither fought it and nodded. "We swear it." They said as one, and the world around them churned with Styx's immense power.
"Good... Aaron, regardless of what happens, know that you have an ally with me. I know you care and I know that you aim to better the world. We have had our eyes on you for a while, ever since you created the shrine to the Underworld and Nature. The Earthspring shrine. It intrigued me to see a mortal care for the world as you have."
"I am glad for that." Aaron said, smiling. "I aim to help, I really do."
"Be sure that you continue that... I will stay neutral until the month is over. Kronos be damned. I am sure I can convince the others to aid me in this as well. With a few exceptions, this is why they fight against the Gods."
Aaron nodded. " To be honest, that is what I figured. Thank you, for listening Lord Oceanus."
"Never a problem, sweet boy. Hades is a lucky God to have a loyal lover as you on his side. However, you must be warned, Should this fail and my demands are not met, I will never stop in my pursuits to destroy the gods for their actions and inaction... I will never rest until there is no trace of Olympus left." Then in a swirl of bubbles, Oceanus vanished, leaving Aaron to let out a long sigh.
"Well, that was terrifying."
Posiden's warm hand rested on Aaron's shoulder. "That will not be easy... can you really... really get them to punish Zeus."
"I am not sure, but I have an idea... if not full punishment, maybe the release of Metis? She is an immortal, unless she faded, she might be freeable and that might be enough for him... but he is right, Zeus should be punished. He took a life, one that served him in creating our entire way of life. I cannot blame Oceanus for hating the gods. I cannot blame a great many for it... I need you to come with me to Camp Jupiter and help declare that the Fauns are to serve me in this. They are far too lazy, their powers are incredible and they could easily undo a lot of the damage..."
Posiden nodded. "You are right. It is time they earn their keep... I knew Pan well, he would not mind me giving this order. Now... let us depart."
"You did so well." Amphrite said, kissing his cheek. "You do well as an ambassador. I can only hope we gods prove worthy of your aid. We will organize a meeting with the Greek Gods in one day, ready yourself for it, my sweet."
That lifted Aarons' spirits considerably, even if his soul ached. He was tired... .serving the Romans, being a Priest, practicing magic and combat, learning to save Kronos' good side... it was exhausting work without acting as Ambassador...
Could he keep this up, this terrible pace, or would he suffer for it?
He wasn't sure he wanted to know...
Chapter end, tell me what you think in the reviews.
This was a fun chapter to write but a powerful one.
We will see what Aaron learned from Hades' library next chapter.
Love, your Ninja Overlord,
Mika.
