Ares was strong, and in many ways was stronger than Hephaestus. In terms of divinity, even Athena could not say she was his equal in direct combat. Sure, Athena could defeat Ares, but that was altering the terrain and circumstances to her advantage. In an equal battleground…in the martial disciplines, Ares knew no equal in the ancient realms of Greece, for now.
As Athena grew in strength, she would of course become Ares' counterpart. A true collision of equal and opposing forces. But, she was still young, same as Hephaestus.
For such a god to request aid…it meant a lot.
"...Thanks…I guess," muttered Ares.
"Anytime."
Ares grunted, eyeing the woods. He cleared his throat, a little louder so others could hear.
"Now where is that little soldier! I've been wai–"
Eri appeared from the rafters, her little hands aimed for her uncle's throat. She was caught easily of course. Artemis and Hephaestus laughed as Eri spun around, caught by the arms in Ares' grip.
"Good, good! Use every advantage. But next time, use a knife."
Eri pouted, giving a side glance to her father.
"Papa w-w-on't let me use w-weapons yet."
"Dumbass," snarked Ares. "Come on, I'll show you some tricks."
They locked eyes and for once, Hephaestus allowed it. With a nod from him, Ares and Eri moved to the clearing, the jittering girl almost jumping off the ground in her excitement. At her age, the girl was already five feet tall. If there was ever a time to start her physical training, now was it.
Artemis placed a hand on Hephaestus' shoulder, concern mixed with a bit of pride.
"You sure you want to take that burden?"
"It's a burden I already had," smiled Hephaestus, "The moment I learned of her existence, I already knew I'd protect her if need be. Same with you."
Artemis scowled a bit.
"I would never overstep my bounds, Hephaestus."
"Oh really?" smirked Hephaestus, "not even for your own child?"
Artemis rolled her eyes.
"I have no desire to procreate."
He gave her a blank look, pointing his thumb at Eri.
"...I appreciate the thought," muttered Artemis, "But unlike Athena and your mother, I won't be rushing into manufacturing a child."
"...Oh?" smirked Hephaestus, "you speak as if you already know how?"
"My domain makes it clear. Two parents, one child. It creates the basis for stability. Not always," she smiled, looking at Hephaestus, "but mostly true. I have no one I would draw on for such a thing."
"Well, either way," smiled Hephaestus, "I'd be there for them. The same way you've been there for Eri."
Artemis almost choked on her drink, a golden blush spreading across her cheeks. He laughed at her, the goddess punching him in the ribs. It echoed like thunder.
"Ow," thought Hephaestus, his laughter unimpeded.
"If I ever have a child, you are not blessing it!" she bit, "that poor thing would explode like that boar!"
"Did he tell everyone that story?" frowned Hephaestus.
"Of course he did. Why do you think no one has requested your blessing?"
Hurtful, but true. Besides, Hephaestus would likely refuse such a thing anyway. If only on principle. It was also funny, the way Artemis looked away from his knowing glance.
"She's changed," he thought.
He had caught her more than once checking in on Eri. Sometimes in the shape of a deer, another as a random person that walked past her. It was always quick, just a brief look. If it wasn't for his tracing abilities, Hephaestus wouldn't have discovered it, bar one incident. The one time Artemis appeared as an animal should have been perfect. There wasn't even an ounce of divinity. A perfect disguise save for one fact. Deers were not native to the island.
The poor goddess even tried to cover it up by introducing a few into the ecosystem afterwards as a "gift".
"She's a bit of a dork," thought Hephaestus.
Artemis looked up at him, a curdling sneer growing ever more sinister at his smile. He reared up for another round of teasing, only to notice the position of the sun. He eyed it for a moment, considering his day.
"You have something to do?" smiled Artemis.
"Yes. I'll be spending time with Hecate actually. I just wanted to make sure that Eri was with her teachers in the city before I go."
His daughter was a skilled painter. As a father, he couldn't help but feel her art was the best, but realistically there was still much to learn. The two gods walked out of the open barn, the two smiling at Eri as she fumbled with a wooden knife.
"Like this," said Ares, fixing her grip. "You want to be able to adjust the knife as needed, but still maintain a strong grip. Now, again!"
Eri lunged forward, Hephaestus having to blink at the natural movement. She lunged forward, slashing at Ares' ankles. The God smirked, lifting his leg, lightly tapping Eri's form as she fumbled off balance.
"I like the aggression!"
Ares didn't even blink, tilting his head to avoid the dirt Eri threw at him. He laughed, light-hearted and proud.
"HAHA! That's exactly it, you little spitfire!" Ares grinned at his brother, pointing his thumb at Eri. She lunged again, while he was distracted, only for Ares to grab her by the skull and hold her up. She struggled for a moment, before pointing. "This kid's great!" he grinned, "Got enough raw instinct to match an army! Still green though."
Ares plopped her down, patting her head.
"You got guts kid, not to mention talent. Give it time and you may even give me a challenge."
He locked eyes with Eri and in that moment, the little girl realized that, no, she likely wouldn't. There was something to her uncle, something deep and dark. An aspect of himself that hadn't yet been brought to bear. Ares lost his smile, taking a more neutral expression as he plopped Eri down.
"You see a lot. Make sure not to get lost in those little thoughts of yours, alright kid."
She nodded, giving him back the wooden knife. It was aged, but carved with care. Ares looked at Hephaestus, before taking the knife. It shuddered, the wood turning a mahogany color. He gifted it back to Eri, the girl blinking at it.
"Always keep it with you," smirked Ares, "I'll be back with other lessons."
"Really?"
He chuckled at her suspicion. Good, she was more aware than most of the dangers of a gift.
"Really. They won't be often, I'll tell you that much. But I will stop by to check your progress. Someone has to make sure your father knows what he's doing after all."
The knife shuddered, before the divinity that forged it dimmed and dissipated. Eri grinned at the blade, already moving a bit to start practicing her swipes. She kept adjusting the grip, using the knife in different ways. The design overall was fine, but Hephaestus already had superior makes forging in his head.
"It's that time Eri," smiled Hephaestus.
She blinked, groaning as she looked to the sun.
"Already?" she groaned.
She shifted the knife to the inner pocket in her chiton, turning to the woods. Hephaestus was curious about why she and Kassandra had bothered coming back home. He wondered if Eri would go about it in some way, but the girl just kept walking forward. Ifrit shuddered from within him, taking to the skies from his chest.
Ares nodded, dispersing immediately.
"A bit rude," grumbled Artemis.
"Perhaps, but that's just him. I prefer a god that's genuine than one that alters themselves for me."
