Zeus' grin did nothing to ease his apprehension.
Poseidon's confidence was not vested in the event as a whole. Memories of modern politics and legal shenanigans echoed in his mind. Through EMIYA's eyes, he witnessed nobles and the rich alike twisting laws and rules to their advantage or completely circumventing the laws outright.
EMIYA's own death was a result of such things after all.
"Poseidon…he isn't focused on what happened to Ares' child," he thought grimly.
For all that the events leading up to it made sense, the fact remained that Ares' daughter was left unharmed. Regardless of his son's horrid intent, no actual action had been had, aside from their bout.
Yes, they had injured each other in battle, but as Poseidon stated, the battle was over. Familial blood was spilled by familial hands. Distant that connection may be, that didn't change. In the original myth, Poseidon's trial occurred right here and now. There was no relocation, no preparation.
For crimes had been committed by both sides. But now?
In Ares' shoes, Hephaestus would have done the same thing. But divine law…it was inflexible.
"..."
Hephaestus' own gaze was shadowed as Zeus nodded his goodbyes. Demeter seemed awkward here, struggling to decide her next move. She looked to the sky, following Zeus.
Ares shuddered, about to disperse himself.
"Hm!"
He jumped as Hephaestus quickly gripped his arm. The flames surrounded them as Ifrit took to the skies. Ares grunted as they landed, his back to his daughter and lover. He ignored their quiet sighs of relief, eyeing his brother.
"What are you doing?" he grumbled.
"Your family…they need you brother."
"But…it…"
His form shuddered, but the god of war didn't care. His strength was already reduced. He didn't say anything more, instead facing his lover. She was older now, but to him she was exactly the same as he had met her, those 17 years ago.
"Aglarous," he whispered.
It was quiet between them, though that wasn't anything new. Soft touches, distant love, that had been their framework. Yet, when her hands filled his own, it filled his heart as well.
"...You're hurt?" she whispered.
He opened his mouth, but Ares grunted as his form shuddered once more. Shades of crimson flowed off him, his divinity waning. Zeus was an electric glitch, a spasm of electrical energy.
Ares was an open gaping wound, shards of himself eroding in a crimson flair.
He grunted, trying to ignore the human woman's touch. Her gaze…it made him weak. He warred with himself, the urge to pull away or sink in deeper. For a moment his form shuddered, his boyish looks aging to match his lover.
Alcippe almost gagged at her mother's blush. In fact, Alcippe said nothing, unable to look at him. But she remained close. That was all Ares needed. She was strong, and she was free.
That was all he'd ever need. His hand hesitated, struggling to form words that he wanted to say to her. So he settled with a small pat on her head.
His daughter froze at the touch, her eyes wide as her father spoke.
"You got a runt of a cousin here. Look after her for a while, will you?"
"That…that's all you want to say to me?" she whispered.
At this moment, the duo were identical. Both had words they wanted to share, but didn't. Both had the same look of desperate wondering. Both equally stunted in the emotional department.
Both were hugged by family. Both blushed as Aglarous just held them together, tears in her eyes.
Hephaestus sighed in relief, as his brother focused on his family. Cabeiro, his assistant, appeared. She was stone, her face neutral and ready for anything.
"So?" she asked.
"It's bad. What have you heard?"
"Nothing at all," she muttered. "Which just makes what you said even worse. If the gods are choking information this much, I don't want to know what happened."
Information was a weapon, but in the hands of the gods, it was one that could easily be turned against you. Ignorance was a blessing as some would say. Hephaestus argued it was more like a shield nowadays. The sky rumbled, his tongue clicking against his teeth.
The solstice had been announced.
"Already?" he muttered.
"Poseidon," growled Ares.
Hephaestus leaned in, whispering to Cabeiro's ear.
"Get Alcippe and her mother to the grove. Tell Kassandra to let them in and not to exit until I return."
Poseidon was petty, but he wasn't stupid. The humans would be left untouched, if only because harming them would create opportunities for Hephaestus. Ares' child on the other hand…that he may be willing to bend the rules on.
"But why?"
He said nothing. His gaze unmoving until Cabeiro finally nodded. He couldn't see the ocean from his home, but he could smell it. Ares walked up to him, grunting as he held his ribs.
"This is irritating."
"You're worried."
"Of course I'm worried," he scowled. "But I'll handle whatever comes. For now, we have to settle with that stupid celebration."
"Not a fan of the solstice," drawled Hephaestus.
"It's a stupid tradition that Selene and Helios do every year. Father and the others just use it as an excuse to party."
He rolled his eyes.
"Now we're stuck having to pretend while uncle is plotting my demise."
"..."
Ares eyed his brother, noting the look on his face. It was absent of emotion, the only spark being lit in his eyes.
"...you're thinking of something."
He had seen Hephaestus like this once before. No amount of words would bring his brother out.
"OINK!"
Both gods turned to eye the rotund boar. His eyes filled with murder, even with its chubby and bristled appearance.
Ares coughed a bit as Hephaestus robotically turned to him.
"..."
"..."
"...What did you do to this poor thing?"
"...The boar I sent them was too…much," stressed Ares. "Just made him smaller…it's fine. Alcippe loves it."
"You do realize creating and sustaining this creature is likely why you've succumbed to divine law so quickly," muttered Hephaestus.
His brother made to speak, only to drop as he stared at the ground wide-eyed, the realization striking him.
"OINK!"
"Oink indeed," muttered Hepahestus, the sarcasm obvious even from the portly creature.
The sky rumbled again. Hephaestus rubbing his brow.
"There are many moving parts tonight. Ares, I believe it best you avoid Poseidon."
"Fuck you," growled Ares.
He didn't even get another word in before the war god dispersed. Alcippe came up behind him. She turned her gaze to the centaur. The woman waved at her to follow, but she wouldn't listen, not yet at least.
"...My dad," she muttered, looking away. "You're…you'll help him, right?"
"Your father must have told you how to interact with gods," muttered Hephaestus.
"Sure did," she grumbled. "Just said not to. But he also said you were different."
To Alcippe, Hephaestus' eyes had never lost their warmth. She walked around to face him properly, making sure he was focused only on her. She felt small, weak even.
Her father made her feel the same, some of the mercenaries did too. A woman by the name of Ira was especially skin crawling. The way she had eyed her like a piece of meat.
All of them felt like a blade at her throat. A small edge that threatened to cut the cord of her soul. It made her blood boil.
Yet, he stood before her like a wall. A gargantuan wall of blades. Countless edges that if she wasn't careful, would leave nothing of her behind. It would cut into her over and over again. An ocean of blades….no…Unlimited Blades.
Funny then, how it was this feeling that felt the most reassuring. For what she felt was not fear or anticipation…but solace. Peace. A wall of unending blades that would allow none to pass.
If her father was a warrior…then her uncle felt like a guardian.
"You'll protect him, right?" she said, her eyes piercing into the god.
"Your father doesn't need my protection," grimaced Hephaestus, eyeing the sky.
He had covered their conversation, but the gods had a strange way of learning things they shouldn't. He didn't need Ares losing it on him.
"Need and want are two different things. I'm not asking what he wants, I'm asking what he needs."
She gripped both her arms, staring into the woods.
"It was supposed to be an honorable duel. The fact that…it doesn't matter. What matters is this. My father paid the price for protecting me."
She was jumpy, but resolute. She stood her ground in a way that someone would be for a serious promise, only that her fingers seemed itching to dig into his throat. A threat personified, rather than a request.
"Whatever price you need, I'll pay it."
He laughed. It was a warm laugh, like a fluttering ember. It crackled away as he put his hand on her head, just like her father. It somehow felt heavier.
"You have my word, I'll do my best. Your father will return to you, safe and sound. Maybe then, you'll tell him how you feel."
She sputtered, backing away and walking quickly. She didn't even offer him a second glance. He eyed her for the moment, the way she walked.
"Her breathing is perfect," he realized.
A technique that was absurdly difficult, as simple as the wind for that girl. Even Eri, a daughter of war herself, lacked that silent grace. If what Ares had mentioned was true, that this girl was barely months into training…
"I wonder," thought Hephaestus, Ifrit growing around him, "Just what you'll become?"
Flames surged at his feet, and Ifrit's wings spread. Here and now, they would put an e–
"Don't even think about it!" yelled Arachne.
Ifrit came to a sputtering stop, both man and bird turning to the spider woman. He sighed, Ifrit awkwardly waiting as he went to grab his attire.
It was a party after all.
-Olympus, thirty minutes later-
The celebrations of the gods were the stuff of legends. But to Hephaestus, it just seemed like a more rowdy house party, one that he found little enjoyment in. The realm of the gods had been altered once more. It was easy to forget, considering their relativly human-esque mannerisms, that these were beings of immense power.
