Author's Note!

Hey there! YOU EXPECTED NOTHING, BU IT IS ME, DI-cough.

I went for a bathroom break a while ago and I think I can continue writing. I think I am... Wait, what? August 7th?! AND IT'S FREAKING 2017?! WHAT THE HELL?! DID I ENTER THE TWILIGHT ZONE?! WHAT THE ACTUAL ^$%# #! I'm sooooooo dead... I'm very very very very very very very dead.

Anyways, I am so sorry for the super long wait. One thing lead to another and I never realized more than a year has passed. I've encountered an Olympus-sized writers block from fleshing out the fight scenes from my other novel. And FREAKING FINALLY! I think I can manage myself to finish that fabled chapter. That's why while I let that cool down a bit, I can write my other stories. While were on this note, I am still shocked beyond belief that even after my long absence, my stories garnered attention. When I logged in here the first time since forever, I found out that two stories, "A Badger And A Sloth" and "Tara King's Winning Performance" made it to the final list of nominees for this year's Fannie Awards in the Best Alternate Pairing and Best Friendship categories. Thank you.

NO ONE EXPECTS PROGRESS.

So let's get this started! I am kmtdiccion and here is the sudden update of:

"The Fire In My Heart"
by: kmtdiccion

Chapter Seven

"Y-You're..." The god of forges could only blink in shot when the serene face of the woman who stepped out of the bonfire shone on him with a bright smile. Hephaestus knew that there are only two beings who share the affinity of fire in Olympus, and he's right when he feels the familiar hug the woman is giving him. Returning the gesture with a tighter hug, Hephaestus smiles and mumbled her name "A-Aunt Hestia, it's been a while."

Said goddess warmed up from his affectionate greeting and responded "It is, my nephew. I've been looking out for you ever since you didn't come back to Olympus." Hestia is by far one of Hephaestus' favorite goddess. Not only is she one like him, in an elemental sense, but she's the most kindhearted woman he has ever met in his immortal life. Kind to everyone, and in turn was loved by every single Olympian. Also by being the Goddess of the Hearth, the stories she share envelops anyone into a serene state, lulling them into a sense of affection and love. Truly, her aunt is one of a kind that he sometimes wished that she was the one who birthed him, although an improbable chance that was.

"Why have you come? Do you have something of need for me?" Hephaestus asked, which made goddess halt for a second. The light of joy from their eyes slowly withered when they sensed the impending doom. Hestia recollected herself before speaking again.

"Hephaestus, I know that the others might not notice, but you and I know that you can't stay in this place forever. You are an immortal, Hephaestus, and sooner or later you have to go back." The smile wavered with concern when she saw the drop from his eyes. She knew how special Hephaestus is having, but he must uphold his duty as an Olympian. "I don't know if you noticed, but someone is masking your presence here. But, that won't last long once they catch up with what's actually happening. The sooner you return, the more you can avoid your father's wrath. I am really concerned for you, my nephew, so please head this warning."

"I know," Hestia winced as she can feel the pain from his words "I know that I have to get back, but can't I at least have a little moment with her? I was far happier with her from the past few days than a millennium up in that mountain. Don't I deserve a chance to be happy?" Hephaestus asked in his hushed voice. He was starting to have the time of his life, but it seems fate is not content on making him miserable. When the Goddess of the Hearth didn't say anything, he continued "I know, but it still hurts to think that even the Fates don't want me to smile. Haven't I suffered for far too long?"

Hestia's heart continue to break when she can feel his body releasing a cacophony of shivers and held cries. She really hated to see someone, especially the one you cherish, be gloomy and sad, but what can she do? She can't go against the entirety of Olympus. Numerous of her brethren had tried and none of them succeeded. And Hephaestus, the one she felt the one most deserving of a honest, and heartwarming life full of love, is now being pulled away from the mortal who showed him that he, too, can smile.

Holding back a choking sob, Hestia lightly shook his frame, forcing the lame god to look at her, and told him "Believe me when I say that I always wished that you live your immortal life full of love. And I can feel how genuine your feelings is for the mortal. I, too, would want you to stay with her for as long as you can, but as for now, we really can't. If Zeus would caught wind of this, you know how he will react. That's why for everyone's sake, just think that you should return back."

But before Hephaestus can respond, a raspy voice rang "Head her call, Hephaestus. Listen to her."

