Thunder cracked through the realms above them as Zeus appeared in a shower of lightning. It took a moment for a human-like form to take. He usually preferred being one with the winds over a human guise, but for ceremonies like these the Gods found the human forms to be the best way to enjoy them. He appeared with hair as white as any cloud and eyes as azure as the very sky itself. He sported a medium sized beard this time, experimenting with the facial hair that male humans sometimes adorned. His skin was darker, taking a more tanned tone than the denizens of Greece. He appeared as he always did, and it made Leto chuckle a bit remembering that little tidbit of Polymorphism. The funny thing about human forms was that the Gods did not "create" a body, but rather became a proxy human. The human form Zeus took was what he would have looked like if the concept of human was part of his core…at least in part. The beauty and strength his form carried was augmented by divinity of course, so it was not an exact translation, but it was a state that he could not alter either. Due to this strange peculiarity, Gods could appear in a variety of skin tones and hair colors. Those that were directly related, like parent to child, would share some core physical traits, but as a species? Some were colored as humans were, with pale or dark skin. Others appeared otherworldly with skin that shone like stairs or faces with no features. Some had horns or were shaped like animals. Whatever appearance they took was set from the moment they were born, expressed with magic like polymorphism. Small alterations like hair color, slight shapes, or other like features were possible to change…but that was it. Leto felt her question die as Zeus wrapped his arm around Hera. He looked at his Queen with eyes that glowed with respect and admiration…but most importantly with gratitude.
Leto genuinely hated the part of herself that was jealous of Hera in this moment…but it was short lived.
"Hera, the preparations you've started have been completed ahead of schedule. Thank you for lending us Argus. I have to say, your creation is surprisingly competent. Think you can make another for me?"
Hera scoffed.
"Argus is one of a kind, "dear". If you wish to have your own, merely make one."
Zeus shrugged.
"We both know you are the better weaver."
Hera smiled back, thin…but genuine.
"Sadly, such skills are not as prevalent as a warrior."
Zeus rolled his eyes.
"You always compare that. Apples to Pomegranates I say. Either way, an old argument. I have done nothing to shame your craft have I? Not to mention you are the one responsible for crushing Atlas' skull in the war."
Ah, that. It was funny watching the minor gods belittle Hera sometimes, forgetting that she had the most physical strength out of all the gods currently when they were invoked in physical forms. Leto had a sneaking suspicion that her son, Hephaestus, might be stronger. Zeus turned to her, and Leto felt that she alone held his love and affection in that moment. The way his features softened…the love he held for her was genuine. Granted, she was not his only love, but neither was he to her. They both knew exactly what the other was like…hilarious how that made their coupling work of all things.
"Are they ready?" he asked, excitement trembling from his voice. For all of Zeus' faults, for which there were many, the love he had for his children was genuine and true. The horror of Kronos' failings as a parent ensured that Zeus was nowhere near the level of tyranny and cruelty that was that Titan's parenting style…he wasn't perfect but when your comparison was basically the devil, anything looked good in comparison. The realm began to peel back as Zeus began bringing them to the main hall. Leto panicked a bit, not expecting things to be progressing this quickly, even for their divine senses.
"Hera, I mean this with the greatest urgency, there is something we need to talk about as soon as possible!"
Hera nodded.
"And we will…after you watch your children ascend to their thrones."
Leto could feel it in her core…something was at play here. In an instant they were in the grand hall, her children adorned in the styles and clothing of their choice. They were stunning and glorious. Leto could do nothing but beam at her two children, basking in their achievements. The ceremony, for all the bluster and pageantry, was excruciatingly simple. There were no words, not for Gods. No, there was only power. Within Mount Olympus existed 12 "thrones". They were not thrones as mortals knew them, but rather a metaphysical seat of power without shape. A shard of creation that was splintered into 12 core pieces. Kronos, for all his power, was incapable of surviving the weight of these colossal sources of energy. It was why her dear previous King sought the Primordial of Time's Power so frantically. What little he managed to obtain from the Primordial of Time made Kronos an absolute powerhouse overnight, granting him aspects beyond being the Titan of Harvests…and what had ensured the misunderstanding of how these thrones worked. Each of the minor Gods looked on in jealousy, believing that they too could embody aspects beyond their cores. One even ran past the twins to try and take power for themselves. Apollo and Artemis were unbothered by it as they continued moving, watching the random minor god splinter into a thousand little pieces, their core crushed beyond the eternities. A true and final death. Golden dust parsed through the winds as Apollo and Artemis "sat". Their Olympic power surged beyond Leto's own a thousand times over…and they were comfortable. The shards of creation melded seamlessly and completely into their being. They had become OLYMPIANS. It should have been a party, a grand celebration. Of course, her children were unaware of the relationships and drama that had been brewing over the years. They basked a little in their well-earned praise…and then Zeus revealed his weapon. He had grinned at his children, promising them the services of Olympus's grand craftsman. Before Hephaestus, Leto would have said without a doubt that Zeus' symbol of power was unmatched. Leto bit her lip as her children revealed their symbols of power…and doomed Hephaestus. The room soared as 100% of their energy filtered through their items. Leto half expected the weapons he crafted to simply explode…and yet they were unmarred. If anything, the weapon seemed to be emboldened by their power, somehow growing even further in strength and matching her children beat to beat. Artemis' grin grew savage again, pumping even more as a show of strength. Her bow shone brightly in a silverish hue, what meager amount of divinity the weapon couldn't contain leaking through. Again, the weapon was sturdy and strong. The minor God's jealousy died, the full weight of Artemis' power finally hitting it the truth home. They were weak…that was it. She expected Zeus to have jealousy or even fear…but her lover proved his mettle yet again. Zeus marveled at them, clapping in unexpected happiness. Young as he was, the King of the Gods had not yet known the betrayal of his siblings and family…and as such was not thrown to the path of power and obsession. As such, he did fear their power, rather he craved it for his own, wanting a weapon just as personalized and strong.
