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.
Hestia placed a hand on his shoulder. Before he could stop her, she attempted to soothe him as she had done before…unfortunately…
"EMM!"
It took everything she had not to immediately scream out. Like a scalding blade jammed right into her spine, the pain was immediately too much. A warm hand clasped hers, Hephaestus immediately tended to her, filling her with the strange fractured energy that he had.
She could feel the way that it molded to perfectly fit her own divine power, twisting and churning to perfectly reflect her. A perfect doner…an ironic concept, consider their existences. Each unique like a snowflake, divine energy was too perfect to share. Molding and twisting its qualities was impossible for Gods. The outcome? Certainly. But the origin?
It just made Hephaestus' feat all the more incredible…and sad. To Hestia, she saw the way his broken cracks shifted and turned. Did he feel it? The pain? He must have. She couldn't help it, a small tear forming as she clasped her hand to his cheek. He stilled, stiffening at the motherly contact.
"You poor boy."
"I'm no boy," muttered Hephaestus, looking incredulous as he held his daughter.
She could only frown.
"...I know. This is her pain?"
"It is. From what we can gather, her condition is stable and just…malformed."
She could see it. The moment she had connected to his core the first time those years ago she always had an…insight into him. She doubted others could share it. Their domains, their personalities, they were similar. Similar enough…that she saw it.
The moment that he had been casted from Olympus…the moment Hera attempted to throw him to the void. That the only reason he was alive was because Chaos allowed it, spitting him out in the place that should have reduced a barely formed godling to ether.
Was that how he was able to endure? That he was so broken beyond repair that it didn't matter to him anymore?
"Lady Hestia?"
She thought she hated Hera. Truly, she did. Yet, every time she interacted with Hephaestus that hate dug deeper and so did her guilt. For she could do nothing…and she did nothing. She watched…and watched…and watched.
Hephaestus…he had become her greatest regret.
"Hestia, are you alright?"
Her hand finally left his cheek, her smile soft.
"I'm sorry…I…I must tend to the flames."
She disappeared, leaving a confused and befuddled Hephaestus. Ifrit landed on his shoulder, just above Eri. He looked to his companion, the bird equally perplexed.
"...Ifrit, bring me–"
The scent of roses flitted past his nose, the sight of now auburn hair framing a sharp expression. He scowled a bit.
"Really Aphrodite?"
She smiled even more, the expression utterly sinful. It was also completely nauseating. The sight of Artemis' face filled with Aphrodite's desires was…less than comforting.
"Still so stiff, hmm?"
"I've been meaning to talk to you," said Hephaestus, carefully clutching Eri to his chest. Ifrit's wings ruffled a bit, the command clear, ready to move at a moment's notice.
The face of Artemis melted away, revealing a more staggering view. It was if Hecate became paler in all aspects. Pale skin, pale green eyes, even her grey hair was a more mousy blonde. Hecate's face uncovered, a smile that could never be home to the actual goddess spreading wild and free.
She shook her head, eyeing the figure of Hecate. She looked up, smiling at him.
"A bit fuller than she usually is, hmm?"
"...this has to stop."
"Hm? What has to stop?" chuckled Aphrodite, "it's just a bit of fun dear husband no–"
"It's not just a bit of fun," muttered Hephaestus, "you're spreading rumors, letting others believe that I've been trying to sleep with Artemis and Athena. For what purpose could you possibly have for that? And now?" he said, gesturing all over her, "you're…you're filtering with me with the appearances of others."
Her silence was deadly, the anger spreading across her body. Shoulders tensed, fist clenched.
"You tread carefully–"
"No."
His words echoed with a finality that she had only heard at the trial of Atlas. It rammed into her chest, making her feel small. For a brief moment, a bit of fear trickled down her spine, the doubts over the symbol she wore around her arm. However, as promised, not a single bit of his will could be exerted over her.
"No?" she said, gaining more confidence, "now–"
"Aphrodite, I said no."
"I'm not your thing to command," she spat.
"I'm not your toy either."
The two glared at one another, until an adorable sneeze echoed through the empty throne room. She blinked, seemingly seeing Eri for the first time. She looked at him, only to see his entire focus back on Eri, his eyes soft with the concern for her. She felt her heart swell, feeling an almost titanic wave of paternal love.
