Chapter Text
There was never a day where the grand forge wasn't busy. Day and night, the sound of ringing hammers crossed the air. Many of Hephaistos' workers never seemed to sleep, when even the god of the forge himself would sometimes take breaks by the lava pool occupied by his dragon friend.
"Those who live here... Are they gods, too?" Abolish asked at some point. His voice was a low, growling purr, when his friend sat by his side and patted his big, rough snout.
"No, they aren't..." Hephaistos chuckled. "Some of them are immortals, though. Many of them, my distant relatives. My spawns and creations, too."
"How is that different?"
"Look," the blacksmith pointed at one of the mysterious men of bronze that crossed the forge. Their shape was vaguely humanoid, but their movement was stiff, mechanical. Their limbs were reminiscent of the artificial arm and leg of Hephaestus. Each movement caused small, mechanical parts inside of them to tick and gruff. "I've created many automatons in my time, each more polished than the last... Ya ought to meet my most proud creation, Talos."
"Maybe one day..." The dragon licked his fangs. "What about the others?"
"Giants, cyclops, even centaurs sometimes make their home here... It's like I told ya. Everyone who has respect for my craft can find a home here. As per the rule of hospitality."
The beast nodded. Maybe that's why they've been feeling less like an intruder as time passed by. They finally understood the beauty of forging, and were willing to learn. Even if admitting so still felt daunting.
"I've had humans living here, at one point..."
"Humans," the beast responded. He's heard that name many times before, but when Hephaistos mentioned them like that, apart from all the creatures living in the forge, it piqued his interest. "You mentioned them before... But I don't understand what they are."
"I assume you'd have to get between them to understand... They're strange creatures. They build their own settlements, make families and structures... And they pray to us. They recognize we stand above them, and that their lives are in our hands. We created them, and if needed, they can be destroyed by us."
"Do you want them to be destroyed?"
The master of the forge responded with laughter.
"I might be one of the few gods that doesn't wish any human ill. They're strange creatures of mortal blood and soft flesh... Endearing, in a way."
"They sound... Interesting," the dragon finally admitted. "I don't think I've ever seen them."
"They weren't around during Typhon's times yet... You might have just missed them. But if you ever get a chance to encounter them... If you lead with kindness and open arms, they will repay ya with the same."
A soft, white shape crossed the air just above their heads. The dragon left a quiet growl, observing the strange shape. Hephaistos raised his arm and a creature landed on his wrist. A bird, mostly white and in the color of sand, with large, almost human-like eyes. Even without opening their beak, the bird's voice, soft and clear, rang in the heads of both the god of the forge and his serpentine companion.
"Well met, brother."
"Been a while since you showed up in my forge, sister Athena... Just like Ares, who happened to come here not too long ago..." Hephaistos raised from the ground, still carrying the owl on his wrist. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Ares was here?" The bird fluffed up for a moment. "Ah. So you know about the war between the humans."
"He did make me aware of it, yes."
"Have you given him an answer?"
"I have not. And I still haven't made up my mind, if that's why ya came."
The dragon watched the bird with curiosity. She was so tiny and appeared fragilen, and yet... Great might beamed from her soft statue. Similar to the aura that surrounded Hephaistos and Ares – but different, in her own way. Hers was a lot more regal, and didn't make Abolish feel as threatened. Even if he recognized that she could be dangerous.
"I urge you to make up your mind eventually, brother."
"Do we, gods, have to get involved with every human conflict?" Hephaistos sighed. "Why can't we spend this time better? Why does this have to be the only time we come together, to then destroy each other?"
"Such is the way of a growing world. Don't you think I don't dream of a world where conflicts can be resolved through talking, not killing. But this is not the world we live in."
The owl suddenly turned her head in the direction of the dragon. She did it at an angle that startled the beast for a second, as it didn't look exactly natural. Her bright, blue eyes met his, orange and burning. In just a second, Abolish felt as if she immediately knew everything about him. Even so, she didn't appear hostile. There was respect to her intrigue. Athena slightly nodded her head, and the beast repeated the gesture back to her.
"Still, I'd rather avoid getting involved, if possible."
"You can stay neutral for now, sure. But you know what your role would be in this conflict. Since you're the provider of weaponry..."
"I bet you'd be amazing at forging, sister, if you gave it a try." While still holding the bird steady on his hand, Hephaistos approached his anvil and picked up the hammer. "How is Aegis serving you, by the way?"
"Very well. Your crafts are the greatest there are, and you know that, brother."
"I do know that..." The god of the forge laughed in response, but his tone quickly dropped. "You want me to supply your people with weapons, don't you, Athena?"
"I won't force you into anything. But the Greeks have a right to fight for what was taken from them."
"Knowing you, it's about more than just a woman..." Hephaistos sighed. "I'll consider it. To be honest, I'd rather share sides with you than with Ares..."
Athena smiled, which looked slightly silly in her owl form. She jumped from her brother's wrist on his shoulder.
"You'd rather share sides with me, than with your wife?"