Ifrit landed at the foot of Olympus, and both she and her eternal companion could not help but eye the transformed Olympus. The once glorious stone, shrouded in the winds and clouds of the heavens, was now home to lush woods.
A pathway was in front of him as Hephaestus climbed the marble stairs. The creation of the gods, life itself, used as a decoration for a party. The sun blazed above them, and the weather was beautiful.
The pathway split to several branching baths, each pathway clear to their respective domains. Hephaestus felt the divinities of his compatriots. Each seemed to be entertaining their own guests in their way.
The most rowdy party goers were, of course, with Zeus. Right out the gate he was drinking and dancing away. Hephaestus couldn't help but sigh at the sight. Suddenly a voice rang in the air around him.
"Now announcing the arrival of Hephaestus!"
Hephaestus scowled as he looked up at Hermes, that cheeky cousin of his fluttering above him. His winged sandals were fluttering lazily as he floated in place. The lord of thieves cheekily stuck out his tongue before disappearing again.
Hephaestus himself was of interest to a few already. A physical god that was melded with human elements? The rare few gods that considered themselves intellectuals would dive to study him further, as Athena had.
But now? Garbed in Arachne's attire, he was eye-catching for many. He wore not a chiton, but a tunic. A verdant green hue and along it's edges were golden thread, all in a square like pattern. The tunic's sleeves ended at his elbows. Around his waist was the scarf he never left home without, now used like a belt.
It clashed horribly, but it was the only belt he'd wear with the attire.
"Arachne has really outdone herself," he thought.
Both Hecate and Arachne attempted to adorn him with jewelry, or at least arm braces of some sort. He rejected the idea of it. Jewelry, at least to him, wasn't something that expressed anything about himself.
Useless, in a way.
Yet, it was not the tunic that caught the attention of others. Oh no, for Arachne had designed something beyond even the ken of the gods, beyond the ancient world.
Arachne…made pants. Held up by his belt, the brown pants rested comfortably on his body, flow down to just above his ankles.
Hephaestus adjusted his clothes, sighing as another air spirit just phased through him. Most gods, as he saw, just phased through each other. It was rather rude to him, if he was being honest.
Another spirit tried to do the same, only to wilt at his stony look. It wasn't a problem after that. This first area was rife with gods, everywhere he walked there they were.
Large, small, long, and wide. The gods before him shifted in hue and shape so often that he wondered why they even bothered with human-like forms. Eventually in his pacing, Hephaestus eyed a table. Admittedly, he could eat, though the food was…strange.
Tables of a wild assortment were spread everywhere and dozens upon dozens of gods intermingled together around them. He approached the table, at least attempting to pretend that he was here for the party.
The assortment was colorful, with some of the food something he actually recognized. He lifted some bread, eying the nuts and fruits that were already mixed into it.
He chewed, the flavours strong enough to sting his tongue. Even so, it tasted stale to him. He could feel the enchantments and how it influenced his taste. It felt like coating something in sugar just to make it taste good.
"How boring," thought Hephaestus.
Yes, the food was boring. Yet, that wasn't to say the taste was bad. There would be no denying the skills of the god or goddess that created it. But it was still boring. The slight jump in spices, the little imperfections in seasoning and cooking…it was all absent.
All stale.
Hephaestus rubbed his fingers of crumbs, staring at his hand. The party was also well underway, with music blaring by mystical means. In the realm of the instantaneous, even Ifrit was slow it would seem. It had barely been fifteen minutes getting ready with Arachne and then rushing here.
It all felt so pointless.
Hard as it was, he needed to at least maintain the appearance of enjoying himself. He didn't need Nemesis having some epiphany of some sort, nor bring Poseidon's attention on him too early.
"...Poseidon," thought Hephaestus.
He could feel the older god from here. A part of him wanted to just be done with all. Might as well just start the trial and complete the party afterwards. This awkward tension that was spreading only killed the mood.
He walked past the tables and through a passage of trees and flowers. There was an opening to the side and Zeus was in the distance in the middle, surrounded by sycophants and admirers alike. They nodded to each other.
"I wish I had your confidence," thought Hephaestus.
It was too much if he was honest. The party never stopped, not even as Hephaestus moved between each segment. Too many people, too much politics, it was just too much everything.
He looked to the sky, eying Apollo and the muses playing together.
"Of course he'd present himself like the sun," muttered Hephaestus.
Apollo had the snark to wink at him as he sang away. For all that he felt about Apollo, there was no denying his music was beautiful. Unlike the food, this was all skill. Apollo's passion was almost overwhelming, the music resonating even in his own core.
He basked only for a moment, before he continued. No matter who he came across, he kept walking, wondering where Nemesis was. He scowled a bit, his mind racing to the worst case scenario to prepare for.
He slowed as he noticed more gods staring at him. Well, less him and more Ifrit. His companion scoffed, swirling into the cracks of his body. The golden markings that opened to let her in sealed shut to seamless skin a moment later. Hephaestus tensed as Dionysus wrapped his arm around his elbows. He hadn't even sensed him.
"My man!" grinned Dionysus, "you finally made it! Me and Hermes had a bet that you wouldn't even show up!"
The smell of wine was almost overpowering, but even the exuberant Dionysus lost his smile.
"I lost, of course. So, thanks for that."
Careful.
It was a haze of words that fiddled in his mind, the barest touch of madness.
He's watching.
It felt a moment later, Dionysus talking and chuckling away as if nothing was said.
"Come on man, lots of Gods haven't had a chance to meet you yet," he smirked.
Hermes appeared at his side and for once, seemed presentable. His hair was slicked back and his attire was straight and narrow. His usual appearance, that of a sandy haired fellow with lightning curled around his feet, was nowhere to be seen.
Instead, he was quieter, not as energetic.
"Brother," smirked Hermes, "you've made me a very rich god!"
Hermes goblet glinted in his eye, and as Hephaestus looked to it, the reflection of Poseidon was viewed clearly, unmarred from the twisted light. He didn't even bother locking eyes with the god, instead more concerned for Ares.
"Hermes, is Ares–"
"HAHAHA!"
His brother flew by, another god laughing as they spun around, dancing to the wild music Apollo was playing.
"...never mind," he muttered.
Hermes just shrugged. The minor gods didn't even take notice of him, a slight snub.
Like Hephaestus cared. Hermes chuckled as his brother walked tall, uncaring for the minor gods' attention. The way they stared at his back, aghast. It was beautiful. Dionysus eyed Poseidon, looking at the goblet in his hand.
"Don't even think about it," whispered Hermes, their words only to themselves.
"...I can get anyone drunk," muttered Dionysus, "Wouldn't take much."
"Drunk or not, Uncle will get his revenge one way or the other."
Dionysus grimaced. For all that he was the father of debauchery, there were a few lines even he wouldn't cross.
It wasn't as if he was a heroic individual or some sort, he just found it stupid. Genuinely stupid. What was the point of enjoying a woman's company if they were not as enthusiastic as you?
He enjoyed the hunt as much as any man, but the best sex was happy sex in his humble opinion. As far as Dionysus was concerned, if a man was stupid enough to try that with Ares' kid, he was stupid enough to die.
Still…
"I know you're right. Don't need Poseidon on me, but still…are we really just going to leave it like this?"
"Of course not," smirked Hermes, "It's what the trial is for."
Dionysus recalled Hephaestus' own expression. He was a careful sort, never even taking Dionysus' brews when offered. If he was worried…then Dionysus would be as well.
"I guess you're right," he muttered.
He'd have his own preparations, for the fall-out would be immense. He wasn't really the brotherly sort. But when he saw the way Zeus and Poseidon hated each other?
He didn't want that, not with his siblings at least. Dislikes, sure, he could live with that. But the betrayal and hatred?
That was a different matter. He saw enough of that in India to be sick of it.
At least, that's what he told himself. He still felt guilt for how long he waited to join the fight against Typhon. He wouldn't make that mistake again. It was a shame though, Poseidon was a great drinking partner.
Still, he'd rather back his brother than any of his aunts or uncles. At least Ares and the others would try.
Dionysus smiled, his divine beast curling around his feet in solidarity.
"Bah! I've squandered enough time. Who wants to drink?!"
The crowd around him cheered.
Elsewhere, Hepahestus was still on the hunt. The number of gods would imply a rather normal party in terms of distance. Yet, he had been wandering for quite some time, looking for Nemesis.
"Where are you?" he thought.
Crystalline laughter echoed across the forests that he found himself in. It was brighter, more colorful, filled with an exuberance for life. The scent made his nose itch.
