Chapter 215 – Heavenly Connections

"Right, all you idiots listen up and-… bah! Will you all just get in the hall already!?! There's enough room in here so stop pushing and shoving, all of you can hear me!"

'This fucker… it's taking all of my willpower to keep calm right now. Petra seems surprisingly calm considering who he has hostage'

The fabled Olympian Hall, as large and endless as rumoured and right now, we're just a speck of dust in the grand scheme of things with the hundreds of other Gods and Goddesses all around us. We arrived via portal to this marbled wonder of construction and admiring its handiwork right now is not on the list of my priorities.

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https://i.ibb.co/rkm3bvH/Olympian-Hall.jpg

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Right at the far end of the hall standing on a platform is the God who rules all alongside the blue and sweetest of us phoenixes. I dread to think what she's suffered if she's been forcibly moved up here, she's even freaking handcuffed. Bringing Zeki up here wouldn't be as bad… probably because he'd enjoy it especially with all the toxicity with the dryad… forget that! My point is, I'm personally going to rip out Zeus's throat…

"Calm it sister, look closely and you'll see past the vail. He's only doing this to get a reaction… probably an idea his wife gave to him"

Listening to Asmodeus, I focus in on our blue sister and notice something slightly strange. At the right angle, you can see the faint outline of horns and gigantic breasts if you stare at the right places.

"Is that… Loki? Why the hell would he take Ariza's form like this?"

My anger immediately fades when I realize it's the shapeshifter hellbent on destroying nuts is in front of us! I presume Loki hasn't betrayed us so did Zeus threaten him to do this?

"It's not just that sister, he's appearing differently for every person. Right now, he's the spitting image of the oracle for me"

(Artemis) "Wait… why am I seeing Freyja? Has she betrayed us or not then?"

(Uriel) "Of course she hasn't friend… I have no idea who I'm seeing. An ageing grizzled knight?"

(Aphrodite) "Not that anyone asked but why am I seeing a gigantic olisbos? That's way too big, even for me!"

(Petra) "Heh, I'm proud of you for spotting it Ikarus. I can see you up there right now… not close to being perfect enough though"

'Urgh, why say that woman? My freaking heartstrings… and hang on. I called it with Uriel! She's seeing captain Jekyll up there… I think? A grizzled knight sounds about right though'

Anyways, moving on from the fact Petra's made me blush and I still resent the angel, Zeus finally regains control of the packed-out hall with a shouting that even a deaf person could hear.

"BAH, ALL OF YOU SHUT UP!!! Now… it's come to my attention that some of you idiots think it's a good idea to start attacking the pillars that adorn our heavenly realms"

"Yeah, keep destroying those gigantic pillars of shit!"

The wild huntress of our party can't help but rile up Zeus which basically causes a chain reaction of facepalming from us all. Talk about sharing our involvement in this much!

"Bah, you want me to smite you Artemis!?! Shut up and let the grownups talk about serious issues. As if anyone could ever take your rambling seriously"

"*Grumbles*… fucking idiot"

It's roughly around this point when Zeus is joined by the two women supporters he seems to have obtained, that being the grey-haired Hera and the orange haired Demeter. Even though they may not speak, I think it's safe to say they all can be considered enemies especially with what happened back in the arena. Little shit Plutus had to do Hera's bidding after all.

"Where was I? Oh right… I want to make sure all you idiots know the consequences for defying my rules so I promise, things will get heated if you dare try and go for destroying anythin-"

"Will you get to the point already?"

"Yeah! Why the hell is she handcuffed up there? My muse is in distress!"

Cutting him off, a couple of unidentifiable Gods scream from the crowd which only causes a vein on Zeus's head to expand.

"Bah! This is just a demonstration to all of you involved. I invite you to attack the last pillar because I promise you… the consequences will be dire. It'll be the ones you care for that suffer the most… like so"

A large gasp and a scream rings throughout the hall when Zeus places a hand on the disguised Loki's shoulder, only to electrocute the poor idiot right in front of full view of everyone.

"Hold up one second big guy, I didn't agree to thi-, aaaerrgggghhhhhh!"

…

Literally turning Loki to ash, silence beckons as everyone isn't sure what to make of this threat. I assume all the Gods inside this place know it's not actually someone they care for, but seeing him go like that definitely wasn't pleasant.

Surprisingly, the reaction turns to pure anger and rioting when things get interpreted differently to how I thought they would.