It threatened to consume her. It was almost overwhelming, completely alien to her. She wasn't a stranger to love, at least not to the love that she surrounded herself with. She knew of it, of course, the love of parent and child.
Yet, seeing it right in front of her was another story. It felt…different, no, tasted different. She absolutely adored the scent and taste of Eros. It was a term that was coined for sexual love. She enjoyed it so much she was even thinking of naming a child after it if she ever had any.
"Aphrodite?"
Eri's eyes snapped open, her head twisting to feel whoever was staring at her. As if cranky from being woken up, her eyes narrowed. The goddess of love scoffed at the audacity. How dare this little–
"Blegh."
Her thoughts stalled at the sight. Of the tip of Eri's tongue sticking out, her eyes spacing out. As if every waking thought was an effort. A different feeling swelled. One that she thought only the sight of an innocent love had ever sparked.
"Adorable!" she thought.
For a moment, it was all still, any caustic negativity melting away to a more simmering annoyance. She firmed up, glaring at Hephaestus.
"You demand I stop? I was helping you," she finally got out, her eyes drifting back to the still bubbling Eri. Every ounce of her was fighting to punish the adorable little upstart. What kind of mortal stuck their–
"Blegh."
GAH!
For a moment, a larger portion that she liked, wanted to just erase the child. It made little sense to the larger aspect of her character as to why this child would take so much attention, why it deserved it. Then it sneezed, and her heart fluttered once more.
She almost bit her lip as Hephaestus grumbled away. He was definitely noticing this right? He'd stop it?
…right?
"Aphrodite…it's not the association that's a problem. If it was, I'd never have married you."
She wanted to say how they didn't have a choice. Yet…his eyes…the calm of it all. He was serious…
"...he found a way," she internally realized.
For that…she reigned it in. It had nothing to do with the gurgling adorable pudge with red hair. Nothing at all.
NOTHING.
"...so…it…is it a problem that they have remarks about you?" she said, struggling to understand.
Laying with her was not easy. Oh sure she had multiple lovers, yes, but she didn't sleep with just anyone. Only those that caught her interest. It was a badge of honor so to speak.
So it didn't make sense.
"The issue," he stressed, "is that you use me like a toy. My reputation is my own. However you choose to live your life Aphrodite is your choice. I swore to you that I wouldn't impede on any of your desires. Our marriage…it protects us, prevents others from attempting to control either of us."
He looked away, thinking his words careful. When he finally turned to her…it was just disappointment.
"So why are you trying to control me?"
"Right?" she laughed, "is that how you're going to take it?"
"Isn't that what it is? Manipulate things around me so that I act a certain way? What is that if not controlled?"
"Well…that's…but…I…"
Her words stalled, her thoughts scrambling. He was wrong.
…he had to be.
"I said I'd be your friend," said Hephaestus, "I meant that. But I can't be friends with someone that is trying to manipulate me…no matter how benign or little it may be. I'm not just living for myself anymore Aphrodite…so I need you to promise me."
The weight around him seemed to grow to her, the heat bracing against her cheeks. She felt pinned in place, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly.
"Promise me that you won't be doing this again…I need to be sure."
Hurt. That was the only way she could feel. He clutched his child like he feared she would ever do harm to it. She would never…ever…
"...but you did," she realized.
Did she not think of doing just that moments before? A paradigm shifted, a realization that struck at her. Was this what Hera was talking about? Her argument, filled with words that she didn't want to hear, rang out. It echoed across her mind.
Thoughtless.
Irresponsible.
Uncaring.
Her mouth tugged into a smile for a moment, lost in her own epiphany. She felt the heat, but even Hephaestus' glare faltered from the demure grace that suddenly spread across Aphrodite.
"I swear…it will stop."
The bond between them was thin, yes. They could not exert influence over the other, that was impossible. Hephaestus made it so. But that did not mean it was non-existant. She was serious. Her intent, it wrapped around him, fingers clasping at the back. A promise not to Chaos nor the Styx.
No…it was a promise made to herself. Her own oath…her own power.
"...thank you," he said.
"Blegh."
He almost rolled his eyes, finally staring down at Eri.
"Were you not sleeping?"
He saw it, the spark in her eye. She seemed to get comfortable, snuggling into her father's cloth, rubbing her cheeks in as she got comfortable. Her entire body relaxed, all her weight comfortably on Hephaestus.
