Welcome one and all to chapter 6! Just wanted to let you guys know that I will come to a final decision regarding the matter stated previously! It's a hard one, especially when I get my partner involved to bounce ideas back and forth for. Arcane Craftsman is hitting the shelf! But that doesn't matter! You aren't here for my inner turmoil of laziness and bad habit of not planning beyond a singular sick idea! Nay, you are here…FOR KINTSUGI!
P.S: The voice of Hephaestus has oddly been requested from several of you. At the end of this chapter is a list of inspirations for his voice. In chapter 7 a poll will be listed for a Hephaestus voice actor, with both the options listed below and any that are offered to me up until chapter 7's release!
Roll the tape.
Chapter 6:
Where was it that he fucked up? His whole thing, one of the few major goals that he actually had, was to avoid the Olympians and consequently becoming an Olympian. This was not some trick of the Fates. Contrary to popular belief, they were not powerful enough to control the Gods. They were certainly manipulative, no question, as they could direct or manipulate events to force Gods to act a certain way. If he was being honest…it was when he went looking for Leto. He had ventured to her realm purely to have the space away from others to conjure his reality marble. While he had certainly developed his affinity for it, he has yet to actualize it in truth. The words were not the problem, but there was something that had held him back, a wall that he could feel…one that wasn't present any longer, due to the inclusion of the primordial shard.
The annoyance he felt at that was ignored in place for his regrets. He had risked going to Leto. He had hoped that Apollo and Artemis were not yet born and thus it would be a quick in and an out. He kept reviewing everything he had done than. Perhaps he could have promised something else, something that wouldn't have put him right in the crosshairs of the Gods. But, even brooding as he was, any other solution he thought of would have just brought greater concern, and ultimately led to the same place with greater issues. If he had promised something lackluster, there was no telling what would have happened. Any conflict with Leto would have inevitably led to a conflict with Zeus, which would have led him to being known to the Olympians. At least what he had now was nothing antagonistic.
He rubbed his eyes, resting his elbows on his metallic knees at the space he found himself in, the one room the other Gods never bothered to venture to. Skilros' forge. To be fair, he learned a lot from Leto. The nature of cores, specifics of the divine, and more importantly the realization that Zeus summoned all Gods and Goddesses (and even spirits and Titans) to Mount. Olympus from time to time anyway. Due to the nature of Hermes, he'd be found without issue and brought to Olympus anyways. Without Leto, he likely would have learned to hide his core much later. The summoning was unavoidable. So, forge some weapons and maintain his distance…that was the new plan, wasn't it? But no…he was just as much a hypocrite and liar as EMIYA ever was.
Said one thing, and simply did the opposite. Meant to keep his distance, just got closer. Swore that he felt numb to his whole relationship with Hera, only to swiftly realize that WASN'T the case. Refused to be an Olympian…and THAN BECAME ONE. Gods, could he do anything right? A warm hand rubbed circles on his back, making him sigh. The sound slightly echoed in the empty forge he was put into. When Skilros was ejected, so was everything else the Cyclops had touched. Zeus, while a God, was not truly omnipotent. So of course, he kicked Skilros out and destroyed all his stuff along with it, to make room for Hephaestus. So now, it was just a large circular room with a fucking bonfire in the middle of it. What the hell was Skilros doing in here!? Chucking shit into a-his thoughts ceased, as he felt a calming influence from Hestia. Any other time had he would have lashed out at her…but honestly, the influence was needed at this time. Didn't mean he liked it though.
"I'm fine," he grunted.
"You are not."
He grumbled at his aunt's words. Hestia had proven to be…unexpected. What he had seen within her core had more than affirmed for him the nature of what he was dealing with. She was, for all intents and purposes, the most powerful Goddess he had ever seen. Yet, her power was the most restricted and the most passive. She was the Goddess of the hearth…and that was all she would be. Her place was by the fire, in the home. What few snippets he could undertstand had revealed that she could not approach others. She was the hearth, the home, the place that others gathered to…not the place that gathered to others. He had never seen something like this…it was sad, in a way. Though, it certainly explained why she never left the room they were in. Unless others were actively seeking her out, she could not be seen ordinarily. A fact she was amused with. She was apparently a bit anti-social. Hephaestus sighed, standing and walking around the room.
"This is a forge?"
He rubbed his eyes. He didn't want to be here…and yet here he was.
"This is…I should be back home not here," he muttered.
He scowled, rubbing his chest, the strange itchy feeling now becoming more annoying by the second. A puff of flame was launched at him, the feeling soothing the itching.
"Was it not Zeus that told you it took time to settle," smiled Hestia, the flames she conjured now wrapping around his neck like a scarf. He sighed; the relief palpable.
"Of course he did. The fact you're here shows me exactly why. It's this insufferable itching!"
He scowled as he looked at his hands.
"My own power is not as responsive as it should be either. I can see why Zeus contains us until it is done."
"As you say, but the conversion for the shard is already mostly complete. I must say Nephew, you are a surprisingly adaptable deity."
He took the compliment for what it was. Gods were perfect and unmoving. They are what they are, but Hephaestus was a more malleable sort and it showed in him rapidly integrating the shard. He felt more…there wasn't really a way to describe it aside from MORE. It felt as if everything he was feeling, every mystical authority, even basic abilities was amplified. Hestia smiled. Her face was covered by her shawl, but her brown hair easily went to her mid-thigh. The chiton she wore covered her body, flowing to her ankles. The cloth she wore covered her down to the elbows and was wrapped around her arms and shoulders. It was obvious to anyone that Hestia cared little for who saw her face. She stood, standing only a couple of inches lower than Hephaestus himself. She reached out, her dainty-like hand finding purchase over his chest, at the exact spot the primordial shard had invested itself to him.
"…what is happening," he asked, his confusion echoing in the room.
"Your…ascension, as we'll put it, has heightened all that is you. The primordial shard is authority given shape. It is assuming the shape that most suits you, conforming to your body slowly." "Explain it to me clearly," stated Hephaestus, "what specifically are the primordial shards…why do they even exist? Far from what I know, Zeus didn't need it to overthrow his father, not that it appears to augment me physically."
"The primordial shards didn't always exist," explained Hestia, "as Hecate has explained to us, these shards came into existence at the moment Ouranos was defeated."
