Chapter 6.5-Flashbacks with Triton Part II

Hephaestus' P.O.V.

"Dude, You're crying"

For now, I don't care if Triton saw me like this. He's my cousin, Also my bestfriend. We've been great friends since childhood. He knows a lot about me. No need to be shy, I've been doing nothing but to endure the pain myself. Sometimes, I need to let this feelings all out. It's been 2 years and all I have done was just to keep this myself. Only myself suffering.

I squinted my eyes and blinked those tears away. Snap out of this Hephaestus! It's near Christmas, You shouldn't be crying. My conscience is right. I shouldn't be crying. I should be happy. Three days till Christmas, I shouldn't be sulking.

I looked up and met Triton's sea green eyes that was full of concern and caring. Thanks for the concern. He patted my shoulder as if to give me comfort. But sorry, it won't work. The pain is still here. It doesn't disappears. Pain never disappears. We just sometimes forget about it.

"If you don't want to continue, Then don't." Triton said, He knows I'm uncomfortable about telling this story. But he's the one who asked it first. I complied. I shouldn't be acting like this. It's all in the past.

I fake a laugh and turned to him, Taking away the hand that was on top of my shoulder and patting him playfully instead.

"No..No, It's alright. Besides we can't leave a story hanging, Right?"


(A/N: Obviously, This is a flashback. A few weeks after Aphrodite started avoiding Hephaestus (or a few weeks after the 'Family' Dinner))

One thing:

She's avoiding me.

"Are you sure, Heph? I mean why would she avoid you in the first place?" Silena asked, It's lunch and me and my friends are again at the table where we always eat. But someone's missing it's Aphrodite. Lately, She hasn't been replying to my texts or what. Our classes 'coincidentally' are not the same anymore. Whenever I try to talk to her, She runs away from me.

The others noticed it too. Aphrodite was not hanging out with us. It was as if she disappeared through the whole Goode High School. But Nah! She's still here...My friends and I got a feeling so.

She's still here, She's just hiding.

Why would she hide? What happened? Did my family do something that offended her? But as I remember the conversations my family had with Aphrodite, They were all decent and not abnormal or crazy.

"I don't know, Silena. Since the family dinner, She's been avoiding me." I said, and placed both of my hands on my forehead. What did I do Aphrodite, Tell me why are you avoiding me?

"Do you three have been contacting with her for the last few days?" I asked, Looking at Beckendorf, Drew and Silena. But to my dismay, They all have sullen faces and shrugged.

"Sorry Hephaestus, But even I, her bestfriend, was not talking to me. We met a trigonometry class but when I talked to her she just avoided me." Silena said, Her eyes full of sadness. But of course, Drew, isn't going to make this lunch to be like a funeral.

"Hey! Aphrodite's my bestfriend!" Drew exclaimed, Pointing her fingers at Silena. Uh oh, These cats are rolling again with the yarn. Beckendorf and I took a glance with each other. This is going to be a lengthy lunch. With Silena and Drew fighting, Both he and I thought.

If Aphrodite is only here...She will stop these two and say both of them are her bestfriends.

"Excuse me? Officially I'm her bestfriend!" Silena said, Not backing down from Drew. Oh, Well, When a challenge is given, We just need to accept them.

"Oh Really? Since when did Aphrodite announced that you're her bestfriend?" Drew asked, rolling her eyes at Silena. Silena scoffed and crossed her arms.

"Wasn't it obvious? C'mon Drew, Just look at the picture, I am always beside Aphrodite-" Silena began her speech but of course Drew have to cut her off.

"There's not picture, Besides, I'm always with Aphrodite too." Drew answered sarcastically, Silena rolled her eyes at Drew. I shot Beckendorf a look. These two need to stop, If not, Surely, There will be two hair strangling girls in the middle of the cafeteria.

"Now, now, Ladies...Can we stop this? I'm sure both of you are Aphrodite's bestfriend" Beckendorf said, patting the Furious Silena. Well, That just made Silena more furious.

"You call her a lady?! Oh tell me, Charlie Beckendorf, Are you flirting with Drew?" Silena asked, Okay to cut the story short. Silena likes Beckendorf but doesn't admit it. And Beckendorf likes Silena but doesn't have the guts to confess. A reason why Silena is jealous at Beckendorf calling Drew a 'lady'. It was like: How would you feel if your crush has a crush on your mortal enemy? Things like that...But what Silena doesn't know is that Beckendorf likes her.

How the hell did I know this?

Thank Aphrodite.

She's like a female version of Cupid you know. She knows if a person has a crush on her. If two persons like each other...etc.

"What's wrong if I flirt with Drew?" IDIOT Beckendorf answered! The Hell Beckendorf? That is the most wrong answer to give to your crush. Sometimes, Sarcasm leads us to many many many wrong things. (But I still wonder why the twins haven't got in trouble with their constant sarcastic answers)

"Argh! Nevermind!" Silena said and left, Both Drew and I glared at Beckendorf who was just shrugging and very oblivious to what's happening.