"You…really love her," whispered Aphrodite.
"I do," he said, never taking his eyes off Eri. "I can't really explain it. I…I've never felt this way before in my life. I'd die for her."
Heat radiated off him, making Eri snuggle in harder, a content smile on her face.
The plants around him combusted. Sputtering into clouds of ash almost instantly. The air distorted. Olympus itself shuddering at the utter finality of his words that followed.
"I'll kill for her."
It wasn't a euphemism. It was a promise…a bloody one. The malice dragged upon the edge of his words only sparked the war saturated pieces of Aphrodite. Yet, the smile she had was…different. This feeling with him…it was different.
There was a…comfort here she still struggled to understand in truth. It felt so…effortless, this feeling.
"I am sorry," she said.
"An apology?" drawled Hephaestus.
She slapped his shoulder playful, mock scorn as she addressed him again.
"Not that it's any of your business. You just…reminded me of something that's all. I won't be alluding to anything anymore."
"Good," he muttered, "good."
"Ifrit. Home. We have arrangements to make."
He stilled at the feeling of talons piercing into his shoulder. He moved Eri away before his scalding blood could harm her, only to see that she was gripping Ifrit by the leg. His eyes widened as Eri's eyes opened, a mischievous smirk on her chubby face.
"Eri! Let her go, she doesn't like to be petted."
"Hehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehe!"
Her stimming laughter echoed through the chamber as soft hands buried themselves into burning feathers. The moment the grip was gone, Ifrit screeched, funneling them into her feathers to rocket them across Greece. He couldn't help but sigh, hoping Ifrit wasn't too mad.
A hope that was dashed the moment her flames tore through the clouds.
-Meanwhile, one random island-
"BY THE BALLS OF ZEUS! IT'S THAT FUCKING THING AGAIN!"
A larger man threw down his tools, turning to eye his father, the older man looking up. He stomped right beside him, eying the skyline.
"What? Where? Hmm? Where! I do not see a "giant flaming ball" screaming across the sky, do you?"
"It was there! I swear it on Zeus'-"
"Another thing, stop swearing on Zeus' nuts! There is no giant screaming ball of fire! It's been months! It doesn't exist! Now shut up and help me with harvests, or I'll punt you in the nuts!"
The older man, long in beard and tooth, glared at his son.
"Why did my daughter ever marry you?"
"Because unlike you, I actually work!"
"I tend the fields!"
"You tend nothing!"
As they bickered once more Zeus looked down from upon the clouds, a bolt ready to slam into the old man. His eyes narrowed. At first, it had been funny watching the old human swear upon his glorious sack.
It even made him chuckle the first time.
The eighteenth however? It got old, fast. So often it had occurred, that even divine law was shuddering under the weight of the ignominity of it all. He contemplated, his fingers tracing his bolt. The sheen of the weapon reflected his agitation like a mirror.
"Hmmmm."
His figure disappeared, a scar in the clouds from Ifrit's travels looming over them, like a pending omen.
-The Island Lemnos (Hephaestus P.O.V) -
They landed hard, the ground shaking a bit as Ifrit retreated within him quickly. Eri began to sniffle, her lips trembling.
"Hey, hey," sighed Hephaestus, "none of that. Stiff upper lip."
To his actual surprise, her face scrunched in an effort to stop crying. He held Eri across from him, her sniffling tears retreating as they locked eyes.
"...you actually understand me, don't you?"
She blinked, her eyes crossing over as she gurgled.
"Blegh."
"...hmm."
She burped loudly, her eyes actually shutting as she reached for him. Once more, she was bundled up, secure to his chest. He knew she was asleep this time, feeling the way her chest relaxed as her head rested on him. That or she was tricking him again. She was a clever child, as he was quickly figuring out.
His heart warmed at the utter disgust Ifrit felt at being touched. A reminder of their shared trauma. He held his hand to his chest, eyes closed.
"She didn't mean anything by it, old friend…but I'll make sure she can't do it again."
He loved his daughter. Truly and utterly. But Ifrit was not a simple animal. Even if she was, it wouldn't matter. It was one thing to pet an animal that adored the attention. It was another to force it.
