stay to the river

by flowerkun

Summary:

"The Roman upstart was so eager to strip you of me," the river whispered, turning his head from side to side. "He bragged about it endlessly, gloating to anyone who would listen. He is a fool. Your skin is no longer iron, but your soul bears my mark. We are connected, Perseus, and we will be for millennia untold."

-

Percy was a day out from ascending, and already Zeus was making an ungodly ruckus. Unfortunately for him, Percy is owed to another.

Notes:

I've had this written since last wednesday... idek why I'm just posting it now. my bad dawg. anyways this is one of the few times I'll ever write a direct sequel I think, it picks up the day after go to the place I cannot follow

Chapter 1

Olympus looked different through immortal eyes. Percy had known that Annabeth had done amazing work, but seeing it now stole the breath he no longer needed from his lungs. Intricately carved pillars held up grand sweeping arches, and large domes that chronicled eons worth of history demanded attention. Everywhere he looked Percy could see the conclusion of her back-breaking effort, and it was glorious. Annabeth wanted to build something that would last long after she was gone, and he knew without a doubt she succeeded.

 

Percy wished he could stop to take in more of the home of the gods, but that would have to be later. His current reality is to be marched in front of the Olympians and have his fate decided without his input. Deja vu, Percy thought ruefully.

 

“He will not touch you,” His father swore zealously. “If he so much as tries, the Sky will know horrors it cannot comprehend.” Poseidon gripped Percy’s shoulder tighter, glaring at onlookers with eyes as deep as the hadal. The god-king of the sea was as terrible and unfathomable as his kingdom, yet all Percy felt was love for his father.

 

“I know, Dad.” Percy eyed the throne room doors as they stopped before them, taking in their beauty. “I don’t know why, but I’m pretty sure everything will go okay.”

 

“I will make sure of it,” Poseidon muttered darkly. “Stay here until I call for you. I must take my seat. You will be fine, understand?”

 

Percy dutifully nodded, and his father flashed to his throne. He closed his eyes on reflex before belatedly realizing he no longer had to do so. There were so many things Percy didn’t have to do anymore. Will he still need to sleep? Does he need to blink? Does he still need to finish his degree? He would like to, but Percy wasn’t exactly sure if New Rome University would be open to a god attending.

 

Percy continued to spiral, possible futures and outcomes swirling around his mind like a storm. Uncertainty was about to set its claws in when he heard a voice that sounded like popping bubbles and a coursing stream all at once. “Perseus, ” she whispered. “ Perseus, at last. ”

 

“I’m here!” He answered desperately. “Please!” Percy didn’t know what he was pleading for.

 

“ Be calm,” she soothed. “ All will be well, oath of mine. Wait for me.”

 

Percy wanted more of the voice, wanted answers and comfort, and something he couldn’t name. Something in him went wild, twisting and rioting in his core. Before he could act on his impulse, his attention was pulled. Percy knew to his bones that someone, another god, had said his name. Perseus was demanded, and he was to respond to the call. The new god appeared in the throne room where he was scrutinized by allies and enemies alike. The air tasted thick with ozone.

 

Before, Percy would’ve begrudgingly kneeled, but he never had much reverence for the gods. Right now, his whole being refuses the mere idea of bowing to a king who never did anything for him. As such, he stands as their equal.

 

Athena’s nostrils flared as her flinty steel-colored eyes examined him, her face stoic yet telling all the same. “This is no minor divinity, Father,” she warned. “He is something different.”

 

“And he is one of mine,” Poseidon stated firmly. “He ascended among the tides, he shares at least one domain with me. I know this. His oath is to me, as King of the Sea.”

 

“At least one,” Hermes mused. His head tilted as he twirled his caduceus, staring at Percy in fascination. “How many does he have?”

 

Apollo’s blue eyes gave into gold while he slipped into Prophecy and Knowledge before saying, “Four. An even split between civilization and nature domains. I can’t tell what they are, though.”

 

“It doesn’t matter what they are,” Ares stated flippantly. “He’ll die before he can discover his power.”

