After the last joke Apollyr made, Rapham sat down and looked up at the God's. He appeared to be in deep thought as he looked up and said, "First off, I would like to ask why I still remember my identity and stay as Rapham? I had 3 other lives. Why does my soul resonate so well with the name Rapham and not the others? After speaking, Rapham leans back and looks at the deities.
Apollyr and Hades appeared to be in deep thought as they looked at Rapham. Truly, neither of them knew the answer as they were not experts in the soul. Finally, Apollyr answers the question, turning to the young man.
"Maybe the reason why you still identify as Rapham is that it is the life that resonates the most with you since you were an old man by the time you died. You had a wife and child in that life as well. Also, because you were so powerful, maybe that is why the name "Rapham" was imprinted into your soul. I am unsure of this theory, though. After all, I am not the God of souls."
After hearing the answer to his question, Rapham nods. Such an answer was not out of the realm for his expectations. As Rapham was pondering through the different possibilities, he looked at both Hades and Apollyr. Eager to change the subject to his situation at hand, he says, "Alright, the way I look at it, the deal you guys are offering me is wholly one-sided. What do I get out of this deal when I am the one taking on all of the risk?"
After Rapham finishes speaking, both God's look at him blankly. Apollyr almost said, "What the fuck?" But he kept it to himself. Raphams question had not been one they had expected. They were God's; after all, usually mortals would bend over backward just to kiss their feet. This mortal, however, was different. Not only had he declined their offer, but he also asked for more benefits on top of what they were previously offered. "So, this is mortal greed." Apollyr remarks as he looked at Hades.
"Child, you are lucky that the God's before you are myself and Apollyr. We are more benevolent than others. If you had spoken like that in front of my brother, your soul likely would have been erased on the spot." Hades says with a smirk as he looks down at Rapham. "Remember this well, boy. Even though we are asking for your help, we will not tolerate lack of respect."
After hearing all that Hades had said, Rapham nods and kneels. It made sense to him that God's were acting like this. He looks up at the God's, finally realizing his place. "My humble apologies, Milord. This foolish one forgot his place." After mulling it over, Rapham decided to act like this. It only made sense to, in front of these two major God's, Rapham was but an ant to them.
After a brief and chaotic silence, Apollyr looks down at the man kneeling. "Uncle, in a mortals eyes, nothing is free. While it is true his lack of respect is concerning, we are asking the boy to save two worlds. I would have this child be rewarded." Apollyr then makes direct eye contact with Rapham. "In this case, I will overlook your rudeness. I am asking you to save two worlds, so speak child. What do you seek?" As long as your request is not for God hood, I will accommodate you within reason." He says as he leans back in his throne.
As Rapham hears Apollyr, he couldn't help but inwardly sneer. Apollyr and Hades were asking for his help! Rapham had always hated people who acted conscientious when requesting aid. As he looks up, he stands up and says, "My request is that if I am able to save these worlds from whatever trial that awaits me, I want eternal rest in heaven. I also wish for my family to he sent to heaven if they are not there already. If I so happen to remarry, I would wish for my future wife to be allowed in heaven as well. I will not accept this quest if my above wishes are not met. Even at the threat of the destroying of my soul, I will not proceed."
After Rapham finished speaking, Hades and Apollyr stared at the mortal. No one had ever dared talk to them like this! Hades smirks as he looks down at the mortal. "Very well, child. I will agree to your request. However, I must warn you that now I will place a curse on your power. From henceforth, monsters shall plague you wherever you may roam. This is your price for your insolence. As for your requests, such requests are simple for a God like myself. Raise your hand and swear on your soul that you agree to these conditions. Bear in mind that should you fail, you will not reincarnate for 1000 years, and you will lose all your memories. Your sense of self will also be destroyed, so with the five lives you have, you will not have any advantages like you have now."
As Hades finishes speaking, Rapham nods. He had been expecting such terms. He bows towards both God's, not in the slightest bothered by the curse. He was, after all, saving two worlds. If he could not exterminate beasts, he would be fodder for a wicked God.
Kneeling down again, Rapham looks at Hades and Apollyr. "I swear on my soul that I will adhere to the statutes stated by Lord Hades and Lord Apollyr. I understand fate will guide the direction with which my soul is to be either erased or strengthened."
After Rapham finishes his oath, Hades looks down at the young man. "Very good. Now, I have been able to figure out why you still have your memories and why you, Apollyr, have such a bond with this mortal."
Both Rapham and Apollyr look at the older God in confusion. After all this dialog, both parties just wished to go back to their respective duties. "Uncle?" Apollyr says as he looks at Hades.