The party on Olympus wasn't just any ordinary celebration. There were parties. There were enormous, extravagant parties. And then there were Olympian parties.
If anyone ever had the choice, they should go to a party on Olympus.
The Nine Muses began their melodies, and Ikki noticed something peculiar. The music wasn't singular, but multiple – the gods listened to divine operas and symphonies, while the young demigods listened to rock, hip-hop, or whatever style they preferred. Somehow, magically, like everything in this place, it all blended perfectly, as if each person heard exactly what they wanted without disturbing the others.
No arguments. No fighting over the radio station. Just requests to turn up the volume.
Dionysus walked around, snapping his fingers and making refreshment stands sprout from the ground like magic vineyards. Wine flowed from some fountains, but, to Ikki's surprise, there were also juices, sodas, and even milkshakes, as if he wanted to help the group of demigods have fun too. Beside the god, a beautiful woman walked arm in arm with him – Ariadne.
Unlike the irritable and bored Dionysus Ikki knew, the god seemed genuinely satisfied. His face didn't carry its usual boredom, and his wife seemed to share this rare tranquility.
In the center of the hall, golden fountains spouted nectar and ambrosia in glittering cascades, and long banquet tables were laden with platters overflowing with mortal and divine delicacies. Golden goblets magically filled with any desired drink, ensuring that no one was left without a cup in hand.
Ikki watched Grover trotting excitedly, balancing a plate piled high with aluminum cans and enchiladas. The satyr held a steaming cup of double espresso with milk, murmuring as if it were an incantation:
"Pan! Pan!"
Gods continued to arrive to congratulate him. Unlike before, they now appeared in human size, which made the interaction more bearable. Hermes appeared first, smiling and with vibrant energy.
"Ikki. Our father's famous favorite son. Rumor has it you're the fastest Demigod in history." He said, staring at Ikki with a challenging glint in his eyes. "How about a race? Just to see who's really the fastest?"
Ikki raised an eyebrow.
"Hm..." He tilted his head, pretending to consider. "And what do I get if I win?"
"Hah! I like your confidence!" Hermes laughed. "But before we talk about prizes, I need to know if you're in."
Before he could answer, Hermes' caduceus vibrated with a call. The god picked up the enchanted staff, answered with a sigh, and gave Ikki a hurried nod.
"Ugh, duty." He grumbled, rolling his eyes. "We'll leave it for another day. When I have a day off, ugh..."
He disappeared after leaving those words.
Next, Apollo appeared, radiant as always, and casually threw an arm over Ikki's shoulders, as if they were old friends. His smile was almost as bright as the sun itself.
"Dude, you were amazing! Seriously, you should have seen the look of disappointment on our dear father's face when you didn't accept becoming a God..." Apollo said with a beaming smile. "And, look, any day now, if you want to drive my sun chariot, just call me. I trust you more than half of these drivers out there..."
Ikki smiled slightly and asked,
"Have you seen my driving record?"
"No, but you're my brother-in-law!" Apollo grinned even wider, patting Ikki's chest as if that explained everything. "And if my sister chose you, then it's decided: I trust you completely..."
This topic would have been complicated if it had been him before this whole mission, but now that he had overcome it, Ikki snorted, but couldn't help a half-smile.
"Good to know that family ties come with benefits..."
"Of course they do! And speaking of which, if you ever want some archery lessons, I'm the right guy to teach you."
Ikki rolled his eyes.
"I'm good. I'm already the best archer on the planet. I even beat your sister in a game."
Apollo's eyes widened for a moment, and then he burst out laughing, giving Ikki a thumbs-up as if he had just heard the funniest thing of the day.
"You really are amazing, brother-in-law! You beat my sister? I wish I'd seen her face." He patted Ikki on the back. "But seriously, how about a workout while we fly in my chariot across the United States? Best fun there is!"
Ikki sighed, crossing his arms.
"That sounds like an invitation to an accident."
"Nah, I've never crashed! Well... at least not recently." Apollo grinned carelessly. "But relax, I'd guide you properly. Artemis might even get worried, but hey, I'd take care of my favorite brother-in-law!"
Ikki just gave him a dry look.
"I thought I was the only brother-in-law you have...?"