"Malaka! Is the God who rules all saying he's breaking the immortality pack!?!"

"Were the rumours about him abusing his power true?"

"Everyone heard what happened to the mad hatter Lyssa, we really are screwed it seems"

"No no! The ruler would never betray our trust like that! This is just pure blasphemy!"

"Aye! Put your faith in him and ignore those idiotic rebels!"

Differing reactions from the crowd as things rapidly descend into chaos and disorder, even looking like a fight or two may quickly break out.

"Bah, of course I haven't disabled it you freaking idiots! The point is, don't force my hand and I won't have to do anything rash! The Ragnarök whore will wake up shortly"

Despite all the havoc and chaos erupting into violence in the hall, none listen to Zeus and continue to riot causing him and his two supporters to leave shaking their heads. As for us, we try to get out of there asap! No point traumatizing the masses… even if I can get upgrades from defeating Gods though.

I do find it odd that Asmodeus has been grinning from joy seeing all this occurring right in front of us, almost as if this is a good sign?

"I think it's safe to assume we'll be getting more recruits then?"

"Heh, maybe sister, but it won't be necessary. If we time this right in one swift move, then the seventh will be gone in an instant…"

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(Temporary Perspective Change)

"You know sister… out of all places he could be, doesn't this seem too coincidental? I'll never complain about creating devices, but this just seems too easy"

"Maybe brother, your luck has always been like that though. Even the most intelligent of scholars could never find any formula"

"What can I say? Some people are just made differently I guess"

Waiting just outside the empire's throne room, me and Athena natter to ourselves about the artefact I created in search for Apollo. It turns out, the whole thing was easier to track down so my handiwork wasn't really needed.

Don't even ask how long it took to create this, too many weeks wasted when the palace the place we always needed to visit in the first place. Oh well, I guess it'll make finding him much quicker now.

For what I actually created, it's a metallic compass that focuses in on the dormant energy that his artefacts release and points us to its source. Wherever or whoever Apollo may be, we've been led right to the empire's palace itself.

How we got here just came to hitching a few wyverns and bringing a party of dwarves as protection. Normally, we'd either use ships or airships for long distance travel but time was of the essence and this was the fastest way to do things.

(Desmond) "Ah, if it isn't our allies from the northwest. What business does the dwarven kingdom have with us on this delightful, yet constant rainy day?"

(Esmerelda) "One thinks Des shouldn't bother with formalities when it comes to these two"

(Jekyll) "If you'll follow us, you rulers can find a place more comfortable to discuss things"

Both Emperor Desmond, Empress Esmerelda and that grey captain fellow greet us just outside the throne room and we begin to be led to a visitor's room. It makes sense in the grand scheme of things; confidentiality is key when it comes to important matters of politics. Not like we're discussing anything mundane like that today though, dwarven culture is basically smashing rocks and hating elves after all. I managed to somewhat replace the latter part with trade instead.

(Athena) "It's a personal issue that if possible… we'd prefer not to go into great detail on"

"One understands… although, Des may be forced to enquire because thou cannot help himself"

"I never had the fate of being born a dragon Es so being careless isn't something I can afford"

Being reminded of the constant argument and fights these two get into, I can't help myself but ask on one of the most pressing issues this kingdom faces. An issue that even the most uninformed of dwarves know even in our mountainous region.

"That reminds me, how goes the search for an heir?"

…

Knowing in an instant I'm shit stirring, the reactions I get from both of them are completely different. Desmond himself can't help but look guilty yet the dragon Esmerelda surprisingly smiles like a dope… that reminds me of those two phoenixes and how they are together.

"*Sighhh*… let's just say I gave up that battle after countless nights of turmoil and mental torment"

"One found the solution was as simple as withholding something small. Thou should see the concubine one picked out, thou really is pretty and heir should also be"

I can't help but chuckle like a kid from hearing the emperor once again lose a battle with the empress, guess he had to accept a concubine one way of another. Back in Olympus, I've also experienced my fair share of toxicity when it comes to relationships so it's not lost on me how he must be feeling.

I think this comes under practicality rather than toxicity though, an heir needed to be found and Desmond's little stunt he tried to pull on the birds was never a perfect solution. It's still written in law that they're next in line but that'll be hard to enforce if a little one is on the way.

Anyways, enough of that political stuff, we're now arriving in a fancy visitors room while the captain stays outside on guard.