 

“And when he reforms?” Artemis glared at the war god with disgust, silver eyes flashing dangerously. “What then?”

 

The argument continued to rage around Percy, but he did not care to hear it. He was locked into Hades’ knowing gaze. He knew something, yet Percy did not know what. At the same time, Hestia’s Hearth grounded him and pacified his racing mind, the feeling of Home and welcome surrounding his being.

 

“And you, boy?” Percy snapped to attention, meeting the electrified eyes of Zeus at his prompting. “What do you have to say for yourself?”

 

“I,” Percy said drily, “Found out this was happening yesterday. I had no clue. If it makes you feel any better, I tried to kill myself after I was told it was happening.”

 

“You what?” Poseidon boomed incredulously. Percy winced and shot his father an apologetic look. “I’ll tell you about it later,” he promised.

 

“Why didn’t you do it?” Hephaestus asked in morbid curiosity.

 

“My Mom stopped me. She didn’t really give me a choice in the matter.” Percy shrugged and recalled her anguish with heartbreaking clarity, and resolved to make it up to her as soon as he possibly could. “After she came, I was out of it. I don’t remember much except Dad appearing and being fed ambrosia and nectar. Then the ascension happened.” It was a woefully lacking synopsis, but it got the job done.

 

“You truly did not know?” Hera inquired, her peacock feathered crown rustling dangerously. “You did not notice anything?”

 

“I thought I had a cold,” Percy answered honestly. “Ascending never crossed my mind.”

 

“He’s telling the truth,” Apollo breathed in wonder before laughing as if Percy’s life was the funniest joke he had ever seen. “I sense the touch of the Morai.”

 

“It matters not,” Zeus waved all over conversation away, his anger tangible around him. “It is too late for him to die. But the boy will swear to me, here and now.” Perseus hissed at the thought, visibly recoiling. The nerve of the Oathbreaker, to think he could demand Loyalty from him. Then, Percy paused, and furrowed his brows in confusion. Godly retribution was not something he thought he’d ever demand, yet here he was.

 

“I’ll swear on the Styx,” Percy cut in over the loud defense from his father. “And nothing else.” He did not know where the words came from, but they felt right.

 

"Don't be foolish, boy." Zeus glowered as the clash of thunder echoed in the distance. "A Styx sworn Oath is not enough. You will swear to me, and me alone."

 

"Oh?"

 

The lightning god froze mid-monologue, shock written on the lines of his face.

 

"Please, by all means, do go on. Don't let me stop you, keep going!" Zeus did not keep going.

 

"Oh dear," the mysterious figure said in faux concern. "It seems as if you've lost your voice! what a pity."

 

"I do not take this form often, Perseus. The last time was a millennium ago." The goddess glided up to Percy, draped in a chiton that absorbed all color. Her long dark hair dripped sacred water on the floor of the throne room. He did not know who she was, but she was no danger to him. Make no mistake, Percy knew she was ancient down to her bones, but he was certain her ire was not for him. Rather, it was on his behalf.

 

"Loyalty," the goddess murmured. Her cool hand cradled his cheek, and it felt comfortable in the same way Sally Jackson did. "It becomes you."

 

"Lady Oathkeeper." Percy settled into Perseus as he spoke, the title coming from a part of him that was as old as the goddess. He did not know before, but he knew now: the personification of the Styx stood before him.

 

"The Roman upstart was so eager to strip you of me," the river whispered, turning his head from side to side. "He bragged about it endlessly, gloating to anyone who would listen. He is a fool. Your skin is no longer iron, but your soul bears my mark. We are connected, Perseus, and we will be for millennia untold."

 

Lady Styx cast an idle side-long glance at Zeus and Hera, smiling wryly at their unnaturally still forms. The King of Olympus' face gradually grew more red while the Queen's grew more pale; a fitting contrast for such a lovely couple. "In all your wisdom, my Queen, I am sure you didn't plan for this." The river's mocking tone dripped with derision, yet Hera merely clenched her throne tighter.