"Have I wandered so far?" he thought, lost in his own musings. He kept walking, only to still as he neared a wall of shrubbery. It was like a room but with no door. The flowers were beautiful, of varying shapes and colors the likes of which even EMIYA had never seen. The wall dispersed like a curtain, revealing Aphrodite. She caught eyes with him, whatever she was saying stopping abruptly. She didn't seem to care that she was surrounded by her admirers, she ignored them as she stood, their jealous gazes latching onto him as she approached.
Their eyes remained locked together, a smile coming to both of them. Ever since Aphrodite had rescued Eri, there had been an ease between them. Their conversations would come and go with the ease of a summer wind.
Her appearance was rather vapid, in all honesty. Beautiful, but empty. Blonde hair, blue eyes, and an unreasonable bust size. Her hips were also impossibly large.
Yet, as she approached him, her form shifted. Blonde became brunette, blue eyes became a shimmering amethyst, and her skin a more grecian tan. Freckles spotted across her nose and her jaw sharpened. Her heart-shaped face was surrounded by curls of brunette hair, all cascading down her back and across the front of her chest.
Her clothes wrapped around herself, at first glance, more conservatively. Yet, the sways of cloth woven by Athena only hugged her wide hips and deep chest. It swayed beneath her breast, hugging the hills of her stomach and rear.
She chuckled a bit, the cloth dispersing to reveal the valley between her chest.
It was as if she was kissed by the sun.
She was taller too, her head beneath Hephaestus' chin.
"Hello dear husband," she smirked.
"Aphrodite," he greeted formally, "My apologies for intruding. I was just walking by when I heard you."
Aphrodite giggled. The sultry sound like a vixen's whisper.
"Is that all?"
Her husband, one of the few that looked her in the eye, chuckled softly.
"No. Just Eri has been asking about you as of late. Told me to say hi."
She stalled, her flirtatious smile crumbling to embarrassment.
"Oh, well, I guess it's been a moment since I last saw the girl…"
When she had recovered, she visited Hephaestus for a brooch. That was the last she had seen of Eri, as the next few times she had stopped by was when the girl was off to Hecate's island.
Hephaestus eyed the gaggle of frothing gods waiting around the marble bench she was sitting on. It was rather pathetic if he was honest.
"Entertaining, I see."
Dry like the sahara, Aphrodite could only laugh in agreement.
"Oh them?" she rolled her eyes. "Same gods that abandoned me when Zeus made his decree. They've been trying to get back into my good graces for the last several years."
She smirked, her eyes taking on an emerald hue and becoming slitted like a viper's.
"They'll never get it. But it's fun to watch them try and fail."
They heard it, and even then the lot still didn't seem discouraged. If anything, they only seem more emboldened.
"I'll have to take your word for it," said Hephaestus. He couldn't really see how this situation was enjoyable. She giggled, leaning in. Her fingers trailed across his chest. There was an ease to her movements, but it was more than that. She was free. The manipulations, the considerations, all of it was absent from her.
One god shriveled into a jealous husk (literally) at the look Aphrodite had for her husband. For it was not adoration nor lust.
It was joy and respect. That and a bit of teasing. She knew the gods that surrounded him would only seethe with jealousy. It was part of the reason Hepahestus allowed her to touch him. As her fingers trailed a little too long, Aphrodite felt that witch's glare even from here. Hecate was watching.
"This is more fun than I'd like to admit," thought Aphrodite.
Still, business before pleasure was best. A lesson she had gleaned from Hephaestus. It was always more fun to enjoy your time without a looming problem laying over your head.
"You're looking for…her?" muttered Aphrodite, hiding their actions with a sudden dance. She eyed her husband's legs, knowing the metal that gleamed beneath his clothing.
You'd think he'd have two left feet. Yet, he moved well, though she wasn't a fan of the almost systemic style he was using.
"I am."
He didn't even question how it was that Aphrodite may know his plans. Hephaestus had long come to terms that his wife was more powerful than she let on. That her wisdom was greater than her appearance would suggest.
That and she was horrifically nosy. She was a horrid gossip to the point that even Hepahestus knew. He caught her more than once speaking to Eri and even Hecate of all goddesses.
She giggled, as if she could hear his thoughts.
"...Wait…" he thought, his mood souring for a moment.
"Your face, darling," smirked Aphrodite. "You're like an open book."
The hilarious part to Aphrodite was that it was a truthful lie. She could hear Hephaestus thoughts, albeit they were quiet even this close. Her husband's face was a rock, barely twitching nowadays. Yet, for her it was just that easy.
"He's come a long way in hiding his thoughts," smiled Aphrodite, a bit of pride swelling in her heart. "Still, not far enough for me."
To be fair, her entire essence made reading microexpressions and body language a cinch.
"She's up further north, closer to the thrones. She always tries to see if she can siphon something. It's rather sad, honestly."
She winked at him, her fingers trailing down his sides. A part of her felt annoyed though. For all her touching, his gaze was steady. While she could read his surface thoughts and emotions, his deeper desires were entirely alien to her.
Did he even care that she was basically draping herself all over him? The divinity of Hecate sauntered through the area, Aphrodite's brow twitching as her husband's head snapped to Hecate's direction.
The warmth of that smile was annoying. He turned to her, bowing as they separated.
"It was good seeing you, Aphrodite. It is time that I go to another."
It was irksome. The whole thing was irksome. It wasn't like she wanted his attention in that way, but the idea that he seemed entirely unaffected by her was almost as annoying as being dismissed.
"You're lucky you're cute," she grumbled.
She rolled her eyes at his confused look, waving to Hecate as she appeared. She returned to her retinue, though the enjoyment of watching them squirm had shrivelled along with her mood.
"Leave me," she muttered.
If one were to ask her now, she'd vehemently deny any sort of attraction and that was true. The issue was that he lacked any interest in her. She was desire personified, yet he was like a rock.
Well, at least to her. He had softened, yes, emotionally. Gratitude lingered in every essence of him when he was near her, along with respect and other positive emotions.
But the darker, lingering emotions were…weak.
"How aggravating," she thought, eyeing the sharp smug look from Hecate.
She could only watch them leave with the rest of the gods, lost in her own troubling thoughts, attempting to decipher all that was still a jumble to her.
-With Hephaestus and Hecate-
They walked arm in arm, a content smile on both their faces.
"I'm surprised you came," he chuckled.
"I almost didn't. I assumed you would be elsewhere as well," stated Hecate.
"That was the hope. My…guest has proven aloof," he said carefully.
"Hmm."
"I thought you said you were tired?"
"I was. Unfortunately someone has been keeping me… fullas of late."
He twitched, the innuendo sparking the rumors of the gods all around them. The area seemed empty, but the moment he surged divinity into his eyes, the world would become awash in the colors of the divines that didn't coalesce.
His eyes burned slightly, his sight shimmering back to normal in a moment.
"Must you?" he muttered.
"Embarrassed of me?"
"Never. Though I'd rather they not perceive me as some sort of sexual deviant."
He ignored her pointed look. He thought after Aphrodite came clean about their supposed dalliance, that all the rumors would stop. He should have known better. The rumors had surged with new life, and Hephaestus was left with the broken pieces.
He didn't care about the rumors, at least at first. It wasn't until gods started plying uh…sexual favors as a form of payment that it became a concern.
"Recalling Lord Hefr–"
"Please don't remind me," grumbled Hephaestus.
"Watching you squirm with that god was…funny," she admitted.
"He just didn't take no for an answer," he muttered, "Nor did that one goddess."
"No lustful dalliance for the god of fire?" chuckled Hecate, "Most would call that unusual."
He smiled as he turned to her. They slowed to a stop as he took her hands into his.
"The gazes of others never interest me. You and I value the same thing, beyond just the body." He rubbed his fingers across her face, careful of the veil she had crafted. He chuckled as she stiffened, still unused to purely romantic gestures. "It makes what we've forged together all the more beautiful."
"...Oh," cooed Hecate, "You poor innocent soul."
"Hmm?"
"Hephaestus."
"Yes?"
"If not for Eri, I would have you strapped to my bed never to move."
He almost choked. He was an immovable giant, until moments such as these. He seemed so embarrassed with such trivialities. You'd think a man would be more open with his prowess.
"Hecate," he begged.
"I almost couldn't walk the last time. That poor hot-spring. The earth mother would blush with what you've done to me."
Hephaestus actually blushed, his expression stiffening as he clicked his tongue.
"You and your strange humor," he grumbled.
"Honestly, I crave more than just your mind, young God. Truly, I do. But, if I didn't take my responsibilities so seriously, I doubt you'd be upright even at this moment."
Her chest shuddered, his eyes smoldering for a moment. It was quite a contradiction with this man. So constrained, only to let loose in their private little moments.
It was still fun to bring it out, even just for a peek.