They both looked at each other and smiled.
"Apollo," they said together. Artemis meant it in a more snide manner. Hephaestus looked above to the sun. "He doesn't need to try so hard for others' approval," muttered Hephaestus, "he does more than enough for that."
"It's not about approval," snarked Artemis, crossing her arms with a scoff. "It's about love. He can't stand the idea that someone is indifferent to him, like you are."
For all that Apollo had become a friend, Hephaestus had to be honest. Artemis, Ares, and a few others were the gods that he was closest with. Even after all this time, he still didn't fully trust Apollo in the same way. It was a shame that said God could feel that, but Hephaestus couldn't help it.
He knew that the moment Apollo figured out a "miracle" cure, he'd enact it. It was Apollo's nature. Better to ask for forgiveness than permission. While that was fine with most, Hephaestus was not one of them. It was a pet peeve of his that wouldn't go away no matter how long he lived. It was basically ingrained into him, both with EMIYA's and the old Hephaestus' experience.
No matter the reason…no one would have control of him again.
"You seem different," smiled Artemis, "in a good way."
"I've never felt better," chuckled Hephaestus, "if that's what you're wondering. Before you head out."
Conjured in his hand was a silver arrow. Artemis blinked, noting that this wasn't just the earthly metal, but a genuine celestial variant, much like bronze and steel.
"This is…"
"At your request. I have augmented the silver into a celestial variant."
"Celestial Silver," smiled Artemis, holding the arrow. It was perfect, the metal naturally attuned to the path of the hunt. Her domains and specific blessing clung to it like a magnet, making it easier for her to bless and empower her followers with her divinity.
With this metal, she wouldn't need to use as much, making it less of a danger of overloading those that followed the path of the hunt.
"Thank you," she smiled. "Now for payment."
"That won't be necc-"
"WOOF!"
He blinked, eyeing the small wolf pup that suddenly appeared between him and Artemis. She grinned as he eyed it. As stoic as he was, Hephaestus' hand twitched. He had almost reacted to pet the damn thing.
It wasn't a normal creature, he could tell that much. It was for starters, too damn fluffy to be a completely wolven creature. Its fur shone with divine light, its golden eyes a match for Hephaestus own. It was large for a puppy, having the makings of a larger northwestern wolf.
"WOOF!"
"...that's a wolf?" muttered Hephaestus.
"Yes."
Bullshit. The paws on it were comically large.
'How big is this dog supposed to grow?' thought Hephaestus.
"...am I…supposed to?"
"Nothing," she smiled, "merely this. Come Lykos."
He stared at her.
"...what?"
"You named it…wolf?"
She blushed a bit, coughing to distract from her poor naming sense. The pup plopped over, sniffing at Hephaestus' legs.
"...what is it–"
"It's imprinting, relax," smiled Artemis. "I do not offer you a pet of any sort Hephaestus, rather a companion you can call on."
He blinked, noting the way the pup shuddered.
"You mean…like this."
Hephaestus knelt, a tiny piece of his divinity fluttering out to meet the wolf. It absorbed into the creature, the pup barking up at Artemis, tall wagging and all. He couldn't help himself this time, his hands tracing through the fur of the beast. Its tail wagged as its leg thumbed at the attention.
"It's soft," he thought.
While the dragons of Demeter held a special place in his heart, and Ifrit was perfect, this dog was…adorable. It whined as his hand left, before seemingly shaking the weakness out.
"Cute," smiled Artemis. "This is Lykos, the pup of my divine beast. It will take time for him to grow, but should you need something tracked, Lykos can help you."
It barked, tongue open as it dutifully made its way back to Artemis.
"I…I don't know what to say," smiled Hephaestus.
"Say nothing. It will take decades for Lykos to grow anyway. With two divine signatures to adapt to, he will be slow."
Artemis smiled, lifting the pup to her chest.
"Slow to grow, but strong."
Hephaestus smirked as he rose, crossing his arms.
"Let me guess, keep this to myself?"
"By the old ones, yes," groaned Artemis, "I don't need gods surrounding me for other pups. I know Demeter gets enough of that already with her own dragons."
The pup gave one last bark, before shuddering in a strange haze. Hephaestus blinked, eyeing the space the pup once held.
"That's…"
It was something to do with the domain of the moon, but he decided to drop it. Perhaps not the smartest move. But the way Artemis smiled in appreciation, it didn't seem like the wrong one either.
"So…a hunting dog?" smiled Hephaestus.
"Not yours, just one you can request."
He doubted this was a service she offered even her brother. The two shared their smiles as Hephaestus nodded in thanks. As she walked away Artemis waved, pieces dispersing into moonlight.
"Say hi to Hecate for me."
He was alone, basking in the silence. He looked around him, smiling at his home. The once normal cabin had been improved on, with additions to either side. With the centre being his living space, and an addition to the right becoming Eri's own room. On the left were additions for a communal workspace, though in reality it was more Eri's space than his own.
He taught her all sorts in that space. As he neared the door to his home, his hand brushed the walls. As he neared the window, his mood soured a bit, noting that Arachne was in there, working away without a care. She was so invested she hadn't even realized that other gods had visited.
He was concerned for her. That she was losing herself in the work simply to avoid her personal horrors.
"Though, who am I to judge?" thought Hephaestus. Wasn't as if he was any better. Was Hera not an example of his own hypocrisy? He knocked on the glass of his window, chuckling a bit at the way she jumped. She rushed over, lifting the glass to eye him.
"Yes? What? You're interrupting me, you know."
"I know," smirked Hephaestus, "but I'll be gone for a while away from the island. If you need anything–"
"I know where Kassandra is. Don't be so concerned. I'll even look out for little Eri too," smiled the spider woman.
Hephaestus didn't know what was funnier. The idea that Arachne had somehow become a part of the community, or that she genuinely thought that Eri needed her protection. If anything, Eri was the one that would be protecting her. Still, he'd much prefer this, than someone who just loafed around. He eyed the clothes she was making, his eyes widening at the skill.
"You've taken to your new…abilities rather well," he admitted.
It was putting it mildly. Arachne was a savant. A genuine genius who was making the full use of the silk her body produced. If Athena ever became aware of this, she would be furious. The curse you inflicted now having enhanced the very arrogance you wanted to punish?
"I may need to prepare for that," thought Hephaestus, his own plans already brewing.
"You're distracted, again," muttered Arachne.
"It's nothing for you to worry about," smiled Hephaestus.
"...I actually believe that, coming from you."
She ignored his questioning gaze, instead turning back to the work.