"Now, where did you end up getting that my children? Surely the cyclops have not made yet another breakthrough?"
Leto made to shush her children as discreetly as she could…but her son paid little attention, too engrossed in the praise and adoration. Artemis caught on, but she was too slow. Her brother laughed as he approached his father quickly, showing off his bow. Was the shape always like that? It seemed a little different to Leto now.
"My mother requisitioned a smith that remained on our lands for years! It was he that created our weapons, our symbols of power!" bragged Apollo, showing his weapon in full display. Now that Leto had a deeper look at it…did it always have five strings? It looked less like a bow now and more like a-
The sound that thrummed through the hall, in front of countless witnesses, was pristine. The songs her son played for a few moments took her breath away. For the first time Artemis looked at her brother, TRULY looked at him. She closed her eyes, enjoying the song that she recognized as the hum her brother had for all these years. Artemis realized in this moment that her brother wasn't stupid, rather he was gifted and never had the tools needed to really express that aside from his voice. Could he sing just as beautifully as he played? He usually just hummed.
"Breath taking isn't it! A Hephaestus Original!"
Leto cringed a bit, awaiting Hera's response…but there was none? Strange…did she not name her own child? Curious.
"Hephaestus?"
Zeus rumbled the words, his voice sounding like warm thunder. He whistled and Hermes appeared before him without issue. Leto always felt uncomfortable around her lover's son. He wasn't…bad, per say, but he always seemed so slippery and distant. The messenger of the Gods merely grinned and bowed to his father. She had to admit, the devotion Hermes had for Zeus was unmatched.
"To how can I be of assistance Lord Zeus?"
Zeus scowled, muttering something about father, before addressing his son.
"Find the one called Hephaestus and bring him here!" declared Zeus, "I would seek to reward him for the weapons he created! Invite him to Olympus with the opportunity to become our favored smith!"
Skilros, the current favored smith, was attended to by his three apprentices. He scowled dangerously, glaring at the weapons covetously. The way that ugly cyclops shook made her smirk in adjacent pride. Hephaestus life was about to turn over…but damnit if she wasn't prideful of the way his craft made others SQUIRM. Skilros was well known for being the best, having mastered the means of crafting Zeus' bolts to a high degree. Each individual bolt could draw up a once astounding 38% of his power. They were fragile, but excellent tools of war. Now? Now he was a joke, as he should be. A craftsman God, a proper one, has finally been born. With a dismissive gesture, Zeus expelled all but the chosen gods from Olympus, not wanting to deal with their annoying problems. Thousands of minor Gods and spirits were reduced to a mere hundred. Most of whom were Titans and stronger spirits. Apollo and Artemis stuck around, following after Zeus like lost puppies. The imperious frown he had adorned for a moment disappeared as he looked over at her, his smile wide.
"This was what was so important Leto? I admit, I would have liked to have known far earlier, but the surprise was excellent!"
Leto felt a part of her squirm a bit…as she nodded to Zeus' words, a smile on her face. She tried her best to help Hera…but it would not be at the cost of her relationship with Zeus. Hermes dispersed in an instant, his speed so great than he was moving across the entirety of Greece in seconds over and over again. The name was more than enough, with Hermes concept of "messenger" granting him the knowledge of who he needed to find. It wasn't just because the boy was fast after all that he was an Olympian as well as the messenger. The same went for Dionysus. The supposed "Drunk" as the minor gods put it, was a representative of the insanity that could plague mortals. He was physically the weakest of the Olympians, but in turn was absurdly potent in poisonous and chemical based magic. Dionysus was slumbering away, having slept the entire meeting away. Supposedly he was always sleeping off the more potent effects of his abilities. Hera wrapped him in a small blanket, scoffing a bit at his foolishness…yet like any mother she cared for him deeply. Leta swallowed a bit, smiling at her own little family with Zeus, perhaps things wouldn't turn out so bad?
-Around this time, Hephaestus and Calliope-
How this absurd thing occurred, Hephaestus didn't know. Calliope took a deep breath, her chest heaving as the sweat ran down her chest. She ran her hands over her chest sensually, staring at Hephaestus.