As if feeling his judgement, Eri tried to retreat deeper into his chest. He thought it adorable, how the child thought the same trick would work twice. He smiled softly, caressing her hair. It was a moment that felt like it could last forever. It still struck him, the suddenness of how he felt.
EMIYA and Hephaestus both shared the same quality after all. Emotionally? They were barren wreck. They had emotions. They could feel. They could even love. The depth and understanding of those emotions however were a different matter.
A complete lack of self-love. Born from different circumstances. EMIYA sought to fill his void by saving others. Hephaestus sought to fill it by creating wonders for others. Yet, this small child. If there was ever a thing that he could call this feeling…it was full.
Like a spring suddenly formed from a crack, it surged out with nigh unstoppable strength. He held her close, his solemn promise deep and true. The air shuddered under the weight of his oath.
I will protect you.
The beginning of that oath started now. He had plans, ones that needed materials and time to set up adequately.
"It's time," he muttered.
He needed Hecate, Kassandra, and his workshop. He turned, and damn near shit a brick at the random nymph. Her eyes were wide as she seemed to be staring right into his soul, her eyes never leaving his. Her hands were covered in dirt as she softly rolled her hands together, her eyes never quite making contact with his own.
"Em. That was…quiet. Hello Pheobe."
The nymph was quiet, her eyes staring at the child on his chest.
"...Pheobe?"
Nymphs were mostly human-like. Even in mannerisms they were acutely similar. Pheobe…not so much. She was a stringy thing, thin even by ancient standards. Her hair was ratty, clotted with dirt and stiff clay. She sniffed a bit, her amethyst eyes looking into his. A deep green chiton covered her body, free of any dirt and grime. It was the only thing she owned that she took care of.
She was the first nymph that he had healed those years ago. Ever since, she had basically been a shadow. Never speaking, never upkeeping her appearance like the others. Just diligently maintaining his grounds. Beautiful in an uncaring sort of way. Even smudged with dirt, her inhuman grace was apparent.
Though, he still didn't understand why she preferred Pheobe or Phoebe.
"I'd hate to ask, but can you please collect Kassandra, I need to make arrange–"
Pop.
She was gone.
Pop.
She was back. She sniffed and rubbed her nose, looking at him with her gaunt expression.
"Thank you Pheobe."
She kept staring at him…or rather Eri. Her head tilted slowly to the side as she eyed the sleeping baby. She looked back at him. She smacked her lips, forming an apple on her hand.
Hephaestus could hear the irate screech from the nymph Pheobe had taken it from. She seemed willing to give it to the child, her soft smile one of the rare few Hephaestus was graced with.
"She apparently can't eat solid foods yet."
An expression of goodwill soured into a rather nasty frown. Her lips turned into a perfect upside down U. He tried his best not to laugh. However, knowing Pheobe's usual diligence, he'd need to make sure she understood what was needed.
She had a nasty habit of helping without asking. On the surface, it was a beautiful gesture. In reality…it tended to come with rather unusual consequences. He didn't need a repeat of her gathering eight boars when he muttered he needed to hunt.
"We'll need the livestock from–"
An echoing moo and Pheobe merely pointed. She gestured to the tree line, more to the east of his home.
Much of his lands faced the west, closer to the human settlements and the bulk of healthy foliage. Even with eight years, the damage Atlas had wrought was not entirely healed, with the eastern half of his island bearing the pockets of dead soil.
Yet, as he tried to see past the trees…he realized he couldn't. He could always see past the dozens or so trees to the barren patch of earth that was beyond it. That wasn't the case any longer.
More trees had grown, the divine energy they radiated far from normal…and entirely not his own. He slowly went past the tree lines, taking note of how the foliage was thick. Berry bushes, tree fruit, and even the emerald blades of grass were all knew.
The further east he went, the grounds would dull with death's touch, growing weak with life's absence. That was what it should have been. Instead, it was full, almost overflowing. He had to push past the trees for the first time, taking care to cover Eri.
Sure enough, an allotment of land had been altered. His eyes widened. It was easily acres of land now cleared for livestock. Numerous nymphs pass the tree line hard at work. The land itself radiated Demeter's energy. Granted, it wasn't an entire fix. In the distance he could still see the patches of beige dirt, too weak to grow much of anything.
