Chapter 24:
Olympus was in a tizzy. An abundance of movement and gossip that even Zeus would struggle to contain.
Athena?
Hephaestus?
A divine mortal child? A demi-god?
It had become quite common amongst the minor gods, with Zeus having fathered the first of the Olympian demi-gods. Yet, the idea of a demi-god being born between two Olympians?
"So he really is mortal?" questioned a spirit in the garden of Hera.
"You've seen him," whispered another, a forest nymph, "he's no mortal."
"Yet…he is?"
"Both?
"Neither?"
"Quiet."
Both of the young spirits turned to the attendant of Hera herself. A stoic forest nymph that had cut her hair short. Her hair shone with the emerald hue of grass embraced by the morning dew.
She was a willowy woman, her purple eyes narrowed in quiet judggement.
"You both should no better than to discuss that person here," she spat, "now go, before Lady Hera hears of this."
They dispersed instantly. The elder spirit just sighed, rubbing her brow as humans do. Admittedly, it had become something of a habit of late. She looked across her master's garden and frowned.
It was beautiful, complete, and without question unmatched. She had created all of it, every plant and every animal. Creatures that could not be found on any soil on earth walked this place.
This vibrant, exquisite place, was the home of the spirits that served Hera. Something she had referred to as a hovel they could reside in. Made in almost an instant. Her lady's work was without question the pinnacle of weaving.
It was why she hated the one called Hephaestus. When one looked upon the core of a god, even minor spirits could erupt from the sight. Yet his, marred and broken, didn't even have a name. Hephaestus, a moniker, a label slapped onto himself in a mockery of a name.
Such a fool walked these halls as if he was a true equal to the Olympians. She didn't care what the pieces of kingship declared, Hephaestus was no Olympian. His own daughter, born from his mortal fragments, was proof of that much.
"Auxesia."
She immediately bowed, her form warbling to turn as quickly as possible for her lady.
"Goddess."
"Rise, there is much to be done."
Auxesia stood, only a few centimeters shorter than Hera herself. The Goddess' hair was done, her brown locks pooling across her back and shoulders. There was no jewelry adorned by her, nor was she wearing the finest of cloth weaved by Athena. She walked briskly, listing off the duties for the day.
"I have a meeting with Zeus and the council," she stated stiffly, her discomfort clear across her shoulders. I need you and the others to attend to Hecate and her…coven."
Auxesia rose a brow.
"They are attempting, for a third time, to request asylum elsewhere. I've told them a hundred times, unclaimed only."
She scowled, her eyes gaining a glint to them.
"It appears we'll have to have words. I've left the message in the scroll, ensure it reaches Hecate."
"Of course, my lady," said Auxesia.
She stilled, the Goddess turning to her attendant.
"...you're concerned."
"My lady–I."
Hera's full attention was on her, and she knew there was no point in keeping silent.
"There have been…rumors."
"...of course there has been," muttered Hera, "ignore them. Whatever that…thing does, it is of no concern of ours."
"Of course, it is just I worry for your repu–"
"I have already cut us off Auxesia, leave it."
"...of course my lady."
She stilled, feeling Hera's warm hand on her cheek. The barest hint of concern was on her face.
"If you hear such things, quell them. For now, focus on the tasks at hand."
"Zeus should be helping you with this," hissed Auxesia.
Hera looked away. Equal parts vexation and guilt. Ever since he had overcome Typhon with the help of his children, Zeus had been…different, suffice to say.
Belligerent. Arrogant. Yet, oddly jovial. Contained and free all at once. A happy puppy now a snarling wolf.
It was wrong of her to miss the husband that demanded her attention, she knew that. Now? Now any of them were lucky if Zeus gave them a second thought. It irritated her that even Hestia was ignored for the most part.
Quiet it may have been, but even their eldest sister felt Zeus' rejection.
"...if this was all he deigned to punish me with, we should be thankful," muttered Hera, "it wasn't as if I wasn't already doing this."
It was a small mercy, one she knew Zeus would lord over her head at some point. She felt the tingle in the air, the sparks tickling her shoulders.
"Impatient–I must go. Athena has arrived."
She wanted to delegate a few more responsibilities, but she trusted her aides. They knew what to do and how to do it. Morphing into light, she shimmered into the throne room with the rest of her family.
Athena was already there, discussing with Zeus.
"You're absolutely certain of this?" questioned Zeus.
Hera stilled, eyeing the dark haired Athena. She was quieter, absent of the usual energy she had in conversation. She respected the self control the Goddess of War had, but it was if she was missing something now.
She stood the same height, her shoulders squared as they always were. Her spear was at her hand, having never left her side since Hephaestus forged it. A chiton of cobalt, adorned with a single golden pin tied at her shoulder.
She was present, yet incomplete. It took the queen of the heavens only a glance to realize what it was. It was none of her concern though, so she simply sat down in her throne beside Zeus.
"Father…do you think Hephaestus would still be alive if he assaulted me?"
That silenced the room…and made Hera's forehead almost crack from the force of her migraine.
"We're here…for that?" she muttered.
Zeus turned to her, a fiery contempt.
"Of course we are! The rumor of such a crime going unpunished would sully the reputation of Olympus!"
They all stared at him.
"What?"
Hermes snickered a bit.
"How many mortal women have claimed you've fathered bastards with them?"
The king of the Gods rolled his eyes.
"You'd think I fathered half of Greece the way they go about," he muttered.