"So," asked Calliope breathlessly, "what do you think?"
Hephaestus ran his fingers over, following every trace and curve. Her breath hitched as he reached a key area. He clicked his tongue.
"Right here," he explained, his breath visible with the cold frisky night air, "this is why the structure tends to fall."
Calliope sighed, rubbing the sweat off her brow.
"Of course, that makes sense."
Currently out in the fields, the two were building a bridge. A project that Calliope, as the craftswoman of the village, was currently trying to figure out.
"You've built solid foundations, but the distribution of pressure is where the bridge is failing."
"…what?"
…ah…right. Smart, but uneducated. She didn't use the same terms that Hephaestus would.
"The weight of the people and materials, we need to distribute it across the bridge, minimizing the risk of collapse. The wood is supple and strong, but the overall structure is placing too much weight at key points. All the pressure causes the wood to crack before you can even finish making the bridge. See?"
He showed her one of the broken pieces she kept around. He put it back together and gave it to her. She slowly separated the pieces, mimicking the way it splintered from it's own weight. The god of craftsman smiled as he watched her begin to figure it out on her own. For hours they simply discussed ideas, with little direct input from Hephaestus. As the sun began to rise, Calliope rubbed her chin, and at that moment she was devastatingly beautiful to Hephaestus. She had carved a life for herself, honed her own skills, and was living off those hard-earned skills and supporting her family's dreams. Her son was an artist, and her daughter took after Hephaestus and pursued the type of meals that he cooked for them that night. How could he not respect such gumption and drive? He laughed as she snapped her fingers, turning to him not as an answer board, but a sound board. She talked of ideas and he in turn inspired her to think in other directions, rewarding her intuitive behavior with small hints to keep her ideas going. Who knew that teaching could be so fulfilling? But, like everything else in the world, even this had to end. Calliope began leading Hephaestus elsewhere. He presumed it was to the village, as he in truth forgot the way there. As a divine entity he didn't really forget anything he committed to memory. The problem lied in the fact that he needed to commit his experiences to memory in the first place. He could have sworn this was a symptom of ADHD, though he struggled to understand why his brain would jump to that conclusion. The comfortable silence broke as they neared a river.
"Thank you Lord,"
"Hephaestus is fine. I am no lord," he interrupted.
That seemed to be the right thing to say, for Calliope grinned. Her smile showed what few wrinkles were currently on her face, but it did nothing to deter her beauty to him. What was age to someone like him? He was technically eons old if one went by memories lived. He looked damn good for it to. A bit bulkier than he would like though, his larger frame throwing off his techniques for now.
"You are so different. So…warm," she whispered, "tell me…do you hear the prayers we've sent?"
Hephaestus blinked, his raw surprise making Calliope smile even more.
"So, you are not the same. I figured."
"I did not ask to be worshi-"
Calliope turned around, a red blush on her face but a blaze of determination in her steps. The intensity made Hephaestus silent. They were alone currently, out in the open, but far from the villagers. She had invited him out here after dinner to escape the notice of the villagers. Apparently, the word of a God in their village spread far faster than he had ever expected, the story that Agnes had spread for years making him highly recognizable. It started off as a small conversation, but Hephaestus learned that she was the one crafting all sorts of things for the village. She had apparently married her husband for precisely that desire for crafting, adoring his ability to hone items. She wanted to build and create but felt patronized and belittled by those in her family and to her dismay her own husband. She mentioned that he had inspired her that night, stating his opinions about fate and the Gods. She had never been happier having put her own life in her own hands.
She entered his personal space and placed a hand on his chest. She…she cooed?
"You are warm," she whispered, "I figured you'd be."
He sputtered, wondering why she kept saying that, and she laughed. It was sputtered with a guttural snort…but he didn't care. The warmth he felt was more than enough. It was not a blazing passion, but rather a steady stream. A comfortable one. He hesitantly placed his hands on her face, not really sure how to progress things from here. She caught on immediately as she grasped his hand, smirking the whole time.
"Oh you sweet man. You must be young."
She laughed even harder at the look of slight reprimand.
"I should be struck down, no? For such impunity?" she teased, her nose brushing against his own.
"Never," he said, the intensity almost suffocating, but his face never moving from her own. Instead, he seemed to weigh her down with his own gaze. She endured, basking in what it meant. She had never felt more alive in this moment, it was if every touch made her feel like fire itself. For a time, she had regretted not trying a bit more with her ex-husband, feeling that if she perhaps gave him more attention, that their relationship might have been different.
What a sick joke. This moment, this feeling…it showed her just how naïve her thoughts had been. There was no manufacturing this. It was either a have or have not and most assuredly she had THIS.
"I want you," she stated, being sick and tired of his inexperience. She frowned a bit at the sight of him retreating a bit emotionally. She placed her hand on his face, recognizing the expression. After all, she wore the same one for years. The face of someone terrified to love another. Her relationship with her children years ago was far worse than she had ever envisioned, not realizing how distant she was from them until after Hephaestus. After she had begun applying herself to her craft, focusing on her and her own happiness, she realized just how much of her hate for her husband and herself that she had been putting on her kids. Their relationship was like night and day, the love she felt for them surpassing itself every time the sun rose up. She had made her life with her own bare hands…and she would have this God as well. She smiled softly, bringing his hand to her breast. He blinked and stared at her.