"And that's precisely why you're the favorite!" Apollo laughed, before walking away. "But seriously, think about the invitation!"
Ikki didn't say anything, just watched Apollo walk away with that bright smile that only a sun god could give, already approaching a group of goddesses as if it were the most natural thing in the world. He exchanged a few words, flashed a carefree charm, and soon some of them were smiling and laughing, clearly amused.
Shaking his head with amusement, Ikki turned to get something to drink, but before he could take a step, a goblet was placed in his hand.
"Drink, boy. You deserve it." Ares said, raising his own goblet in a toast.
Ikki looked at the god of war for a moment before raising his goblet as well. The liquid had a strong smell, definitely something quite alcoholic, and Ares seemed to expect him to drink without hesitation.
Would his mother be disappointed that he was drinking even though he was underage? Actually, no, she had already made him try alcohol, and the gods didn't care that he was underage and couldn't drink, and whether he wanted to or not, he didn't care either. He could remove any side effects with his powers....
"Cheers?" Ikki said with a slight smile.
Ares smirked.
"Cheers."
They both drank, and the alcohol went down warm and strong, but not enough to make Ikki hesitate.
As he felt the warmth of the drink spread, his mind went back to his last encounter with Ares in London, months ago. They had fought a few times, brutal exchanges of blows, no frills, just pure strength and combat skill. The god of war was someone who respected power above all else, and, after a few intense clashes, his initial hostility had transformed into something closer to respect; they had become friends.
Actually, Ares, Hades, Persephone, and Hestia were the only Olympian Gods he had met in his travels, if he stopped to think about it, but they didn't seem to want to comment to other gods about his whereabouts. Each had their reasons, he imagined; perhaps Ares's was to hide their battles, since having contact with a demigod would be going against the Ancient Laws? Well, whatever it was, he could only assume that...
That's why Ares defending him wasn't a surprise.
Two years ago, Ares despised him. He still remembered the look of fury and humiliation the god had given him after that shameful defeat. But now, it seemed Ares had accepted the idea that he wasn't just a fragile mortal.
"You're more absurd than ever, Ikki. Destroying Atlas and the Sky, you've reached an insane level..." Ares said, as if reading his thoughts. "I've fought many heroes, but few make me want to keep coming back for more. Fighting you is like cleansing my soul, there's nothing better..."
Ikki smiled faintly.
"I'll take that as a compliment."
Ares laughed, a hoarse sound full of enthusiasm.
"You better. Now drink and enjoy the party."
Ikki just nodded, bringing the goblet to his lips again. Gods of war weren't the sentimental type, but that was as close as it would get to genuine acknowledgment coming from Ares. And he was fine with that.
Ares finished his drink in a single gulp, wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, and let out a satisfied smile.
"I'm going to see if I can find some old acquaintances. But remember, boy..." He pointed at Ikki with a challenging glint in his eyes. "Next time we meet, I won't go easy on you."
Ikki raised an eyebrow, a half-smile on his face.
"Who said I want you to?"
Ares let out a hoarse laugh before giving Ikki a firm pat on the shoulder and walking away, heading towards a group of other gods, probably to discuss battles, wars, and other such things.
Ikki just shook his head with a light sigh. He was starting to get used to this version of Ares—less resentful, more focused on mutual respect.
Before he could decide whether to get more food or simply enjoy the moment, he felt a strong presence approaching. When he turned his head, he found none other than Poseidon beside him.
Poseidon took a long sip from his goblet before looking at Ikki again with those intense green eyes, the same look of raging ocean and calmness at the same time. With his tousled beard and slightly disheveled Hawaiian tunic, he looked more like an old surfer than one of the Big Three. But the aura of the sea god was as overwhelming as a tsunami, easily betraying his position.
"It seems you're having fun, nephew." Poseidon commented, tilting his head slightly.
Ikki shrugged, swirling the goblet in his hand.
"I'm trying to adjust to the fact that I'm at a party of gods and goddesses, but it is fun. Better than most..."
Poseidon let out a light chuckle, crossing his arms.
"Considering this is a party on Olympus, I would hope so. And as for adjusting, you're doing a great job at it. You even seem to not take this whole idea very seriously, you even refused immortality..." Poseidon said casually, but at the end of his words, it was as if he was confirming something to himself.