He stilled, feeling the shard within. He had thought there was an echo of…what had to be lightning, thunder, and the wind. It was if it had a hint of the storms within it. It was like the divine spark he had absorbed back at Wis' tree. What he had absorbed from it was a small part of Gaia's power, the concepts of nature and the earth. He was incompatible with it, but his reality marble made full use of it. The spark still resided in him, saturating his reality marble in some form. It seemed to be something he could draw on, but it did little to alter his abilities in any meaningful way. No, he knew instinctively that trying to use any means to filter it within his body and exert the power as his own would have…disastrous consequences. The shard functioned in a similar fashion but was physical in nature. The crevices between his mortal and divine existence were…melded, while the spark was absorbed into his world. It was if he had become a living embodiment of the art form Kintsugi. He remembered, in EMIYA's life, learning of the tradition in his human school. It was a beautiful concept and created truly unique art pieces…it would seem he had become something close to it. The shard had melded within him, but the hint of the storm that lied within it….
"Are you telling me, this shard is a piece of Ouranos?"
Hestia's smile remained, even as she gently corrected him.
"No. It is merely his authority given shape. It was calcified when his essence dispersed, becoming the shards you see now."
That would explain how the spark in the shard was so distinct. They were not truly one piece to begin with. Did that imply that something like authority was separate from divinity? No, perhaps it was never something Ouranos was born with, but given? Perhaps by Chaos itself? The questions were many, and truthfully ones that Hephaestus cared little for truly knowing. The damage was done, the specifics could wait for a time in which he didn't already have other goals.
"As a council, the 12 of us are suited to holding these shards of power. It is not our divinity that it augments,"
"But the authority of it," he finished, "…so this is where the concept of Major and Minor Gods originated?"
Hestia nodded, gesturing to the flame that was burning in the middle of the room. They sat there, on a loglike structure, creating a campfire aesthetic.
"At first, none were quite so content," said Hestia, using a poker formed from her power to tend the fire, "it was only the six of us at first. Granted, we were far more powerful than the ilk that remained after our Kronos' demise, but that mattered little to them."
She sneered, remembering the likes of Nemesis and Aeolus. While Aeolus was subordinate to her brother, he was not so amicable to the rest of the Olympians.
"The discourse was so great that the pantheon split into segments. The Major Gods were those whose authority was greater than average. The Chthonic and Olympian Gods fall into these categories. The rest fall into the other. There were six more pieces. Six more thrones to ascend to the upper echelons of our Pantheon. Six ways to entrench yourself into the realm of the Major Gods."
She sighed, shaking her head. So many divine beings died.
"…there used to be hundreds more, you know? Thousands even. My brothers and I warned them. Hera insisted that we stop trying, let the others suffer the consequences of their hubris. Demeter cared little for their suffering…not after what they said to her."
There was history there…one that he was certain he wasn't supposed to know.
"Regardless, know that the shard within you cements you as one of us. It is the essence of authority that was honed by the great primordial itself. When Ouranos fell, the shards that splintered from his essence were…adjusted. My…Kronos is a clear example of why the authority is important."
She turned her clothed head to him.
"It is status, authority itself. I doubt you'd have felt it much, considering your personality."
It was not said in a condescending tone, but rather a piteous one.
"You were born with strength," said Hestia, "the kind a minor God simply can't understand."
Hestia closed her hands, the flames in front of her beginning to sputter, as if she was choking it.
"Gods by their very nature can enforce their intent on to others. We can embody, empower, and exhibit our domains. But just as we embody it, we are constrained by it. Just as we enforce our intent onto others, that same intent can be used against us. As we push against the world, so does the world push back. A power you rarely use it would seem."
Hephaestus scoffed, looking away.
"You can tell something like that?"
"Your exposed core told me as much. It does not show the exertion of such a thing…it was too pure."
And horrifically damaged. When the shard melded with Hephaestus, Hestia felt a sense of relief. She saw the way the fragment strengthened within him, taking space in all his exposed cracks. Easing old pains. She doubted the young God noticed, the way divinity offset all that. She could see the way his hair shone a slightly deeper shade of red, his eyes taking on just that exact hue Hera's did. Before it was a slightly duller shade, something only those close to her would notice. For the others their domains and individual strengths were not enhanced, but for her Nephew she assumed he could call upon his power with greater fluidity than before. It would go some lengths to explaining why he was able unable to instinctively enforce his will against others, like Hecate. She smiled a bit, a more mischievous expression taking hold.
"I also saw the echoes of Hecate's mark on you. Had a run in, have you?"
Hephaestus growled. It seems looking upon the core of a God had some other aspects he wasn't aware of.
"Of a sort. She invoked the laws of hospitality and…Xenia? Got me to agree to three favors…though the last one was just out of convenience."
Hestia nodded, though the smirk she had irked him. He could see the slight twitches in her cloth, the way it curled along her lip.
"A tease for you. It could have been a lot worse."
"Oh?" grunted Hephaestus.
"Gods cannot go back on their word, even ones that were forced upon them. If all the factors intertwined with Hecates will, then you may have been forced to do far more than just build her a tool, or finish an errand."
…it was confusing, this idea of autonomy. From what he could gather, it was something similar to a human court, or at least the future aspect of it. It was if the entire "law" system of the Gods were automated, with Gods being forced to act in line with the verdict induced at the end of their conflicts. Gods were effectively lawyers, using the divine laws and their own authority to twist the result into their favor. Physical conflicts were normal, even expected, but from what he gathered…this was a more respected means of ending conflicts.
"…it's all about power," he muttered.
"Yes. The greater your authority, the more of an advantage you have. Depending on the situation you find yourself in, you can restrict the divinities of others…giving you an advantage in a physical confrontation. Zeus had many restrictions in use when he faced Kronos, just as Kronos attempted the same with him no doubt."
It took Hephaestus a moment to realize something. It struck him, like the moment his hammer struck metal.
"…I could have pushed back? Use my intent to…disagree with her?"
He hadn't bothered, simply due to the ramifications of pissing off a God. There was no telling what ways Hecate would have retaliated. It was easier and faster to simply be done with it. Two out of the three favors were almost done, and it has barely been 24 hours. Hestia clapped, a surge of her divinity filling her words.
"Gods are subjected to the laws of the world and yet, we exist outside of it. We are energy, divinity given flesh and form. Whatever conflicts we have, our divinity plays a part in it. It is why most Gods make deals. It is a definitive way to settle conflicts. Most will leave the conflict after words have been settled."
"Most," she stressed, "but there are other ways to use our divinity than just conflict with each other."
The memory of Nemesis was recalled. Hestia had used her own words against her, winning. But the Goddess of retribution attacked her anyway. Hestia conjured fire, though it had a more orangish hue than Hephaestus own. He paid attention to it, listening to her speak.
"My flames have concepts and ideas intertwined with it. Our shared domains allow me to transfer and sooth divinity, using my own concepts."
"…that's what you and Athena did?"
"Yes. Our shared domains allowed that much. Your conflict with Hecate is reflective of that relationship. The divinity of Gods is exerted, intent is placed, enforced by the laws and natures of the Gods involved. The world itself exerts its own influence on top of this. It is why Zeus cannot hope to defeat Poseidon in the ocean, just as Poseidon cannot hope to defeat Zeus in the sky. Only on land does either have a chance against the other. Zeus may be more powerful, but it is not by that large a margin."