"Is this not too qu-"
She stared at him with a droll expression. Honestly, she felt that this should have been easier.
"I do not seek marriage young man. Merely a night."
He surprised her as he seemed to resolve himself. She felt a thurm of power underneath her fingers, the caress of his muscles suddenly increasing in heat. It wasn't burning her, but for a moment she could have sworn she saw a series of ruptures across his skin, like the flow of magma over the earth.
"You'll have to deal with several, I'm afraid."
She grinned, bringing Hephaestus to the first kiss he had ever had in his life. Memories that EMIYA had of such occurrences were…rare. Plentiful yes, but rare when compared to the rest of his immense life. Whatever he experienced in those memories though were pale imitations of this. Her tongue entered his mouth as she began to apply more pressure, pushing herself into him more. This was not love, he knew that from the start. This was raw passion, an escalation of attraction and the realization that their lives were short. She wanted him and knew of his attraction to her. What use was there in waiting and hoping. She realized her own desires and decided to grab the object of said desires with her two hands and…well shit he had to admit he respected that.
She shivered as he lifted her with ease, running his hands everywhere but her chest. She growled a bit, biting his lip and scowling.
"…this isn't your first time, is it?"
"….It is," he whispered, "I swear."
She stared at him, her blush increasing.
"Goo-"
"Hello there!"
"FUCK!"
Hephaestus blinked as she jumped right off him, showing a rather spry agility. He stared at her, not expecting the swearing. He turned and saw…a pretty boy? His hair was sandy and married with a tanned complexion. His eyes were a striking blue, and his easy-going smile was nothing short of a tragic mix of charisma and mischief. It wasn't until he analyzed the dagger at his hip that he knew who this was.
"Lord Hermes," bowed Hephaestus, shielding Calliope behind him. She bowed as well…but kept close to him. Hermes was immensely beautiful. She couldn't help her attraction to him, but the way he made her feel was…squirmy. There was no denying her guttural attraction, but the way Hephaestus made her feel was far more intense. This was a God…and he was here for her…lover? Friend? Both? She didn't know what Hermes wanted but she didn't like it. Mainly because she couldn't stop him.
Hermes wore a bright blue robe, one that only flowed to his knees. His legs were immensely muscular, his physique lither and more compact than one might expect. But his skin was the most alluring part of him. It sparkled with electrical energy, his father's blood potent and screaming from within. He looked like a lightning bolt that was screaming through the sky was just brought to life.
"To what honor do I owe your visit," knelt Hephaestus.
Once again divine pride won as Hermes nodded, enjoying the moment.
"Zeus requests your presence."
"I understand, I'll leave immediately."
Hermes blinked but thought nothing of it. Hephaestus wanted to go as quickly as possible, not wanting Hermes to have any ideas about anything. If he made for Calliope for even a moment...then Hephaestus would learn just how far he'd go to protect someone. Hermes gripped his shoulder, smiling apologetically.
"hey man, sorry for the cock block, I'll make sure to drop you off here later! Heard about your bummer core from our Centaur friend. Don't worry, your secret is safe with me," he winked.
Hephaestus was the picture of serenity, but inwardly he knew that Hermes was full of shit. The second he could profit from it, Hephaestus' secret was out. He had no personal loyalty to him…thought to say that Hermes was out to get him was also incorrect. This was the issue with the gods. One moment they were genuinely loving you…the next you were their arch nemesis. He had to be careful. The light exploded out from them, leaving Calliope behind to worry.
-Mount Olympus-
Mount Olympus proved…different than what Hephaestus was expecting. To think the entire place was just a collection of forged realities was an interesting way to do things. It effectively gave all the Gods a place to call their own…though a way to organize it better would be prudent. Now it was a swirling mass of raw energy, with only the grand hall being a solid-like state. Perhaps a collection of buildings as a gate way/container for these separate pocket dimensions? Either way he remained waiting outside the hall, waiting for the moment he was called forth. No one was here, well…not until Leto was at the gateway, giving him a warm smile. He nodded, appreciating her silent support. Then the thunder boomed. He took a breath, wondering if this was really it…was he ready? While he was mess inwardly, his outer appearance was stout and calm. As he walked the steps, he ignored the minor gods. For a time, he had envisioned that the minor gods were these abused and mistreated beings.
Now that he was older, more experienced, he knew that to be false. Or, at the very least not as bad as rumors made it seem. Zeus was more of a hands-off king than any other in the reign of the Greek Pantheon. Each of these Gods had more freedom than they've ever had, bar a few direct restrictions that Zeus declares. Most of which tended to do with his many lovers. No, what they hated was one simple fact. Something these minor gods could never truly overcome no matter their struggles. They were terribly weak. The fall of Chronos weakened those that were loyal to him and shifted sides at the last minute to stand with Zeus. Ironically it was not Zeus who cursed them, but Kronos himself. Zeus simply didn't care to fix it and now the damage was irreparable. Even Hephaestus was stronger than them, and his core was broken for Chaos' sake. The jealousy and disgust they sent his way told him that Hermes' promise to keep his secret was already broken. The question was whether it was Hermes or someone else that broke that promise.