She ran her fingers across her neck, the ghostly feeling of a blazing pair of fingers wrapping around it. His hands were large, enough that one large hand was enough to cover her neck.
She smirked at his narrowed gaze. She was without her usual ensemble. Instead, dressed in a simplistic chiton, her hair done up into an elaborate braid that draped across her shoulder. Though the veil remained, it wouldn't stop him.
It was far too simplistic for a witch of her stature.
She felt the heat rise around her, and for a moment, she prepared herself. Would he finally snap?
The heat disappeared as quickly as it came, his gaze calming.
"I know that Arachne made you something. Why are you not wearing it?" asked Hephaestus.
He ignored Hecate's smirk. She gestured to herself, creating distance as she twirled around.
"Do you think I would wear Arachne's clothing as openly as you do? Only a fool would invite Athena's ire so brazenly."
Hephaestus didn't understand her worry. Athena lacked the emotions to care about it.
As if reading his thoughts, Hecate rolled her eyes.
"Don't even try to rationalize it. We both know you did it for that cursed spider."
She gestured for him to follow her, and the two continued their walk. Subtly, Hecate used her magic to scour the area for Nemesis. It was rather strange that the goddess seemed entirely absent. He would have to follow Aphrodite's directions after all.
It didn't shock Hecate that Aphrodite could sense Nemesis. There was always more to the Goddess of love than what could be sensed. Still, didn't hurt to try and confirm her information.
"Why you even bother executing Arachne's revenge is beyond me," said Hecate clearly.
The word shuddered under the weight, the direct call to Nemesis' domain an attempt to drive her to them.
"Says the goddess who made a friend," smiled Hephaestus, playing along.
They shared a smile. Yet, their hopes were dashed. Even still, retribution did not show itself. In silence they walked, each content in their little moment. Hecate stayed close, unashamed of her relationship with Hephaestus. Her lover couldn't hear the other gods, but she could.
She found it hilarious how openly they were jeering her. It was obvious what they were thinking. A chthonic goddess, reduced to an Olympian's consort.
"Idiots," she thought, eyeing them. "All so weak they only have their words."
So…she removed even that. With a snap of her fingers, the weaker deities were rendered mute. In that moment of silence…she felt her. Hecate unravelled herself from Hephaestus.
"She's just beyond the border here," muttered Hecate. "I can't pinpoint her, but she's near. Be safe."
"Always," agreed Hephaestus.
"Liar. Also, the next time your…wife decides to visit, do keep your distance."
He tilted his head.
"I have no such feelings for her whatsoever. But I admit, she is a bit brazen. I'll make sure to set better boundaries for you."
He agreed as easily as a dog would to a treat. It was irritating in a strange sense, just how different he was. Yet, in that same vein, he was the most stubborn man she had ever seen.
What sort of lunatic would go against a beast like Typhon if not due to their sheer stubbornness. Even Zeus, for all his belligerence, couldn't hold a candle to this god. Ironically, only one could hold such a deep grudge.
His mother.
Rather, the mother that laid waste to the very title. It was absurd to her that Hera was somehow able to do what she did, but the goddess of the heavens was a special sort of viper.
As Hecate was well aware of. She shivered a bit, turning her head slightly. She could feel Hera staring at her, from across Olympus.
"Hecate?"
She had no reaction as her hand fell from his face, if anything she frowned as he grabbed it.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"Should you be focusing on me right now?"
His fingers softly ran from her hand to her forearm. He spoke as his hand found its way to her upper arm. "You and Eri will always be my focus."
A heat formed in her centre, his gaze hard to maintain. A devotion so complete that it was hard to focus on…and hard to emulate.
"I've told you it's nothing. I–"
His eyes twitched, glowing with ethereal energy. For a moment, the world that was unseen to him became visible once more. It was a cascade of colors, but one that swirled around Hecate was one he'd never mistake. After all, it was the only signature that ever resonated with his own, however dull and weak it was.
Hera.
He stayed silent, his gaze boring into his lover. Their silence lasted only a moment before Hecate crumbled.
"I've been…tasked with perfecting Hera's little project."
"Oh?" he muttered. "So she's the one that is exhausting you every day?"
"It wouldn't be every day if you would stop refueling me," she griped.
"I won't apologize for that. Excuse me–"
She grabbed him and for a moment felt a thrill at his strength. A paranoid part of her wondered how she'd confront him. Did he even know? That he was stronger than the time she first met him?
That his divinity has swelled unnaturally for a god his age? She doubted it.
The surge of strength in his body was quelled at her touch. She breathed a sigh of relief. She didn't need him fighting her battles.
"...Hecate."
"I agreed to this Hephaestus. This is my problem. Besides, we're almost done. It's just her need for perfection that is stalling the project."
"How did she even rope you into this?" asked Hephaestus. She said nothing, for what could she say?
"You would never agree to this Hecate, I know you. If anything she'd need…"
He stared at her. The heat dimmed around him, as if the very thought made him cold.
"Eri," he whispered.
"Don't–"
"Hera."
His word echoed quietly. But for the gods, that didn't matter. Hecate glared at him, even as his mother appeared before them.
"This is a surprise. I thought we had an understanding," muttered Hera.
She knew why she was here. In a strange confluence, Hephaestus understood what she wanted.
She wanted to fight.
"This ends now," said Hephaestus.
"Oh? What ends?"
Hera wore a chiton of purple, her hair done in a bun and adorned with jewelry. A small tiara was placed at the crown of her head. Around her was a small orb, her divine symbol. She never did turn it into something, instead minimizing form to maximize function. It glowed with greek script, a conduit of divine power that accented her power flawlessly.
A design choice that Hephaestus begrudgingly filed for later.
"Hecate's project with you. It ends."
"We have a deal, you know," she muttered.
"You do."
Hera's uncaring stance only accented the almost lazy gait she had as she walked around him. The fan she carried was closed, tapping on her chin as she eyed him.
"You are not one for demands. Yet, you speak as if you have leverage?"
"I demand the right to request a boon."
She blinked. The cold smirk that grew made Hecate shiver. Hera's fan spread out, resting on her shoulder as she eyed her mistake.
"A favour?"
"Yes."
"...You realize it is not one enforced by divine law."
"Of course."
"...Clever boy," she smirked.
"Hmm."
"Weird isn't it," whispered a voice to Hecate.
Hecate sighed, giving Zeus the side-eye. The large god was sipping at a cup of nectar infused wine. He smacked his lips, watching the go between. Him and Hecate's eyes bounced between the estranged mother and son.
"You don't expect me to garner any additional favors."
"Idiotic. Ceasing the work is also impossible, that I understand."
"So the contract."
"Not the work," he finished.
"It could take centuries," she mused.
"Will your pride allow that?"
Back and forth they went with this strange half sentence structure, each anticipating and countering their own strange arguments. Hecate's gaze grew less apprehensive and instead settled on bewilderment.
"What is happening?" she thought.
The animosity was unmistakable. It was a cold and snapping thing, like starving wolves vying to kill each other. Yet, there was a sick enjoyment in the way they snapped at each other.
"This is a benefit for her."
"Eri you mean," sneered Hepheastus. "I doubt that."
"A place for training and safety."
"With a single trainer? Doubtful."
"Chiron is highly skilled."
"Perhaps. But I am stronger."
"Think not of you. Think of the children."
"I'm sure they're at the forefront of your mind," grumbled Hephaestus.
"Scatching," she said flatly. "In the end, what does it matter? Leverage young man, is all that matters. You have none."
"What need do I have for leverage, when I have you."
Her eyes narrowed as he spoke.
"I need only call an official meeting and demand the law of boons."
Her fan snapped closed. Eyes narrowed as he continued.
"My oath to Ares was for his family. His daughter and her lover. Protecting Ares as I did–"
"Nothing came to blows."
"Of course not. You could argue the pretense…but then everyone would know. That Hecate was bound by trickery and oaths to do your bidding."
He held his hand out to her, eyes narrowing at her own spiteful gaze.
"That the queen of the heavens must resort to base tactics, that she is unconfident in her own authority."
"...Ares is your brother," she muttered.
"Ares is my half brother. I am the son of Zeus."
Hecate had to lean away from the glowing, beaming Zeus.
"A son of Zeus that assisted the son of Hera. No more no less, for we both know I'm no son of yours."
For a moment, the surrounding area was quiet. If the arrival of Hera had not warded off every god, Hephaestus' words wouldn't have the weight that it did. The utter silence broke from Hera's laughter.
A quiet, conceding laugh escapes her lips. Her fan dispersed as she clapped her hands together softly.
"Bravo," she smiled.
"Uh oh," muttered Zeus.