Hephaestus' own divinity was powerful yes, however his own nature worked against him to a degree. It dissipated after short periods of time. He could alter the land, but that took time, weeks even on a larger scale.
Admittedly, he had left the eastern parts of the island alone for the time being, hammering away at them when he had the time and in areas without Nymphs to repair them. He had thought all divinity functioned the same outside of their outward applications. Demeter's divinity infused into the land in ways he didn't think was possible. It didn't merely suffuse. It altered, transformed, augmented to a level that…he rightly couldn't achieve. Her energy was the earth itself. Nourishing and full.
A genuine miracle.
"...Oh…"
He felt how delicate this miracle was though. It was given as a gift, saturated in such a way that he doubted it could be replicated in mass. This took considerable power. But, that was a thought he carried for later. Who he needed was further ahead. Kassandra was at the head of them all, though she was no leader. If anything, she looked entirely exhausted. When she saw him she beamed, more in relief than anything.
"Heph!"
She galloped to him, though the judging stare of a Nymph that trailed after her was rather new. Actually…the nymph was new. He knew every single being that called this place home, at least in some regard. Their population wasn't that big. Her hair was a shimmering shade of blue, her eyes the hue of a warm shade of grass, an almost blackish green.
She was beautiful, as all nymphs were, but the way her hair framed her face made her seem brutish with the shorter jagged cut.
"You call your lord…by a nickname?" he heard from a distance.
He could see the way Kassandra grew even more haggard, her shoulders slumping a bit.
"We got guests," she smiled painfully.
"I noticed. Hello, and who might you be?"
The nymph blinked, almost as if she didn't believe that she was being talked to. She collected herself well though, taking on a more proper posture.
"I go by the name Ceres sir."
Another name that Demeter was known by. Wouldn't surprise him if humans mistook her for Demeter. They looked nothing alike, but the forms of Gods were fluid enough. He looked beyond her, seeing the pasture for multiple cows, chickens, and even goats. They numbered in the dozens, making him sweat.
"I…see you brought gifts."
Ceres beamed, proud as a peacock.
"Of course. My Lady understands that you are not one for ceremony or obtrusive wealth. She also sends me a message, thanking you again for Perspehone. She hopes this pleases you and pays her debt to you."
He sighed, rubbing his brow
"I've told her that it was unnecessary."
"Of course. She told me to give this to you as well."
It was a scroll, filled with Demeter's divinity. He opened it and for a moment he could hear her voice as the message was relayed.
"I hope this message finds you in good health Hephaestus. Knowing you, you've already returned home. Regardless, I hope you accept these gifts freely. I've instructed Ceres to give this to you for a few things. For starters–"
Hephaestus' face slowly fell as the message continued to drone on, his expression hidden by the aprchement. It was all important. Much of it was useful even. Advice for child rearing, the dangers of mixing ambrosia or nectar into early food (or at all). The concerns with whole milk and eventual solid foods.
It even went into detail for how her blessings functioned, even with his defenses.
It was all things he didn't rightly know. The issue…was…well everything else with it.
"Now, I would say that Eri should be in bed serenaded by the nymphs, Persephone always loved that. I would also ensure a strong contingent of guards with her should you ever need to leave her side. There is also–"
His eyes were beginning to cross. Half the time it was solid advice, the other half she was bragging about Persephone in minor ways or somehow comparing Eri and Perspehone. Ceres was still beaming, as he looked to her, his eyes just over the parchment. He gave a practiced smile, rolling the scroll.
"Thank you for the message. Tell Demeter that I appreciate everything she has done for me. She is always welcome to Lemnos, though I expect advance notice," he added quickly. "If she needs anything, please tell her not to hesitate to reach out."
Ceres was owlish, looking at him as if he was something else entirely. Thankfully she smiled.
"Lady Demeter was right about you, Lord Hephaestus. I'll make sure to relay the message."
She bowed, disappearing into the winds. Both Kassandra and Hepahestus stared at the spot she was in before.
"...She was a wind nymph?" muttered Hephaestus.
"Could have fooled me," whispered Kassandra.
She turned around and shrieked.
"DAMN IT PHEOBE! Stop doing that!"
The silent nymph's eyes twitched as they gave a crooked smile. A smile that died at the sight of a sleeping Eri. She molded into the earth disappearing from sight. But, Hephaestus could feel the way she was churning away at the earth, giving everything she was to bring the lands under his direct attendance her full attention.