Zeus was indeed the most powerful God, but it was not to the extent that he could not be defeated. After all, there were a few key examples of deities that were stronger than him. Any of the Olympians working together could overthrow Zeus, as he was once in myth.
"…the world strengthens certain Gods?"
It reminded him too much of Alaya. He hoped there wasn't some super deity that truly ran the world. Chaos was different, or at least different enough that he wasn't too concerned about it.
"It is less the world and more our domains and concepts. We are beholden to them, to the ancient laws that were ascribed. It restricts us by our very nature, reinforced both by divinity and the nature of the world. It is why Zeus cannot conjure ice, even though one could argue it is well within his domain," guided Hestia, "a God of the sky belongs in the clouds. Any time he sets foot on the earth…he becomes ever so slightly weaker. Just as you would be in the ocean."
…he remembered feeling…sluggish in the oceans as a young God…but when EMIYA had become a part of him…when he became who he was now, he didn't feel all that different to right now.
"So, it is complex," he stated.
"Yes. I've abbreviated it, in truth each conflict you could have with any number of Gods can be…unique. There are always mitigating circumstances, methods to remove or increase these restrictions. The Divine Laws, The Ancient Laws, The Laws of Hospitality, and even the Laws of Xenia are all means and methods, along with many more."
…..Dear Lord…the Gods had jurisdiction. It was hilarious that the most overpowered species on the planet were ironically the most rule biding ones. It wasn't that they constantly broke the rules, it was that they bypassed it entirely. They were like lawyers.
"So, that's why these shards are so important."
Hestia nodded, the flames before her finally sputtering out, leaving them in a slightly darkened room.
"The primordial shards is…authority itself. It adds weight, bringing you greater means to expand your influence and…exert yourself over others.
The flames of the blacksmith licked over his own hand, his head nodding along as he finally understood what these were, and why so many wanted them.
"I can see why the minor Gods would want this so badly. With it, strength doesn't matter…"
"Precisely. You'd be quite surprised how many Titans joined our efforts on that idea alone. The fact that we six could withstand the weight of these shards cemented our alliances that our…mother forged."
Weeellll he wasn't touching that sore subject. He could feel some of his body cool down as the shard cemented further.
"I need to gather materials. I take it that now I am an Olympian my forge cannot be on earth?"
Hestia shrugged.
"Skilros remained here for obvious reasons. If the chambers made for him do not suit your needs, then go elsewhere. Poseidon and Hades have their Kingdoms, Demeter remains in her home in the mortal realm, and I know the likes of sweet Artemis will be roaming the wilds the first chance she gets."
He turned to Hestia….and nodded.
"Thank you, for all of this. You didn't have to ease my-"
"Yes, I did. Speak of this no more, or I will find it insulting Nephew."
He closed his mouth, his body relaxing as it began to pace around the room. While he detested the idea…the truth was that he could use this place as a sort of…workshop. Yes…perhaps he could use this as an opportunity, a means to regulate how often the Gods come to him for requests. His business, one that was only open for a few hours per day. It was a very modern concept, but one that he would be implementing immediately. Just because he was stuck as an Olympian now doesn't mean he had to remain here. The sight of Hera was…hurtful. Painful in a way that EMIYA had never experienced. It threw him off. He had come to rely on the combat and hurdles that he had experienced, but this? This was a whole new emotional battlefield. Like any smart warrior that was fighting a losing battle…it was time to retreat.
"Say," muttered Hephaestus, "who shot the shard at me anyways? I doubt it was Hera, she lacks the care to even bother."
The words came out more spiteful than he intended, but Hestia took them in stride.
"…Nephew. The shards are…sentient in a way. The shard that is housed within you was once housed within me."
"So, we can reject them," he said, smiling.
A smile that died as Hestia's mood waned.
"…I…was compatible yes but the shard only remained with me for the duration of our war. The speed at which it is melding to you…I can say with full confidence that you are its preferred owner. If there ever is a replacement…you will know. But until than the shard will not leave. It is not something we can eject or accept at will. Even Leto tested her children's capacity for the shards, calling for me when they were born."
That, thankfully, implied that other Gods can be better suited for the shard. While the cohesiveness it offered for his reality marble was highly appreciated, the seat on the council was not. The way Hestia reacted though…it seemed she doubted that a changeover would ever happen.
"…Fine," he muttered.
With a flick of his wrist, the flames surged once more. But instead of the mystically enhanced flames that Skilros maintained, this fire billowed with a searing heat. The tips of this flame tinged blue. Before he could refocus though, a familiar cry echoed. He turned, smiling at the sight of Ifrit flying through the windows of the forge. The flaming phoenix flew through the open windows, streaking through the room. Hephaestus laughed as he approached the window, seeing the majestic view before him. The clouds, the various stars, the sun, the moon, the random trees growing on the clouds…it was all so picturesque. A show of chaos and power…and devastatingly beautiful to behold. Ifrit landed on his shoulder, pecking him on the head.
"I'm fine, I'm fine," muttered Hephaestus, "but how did you get here? I doubt Zeus allows any bird to fly free here?"
"Your divine beast is the exception to any rule on Olympus regarding creatures. He is invested in your divinity, as such he is considered a part of you."
Ifrit still, tilting its head in thought. Hestia sighed in contentment, eying the beautiful bird. The azure flames were stunning, a window into Hephaestus' potential. His flames were still red…but would one day be died blue as he aged and grew in strength. Young gods, like Ares and the others, were still in the depths of their youth. Given time, a few hundred years, and their strength would age and cement into their height. Hestia hesitated for a moment, wondering if this would perhaps be overstepping. Her inner child won out, the bird was a beautiful specimen and Hestia couldn't help but beckon it. To its friend's surprise, Ifrit fluttered over, landing near Hestia. One could almost see a smile of sorts form on the bird, its eyes closed in contentment as Hestia ran a gingerly hand across its crest and head.
"A beautiful creature. Phoenixes are rare Nephew, do not be surprised if others wish to interact with it."
He chuckled a bit, watching Ifrit melt into a cooing mess in Hestia's hand. The flames licked over her hand with nary a problem, the glow of the flame illuminating more of her face. What few features he could see showed a startling similarity to Hera. He needed to veer away from that thought. "They are Gods," laughed Hephaestus, "surely they can talk or beckon a bird over?"
Hestia smiled, running her finger down Ifrit's wings now.
"True. Though most Phoenixes simply explode when they see a God, preferring to die and be born elsewhere than be captured and enslaved."