Apollo shrugged.
"Can you blame them?"
The council all began muttering of the conquests of Zeus. Of the many, many, many, many children he had already sired. Some known to humans, and others not so much. Countless wind spirits were born from Zeus, dozens of wood nymphs, and of course many Gods and Goddesses as well.
"...I'm not that bad," he muttered.
"You turned into an animal to seduce me," drawled Hera.
He was adorable, and it was more the dedication that made her relent, but that was beside the point. She took her seat beside him, ignoring the pointed look he gave her.
"The point," muttered Zeus, "is that it's dealt with decisively." He looked at all of them, his blonde hair pooling around his face. His smug attitude, even now, was up front and unapologetic. The way he sat in his throne, relaxed and poised, only added to the silent declaration.
I am the King.
It was irritating for all of the original 6 Olympians. They were all kings and queens in their own right, yet the youngest took the crown? The youngest they abandoned to Typhon? The youngest…that became stronger?
It was the greatest shock any of them had seen since Zeus' triumphant return from Typhon. He was stronger, faster, and more powerful than he had ever been. As if embracing parts of himself had relented new strength. That, or pushing himself so far accelerates his own development.
"So, let me get this straight," murmured Apollo, turning to Athena "you…made a kid?" It was obvious to anyone that he was trying to change the subject or at least get it moving.
"Yes."
He faltered at her dry tone, Athena being of no help. He waited for a moment, looking at Hermes and the others. After realizing she wasn't going to say anything he leaned in.
"But…you…didn't do anything?" he stressed, eyes narrowing.
"We fought," she supplied, "his essence intermingled with mine."
"Is…that a euphemism?" he asked as she moved to her throne, sitting.
"No."
Ares grumbled as they continued speaking, even as Apollo finally snapped.
"Alright, that's not possible," he chuckled, "look you…wait…we can't lie…but…how do you make a kid by accident!?"
"My own biological differences played a role," admitted Athena, "an oversight I hadn't taken into consideration. Either way, the result has happened. We have other matters to discuss."
Zeus nodded, turning to Hermes, "Get Hephaetus. This was rather short notice, best to grab him now."
With a nod, the speedster god disappeared. The rest of the court was quiet, but the small collection of minor gods and spirits were far from silent.
It was too juicy to ignore, even if Athena were to threaten someone at spear point. Not that she did. To the spirits and gods that resided on Olympus, the sight of Athena's cold countenance did little to abate their love for gossip. Oh, how the story was spun and twisted to fit whatever narratives they pleased.
Hephaestus assaulted Athena.
Athena assaulted Hephaestus.
It was a torrid love affair.
A trick from Aphrodite.
Oh, the list went on. Yet, none could ever conceive the truth. For the truth…the truth was the oddest of all. Even after hearing it straight from Athena, they couldn't help but gossip the story of it all, the way it could be twisted and turned for the most fun.
Zeus tapped the armrest of his throne, a maelstrom of emotion that none could decipher. His large frame cracked with yellow electricity, his now blondish hair frizzy from the static.
Athena was to his left, her blank expression making even Apollo sweat a bit. It was different this time, more…fluid. Less forced and more natural. Her black hair framed her face perfectly, the shadows accenting her warlike nature more than ever.
"...So…has Hermes ever taken this lo–"
"HE'S GOT THE KID!"
Hermes blitzed in, a wild smile on his face.
He stood amongst the council, each now at a normal human height, a change that had been implemented by Athena that stuck.
"What?" muttered Dionysus sleepily, his hangover banging on his skull.
"Hephaestus! He has the kid!"
Zeus looked away for a moment, sighing. Poseidon just started laughing while Hades just smirked.
"...Hermes," scowled Demeter, "you were supposed to bring him here."
"...right…eh, he'll be here soon anyways!"
Hermes plopped right into his chair, chuckling weakly at the dull stare his father had.
"We'll be having words," he muttered.
"Look, Hephaestus was about to skewer me if I stayed any longer alright. He's not a fan of…surprise visits shall we say."
Hermes smirked, enjoying the knowledge that his little trick worked. He noticed almost immediately that his symbol of power had enchantments interwoven in it to alert Hephaestus when he was near. It was damn ingenious and unintrusive to the bulk of Hermes' escapades. Still, he wasn't the king of thieves for no reason.
It took some time, but it was nice to see it pay off. Hephaestus' overall defenses could use some work, but Hermes would have fun poking holes in them until it was up to stuff. A little gift for his favorite cousin.
"Wait, isn't he my brother now?" he thought.
He shrugged carelessly, though to the others it appeared like he was not caring for the rules. It was all too slow for him.
"Can I sleep now?" muttered Dionysus. The god of wine was lounging in his throne, the most unkempt of the gods. Yet, none dared to even ask him to be more presentable. Not even Hera.
"Not yet," said Hera, a slight warmth to her tone, "the meeting will be over soon."
Hungover, he may have been, but not many were as privy to Dionysus' services as the Olympians were. If the minor gods even knew half of what the drunkard was responsible for, any desire for the thrones of Olympus would shrivel and turn to dust. His exhaustion wasn't always him being a drunkard.
Ares, however, had had enough.
"Why are we even here?" growled Ares, "Dad just bore a son not too long ago. Who cares if Athena and Hephaetus have a brat?"
"She's…not supposed to have children?" muttered Poseidon, eyeing his brother. "Actually," said Poseidon leaning in, "I'm not entirely sure why we're here?"