 

The full force of the Styx then focused on Zeus, and her hair dripped even faster with the weight of her indignation. "Did you think you would go unpunished? The price of your transgressions stands before you." Her pupils disappeared the harder she stared at the pair, becoming as treacherous as her depths. “You have used my name in vain for far too long."

 

Abruptly, she swung her gaze back to Perseus, and he felt the burn of the swim all over again. Somehow, it did not hurt. It felt like coming home. "Don't you hate it, Perseus?" The River Lady asked eagerly. "Their lack of Loyalty?"

 

"Yes," Perseus hissed, his voice dripping in disgust. "They are not Loyal to their Oaths." He could feel his domain rising just under his skin and baying for ichor, waiting for the opportunity to run rampant.

 

"It's such a shame, isn't it?" The Styx crooned, stalking up to Zeus. Perseus followed after her without a second thought, knowing that he was meant to be wherever she was. "That they think there's no repercussions."

 

"Truly a travesty," Perseus agreed, prowling at the base of Zeus' throne with Loyalty barely contained within him. "They must learn."

 

"So they shall. Will you be Loyal to your Oaths, Zeus Olympios?" Lady Styx was not as tall as the Olympian, yet her presence loomed far above his. She loosened the invisible chains just enough for him to speak, and through gritted teeth, he managed a "Yes." Perseus felt a rush of Power run through him, and a smile not unlike a shark's spread across his face.

 

"Excellent." Lady Styx purred, her hair drip-drip-dripping on the pristine marble floor. “And what say you, Hera Olympios?” 

 

“I will be Loyal, My Lady,” The Queen offered graciously. “You have no quarrel with me.”

 

The River nodded sharply before ignoring all others in the room except Percy, not deigning them worthy of her attention.

 

"Take me to the one who has given you Loyalty," Lady Styx demanded. "It could not have come from your Oathbreaking Father." From his throne, Poseidon winced, yet did not deny the words. Percy was the result of a broken Oath, after all. He belonged to the Styx far before he ever took his swim.

 

"My Mother’s name is Sally, and I will do no such thing until I am sure she is safe in your presence." Loyalty gave way to Protection, and Perseu- Percy, basked in its prickly hold.

 

The River rolled her eyes and spoke in a voice that echoed around the throne room. "I will not harm your Mother, Perseus. She and hers will be safe." Percy nodded before taking the goddess' hand and flashing away, leaving terrified deities in their wake. They appeared in his family’s apartment, the lack of cacophony giving away that Estelle was down for her nap.

 

“Oh?” Sally questioned. “Who is this, Percy?”

 

“Mom, this is Lady Styx. Lady Styx, the woman who stands before you is my mother, Sally Blofis-Jackson.”

 

“My Lady,” Sally intoned, inclining her head. “It’s wonderful to meet you.”

 

"Your son is as loyal as you." Well, Percy snorted. Being a chthonic river deity surely can’t be good for social skills. Luckily (or not), his mom had years to adjust to the oddity of divinity, and as she does with everything else, she took it in stride.

 

"Thank you, My Lady. Would you care for tea? I started the kettle right before you arrived.”

 

"Yes, Lady Blofis-Jackson. I would." 

 

“Please, call me Sally. All my friends do.”

Chapter 2: bonus chapter one

Notes:

at no point did I know where this was going when I was writing. I didn't even know I was gonna write this. I'm just as shocked as you are. I think I needed reprive from the overwhelming horror of writing serious forealsies romance

On the riverbed of the Styx, Percy wanders.

The woe-filled waters of his… mentor (master?) was one of the few places he would be undisturbed, and of that he unrepentantly takes advantage. Few people would be stupid enough to brave Her power, and even fewer would survive. Percy can think here, encompassed in the ebb and flow of promises and saltwater. Vulnerability is rare, but so long as he’s in The River, it’s afforded to him. Strength to cover his weakness.

What is wrong? Her current whispered. Something ails you, My Heart.

“I don’t want to tell you,” He confessed. “You have enough on your plate, My Lady.”