"I doubt my lady would mind. This war is probably just a game for her, anyway. I won't stand in her way."
"A wise man you are, Hephaistos." Athena picked up into the air and circled over the head of the dragon. "Be well. I shall return, if you make your choice."
"Good luck, sister. May Fates be kind to those who oppose you."
Moments later, the bird flew out of the forge. The dragon turned to Hephaistos, who had a sort of sad, concerned look on his face.
"Family?" The beast asked.
"Yes, Abolish. Family."
Finally, the third fight in the arena provided Abolish with come entertainment.
Sausage and Owen fought on similar terms as Cleo and Drift, but at least they looked like they were trying. Their constant apologies and pleads were a little corny, and neither of them made for an experienced warrior, but seeing two of the Featherholders forced to fight against each other was at least interesting. Their allies stood back in disbelief and fear, while the half of the arena where everyone else resided was ecstatic. As if, for just a moment, they forget that they could end up down there the very next day.
Abolish would've enjoyed this fight more, if it wasn't for the puzzling issue with his weapon that occupied his mind. He kept his spear close to himself, hoping people wouldn't pick up on it, and stroked it with his fingers, deep in wonder. There had to be a way to reverse it back into its original shape of a sword – if he transformed it once, surely he could do it again. But how would he be able to do that? And why could he do it in the first place? Every time he looked down at his sword, he could tell there was something about it he didn't quite understand. Even if that sword followed him here from his mortal life, there was something strange to it. And he needed to figure it out before he'd get drafted to the arena.
So as soon as the fight ended, with Sausage getting stabbed in the back by Owen, Abolish snuck out of the arena and wandered off.
He didn't return to his forge, hoping he would get some peace and silence away from home. The thick woods overgrowing nearby hills seemed like a perfect hiding place. Moonlight peeked gently between the leaves, cold breeze running circles around tree trunks. The champion of Hephaistos found a safe spot nestled between ageless trees, atop soft, moist grass. Even with the chill of the evening, he still felt comfortably warm. He placed his spear on his lap and began examining it closely.
"You don't even look bronze... Weird..." He hummed, sliding his hand along the handle. "You look like you were made from one piece of metal, as there's no place where the handle and the blade connects..." Abolish lifted the spear and twirled it in his hand. "Light, but comfortable. Do you have any other abilities, like the sword did...?"
The weapon couldn't just tell him, obviously. But maybe, if he listened close enough... Abolish remembered some sort of lesson, taught to him by an old friend way back when. The lesson about listening to metal. It worked when he forged the spear for Shelby. Would it work this time, too? He couldn't even recall whether it was him who forged this weapon in the first place. If he didn't, would the ore even want to speak to him? The warrior took a deep breath, gently gripping the weapon. Thin streaks of smoke escaped his lips with the warm exhale. It felt as if the metal vibrated softly within his fingers. Abolish struggled to stay focused. The only time when his mind could stay concentrated was when he fought, or forged – otherwise, it could run for hours. How long would it take him to tune into the heartbeat of the spear and find a connection with it?
And then, just as he felt he almost got it, an arrow crossed the air and pierced a tree trunk inches over his head.
Abolish twitched and immediately lifted his head. Moments later, Nobody's embarrassed face emerged from between the bushes.
"Sorry, man! I took you for a boar..."
Abolish furrowed his brows. "Do I look like a bear to you?"
"I mean, if you had tusks, and some more hair..."
"But I don't," the warrior responded, then tilted his head back to look at the arrow. "How many people have you mistaken for a boar in your life?"
"You don't want to know..." Nobody snickered, then sat a few feet away from him. "Were you looking for me?"
"No, I wasn't... Why?"
"I mean, you're quite close to where I'm living." Nobody gestured with his head. Nearby, a strange shape made out of wood poked out between the trees. Abolish squinted, trying to make it out in the darkness. "The deer makes for a good landmark..."
"You built a deer statue? Why?"
"For my goddess, of course. To thank her for all she did to me."
"But you died during your first fight in the arena," Abolish pointed out. Nobody smiled awkwardly once more.
"I did, but... Still, I'd rather be on her good side. After all, it's not like she completely abandoned me out here... She gifted me this last morning." Nobody pulled out a bow. It looked a lot larger and sturdier than the one he was using earlier. The ends even looked like antlers, and the intricate carvings along the edges looked like it was meant to be purely decorative. But if it was a gift from the goddess of the hunt... "Your god also gifted you something, I see?" He pointed to the spear.
"Huh? I- Uh, well... Kinda. I think." Abolish put his spear away. It felt awkward talking about it with someone, but... Nobody was an ally, or at least he could be one. He was definitely more trustworthy than some of the people out there. Maybe he'd at least nudge him in the right direction...? "I... When I awakened here, I was armed with a sword. But, there seems to be something... Strange about it. Last night, when I was training, it suddenly transformed into a spear. I think it was me who did it, but I can't seem to figure out how to turn it back."
"Can I see?"
Abolish gripped the spear and showed it to the hunter, but didn't let go of it. Nobody looked over it curiously.