The two turned towards the origin of the voice and saw the pale face of the God of the Underworld. Draped with a fur robe and fingers studded with the finest gems, Hades gave the two a small smile. Walking towards them, Hades agreed with Hestia's warning and added his own thoughts "Hephaestus, you need to go back to your station. Aside from avoiding my brother to blow a gasket, I feel something big is coming. The creatures of the underworld are growing restless, and I feel that Olympus may be in danger."

Two pairs of eyes went wide from the revelation. "B-But what do you mean? Olympus in danger? What is happening?" Hephaestus asked.

"I hope I'm wrong, but it seems that the prophecy is coming true. The Furies reported that strange chants can be heard from the lower beings. They were shouting that the Titans and Gaea will rise again, so to speak. I am actually on my way to inform Zeus but I felt a large killing intent coming from here. And what I found is you two here right in the middle of the nest of monsters." When Hephaestus looked around, he too, saw there are too many monsters surrounding them. New York is supposed to be the center of power for Greek monsters, so it is normal to see hordes of them living there. But this is Mexico, and to see that many monsters made him wary of his situation.

"If what you say is true," Hestia muttered "Then we shall leave at once." Hades nodded before staring back at the fire god, as if saying mentally to follow them as soon as possible. The Goddess of the Hearth faced him and said "You take your time to say farewell to her. She's now at a dangerous state the longer you are with her. For her safety, I hope you listen." With a kiss on his cheek, Hestia walked beside Hades and started teleporting back to Olympus.

Back to Hephaestus, he's left to ponder his decision regarding the issue at hand. He knew what he should do. The god would rather face Zeus' wrath than endanger Anza from the monsters now surrounding the city. He knows the benefits of at least leaving her behind. But damn his heart, his stupid, selfish heart, for refusing the notion. She's the very reason he felt more alive than ever been. She was his fountain of mana, refueling his heart with gladness. He was so conflicted with his emotions that he didn't noticed Esperanza standing in front of him, waving her dainty hands.

"Hey, are you alright?" The concern from her voice broke him out of his reverie. He just smiled softly and answered. "It's nothing."

The Hispanic girl stared at him, as if finding a crack from his voice, until she grabbed his hands and pulled him along with the same enthusiasm as her usual "Well, let's go home. I'm kind of tired anyways. Let's go Hephy! Let's gooo!" Hephaestus just smiled tiredly and let her lead the way back to her home. She was always steadfast on what she believes in, and he is lucky enough to be one of the few to ever meet someone like her. While being dragged from behind, he can't see the strained smile and the watery eyes the Hispanic girl is showing.

If there's anything he could describe what he is feeling, then the sight of his father's temple made took Eros' breath away, and it's not because of good reasons. Aphrodite explained the situation to both of them excitedly that Ares wanted to know how well he is currently doing with my bow. Although he knows he don't treat bows and arrows as real weapons, he guessed that what he really wanted to see is if he also possesses the 'warrior spirit', so to speak. And that made him feel terrified.

Again, he never wanted to be a soldier or live through wars. His young heart yearns for love, but he knows his father won't let any of it happen.

With a resounding thud echoing throughout the temple, the trio assumed that a there is a training session ongoing. Grabbing his free hand to his older sister, Eros whispered "Hey, sis. I really don't like meeting dad right now, especially when he heard about my training with Aunt Nike." Harmonia let out a groan before whispering back "Did you think I, too, enjoy our father's company? I can barely stand his barbaric nature. What does mother see in him, anyway?"

Their hushed conversation went to a halt when the sight of Ares training his two sons, Phobos and Deimos, came into view. With a warm smile, Aphrodite waved at her lover, and greeted "Ares, we've arrived."

With a feral grin, Ares grabbed Aphrodite and gave her a heated liplock, which earned a few hurls from Harmonia and Eros, and some catcalls from the twins. The illicit couple continued to kiss until Aphrodite pulled back, letting out a sigh of ecstasy. The god of war smiled and murmured "It's been a while, my love. And looks like my son and daughter has grown up, too. He seems like an okay guy, but we will see if he earns the right to be my son."

"Of course, beloved," Aphrodite smiled "Nike said that he has potential, so I'm sure he can impress you."

"We will see, but for now," With a lowly whisper, Ares held her close, carefully touching all the sensitive spots Aphrodite loves, and said "Why won't we let our sons be better acquainted thru a spar? We can let Harmonia be on my study room, since I haven't used that for a while. And for us..." His hands were caressing her thigh in a sensuous manner, making the goddess of love feel aroused. Eros wanted to appeal to her mother, when he saw the dangerous gleam coming from the twins' eyes, but her mind is already clouded with lust.

"You do always have the best of plans," She giggled, latching one of her arms to link from his, "Shall we?"