Walking through Olympus proved to be a far easier task than he anticipated. He thought with the variety of dimensions that it would be a long trek, but no. It was merely a straight shot down a beautiful but unrefined marble corridor. The deeper he went, the more deities could be seen, many of whom Hephaestus didn't even know were part of the Greek pantheon. Eventually he reached the throne room, though they lacked thrones, only having a large square stand not unlike the kind politicians would stand on during debates. The entire room was filled with Gods, filled with a contempt that would have crushed his self-esteem ages ago. It was barely a pip now. He was stronger, so much more than he ever thought he would be. Well…that was until he saw her. Sitting beside Zeus in all her regal attire…was Hera. In a second, Hephaestus could see all the features he got from her. Their eyes were an identical shade of gold, the only two in the entirety of the room. The wild shape of their hair was even the same, though the shades were entirely different. Hera kept her hair straight and embroidered with many jewels. The slight history he could gleam from it told him this was less of a power move and more of an image thing. Her hair, much like his own, had a mind of its own. It refused to stay down; much like him. The more he looked at her the more similar they seemed to be-
"What are you doing," thought Hephaestus to himself, "you are focusing on the wrong thing. Enough."
Like a gong, the thought eased his thinking. He knelt without leave, bowing his head deep to Zeus. The courtroom went quiet, and Zeus blinked at him.
"Rise." he intoned.
The booming voice was utterly infused with charisma. Much like Alexander the Great, Zeus spoke in baritone, with a posture that naturally inclined him to a more regal appearance. His darker skin was a bit misleading, but Hephaestus chalked that more to the nature of the cores of the divine than a conscious decision on Zeus' part. He stood, making sure that his legs were completely hidden under his cloth. What pieces of metal these Gods could see would only make them think he had armor on. He'd rather they not know the truth. Easier that way.
"Do you know why you've been summoned?"
"…no sir."
Zeus looked to Hermes with an exhausted expression. Hermes at least had the decency to look sheepish.
"I have seen your creations firsthand godling, the ones you've forged for my children. I ask you smith, are you capable of creating more?"
The basic respect was….unexpected. But it was not unappreciated, bullshit as it may possibly be. He maintained his gaze on the ground, just wanting this to be over with.
"As many as you need, my lord. I need only the essence of the God who needs it."
It took all the willpower of the Cyclops not to scream out BULLSHIT.
"Oh, care to demonstrate?"
Hephaestus never looked towards Zeus, always maintaining eye contact with the floor. For a moment, he could feel Zeus rubbing his head in a moment of pain. Shit, he hoped this wasn't the time that Athena was born.
"I can," stated Hephaestus, "but the time for creating divine constructs can take several hours."
This time the cyclops could not maintain his composure, snorting in derision. Hephaestus cared little…but Leto made her displeasure known. That in turn made Zeus raise an eyebrow. For a moment, the god of fire was pretty sure he was about to be killed. The jealousy of Zeus was well known. Yet, there no hint of such thing, merely curiosity.
"…does your method differ that much? I am no craftsman, that I admit freely. However, it is to my knowledge that such a practice does not take such a time. That is more along the mortal method, no?"
Hephaestus stood straighter but was cut off by Zeus.
"Stop looking at the floor and look at me boy. Honestly, I'm not going to smite you for asking questions. I am not my father."
Ah, right. Young Zeus. Freedom fighter Zeus. He locked eyes with Zeus and stumbled. The overwhelming power almost caused him to stumble in suprise…but he stood straight. The pressure was tolerable, surprising, but not suffocating in any manner. A fact that made the god grin widely. Suddenly the pressure in the room exploded as the others joined in, with Hera having a sideways glance at Zeus, as if giving him the dry eye would make him admit something. Hephaestus stood unbothered, merely raising an eyebrow at Zeus. He shuddered a bit as the man began laughing outrageously. He looked across the other current Olympians, they to were standing unbothered…but the rest were not as lucky. Like a massive pressure weighing down on them, the might of Zeus and the other Olympians made it nigh impossible for what few of the minor gods were still present to be standing.
"HA! I figured this would be the case," bellowed Zeus, "you're a strange one, but your strength seemed too great for a mere spirit!"
He clapped his hands, looking around the room, his voice booming through the mountain itself.
"A craftsman God has come to Olympus, seeking to ply his trade!"
That was not at all what was happening.
Zeus clapped again, his smile spreading.
"And the son of an Olympian! By Chaos you lot got me good!" he said, looking at each of his fellow siblings. Hera's face was dignified, but she seemed exhausted at this show and dance. It was if ADHD was manifested and upped on roids when Zeus spoke. It was absolutely electric….
"Ah, that would explain it," thought Hephaestus.