"Interesting... I've never fought with a spear, though. Have you?"
"I have... It's not usually a weapon of choice for me, but I do know how to wield it. If I'm stuck with it now, it's fine, but..." He sighed and pulled his spear closer. "I already feel like I'm missing a lot. I'd rather get a grasp of my own abilities, before I have to use them in a real fight. I mean, don't get me wrong, I'll easily kill anyone this arena throws at me... But everyone having superpowers makes things slightly more complicated."
"I getcha... I also wasn't used to fighting against someone who can just cast darkness on me." Nobody shivered. "It might be the most obvious solution, but... Have you tried praying to your god?"
It may have sounded obvious, but Abolish didn't really think of doing that. The closest thing to that he did was forging the spear for Shelby – it was a form of prayer to him. But straight up asking Hephaistos for guidance... It felt strange. As if he shouldn't do it. He couldn't remember the exact reason why he was so wary – he just knew he didn't feel worthy of asking for the forge god's aid.
"I... I need to figure this out by myself."
Nobody smirked.
"You got issues with your patron god?"
"I... I don't think so. I just don't want to bother him. I'm sure he's got better things to do than answering my questions."
"Well then... Eventually, we'll all end up in the arena. So if you want to figure it out by yourself, you better start now."
"Well, I was trying, before you almost shot me." Abolish sighed and once again pulled his fingers against the cold metal. "I feel... Something in this metal. Like I can shape it, with just my will. But... I don't know if I can pull it off."
"Well, it's your weapon... Whether you made it, or whether your god gave it to you, it's within your control now."
"It is..." Abolish repeated, before getting up from the ground. "I'll try. Just... Don't laugh."
Nobody smiled and shook his head. "I'd never. Unless you fail spectacularly."
"Then I better not do that."
Abolish swung the spear widely, which caused his friend to back off a little. The weapon was light and nimble, as if wind itself guided his hand. When he focused hard enough, the soft vibrations of metal returned. It felt like a gentle ebb and flow under the cold surface. As if there was an ocean trapped within the metal. The longer the warrior tried to focus, more things began coming back to him. The drawing of a spear, scribbled in great detail on a wall. Hot sand underneath his feet. Loud, bustling cities that carried him within their stream. Warm sun upon his skin.
Then, hot, molten rock, and rough, heated rock. The loud, rhythmic ringing of a hammer against an anvil. His free hand suddenly felt heavier – as if he was holding a hammer. Did he forge it after all? Or did he just witness its creation?
More sensations returned to him. Hot air hitting his face, sweat dripping down his arms. Melting metal between his fingers. Someone's large, rough hand on his shoulder. And then, the gentle, reassuring voice of a friend.
"You've got this, Abolish. I'm here for ya."
The voice in his head was so sudden and so real, he almost fell back and hit the tree. One swing of his weapon, and the swift spear suddenly transformed back into a black sword, sparks and ash coming off the blade. His hands felt sweaty, his eyes welled up with tears out of nowhere. Abolish gasped for air and looked at Nobody, who looked equal parts excited and concerned.
"Hey, you did it! Are you alright?"
"I... I think so." Abolish nodded and looked down at his sword. Even now, he could still feel the soft vibrations of the metal. They weren't even limited to his weapon anymore. The bronze bracelets on his arms also seemed to tinge with some sort of strange, unseen power. But that was to be explored in the near future, once he gathered his thoughts. "I think I can do it. It just... Takes a lot of focus."
"I can tell... Do you think it's just those two weapons? Or can you do something else with it?"
"I think I can. But I need time to figure it out." He paused for a second, then asked in a slightly quieter tone "Can I... See that deer statue of yours?"
Nobody smiled. "Sure, come 'ere..."
For something that was only put together within a day or so, the statue was very impressive. It was taller than either of them and carved so intricately, Abolish would've taken it for a real animal if he saw it from afar by himself. There was a small offering left by its hooves, a skinned rabbit. For a second, the warrior wondered what sort of offering he could leave to his god.
"It's nice..." He pulled his hand over the statue's side. "You're good at this... When did you find the time to make it?"
"For my goddess, I'll always find the time to thank her for a good hunt." Nobody responded. "And... It's relaxing. My mom taught me how to carve, and I return to it when things get tough."
"I... I wasn't always just a warrior. I also tried blacksmithing." Abolish revealed quietly. "I don't have much experience, and I was never really good at it, but... I liked it. It was relaxing, and it took off the pressure."
Nobody chuckled. "Well, that's what matters. Maybe you can show me how you do it one day?"
"I... I can. You can come into my forge one day. You can do woodcarving, and I'll do my forging. Does that sound nice?"
"It does."
Once Abolish left Nobody, the weapon in his hand felt different. More firm, heavier, but in a good way. As if the little vibrations of metal synced with his heartbeat, gently beating under his skin and within his grip. The voice of a long lost friend still rang in his ears. He didn't remember much, just that he missed him a lot.
But why would he forget...?