Everyone murmured a bit, egging Poseidon further. He became more animated, talking with his hands as he spoke.
"I mean, come on, as hilarious as it might be that we were called for something so inconsequential, there's definitely more going on here. WHat's the actual reason we're here?"
Demeter narrowed her eyes at her brother, the dismissive tone she could go without. Zeus's own discomfort with the topic was ignored for the larger matter at hand.
"There have been traces of interference," stated Zeus, "just wanted to inform everyone and get a handle on it now. We don't want a repeat of Atlas after all."
They all murmured in agreement. But there was a tension in the air, a slight fear. Apollo began to sweat, wondering why his father was so relaxed. After all…Athena had borne a child…and Apollo's prophecies were clear. Granted, it was to the idea of her bearing a son who was a God, but every deity knew the folly of believing the literal meaning of a prophecies word.
As if the silence was beginning to get to him, Zeus changed the order of the thrones, placing Athena to his left and Hera to his right. A show of power that he never bothered with, a symbol of authority that he would never use with his siblings.
Another sign of his dismissive attitude of their wants. Poseidon clenched his fist, yet Hades looked to his brother across the way. The shadows curled around his form and throne, his eyes searching for something.
Hestia cringed a bit, sitting in the middle as she always had. They all were almost twitching, awaiting for Zeus to finally detonate. The God leaned in, closer to his daughter. Athena's eyes sharpened, ready for anything.
"Is your child well?"
Apollo's jaw dropped.
Poseidon looked around, wondering who had taken his brother. All the gods were collectively wondering who the hell this was….all save one. Hades, the oldest…only smiled softly. The storm clouds he had seen over his brother remained.
Yet…he could see the light.
"She is with her father…she will be well for all her natural life span."
Dead. That was the only way to describe her tone. Utterly lacking in any sort of tone or drive whatsoever.
"That's…not what I asked, per se, daughter," said Zeus. He curled his arm across his lamp, leaning towards Athena. Concern was etched on his face, light as it was. He had a feeling as to what had occurred…but there was a limit to what he could do.
"She is healthy. She was formed approximately four days ago. Her birth took a greater toll than expected, but not as burdensome as I feared."
"Are you sure it was an accident?" smirked Aphrodite.
"We did not fornicate," supplied Athena. Her words echoed with the dull weight of a hammer. She only gave the goddess of love a look, her face barren of any impression of annoyance. "Your obsession with sex is noted. Your concern for your husband stepping out on you is a genuine one. I assure you, there was no such connection between us."
"That's not why I asked," she chuckled weakly.
"But his dalliance was not with me," continued Athena unabated, looking to the side as if in thought. "If you are that curious, simply ask Lady Hecate. Do not direct such a thing to me again…or you will have more than words with me."
She blinked. They all blinked. Aphrodite tried to say something, anything really, but even she couldn't help but wonder if that was a threat or not. It must have been? Yet there wasn't any malice.
"...Um…ok."
Hermes looked between all of them, even Apollo was shrugging. Hera however looked ashen. She thought it was a joke, an insult that was ultimately hollow. Did that idiotic bastard actually get with Hecate?
That changed some plans. She needed to know more.
"So…you didn't fuck, what does it matter!"
Hera sighed, closing her eyes as Ares impatiently tapped his foot, itching to return to killing the remnants of the Titan's armies. He had been slaughtering them for the last decade, always waging war in his own way.
"You have to admit," stated Demeter. Her cheeks crinkled as she rung her hands together, "there hasn't been a precedent for this…well…"
She fell silent at the withering look from Hera. Athena took a breath, though whether it was annoyance or habit couldn't be judged.
"She was formed in a way inspired by Lady Hera's process," explained Athena, pointedly ignoring the slight flinch, "his divinity makes natural gods impossible to form. So I replaced his divine elements with my own. It was to be merely a theory, stored within the opposite region for reproduction."
"...your mind…damn it Athena this is why I told you to let me give you a once over!"
She didn't twitch, looking to Apollo with dead eyes.
"So you can adjust me in accordance to your views?"
He recoiled as if slapped.
"What? No! I'd never do that!"
Artemis just scoffed, looking away from him.
"Hey! If this is about Hephaestus I was just trying to fix him! You saw his legs, we all did! Whatever Hera…uh…"
She stared at him, the queen of the heavens. It was easy to forget, she was mostly silent in these meetings nowadays. But the weight of her strength was almost too much to bear for Apollo.
"Enough," said Zeus, "he spoke out of turn, but it ends now. Understood?"
Apollo nodded. Hera was less than compliant, but even she rescinded, coming up with ways to get back at Apollo for the insult. A feat harder to do now that Zeus was so ready to come to their defense.
"So, what her womb is in her head or something?" muttered Dionysus.
"No you–stop drinking for ten minutes and clear your head. She was formed by psyionic…you're just ignoring me."
Dionysus smacked his lips and stared at the ceiling, his mind still fractured from the beings he had to deal with earlier that day. It was healing, however slowly.
"Look," muttered Apollo, "I get how it happened but we need–"
"We?" muttered Athena, "there is no we. Unfortunately, the nature of my own birth carried…consequences I did not foresee. But that is the end of it."
She looked into her father's eyes.
"Is that all you require?"
Ares finally had enough, standing up and glaring at all of them. His black hair shadowed his crimson eyes, though the ferocity was dulled due to his handsome face. His boyish, clean-shaven face carried a hint of youth and beauty that diminished the aggression that he naturally embodied.