For extra measure, he knelt down, giving her the energy that she had expended. It was funny feeling the way she tried to reject the gift. The other nymph that surrounded him became a clattering of sounds. The rustle of grass, the breaking of twigs, the echoing moans of branches swaying. Each gave Eri a look over as she slept, giggling or perplexed in equal measure.
Yet, even they dispersed, back to their own self given tasks. Kassandra stretched her human back, grunting in effort.
"Thank the gods. That attendant Demeter sent was running me ragged getting this up as fast as possible."
"You?"
She groaned, rubbing her face as Hephaestus calculated what on earth she could do.
"Right? I didn't even do anything. She just muttered something about me being your priest or something."
They both cringed at that, looking away from each other.
"I have no need for such a useless thing," he muttered.
"Thank the Gods for that."
"Are you still tired?" he asked.
She stilled a bit, eyeing her friend. They were currently walking the grounds. Hephaestus was constructing with pure divinity an border for the cows and livestock. An action that he would normally do by hand.
"No," she said, standing straighter. "You seem to be in a hurry for once? Is something wrong!"
He nodded, his face grave.
"I'll be taking a leave for a brief time, Kassandra. Things…need to change."
"Heph?"
He looked down to Eri. He patted her head softly, smiling. He held his arm to eye level, clenching his fist.
"I've languished long enough. I'll be spending time with Hecate and gathering materials for the time being. I need you to reinforce our defenses as much as you can."
He gestured for her to follow as they walked briskly back home. He trusted the nymphs would keep the livestock settled for now. He would have time to return to them. As they pushed through the newly formed trees, he turned back to her.
"Demeter has noted some…openings in our barriers. There's also a lack of protection from the oceans."
"You know Poseidon doesn't allow anyone to alter the seas in anyway," she muttered, "so there…isn't much…"
She trailed off. He knew this. For the first time in a while, she shivered in his presence. He didn't care.
"See what you can do, keep yourself safe. Hypotheses only until I say so. We'll also be adapting some of the more malformed pieces of our home to our advantage."
"Uh…we arn't being attacked are we?" she whimpered a bit, eyeing the sky.
"No. But with Eri in my life…I doubt my enemies will remain quiet any longer."
He needed strength…and he knew just how to get it. The blades within him were one route. Any restriction that he had conceived on their use withered with Typhon. They utterly died when Eri was born.
Yet, he had other avenues. He stared at his arm, focusing his power. A resounding crack echoed through the area, his body slowly igniting as more of his divine power came to bare.
"Uh, Heph?"
His focus withered as they stood before his home.
"What?"
"Before we start, I think you need to look at this."
She trotted before him and handed him a crystal. It was a dull, neon green.
"...what is this?"
Kassandra coughed.
"Um…it's from Hecate."
The moment his fingers touched the crystal, it shattered, suffusing into his skin. His own divinity surged within, ready to tear into whatever curse it may have been. What he found was no curse. It was no blessing either though.
"...where did Hecate give you this?" he muttered.
"Well…uh…the messenger didn't exactly…well leave."
He blinked.
"What do you mean they didn't leave?"
She swallowed.
"Um…they didn't leave when I asked."
"...Kassandra you can rip apart the earth with your magic, aside from a God what could possibly….oh."
Lumbering from behind Kassandra's workshop, was a lion. It was far taller than any of its species had any right to be. On all fours, the beast was already close to six feet. A gargantuan example of its species. The coat of the lion was entirely black, its eyes the same shade as Hecate.
"She…sent you Nemias (Ne-Mi-As)."
The beast of Hecate, the strongest of her sacred animals and if Hephaestus was to take a guess…the progenitor of the Nemean Lion. There were no scars across the flak of this king, but there was age to this one. The oldest and most strongly connected of Hecate's divine beasts, Nemias was rarely invoked for anything but the most serious of tasks.
Hephaestus had only met the beast once before. Once. it didn't speak, nor was it inclined to. It lumbered to him, the lion shaking its mane as it got near. It rose a paw, a circle of green shimmering beneath it.
"Do you accept?" whispered a voice.