"Now, tarry along. Your lover is waiting now that the two are gone."
"How did you–?"
"You think me so daft I don't notice the presence of two gods? Who were they?"
"Ares and Artemis."
She stilled, lost in her own thoughts.
"Your brother carries a striking presence, but such a pretty face. The dichotomy alone is tantalizing. Artemis though…"
Arachne hummed, her finger tracing her lips.
"There's a savagery to her I'd see in an animal. I've never seen such a person like her before."
"Well…she is a god," chuckled Hephaestus.
"Yes yes…that gives me even greater inspiration. Now shoo!"
She hissed, though it didn't really land. Arachen looked down at herself, as if wondering where the sound came from. He chuckled as he approached the door. The sigils glowed as he neared, his intent obvious.
Yet, the door opening without him was new. He blinked, Hecate walking through.
"I was just on…are you alright?"
She tried to wave him off, but he held her close. Her strength surged back as his energy filled her, adapting to her divinity and making it her own.
"You need to stop doing that for me," growled Hecate.
"Then stop returning home exhausted. I left you alone for days after you told me to and you kept getting worse."
Whatever she was doing…it was draining her strength. He had only seen the recovery of gods become debilitated in specific circumstances. The key one, being the sacrifice of their power.
She was creating something. He would wait for her to tell him about it, instead focusing on her. He cupped her face, enjoying the stiff blush that spread across her cheeks. He had become more openly affectionate after Athens, a fact that Hecate still struggled with.
"You–" she growled softly.
He leaned in, silencing her with a kiss. When they separated, the witch queen remained quiet. Her eyes glistened, tempting him to break the silence for her.
"So, shall we?" he smiled, gesturing to her door.
"...actually…I would like to spend time here…with you and Eri."
"Of course!" he smiled, "Eri is just on her way to the city and–"
"She," stressed Hecate, "can wait. I merely meant I wish to stay the night here with you all, rather than just have our…what did you call it?"
"A date," chuckled Hephaestus, "I thought the word fit."
"...I don't get it, but regardless."
Hecate turned around, jilting back at the wide eyed Arachne blatantly staring out the window. The spider girl was almost spilling out of the house, the way she was studying Hecate.
"...what on Gaia is that?" demanded Hecate.
"That," stressed Hephaestus, "is Arachne."
The two women stared at one other, each growing more fascinated by the minute.
"How did…you've altered a curse entirely," muttered Hecate. "There's limited spells…no…Khemia?"
The ancient word for Alchemy. Roughly translated to the "Sacred Arts". It was one of the three core aspects of magic. Alchemy, Enchantment, and Evocation. All three branches of magic centred around the three core concepts. Altering the world, enhancing the world, invoking the world.
It was far more complex, but it was the gist of it as Hephaestus understood it.
"We used a brew that Kassandra made to…reduce the transmutive effects of the curse. I–"
"You are stunning," whispered Arachne.
Hecate blinked as Arachne approached. She kept her distance, but she eyed the clothing more than the woman.
"Such boldness from you!" complimented Arachne, "Your attire is just so unique! Why the veil?"
The witch queen touched the fabric she willed in existence, her brow raising as Arachne studied her large witches hat. Her finger didn't come close to her, but it traced the shape.
"Strong and rigid materials…a whole new way to express oneself!"
"It's…meant for enchantments," muttered Hecate, leaning back a bit.
"Bah! Who needs those!"
Hecate squinted. Just as she was about to dismiss the strange cursed creature, Arachne weaved…and all hell broke loose. Immediately, Hecate grasped Arachne's arm.
All the energy from Arachne was sapped immediately, the smile done away with. A hollow look entered her eye. Before it could get worse, Hephaestus grabbed Hecate, the witch queen eyeing him. He turned to Arachne, quickly speaking to her.
"She meant noth–"
"This silk is incredible."
Arachne blinked this time, getting her hand back as Hecate twisted the small strands between her fingers.
"This material is the most mana sensitive I've ever seen. Do you know what it is that you've done?"
"Um…"
"You've answered the largest concern with enchantments."
Hecate took off her large hat, revealing the underside of the brim. Arachne hesitated to touch it. But, she couldn't help herself. Arachne's eyes widened as she realized that the entire brim and inner work of the hat was metal.
Runes and sigils glowed for a moment, showcasing the enchantments woven into it.
"We can come to an agreement later," stated Hecate, her word law. "For now, I have better things to do."
The spider-woman coughed a bit, turning to her work immediately. Hephaestus blushed a bit, scratching his chin.
"You can be a bit more–"
"Your mind needs to be elsewhere," purred Hecate, her mood vastly improved. She crooked her index finger at him over her shoulder, giving him a sultry eye as he followed.
He noticed she left around the house, going down the forest path to the north.
"It's not entirely done yet," cautioned Hephaestus.
"Oh quiet. Eri hasn't stopped talking about this "hot spring" as you call it. I've been meaning to enjoy its waters with you both for quite some time."
"I can–"
He stayed quiet with her look. It was rare that Hecate bothered with walking anywhere. The power of a goddess allowed her to just be wherever she wanted. Yet, for all of Hecate's power, there were still things even she was weak to.
"HMPH!"
She tried to wretch her hand from Hephaestus', only to shiver at the warmth. The bastard must have known just how warm he was, compared to chthonic deities. She refused to believe he thought otherwise, especially with the mischievous glint in his own eyes. Hecate didn't loom away as the two fell in rhythm, step by step. The soft smile filled with a love she struggled to understand.
"How can a God so young have a gaze so heavy?" she thought.
The blush never arose, she had far too much experience with Hephaestus' strange shows of affection. She upped him this time though, wrapping both her arms around his. He blinked, and for a moment she relished the victory.
"So, this hot spring," she asked, "is it truly natural?"
"It took some help," he admitted, "but with the nymphs and Kassandra I was able to create a small little area of my own. You'll see."
"...you speak as if you needed this?"
Hecate couldn't help the suspicious undertone, though her lover laughed it off.
"The nymphs have a habit of being around when I need to bathe. In this area, I've created a bounded field that prevents them from coming too close."
If he noticed the way Hecate's nails dug into his arms for a moment, he never said a word. She didn't fancy herself the jealous type. Actually, most goddesses didn't.
Yet, what were the gods if not hypocrites?
She was a master of magic. There wasn't much that could cull the bubbling pit that started to boil in her stomach. Yet, as the bounded field shimmered around them, the sight took her breath away.
All thoughts seemed to melt as she eyed this strange wonder. The water was clear, with clean river water flowing in and out of the large pond. It was shallow enough that light could be seen shining on the bottom, but it was deep enough that even Hephaestus would be down to his shoulders.