"Demi-god, full god, it can be a carrot for all I care," growled Ares, "the point is that it isn't any of our business! There's a war brewing on our turf and I saw we go focus on that than this drama!"
"Aw, look at you being the protective brother," giggled Aphrodite.
The ever aggressive Ares actually paused. He didn't say a word, just looking away and crossing his arms. His boyish face was quickly covered in his fiery helm though.
"We're here for a war meeting, not a gossip group! I could be hunting the rest of the Titan's remnants, instead we're here discussing this shit!"
"The point is that we know the truth, so now we can–"
The screech of Ifrit echoed through the chamber, a swirl of fire rocketing into the chamber. Hephaestus lumbering through the flames, Eri bundled to his chest, a hand on the back of her head. He looked up, expecting the towering forms of his compatriots. Instead, he was left with a smaller circle, but no less grand than before.
He glared at Hermes, noting the lack of the greaves he had made for the lord of thieves.
It would appear he had to give Hermes his due. He wouldn't make the same mistake again. The council was silent, though admittedly that had little to do with Hephaestus…and more to do with the bundle in his arms. A small head of red hair was sleeping soundly against him.
"You are foolish to bring her here," muttered Athena, "her body cannot handle–"
"She's already filtered your power out of herself…I had Eri checked by Hecate before I came up here."
The slight affection to Hecate's name made Aphrodite giggle, clapping her hands a bit. Her plan had worked…though with a different woman than she had thought. Athena rose a brow.
"Eri? You've shortened her name."
"Yes."
He was stoic in his response, unyielding in the idea that he would never utter the original name Athena had given their daughter. Simple was best. He wasn't moving on this. Athena muttered the name a few times.
"...hmm…acceptable. Why is she here?"
He pointed at Hermes.
"I have holes in my security. Until they are addressed, she doesn't leave my side. Now…I see the meeting started without me."
"To an extent," declared Zeus, standing up. He moved closer, his core wide open. There was no malice, no hate, no intention for violence. Hephaestus opened his own and Zeus grinned.
He would kill him right then and there. Zeus could feel it, the myriad of blades that shimmered in the space around him, not yet actualized. The other Olympians palmed their weapons…but for who was the question.
Hephaestus swallowed. There was another reason he had brought Eri. The child of Athena would overthrow Zeus. It was an old prophecy. One that had been uttered in the past few years. If he had kept Eri elsewhere, even with Hecate, there would be no guarantee for her safety. Either way was a risk…but with her here with him…he could in theory retreat to Unlimited Bladeworks so long as he was near her.
He was her ultimate defense.
His face almost cracked with the anxiety he felt, the trepidation. Hephaestus' face fell as he watched Zeus laugh at Eri's waking expression. She looked at the lumbering giant. Yet, no tears or cries echoed from her. Instead, she tilted her head, putting out the fatty hand of a toddler, grasping at the strands of hair that fell from Zeus' face. He chuckled as she gripped it tight, laughing at the small tingle.
"Such a cute child! Quite grown for something only days old."
The king of the gods wiggled his finger, making cooing sounds to the child. She gripped his finger tight.
"Ooh! Quite the grip! Almost as strong as my Perseus!"
He smiled, clasping Hephaestus on the shoulder, finger still caught in Eri's curious grip.
"A beautiful child Hephaestus. I congratulate you. Athena has explained the circumstances. Good thing too, I almost killed you!"
He laughed it off, slapping the younger god on the back. The thrum of electricity that bit at his shoulder made it quite clear to Hephaestus. Zeus was serious. A strange respect between them was bridged, with Zeus eyeing Eri further.
"She's…a lot like you actually. I barely see anything of Athena in her. Was that purposeful Pallas?"
Athena stilled at her chosen name, but ignored the context of it.
"The nature of her birth was…accidental. She is effectively her father, just with my divinity instead of his own."
Apollo looked crossed-eyed, muttering that's how children worked. Zeus eyed the baby, narrowing his eyes.
"That's…not entirely true. She's more human than God, that's for certain. Her human aspects are different, sure, but she's no different than the other demi-gods I've seen…though…"
He looked into Eri's golden eyes, the exact same hue as Hera and Hephaestus. It brought a thought to him, making Zeus look at his wife. The utterly almost manic scowl he got back kept his mouth shut for what he was about to ask. Instead, he turned to Hephaestus and smiled.
"You know, since the burden of parenthood has fallen to me–"
Hera twitched, her mouth curling a bit.
"I have to let you know…she cannot remain…hmm…"
He looked between them, his eyes widening. He looked at Athena and for the first time since she had appeared…she smiled.
"How?"
Athena stood, as if showing off a prized invention.
"Hephaestus' biology is more adept at divinity. My daughter will have greater resistance to the degradation that may fall to Demi-gods. Like I said…my daughter's well being is not in question."
She nodded to Hephaestus, though the concern on his face was unwarranted. Zeus hummed, taking his finger from Eri softly. It was obvious he had no idea how to interact with children, but the attempt was made either way.
He shimmered back to his throne, a serious expression forming.
"Sit," he declared.
Seated at his throne, baby at his chest, he must have made for a rather obtuse sight. Yet, the meeting carried on regardless.
"Now onto the matter at hand," muttered Zeus, "the remnants of the Titan army."