"….oh…" muttered the God of fire, pursing his lips at the deranged thought. What a way to avoid someone. Though it would make sense if you could regenerate.
Hestia rose, Ifrit fluttering around the room before finding purchase in the rafters above. Its Talons began to smolder the wooden beams, the divine flames too much for Skilros' more mundane designs. Hephaestus had a job to do and a deal to keep. Might as well get started on all of them. Using his power he conjured the tools he needed. He shivered, detesting the shortcut. He would have to spend the time physically creating each of his tools. He knew that doing so would allow them to be greater focus than just flexing his divine to force the items into shape. But that was a progression for after. Hestia remained, making Hephaestus a little…self-conscious? He had never felt that way before, EMIYA not giving a shit for such a thing when it occurred.
"It will be boring to watch," admitted Hephaestus.
She remained silent, simply dispersing to the very edge of the room, watching from a distance. It was like a proud aunt watching her Nephew at work or something similar. It was warm…but by God did it feel embarrassing for some reason. He grumbled, summoning a hammer and anvil. The wood that he was working with was far from normal, the divine energy within it requiring a bit of brute force to reshape. He could use his hands, but he'd rather just get the job over with. She asked for a focus after all…didn't mean it had to be the best he could make right? Her orders were clear, a focus that could withstand her magic and divinity at the same time. That was it. It was why he had acquitted to her little demands so readily.
Both Hestia and Hecate assumed he was naïve to the games of the Gods, but in truth he had just yet to play his pieces. He grinned a little bit, making the focus nothing but wood of the tree of Wis, one that was curled at the tip like a Shepards crook….and that was it. The usual care and work that would allow 100% of her divinity was not present. It was still a vast improvement and could withstand her divinity and magic at the same time…it just couldn't withstand it forever. She had to be careful. He at least added the natural regenerative properties of living tissue, enhancing it, so this way it would self-repair any damage.
"That was quick," smirked Hestia.
"It is exactly what she asked for," smirked Hephaestus.
Like he would hand deliver this crap. He called for Hermes, and as usual, the God appeared as if he was always there. He handed the finished lacklustered project to Hermes, making him blink.
"Four drachmae."
He tossed the coins at the messenger.
"Deliver this to Hecate."
Hermes blinked, staring down at the focus. He nodded, pursing his lips.
"You like em built, eh cuz?"
The blank stare, also known as the spartan stare, was so bland and dead, even Hermes was kind of put off.
"Geez, take a joke."
Hephaestus blinked, and Hermes was back.
"Done. I also let her know two of the three tasks were completed."
The shit eating grin on the lord of thieves' face was nerve wracking. How the hell did this fucker know? Hermes disappeared; the room empty again. Hestia tilted her head, keeping a close eye on his body.
"You're almost done."
He blinked.
"Really? Artemis seems to still be settling, no?"
Hestia chuckled a bit.
"She finished days ago. Zeus is just spending some time with her. Eventually though she will ask to leave."
Ah, that makes sense. Still, if the way she stood by Zeus was any indication, the process was likely to last a few more days. That worked out for him…perhaps…Hephaestus swallowed his reservations and requested a favor.
"Lady Hestia,"
She stared at him. The slight glowing eyes behind the cloth, and the general demeanor she held, it was enough to get the message.
"Aunt Hestia."
"Yes Nephew?"
"Would it be possible for you to deliver a message for me? I'd rather the Lord of Thieves not learn of Kassandra."
Perhaps he already knew her, he certainly knew far more than he should. But that didn't mean he would purposely put the God in Kassandra's path. Hestia stood, opening her hand. Within it a ball of flame sputtered into existence, within it was the shadowy figure of Kassandra. It spoke, talking to him. The image spoke of how she hoped he'd be home soon, and that congrats on becoming an Olympian.
"…an echo?"
"I'd already informed your friend what happened to you. This was her response. Ordinarily one will enlist the services of Iris if you want to talk to someone at a distance. Mortals are usually the ones who employ the service, but they are far and few between. The number of them barely equaling the fingers on my hands. I believe Iris would welcome the extra work."
"You'll have to teach me how to use it," agreed Hephaestus, "but for now…I have something else in mind."
Hestia left the coiling flames on his shoulders, the flames beginning to sputter as time went on. She stood, making her way to the room's open archway. She turned to him before she left.
"Be careful Nephew. This path you walk…be wary of whose lines you'll cross."
How much did she see in his barren core? It was obviously more than he expected. Not that it mattered. Hephaestus placed his hands on the stone, the itch to finally put a theory to rest making his skin crawl. His eyes glowed as rigid red lines spread across the room, analyzing everything. He kept his power going further and further, delving past the stone, the atoms, and down to the conceptual level. He viewed the history of this entire room, stone by stone. A mortal mind wouldn't be able to make heads or tails of it, but the nature of divinity ensured that the proper course of events was viewable, his intent crushing the magic to respond exactly how he wanted it. A combination of EMIYA's skill and Hephaestus' power.
It was not a quick conversion, but he didn't need it to be. As the events played, he began to learn what he was looking for. Skilros was…both less and more than Hephaestus expected. The Cyclops had achieved his breakthrough from an avenue least expected…for the Cyclops Skilros was no craftsman. Nay, the giant one-eyed man was a mage. A master of magic amongst his kind. The kind of magic that allowed it to push the skills of the cyclops even further beyond the mortal limit. It was rather ingenious really, a makeshift variant of what Hephaestus did. To put it bluntly, Skilros had mastered reinforcement to such a degree that he was able to reinforce concepts, granting his works the greater strength needed to withstand some divinity. Except it wasn't his work that he was portraying. No, Skilros was a thief! The fourth member bound three others to his side. Arges, Brontes,
In history, he saw that Skilros was a spiteful, arrogant, and frankly annoying piece of shit. But it was one of the latest memories that raged within him relentlessly. The memory of Skilros cutting a deal, a deal to keep Hephaestus away by any means necessary…to send a message. The history, much like the cave and chimeras, was void of the God that had made the deal. For a moment, one would assume the Olympians, but the memory coincided with the reveal of Artemis and Apollo, as evident Skilros fumed with his apprentices before calling some voided out God. Hundreds of Gods could have possibly been the culprit. Educated guesses could only take one so far.
The idea that Skilros was involved was only a more recent consideration. Skilros was really the only being that he could assume to have a grudge deep enough to warrant attacking Calliope and the others that were close to him. After all, he was replacing him with nary a warning, his skill obviously superior to his own. He was the only one with motive. This was the being that pulled the trigger…now he wanted to what God played the part of the gun. Skilros could not force a God to do anything. The only reason this went down, aside from Skilros's own ambition, was the acceptance of the God in question. There was still more to learn…and only one way to learn it. Hephaestus scowled, letting the red lines fade.