Ikki shrugged.
"I'm the kind of person who doesn't take almost anything seriously, as for refusing immortality, I'm not a big fan of the idea of being tied to a throne on Olympus."
Poseidon let out a chuckle, an amused smile appearing on his face.
"I can't say I disagree. If I had accepted, I'd have to wear those ridiculous golden togas. Even I can't stand that crap."
Ikki smiled slightly. At least Poseidon had some common sense.
"Besides..." Poseidon swirled his goblet slightly. "You've never been one to follow the expected path, have you? You're friends with Percy. And considering he gives me constant headaches... you two have that in common."
Ikki let out a short laugh.
"Is that a compliment?"
"Depends on how you want to interpret it..." Poseidon shrugged before speaking again. "Before I forget... Thank you for the sacrifice of the Nemean Lion's pelt."
Ikki raised an eyebrow.
"Relax, Uncle. It was a gift to help Grover in the waters..."
"Great gift." Poseidon smiled amusedly. "A relic like that deserves an owner who knows how to use it..."
Then, the sea god raised his goblet and made a toast in the air.
"Enjoy the party, nephew..."
And with that, Poseidon walked away, while Ikki stood there silently watching.
Ikki walked away, adjusting his collar as he headed towards one of the banquet tables. The platters of food were overflowing with all kinds of dishes, from fresh fruit to succulent meats and mortal delicacies that the gods had decided to try. He grabbed some roast meat, some fruit, and a goblet of nectar, balancing it all with the ease of someone accustomed to chaos.
As he served himself, several minor gods approached to chat. Ikki was a famous hero now, so it was no surprise that he received so much attention.
They came to him, striking up conversations about battles, achievements, and even his speed and abilities, something that fascinated them. Gods and goddesses like Aeolus, Hebe, Eos, and even Tyche approached him at some point to exchange a few words. He responded casually, without arrogance, but also without being too open, since some goddesses came on to him....
After a while, feeling a little overwhelmed by the attention, Ikki grabbed another goblet of nectar and started to move away to a quieter corner. Olympus could be magnificent, but he still preferred a bit of peace to the crowds.
That's when he sensed a sweet perfume in the air, a mixture of roses and something else indefinable, something that brought him a familiar yet distant feeling. He already knew who it was before he even turned around.
"Hey, Ikki. Already planning to slip away?" Aphrodite asked with a soft smile, her voice melodious, but with an undercurrent of something he couldn't immediately identify.
She was stunning as always, her blonde hair falling in soft waves around her perfect face, her blue eyes shining like sapphires under the golden light of Olympus. Her seductive body was draped in a Greek tunic that accentuated every curve, but not in a vulgar way—there was something more restrained about her tonight.
Ikki raised an eyebrow and took a sip of his drink before answering.
"Just taking a break. Too many conversations."
She tilted her head, crossing her arms.
"Who knew? The legendary Ikki Phoenix is the type who prefers silence to crowds. That's unexpected..."
Ikki shrugged.
"Depends on the company."
Aphrodite smiled slightly, but there was something melancholic in her expression, something she tried to hide behind her typical lightness. Then, after a brief silence, she extended her hand to him. "Well, this party was thrown in honor of you heroes, you have to enjoy it. So, shall we dance?"
Ikki stared at her for a moment, his sharp gaze catching a glimpse of something deeper behind her smile.
"You're asking me to dance?"
"Of course. Or are you going to tell me the great Ikki Phoenix is afraid of a dance floor?"
He rolled his eyes, but accepted her hand.
"Alright, alright. Just don't step on my foot..."
"As if I'm clumsy." She retorted with a smile, but her tone carried something he couldn't ignore.
As they moved to the dance floor, Ikki held her waist and guided her naturally, their bodies close, moving to the rhythm of the ethereal music echoing through Olympus. She seemed to want to lose herself in that moment, her eyes fixed on his, as if trying to memorize every detail of his face.
Aphrodite found herself observing the subtle details that made him so different. The way he held her waist, strong, but without the intention of restraining her. The way he guided her movements without hesitation, as if he had done it countless times.