"There has been concern for the remnants of the Titan army," spoke Poseidon, actually standing up. The area between the gods shimmered, revealing snippets of the ocean from Poseidon's perspective. "but I've yet to see any of those that desire Oceanus' return in mass. A few individuals but nothing organized."
Hades rubbed his jaw, eyeing his brother.
"Oceanus acquisted to you, did he not Poseidon?"
"He did, but there are a number of the old guards that desire his return. Doesn't matter that I married his daughter," said a weary Poseidon. "Honestly my biggest problem has been the leviathans that keep encroaching from the abyss. They've become bold without Oceanus."
"Do you need help?" smirked Zeus.
A jagged, if strained, grin spread as Poseidon just chuckled. The images faltered away as he sat back down.
"Of course not brother, just time. Oceanus had millenia to show his power to them. They are a solitary bunch."
Thankfully, the others began listing things off as well.
"I've seen nothing as of yet," muttered Dionysus. "Nothing on the outer edges either, aside from Grimsleigh."
"Still?" muttered Demeter.
"Eh. It's not that bad. They need time to saturate before they're a real problem. I've just been…pruning. It will go away. Like it has for all the Pantheons."
Dionysus was confident of this. He had dealt with beings like it before, even learned from the Hindu gods in India how to actively counter them. They didn't really have names, nor standard appearances, but this one in particular was a consistent enough annoyance that he gave it the name Grimsleigh.
At Hephaestus' confused expression, Dionysus sat up, rubbing his eyes.
"Think of them like solo gods. They can range from gods to primordials."
"...so an outer god," muttered Hephaestus.
The room was quiet as Dionysus blinked.
"...I'm stealing that name," he muttered, "that makes them so much easier to describe. Yes, that fits. They're somewhat like an infection. Gotta burn em out before they get a hold."
"That…sounds incredibly dangerous."
The god of madness smiled, and the world fractured. For a moment, Hephaestus could see beneath the veneer of merriment and booze, the crazed laughter hidden within. The mutterings of madness and understandings that would fracture mortal minds. Dionysus true form proved itself far grander and diverse than a simpe winemaker.
One that was gouged by battles, wounds still healing.
Dionysus whistled.
"Not many can look at me like that for long periods. At least buy me dinner first."
Hephaestus shut his eyes, at the sound of Dionysus hum, he opened them to see the god of wine back and in full proper attire. He stretched, feeling his bones pop.
"Finally, it always takes me a while to jump back from that."
"You fight gods?"
Dionysus smirked, twirling his symbol of power.
"I had to earn my seat somehow right?"
"And?" demanded Hera.
There was hope in her tone, the others leaning in. Dionysus grinned, lifting a bottle.
"It's done."
A sigh of relief from everyone present, leaving Hephaestus wondering what was going on. He'd learn about it eventually though, as Zeus brought their attention back to the task at hand.
"While that is a relief my son, we now have more pressing concerns. What of the rest of you? Anything?"
"I've seen nothing," stated Hestia, "though my sight is limited."
"I've seen remnants across the wilds," stated Artemis, "small bands that I've hunted down."
Ares and Artemis nodded to each other as Demeter sighed.
"Nothing. Even though I've begun scouring my lands, there hasn't been any signs of them," said Demeter.
"For all appearances sake," muttered Athena, "it would be the end."
"I admit to the same thought," mired Hades, "the remnants are visible…but their motivations are odd. Most of our authorities are uncontested." He leaned forward, clasping his hands. "There's more to this."
"Let me kill them all and it will be over," drawled Ares, his voice echoing with a deeper threat of murder with the echo of his helm.
"We need more information before we move things forward…but I agree with Ares," supplied Athena. "Holding him back in an attempt to gather more information is just giving them time."
The floor between all the gods shimmered, showing an allegiance map of a myriad of colors.
"A multi-pronged approach works best. Have Ares continue as he has, while the rest of us acquire information discreetly."
Zeus narrowed his eyes.
"Without information any movement we do will fall back against us. There are already a few that chafe under our rule and have rebelled."
"They're not around anymore," smirked Ares.
To rebel against the Gods was suicide.
"Yet, someone is inspiring it, making them rebel against impossible odds, I admit it has become exhausting," sighed Demeter.
"They're testing our defenses," said Ares, "it's not going anywhere, but I don't think it matters to whoever is behind this."
"Could it be Nemesis?" supplied Hephaestus. He didn't want to reveal his hand too early though. He wasn't sure if she had a way of gathering information. "Or perhaps Eris?"
They all thought about it, Hades especially scowling.
"...it could be either of them. Nemesis especially. She's…a handful."
"She thinks she's an Olympian-level God," snorted Ares, "she's delusional."
"Delusional, perhaps," admitted Hades, "but she is far from minor. Her domains…they can be more expansive than you think. Hephaestus is right to be concerned about her. Even Eris has power greater than she's shown. However, I do not think either of them could have the reach necessary to invoke so many diverse gods into allying with them."
Athena shifted some allegiance maps.
"She has allies or it is someone else entirely. Regardless, we need time. Is that all father?"
Zeus nodded.
"It is. Still, there is no danger," smiled Zeus, "we can leave our preparations for later now that we are all informed."
The room was silent, before they all started laughing. Even Hephaestus gave a quiet smirk, while Eri giggled loudly.
"Ha! Can you imagine!" laughed Apollo.
"Like what?" chuckled Dionysus, "we just ignore the obvious?"
"What do you take us for?" smirked Artemis, "a bunch of fools?"
