Chapter 7: The Thunderer

Deep within the bowels of Olympus, a single eyed giant is hammering away at a glowing red piece of metal. Every swing of his hammer is timed beautifully, his precision like a master swordsman going through his kattas. The grace of his swings resemble a painter with his brush. With each strike, each stroke, art is being produced; the metal on the anvil his canvas. So focused on his work, the giant didn't notice the presence of four Gods entering his abode.

"Wow." Ares was blown away. Standing in front of him is a man with a height of possibly 30ft and dark brown skin wearing a black chiton and a golden belt with one hook on either side of his waist. His wide muscular back was turned to Ares showing him his shoulder length red hair that fluttered with every movement of his hammering arm.

Ares caught a glimpse of the metal the giant working on and was completely hypnotized. He didn't know why, but for some reason the hammering of the metal, the sound of it being hit, everything about it was so; beautiful.

Not paying attention, Ares ended up next to the giant, who by now noticed him and in turn everyone else as well. Stopping his movement's, as he was mid swing, he looked down at Ares, his one blue eye staring down at him. Turning his head to his other guest he spoke, "To what do I owe this pleasure of the Primordial Goddess Nyx and her children along with the son of Hera coming to my forge?" The giant asked, hanging his hammer on his belt.

"We have come to procure a weapon for young Ares here. He's been pestering me constantly about getting a weapon. Though I've offered him some, even ones of my creation, he still was adamant on you making him his weapon." Nyx said sighing, placing her hands on her hips as she finished. Looking at Ares, who has yet to take his eyes off of the still molten metal, the giant had a slight smile on his face. "And why would the Little Prince want a weapon from a measly cyclops like myself? If what Lady Nyx said was true then you've already been offered weapons far greater than any I could make." The cyclops finished, holding his stomach while chuckling lightly.

"What is your name?" Ares questioned the cyclops, his eyes still on the molten metal laying across the anvil. But rather than sounding like a question it came across as more of an order. "I am Brontes, young Ares. Now that I've answered your-"

"Brontes the Thunderer, one of the three cyclopean brothers sired by union of Gaia and Uranus. Maker of many, if not all of the weapons used by the Olympians in their triumph over the Titans. Though the war has ended and your services as a smith are no longer required there are some, like myself, who would still like to have a weapon made by such a legendary artisan." Ares said finally looking directly at Brontes's one blue eye.

Brontes was taken aback. Its been years since he has made a weapon for the Gods and even the last one he made was only for ornamental purposes. He wasn't sure if he could make a weapon on the same caliber as Zeus's bolt again but for some reason, with the feeling this young God gave him, he could only smile in anticipation. "And what is it you would like made?" Brontes asked, his heart starting to race with excitement."

"These..." Ares raised his hand and in the center of his palm black and red energy began to swirl forming a projection of what looked like two swords. Brontes was once again taken aback. In the palm of the young Gods hand was are a pair of chained swords that had jagged edges on either side of the blade and a gold hand guard with pulsing red veins running from its hilt.

"They're beautiful." Brontes couldn't help but show awe at the weapons. Not only was he awed, but also Nyx, Thanatos, and even the listless Hypnos showed some visible reaction when Ares showed his blades to Brontes.

"Can you make it? What materials would you need? How long would it take?" Ares began sending rapid fire questions at the still awed giant. Seeing his excitement, Brontes couldn't help but show a small smile at the young God's behavior.

"Slow down Little Prince. Yes, I can make it. And while most of the materials are here, I still need two more things for the ideas I have in mind. As for the length of this project it depends on when I get said materials. With those in my hands I could get your blades done in a week." Brontes finished with his chest puffed proudly. He was excited to finally create another weapon for the Gods and he could just tell this might be his best yet.

"And what are these materials?" Ares quickly asked sounding somewhat impatient. Still amused, Brontes looked down at the impatient God and listed off his needs, "A handful of fire from the depths of Tartarus and a drop of your blood."

Ares was dumbfounded. "Is that it?" He couldn't help make a disbelieving face. He thought he would have to fight a Hydra or find a creature that was nearly impossible to locate. Not a simple task of a drop of blood and collecting fire from the most fiery place in existence.

"Please do not be mistaken young Prince. The task of collecting fire from Tartarus is an arduous one. Many have tried and failed to do so; even Gods like yourself. Do not underestimate the flames that never cease to burn." Brontes spoke his warning in a low but caring tone.

Ares nodded his head slowly. He knew what Brontes was speaking was the truth. Tartarus is only meant for things to go in it. And unless your Sisyphus, nothing should ever come out. Turning to Thanatos seemingly holding a conversation with their eyes, Ares turned back to Brontes and spoke, "I will go to Tartarus and get this fire you speak of. I will be back in a weeks time for you to start on my weapons and get my blood. I hope your not sending me on some unnecessary adventure Brontes." Even though Ares was young, the pressure coming off of him and onto Brontes made it feel like the cyclops was standing opposite of one of the older Gods, not the youngest.

"I would never young Prince." Brontes hurriedly said, "The fire from Tartarus is a genuine necessity. With that I could make your blades even more powerful than Zeus's master bolt. I would never waste the time of a God such as yourself." And it was true. Brontes may have wanted to tease the young God a bit before, as it's in his playful nature, but feeling the pressure Ares exuded those thoughts were quickly erased.

"Fine. Thanatos, take me to your work place." Ares said with a smirk. Thanatos didn't reply, instead, gave a deadpan look to Ares and opened a portal that was purple in color and walked through. Laughing to himself Ares soon followed his friend all the while stroking Praeco's head.

Soon after the portal closed and the remaining people were silent. As Brontes was about to speak they all heard the hysterical cries of a woman.

"WHAT IS THIS ABOMINATION! GET IT AWAY!" Nyx soon recognized the voice and looked to Brontes who shrugged his shoulders. "Come Hypnos. Let's see what Hera is so appalled by." Walking towards the exit followed by Hypnos, Nyx spoke to Brontes, her back facing him, "Do make sure this weapon is how you said it would be. As you could see, Ares' temper is not the best; so do yours.

And with that Brontes the Thunderer was left alone in his forge wondering what he get himself into.