"You know how to dance properly, huh?" she said, forcing a playful tone.
"I'm good at everything I do, I guess I have a natural talent for everything." Said Ikki with a slight smile.
He wasn't as affected by the insecurity he had previously. He no longer believed that everything he had achieved was because of the [Nameless Manual]. Most things were due to effort over the years. If he hadn't put in the effort, he wouldn't have even reached one percent of his achievements. Even though the path had been eased through the manual, he was slowly understanding something about it.
The "manual" in his mind was something that had always been his. It was something deeply rooted in his core. It wasn't something external that helped him in his achievements, it wasn't anything like that...
Aphrodite laughed, but the sound didn't have the same lightness as before. "You know that just makes you sound even more conceited, right?"
"I'm not being conceited, I'm just telling the truth..." Ikki said, shrugging.
Aphrodite rolled her eyes, but her smile didn't reach her eyes. They continued dancing, unhurriedly, while talking about trivial things, but at some point, a silence fell between them.
The Goddess of Love caught herself thinking...
Love was a cruel irony, another facet of her domain that she was having the privilege of experiencing.
She had loved before—or at least she believed she had. But this was different. It wasn't fleeting passion, it wasn't burning desire that extinguished itself with the next kiss. It was something deeper. A feeling that grew slowly, without her realizing it, and when she noticed, it was too late.
She loved him.
And he didn't love her back.
Aphrodite tightened her grip on his hand and her other hand that was on his back, as if she didn't want this moment to end. She allowed herself to be consumed by anguish mixed with regret. If only she had met him before Artemis… before that cold and distant goddess claimed his heart. Maybe she would have had a chance.
But no.
She was Aphrodite, the goddess of love. The one who slept with anyone, the one who had never truly loved anyone before him. He would never say it, would never be cruel enough to throw it in her face, but she knew. She knew that her past was a burden, something that separated her from what she wanted. Ikki might respect her, even like her as a friend, but he would never look at her the way he looked at Artemis.
And that hurt more than any scorn.
She looked away briefly, biting her lower lip slightly before asking, her voice lower:
"Ikki... Have you ever wondered how things could have been if we had met before?"
He blinked, the question catching him off guard, but in the end, he answered honestly: "I don't usually waste time thinking about what could have been..."
She nodded slowly, but he noticed that her hand on his shoulder tightened slightly, as if she wanted to hold onto him longer.
"Of course..." she murmured, almost to herself.
From afar, amidst the crowd of merrymaking gods and goddesses, Artemis watched the dance floor. Her eyes shone with an intense, fixed glow as her heart tightened. She couldn't take her eyes off Ikki, now dancing calmly with Aphrodite.
Their dance was smooth, tranquil, but there was something about the way they moved together that stirred an uncomfortable feeling within Artemis.
She swallowed hard and took a step back, partially hiding behind a group of lesser gods who were watching the couple with enamored gazes.
All she wanted was to approach him, talk to him, but she didn't know how. Words seemed to fail her, guilt consumed her.
She remembered all the times she had hurt Ikki, how the distance between them had stretched until it became a wound difficult to heal. What could she say now? How could she undo everything she had caused? He had been so clear in his disappointment with her, yet she watched him from afar, unsure what to do with her own feelings.
The anger and pride that had blinded her in the past seemed so distant now.
She wanted to go to him, approach him, but the fear of being rejected, of facing the distrustful look he had for her, held her back. She didn't deserve his attention, and she knew it. After all, what could she offer Ikki now, after everything? He seemed to have finally found balance, peace, and she… she was lost, with her pride and jealousy mixed in a jumble of feelings.
Artemis's gaze drifted for a moment, observing the hall, but her heart was still there, with Ikki, on the dance floor with Aphrodite. And, even if only for a brief moment, she wished more than anything that he had given her a chance. But deep down, she knew that chance had passed, and that he deserved better.
After a serene and tranquil moment, Ikki gently released Aphrodite's waist, watching the goddess of love being called away by some other goddesses for a conversation. She smiled at him, with that melancholic smile, and walked away without making a fuss. Ikki stood there for a moment, alone amidst the illuminated hall. He watched the other gods interacting, the movement of people around him, and the music that seemed to envelop everything.