"What?!" Beckendorf asked, Drew slammed the table. But it didn't caught much attention since the cafeteria is so noisy.

"That is the most stupidest thing you've ever said to your crush!" Drew shouted and slammed the table once again. Then left.

Sigh, Aphrodite, We need you.


A few days after, God granted my wishes. I saw Aphrodite along the hallway.

And this time, I will not let go of her.

I grabbed her arm and brought her to the most 'famous' place at High School: The Effin Janitor's Storage/Closet.

Quick reminder: Janitor's storage room is a small room with cleaning supplies but is enough for two people to talk privately. Rumors said this is where the sluts and the playboys 'play'. (If you know what I mean) But don't worry I won't be doing that to Aphrodite. Not now...When things are so much complicated.

Aphrodite is not the girl who fights physically. She's not that strong either (Physically) So I know she won't escape.

What shocked me the most is that she fell and started crying. On instincts, I knelt and soothed her. But she kept crying and sobbing.

"Aphy..." I whispered, "What is happening?"

Her glassy blue eyes met my brown coated ones. She clutched on my shirt and cried for what seem like forever. But it was alright for me, I can miss a class. I could catch up to my lessons. But of all the things I will lose..Not Aphrodite. After a few moments, She finally got tired of crying. We both sat at the floor.

"Aphrodite I-"

"Hephaestus, Can I tell you a story?" She asked, Avoiding my eyes. Why a story now? But she's my love, So I will be patient. I will listen to her. For she is my love.

"I'll listen." I answered, She started narrating.

"There is a girl who is an american but lived at Asia. Once she was old enough...Around 7 years old. Her and her family moved here at New York. She went to a school and everyone picked on her. Because actually she was wearing eyeglasses. They kept calling her a Nerd. Soon everyone in the school picked on her. All of the bullies of every grade picked on her. But one boy whose age is 14 years old made her heart broke. The girl actually has a crush on that 14 year old boy. Because he looks handsome and strong, She thought the boy would somehow pity her and protect her. But you know what he did?" She asked

"What?" I asked, for her to continue.

"Just like the other meanies he, bullied her. Her heart was broke. Of many things they said about her, His was so painful. I wouldn't go on to details...I.." She broke into another series of sob. I patted her.

One thing I know: The girl she was talking about is her.

And I swear on God, I will kill that man who broke her heart.

"That...Girl..Is you, Isn't it?" I asked slowly, She nodded and wiped her tears away. She continued again.

"I cut my wrists, Tried any kind of suicide at the age of seven. I wanted to die. He made me worthless. I don't want to go to the hellhole school again. My parents knew this they said they will report the children who bullied me. But I said No...The reason was because I don't want that man to suffer. It was a childish and very foolish infatuation. My family and I went back to Asia again and last year I came back here." She smiled, Another fake smile. Sure she's beautiful when she's smiling but a fake one looks...so empty.

"Who is that man, Aphrodite?" Without noticing, I was already angry, I pinned her to the wall. Staring at those innocent baby blue eyes.

"H-Hephaestus...Please no..." She croaked up

"Aphrodite! Who is that man?!" I shouted, She's scared. I felt guilty. But I need answers.

"Your violent eyes right now is reminding me of his..." She trailed, Mine? Why mine? Violent? Is that man's eyes look so violent?

"Aphrodite...Who is he?" I asked, Maybe I could match Ares' temper right now. Her answer hit me like a thousand bricks.

"...A-Ares"


It was a moment of silence between us.

I reluctantly let go of her. She sat across from me again. Both of us avoiding each other's glances. I was lost in my thoughts. Awhile ago I was swearing that I will kill that person but how...

I couldn't believe...Ares...My own brother...H-How?

I'm sure he was violent but he was never reported to be a bully.

After a few minutes, She stood up and held my hands. Her eyes watery again. I avoided her gaze. The reason why she avoids me...Is because...I remind her of Ares. She lifted up my chin and I stared at those eyes. Those broken fragile eyes.

"Hephaestus, I'm going back to Asia. I can't handle a long-distance relationship. Sorry, I don't want to end things like this." She said, Is she breaking up with me?

She kissed me.

And left with last words saying.

"I love you, Goodbye"


"Man...I just don't know what to say." Triton said and patted my back, I weakly chuckled at him.

"You don't need to say anything." I said, And gave a fake smile. A fake smile that Aphrodite used on me a long time ago.

"If I were you...I'll blame Ares for breaking her heart." Triton said, I looked at him. I've told this story this many times, And his comments are always the same. I nodded my head to him.

"I did...I did blame Ares."


I was waiting for the time. A time where the others are gone and only me and Ares are here at the house. He doesn't know how much anger I am reserving for him.