The pond was in the shape of an L, with carved granite stone accenting the edges. It wasn't natural, the stone formations. Rather, the stone had been carved to act as seats, platforms, and whatever else someone may need the space for.
As she eyed it, Hecate couldn't help but notice the ground the water was filled around. Scattered beneath the water were foundations for someone to sit and rest, all at varying heights.
Along the corners of the bond were several bottles, and a bar of what Hephaestus told her was called soap. She could smell the scent of flowers from it, but the glass bottles were new.
They were filled with a liquid she didn't quite recognize.
"...you've been hard at work," she muttered warily.
"Something fun to build. I showed the people of Lemnos how to mix cement. The bits I had left over I used here."
"You made them this much?" wondered Hecate, "enough to line this pond?"
"I helped build their initial wall, as recompense for the damage Atlas and I wrought to their island."
Now why did Hecate think that was a common excuse he used?
"...you care far too much for these people," sighed Hecate.
"Says the Goddess protecting her witches?" smirked Hephaestus.
It was a losing argument, that much she knew. Idiots would beat you with experience after all. Her clothes shimmered away, revealing her nude form. As Hephaestus mentioned, not a nymph was in sight…though…that wasn't entirely true.
Heedless of her own nudity, Hecate snapped her fingers.
"Hecate?"
From the waters arose a nymph, but unlike any that Hecate knew of. Most river spirits were…duller. Not in intellect, but in form. The very nature of their power was always lesser than that of their sea born cousins.
Yet this nymph…there was power in her. Far more than even the average sea nymph. But it was a scarred and hollow thing. She was but a fragment of who she was.
Hephaestus' divinity could not cure this. All the energy in the world couldn't heal a wound that had long since scabbed over. Speaking of, the poor god rubbed his brow, crossing his arms.
"Cabeiro…we've talked about this."
Hecate looked at him.
"This is your assistant?"
"Well, no," muttered Hephaestus, "they both share a name, but that…hmm."
It hadn't reared its head yet, mostly because most Nymphs and other spirits didn't bother with names. Rather, the names didn't matter so much as what the name implied.
Cabeiro, a name that spoke of strength from the depths. Of power. A name that was shared between two nymphs that Hephaestus shared ample time with. The assistant from Zeus and the nymph that called Lemnos her home.
They couldn't be any more different. His assistant was vibrant and violent in equal measure.
The nymph before him remained as stoic as always. Diligent and quiet. She never ceased in her diligence, no matter his constant requests against her.
For the longest time, Hephaestus had assumed Cabeiro's interest to be…er…sexual. He was so far off the mark, that he shuddered to even think about it to this day.
Hecate, like any sane person, assumed the same as he did. She turned to him, a dull look as she crossed her arms.
"...you were talking about the nymphs?"
"This is her river," admitted Hephaestus. "I've told her dozens of times not to bother with the cleansing ritual she does but–"
"Ah, so she's a trench nymph," smiled Hecate, as if that explained everything.
He blinked, staring between the two.
"...a what?" he asked.
His lover ignored him, turning to Cabeiro.
"I must admit, your kind usually keeps to the depths no? You were given the name Cabeiro?"
Cabeiro nodded, her face twisting to a grimace.
"Yes," she admitted. "My family was…agressive with my removal. It is something I do not wish to speak of, my lady."
She bowed deeply. Cabeiro's chest shuddered, a row of serrated teeth shimmering across her collarbone to her naval. Her human guise shuddered back into place a moment later.
When he looked at Cabeiro, she assumed the master of these lands would demand her story. Yet, he remained silent. Unlike Hecate however, his clothes dispersed leaving behind a single pair of shorts.
He ignored the tinkling laughter of the witch, entering the water.
"I take it it won't be a problem that Cabeiro is here…even though she's been asked not to appear when I bathe," he muttered slowly.
"If you do not wish for my assistance, then do cleanse yourself properly."
He threw his hands up, shrugging.
"I've done everything I possibly can. What else could there be?"
"I'm rather curious on that point myself," said Hecate, weaving through the water to sit beside him. The two sat deep enough in the water that it surrounded their shoulders.
Without fear, Cabeiro ran her fingers across Hephaestus' body. The presence of her divinity forces the cracks to show. To Hephaestus, her fingers ran the usual way. Hecate saw that Cabeiro was actually digging lightly into the trenches of Hephaestus' very core, taking residual divinity that had sought to rest there.
"I see. Quite the dirty boy you are," she joked.
"That's not funny," he grunted, grabbing some soap. "I'll have you both know that I am quite hygienic."
"It's not the body Cabeiro is concerned with."
"Hmm?"
He looked at the nymph, but typically an answer never came. Eventually, he just gave up. These were her waters after all, and if he wanted privacy without resorting to more extreme measures, this was what he had to deal with once in a while.
He was just thankful she never showed herself when Eri was here.
"She'd never accept any explanation," thought Hephaestus, "how do you explain to a child that there's nothing there?"
Humans were complex. Desire existed between and beyond the physical and emotional planes. A physical attraction did not bely a genuine one. With Cabeiro, there was such a lack of said interest that it was rather odd.
Not that Hephaestus would argue he was that attractive by any means, but rather it seemed Cabeiro was entirely uninterested in the human form.
The few times he saw her form slip, he saw scales like a fish, multiple eyes, and rows upon rows of serrated teeth. It was like a mutated shark, the few times he saw what might be her true form.
Her body was a cage. He had brought this up to her a few times, but again to no answer. Her business was her own.
"A trench nymph," he muttered unknowingly.
He sighed, about to apologize when Cabeiro stopped. She spoke, continuing her trek across his body.
"My kind lives deep in the oceans. I was…removed."
She gestured to herself.
"I was given a name and a form to center around. That is all my story amounts to."
"That sounds like a curse," muttered Hephaestus.
She was silent. There was no reaction to his question, no emotional signal. Just diligence, quiet as always. For all that Cabeiro may have been inhuman, she was more caring than most.
"...you helped someone, didn't you?" he asked.
For once, he saw the pain in her gaze. Raw and unfiltered. It was more than just an act of kindness. But it was an old wound and she smiled, as if reflecting something that she saw in him. She eyed the nymphs far off on the cliff they were hiding on.
Through her rivers she eyed the human settlement that she had become attached to. With Kassandra's direction, the people had become more respectful of her waters, more aware of life that existed around them and how their actions affected them.
It was everything that Cabeiro had wanted in the past.
"Akis," she thought.
