Chapter 117: Not us. 1820 CE

Pluto was walking through the streets of London casually, breathing the smoky air, and stepping on the wet mud on the ground. He was greeted by everyone he passed, “Good morning Mr. Smith.”, “How do you do, Mr Smith?”, and “Have a good day Mr. Smith”. He was walking to a steel factory, where he saw a lot of men carrying coal inside.

He was not alone however, he was accompanied by someone, who people were looking at weirdly.

“Why are the Eternals gathering in London now?” questioned Pluto in annoyance. “Especially you, you’re out of your fucking mind when you said you want to move here.”

“Life is prone to challenges Pluto, relax, I’ll be fine.” said the man, he had a big stature. “I just want to see the industrial revolution up close and personal.”

“Like I said, you’re an idiot.” Pluto sighed. “Not to be rude Phastos… but your skin makes it kind of hard for you to live here. Possible, but it’ll be full of hardships. I could only help you so much.”

“I’ll be fine Pluto, truly, I’m used to it honestly…”

“That’s not fine at all Phastos…”

Pluto then entered a neighbourhood near Sersi’s and Ikaris’s house, he opened a door to the house, and gave the key to Phastos.

“Be careful.” Pluto patted Phastos’s shoulder. “If you need anything, contact Ikaris or Sersi, or just go to me.”

“Thanks man.” Phastos said in excitement. “Hey, I heard you’re doing something right not?”

Pluto raised his eyebrow. “What did you hear?”

“I heard you’re trying to find a way to make children.”

“Oh, that.” Pluto hummed. “Yes, I’m trying to find a way right now, as in biological children, not artificial.”

“Well, maybe I could help with that.” Phastos said. “Never tried to study our anatomy, but I’ll see what I can do.”

“I suggest you don’t study it.” Pluto stated sternly. “Or you will regret it Phastos.”

Phastos raised his brow. “What’s with the sudden threat?”

“I’m serious Phastos.” Pluto sighed. “And one more thing, are you planning on giving the humans some pointers again?”

Phastos shrugged. “Well, to be honest… I mean… they developed the steam engine on their own! Can you believe that? I think this couple of decades will be a joy to watch.”

“So you won’t interfere?”

“I guess…” he murmured. “But if I see something exciting, I’ll think about it.”

Pluto sighed. “Listen Phastos… there are times where we should… let our children do what they want to do… Do you know what I mean?”

“Okay… what’s the point of that euphemism? Cause I don’t get it.”

“What I mean is Phastos… you should stay away from the humans’ business from now on.” Pluto advised. “You can talk to those geniuses if you want, but do not try to make them do anything specific, they don’t need hand holding anymore. Our mission is done. I’m saying this to you for your own good Phastos, if they create something… deadly… I can’t say that it’s not your fault.”

Phastos shrugged. “I’ll try, but habits you know…”

“I know.” Pluto smiled as he patted Phastos’s shoulder. “Then I’ll see you around.”

Pluto then walked away from Phastos, continuing his tasks around London, leaving the Tinkerer alone. Phastos then played with the key, and nodded, he entered the home, closing the door softly.

—

Pluto came home after a long day at London, he got out of his carriage, and took a deep breath. It was raining heavily now, the cold wind cools Pluto’s body as he walked to his front door.

“Where’s Tina, Horace?” Pluto asked his assistant as he approached him from the front door, bringing an umbrella for Pluto.

“At the garden Sir.” Horace said. “Lady Tina seems like she’s in a foul mood right now.”

Pluto raised his brow. “While it's raining? Why?”

“I didn’t ask sir.”

Pluto sighed, “Make us a cup of tea Horace.” he said, entering his home.

Horace put the umbrella away, and nodded. “Right away sir.”

Horace then disappeared into the kitchen, while Pluto walked to the back door, towards the garden. He took an umbrella that was just used, and opened the door to the back, entering the vast area at the back.

As he walked through the paved walkway, he saw Thena on the field, training heavily with her conjured weapons. She was soaked by the rain, her clothing became semi transparent, and water was splashed everywhere as she sung her weapons, changing it again and again.

Pluto was standing a couple of feet away from her, umbrella in hand

“What are you doing?” he questioned. “It’s raining, come inside.”

Thena abruptly stopped as she heard his question. She rested her conjured spear to the ground, and faced Pluto.

“It’s been so long, Pluto.” she stated calmly. “For thousands of years… my… our purpose is to kill, to fight the deviants, and to protect the humans from them…”

Pluto just sighed, and started to walk towards her. His shoes got muddied, his trousers soaked with water.

“Yet now…” she murmured as Pluto stood in front of her. “The deviants are gone… the humans are killing themselves… and we are left with no purpose…”

Pluto caressed her cheek, moving away her soaked hair from her face. “Isn’t it great?” he smiled sadly. “You don’t have to kill anymore Thena, you can rest, pour yourself a drink… and besides, we still have one more thing to do.”

“I know.” she hummed. “But… that’s still a long time from now Pluto… I can’t just sit here and do nothing… it’s not me…”

“What do you want to do then?” Pluto asked softly. “What about the children Thena? Do you not want one anymore?”

“I know you’re working on it, and I am grateful… that you’re still trying…” Thena smiled. “But in the meantime… let’s explore again… you know this is not us… I missed those times back in Africa… just you and me…”

Pluto chuckled. “You want to do that again?”

She nodded. “Except… let’s explore the whole world this time. We have the money, right?”

“We do.” Pluto hummed. “Fine, let’s do it. We need to say goodbye to the others first, though.”

Thena smiled, and kissed Pluto’s cheek. “Let’s do it tomorrow, let’s drink some tea first.”

Pluto laughed as he took Thena’s hand, walking towards home. “We might be addicted to tea at this point…”