"An interesting application. Are you incapable of simply divulging the history yourself?"
He stilled the response to turn and fire off weapons at the new intruder. This was, in a way, a public space. The history from the room informed him that the Gods came and went at their leisure, a fact that he was going to change the second he could. He wasn't just a Cyclops, but an Olympian…might as well use the authority.
He rose, turning to look at his new guest. He had to tilt his head up, to lock eyes with Athena. She was taller than he was, and built for combat, lithe but muscular. Standing at a solid 6'7, she was every bit an Amazon one might expect a God of war to be. Her blonde hair was straight with a few curls, like it couldn't decide between one or the other. Her regalia was still in full display, a marble white armor with gold lining, though she discarded the helmet. She smiled, tilting her head. While one might describe her face as demure, beautiful, and enrapturing…the truth was it was intense. While her smile was soft, her eyes were boring into him, studying every little detail. Hephaestus responded with a more relaxed attitude. Athena had shown they were not enemies earlier…though the spear certainly was unappreciated. He rubbed his hands on the Chiton he was wearing, pushing the dust and grime off his hands. Skilros never cleaned the forge apparently.
"I must touch something to get deeper into the history of it. The further away it is from my domain, the more time it can take. What brings you to me, Lady Athena?"
She gestured to the shield and spear she carried.
"I have seen your works up close. I have come to request your expertise."
He chuckled, shaking his head.
"I'm afraid it will have to wait my lady. I'll be heading to Poseidon's domain. It is proper to equip the original six first, no?"
Athena's eyes were sharp, peering at him with the analytical depth that he was, frankly, uncomfortable with. Why did that feel ironic for some reason?
"…you have a separate goal."
He shrugged helplessly, a dry smirk on his face. Lying did nothing but antagonize her, or any God for that matter. What he wasn't expecting was the quiet laugh.
"I didn't realize that I was so amusing my lady?"
Athena laughed even more, shaking her head.
"You appear to be on the hunt for something. If I were to guess…the previous smith?"
He stilled…wait…was she? Hephaestus almost laughed; it would appear The Goddess of War liked solving mysteries.
"I am happy to find that my little task is so amusing to you," he stated, "but I find myself wishing to hurry along the process of arming the original six. I'd hate for them to believe that I'm only forging weapons for Zeus and his children."
Like that would go very well. And considering the nature of the beings he was currently stuck with, a possibility that was all too real to joke about. He didn't need to be kidnapped or strong armed into doing things if he could avoid it.
"It is to my understanding that it takes mere moments to forge weapons and armor?"
"I'm afraid that is not in my experience. Truly…I must be going."
The longer he waited, the less likely Skilros would be left alive. If the God in question thought for a moment that Hephaestus was one their trail, then it was entirely possible that Skilros would be dead by the time he got there.
Athena frowned, rubbing her chin, a trait she seemed to copy from Zeus. The sudden shift was…offputting.
"…I really don't like it, this…façade of yours. The politeness is true, of that I can tell…but I do not appreciate your means of manipulating me out of a conversation."
…the fuck? He had to reorganize himself. What the hell was she on about? He was quick to remember that, for all her divine splendor, this was someone that had grown up entirely isolated, with only memories to learn from. Zeus's memories. Social interaction was not a skill she possessed.
"You…wished to speak to me?"
"Yes, was that not made clear?"
….ok than.
"As I said, I really do have to go…but if it would please you, I will notify you when I arrive back."
Athena scowled. But relented.
"Very well. The nature of your essence will have to wait. This…urgency of yours. I understand it little. What is driving you?"
"….honestly," muttered Hephaestus, politely moving around her, "revenge."
Wait, what did she say about his-
"…I didn't take you for the petty type," she muttered distastefully.
He ignored her. She spoke without knowing any context. If she did speak with context, it didn't matter. Skilros was going to die, one way or the other. The real question was if he'd get there fast enough to learn what he needed. He could simply use Hermes again, or any other deity for that matter. But the truth was he wanted to be as inconspicuous as possible, in divine terms. There was one method he had available…though, it wasn't inconspicuous. He moved through the random hallways of Olympus, ignoring the way Athena stared at him. He knew what lust felt like, and she was as barren and cold as the tundra.
There was something there he wasn't getting…but if he had to hazard a guess, it probably had something to do with his skillset, considering the way she opened the conversation. He could feel his power return to its normal means, the itchiness mostly gone. He could tell, the shard was far from implemented. But the nature of his power had returned to what it was. He exited through the gates. Below Olympus was the mountain it was centered on, but the clouds in theory hovered over all the Greek Pantheon's realm. It took naught but a thought for the sea to be beneath the clouds…and he jumped. There was no divine power, no magic to let people know he was moving quickly. It was merely the natural laws of gravity.
There was no doubt his absence from Olympus was noticed, but he wasn't concerned for them. There was no direct order for him to remain after all. Ifrit screamed through the air, enjoying the opportunity. He could feel his friend's joy at the thought of sharing the skies together. Terminal velocity was rather slow though. The God of Fire shivered as Ifrit's flames washed over him and the bird grew. Its back was soon large enough for Hephaestus to grab onto its feathers. He was confused…until the bird's flames combusted, and they lurched forward at incredible speeds. He could feel the wind tear at his face as Ifrit kept going faster and faster in the dive.
The bird dispersed entirely from him, retreating into his reality marble. The shock of such an action made his eyes go wide. His body was still and frozen from the implications he just felt and as such he landed face first straight into the ocean. The impact was great enough at this velocity to shatter the bones in his face, an injury that was quick to heal…it still hurt though. As he forced his nose back into its proper place, Hephaestus caught at his chest, feeling the way his divine beast settled within him. The little bastard was smug, feeling entirely vindicated at this new ability. Apparently, Ifrit hated being left behind and had brute forced a method to not be left behind anymore.
"I knew the nature of divine beasts were malleable but…this is just ridiculous," he muttered, "the damn bird can use divinity better than I can."
It was funny in a way, but also entirely embarrassing. He had accepted that he would never wield the powers of pure divinity as well as other Gods but…to be outshined by the bird? The cackling he heard from the petty bastard within him sparked a memory, the sight that Ifrit shared with him, it made Hephaestus burst out laughing for the first time in years. Ifrit had been learning just as Hephaestus was with magic! Looking and nodding along with what Kassandra had taught them, eying the runes from Hephaestus' memories. It was an incredible, outstanding event! Thankfully, the velocity he had from the impact had drifted Hephaestus through the ocean relatively quickly while mired in his thoughts, his weight a contributing factor.
