[ WP ] `` You may have one wish granted . '' `` I want all my debts cleared . '' `` How much do you owe ? '' `` You misunderstand . My debts are not monetary . ''

The journey had been treacherous, but worn and weary, I finally reached the highest peak. I stood for a moment in awe at the sight of the acropolis, bathed in golden light. With newfound vigor, I took the final steps and at long last set foot inside the hallowed halls. I was greeted by a booming voice. 
 
 `` Welcome to Olympus, mortal. You have ventured far to seek counsel with the gods. What is it that you seek?'' 
 
 I hesitated for a moment. 
 
 `` O great Zeus, I have come to seek your aid. I have undertaken a great debt, one which I am unable to pay. I have made the perilous climb to the top of Mt. Olympus to ask that you absolve me of this debt.'' 
 
 `` I am afraid I can not absolve you of your debt.'' The voice had taken on a somber tone. `` Debts must always be repaid.'' 
 
 My heart sank as his words echoed through the chamber. 
 
 `` However...'' the voice continued, `` Olympus has a great many treasures. Surely, no debt could be so great that the riches of the gods could not suffice. No matter the price, I shall pay your debt.'' 
 
 `` Thank you, almighty Zeus! I am humbled by your generosity!'' 
 
 `` So tell me, mortal: to what amount do you owe?'' 
 
 `` Well... Forgive me, O powerful Zeus, but I must ask that you come with me to Earth to meet my debtor.'' 
 
 `` Very well,'' the voice began. `` I shall accompany you tomorrow. Today is a day of great celebration on Olympus. Today, our son Hercules is born. For tonight, you shall join us. Come, feast with us. It is a joyous occasion.'' 
 
 Suddenly a figure took shape before me, as if the booming voice itself had coalesced into material form. `` This way,'' the giant figure gestured as he opened a great stone door, the sounds of festivity and merriment wandering into the chamber. I followed the gracious deity out into the courtyard, where all the pantheon was gathered. Surely, no mortal before me had ever beheld such a sight. 
 
 The celebration continued for a time that felt like many days, but the sun did not set. In fact, it had remained fixed in the sky. Were I not in the presence of Apollo himself, I might wonder the reason why. The gods did not sleep, but I lacked their divine fortitude. After much feasting, I found a place to rest. 
 
 When I awoke, it was finally night. 
 
 `` Ah, awake at last,'' the familiar voice whispered. `` Let us begin our descent.'' 
 
 As we traversed down the mountain, night slowly turned again to day. The rising sun greeted us just as we arrived in the city. 
 
 `` Where shall we find this debtor?'' the deity inquired. 
 
 `` I believe it is he who shall find us,'' I answered. `` Please, let us return to my home. You graciously invited me to feast on Olympus, it is only fitting that I offer the same hospitality in return.'' 
 
 The god gave an amused smile and agreed as we set down the road. After a short while we arrived at the estate. 
 
 `` This is your home?'' Zeus remarked, with a clear hint of surprise. His divine gaze darted from gilded tapestry to shining gemstone to the servants that fetched us food and drink. 
 
 `` Indeed, it is.'' 
 
 `` Then surely, this debt must be quite heavy, that a man of your fortune can not pay it.'' 
 
 `` Indeed, it is.'' 
 
 Finally, there was a knock at the door. I opened it, revealing a twisted and crooked man. He spoke with a shrill sense of glee in his voice. `` I see you have finally returned! Are you prepared to pay your debt?'' 
 
 `` Indeed, I am. Almighty Zeus, this is the man to whom I owe so much.'' 
 
 `` Zeus... I'm familiar with your work. But tell me, do you know my name?'' 
 
 The god stood silent. The twisted man did n't seem phased to be in the presence of a divine being. 
 
 `` No matter. It's time. Pay up!'' 
 
 Zeus finally spoke. `` I am here to pay this man's debt.'' 
 
 A sinister smile worked its way across the twisted man's face as he turned his gaze back to me. 
 
 `` Well! I must say, you've delivered more than I expected!'' He cackled as the words escaped from his twisted face. 
 
 `` Almighty Zeus, I beg your forgiveness...'' 
 
 The god turned to me with a puzzled look. 
 
 `` Well, go on... Introduce us,'' the shrill voice urged. 
 
 `` Zeus... Meet Rumpelstiltskin.''