The two walked off towards his chambers, hand in hand, leaving their children behind. Harmonia can't fight, that much is true, so Eros can't ask for her help. And besides, doing so would only leave him more open to their bullying. The winged god ushered his sister out and whispered "I'll be alright, sis... I think. I'll do my best. Don't worry about me, alright?" She wanted to retort that he only just began training but the look on his eyes shows that there's no negotiation needed. And with that, she whispered:

"I'll be outside, and good luck."

With her away, he finally faces the two towering figures, both with sick grins plastered on their faces. The sight made his breath hitch, but for once he didn't want to show any weakness. He mumbled a short prayer to Nike, asking for her guidance, before asking "So... What are we going to do?"

The two looked at each other before bellowing out a laugh. The two sneered at his form and answered "Listen here, punk, here's some rules for our little spar..." Eros listen raptly on what should be a long explanation, so it was a surprise when all he heard was four words that dread him to the core"... There are no rules." The winged god stared at the two for a long while, and knowing that they were uttering the truth, only one word came up to his mind.

Styx.

There's power in knowledge. Ever since the dawn of humanity, the whole advancement of the race is built sole from what we know. We store this knowledge thru books and is, in turn, stored in buildings called libraries. And as patron of wisdom, Athena boast of having the largest library the world will ever have. She has all the books ranging from autobiographies from successful people to research papers that made leaps and bounds for science. She also had copies of lost and forgotten books and scrolls that were wiped from the face of the Earth. Each of these pieces of paper were treated as sacred in her eyes and she has learned all of it from her immortal life.

She let out a sigh of resignation while setting the book down on her table. No matter how many books she try to immerse with, she can't hide from the confusion inside her. After her talk to Artemis, she grudgingly sought for Aphrodite, but currently she's busy with her affair with Ares, which made her ichor boil. She knew what she's doing, it's been the same thing going on for a millennium now. But now since she's finally noticed of the lame forger, the implication of her tryst made her mind go haywire with hate. And that's what confuses, and even terrifies, her.

The unknown fact that she's not being impartial as she would like to be when it comes to him. Why is that so? She cradled her face with her hands as Glaucus stood perched on a stand. The owl was staring at her with the same cloudy, inquisitive grey eyes. It was her trusted partner, the one who saw sides none in Olympus even know about, and this time is one of them. Lightly caressing her feathers, Athena mumbled What is it that makes me draw near him? And why is it now of all times?

"Goddess of Wisdom, we've been expecting you."

Turning around, Athena saw three old women sitting in front of her. One woman is holding up a dispenser full of threads of varying colors. The second is the one who spun the thread, creating intricate designs. And the third one cuts the finished product, producing a beautiful thread full of energy and life. Athena knew what their appearance meant. Gods dread the day where the three women of Fate suddenly show up and announces a prophecy, and it seems this one will be no different. Readying herself, she humbly asked "The Fates, to what do I owe you the pleasure?"

"As you already know, we are too busy with our duty as the weavers of all life to do anything mundane, therefore our appearance is of utmost importance." The woman handling the dispenser named Lachesis said. "We've been watching you Olympians starting from the day Zeus ascended to his throne, and we cannot hide our disappointment. Countless number of instances your actions caused grief to everyone. Every action will have its price. There will be a great reckoning that will happen in the near future."

The woman who continues weaving the thread, Clotho, continued "We are impressed by your achievements over the years, but it seems the Order deemed it insufficient. You boast of your intelligence but when push comes to shove, you would let your own hubris act rather than conventional wisdom. This must be corrected. You may feel it, but there is a big change happening with the fate of every single one, the very likes that even we cannot control."

Humming with the blade in hand, Atropos ended "You have time left to correct your mistakes and prepare for the passing of the prophecy. The pieces are slowly falling to place, and one unknown factor would spell life or death of the world. Unless you change, you will be left behind the times, eroding away until there is nothing of left."

To say that the owl goddess was shocked is an understatement. Color drained from her face when she heard of the upcoming tribulation. She then asked the three old women "B-But, why would you tell this to me instead of my father? Surely as the sovereign of this pantheon, he has the authority to stop this? Why would you personally share this prophecy to me? I do not understand?" The three looked at her for a moment before Clotho responded.

"We've already informed your King, so no worries on that part. And remember we can't do anything that will block to our duty, which means you are an integral part of all of this. You, yourself, cannot understand what you're feeling, isn't it right?" When Athena nodded, she continued "As we have said, unless you want to fade into nothing, you would do well to change what it is needed. Remember this carefully, Goddess of Wisdom."