But you will, She asserted. Because I want you to. Will you deny me so?

Percy sighed. He was always weak to the women in his life. “Can’t we talk about the weather?” He tried uselessly. “Lack thereof, rather. Hades should really get on that,” he muttered under his breath.

Her silence was telling.

“I’m a god.” Percy started clunkily. “I’ve been one for a few months now.” He paused to gather his words, and She waited. Her patience was always his, and once more, he felt a swell of gratitude rise in his chest.

“I’m barely removed from mortalhood, so it makes sense that I’m still me. But will I-” his voice trailed off before he gathered the nerve to finish. “Will I always be?”

Once it came out, the rest of his words came violently, a torrent of pent-up emotions and feelings released. “What if I lose everything that makes me me and never realize it as the centuries go by? What if I change? What if I become like them?” Percy exhaled harshly and clenched gritty sand in his hands, feeling the rough texture grind against his palms. “I nearly hated them. Sometimes I still think I do. It’s stupid to expect immortals to do the right thing, but if I can, why can’t they? Will time take that away from me, too?”

“I’d never demand humanity from them, mortals can be more monstrous than The Pit himself. But I’d sooner die than willingly become as unfeeling as they are,” Percy finished. He felt contemplation stir around him as She mulled over his words, and Percy waited. As always, Her patience was returned.

If you showed the signs of an Oathbreaker, My Heart, you’d die by my hand, She soothed. The clench of Percy’s chest lightened at the reassurance. Allowing such an existence would be cruel to you. I would not allow it.

“Thank you,” he breathed. “Thank you so much.”

From your first heartbeat, you were mine, She cooed. I know who you were, who you are, and what you will be. You will change, as all growing things are want to do. But it will not be into the likes of them. This I Swear.

The oath reverberated around them as power swelled in the Underworld, creating a heady atmosphere. It made Percy feel hazy and light, more addictive than any wine Dionysus could conjure.

“When I was talking to Hermes, he said you were 'terrifying' and 'nightmare inducing,” Percy quoted, leaning back to the grit of the riverbed. “But I don’t see it. You’re like Mom. You’re the kindest people I know.”

You are kind, My Heart, She said firmly. Worryingly so. I am not; your understanding of my nature blinds you to this truth.

“Yeah, yeah, if you say so.” Percy rolled his eyes and wriggled to get more comfortable as the movement of the currents lured him to rest. “I’ll believe it when I see it.”

I am kind to you because you are you, Perseus. Oathbreakers do not receive this of me.

“At this rate, they never will,” He declared. “Because they can’t keep their word.” It made him seethe, the carelessness of the world. From Olympus to Atlantis, promises were lost to the wind. How sickening, he thought.

Know this, Dear One, we are dread. We are righteous terror and the bond of word. Where we walk, The Fates watch. Percy hushed with bated breath as he took in the wisdom his Lady imparted to him. She let the weight of her statement rest and settle into his skin. But above all else, we are Fair. They know the side of me they deserve.

“They did this to you,” He realized. “They’re liars, so they turned you into something that should be feared.” He wished She was personified so he could hug her. “It must’ve been lonely. I’m sorry.”

My own children do not Know, She sighed mournfully. But that is neither here nor there. Make no mistake, My Heart, their fear was always mine to have. But their respect does not come as easily.

“Well fuck them!” Percy swore impassioned. “Gods suck anyway. Except for Grover,” he added thoughtfully. “He’s cool.”

Yes, She said dotingly. Your chosen companions are thoughtful indeed, especially your Lord of the Wild and Daughter of Wisdom. I am fond of them.

Percy smiled as he drifted into not-quite sleep, happy at his Lady’s approval. Right as he was about to cross the line into actual slumber, an idea hit him. He sat up with purpose as churning waters curiously swirled around him.

“You should meet them!” Percy was so excited he stood and paced about the riverbed. Little whirlpools made and unmade themselves in his wake, his jubilation given form. “I get to introduce you to my best friends, and you get to befriend people who respect you in one move. It’s perfect!”