"Very well," said Hera with a smile, "Hecate will finish her work tomorrow, and our deal will be concluded."
Hephaestus scowled as he realized something.
"She was already done, wasn't she."
"Of course she was," smirked Hera. She walked past Hephaestus, appraising him. It took more than he'd like to admit to crush a small hope that bubbled up.
"You've learned your station well, but you're still rash. Pace yourself and you'll find your footing in your next bout."
Before she left, Hera turned to him.
"I would advise for your next parlay to take a more…patient approach."
He stiffened a bit as he eyed her.
"Dangle what she desperately wants…and then crush her very goal in front of her eyes."
The full weight of Hera's divinity echoed around them. The floor cracked beneath Hephaestus' feet, but his shoulders never buckled.
"Leave the thought of resistance a withered husk," her voice shuddered, distorted by her own power. "Reduce her dreams, her very aspirations, to the dust of the void. Show that her machinations are naught but a trifle to your strength. Only then, may your strike be deep and lasting."
The distorted realms returned to normal, Hera dispersing in a flutter of peacock feathers.
"...She knows," muttered Hephaestus.
"Of course she does. She always knows. It's rather annoying actually."
Hephaestus blinked, growing flustered at the smirk on Zeus' face.
"When did you–"
"When you called Hera's name. You didn't think Hermes was the only sneaky one did you?"
It would explain how Zeus was able to masquerade himself in the midst of the Titans. Actually, it explained why Zeus was always transforming himself. Wait…did that mean?
"You heard everything," muttered Hephaestus.
"Why yes, I did." grinned Zeus, "Every word my boy. I can now officially say that I am recognized by all my children."
Zeus gave a fake sniffle, rubbing his finger beneath his nose in mock modesty.
"Make's a father proud," he squeaked.
"...does he do this often?" muttered Hecate.
"All the time. It's rather insufferable actually."
Zeus wilted as Artemis appeared behind him, she ignored him as she approached the other two.
"That was a first," she muttered. "Hera never gives advice freely like that."
"She has her own issues with Nemesis, I'm sure," he growled. "Using me to enact her vengeance in her own way. The advice wasn't to ensure Nemesis' downfall. It was to ensure that I knew I would be enacting her will."
Zeus recovered, patting his son on the shoulder.
"It's alright my boy. Unfortunately, she has that effect on everyone. Well, except me of course but that's a given!"
He chuckled even as his children glared at him.
"Overpowered nut," muttered Artemis.
"...ok, that one stung a little."
Zeus smirked as Artemis came in for a hug, the show of affection a more common instance for Zeus and his children. Her golden blush was adorable as she scowled. He turned to his other children, arms wide.
"Don't think I've forgotten any of you!"
You could hear a cricket chirp as the others simply stared at him.
"...fine. Still…"
He turned to his son, Zeus' electrical energy, while dampened, still going strong.
"Did you need help?"
Hephaestus shook his head with a smile.
"No, I don't want to drag anyone else into this. This ends today."
He could feel it now, a strange caustic nausea. Her power was weak, but inversely strong. Retribution in physical form. If Hephaestus were to hazard a guess, she was probably so closely tied to retribution that it was the reason she could influence divine law.
Everything he saw pointed at that. That she had become power hungry on the idea of her abilities and the consequences of them. The flowers around them wilted and burned, the little alcove that had formed now gone.
It was time.
A lingering touch for Hecate, and he left with heavy steps. Each echoed in his mind. He was drawn deeper and deeper into the thicket, an area that was obviously conjured for privacy.
Knowing Zeus? Most likely for his escapades.
He pushed through the thicket, the trees snapping against him until he finally pushed into an opening…and she was there. Her frazzled hair was pretty, in a sense. A black chiton, interlaced with blue made her stand out. The minor gods…they feared her. They kept a wide berth, eyeing him as he drew closer. His mind cooled into an edged steel. Nothing else existed but this moment.
His core grew cold, the memory of Calliope resonating within him. The scarf, his reminder of her, weighed heavy on his shoulders. Now more than ever, he needed to maintain his calm.
"Lord Hephaestus," breathed Nemesis.
Her voice was as equally pleasant as it was grating. Her eyes, one red and one blue, looked upon him with barely disguised greed. She entered his space as if she owned it, as if he owed her everything he was.
Her items on her person kept flooding their personal history into him. Her need for validation cemented to her very core. The history was hazy, limited by the nature of the object and Nemesis' own paranoia.
He bowed, as he always did. Already a number of plans had fallen apart with what he had seen. It was time to adapt.
"Lady Nemesis. You received my invitation."
"I did," she smiled. "Let us not play games, Hephaestus. You need something from me."
"Eager," he thought.
Time slowed in his imagination, his thoughts racing.
"Confident. No…arrogant." His thoughts cascaded as he analyzed her even further. "Assuming I will fall for her tricks as so many others have."
To be fair, if all you did was win over and over again, you'd assume victory would continue. Yet, her victories came from gods that were her equal or weaker than herself. Her confidence didn't lull as Hephaestus towered over her, his calm expression demure even as he smiled softly.
"You see right through me," he said. "I seek to invoke your domain. With your blessings of course."
He was laying it on thick, and her smile only widened.
"Oh?"
"Eris…she attacked my daughter. While she was defeated in combat by me, I seek further retribution."
The truth. But that wasn't what he wanted from her. This was a rare opportunity, he couldn't afford to let her go without getting what he needed.
"That can be arranged," smirked Nemesis. "But…you know our kind, our nature."
"I do. To protect my daughter…I would pay anything," said Hephaestus. "Do. Anything."
Nemesis bowed her head slightly. The mockery was sickening. He didn't know how she could be so fluent in her actions, as if she had done nothing to him.
"In that case I–"
A sudden spark came to him. Hephaestus grimaced and Nemesis paused in the oath she was about to make.
"I apologize but…I know the sacrifice it must take to subject your sibling to my vengeance."
His eyes glowed slightly, power echoing in his words. To the gods, it would be an emphasis, a means of intertwining your meaning into every word you spoke.
It was all bullshit to him, a party trick that did nothing to bind his words. But…she didn't know that. Nemesis eyed him, trepidation forming as his words echoed with his strength.
"To devote yourself to your duties is commendable, but I do not wish to stoke your family's ire against yourself, not on my account."
He invoked every bit of authority as he could.
"Nemesis, in return for my services at a later date, I request that you grant me your full cooperation in assisting me in my vengeance."
The weight of divine law shuddered between them, but Nemesis wasn't worried.
"I will bring you the one who has done your family harm," she spoke, her words laced with the finery the gods were known for. "No matter their identity."
"Even if you share their blood?"
"Of course," she smirked.
"Even if their very essence resonates with your own core, like your siblings?"
Nemesis stood, eyes narrowed. His finger twitched as she spoke.
"You insult me," she muttered.
The blueprints of blades hovered in his mind, the points around Nemesis highlighted for a blitz. Did he go too far?
"You think I'm so untrustworthy that my family stands above my duty?" she scoffed. "I am not my brother Thanatos. No matter who they may be, you shall have your vengeance. With my power…they will face your wrath."
Hephaestus bowed, kneeling before her.
"I thank you," he intoned, his eyes glaring into the ground beneath his feet. "Truly."
"Rise Hephaestus. You're amongst friends here," she smiled.
"Showing me off to your fools already?" thought Hephaestus. "Enjoy it while you can."
He wanted to end her here and now…but the time wasn't ripe. She was surrounded by minor gods and the likelihood she could escape was high. He needed her alone.
Nemesis smirked as she eyed him, turning to speak with others. He looked around, noting Iris. She grimaced, looking at him with pity. While he had freed her services from Nemesis, that didn't sever their toxic relationship. She moved to talk to him, but slowed as she looked at him.
The eyes that locked with hers…they were not subservient. Her eyes widened as she came to her own realization. Of all the gods that Nemesis actually knew, only Iris had anything resembling experience with the strange god.
They held each other's gaze for a moment longer, before Iris retreated. She said nothing, not to him but not to Nemesis either. He rose, intending to leave.
"Hold."
CRUNCH!
The sound of crumbled steel echoed in his mind, a random blade distorted in his reality marble. He turned, calm as he always seemed.
"Yes?"
Nemesis eyed him. An anxious tension between them. She was studying him.
"..."
"I hear rumors that Poseidon is enacting a trial," muttered Nemesis. "Is that true?"
The room grew heavy with pressure not just from her but all the other gods.
"...is it supposed to be a secret?" thought Hephaestus.
Not a chance. With what had happened, it was doubtless that the gods simply didn't care who knew. Still…
"Yes it is," smiled Hephaestus. "I take it you wish to watch?"
"I would be participating," snarled Nemesis.
"Not happening."