His name was bittersweet. Their memories together are a festering wound that she couldn't live without. This place…would have been perfect.
"It is no longer a concern, Lord Hephaestus," she said, her face falling into the same dead expression. "My home, my place, is here. Serving you and those around you is a privilege…now hold still."
Her fingers dug into the crevice of his body.
"Cabeiro…I find my–hmm!"
Both blinked at him, the first time he had any sign of feeling uncomfortable. Cabeiro's delicate fingers removed themselves from the crevice of his body, particles of a dull blue divinity following her hand. It filled her palm like sand, before coalescing into a ball of quartz like material. It spread like ice, its jagged edges wrapping around the nymphs hand.
"It had taken some years, but I finally managed to ground out the small sliver that had been placed in you," smiled Cabeiro.
"...what."
He felt this power before. It was weak, having long been crushed by his greater strength. But this…was a fragment of Thetis. A hollowed fragment of her anyway. The years that it had been left within him had reduced it to naught but an essence, with specks of divinity dispersing as it solidified.
"A broken blessing," muttered Hecate. She leaned her head on his shoulder. She had quite a bit she wanted to ask, but she kept it to herself. She recognized this essence as Thetis' own.
"This is how she bound me inside the forge when I was a child," muttered Hephaestus.
"...she did what?"
Hecate curbed her first instinct. Whatever the reason, it must have been complex. Thetis was a motherly figure who would do anything to protect her son. Obviously such a thing was extended to a child under her ca–
"Thetis bound me to my home as a child, kept me from straying too far at first. Eventually, I couldn't even leave the confines of the walls. I always wondered what enchantments she used."
Ah, it was simple, and Thetis was now on Hecate's eternal shit list. It was worse with the nonchalance of his answer. As if said past didn't even matter. Hephaestus blinked as he watched Hecate conjure a rather odd rune.
"What's that?"
"Nothing for you to be concerned about," muttered Hecate.
She crushed it, the fraying bond between him and Thetis shattered without a second thought. The witch of the sea twitched, feeling the lacking presence of one of her blessings.
Cabeiro stared at the fragment, her eyes slowly widening as she eyed Hephaestus. A realization striking.
"...alright?" chuckled Hephaestus, eyeing the crystal structure again. Whatever Hecate had done had removed the flecks of Thetis' divinity. A crystal of the sea was all that remained.
"I think…I might have a use for this," he muttered, "possibly."
It was a long shot, but he had wondered if perhaps he could use it to anchor a water nymph, like Cabeiro. It could extend their range quite a bit if it was possible. There were the greater applications of such a resource as well.
Could he use his body to filter and refine such crystals with other elements and concepts?
"An experiment for later," he thought.
Unlike tree nymphs, the distance a water nymph could travel from their source was limited. So, the use of the crystal would primarily be there.
"Speaking of," he thought.
"Cabeiro," he asked delicately, "could you give me and Hecate some privacy?"
With a bow, the nymph left, leaving Hephaestus to his sigh of relief. His arm wrapped around Hecate, pulling her close. The two looked up, studying the clouds above them, the quiet stream of water their only accompaniment.
"So…this is a date?" chuckled Hecate.
"Not at all. Far too many people," he muttered.
He pulled her closer, his smile growing deeper. He looked at her, a depth to his gaze that made her feel greater than chaos. Their kisses were soft and sweet…at first.
He laughed as she shifted to lay across his lap, the steam of the water falling off her body.
"You know, I just wanted–"
She pushed her thumb against his lips, his mirth only making her frown a bit.
"I have not felt you in weeks," she whispered, leaning in. Her fingers trailed across his chest, every part of her pushed into him. The veil that covered her mouth shimmered away, her words echoing across his ear with unrestrained power. "Fix that."
With a snap, the world was warded off, the transparent barrier quickly filling with steam.
-Meanwhile, on a cliff in the distance-
A gaggle of nymphs blinked at each other, one of them still peering into the scrying pool that swirled in front of them, acting as a telescope. While the original scope of this area was for more benign purposes, it had recently become something of a hang-out spot for the more inquisitive denizens of the great island of Lemnos.
…in other words, it's where the nosy people gather.
Using the scrying pool created by Kassandra, they could view from vast distances across the island! For the most part, it was used by the nymphs for peering at the humans. Seeing their dramas and mistakes.
For them, it was quality entertainment. Lately, however, it had been used for rather…perverted tasks.
"You don't think she saw us, do you?" muttered one Nymph.
"We looked away the moment we saw them both," muttered another, "shouldn't be a problem. After their little romp, she'll forget all about us."
"I'd rather not be here when they're done. They'd tell Kassandra and we'd lose this."
"I don't think we'd care as much as her," whispered one.
They turned, eyeing the one human amongst them was scribbling on a piece of animal leather. She was on her knees, using the ground to push a charcoal pencil into the tanned hide, erasing as needed. It was an eerily accurate rendition of Hephaestus, down to the most minute shade of his musculature. But, he wasn't alone. There were also etchings of Ares, Artemis, and even Apollo when he had shown himself days before.
Andrea, the mercenary, was hard at work, scribbling down every detail of the gods and goddesses that she saw. It was the reason that she was here after all. The use of the scrying mirror allowed her the ability to see the faces of the gods themselves without getting too close.
Her hands itched for a chisel, their images stuck within stone that she could bring to life. A passion for sculpting that she had ignored for almost all her life, blooming here in this strange place.
She scribbled again, brushing some strokes to sharpen Ares' gaze.
"Not yet," she muttered, lost to the world. The nymphs that had befriended her shrugged. While most of their kind never bothered covering their modesty, most nymphs on Lemnos had taken to wearing clothes, if for nothing but decency's sake with the humans.
One nymph, her hair short and the color of straw, gestured for the others to pack up the mirror. While the liquid floated above them, the small stone stand needed to be powered down for them to actually move the damn thing.
Their friendship with Andrea had started when the sculptor caught their eye, carving them into stone as practice. She was obsessed with the supernatural, Andrea taking to sculpting anything and everything that had to do with the supernatural world.
Discovering that the Gods existed had a strange way of turning new followers. Who knew? The truth however, was that it was also considered the greatest height of art an artist could reach. To capture the essence of the gods into stone…it would prove to herself and artists of all time that she was the best.
It was an obsession…hence why she was spying on Hephaestus while he bathed. An entirely natural, normal, thing for an artist to do. There was certainly nothing wrong with her in any capacity. For she was normal…no matter what her brother said.
The three nymphs that were near her looked at one another, the same sly grin they always shared bright and wide on their faces.