Is this part of your Socialization Plan? Oh, My Heart, She Lamented. Your silliness is unbecoming.

“Mom, Paul, and I can’t be the only people I talk to regularly,” Percy reasoned. “It’ll be good for you.”

I did not talk to anyone regularly for several millennia, She muttered. And I was fine.

“Sure you were,” he said doubtfully. “We have dinner at Mom’s coming up soon, I’ll bring you. It’ll be fun.”

Must I?

“No,” Percy assured. “But you will, because I want you to.”

She called him impudent with the same voice one would use with a sleepy kitten. I indulge you far too much.

Tellingly, She did not say no. Percy showed up to dinner the next day with His Lady in tow.

___

“Percy,” Annabeth whispered as her eyes trailed over the form of Styx. She was speaking to his Mother and inquiring about her method of cooking, a look of concentration furrowing her eyebrows. “What’s the situation between Her and Her husband?”

Percy froze and felt the three plates of lasagna he consumed curdle in his stomach. Ricotta turned into ash.

“I don’t like the question!” Grover fought desperately to look natural and only looked increasingly constipated for his efforts, yet Percy was sure he wasn’t doing much better. “Why would you ask that?” The sound of chewed aluminum got louder by the second.

“He’s… faded.” Percy said cautiously, hoping against hope Annabeth didn’t mean what he thought she meant. As much as he wanted to be, he wasn’t wrong. Percy knew Annabeth far too well to be wrong.

“Perfect.” Her voice was victorious, like she had won the Cabin Six Chess Gauntlet. Her eyes became heavy-lidded as she walked with the grace of a predator to the Goddess from the River.

“Lady Styx,” she called. “Tell me, is there any specific design you’ve envisioned for your temple? I have more than a few designs you can go through.”

“Oh!” His Lady’s voice was surprised, shock lifting her features. “I see. Come, Annabeth. We must discuss this further.”

“Gladly.”

“Percy,” Grover hissed in distress. “What have you done?”

“I don’t know,” he groaned. “I didn’t mean to! I just wanted Her to get out of the Underworld!”

“Oh, She’s getting out there all right. Annabeth’s seeing to it.” Grover punctuated his statement with a bite to his nearly-gone can tomato can. “Good job.”

“Please shut up.”

“Look on the bright side,” Sally consoled. Her approach was missed in Percy’s panic, but the softness of her hand on the back of his neck made him calm. “At least you’ll have a good relationship with your other-stepmother. You already know her!” Just like that, his calm was shattered.

“That isn’t a bright side,” Percy nearly wailed. “There is no bright side!”

“Chin up, son.” Paul was cheerful in a way unique to him as he dropped a kiss on his mother’s cheek. “Come on, let’s go to the family room. They may need some… privacy.”

Percy hated everything.

Notes:

percy: what is I lose who I am to the sands of time?
his unsocialized river mother: hmm... what can I say to make him feel better
styx: don't worry I'll kill you before that happens!
percy, as unsettling as his most recently adoptive parent: gee thanks mom :) you're so cool

the narrative (me) just won't let posiedon be a parent. I'm trying but he just doesn't want to be written. we'll see more of him in the mortal hearted gods director's cut. speaking of mortal-hearted gods, that's one of the most embarrassing things I've ever written. it confuses me endlessly why so many of you people like it (over 1000 kudos! weird!!)

it's unstated and implied, but percy is also sorta kinda a cthonic deity, incase you wandered. hades and poseidon get split custody! good for them! he's kinda like that one friend who's overly employed. it's so much fun writing whatever I want

Notes:

poseidon was absolutely positive he was going to air olympus out only for styx to show up. he's not mad at it! now I'm contemplating a sally/styx pjo au where percy isn't the son of the sea, but instead the river of oaths. I estimate a 45% chance of me going through with it. next order of business: if you viewed the series notes, you'd see where I said there's a perpollo possibility. that being said, I'm pretty sure the next work for this series will be an apollo interlude. that's it for announcements! comments are my favorite ;)

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 4 of perseus, son of sally