She faltered a bit, his tone frigid. He had seemed so malleable before. Yet, for all her annoyance, Hephaestus saw the slight droop of her shoulders.
"She must have been weary," he thought.
"The best I can do for you is to allow you to watch," he muttered. "We have much to discuss afterwards anyway."
Nemesis narrowed her eyes.
"Is that so?"
"Of course. The details of your symbol are rather…personal," said Hephaestus as he rolled his eyes. "We can discuss it now amongst your compatriots if you're that comfortable." He scratched his jaw, eyeing her as lazily as he could.
"You idiot! Don't scratch your jaw!"
"Styx? Why?" he thought, his hand falling naturally, his arms crossing his chest.
"Because you do that every time you're lying!"
His expression turned stony, shadows obscuring his face.
"...no I don't."
"I have, quite literally, been living inside of you for years, Hephaestus. Just keep your arms crossed."
Nemesis eyed her group. Hephaestus was banking on her paranoia.
"If she leaves now, you may not get another chance."
He could feel Styx's anxiety. The others mostly left his reality marble, exploring the regions of Greece that were once closed to them. All but Styx. She alone remained a constant, though she usually kept her presence silent.
Usually.
"If she returns to the–"
"You're not helping," thought Hephaestus dryly.
Who would have thought that Styx was the anxious type?
"Cheeky Brat," she muttered.
Nemesis finally nodded.
"Very well. After the trial."
"We can meet in my forge. No one will bother us there."
He felt the excitement she gave off.
"Does she assume that I will start working on it right away?" he thought.
"Of course she does. You're a workaholic. Most gods expect their wares to be done in months, not hours."
He bowed, turning his back to his nemesis.
"...you did not just think that."
He smirked as the anxiety left Styx, the warmth of her waters flowing within him. It was an odd sensation. Something that he could swear he was feeling, but his mind knew that the sensation was false.
It had become a constant in his life…a rather worrying one actually.
"Styx…have you not considered anchoring yourself somewhere else?" he thought.
"...We talked about this," she muttered quietly.
"I talked, you mostly ignored me."
She said nothing, as usual.
"Styx, if the underworld tries to claim you all again, know that I will get you back," he thought.
Styx grimaced, her sisters sharing the same thought. He would do that. In a strange sense, they had become a sort of odd family. Like a bunch of older siblings watching their toddler brother.
Except this one was a walking volcano that had no restraints. He'd likely rip another hole into the underworld if he had to. But there was another reason.
"Hephaestus, we will cross that bridge one day," said Styx, "But for now, simply focus on yourself."
"...you promise?"
"I swear to you we will."
"...Very well."
He wanted to keep talking to her, maybe convince her it was time, but there was weight to her words he couldn't really describe. If she said they'd talk about it in the future, then that's what they'd do.
Styx rubbed her arms, eying the skies of Unlimited Blade Works. She was alone here, her sisters exploring the outside world as they mostly did. Hephaestus concerns were valid. After all, the entire reason she was tethered to his inner world was to allow her to explore.
And she did, for the most part. Yet, she would always come back to the river in his soul, just in case.
For all that Hephaestus appeared a grown man, he was still developing. While Zeus proudly called himself Hephaestus' father, the dolt barely informed him of basic concepts.
It was Styx and Pallas that answered his questions. That tried to guide him, in their own way.
Styx rubbed her arms, the very memory encroaching at the forefront of her mind. The shadows of Tartarus were a terrible thing. The Greek hell ripped the worst of one's memories. Its shadows would eat away at you from whatever angle it could. Guilt, sorrow, anger, hate. No matter the aspect, Tartarus would tear it apart and shove it in your face.
It was why it was a prison, and why even the gods would avoid the tender mercies of the primordial pit. Yet, when his own past was laid bare, Hephaestus simply stood there. In his gaze, she didn't see bravery.
Only acceptance. As if what had happened to him didn't matter even an ounce. As if he didn't matter. Even if he didn't know it, the young God needed her. Regardless of how self-sufficient he was….He needed her.
She gripped her arms, golden blood pooling around her fingers. The sight of that broken child, alone. Golden blood flowing from a knife's edge as he–
"Stop," thought Styx to herself.
Thinking about it did nothing. She needed to be in the moment, not in the past. Styx looked up from her river. She was seated on a rock that had grown beside her. His world was beautiful, but she saw the jagged cracks, the pierced swords, there was pain here.
She didn't know how, but it felt ancient even to her. Like a wound long since scarred over. Pallas stood beside her, hand on her shoulder.
"Until you grow wings of your own, I'll be here," she muttered to nothing.
"Hm? Did you say something?"
She would kill anyone that ever spoke of the sound she made in her shock.
"N-nothing," she muttered, glaring at her husband. The stoic bastard just grinned at her, a small blush on her face.
"Stop cooing at me!" she growled.
The world shuddered as Styx firmly shut the connection. She ignored her sisters' laughter, concern steadily growing. She had a feeling of what Hephaestus was planning. Beyond Nemesis, there was the way he was prepping against Poseidon.
He refused to work for the sea god, and that was going to have repercussions. The god of the seas was a brute but a powerful one. She just hoped Hephaestus knew what he was doing.
-Hours later-
For all that the gods were long-lived, their attention spans were not. Even as an Olympian, Hephaestus was only a hot commodity for what seemed like a few moments. After that, he was ignored.
Thus, he was relegated to here. He was stoic, his arms crossed as he stared at a tree. His gaze was firm, his eyes strong enough to gaze even into the bark's porous surface.
On his left was Artemis, stroking the fur of a massive wolf-like creature whose head was on her lap. A large deer, with golden antlers, strut around in a circle, eying anyone that would come close.
On his right…was Athena.
He had been here for the last three hours. He had been having a quiet conversation with Artemis about her next bow and then, poof, there was Athena.
The conversation, as you would guess, died quickly. So, they sat in silence, Hephaestus staring at a tree.
It had been three hours since he started.
"Ignoring me," said Athena finally, "Does nothing."
He said nothing, praying internally that she would just go away. The best way to deal with Athena was to simply ignore her. All her convoluted machinations would just lead you deeper into her manipulative web.
Best not to engage at all.
"I see Arachne has already woven your clothing," she muttered. "Some would take that as an insult, seed of my daughter."
Ok, that was it. He turned to her, his face twisted in a grimace.
"Really?"
"You would likely not respond to anything else."
The dead retort only made him shiver. She genuinely didn't care. It was rather offputting honestly.
"So, what is your plan?" muttered Athena.
"Hmm?"
Artemis perked up at this, her gaze sharp.
"...I have no plan."
The area around them was choked by Athena's divinity. He gave her the side eye as she glowered.
"I know you can lie."
He stiffened a bit. Athena noted the lack of surprise with Artemis. Actually, Artemis seemed ready to pounce, not on Hephaestus but her.
The bond between these two was strong, and at least made sense. They hunted together, spent time together, and knew each other well. Athena was still struggling to figure out what connected Hephaestus and Ares so deeply. She stared at him, her questions only building as the silence grew.
"What?" asked Hephaestus.
"The fact that you can lie reveals a lot about you."
"Does it now?"
Hephaestus was wondering when this would all–
"Yes. You have rather obvious tells."
He coughed a bit, Styx chuckling in his mind. His eyes were shadowed as he sweated a bit. Surely he wasn't that obvious….was he?
Cause if so…that was a problem.
Artemis forced the snicker away as Hephaestus turned his stoic gaze to her. He could appear as Athena did, emotionless. Yet, it was such precise control that gave him away so often to those that knew him.
"..."
"Your plan…it has to do with Poseidon."
Artemis stopped smiling, the wolf pup on her lap began to growl.
"..."
"You can stay silent all you like," said Athena, looking around her aridly. "It doesn't change much of anything. Facing Poseidon is no simple task…and yet you'd take it up all the same."
"What business of it is yours?" muttered Hephaestus.
"None. Only that I find such logic foolish. It is Ares who will bear the consequences of his actions."
Athena stilled. Hephaestus knew for a fact he didn't register any microexpression whatsoever. Yet, still she was able to peer deeper.
"...This is before Ares."
"Hmm," he grunted.
"...You have a plan for curbing Poseidon's more destructive nature," she surmised.
"...How in Tartarus did she figure that out?" muttered Styx in disbelief.
"Eri," grunted Hephaestus aloud.
"I am still connected to her, yes," said Athena as she crossed her legs. "What I've seen through her leads me to believe you feel compelled to…punish our uncle. It won't work. So why even bother?"
Hephaestus rolled his eyes. When he turned to her…she would swear that it was the most selfish gaze she had ever witnessed. For all that her emotions were absent, her eyes still widened.
"Because I want to."