It was old and deep. Ifrit coiled within him, suddenly forming at his shoulder. Hephaestus caught Eri's hand as she tried to grip Ifrit again, the babe's eyes snapping open. They looked at thier father with surprise.
Ifrit analyzed the circle beneath the lion's paw, translating the runes with her greater knowledge. Hephaestus could only smirk.
"...quite the gift Hecate," he whispered.
He looked at Nemias.
"I accept," he declared.
The lion's paw lightly hit the ground…and the sigil expanded to encompass the radius of his immediate home. The air shimmered around them, space twisting. Kassandra was lost in the surge of mysticisms, trying her best to keep up with the ever expanding spell.
Eventually, the space twisted once more, all funneling to a single point…his door. Runes and sigils burned into the wood of his home. If not for the fact that he had reinforced the home out of divine wood, he doubted it would have endured.
It almost didn't. He could see places where the frame cracked from the conceptual weight of whatever spell Hecate had performed. The lion was gone, leaving only the smoking glowing sigils of the door.
"...what…what in Hades happened?" she whispered.
Hephaestus turned back to her, smirking.
"Would you like to see?"
He didn't wait fora response. Instead, he went to the door. When he opened it, Hecate was there in her little kitchen. The one that he had made for her smaller, more personal projects. She turned, the veil gone from her face. Kassandra blushed horribly at seeing Hecate's bare face for the first time.
"You could have at least come here by yourself," muttered Hecate, covering her face before she spoke.
"Quite the gift," he smirked.
"Isn't it? Like I said…my home is open to you. But I know you bear the responsibilities of both your island and your denizens. I won't obstruct you from that. Now, let me see the child."
Hecate went closer, scoffing at the sleeping expression on Eri's face.
"Enough of your pretending child, you're not very good at it."
Eri's eyes snapped open, pouting as she was lifted up.
"I'm shocked she understands you?" smiled Hephaestus, "is she not young?"
"An aspect of her mother I suspect. Athena is knowledge itself. It does not surprise me that any child born from such a source would carry the mark of such a parentage. Her body is healthy. She has a bit of her mother's divinity still clogged within her biological symptoms, but far from an unhealthy amount. She will naturally dislodge it within a few weeks."
"Weeks?" he muttered.
"It takes weeks regardless of the amount I find," said Hecate, transferring Eri to one arm. "I haven't been able to test as much as I would like, but for the most part she's fine."
Her eyes twisted, her tone merry as she came closer to Hephaestus.
"So," she whispered, "enjoying my gift?"
"Immensely," he chuckled, "...this helps a lot. Thank you. Truly."
They lingered in that quiet moment. Kassandra looked like she wanted to be anywhere else. Eri looked between them a quizzical look as she looked between Hephaestus and Hecate.
"Now…what's your next move? Nemias tells me you seemed quite agitated coming back to your home?"
Hephaestus held his arm to her eyes. Before she said anything, his skin cracked, glowing with his divine power.
"I was wondering if you could help me with this?"
Her eyes widened as she watched, disbelief spreading.
"Well?" he asked.
She looked at him. A zeal for experimentation.
"Let's find out."
-Nine years later-
Hephaestus sat, cross legged. His eyes were closed, his torso bare. His skin cracked, glowing with power. With a breath, those cracks shifted, his skin groaning at the unnatural twisting. What had once been chaotic became uniformed. The once sporadic cracks becoming a familiar symbol to those of the arcanic persuasion.
Across his skin, etched out using the cracks of his body, were runes. After eight years…it was finally done.
"Finally," he muttered, feeling the effects of the rune. "Now onto–"
"DAAAAAAAD! Ifrit's ignoring me again!"
He sighed. He didn't even need to look as Ifrit rocketed into his chest full force, disappearing into his inner world. He turned, facing his daughter.
"Well," said Hephaestus, "you were supposed to be preparing, not chasing Ifrit again. Are you ready?"
Hair as crimson as his own, a crooked cheeky grin, and a deep blue chiton similar to her father's. She was now above her father's knees, adjusting a pact on her back.
"I was already ready! You're too slow! Come on! Let's go! Let'sgolet'sgolet'sgo!"
She was damn near jumping as she moved around him, the older man smiling at her exuberance.
"Very well then," he said, "let's go."
The two wandered off to the pier of Lemnos, their task well in hand. Their destination, only known to them.