"B-But-" And before she could utter a question, the three Fates simply vanished away, leaving the wisdom goddess alone in the vast expanse of her library. She was left with even more questions, and this doesn't sit well with her. Letting out a groan of frustration, she quickly stood up and teleported in front of the Hall of Olympus. She is sure that her father would quickly gather everyone if she were to believe the Fates, and therefore would want to be here first. Stepping inside, she let all her personal questions aside, as the fate of the world now lies in the prophecy that is said to bring the reckoning to everyone.

Harmonia silently wandered around while waiting for her mother and brother to finish. She knows she won't find anything that can interest her in Ares' temple, since she knew who he is. Therefore, she agreed to her brother's plea to at least wander around. That doesn't mean she's not worried for his brother's sake. She knows he's strong enough to endure, but the thought of him being bullied by those brute didn't sit well with her. If only she had the strength to stop them.

As of this moment, she's sitting among the flowers on the garden near the Hearth. She's always amazed at the vibrancy and fragrance of the flowers who seem to be always on full bloom. The Hearth and the garden that surrounds it is truly a wonderful place. Add in the fact that the caretaker of this place is no other than the kind Hestia, she would usually spend her time here asking her for stories while settling for her infamous cookies and baked products, or just laze around to read a book.

But since Hestia is out for an errand, the place is all for herself, and she didn't mind one bit. She would rather touch and smell the flowers than see the sweat and occasional blood from their brutish spar. With a whiff of hydrangea to her nose, she smiled softly and laid her back against the tree. If only mom's temple could be as peaceful as this place... I always love to be in harmony with nature.

"Little miss, I'm sorry to interrupt but I have to tend to the garden."

A feminine voice roused her interest and woke up. She saw a feminine figure dressed in white robes covering most of her body, a mask of a smiling face adorned in front. "Who are you? What are you doing here?" With suspicion on her voice, the voice laughed lightly and answered

"There's no need for that. I am simply the helper of Hestia for this garden. No suspicious person can enter Olympus without the King knowing it, am I right?" Harmonia pondered what the woman said and she silently agreed. There's no way the Olympians would let someone they don't know inside the mountain. And with that, she let her be. The robed woman started tending with the garden with precision and care. Harmonia is completely mesmerized from the way she took care for the plants.

"But still, may I at least know your name? You're pretty good at tending the garden." She softly asked.

The robed figure stiffened a bit before relaxing "I never had any name. When Lady Hestia took me in and took care for me, I was forever indebted to her and sworn to be her helper. I guess in the past I have one, but I completely forgot it, and I never had any care to find it." The answer made the girl feel a little sad, sensing she's hurt before, but at least she found Lady Hestia and became her helper.

The two chattered away, talking about their favorite flowers and the beauty of the place. It was indeed a great time to burn some time to wait for Aphrodite and Eros. When she noticed that they are almost done, She waved the figure and bid "Thank you for the time. I wish we could talk more in the near future. I love talking to you."

"So do I. I never knew you were this kind. It is a shame to what happened to you." The woman murmured loud enough to for Harmonia to hear her. But, before she could ask her what she meant, she brought out a box and said "This is a present to you as a sign that we are acquaintances. Please accept this gesture." With a nod, the goddess of harmony took the box from her hands and opened it. Inside was a beautiful pendant studded with precious gems. The design was intricate and the beauty of it is a marvel to look at.

It almost look like the accessories Hephaestus makes for Mother.

But when she held the pendant in her hand, a flashback of memories started to flood her. Flashes of horror and grief happening in front of her eyes. Her death seemed palpable, her fear drowning all sense of reason. She wanted to wake up from this nightmare but the images of all the gruesome death and bad luck fill her brain, until it was too much and blacked out. Harmonia laid down the grass, her mouth foaming, and her body twitching. And beside her, the robed figure smiled a sinister smile. She knew when the gods finds out, she needed to be away, and with that, she took the pendant using a bar, and placed it back in the box. She took a last long look at the unconscious girl before disappearing.

Your time will come, Harmonia. Remember what the bastard gods did to you. Remember it all.

"Say, Hephy, ain't that a hearty dinner, eh?" Esperanza burped, much to the lame god's musing. After their date in the amusement park, the two decided to order some food along the way home. The couple had so much fun today. The drive home is full of teases and jokes, while jamming to dance music. At that moment, Hephaestus was smiling all the time. But deep within, he knew that this would really be the last time he can be with her, if the situation has gone grave. She was happily humming while resting her head on his shoulder. Although he could feel the monsters slowly encircling the house, he knew they wouldn't attack him yet. They can't harm a god and will not attack unless their leader ordered them to. But the tension is palpable that he's worried for her safety if he were to go. I really need to tell her everything now. I-I'm really sorry, Anza.