They all chuckled a bit more before Zeus stood, his chest still heaving from his laughter.
" Alright, alright. Everyone keep an eye out across your domains. We have an enemy amongst us. The moment you discover anything, inform Hera via Iris…she is available, right?"
For once, Hera smiled.
"She is. Her…issues were resolved."
Hera pointedly did not look anywhere near Hephaestus, not that he cared.
…well…not that he tried to care. Admittedly, there was still a dull sting with her rejection. It was easier to say you didn't care than to not actively care. Yet, the warm bundle on his chest, it dulled an ache that Hephaestus had ignored for so long.
He smiled, looking down at Eri. She looked up, gurgling a bit as she stared at him. She began jumping a bit in the bundle of cloth, giggling rapidly.
"Hehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehe!"
He blinked, becoming a bit concerned about how quickly she seemed to be giggling.
"Well…I guess the meeting is over," whispered Apollo at the sight.
Eri scowled, feeling Zeus suddenly beside her. She turned, pissy at the tingle feeling that wouldn't go away. She blinked, blowing a raspberry at the king of the gods. For a moment, everyone stilled, yet only a smile was on Zeus' face. He laughed as he tickled the small child, making her gurgle and smile.
"Adorable. Now, on to business!"
"Business?" muttered Hephaestus.
Zeus cleared his throat.
"I am officially a grandfather now! It's only right the world knows! Now…how to…ah! Perfect!"
Lightning screamed across the whole of Greece, nay the very world. The sheer divinity of it was enough to swallow Hephaestus three times over. It made him sweat a bit, realizing something. Somehow…Zeus was stronger.
Stronger than he was when they fought Typhon.
Stronger than he was when he fought Kronos.
The other older Olympians were left floored, stopping in the middle of their retreat from the council. They had known of his increase in strength.
The amount of it was a different story.
Zeus merely basked in it, in the power that used to be so far out of his reach, now closer than it had ever been. He'd have to thank his siblings for his betrayal…but he knew who to truly thank. His children…his true family. They say a measure of a man could only be found when they were pushed to their limit.
A human sentiment that Zeus found more agreeable now than ever. There was also the prideful satisfaction in watching his siblings all cower, just a bit. They were not weak, far from it. But, he was still stronger. It was good to remind them of that. Hephaestus however and even his son Ares made him smile. Neither was overly concerned, both envisioning the ways they could defeat him.
What a rambunctious pair of brats.
"Good, that announced what needed to be announced. I will be visiting your home in the future, Hephaestus, so I expect grand honors!"
He smirked.
"No need to get your human subjects in a frenzy for my arrival. We'll keep it in the family. Now, I apparently have to reign in the north winds…again."
He rolled his eyes, wondering when his idiot subordinates would stop being so rebellious. Then again, Zeus was no different. He dispersed, with his siblings following suit. Well…most of them.
Hades gave a nod before dispersing into shadow. Hestia and Demeter, however, stayed, both with expectant looks in their eyes. Hestia especially. Eri was gurgling, a slight jump to her appearance. Eri turned her head as far as she could, eyeing Athena, giggling happily.
Even with the utter absence of love in her face, Eri laughed. She reached a hand, and to Hephaestus' surprise, Athena actually gripped her daughter's fingers in her own.
"Remarkable," she murmured, "she is far more adept at filtering my divinity than I had ever expected…still…while I understand your reasoning, it would have been best for her to stay her distance. There is a lot we don't know."
It felt more like an excuse to Hephaestus. Yet, he could feel the way Eri's body ate at Athena's leaking divinity. It was slow, but the build up was there. Yet, the resonance didn't exist anywhere else, with the other gods having only a marginal effect in comparison. It was there, but minimal in comparison.
"A beautiful child Hephaestus," smiled Demeter.
She eyed the permanent cracks on his face. If she knew what caused them, she didn't say. Instead, she only give Eri her full attention. The human babe turned to Demeter, laughing even more as she held chubby hands up at Demeter.
She smiled softly, caressing Eri's chubby cheeks fondly.
"Persephone was the same at this age, though not as rambunctious. Tell me, Hephaestus, do you keep livestock?"
"I do not," he said slowly, eyeing Demeter.
"Expect some of my aides to bring you some. You'll need milk to keep your daughter fed."
It went unspoken that Athena couldn't provide for his daughter as a normal human wife might. It was for the best in his opinion, Hephaestus somewhat loathed the awkwardness of looking for a wet nurse in this age.
Besides with Hecate, he should be able to gauge any ill effects to Eri long before they become a problem. He stiffened a bit, feeling Hestia look at him expectantly.
Her eyes shimmered, even behind her veil. Her alabaster skin warming into a deep tan, her brown hair shining. He swallowed a bit, before shakingly smiling.
"Would you…like to ho–"
SHUNK!
He almost felt his heart explode feeling Eri disappear from his grasp. A few blades even appeared above Hestia's head.
"Gahahaha!"
Eri laughed as her arms were finally free, cooing at Hestia as her veil was removed. Warmth, for that was Hestia in full. Her orange eyes danced in hue with her brown hair, the small dimples of her cheeks stretching just a bit as she cooed at Eri. The child playfully smacked at the tangles of Hestia's hair that pooled in front of her. Puffs of harmless flames sparking with each pat and joyful laugh.
There was a hunger there, from Hestia. A reach for something she knew she could never have. Her eyes steamed a bit, the tears evaporating as quickly as they appeared. Her thumb brushed a bit of spit off Eri's face, her weak smile growing.