It was then that he noticed someone approaching him.
Athena.
Her face was beautiful and majestic, but also carried an intensity that bordered on intimidating - the look of a true goddess of war. Her stormy grey eyes weren't just a dull color, but full of fierce energy, vibrant like a storm at sea. There was something in them that seemed to scrutinize everything around her, analyzing, calculating, but at that moment, they also held a spark of curiosity and something Ikki couldn't immediately identify.
Her body displayed curves that only enhanced her imposing presence. The white Greek dress she wore was simple, but nothing about her could be considered ordinary. The fabric flowed elegantly, highlighting her noble posture and curves that would drive any man crazy just by looking, and her long black hair fell to the small of her back, with a few strands framing her face.
"Ikki Phoenix..." she called, her voice as firm as ever, but with an unexpected touch of softness. "Would you care to dance with me?"
It was a simple request, but coming from her, it was very unexpected.
Ikki raised an eyebrow slightly. Athena was Annabeth's mother, which made it a bit awkward, but he saw no reason to refuse. If even Aphrodite had asked for a dance, why not Athena?
"Of course..." he replied, a slight smile on his lips.
When Athena extended her hand, Ikki took it naturally, but noticed the slight tension in her fingers. It was strange to see the goddess of wisdom so hesitant. He didn't comment, just guided her to the dance floor.
The dance began slowly, and, for a moment, Athena felt something new - something that wasn't planning, strategy, or logic. Ikki didn't treat her like a distant goddess, he didn't mince words or try to impress her. He just danced, with a disconcerting calmness and indifference.
Athena wasn't someone who made impulsive decisions. Everything about her was logical reasoning, strategy, and analysis. But, over the past two years, since she first heard about Ikki and his deeds, there had been a nagging curiosity growing within her.
He had defeated Hercules. Then, Ares. Two of the most powerful warriors on Olympus, and he had surpassed them. Athena remembered well when her father, Zeus, agreed with her idea to visit him, talk to him, understand his intentions, or at least, discover what made him so different. But, for one reason or another, the opportunity never came - and that curiosity persisted, dormant, but never extinguished.
And then, recently, Artemis had spoken of him again. About everything Ikki had done on this mission. About the impossible that he transformed into reality. And at that moment, curiosity reached its limit.
How could a son of Zeus be so strong?
What about him set him apart from other demigods?
Why was he so calm and indifferent, even surrounded by gods?
Why didn't he seem concerned with the wrath or approval of Olympus?
Why... did he seem so incredible?
So... beautiful?
Athena tightened her grip on his hand slightly, without realizing it. There were so many questions in her mind, so many unknowns that didn't fit. Ikki puzzled her in a way that few could, and she hated not having all the answers.
She wanted to analyze him and discover what made him who he was.
And that's why she asked for this dance.
As they moved across the hall, Athena kept her eyes fixed on him. She wanted answers. She wanted to see beyond that calm gaze and that slight smile. She wanted to know what lay hidden behind that man who defied gods and didn't seem to carry the weight of Olympus on his shoulders.
"Ikki," she began, her voice softer than she intended. "I want to ask you some questions."
He raised an eyebrow, intrigued, but smiled faintly.
"I thought I was being silently evaluated." He joked with a slight smile on his lips.
Athena felt a slight blush rise to her face, but maintained her composure.
"Perhaps a little of both..." she admitted.
He chuckled softly, and for the first time, Athena felt something strange in her chest. Something she couldn't name.
But she ignored it. After all, she had questions to ask.
Athena looked directly into Ikki's eyes as they twirled smoothly around the hall. There was an intense glint in her grey gaze, a mixture of curiosity and fascination. Now that she had the chance, she wouldn't let it pass.
"How did you become so strong?" Athena asked, without preamble. "Defeating Hercules and Ares isn't something just anyone could accomplish...."
Ikki raised an eyebrow slightly, as if he found the question somewhat obvious.
"Training..."
Athena sighed, dissatisfied with the answer.
"Everyone trains, but no one reaches your level. What do you do differently?"
Ikki gave a slight smile, looking away for a moment before meeting her gaze again.
"Maybe I just have a natural talent for it..."
Athena realized that, despite the casual tone, he wasn't saying it out of arrogance. He genuinely believed it was part of who he was.