At the almost verbal inquiry, Zeus decided to explain himself.
"Sorry about that," he said with a smirk, "no simple god can withstand my might, much less our collective strength! Those that can are usually Titans or Olympians! So, tell me kin, to who does your blood flow from?"
The backhanded insults were par for the course for these Gods. The way the minor Gods were still collecting themselves made it obvious why Zeus bothered flexing his strength. It was a reminder, a rather uncaring one. The reasoning was dumb though. The jovial tone was far from what Hephaestus thought the king of the Gods would employ. It was strange how…personable this god was? This was nothing like the King of the Gods of Greek Myth that he knew of. The similarities between the mythologies of this world and EMIYA's were too close to simply consider it as different. Then again, the myths of Greece were always binary in a way. Sometimes the Gods were unfathomably cruel, in another they were blessing people and were beacons of virtue. Was something at play here? A thought for later.
The idea to simply announce his parentage was a strong one…but the idea of doing so here, that stalled his hand. He would not oust her…no…the truth was he was terrified. Here she was, dignified, strong, and beautiful. A mother…one in which lied the possibility of a family. Perhaps there was a reason? A silly concept that prevented her from-
He stopped the thoughts cold. Now wasn't the time. He remained silent as he looked at Zeus.
"I do not wish to take away from the prestige of Apollo and Artemis Lord Zeus, is it alright to discuss this another time?"
The once joyful expression dimmed considerably. The room's clouds darkened and the lord of the forge began to sweat slightly. Thankfully the sweat was not visible on his body at the moment.
"…quite presumptuous to dictate my actions no?"
Hephaestus looked down.
"My apologies Lord. If you truly wish to know then…my mother is-"
Zeus blinked.
"Mother?"
Hephaestus looked back up and nodded.
"I have no recollection of a father."
That much was true, even with EMIYA's memories. After all, Kiritsigu, for all his kindness, could not rightly be called a Father. At least, not a standard one. When the son took care of the father the way Shirou did, it was difficult to call that man a father in truth, no matter how he felt. Perhaps a reflection of EMIYA's/Hephaestus' resentment.
"Interesting. Is it Demeter? You seem to possess an earthen quality to you?"
Zeus began laughing, the lightning above trickling softly, impossible as it was.
"NO! Let's have some fun with it! Hermes, bring me the-"
A crystal was bestowed to Zeus immediately. He looked at his son, a large toothy grin as he took the crystal gratefully.
"Always one step ahead?"
Hermes smirked, tilting his body forward in a boy.
"Always my Lord."
"Again, FATHER."
Hermes disappeared once more, a face amongst the sea of gods around him. The crystal was launched from Zeus' hand with a mere flick, but it flew as it if was fired from a cannon. So great was this speed that EMIYA would have faltered. However, his strength was far greater, and he caught the strange crystal without concern. The crystal shimmered a shining gold, resonating with his essence. Hepahestus blinked, staring at the Greek enchantments that filled the crystal. This was the work of Hecate, the Titan of Magic and Sorcery. The Goddess of Witches. The mother of Witchcraft…and the target for Hephaestus' next mentor. The magic used on this crystal was immaculate, he desperately wanted to know how to invoke such enchantments for his own use, if possible. Zeus chuckled a bit at his newest kin's fascination with the crystal. He held his hand up and was surprised at the grip this new God had. Even his brothers could not grip so tightly as he did, the crystal not even moving an inch.
"Incredible strength," complimented Zeus, "but I'll need the crystal for this little game."
His siblings all looked at him like the child he was. So, what if he was enjoying this, they were never together much anyways aside from him and Hera. Hera, for all her stiffness, was at least fun to interact with. Besides, he had to make a good first impression for this nephew he now had! The God of fire released the object. Then Zeus launched it at his brother. Poseidon merely kept the crystal away from him, floating it in magical grip. The crystal simmered, but the light died.
"Again, with this brother?"
Zeus chuckled a bit.
"I asked and no one answered. Come now, an Olympian of this strength and none of you have pride enough to claim the boy?"
For a moment, Hephaestus wanted to blow his own brains out. Who the fuck was…was this happy go lucky idiot? Then he remembered, not with EMIYA's memories, but…with his own? It was hard to describe it, remembering this life he lived before the inclusion of EMIYA. He was an entirely new person, one who took the name Hephaestus merely due to ease of use. 20 years as a God was effectively weighed down by the countless Era's being EMIYA. He admitted that he was more comfortable with the name Archer of EMIYA, but running around in ancient Greece with the name EMIYA was just asking for trouble. But even his old memories, few in comparison as they were, had nuggets of information. The realm of Olympus was relatively new, only a few centuries old. Certain myths had not occurred yet.
The cursing of Arachne was not yet a thing, simply because Athena had not yet been born.
The Oracles were not a thing.
Medusa and Perseus was a legend not yet formed.