"So, what was the nature of your visit again? If it's for trading ore purposes again, we're good on that front with the Lesbos Islands working somewhat as the intermediatory"

Ah, the trade circle that keeps our lands connected. Us dwarves buy gold from the phoenixes for filtration and then they exchange the currency with the empire so the economy doesn't go to shit. It benefits all of us.

"This. My creation is pointing us to somewhere in your palace"

Showing him the compass device and only receiving two confused looks in response, Athena goes into more detail as I really can't be bothered to explain this device again.

"There's a certain individual we're looking for and this compass shows us the way. It's of the utmost importance we speak with this person as soon as possible"

Without even having to share words, Desmond ponders while Esmerelda looks towards him with a slight glare, clearly wanting to be as helpful as she can. She has always been the loving thorn in his side after all.

"Look, you're welcome to wander our palace but it won't be unaccompanied. We all know about espionage and the fact you know this place like the back of your hand… 'Denver'"

Despite having a good relationship with the leaders of this faraway place, we never directly shared the fact we're Gods and supposedly, he got it off the knight and the nun? Could also be spies but we've kept that as secretive as we can back at home.

Anyways, getting up and letting the compass guide the way, it points directly to the wall so I guess we're heading around and back the way we came from?

"I wouldn't take it personally Desmond, betrayal always comes from those you trust the most so… think it's pointing to the throne room?"

Following the compass and trusting my gut instinct, could also be on a different floor but starting here, we find the room surprisingly full with advisors and royals guards all around the place. They must've been heavily in discussion before we rudely showed up unannounced, not like I care in the slightest though. Apollo's importance outweighs all of this.

The compass itself point to the far-right side of the room and to the knight closest to the throne. I had a suspicion it could be the grizzled old captain Jekyll before we entered but this… it's really entertaining, even for my smithing tastes.

"Well… what are the chances of this? Right under our noses the whole time. You always were a tricky fellow brother, but this is so out of character, even for you"

Approaching a certain knight who wears an armour made from dragon scales like it's his trophy, who'd have thought the knight Nathan would have such a weighing secret on his shoulders. No wonder why he rose to power so quickly from being a simple prison guard, to flying knight and then to the emperor's favoured guard. He always had a way about him that appealed to others, he was supposed to be the most attractive of Gods despite this boring appearance he's taken up this time around.

"I'm sorry? Are you talking to me, Jarl Denver?"

"To think the source Dionysus stole for the priestess would cycle back around to her lover. It's a nice story… it's hard to believe you had no idea on it though"

"Erm… your majesty? What is the dwarven leader on about?"

Both the empress and emperor arrive by our side only to try and reassure the royal knight. He's Apollo, I just know yet he's as braindead as a chicken.

"Just help him with what he needs Nathan, we're as clueless as you"

"I don't think he knows who he is brother"

"Tell me something less obvious sister… just give him what he needs already. It'll make this a whole lot easier"

Retrieving the vial of potion, Athena passes the thing to a still confused Apollo who has no idea what's going on. This was something we secretly had Loki make in case one of us ended up in a heap of trouble losing our memories down below. I think it's safe to say it'll best be used on my hoarder of a brother though.

Looking towards his emperor, he really has no idea if he should take the dark coloured vial. Do you really think we'd blatantly poison him like this? It does sound like something us Olympian's would do though.

"I'm not sure on what this is Nathan so… go ahead?"

"One suggests you follow your destiny and if drinking vial of potion is the way to do so, then do what you must"

He receives encouragement from his superiors, then decides to put it down the hatch in one go. Maybe he'd be better taking it slowly but oh well, let's see how this goes…

After getting though the vial, his face looks as pale as a ghost. Clearly, something has gotten through to underneath this Nathan shell.

(Denver) "So, looks like you're back to us? Minus the blonde hair, you seem to be looking well considering the circumstances"

…

Apollo looks to me like I'm still meaningless to him yet holds his head, has this worked or not then?

"Your majesty, I immediately request some personal time alone with this idiot who dared to give me something that foul tasting"

Desmond seems shocked from the demeaner his knight shows yet is more than happy to allow him to speak to us privately.

Heading to a private visitor's room led by Apollo, he waits for us to enter, then closes the door all the while looking like he's still stressing out.

"It's great to see you again brothe-, ouch! The hell was that for?"