"She's still not admitting it!" one whispered, barely holding their laughter.
Eventually, they did have to move, but Andrea had already garnered everything she needed to get started. Apollo was the first that she had crafted, with some imperfections. Artemis was next, followed by Ares. Eventually she would grow with each of the Olympians she would see.
One way or another she would reach her height and then finally…she would sculpt him. She still remembered the tools he had crafted for her (all the artists), the way it seemed to fit just right in her hands (like it did all of them), made her feel like she was special.
She needed to return the favor. Andrea stopped sketching, her blush growing as she got lost in a fantasy, completely ignorant of the chuckling nymphs.
This was a story the nymphs would tell till their dying breath. Considering that was effectively never, Andrea's story was one known even in modern times! The origin story for the greatest sculptor the Lemnians had ever produced. While their peak artists varied by the age in which they were born, Andrea remained the oldest and most uncontested when it came to shaping stone.
Her works are so prolific, so in-depth, that she garnered a following even in the modern age.
A shame then, that her story would never be told. For who would ever want to believe that an artist of such stature…was perverted beyond measure.
"Just…a bit more detail," she muttered, her eyes as crazy as the blush that had spread across her face. Of all the gods that she would sculpt…Hephaestus would remain her obsession.
-Months later-
Whether it was normal or twisted, the blissful days of Lemnos remained consistent.
Over the months that followed, Hephaestus would continue to hone his craft. Not just in the quality of his arms, but also in other avenues of interest.
The mechanical bulls were complete, hidden as they were. The blueprint for Talos was finalized, but kept hidden from prying eyes. Hephaestus even started developing jewelry, inspired by the crystal that had been pried from him.
He gifted them to any and all that were near (though he smartly didn't tell anyone they were prototypes).
But, it wasn't always smooth sailing.
"Damn," he muttered, the runes running across his hand to his shoulder cracking apart.
"It's not power," grumbled Eri, leaning against the back of her chair. "They're stable from what I can see Papa."
"Are they?" mused Hecate, stirring some sugar into a cup. She swirled her herbal tea with a spoon, taking to utensils with abandon. Her veil shimmered as she sipped at her cup.
She eyed Eri over the rim, smiling at the way her surrogate daughter deconstructed the problem. They were all seated at Hephaestus' table, enjoying some breakfast. Usually they would be on Hecate's island for such a thing, but as of late it had been within Hephaestus' own home instead.
He likened it to the ebb and flow of the tides. Eventually, they would be in her domain again, but it was nice being here in his home like this.
But, typical of their family, it wasn't always just enjoying their company. Hecate and Hephaestus would always discuss their developments of magic or industry, an aspect that Eri had also begun engaging in.
A family of workaholics, if nothing else.
The topic for today was Hephaestus himself. Since his confrontation with Eris, the god had developed his runes further and in the course of their conversation, was attempting to show his progress. It was too little success, unfortunately.
The runes simply sputtered, the longer enchantment unable to maintain its shape. Hephaestus shook his head with a sigh, eating some fruit as he leaned back.
"I had it before," he muttered.
"A rune for increasing your strength and durability," hummed Hecate. "Quite the task."
Eri blinked, realizing something.
"...are the runes too weak?" she asked Hecate.
Before her father could reassure her otherwise, Hecate popped his worldview with the delicacy of a nuke.
"Of course they are."
Hecate was a sweet woman, Hephaestus swore. But, moments like these showed her vindictive side. Her eyes were like a viper's as she smiled, putting her cup down.
"Runes are symbols of power, of magic," explained Hecate, "if they were as universally versatile as you hoped darling, why use anything else?"
He sighed, realizing where she was going with this.
"The runes themselves are simply too weak for some of your…grander ambitions. To augment your strength? I sincerely doubt that any rune would be stable attempting to accomplish such a feat. From what I saw, you were attempting to fortify it, using more runes to create greater enchantments?"
"Yes. I find the more runes I have, the stronger the effect but its stability is reduced."
The instability wasn't with power in longer rune sequences, but structure. As vexing as it could be, Hephaestus was having a ball figuring things out as he went along.
"So the difficulty of the task matters," he mused.
"You've shown lightning, have you not?"
The rune glowed on the back of his hand, blue electricity arcing widely off his arm. Another sigil, a cool breeze wafted through the room.
"Have you considered developing these runes further? Unlike a physical augment, they would not have to endure augmenting your sheer strength."
"I'd rather not get told by some god that I've overstepped my bounds," he muttered. "At least…not yet," he smirked.
He had a plan to use his runes more freely. The plan being that he didn't. Hecate eyed him, but took him at his word. As much as he'd like to be entirely honest, it was better to keep some thoughts to himself.
As Eris had shown, keeping his development with his runes to himself had its benefits. He doubted that the runes' power would be enough to debilitate a god. But, the moment of surprise it would bring?
That was a different story.
Ever since he had come from Athens, his plan for dealing with the gods around him had taken a more aggressive approach. But, of all the runes, lightning was strangely easy to call on.
It was like he could feel it, the thunder rumbling in his chest.
The sound of plates shuffling from the sink in the kitchen made Hephaestus grumble.
"Arachne, enough of that. Go on and eat."
The spider woman came through the kitchen, shrouded in her own chiton. She had taken the hood design from Hephaestus, creating a more seamless attire. It covered her arms and torso, much like a tunic. Excess cloth wrapped around her neck, giving the appearance of a scarf of some sort.
The changes were not just in her clothes though. Her face had become sharper, the spider-like qualities having receded just a tad further. When she spoke, the hint of fangs could be seen. Her fingers were covered in the same black chitin as always, though she had figured out how to recede her claws.
"I will eat when I am good and ready. I cannot have my hands covered by juice before I get to work."
"You really need to–"
"I do not want to hear any of it from you," snarked Arachne, gesturing to the bowl in front of him. "I think that is the first bit of food that I've seen you eat in days!"
He looked away, a sheepish smile. He itched at his cheek. Hecate didn't care, but his daughter did. She frowned, shuffling off the chair and into the kitchen. She had grown a bit more these last few months, finally breaking even at five feet. She was looking more like a twelve year old than a girl her age.
Eri returned, the very bottle Apollo had dropped off last month, as he always did with his monthly visits.
"Drink," his daughter pouted.
"Eri, I assure you…"
He trailed off, the stink eye too much to bear. He took out the cloth that was wrapped at the neck of the bottle, swinging the bottle and finishing it off. If one were to peer within it, they would see that the liquid was already refilling. The enchantments of Apollo at work.
Eri took the bottle resealing it for her father.