But now, he forced his power to propel him through the waters of Poseidon, ensuring that his energy was clear and concise. He didn't want to be accused of sneaking in. It was the right decision, because the water began to swirl around him, the depths twisting and churning to reveal the kingdom of the seas. The homes that he saw were made from a variety of materials and were in a large array of designs. Some were human-like and in the shape of homes, others were hollowed out tunnels in large coral reefs. The list could go on, but what attracted the artist within most was the sheer color. It was if the tapestry of the color spectrum had become a physical and viewable thing, some of the homes even drifting between different colors languidly.
It was beautiful. A complete creation, molded by the hands of both artist and nature. He stopped moving, waiting for someone to approach him, a moment that was relatively quick thankfully. A being that he could assume was Triton approached him. The same dark hair that he had seen on Poseidon with the same sea green eyes. The lower half of his body was akin to a shark, one with a few battle marks. Gods were normally unable to bear scars…the ones that did would have done battle with beings of immense power. For Gods to bear scars was, ironically, not seen in a negative light, considering the general attitude they had for beauty. If anything, it was a sign of great power. For someone in Zeus' case, the fact he bore no scars at all for having fought the Titans was a mark of even greater prestige. Context mattered in the perspective of the Gods. To bear the marks of great battles was something to respect. To be deformed at birth…
He stopped his thoughts there, allowing Triton the time to perform whatever customs were native to this area of the Pantheon.
"Welcome Lord Hephaestus,"
He resisted the urge to shiver; the idea of Lord being put to his name an uncomfortable one.
"My father has requested that you come to the throne room. He's quite curious why you've come this way."
He doubted that many would show up unannounced like this, but Hephaestus had a plan. From the way that Hestia spoke to him, he could gather that most of the Gods figured he was a naïve Godling, one that knew little of their laws and customs. While some would frown at the idea of using that to the fullest, Hephaestus had little issues doing so. The idea of pride getting in the way of something as basic as political manipulation was laughable. If this was the image the Gods had of him, alongside whatever preconceptions they had, then so be it. Might as well use it to the fullest. He may not know all the rules…but that didn't mean he lacked the skill to play. Hecate had shown him there was a lot that he wasn't entirely aware of. The laws of Xenia were still a mystery to him. The laws of hospitality were clear…but if he were to hazard a guess, it was probably the laws of Xenia, in some form, that allowed Hecate to pull the bullshit of speaking about Hospitality. She had attacked the nymphs…or…than again, he had never bothered to check exactly what happened there. If the nymphs attacked first, then Hecate did indeed go easy on them.
Following Triton was a quick affair, the two blitzing through the city with little care. The craftsman had never left his little cave when Thetis had dropped him off here…but he had looked upon the city and its splendors from the distance. It was how the cyclops had deprived him of one of his creations, having snuck in while he brooded at the city. The irritation was felt even more strongly, what was once a minor annoyance now feeling more like a grievance. Even his impatience to find Skilros was slightly unusual. Still, those were thoughts for another time. As they two Gods swam through the oceans, Hephaestus studied the rapidly developing palace. It was large and filled with grandeur, the outer walls built with a slightly craggy exterior, one that was beautiful in the way that it seemed entirely natural. Through the gate, one manned with many an aquatic beast, both mystical and natural, he saw even greater designs. Natural braziers made of stone, flames that burned green, and a natural ambiance that was intentionally welcoming. His smile grew, seeing the designs of an artist in this work. The skill was not entirely…up to par, but the raw talent more than made up for what few errors he came across.
This was a beautiful palace, one that was more gothic in nature. As they entered the palace proper, Triton became a full man, losing the shark tail and growing human legs. He landed on the stonework, the ocean giving way as they delved further to the throne room. It wasn't that they lifted out of the water, but rather the water simply ceased to be. Standing side by side, Triton was a good head shorter than Hephaestus was. He seemed annoyed at the way the blacksmith God looked at his home in wonder, but mostly at the idea he had to look up at him. A fact said God barely noticed. As they entered the throne room, Triton noticed that his father was absent, but his mother was ready to greet them. He groaned internally, watching his mother smile with pride, watching as the new craftsman of Olympus looked upon her work. He really hoped she didn't start bragging again or worse yet, start designing. He wouldn't feel so grumpy about it if his father didn't support her all the time. There was only so many times a man wanted his house to change. He woke up once in a hallway he didn't even recognize! He lived here damnit! His grimace grew, noticing the way Hephaestus' smile kept growing.
"I see someone appreciates the arts."
The god of fire turned and faced the queen of the seas, Amphitrite. Poseidon was still nowhere to be seen, but then again it was possible it was a political tactic. He didn't care now, giving the queen a polite smile and a formal bow. Amphitrite was, like any Goddess, a beauty. Her hair was a lavish green, with eyes that shone with a coral pink. She…well she was also nude, show casing a full figure. For all that Hephaestus had experienced as EMIYA, the sight of an actual naked woman was…well he was young damnit! Kind of…somewhat. He did his best, but he was ashamed to admit his eyes wandered more than they should. Still, he was able to speak fluently at least.
"Queen Amphitrite, I thank you for accepting me at such short notice. Your home is…beautiful. I don't think I've ever seen marble like this…is this natural? If not, its impressive in its make."
Triton closed his eyes. He was screwed. Might as well get his affairs in order. He quickly dispersed, the young prince caring very little for things like procedure and due course. That, and he didn't want to see his mother flirting with someone if it came down to it. Hephaestus watched Triton leave, having never noticed that when he took human form, that his lower half was just as nude. He blinked, breathing a sigh of relief. He was worried there was some sort of political bullshit. He had heard in some myths that Amphitrite was usually presented as a naked woman, but he had hoped that was just the wishful thinking of the Greeks. Thankfully, it just seemed she was a nudist. He hoped. She carried on without a concern.
"It is natural. You can only find this marble deep within the trenches of the ocean, not entirely easy to get but not that difficult either. Oh, the sheen they have just mixes with the natural stones above perfectly!"
She sighed, waving at the servants around her.
"Some ambrosia for the fellow. I apologize for my boy, he's not usually so….belligerent."
"It's quite alright. I do not expect any piety or respect towards me. I did show up unannounced after all."
He could see that for all her easy-going attitude, that this was a woman wearing a mask, one with many faces. The way she asked the next question so easily, made it obvious she had directed the conversation there.
"So, what brings you here Lord Hephaestus? It's rare that we receive visitors outside of celebrations after all."
"I am here for two reasons. Primarily, I am here to forge Poseidon's symbol of power."
She blinked.
"…you needed to come here for that?"
"Zeus' penchant for the spear is wildly known, but Poseidon I do not know quite as well. I wish to ensure that his weapon or item," he clarified, "will be up to what he wishes. I also doubt that he would leave his blood or other such regents out in the open. I understand that his blood is relatively…volatile?"