With a snap, she seemed to wake up.
"Oh…oh I am sorry Hephaestus, I…I got carried away, here I–"
"GAH!"
Eri grabbed the tufts of Hestia's curls, pouting as her lips trembled. Hestia quickly bounded her back to her chest, the child giggling in her strange stimming manner.
"Hehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehe!"
It was like watching a twitching toy attempting to laugh. He found it adorable. He also glared at Hermes for the way he eyed her so strangely.
"So," smirked Apollo, gesturing to himself, "as your healer, I think it is proper–"
"No/No."
He turned, a betrayed look as he eyed his sister and Hephaestus.
"But…I swear I–"
"No/No."
A cloud, a shadow, call it what you will, but Apollo dimmed.
"...I said I was sorry," he muttered, looking away.
Hestia quickly moved behind Artemis, eyeing the tension between Hephaestus and Apollo. Eri looked between them…then got distracted by the strange colored bird that appeared in the rafters. She eyed Ifrit, the burning bird, with a fervour that caused even the combustible beast to sweat. It shifted to the left, to the right. Even flew to the other rafters. It didn't matter. Eri's eyes never left it.
She couldn't form thoughts into words yet. But her intent was clear. She was gonna pet that bird. One way or another.
"Apologies matter little with your intent Apollo." Hephaestus waited until Apollo looked him in the eye. He needed to make sure that he got this, one way or another. He gestured to Eri, the bubbling babe still patting at the strands of hair from Hestia, the goddess beaming away at the small girl. "What if Eri isn't up to your standards? Would you fix her?"
"Well…of course?"
He could only sigh at the puzzled expression. He tried again, gesturing to his own legs. "What would you do if that failed? She is not a limb that I can cut off and replace Apollo."
"I don't fail," grinned Apollo.
"You did with me."
His breath caught in his throat, Apollo twisting into himself. He couldn't look at Hephaestus. Whether that was guilt or his pride being hit, no one could tell.
Hephaestus knew that Apollo meant well. After all, his mechanical prosthetics needed to be repaired constantly, and even upgraded and replaced to better reflect his needs. If he could regrow his limbs perfectly, it would be grand.
But that wasn't how life worked, nor would his biology let him. The issue with Apollo wasn't intent. It was the fact he ignored Hephaestus' direct request the moment that he could. He thought he knew better, never involved Hephaestus in any of his thinking, nor believed that he needed to. However…Apollo was not cruel.
Hephaestus would give him that much.
"Apollo," he muttered.
The sun god looked up, like a kicked puppy.
"If you swear to never act on Eri's behalf without my express and informed consent…I'll let you continue my check-ups."
Apollo beamed, immediately looking him over with the gaze of a god. The longer Hephaestus was near them, the more he could feel the way their existence was beyond their shells and human appearances. He felt Apollo's human eyes on him, but he could also feel the way that gaze surrounded him.
It was strange to say the least, but not something he hadn't experienced before. Apollo clicked his teeth.
"You've…what have you done to yourself?"
The others looked at him, Demeter and Hestia with concern, Artemis could only look away.
"You've…what kind of idiot would subject themselves to this! You're taking some other things…pain…"
His eyes followed the magic, the gaze of the god of medicine hovering over Eri. The sigils that bound themselves to Hephaestus, the cracks of his body. He had thought of them as mundane. It was far from it. He could see the way her soul was misplaced, like an accidental brushstroke.
"...I see," he said.
He left it at that. The last time he had gotten involved in Hephaestus' affairs he almost lost a friend. He wouldn't make that mistake again, he swore it. Still, there was nothing wrong with her biologically. Which was simply astounding to Apollo, utterly fascinating.
The mid-day sun welled within him, only to be quelled by the early dawn once more. The irritation that welled within him didn't matter, it was a secret he'd carry to the grave.
"Apollo?"
Hephaestus concern was warranted. After all, he could have sworn he saw Apollo's eyes turn a different shade than they were. The lustrous blue dulling into an orangish hue. Yet, it was so quick that he wasn't certain of what he saw.
The sun God looked to his now rekindled friend and smiled.
"Yea?"
"...nothing. Now swear the oath."
Apollo wilted a bit. Yet, he didn't decline. Words that no human could utter echoed through the chamber. Artemis immediately looked at her brother, eyes wide and fearful. The sky darkened as stars and galaxies twisted above him, a rueful eye appearing for a moment.
Perhaps it was his greater awareness. Perhaps it was the idea that he never bothered looking up when he swore to Chaos. He didn't remember this overbearing weight, this nigh impossible burden that fell to his shoulders. The sneaking chill that gripped his heart. Apollo may have been swearing the oath, but it was Hepahestus that Chaos' gaze was settled on.
Then it was over. He looked at Apollo, his eyes wide as the sun God smiled ruefully.
"Does that work?"
"...why…"
"You…said that actions spoke louder than words once to me…remember?"
It wasn't just Artemis that he had attempted to stop, it was Apollo. When Niobe had declared herself the greatest mother, greater than Leto, he had attempted to stop the twins. Artemis ultimately prevented an unspeakable tragedy…but it was Apollo that tried to apologize after the fact…like the idea of him murdering people was somehow ok.
He had told him the truth. That apologies meant nothing without action. Hephaestus swallowed.
"I…I see. Thank you Apollo."