Simple. So, infuriatingly simple. Of the gods, only Apollo and Hephaestus were the only gods she considered remotely academic. Like her, they considered avenues the more emotionally directed would avoid.
For all that Apollo appeared the aloof life-loving goober, there was more to him. A depth only Athena had the privilege to see thus far. A shame that Artemis lacked the sight to see it.
"That…" Athena struggled with her words. Trying to compute a response to something so bland and simple.
"It doesn't matter," said Hephaestus. "I do not agree with our Uncle's behaviour, and the way he treats others is disgusting. I won't do business with the likes of him."
He eyed the forests, their words only for themselves.
"My…preperations as you call it, is merely as a precaution."
Hephaestus had plans upon plans. While he was more than willing to fight, he also wasn't stupid enough to believe a single confrontation would solve much of anything.
Not when the divine killing weapons he had couldn't put gods out permanently. It seemed to slow their regeneration immensely, but it wasn't permanent.
So he took the burden of those who had suffered, both for political leverage, and as a promise. What was happening would stop. One way, or the other.
He rose, eying the skies. Clouds began to form as more and more gods began to leave.
"You haven't explained–"
"It's already starting, just leave it alone," muttered Artemis.
The sisters shared a glance, the trees around them waning. Eventually, all the shrubbery melted away, withering into dusts of divinity. The golden dust swirled around them, before the three were in the center of council.
Athena's work was apparent, the marble architecture befitting the gods. Each throne stood around them, imposing and regal. They were also the size of human thrones.
Despite everything, Hepahestus appreciated the thought.
The gods each took their seats…all but Poseidon, Ares, and Hephaestus. His brother eyed him. In full regalia, Ares was a menacing figure. His armor was battered and worn, a crimson cloth swathed around black armor. The black helm held a slowly swaying emission of crimson energy in the middle, a sight that likely inspired the Corinthian plumed helmet.
Perhaps to cover his youthful face, the helm showed nothing of Ares' features, only the light of his crimson eyes shone through.
Zeus coughed a bit, a strained smile as he looked directly at Hephaestus. The god of fire crossed his arms, refusing to move from his brother's side.
In the corners of the room were a few assortment of gods and goddesses. Most were of Zeus' retinue. Beings that served the Olympians directly. Each gossiping hard at the sight.
Iris and a few nature goddesses were behind Hera's throne, with each of the Olympians having someone at their ready. Hephaestus turned, eyeing Apollo and Artemis.
For Apollo, the muses surrounded him…kind of? Rather than all of them standing with him, most were just switching places. Each shifting one by one at a regular interval.
Behind Artemis, was of course Zoe. She seemed stronger, more self-assured. The longer hair with tanned skinned showed a brighter outlook on herself, though the way she grimaced when they locked eyes still confused him.
"...You're doing this on purpose," muttered Styx.
"I understand the initial discomfort, but she has been with Artemis for quite some time. Surely she understands I meant no genuine offense? I even apologized."
"...Oh…you poor child."
His eyes twitched. He wanted to know more about the servants that had followed the gods, especially the one with Dionysus. It was…well creepy. Dionysus sat on the throne, chipper as he had ever seen the god.
Freshly inebriated, he eyed them with a sharpness that was out of place on someone so drunk. Circling around slowly was an odd ghastly creature. It must have been spirit, either that or a strange gas composite monster. Purple like the smog Dionysus sometimes spewed, it had a bright red core and just floated around them.
Yet, the more he looked at it, the more ominous it seemed to grow. A soft voice cleared their throat and he turned to Demeter. Seated in a smaller throne between her and Hades was Perspehone. On the surface world, the goddess of spring's hair was like wheat, a shimmering gold that spun around her shoulders in a messy bun that framed her face.
Her husband simply nodded as they shared a glance. It took Hephaestus a moment to realize they were waiting on him…but he stood all the same. Nemesis was hiding behind his throne, avoiding the gazes of others. Honestly, she would have burned a literal hole in his clothes with how intently she was watching. Though, she wasn't the worst of them.
Hera's chilling gaze washed over him like an avalanche. Yet, it meant nothing in this moment, his eyes only locked to Poseidon. He eventually moved to stand behind Ares, but that was it. Poseidon finally gave him notice.
"...Very well," muttered Zeus.
Thunder erupted, the lightning searing the sky an azure blue. It struck around the circumference of the throne room. A weight settled around them, the essence of the divine ever stronger.
"We stand here in the trial of grievance between Olympians Poseidon and Ares. As you are the one that brings the claim forward, Poseidon may start."
Poseidon began to drone on for a moment and Ares turned to him, whispering.
"What are you doing?"
Hephaestus kept his focus on Poseidon. Even now, in the midst of all the Olympians bearing their strength…he remained undeterred.
"Don't you ignore me!"
Ares' voice crackled like acid, a vitriol to his tone that would render a man to his knees. Still Hephaestus said nothing.
Ares would have said more if not for Poseidon starting.
"I stand before you all, a grieving father."
Poseidon smirked even as the others glared at him.
"My son, his habits, yours to judge, was slain in battle. Not from his adversary…but from her father."
Zeus' lightning shuddered, but it was not from his supposed weakness. Here, in this moment, the trial did not only enhance divine law, but Zeus himself.
The skies darkened even further, a constant stream of lightning curled through the clouds, illuminating the trial.
Here he was at his strongest. The lightning turned from a rich amber to a searing blue. Zeus' voice echoed as he looked down at Poseidon from his throne.
"You speak as if the circumstances that surrounded this were not adequate?"
"I do not begrudge Ares for protecting his child."
A vein bulged on Poseidon's forehead, his expression ablaze as he stared at his nephew. It was a hateful expression, filled with a spite even Zeus could not match.
"I begrudge him for killing mine."
There wasn't a need to expound on it. No evidence, no arguments. Just a simple fact and a blatant desire for vengeance. Ares scoffed.
"He attempted to rape my daughter! You think I would stand for such an insult! He dishonoured their battle by drawing on your strength!"
"Of course he did," smirked Poseidon, "Was your daughter, not a demi-god?"
He walked closer to his nephew, Poseidon's gaze chilling as he leered at Ares. "Your daughter was just as powerful as my own child. The only difference? He was a prince of the sea and used it to his advantage."
"Sure," grumbled Ares.
"Oh nephew. Did she not have her own advantages? You trained her, though it won't do her much good with me."
"BASTARD!" growled Ares.
Poseidon only smiled. As if the insult was more of a compliment. Considering his father, it likely was. Hera sat calmly on her throne, but Hephaestus could feel the anger. It was not directed at Poseidon but at Ares. She felt he was too emotional, his openings too obvious.
Ares was unmatched in the field of battle, but politics and law were not his forte.
"Murdered after a hard fought battle," muttered Posiedon, "I would think a God of War would regret such a–"
Hera rose suddenly, but it was too late.
"I regret nothing!" growled Ares, "that scum deserved to–!"
Ares faltered, his body shimmering as crimson energy was sheared from him. It lashed out of him, like bloody cuts. He would have fallen forward if not for Hephaestus' subtly grabbing his Chiton behind him.
Poseidon eyed him but refocused on Ares. The god of war didn't falter, eyeing his uncle as he stood on his own feet again.
"That scum deserved death!"
"...Is that right?" smirked the god.
"That is damned right! I'll even swear on Hades!"
"...Why?" muttered the lord of the dead.
Zeus stood from the throne, lightning circling around Poseidon as he raised his hand.
"The trial's judgement will now begin. For the record, Poseidon, you seek reparations for the death of your child, even knowing the circumstances?"
"I do."
"Ares, are you…"
His father struggled, fought it. But as a pure god, there were things even beyond his grasp. His eyes widened, the tone of the room turning cold.
"Brother?" whispered Demeter.
She hesitated, but the fact her own divinity came to Zeus, along with Hades and Hestia, gave him strength.
But it wasn't strength that was needed.
It dawned on Ares, something had happened.
"Ares…you seek to avoid reparations for the murder of Poseidon's son?" spat out Zeus.
Hera's eyes squeezed shut as Ares exploded.
"WHAT!? Reparations? That fucker doesn't de–"
Lightning struck Ares in the chest. Hephaestus caught him as he was launched back.
"Something has changed," thought Hephaestus.
Ares recovered instantly, shoving Hephaestus away.
"Get off me!"
The rest of the gods went into a frenzy. The trial was not going the way any of them planned…all but one of them anyway.
"Shit," muttered Dionysus, his divine beast circling around him.
"...We're on Olmypus…what happened to the evidence? Circumstances? I…this isn't how we do things, is it?" asked Apollo.
No one could answer him. Zeus was too busy glaring at Poseidon, the god merely smirking in his supposed victory.