That was an understatement. Zeus' blood merely burst into a gust of wind if it were to ever spill and get into contact with anything. Poseidon was the raw unadulterated power of the seas. If his blood spilled on land, the earth would shake and break asunder. If it fell in the oceans then Tsunamis, Hurricanes, and horrific storms would be the least of their worries. Poseidon also dealt with the more disastrous beasts that lay dormant in the depths. It was why his Kingdom was so deep in the ocean, far away from landmasses. His blood being spilled in battle was not an uncommon occurrence. At least at this depth, his sister and brothers' domains were left relatively untouched by the wrath of the sea. So yes, Poseidon's particular symbol needed a more direct intervention. There was no telling what could happen if there was an incident in Mount. Olympus. Though, the fact that it was Hestia that gave him this knowledge was even more evidence that she knew precisely what he was after. The woman before him seemed to glow with pride. He meant that literally, as the surface of her skin began to shine like the luminescence of the sun hitting water.
"You are correct, my husband's strength is not something we should leave to run wild in your forge," smiled Amphitrite, her pride obvious and deep as the colors began to shift.
He had heard that Poseidon and his queen were relatively amorous with each other, a rarity in marriages between deities. A more modern interpretation of their success would contribute this love to their open relationship. Both knew they were not the single type, yet they made it work. While Hephaestus was not one to follow such a concept, he did respect the fact that it worked for them.
"The second reason?" demanded the Queen of the Seas.
"Skilros."
She blinked. He scowled.
"I have a score to settle, a grievance he enacted upon me. I've come to collect. Do you know where he is?"
Being straight and open was the fastest way to cut through the bullshit.
"…Your demands are heard Lord of Olympus…but Skilros is under my husband's protection. He has been welcomed back to the service of his original lord, so for Poseidon to simply hand him to you for your petty vengeance…the answer is no."
Interesting. The switch between docile queen to this shark like persona. It was easy to forget that Amphitrite was a Titan of the Oceans, equal to her husband in terms of raw divinity, though weaker in terms of authority. They would be true equals if she had the same ability to condense her divinity for greater power, like the Gods did. Her true form was, thankfully, not like a God. He didn't need her going nuclear thank you. Still…that didn't mean it was time to pick a fight.
"Can an arrangement be made?" asked Hephaestus.
He needed that information…but he wanted that fucker dead. An attack on him was irrelevant. He didn't care. If it was politically a better option to let Skilros live, he would've accepted the option without an issue if it was just him. But that was the problem, the thorn in his otherwise logical mind. Skilros was the being who triggered the death of Calliope and her entire family. The entire village they lived in was slaughtered to the last man. He may have burnt the village down, but there was not a soul living in that place when it happened. The idea that someone died just because this asshole couldn't keep his jealousy contained was absolutely infuriating. To add further insult to injury, the fucker was a fake! God, to think he would begin to see things Gilgamesh's way was also hate inducing! The fact the cyclops proclaimed the skill of others like his own was…it was an insult to the very domains he embodied!
"Calm yourself Nephew, I can see your seriousness about this."
He blinked, looking to the sound. Before him, roughly equal height, was Poseidon himself. He had a fresh bloody injury on his shoulder. It was covered by a small bubble of his own divinity, preventing the power from leaking. He could feel it from here, like he was standing in the center of a hurricane or staring down the bottom of a tsunami. The god of the seas indeed. Poseidon's human appearance was…unexpected. His eyes a deep green, his hair jet black, his musculature broad. The injuries on his person, the few scars that could be seen. Everything pointed at a stern and unbending figure. Yet, the man seemed so…relaxed? His smile was wide, his eyes rested, and his shoulders were laxed as if he didn't have a care in the world. Like he just wanted to fish at a pier and drink a beer. Like he was just chilling amongst the waves that he embodied. He even smiled and held his arm out for his wife, a space she gladly took.
Hephaestus knew that Poseidon was simultaneously the most reasonable and unreasonable God in the Olympic Pantheon. His moods were volatile, and his emotions deep. If Poseidon considered you a friend, you were a friend for life. If he considered you an enemy, then every grievance and bodily horror would be afflicted to you. He didn't love and hate the way humans and even Gods did. This man invested everything, flowing from what state to another…a fact that the story of Odysseus in his previous life could attest.
"Sorry for the delay, had a few leviathans to take care of. They get antsy this time of year."
He shrugged, as if talking about tackling a few beasts of legend was a simple affair.
"You injured yourself, again," muttered his wife.
"I'm fine," he smiled, turning to his nephew, "so, grievance with Skilros huh? I can be persuaded to let you have your way."
Both fire and water stared at Poseidon, Hephaestus in hope and Amphitrite in surprise.
"Are you sure?"
Poseidon grinned.
"I figured out early on that Skilros was not entirely as "skilled" as he claimed to be."
Did…did this asshole just pull a dad joke. Hephaestus faced was like stone as he realized that all the Gods he was coming across were more human than he liked. He didn't like it. It was weird. Why was the God of the seas this surfer-like, dad joking, relaxed person? Then he felt it, the subtle shift in Poseidon's mood, the way his eyes sharpened.
"Better keep those thoughts to yourself Nephew. I know how people tend to see me. Best not be one of them, hmm?"
Hephaestus bowed, both in apology and in his own way top fix his face. How long as he been emoting his thoughts for? As EMIYA he…shit. Hephaestus sighed, realizing that EMIYA had mastered the control of his emotions. Hephaestus did not. He needed to be more careful in the future.
"I've heard of your might Uncle," he said in truth, "I expected…"
"Someone like Ares," he said smirking.
The seas relaxed, as Poseidon shifted to his more relaxed state. He kissed the head of his wife and rolled his shoulders.
"I get it little Nephew, I do. Skilros hasn't been producing as he should, that and the inconsistencies in his product are pissing me off."
He grinned, pointing at him.
"Still, the works he churns out are better than most, even if a few end up duds. He's not easy to replace."
Hephaestus smiled.
"Then you'll be happy to note that it is not Skilros you should be using, but his three apprentices."
Poseidon blinked. "…well duh."
Poseidon laughed at the confused expression.
"I can see why you might be confused. We've known all along that Skilros wasn't the forge master. The issue isn't the quality of the metal, but the resilience of it. I had assumed that working from divine materials to more normal metals would imply greater strength. But no, his enchantments don't always take. I've lost a few soldiers, good soldiers, to his weapons lack of durability."
He grinned. "Solve that issue for me, than you can have Skilros."
"…you want indestructible weapons?"
He shrugged, leaving with his wife in tow. He waved behind him.
"That's all I want! Fix that issue and Skilros is yours, I won't have a use for him anymore."