All the myths that defined the Gods had not yet been told nor sung. The Zeus he saw now was a young God, one that had won his family back. Was it possible that this was the way Zeus used to be? Whatever made this God change so drastically? The way this God smiled for his children…it merely reinforced the idea that what information he had, while useful, was not complete. The crystal was now thrown to Hades. The lord of the Underworld was a rather…odd figure, at least to Hephaestus. Many myths portrayed the dividing of the world between the Big 3 to be a rather sordid affair, filled with betrayal as Zeus took the sky and left his brothers the scraps.
Yet, their nature as Gods was immutable, with Hades being a clear lord of the dead. Even now his physical form was flickering as it was drawn back to the Chthonian depths. The crystal too was dormant with him. From what Hephaestus could tell, the crystal would absorb the essence of a God, using the resonance between parent and child to glow. It was a rather ingenious method, making Hephaestus' desire to learn from Hecate grow even further. Though…he wondered why it was even created? Maybe a question for Hecate, he knew she was here within this very place, but his limited senses could not pinpoint that which he did not know. It was best to avoid using Hermes as an intermediary, he didn't want others to know of this desire. He had no shame discussing things with the lord of witches, but he doubts she'd like the attention of him calling out to her publicly right now. Also the whole debacle that was occurring left him quite unable to act.
Hades rolled his eyes and tossed the crystal to the center of the room. The crystal flew to Hestia. Whose flames merely caught the crystal. For a brief moment, the crystal did glow, but it sputtered out before anyone could say a thing. She turned to him and gave what had to be the most peaceful smile he had ever come across.
"Seems we share a domain, godling."
He lifted his hands, allowing the flames to billow out briefly. To Hephaestus, it was a show of fire. A little thing. To Hestia though…it showed so much more. The fire he had was nothing like Apollo's. Apollo was the sun, bright and hot. But Hephaestus flames carried with it a strength that was easily a match for her…and he was so terribly young.
"Could he be the one?" she thought.
Hestia banished such thoughts and looked to her brother. She gave a small smile and shrugged her shoulders, playing along with his little game. It was obviously in jest, considering the knowing looks the two shot each other. Hestia was a lush woman, full figured with a veil over her face that was thin and showed some features beneath it. What little of her features could be seen revealed a kind and demure expression, paired with a sea of chestnut hair. Her eyes shone with the embers of a dying flame, her skin not unlike the color of ash. Yet, that changed as she adjusted the hearth in the center of the entire place. Her skin darkened to a rich light tan, taking a more orange tint beneath the skin as the flames grew larger. The crystal flew to each god. Hermes, Aphrodite, Demeter, and even Dionysus. Ares was strangely absent for some reason, quelling a war between an ancient race of spirits and some such. Zeus raised an eyebrow and quickly blitzed the crystal across the entirety of the room. Not a single light shone among what few Gods and Titans remained after the ceremony.
"Hmm…interesting. Hera, could you be a dear and analyze this? I know Hecate's work is impeccable, but I'd like a second opinion before asking her to fix it."
The slightly terrified look he had made Hephaestus inwardly chuckle. It would seem there were women even Zeus would avoid. His heart hammered in his chest as the crystal grew closer. He felt his heart rise as the glow began to glow even brighter. It did not sputter out, nor did it flicker. The light was strong and steady. A true reaction. The room grew deathly quiet…and all eyes turned to him. He ensured his core was hidden, for simplicity's sake. He was ready for anything. For the wrath of Zeus, for the blitzing of Ares bashing through the door. Everything and anything was on the table…except for Zeus' laughter. The way he laughed was a joyous thing, echoing a sentiment of merriment and joy. He grasped his wife on her shoulders, his eyes wide.
"A child? Hera, why would you not tell me! This is a cause for celebration!"
Before she could even speak, Zeus rose up. The sound of thunder echoed throughout the chambers.
"Here me one and all! Hera, gracious queen of Olympus, has welcomed each of my children to our grand family. It is only right and just, that her own child be welcomed in turn!"
Hephaestus blinked, now raising his head to stare at Zeus. His core was wide open and for the first time Hephaestus saw the true form of a God's core. It was a beautiful sight with only one true description that did it justice. It was perfect. The colors, the concepts, everything about it was so pristine and defined that Hephaestus realized just how ugly he truly was compared to these other Gods. It did not bother him, but he could honestly say he understood where the sentiment was from if this is the kind of thing Gods could see from each other. What he saw within the depths of Zeus was nothing but pure serenity and relief. A joy for his wife and himself. The feeling of his family growing bigger and more profound. He saw within this man the same loneliness he himself possessed and like a starving dog, he ravenously lived each moment with this family of his.
"A craftsman God, ha! So much like her it's not even funny. She's a weaver herself you see, so seeing her talents blossom in her progeny like this must simply be fate's design!"