"Hey, Anza," swallowing the lump in his throat, he hung his head low, not noticing the emotion that is painted on her face. "W-We really need to talk... Look, I;m sorry to say but-" He started to ready himself to spill the beans to her. She at least deserve to know everything about him. He just hoped she could forgive her for what he's about to say. And still hanging his head, he started to begin his apology when she cut her off instantly.

"I know."

His head whipped up and saw the tear-stained face of Esperanza. She was barely holding it in, but her whole body is shaking. The gobbles of salty liquid destroyed the makeup she's wearing. Her face is scrunched up, baring her emotions to him. He was at a loss of words when she continued "I know who you are, Lord Hephaestus. And I guess I am sorry, too, for not telling this. I'm a clear-sighted mortal. I know that you are an barely even hid your name. I know that those monsters are eyeing us the whole time. I know what's going to happen next."

"The reason I didn't say anything is that I want to prove it to you. I've heard your story with the Olympians and I agree, it isn't the brightest one. Your mother threw you out and you wife cheats on you. But, for me I really don't care. Because what I have with you is more than anything I've ever felt in my life. And I hope that I made an impact to your life the way you did in mine." With fresh tears spilling out, Esperanza clung to him and whispered "I love you. I love you, Hephaestus. I love you and I understand. We aren't meant to be together forever."

"B-But, Esperanza-" Before he could protest, she silenced him with a kiss. He could taste the salt from her tears, but he haven't tasted anything better than this. The feel of selfless love for one another. This mortal, who even saw through him, accepted him for who he was. The lame, ugly, loner. All of those negative qualities she knew yet she still loves him. She loves him. The thought alone made Hephaestus' eyes water.

"Anza, I love you, too. You showed me how good love can be. You were the only one who accepted who I am. The reason I am at a loss right now is I really can't stand being without you. The short time we spent together is greater than my whole tenure in Olympus. If only I can..." He went down with a sob, cursing his helplessness. Here he is, an immortal being, seeking solace to a mortal woman. Every being has pride instilled into them, especially for those with immortality. But, Hephaestus didn't care one bit. For he knew that this girl is worth his pride.

"I'm very happy to hear that, Hephy. I really don't want to lose you, too." She snuggled closer to him, basking in his warmth "But we know sooner or later you have to go back. You are an Olympian, a god, and you should uphold your duty."

"BUT WHO CARES ABOUT DUTY? I WANT YOU, ANZA." He cried.

"And you will always have me, Heph. I will always love you." She cupped his disfigured face and caressed his cheeks. She could feel his tears slip between her dainty fingers. "My heart will always guide you wherever you are. Always remember that you are alive because you have the fire in your heart. And one day, I can see you burning brighter for all the world to see your kindness. And that is because you kept the fire in you. Please, Heph. For you and for my sake."

Hephaestus stared at her, eyes watering with tears. He was in extreme happiness from her speech. She is willing to sacrifice her happiness just for him. If he was happy with just loving her, the news that she felt the same way with you was unlike anything he felt right now. He grabbed her in a tight hug, and whispered his response "Thank you. And I love you, too, Esperanza Valdez." The Latina let out a strangled laugh and returned the hug.

"If there's only one thing I would ask of before you leave," After their shared hug, Esperanza asked the lame god, which just nodded and said "Anything you want,dear."

"I want you to leave me something to remember you by."

Straddling him, she faced him and gave her a long and hard kiss. Hephaestus' eyes widened at her action before returning the favor. With his arm lightly caressing her slender legs, the Latina's back arched back in addition of his soft breath on her neck. She kissed every pore of his body and the god never left any spot of her unloved. The two melted into two steaming bodies basking in the passion of their love. This is different from anything the two ever felt. This isn't some task just to make a demigod, and the feeling is the best he felt. He decided if he would leave her, might as well leave with a bang.

Thank you, Anza. Thank you for everything. I love you.

A/N's: Here we go! Another chapter in the book. :) I am really sorry but I need to focus on my studies. Anyways, don't forget to leave a review. I always love reading them, and the positive feedback is my fuel to continue writing. Thank you to everyone! Don't forget to put this story in your favorite and alert lists if you haven't.

'Til next time!
-kmtdiccion :)