Last Rites

Ch. 3 - Penance (Part III)

Jubileus. The Creator. The Dea who's the embodiment of Divine Will. Its true name is somethin' you humans can never pronounce. If you need me to give you a one-word description of it: bitch. Mind you, I didn't feel that way at the time, and I'm not one to hold grudges. Been around Jubileus a lot longer than anything else. But fuck Jubileus.

Rodin, insignificant in size, stands before the mighty throne of Jubileus. There sits the immense goddess-like being with no defining womanly parts, naked, with legs crossed and head resting on its fist. An elaborate, metal mask, made of gold and covered in jewels is worn over its eyes which moves with its facial expressions like it's fused with the flesh. Jubileus wears several golden pieces of armor around its forearms, hands, hips, and ankles. All made of metal and matches the mask. Rodin gets down on bended knee. They both speak to each other in Enochian.

"Glory unto you, Greatest Jubileus."

"Indeed," it says in a calming yet thunderous voice. "I know you're curious as to why I called you before me. Fear not for it has nothing to do with discipline. I wanted you to receive the proper acclamation for all of your achievements."

"Thank you, Greatest Jubileus. I humbly accept your praise."

"You ought to be pleased with yourself. You've strengthen the entire First Sphere beyond all doubt."

"All to please you, Greatest Jubileus."

"I must say, that kind of strength which has been given to the First Sphere is truly a reflection... of your own skills. Wouldn't you agree?"

"My skills would be nothing if it wasn't for you, Greatest Jubileus."

Jubileus' eyes narrow from slight jealousy.

"One can only imagine what else you are capable of."

"Whatever is needed or expected of me, Greatest Jubileus."

"Don't let me become your limitation. You've made it apparent that I do not know what is needed and I know even less of what to expect from you."

Rodin doesn't say anything.

"We have known each other almost as long as time itself. You've always been by my side and yet you never cease to impress me. Constantly moving forward to reaching your full potential."

"And my potential and ambition are one in the same. All of it is for you, Greatest Jubileus."

"Stand, Father Rodin."

He does as he's told. It studies him closely as he looks Jubileus in the eyes.

"I'm here to only serve you, O Greatest Jubileus."

Jubileus waves its hand unconcernedly, dismissing Rodin from its sight. Rodin bows again before he turns around to leave. Then he disappears in a flash of light.

Later that day, Rodin works alone in his workshop crafting a large weapon that resemble a cross between an ax and a spear. Wearing thick magnifying goggles, Rodin perfects a design on the weapon with several smaller tools with a patient and steady hand in silence. The workshop is dark and made of stone; its only light source is the blazing, crackling fire used for welding. From wall to wall are mounted various hammers, axes, spears and staffs. Each one, more beautiful and vibrant than the last. Once he's done he blows off the excess shavings then holds it firmly in his hand. Though the weapon is massive and looks extremely heavy, Rodin tosses it in the air and swings it about effortlessly. He's impressed by his own craftsmanship.

"Beautiful."

He places the weapon to the side completing a set of three which will be given to the Braves. He begins working on the next piece which will be given as the shield for Ardors.

"Rodin?"

Rodin stops what he's doing and sees Helios standing in the doorway. Rodin pulls the goggles down to hang around his neck.

"Helios? You must be bored," he chuckles. "You here to talk my ear off some more?"

"You're not the talkative type Rodin so you leave me with no choice," he says as he studies Rodin's weaponry. "My, my! These are truly spectacular!"

"I do my best I suppose."

"Don't be so modest! These are works of art!"

Helios takes a claw to be fitted onto a Glory. He sticks his arm in the claw and it automatically locks onto him. Electricity emits from the device and covers his body, yet he remains unharmed. He gawks at Rodin with his eyes and mouth wide open in amazement.

"It's a shame these wonderments might be sullied with the blood of the damned. I never took the time to see what you could do Rodin. After all these millennia."

"I never expected you to. I've never seen you in the middle of your creation progress."

Helios slips the claw off and the electricity stops. He gently places it back where he got it.

"I wish you would," Helios starts. "I've began incorporating some of your artillery with the angels."

Rodin sits back in his chair, folds his arms, and gives a cocky smile, "Oh, really?"

"Okay," Helios says while rolling his eyes.

"No, please go on. Tell me how MY work's making your pet projects better."

Helios gives Rodin a look that is playful but also says you don't have to rub it in.

"I'm just working on not being modest like you said earlier."

Helios chuckles, "You're right. Don't be modest. I just need to get better, like you. Doing this sort of thing for hundreds upon thousands of centuries and you don't improve... not even a little bit is disappointing. I've watched you achieved bigger and greater things. Me...?"

Helios continues to survey the room, softly touching every weapon within reach. He approaches Rodin and stops only a few feet away from him. Rodin can tell Helios came by for more than just admiring his wares.

"Father Helios," Rodin begins. "Tell me why you are really here."

"Don't start with the formalities, Rodin."

Rodin's a little uncomfortable.

Helios sighs heavily and turns away from Rodin. Clearly, he wants to tell Rodin something, but he's having trouble finding the words. He begins pacing back and forth. Rodin grips him by the arm to get him to stop moving.

"Out with it, Helios."

Rodin releases him. Helios takes a deep breath.

"Rodin," Helios says quietly. "I've been thinking about... the human world and--"

Rodin relaxes for a moment since there is no cause for alarm. He laughs it off.

"That's it?"

Helios seems a little embarrassed and doesn't want to talk about it anymore.

"Well... yes."

"So?" Rodin grins. "You've always been curious about the human world. If you were bothered by my seduction remark from before, then I sincerely apologize. It was harmless. All you do is witness their actions day in and day out. There's nothing special about them, remember?"

Helios gives half a smile, "Of course..."

"You had me worried for a moment."

Helios proceeds to leave, "Sorry to bother you with my nonsense. Perhaps I was just being silly is all. Go back to your work."

Rodin's concerned with Helios' response.

"Helios—"

"I'll see you later then, Rodin," he grins as he leaves.