"So nephew, you seek to avoid reparations for the murder of my son?"
"Reparations my ass!" growled Ares, "your son deser–"
"Ares."
Her voice was cold, Hera taking the lightning that struck her head on. She didn't even flinch, her gaze unmoving as she eyed her son. He quieted down, trying his best to calm his rage.
Poseidon said nothing at first. Hephaestus narrowed his eyes, the lightning shuddering around them. The buzzing…it was getting quieter. Poseidon finally turned to him, Hephaestus.
The god of fire stood there, just behind Ares.
"...Why are you here?" muttered Poseidon.
"For support," explained Hephaestus.
"Such a thing does not exist in the court of Olympus, nephew." muttered Poseidon.
There was something here, the God of War could feel it. For the first time since this whole debacle began, Poseidon seemed… wary?
Hephaestus only blinked, tilting his head.
"Atlantian law is clear, uncle. I have every right to be here."
The room went quiet, and Poseidon's confidence finally cracked. He clicked his tongue, eyeing the God of fire and the queen of the heavens with narrowed eyes.
"..."
Zeus…well he was apocalyptic to say the least.
"You…you dare subvert Olympian law!?" demanded Zeus.
Yet, the lightning that should have surged forward never came. It stayed, simply circling the trio.
Poseidon's trident appeared in his grip, his eyes glaring at Hepahestus before turning at Zeus.
"Circumstances matter little to the result," stated Posiedon. "I am not here to discuss my son's loss in battle. I'm here to seek reparations for his unjust murder."
Hera stilled, eyes widening as she stared at Poseidon.
"The laws of Olympus are clear," muttered Poseidon, "We take into account the circumstances…but the law of Atlantis does not."
The ground beneath the three shuddered, the thrones closing in around Zeus. Within moments, a cliff surged the thrones upward, and sea water surged from Poseidon's feet, his divinity swelling along with his authority.
"My son was killed within my waters."
The lightning curled at the sky above, the clouds darkening.
"His blood stains my kingdom."
His voice grew deeper, the realm of Olympus accommodating for the law of Atlantis, of the sea. The ocean forming beneath Hephaestus' very feet.
"Ares killed my son within my domain. As such…brother…the laws you embody today…are mine."
The thrones now stood atop an island amidst the seas, a cliff facing towards them. Hephaestus looked around, standing on the waters with Ares.
"...It's like a reality marble," thought Hephaestus, "But…"
It was not the same. A reflection of Poseidon's authority. The water was genuine, but was formed and supported by Poseidon's divine strength.
It was why Ares and him were able to stand on water of all things, though through different means. It was rather strange, if he was being honest.
"The law of the sea has no bearing here," growled Zeus. "This is a matter of Olympus!"
"My son's blood spilled into my waters, his mangled corpse is still adrift in my kingdom. Just because you house the trial here does not mean Olympian law is used."
"There was no precedent for this," grumbled Hera. "Reckless as always Poseidon. There was no certainty that the properties of divine law would allow you to do this."
Poseidon gave a playful shrug, smug as can be.
"Shit," muttered Ares.
Zeus was a god of justice, but such justice could take on many faces. He, like the other Olympians, assumed that the laws of Olympus would take greater priority. They were wrong. Now, Zeus was stuck being the focal point of a trial being usurped and directed at his son.
If Hephaestus was honest, it hurt his head. By all logic, this felt like an asspull. Human law, at least in the modern age, was rife with loopholes. It was abused by the rich and powerful, twisted to better suit the individual than the region, but at the very least…it had logic.
But this?
He could see why the more political gods enjoyed poking at each other politically. It was basically a war with rules that kept changing. If left alone…it could get bad.
"..."
"...Hephaestus, are you sure about this?" whispered Styx, feeling his thoughts.
"It's different from what I initially planned, but it doesn't matter," thought Hephaestus.
He locked eyes with Poseidon. In the moment that he was distracted with Styx, his uncle had already moved to be but a few feet from him.
"Poseidon."
The sea rumbled as the god's eyes narrowed. The king of Atlantis already knew what was coming.
"By right of association, I bore witness to Ares' murder of your son."
"Yes, I am aware, nephew," sighed Poseidon, dreading what was coming. "What's your point?"
"I invoke the right to stand as his proxy."
"As a what?" muttered Ares.
Ares was swallowed by the sea. Hera stood, ready to act but stilled as Ares appeared at her side. He was far from happy.
"OI! You bastard!" roared Ares, his rage directed at Hephaestus, "Get your ass out of there. This is my fight, you arrogant prick!"
Poseidon rubbed his beard.
"You know Atlantean law better than I assumed," he grumbled.
"I was raised by those laws, Uncle. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth."
Poseidon and the older Olympians stilled as they stared at Hephaestus.
"...hmm?" he thought.
"You know Mesopotamian law?" asked Styx.
Hephaestus said nothing, but he closed his thoughts to Styx. He felt bad, but she didn't need to know the specifics.
"...so you know of the pantheons beyond us," grumbled Poseidon. He adjusted his trident, shrugging. "It's not that surprising. The ocean is home to many secrets and ancient knowledge. Am I to be impressed, nephew?"
The god of the sea blinked, a realization striking him. Poseidon hit his fist hitting his palm, the trident floating behind him now.
"That surge of divinity those years back was you! Hmm, small world."
All the hate and anger, all that toxic vengeance, gone. Washed away like it never happened. Yet, it would surge again, like a riptide whenever the god eyed Ares.
Ares was screaming from the thrones, but his words couldn't reach them, not in this setting. Zeus eyed his youngest, wondering what he was doing. Atlantean law wasn't something he was versed in. He never bothered.
The lord of the skies was regretting it now, especially as his wife glared at him for missing it all. The embarrassment also stung. Yet, divinity could infer a great deal of information, such as these legal proceedings.
"Hephaestus…you truly wish to be Ares' proxy?"
"I do," he said solemnly.
Poseidon shook his head, the very idea alien to him.
"It's…endearing," muttered the sea god, "That you care for your brother. But this is not so simple."
"I know."
His words were gritty, the sound of his voice dropping an octave making the hair on Posiedon's arms stand. The sea god adjusted, his weariness coming off with a smirk.
He waved Hephaestus off. "Come now nephew, you played a nice joke. But a proxy in my laws is used for very specific circumstances. Now, you've made your sh–"
Hephaestus looked up at his brother, the sudden turn silencing Poseidon. Perhaps it was the look Hephaestus gave Ares. Maybe it was the way his shoulders tensed. But something made Poseidon's skin crawl, and the bits of rage he held for Ares spilled over to Hepahestus.
"No…he wouldn't be so arrogant," thought Poseidon.
"...Hephaestus, don't you–"
He silenced her voice, his eyes on Poseidon's widening gaze.
"By the laws of Atlantis, the accused can choose their trial."
Poseidon gripped his trident. Zeus wanted to scream, but his own domain kept him silent. Demeter looked between them, even Hades was a bit confused.
"Brother…what is he talking about?" asked the sullen god.
Hephaestus' clenched his fist.
"You were right, Pallas," he thought. "Sometimes the only answer…was force."
"Yours is a throne built on conflict, uncle…" said Hephaestus softly.
Hephaestus was now a mere arms length away. He matched Posiedon, only a tad taller than the sea god.
"You seek it, as easily as you rule. So…let us end this farce with the conflict you so desire."
The waves stilled, the water beneath them reflecting the stormy skies above.
"You," growled Poseidon. "You don't know what you're asking."
"I know exactly what I'm asking," stated Hephaestus. He crossed his arms. "I demand a trial by combat."
The sea shuddered in response. The area widened even further, the expanse of the ocean becoming nigh unseen.
"By the rights of Atlantis, any accusation can be met and dealt with directly. Even as a proxy, that is a right you must grant me."
Poseidon laughed, running his hands through his hair.
"What makes you think that I would allow this?" smirked Poseidon, "in my court, I am the law."
"This isn't your court, uncle."
"I am the court!"
The lightning struck Poseidon dead in the chest, his body shivering from the shock. Poseidon gritted his teeth, taking the hit and shaking his head. His authority only went so far with someone else presiding.
Poseidon scoffed, eying Zeus. Yet, when he attempted to budge his authority forward, it didn't move. The strength of divine law was absolute. Altantean law, his power, instead circled around Hephaestus. Yet, it wasn't enough to cow the younger god. Instead, it emboldened him.
"You take and you take," grumbled Hephaestus, "But that ends here and now. You wanted to use Atlantean law, uncle, so let us use it."
"You genuinely believe you can withstand me in a trial of combat?" scoffed Poseidon.
Hephaestus narrowed his eyes, steam coming off his body.
"Let's find out."