The sun god beamed, smiling away as he started to disperse in waves of light.
"See you in a month!"
The air shimmered around him as a bottle fell into his hands. Hephaestus shook his head, a small smile forming.
"He is persistent…I'll give him that," he muttered.
"I…never expected him to go that far," said Artemis.
"Neither did I," whispered Hephaestus.
There was always greater depths than he gave these gods credit for. Artemis was a key one. The huntress looked at him, a small smile on her face as she nodded.
"Now, what's new for you?"
"I'll be heading to Hecate," said Hephaestus, crossing his arms, "there's…soemthing I wish to test. Not to mention that Eri needs to be examined some more. She hasn't eaten for a while and I'm wor–"
"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
As if on cue his daughter randomly began crying. Hestia tried her best to soothe the young child, but Hephaestus had a feeling what it was.
"Of course now you're hungry," he smiled jokingly.
From the inside of his chiton, in the pockets that he had sown, was a small jar of mushed fruits.
Artemis and Demeter looked at him.
"What?"
"...sweetheart," sighed Demeter, "your child…can't eat that."
"Even I'm aware of that," drawled Artemis.
He looked at Eri, the poor girl already beginning to blubber in hunger.
"Wait, but it's mashed fruit! I've seen babies eat this?"
"Yes, older toddlers," chuckled Demeter, "here."
A small pithos, one that could only be filled with milk, was handed to him. The air shimmered around it as Demeter pulled it from whatever space she had it in. He nodded to her, but frowned. He didn't like the idea of feeding his child random milk, but at the moment there was little choice.
"Don't worry," smiled Demeter, "I've made sure to warm it. It's perfectly safe for young babies. The humans in my region use it quite often for newborns as a substitute. Though, a woman would be best for her."
She said it so simply that it made him cringe a bit. Like the awkwardness of that particular demand wasn't harrowing enough. He didn't even think about it, conjuring a baby bottle from pure memory. He poured the milk inside, ignoring the blatant gawking the gods had at the contraption.
"...did…you make that randomly?" asked Hermes.
Ignored, he held his arm out for Eri. Hestia smiled a bit, returning the now grabby Eri back to Hephaestus' arms.
"Hey, hey it's alright," soothed Hephaestus, "I have you little one."
Instinctually, his body warmed, Eri's lips latching to the nipple of the bottle. She drank hungrily, eyes relaxing at sustenance. He breathed a sigh of relief. Now more than ever he was thankful to Demeter.
"I'll make sure to send you the livestock now," she smiled.
He could only nod in thanks. Demeter gave one last look before dispersing herself. Artemis was behind him, eyeing Hermes discreetly. The god of thieves smirked as he clicked his heels, the greaves echoing with a metallic clang, eyeing Hephaestus smugly.
"Gotta try better next time if you wanna keep track of me
"I'll keep that in mind," he grumbled, holding Eri close. His daughter's eyes dropped as she finished the bottle, burping quietly as she snoozed off.
"Don't worry," smirked Hermes, "I'll only pop in…a…little?"
His smirk fell as Hephaestus glared into him.
"I say this once. I understand your nature, what you are. It is inevitable that you will test my defenses, poke my systems. I understand that."
For once, Hermes felt the difference in their weight. Hephaestus towered over Hermes and made him feel small.
"If I discover you've sold the secrets of my home, allowing knowledge of my defenses in any way to leak…I'll kill you."
He leaned in, eyes glowing.
"Permanentely."
Hermes whistled.
"Man, almost believed you there for a minute!"
The speedster disappeared before he could speak. Running away or proving a point, he didn't rightly care. He turned to leave, Ifrit retreating into his body once more.
"Will you be coming with me?" he asked Artemis.
"No. I have my own hunt to do. Ares has toiled alone long enough…besides, I can't always be spending time with you or my huntresses."
"Huntresses?"
She smirked.
"I've begun recruiting my own force. People who feel the call of the wild and the thirst to hunt. A sisterhood. The way men have treated women in our lands disgusts me. This is my response. A way to foster strength for those that believe they have none."
He doubted that Artemis thought to do this with just that goal in mind. He leaned forward, rubbing his shoulder to her, a teasing lilt to his tone.
"You know you can just be honest?"
She blushed a bit, scowling as she dispersed. He could only chuckle watching her leave. He turned to Hestia, the longing on her face plain as day. Eri blinked, her eyes fluttering as she finally fell asleep again. She nuzzled into his chest and Hestia almost cooed.
"You wish for a child?"
She had to shake herself away, a fractured smile and a broken heart.
"I do. Sadly…it is not in the cards for me."
He nodded over to Hera's throne.
"She can help you. She created…me."
It was more difficult to say than he had assumed, a flare of irritation at the fact that he still felt this way. He shouldn't, right? He focused back on Hestia and for a moment, he felt bare. As if she saw all that he was. Her face was burdened, gaunt even, her eyes filled with pity and guilt.
"...Hers is a process I don't want to emulate. It is not the creation of a child that is the problem. The flames of the west take all my attention. Even now, I'm already feeling the urge to tend to the ashes in its wake. This is a burden only I can carry…and I fear any child I have would only be destined to carry that burden."
She turned to the fires that burned in the center of the room, to the fire that the Greek Gods all rallied to. For a spiteful moment…she wished she could smother it to death. She turned back, solemn.
"I will have no other suffering in my place, nephew…a sentiment that you seem to share."
"Whatever do you mean?" smirked Hephaestus.