Hephaestus assumed the weaving that Zeus was talking about was not the one involving clothe, but either way Hera's continued silence and decorum was…empty. The rest of the proceedings were as silent as usual. He cared little for their discussions. He waited, allowing Zeus to return the attention onto his children. Hours passed to the point that the moon began to rise, still he bided his time until the minor gods and other Titans began to leave. All the other major Gods left as well, returning to their own domains, leaving only Zeus, his direct children, and Hera. Zeus congratulated Hera and left with his retinue. He seemed engrossed in talking with Apollo and Artemis, learning everything he could about them. Still, he ensured that he got Hephaestus' oath to craft him a weapon before he left. It was only them, or…at least it should have been. Almost as if she was hiding, Hestia remained to tend the hearth, but Hera didn't seem to mind. He looked at her now and drank everything in. Her skin was flawless, her hair a deep chestnut color, there was a similarity between them on the cheekbones and jaw, but most defining between them was the eyes. The exact shade of gold between them, shining and bright. Strange how that worked didn't it? How EMIYA in his life, Hephaestus, and Hera all shared this same shade. He opened his mouth.
"Get out."
His mouth closed. Hera's eyes were cold, lifeless, and without mercy. The illustrious shine belied a cold and heartless demeanor. Wasn't she supposed to be different?
"You do not belong here," she muttered distastefully, "I know not how you survived, nor do I care. Zeus had his moment to return to me the respect I've given him and his kin. For that, I admit was quite nice. However, they know not the abomination you are. I do. Olympus has no need for your dirty blood, especially one that has been tainted by mortal essence."
Her eyes were a savage gold now, glowing with divine power.
"Your core may be hidden to others, but to ones such as myself, your nature is as blatant as any. Take your twisted disgusting self and leave my premises. This is your only warning."
He felt nothing but a pit within his stomach. The hope was crushed by the overwhelming weight of despair. But he was not the desperate scared Godling anymore, vengeful to the world. Instead, he was a desperate Godling…with his hopes dashed. EMIYA's experiences shone their brightest this day, for Hephaestus dull expression never wavered and his voice never shook.
"I understand, however I cannot comply."
Her eyes bore into him, the room beginning to frost over.
"Oh?"
"Zeus has bade me to create arms for him and his kin. I cannot disobey the direct order of the King. Though, I will do my best to limit my interactions with you specifically my lady."
Every word rung with a hollow undertone, one practiced by EMIYA to be as unburdened and empty as possible. He just wanted to leave. Of course, this was how it ended…why would it be any different.
"At least you understand your station," she muttered.
The words stung…but it was the callous disregard, the lack of empathy, and the lack of guilt that really irked him. But it was not the flames of rage that echoed within him, but the cool waters of resignment. He should have known. There were differences, yes, but that didn't mean everything was different. She wanted a perfect child, beautiful in all ways…and he was simply not it. Hestia made no move to even look at him…she simply tended to her hearth. Hera left, already regaling herself for her duties the following day. He must have knelt there for an other solid hour before he got up.
"I will be leaving now Lady Hestia. I hope you enjoyed your show."
Perhaps it wasn't a smart idea to mouth off to her, but Hephaestus didn't care. But, if he had lingered, perhaps if he was more vindictive and pettier, he might have seen the way she turned to look at him with nothing but shock and horror. She reached out to him, desperately wanting to explain the way her nature worked…that she never knew she was visible to him. That they needed to approach her and not the other way around. She gritted her teeth, a small tear flowing at the sight of his back to her, nothing but pity for him and disgust for her sister. The flames of Olympus that she tended swelled in her anger, but she quickly quelled it. For him than, a small repentance. With a simple gesture, she returned him to whence he came, a small and simple spell for a Goddess like her.
To Hephaestus, the world twisted on itself, and he found himself on the outskirts of the village. The party must have been over, for the moon was shining bright in the sky and not a single person was in the village. They must have been asleep. As a God, sleep was more of a suggestion for someone like him so it made sense that his own biological clock would be off for gauging the time. He felt no need to look to the stars or to gauge it, for he quite frankly didn't recognize any constellations that he saw for the moment. After all, Artemis has yet to create them. He wandered through the village and was off putted by the sound. Rather, the lack of it. His steps grew quicker as he entered, noticing damage and a few broken homes…one building was even beginning to smolder with a small growing flame. He rushed through now, running to the buildings. He saw blood, broken homes, and when he entered the home of Calliope…he saw nothing but bloodshed and the gnawed upper half of Agnes, her eyes dulled and dead.
He fell to his knees and saw a long thick trail of…something entrenched in the dirt leading to the forest beyond. EMIYA would have shut down. EMIYA would stay in control. But…Hephaestus was his mother's son.
For Hephaestus raged…and the earth responded in kind. The village erupted in a sea of fire the likes the Greeks have not seen since the war against Kronos. The earth split and spewed a torrent of Magma as the aspect within Hephaestus screamed out. Every God within the Greek pantheon felt it within this moment, an unbridled rage and power that was a match for any Olympian. Hestia looked beyond her earth to the fragment across from her. It glowed fiercely and true, the host it had been waiting for was ready. But the tears she felt run down her face drowned her happiness, leaving only a singular feeling of pity.
From the sea of flames that was the village, Hephaestus walked out, his body alight and cracked like an erupting volcano. His flames harmed no wildlife, nor burned any trees, nor ground. But even so, he would find what had none this. For vengeance was the only thing he felt a this moment…and it would be cruel and exacting.