"You and Apollo are a little too close for my liking," muttered Hephaestus.
Apollo's monthly check-ins had started after Athens. Apparently, meeting Zeus and Hera was all the sun god needed to justify himself visiting Lemnos for their check-ups.
Of all the gods that Eri would connect with, Apollo was the strangest one. He spoke to her like she was an adult, saw something in Eri that made the young witch beam under his attention.
He had caught his daughter attempting alchemy without any adult present, as if she already knew what to do. The other effect of Apollo's visits…he had somehow turned Eri into his personal hound, using her to constantly remind Hephaestus to take the vitamins and other things the sun god demanded he use.
It wasn't that he meant to forget taking anything, it just happened.
"If you took better care of yourself than I wouldn't need to be involved, now would I!"
She sneezed a bit, blushing as her father laughed at her.
"I-i-it wasn't f-funny."
"It's just cute, that's all," smiled Hephaestus.
"I-I'm n-not a baby!"
She crossed her arms, pouting. Still didn't stop Hecate from bringing the young Eri to her lap though. Hephaestus' smile was accompanied by a sigh as he shook his head.
"I didn't mean anything by it," he muttered.
"She's just at that age," whispered Hecate fondly, tidying Eri up. The girl ignored them both, but was still reluctant to leave Hecate's embrace.
"Oh yes," snarked Hephaestus, a little puff of fire tickling Hecate as he stood up, "you know this with what experience?"
"I was a young girl once too, you know."
He blinked, deciding that discretion was the better part of valor. Hecate turned to Arachne, a glimmering knife hovering between them.
"Your payment for the silk."
"Fantastic," smiled Arachne, taking the knife. "I needed something that cut more finely than what I have."
"I can make you tools, you know?"
He was, of course, ignored.
"Fine, I'll see myself out."
"Oh, sneaking off again?" smirked Hecate.
The door shimmered, shutting with powerful magic as he tried to leave. He turned, a grimace growing as Arachne's smile grew.
"Is this really necessary?" he muttered.
"Of course it is," taunted Arachne, "it's not as if the summer solstice is tomorrow! I must make sure you are perfect!"
"One's appearance reflects their bearing Hephaestus. I do not know why you're so adverse to Arachne's designs. They are excellent, as you are well aware." Hecate played with Eri's hair, combing through the mess. The poor girl's hair was almost as erratic as Eri herself.
"It's not the design I have issues with, it's the fact that she makes me sit through her process every single time. Honestly, you have my measurements Arachne."
She scoffed, the spiderwoman waving her hands away, banishing the very thought. "No, I must feel my work. You and your daughter's strange symbols mean nothing to me. No number will reflect my work."
"That's not what it's for and you know that. If you're having trouble understanding math you can just ask–"
"Shush! Hecate, please restrain your husband!"
The witch blinked.
"He's not my husband," she said flatly.
"As if whatever you call him makes a difference," snapped Arachne, "now have at him…hmm…perhaps I should word that differently."
As always, when embroiled in her work, Arachne feared nothing. If not for that quality, Hecate would have turned her into a sheep for her trouble. Yet, the witch and the spider had crafted a rather odd friendship of sorts. Perhaps that was the reason Hecate stayed in her hands from smiting Arachne for her insolence.
With a clap, the room shifted, revealing Arachne's work thus far in her little work room. There, on a mannequin Hephaestus provided, was a verdant green ensemble. He didn't see it himself, but supposedly it was a color that meshed with his crimson hair.
"It looks great," said Hephaestus, "I promise now–"
"Nonsense, at least put it on! Hecate herself would love to see you wear it."
He looked between them, trying to understand this strange friendship. Hecate's encouraging gaze just made it worse.
"Fine fine I'll–"
He stopped. A thundering sound echoing from around him. They all stilled, Hephaestus looking around. It was like something was scrapping at the walls of his inner thoughts. There were no words, nothing that he could discern, only the dull resounding thump that echoed in his mind.
He would have ignored it, if not for Ifrit sundering out of him. She was frantic, her wings flapping wildly as she shook her head.
"Ifrit, what's wrong?" he asked.
In their bond he could feel it too. Something that she didn't understand, a dull repeating sound.
"Ifrit! Hecate, do you know what this is?"
Yet, there were things even the Witch couldn't know. She was quick, scanning Ifrit with countless sigils and magic circles. Simple and complex working together.
Still, nothing. It was unlike anything she had ever seen. He didn't need her to tell him that her look alone was enough. It's the fact the Goddess of magic didn't know what this was that only made it worse.
"What's happening!?" yelled Eri, trying to frantically read the runes.
"It's me," he thought, the realization striking him cold. What else could stump a Goddess of magic, than something entirely alien to her. Ifrit stopped shaking, eyeing him as the two nodded.
"I'll be back! Ifrit, go!"
He tore through the house, almost smashing his door down. Kassandra leaned from the barn, but Eri had run to the door, yelling out after him.
"Papa!?"
"I'll be back!" he yelled, jumping into the air with all his strength.
Once more, he was enveloped in wings of fire. The skies of Greece were home to Ifrit once more. She rocketed through the clouds themselves, uncaring of any wind spirit that got in her way.
Hephaestus and her were entwined in this moment, feeling the knocking intensifying in their mind.
"Left," thought Hephaestus, the dull thudding increasing in tempo. It had nothing else to it, merely growing in intensity. It was almost all-encompassing, the sound so loud within him that even the wind felt quiet.
Through his divine beast's eyes, he saw that they were over the ocean, fast approaching an island. He felt Athena's divinity wash over him. If it wasn't for the lack of the Goddess's emotions, he doubted she would have let him through.
No…this was something deeper. The barrier couldn't impede him, not that it allowed him through. He felt it, the way her divine barrier clung to their body, as if it was forced to abide by him.
With enhanced sight, he saw it. On the edge of a beach, a man was ripping at a woman's robes. She was fighting him, her nails digging into the dark haired man's arms, only for the wound to heal. The water that clung to this man's leg was crawling up, filling and closing the wound.
He felt Ares' presence, the shackles of divine law holding him as if he was a rabid dog.
Hephaestus flared their power, Ifrit's azure flames blotting out the sky. The man stopped moving, eyes wide as a torrent of flame was heading his way. He didn't care what he screamed, for Hephaestus hit the ground with the force of a missile.
The beach shuddered, Hephaestus' divinity wrapping around the poor girl. She was breathing hard as the flames let up, her hand reaching for a knife that she kept strapped to her leg. She tore it from the weak leather holster, holding her arms in front of her.