Receiving a punch the literally knocks me onto the chair, the first thing this shithead does is punch this young dwarven body!? I know we had a dicey relationship but I've gone the full pacifist mindset this life not harming a single soul… guess that might be why that hurt so much. Let's just hope I start growing into this body when puberty finally comes around.

"Of all the ways you could've done this… feel like I'm about to pass out. The entire trip to save Dionysus, why not do it then?"

Holding his head, he takes a seat on the sofa next to me while I still hold my nose. Imagine him daring to do this in front of my dwarven guards… let this go Hephaestus. Just because you're still in a child's body doesn't make you one.

"Apologies Apollo, we just didn't know. On recollection… a coincidence like this doesn't seem that impossible"

"Please… I understand, just don't use that name Athena. Lotte can't know this, if you dare tell her, that'll be the end of us"

"Why not brother? She seems to worship the feet of the guy who stole your power. Knowing it originally comes from you might bring you even closer"

…

Getting a deathly glare in return for my joke, clearly he didn't find that entertaining. In some ways, we're in the same boat with this sort of thing. I'd rather not have the dwarves know who I really am and he's the same with his partner. Although, mine results in an entire kingdom becoming a cult while his just shifts his relationship dynamic up a bit.

Still holding his head, clearly awakening is still proving troublesome for him to come around to. Both me and Athena both skipped the losing yourself part of incarnating down below so I can't relate to that unfortunately.

"Why was it necessary to even do this? It's not like this world is on its last legs or something… or is it?"

"Are you purposely acting naïve brother or is this just part of this new persona of yours? We're at war and soon, everything will be coming to our shores. You're either with him or against him by this point"

Still coming to terms with what's going on, Apollo, or Nathan can't help but continue to stress when suddenly, a knock quietly echoes on the door.

"*Knock knock*… sorry to disturb but the priestess is here to see you knight"

Right in the middle of our conversation, the captain Jekyll knocks on the door giving us a quick shock. He's a devilish fellow if he's able to sneak up on us like this, he better not also be a hidden God. Although, the only missing one left is Hestia that we know of now… would she be willing to be a grizzled old man? I'm extremely doubtful on that.

As Apollo opens the door, the urge to rat on him becomes overwhelming as the priestess leans in for a quick kiss, albeit trying to be discrete as possible. Eh, I guess it's good he hasn't forgotten who he was in this life because that would've been a huge complication in its own right… don't let this slip Hephaestus. Apollo will go mad.

"I'm slightly busy at the moment Lotte so can we continue this later?"

"Of course Nat. I'll need to speak with Esmerelda-sama anyways so I'll find you later"

Once those two have had their little moment and Apollo's face clearly glows with love and guilt, he closes the door and we resume where we left off. I'm still not sure why he cares that much about it but if he wants it kept secret for now, then so be it.

"So then… Natty, where is your stash down here?"

…

Another deathly glare, he really doesn't like that nickname. You can thank Aphrodite for that because I know what happened in that love dungeon. Frankly, half of Olympus does and when they find out Apollo got stuck in a situation like that, it'll be the talk of the town. I don't plan on telling but all lies come out eventually… I feel like Loki may grow to like him loads considering his tastes.

"What do you mean by stash?"

"Well, both Dionysus and Loki managed to procure your power while you were down here playing family. And don't even act like you don't hoard powerful items, your work with father on the pillars says it all really"

I'm not saying he was directly involved, just that he did allow Zeus to store one of them in his own pillar after all. I assume the guilt was too much to bare so that's maybe why he decided to incarnate down below?

"Don't even remind me on that, he really has lost the plot. If let's say… hypothetically, I do know where some stuff is stored in this world, where would we put it? I'm not touching anything if we don't know where it needs to go"

'Of course I'm right. I create artefacts, he hoards them'

(Athena) "Actually Nathan, we do have a good idea on where things will happen. The demon Asmodeus does like to plan ahead"

Even if it wasn't explicitly said, we now know what the demon's plan is and all hell will break loose when it happens. Our main focus is damage control, like when I set my volcano off early for example. This could end up worse if things aren't contained quickly. Once we're done reuniting with Apollo, there needs to be words spoken to the empire on some serious topics as well. We're so close to the end yet so far as well.

"F-Fuck. I've just remembered where s-some of it is stored, this isn't t-terrifying at all"

'Apollo stuttering? What's the reason for that…'