Relaxed as a sunny day, but as ruthless as a riptide. He sacrificed Skilros without a second thought and honestly, he was here for it. The cyclops deserved death…now he just needed to figure out a way to fix the issue. Indestructibility was easy to invoke as long as he created the item, his domain and magic enough to invoke the enchantment outright. The issue was teaching. How the fuck was he supposed to teach these Cyclops how to do it in a short time? The longer he took, the more likely Skilros would be silenced. He wasn't concerned with curses or anything of the sort. He was prepared for any contingency, aside from Skilros outright dying. Damnit…he didn't have time for this. Hephaestus left the throne room, now concerned with finding the cyclops that worked for his uncle.
He needed to find Skilros, NOW.
-Chapter End-
Bit of a long stretch this one, as I wanted the opportunity to express the complexities of divine confrontations, in that they have physical and divine means of resolving. Hopefully it made sense! As promised here are some inspirations I had for his voice, with number one beign the one I currently imagine to be the most accurate!
1. Henry Cavill (Geralt): The raspiness and depth really work for him, especially the fact that this voice isn't really one that raised or yells. The sense of calm and consistency really adds to the character.
2. Peter Collins (Optimus Prime): I regret nothing. The idea of this character having such a deep and timber voice, it's just soothing in the idea itself. This is another voice that I feel adds a sense of age to Hephaestus, and again with the idea of calmness.
3. Chris Hemsworth: I like his voice overall, feel that it's a more natural state, with a slow timber that I like. But, it's not as inspired as the other two choices. Still, it pops up every now and again.
Feel free to offer your own opinion and ideas! I'll add em to a list so that we can vote together for the one true voice XD Not like it matters, but just a little bit of fun!
Now, onto other matters. Arcane Craftsman is getting the boot. A lot of the ideas that I had for crafting in the Arcane Craftsman were truthfully tied to this story idea, as some of you might have noticed. The story was a direct result of me reading Coeur Al'Aran's story. In a way it was a letter of joy to the story that I enjoyed so much and as such, it was a hollow thing. Beautiful and LOADS of fun. I might do another gamer-esque setting (or RPG-Lit as I've been told it called), but it will be given the focus and care it deserves. Considering that, listed below are the current developments for each story, so that you the reader can see the progress if any for each chapter! Bouncing back and forth seems to be really working for me, as it lets me flow from one story to the other when I'm struck by the muse, rather than trying to force it to happen.
1. Kintsugi Chapter 7: 320 words
2. Strawhats: 4,500 words.
3. Supernatural Love: 3,200 words.
4. Fate/Clover: 1,300 words.
For further consideration, some story ideas that are currently in development. They are not fully developed, but rather are currently in the "Kintsugi" phase of story drafting. I'm kind of stuck, not gonna lie. I love them all XD. So feel free to give your thoughts and opinions! Three different story ideas will be posted at the end of the Strawhat update. If I'm up for writing another story to replace Arcane Craftsman, then I'll post a final list for people to vote on, if I'm struggling for which one to write! (feel free to skip if not interested).
1. The Hippocratic Oath (Skyrim Fic)
· A young doctor finds himself stuck in the lands of Skyrim, having died in a car accident. He had spent the entirety of what few moments he had left, desperately wishing to save those around him. For the ability to heal. He got his wish, having found himself in the care of the temples and the devout, in a land called Skyrim. It was a beautiful and horrible place all in one, but it was one in which he could heal and cure with a wave of the hand. He learned a lot from the temple but had to go his separate ways. Too many rules and conditions, too much racism and preference for the rich. He sets out, intent on making whatever living he can for a life he didn't expect to have. He knew the road would be harsh, the journey difficult, but he knew in his heart of hearts that he would be an excellent doc… "is that a fucking dragon!? WHY DO I HEAR MUSIC!?"
Oh, he was also the dragonborn. How was a doctor, that swore to do no harm, meant to reconcile with the murder hobo lifestyle of the dragonborn? Hilariously, that was how. (Not much planned as of yet, just a whim really.)
2. Superman Evolution (Superman/X-men Evolution Fanfic)
· Clark Kent was your average everyday kid. Some would call him a bit depressing, but he was kind and helpful. Just didn't hang out much was all some might say. Except, he wasn't average at all, no matter how much he told himself that he wanted to be. He couldn't hug people, too afraid to crush them. He could race with the other kids, moving so fast that the air rippled. He couldn't even tussle with others…his body so resilient that you'd break your hand throwing a punch at him. He wasn't normal…and he hated it. His parents…they were great, he should be happy. He felt guilty that he wasn't happy, but instead he felt so alone. He tried his best, trying to figure out why it was that he was here…why it was that he was born with these gifts…why he was alone. There was a day, like any other, where he had just been walking down the road. Someone was in danger, someone that he had rescued without them even knowing. A mother and her son, just driving through. He thought that would be the end of it…until a man in a wheelchair came knocking on their door. Apparently, Gabriella Haller was the one person in the world that changed Clark's life forever. Welcome to the X-Men. (The idea is to use the setting and materials from both worlds. The "X-Men" are not really sent on missions so much as they are trained to use their powers to retain better control. Charles doesn't send them on missions, but instead they function more as a mutant rescue op. Magneto is called out on his racist bullshit. He has points, not going to lie. Humans are assholes and some need to be put into the dirt. However, the fact that more characters do not call the Nazi Survivor out for shit like "Homo-Superior" and that mutants are the "Master Race". Come on, the trauma alone is just ripe for exploring. Action, Adventure, and Character exploration galore. Not really a dark and dreary story, for those that like their stories like that).
3. A Fool's Journey (RWBY/Persona)
· The power of the fool was limitless, an open canvas of the mind for the Wild Card to develop as they please. For many, it was the power, the journey from fool to spiritual actualization, the realization of the self. It was said that a person was at their strongest when they knew themselves fully. It was nothing short of an exemplary exploration of a boy becoming man amidst the struggles we call life. It was too bad such a power existed within the blind fool known as Jaune. A power born from the Goddess of will, Jaune awakens to the power of the fool and finds strength in the bonds he forges with others. The journey of a fool, into a man. The journey of a dream into reality. The question however…was which dream would be pursued?
· (This story will focus on characters with ample action. Jaune's "Personas" will instead take the form of weapons and semblance like powers, rather than astral beings he can call upon. Each of the confidant weapons will crack open a piece of Jaune's self and his perspective, showing the journey of a boy into a man. Not gonna spoil everything but this god damn idea would not LEAVE ME BE! Have as much fun or hate for the idea as you would like. Jaune's powers will be a bit like Noctis from final fantasy, in the respect that each confidant creates a weapon/power set that he can call upon. Each with their strength and weaknesses). Pairings as always, Jaune/Pyrrha…or Jaune/Yang? BOTH!? NEITHER! WHAT IS HAPPENING! EGADS!? THE BLASPHEMY!?