She jumped as a beige sheet fell over her. She put the handle of her knife between her teeth, wrapping the robe around her torn clothing.
She was a pretty young woman. Locks of brown hair that did nothing to hide the eerie crimson eyes she had. She was defined, but lacked the muscle definition of a career soldier. Trained, but only recently.
Which was weird, considering she carried a gait of a career killer. The phrase "bred for war" fit this woman to a T. She eyed him, never relaxing. She took the knife, quickly adjusting her grip. She didn't approach him, instead studying him closely.
"You're…"
She blinked the adrenaline away. She had called her father first. His form appeared, only to shatter apart as he rushed her attacker. Then she had called a name her father told her to call, as a last resort.
Hephaestus, her father's brother. He was exactly as her father described, though far bigger than her imagination had assumed.
All her father said was that this man was tall, but he towered over her 5'6 frame. She got on shaky legs, scowling at the water. She grew weak when that son of Poesidon managed to get her in the water. As if he was somehow draining her strength. She just needed to be on the beach, away from the water.
That was all that she needed from Ares and her uncle. After that? She would settle this herself.
She walked through the flames, nary a spec of fear in her eyes. Even Ifrit raised an eyebrow.
"That fucker is mine!" she growled.
Hephaestus scowled at the ocean, feeling another presence. He gripped the girl's shoulder, forcing her savage look on him.
"Pause, only for a moment."
"If you think I'm letting that coward go!"
"Not even close," he scowled, his voice grumbling. "But this has elevated beyond a simple conflict. I won't let you suffer simply because someone cannot accept their son's deserved punishment."
It was a sad truth that Hephaestus had to accept. Divine law had no emotional components to it. There was no persuading or convincing, only what was and what is. Such a strict system was ripe for abuse, and he knew for a fact that Posiedon would milk this for all that it was worth, as the god had attempted to do with Hephaestus once before.
Hephaestus turned, letting the girl go. She eyed the ocean, her mind already making the connections.
"Gods," she scowled. "Typical. Alcippe," she said, introducing herself, raising her hand in greeting.
For all that her form may have been small, her grip was far from it. Her gaze ripped into Hephaestus, as if she was ready to lunge and tear out his throat.
"A daughter of war indeed," he thought.
He eyed the man still sprawled out. He was young, suffering some burns. But the water was already healing him, the sea rushing to the boy's outstretched hand.
"Thought you wouldn't show."
"Hmm?"
Alcippe eyed her father, his still glitching form radiating murder. Whatever concern she had for her father was smothered as she turned to Hephaestus. She was dismissive when she eyed him, but there was respect there. For his power, if nothing else.
"Come on, we got to get out of here," scowled Alcippe, "before that arrogant twit gets back up."
"Do you have a space to be away from here?" asked Hephaestus cautiously, eyeing the son of Poseidon that was recovering. The boy's eyes were alight with power, but it did little to hide the cowardice of the man before him.
"Safe?" scoffed Alcippe, "I haven't been safe since I learned that the father who ditched me was Ares himself."
"...oof," thought Hephaestus.
She smirked.
"I will say though, that he's done right by me thus far."
There was a hint of pride there. But she kept speaking before he could dig into it more.
"Taught me how to fight. Gave me the skills to beat arrogant shits like that one." Her hand cracked, her fingers itching to dig into the son of Poseidon's skull as she turned to the recovering demigod. "I beat him once already. I should have figured there was a reason he brought me here for a rematch. The water kept helping him recover. Would have killed me if I hadn't called for father and you?"
She spat to the side.
"Deer-hearted asshole. Going for the kill even after I let him live. Dad was right, only good enemy is a dead one."
It took Hephaestus a moment to realize something.
"...Has she not realized what he was doing?"
Hephaestus' eyes widened, before calming. He needed to maintain a stoic front, if only to sell that illusion.
The sea churned behind him, trails of water coming to the out-stretched hand of the demigod before him. The child of Poseidon grinned, the burns rapidly healing as the water gave him strength.
Yet, for all that his power was inhuman, he felt…weak? The daughter of Ares felt much stronger than him, the divinity that she housed of greater purity and strength.
demigods, by their very nature, did not imbibe in the divine as their parents did. Their strength, while influenced by their ancestry, was not linear. A child of Zeus could be weaker than a child of Nemesis. Unlikely, perhaps, but more than possible.
This child…his strength was bolstered by Poseidon, the ocean his to command as needed. The demigod stood on shaky legs, his grin filled with a false confidence. He raised both hands, the tides barely responding to his call as it slowly rose up from behind them. Ifrit's feathers bristled.
"That woman…she's mine," smirked the man.
She blinked.
"Yours? The fuck you on about you…wait…"
Her grip almost loosened. She looked to Hephaestus, as if asking if her worst fear was being realized. She bit her lip when he didn't look away. For the first time in her life, she retreated.
She had assumed they were two warriors fighting, with one deciding to bring death. But this? She needed a moment.
"We should move elsewhere," urged Hephaestus, "You said before that you defeated him?"
"Easily," she whispered.
"Easily!? You surprised me, that's all! Now move, do you even know who my father is!?" laughed the man. "I am Halirrhothius! The Son of Poseidon!"
Hephaestus tried to rush, to stop him. Halirrhothius' grin fell as a pair of scorching hands squeezed either side of his head.
"No one cares," growled Ares.
Halirrhothius' head was crushed easily, the sky darkening almost immediately. Ares scowled at the ocean, the water bubbling as Poseidon gathered himself.
"Ares," whispered Hephaestus, "we could–"
"Shut up and get Alcippe's mother. Bring them to your island…I'll take it from here."
Hephaestus could feel the sea rise from behind him, a torrent ready to dismantle this entire region just to crush Ares. The sky thundered from the presence of Zeus, the cold cut of metal echoing the aura of Athena.
A part of him wanted to remain here, to help Ares, but there were greater priorities. He grabbed Alcippe by the shoulders, shaking her out of her shock. Her eyes narrowed as she refocused.
"Take me to your mother, we need to leave. Now."
"My mother can–"
"Now."
She bristled, the idea of listening to anyone other than her father grinding at her very core. But considering that the ocean looked like it was about to be launched at her, she quickly moved ahead.
A glorious battle was its own reward, but that didn't mean she was suicidal. Ares blinked as his daughter crashed into him. Gripping him tight before she ran off to her mother.
Ares rubbed his chest, his eyes snapping to the ocean a moment later. Hephaestus was quick behind Alcippe, the chaos growing behind him. The entire thought for this situation could be summed up to a single word.
"Shit," he muttered.