And you know what? That day did came. And today was that day. It was a weekend. Athena have Saturday Classes. Hermes was out with his friends. Apollo and Artemis chose this day for their 'bonding' day. Dionysus was with Mom and Dad, They needed to buy something for him.

And who's left at the house?

Me and Ares.

I knocked at Ares door, He opened it. My anger was bursting. I grabbed him and went to the living room. It's spacious in here. Besides I don't want to see his room. I pushed him to the couch, His eyes widened and glared at me. He doesn't like anyone pushing him around.

"What's wrong with you?!" Ares shouted with much of irritation. That's right be angry at me. But your hatred will not match mine this time.

"Aphrodite broke up with me." I stated, calm and recollected. But still return the glare that he was giving daggers at me.

"So? What do I have to do with it?!" Ares shouted and shrugged, As if he knows nothing. I knew that the moment Ares stepped in the house when Aphrodite was here. I knew that he knew that Aphrodite is the one that he bullied years ago. I tackled him by the collar and started sneering at him. Pouring every angry emotion of me at him.

"YOU KNOW? YOU BULLIED HER DURING HER CHILDHOOD!" I shouted, I don't care if he's my brother. I don't care if we're related. How could I be related to this man who bullies girls?

"SO?! I DON'T CARE! GOOD THING THAT HER CHILDHOOD WAS RUINED!" He shouted, I punched him. His eyes widened and gasped. Muttering something like: How could you do this?

Why was he ruining childhood of children?

Why was it a good thing?

Ares..

Athena. The name approached to me like a flash of lightning. I did not know why did it came to my mind but I know it has a connection to what is happening right now. Then the realization hit me. Childhood. Athena. Rape.

He's destroying the others childhood because Athena's childhood was ruined. He was bullying kids because he thinks that it is unfair that they have a great good childhood not like Athena's whose childhood was spent on cowering in fear from those rapists.

I gave him one more punch, this one was the hardest. Then, I slowly let go of his collar. Both he and I are breathing heavily from the tension. It was like air was leaving my lungs at the moment. I was nervous. I was scared. Because I shouldn't be doing this. Blood is thicker than water but why am I holding onto that water?

But it's too late to go back now, I have started this. And I need to finish this.

"Y-You think that in this way you can avenge Athena?" I sneered, Carefully picking my words. His face looks like its been poured by a thousand bricks. My guess was right.

"W-What are you t-talking about?" He asked nervously, that's right. Be nervous to me. I hold your greatest fear.

"It's your fault Athena got rape." I stated, Sending daggers to his heart. I don't care if he's hurt by it. Because that's how much pain I felt when Aphrodite left me.

"H-how d-did you know?" He stuttered. I noticed his hands are shaking and the once violent Ares was now turning into a lost wet puppy. I have no pity for him. Mom and Dad are right if Ares didn't left Athena then the rapist wouldn't dare to touch Athena because she's with a boy but Ares left her.

"Do you really think that if you ruined other people's childhood, You can correct your mistake? You can bring back Athena's innocence? You can make Athena's childhood great? Face it, Ares! You left her, that's why the rapist got her. It's your fault that Athena got rape in the first place!" I shouted at him, He started murmuring again: It's my fault. It's my fault. It's my fault.

"That's right, it's your fault." I said and went back upstairs, I heard Mom and Dad's arrival. They went to Ares and soothed him but Ares kept saying his three magic words. Mom and Dad kept asking on what happened. Then Ares answered.

"Dad, Hephaestus knows."


"What you did is a bit heartless you know." Triton said, I nodded in agreement. It was heartless. It was harsh. It was a very cold-blooded thing.

"I know." I said, not bothering to look at his eyes.

"What happened next?" He asked, I'm getting tired at all of this story-detailing so I'm gonna summarize what happened next. Besides, I'm getting hungry.

"To cut the story short, Dad talked to me and told me to not spread the secret of them. I told them yeah, I'll be silent, Forever. That's when I started to avoid him and talk minimally with my siblings. I became a shell of my previous self." I explained, He laughed. Now what's funny?

"I miss the old Hephaestus." He stated, Yeah, even I, sometimes, miss it too. But there's no way to change the past right? There are so many mistakes that I've done.

"Yeah, But he told me that if Aphrodite ever get back into his life that's when he'll start fixing himself. But that seems to be impossible..." I said, Then both he and I heard a shout downstairs.

"DINNER!"


*Sigh* Poor Heph, Poor Ares, Poor Aphy...Oh well. Next chapter will be on our favorite Messenger's god P.O.V.!

Chapter 7-Hermes: I'm the Black Sheep

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(::)- Cookies to all of you reviewers! Your support is very appreciated!

In the next chapter, Our favorite Hero will appear! Yes, Percy will appear! And the things that are happening in the next chapter, Will be at the same time Triton and Hephaestus are talking in their room. It was just like: How are the junior batch doing in the attic?

-cutedivaprincess