"Do you never fear the gods?" she asked, narrowing her eyes.
"Why would I fear them?" Ikki responded in a neutral tone. Had she forgotten that he had made the Gods fear him about a year ago?
This disconcerted her. Most demigods always showed some kind of apprehension towards Olympus. But Ikki... didn't.
"Let me rephrase my question. You don't seek the approval of Olympus, do you?"
"No..."
Athena blinked, surprised by the raw honesty in his answer.
"Then what do you seek? Power? Glory? A higher purpose?"
Ikki was silent for a moment, as if pondering the question.
"None of that. I just follow my own path."
The answer was simple, but weighty. Athena felt a shiver run down her spine. He was so different from the heroes she knew.
Athena looked away, feeling something strange in her chest. She tightened her grip on his hand slightly before continuing:
"Do you have any weaknesses?"
Ikki smiled faintly.
"Everyone does..."
"And what is yours?"
Ikki let out a low laugh, shaking his head slightly.
"Do you realize what you just asked? 'What is your weakness?' Who in their right mind would answer that?"
Athena blinked, surprised by the sudden change in atmosphere. He wasn't mocking her, but he definitely found the question amusing.
"It's a valid question." She retorted, crossing her arms as they danced.
"For an interrogation, perhaps. But we're dancing, Athena, not on a battlefield." Ikki smirked. "If I really had a fatal weakness, why would I tell you?"
Athena pursed her lips, acknowledging his point. Still, her curiosity remained unsatisfied.
"Perhaps because I'm not your enemy?"
Ikki tilted his head slightly, as if pondering her answer.
"Perhaps. But still, it's a dangerous question."
Athena stared at him for a few moments before smiling slightly.
"Touché."
Even without a clear answer, she felt she was understanding more about him. Ikki wasn't someone who gave everything away easily. He was careful, observant, and above all, laid-back about everything. This made him even more interesting in her eyes.
She watched him carefully, still analyzing every nuance of his personality. Even without a direct answer about his weakness, she wouldn't give up so easily on understanding him. So, she decided to change her approach.
"You know my daughter, Annabeth, don't you?"
Ikki raised an eyebrow, surprised by the change of subject, but nodded.
"Yes. She's a smart girl... a little stubborn at times, but brilliant..."
Athena gave a small, proud smile.
"Stubborn is an understatement." She sighed. "Since she was little, she always wanted to prove she was capable of standing out, of showing that she could be more than just a talented demigod..."
Ikki nodded, understanding the sentiment well.
"It's something I respect about her. She never backs down from a challenge."
Athena watched him with interest.
"And you? What do you think of her as a person?"
Ikki shrugged.
"I think she has a good heart, despite her tendency to overthink things. But maybe that comes from the side of her that takes after you."
Athena chuckled softly, a rare sight.
"Perhaps. And Perseus, the son of the blue fin? You and he seem quite close..."
"Percy is like a brother to me," Ikki replied without hesitation. "We've been through a lot together. He's impulsive, but he has a sense of loyalty that few people have..."
Athena was silent for a moment before letting out an almost imperceptible sigh.
"I admit I didn't approve of Percy at first. The idea of my daughter getting so close to a son of Poseidon... it was difficult for me."
Ikki smiled faintly.
"And now?"
"Now..." Athena hesitated, but then looked at Ikki with a softer expression. "Now, I see that not everything can be calculated like a perfect equation. And that some friendships and alliances arise in unexpected ways."
Ikki nodded.
"That's part of life, Athena. Not everything can be planned."
Their conversation was interrupted by a subtle influence that had made the music more lively. Ikki could feel Apollo winking at him from a distance while laughing.
Ikki automatically adjusted to the dance.
His steps became more dynamic, and Athena, though initially surprised, followed without difficulty.
Then, he became a little bolder. His hands slid in a subtle, but noticeable way. One moment, they were just holding her hand and waist, the next, his firm palm slid a little lower down her back before returning, and his other hand lightly touched her arm before guiding her in a spin.
Athena blushed slightly, feeling a strange wave of warmth rise through her body. It wasn't shame, nor indignation… but something different. A feeling she wasn't experienced enough to name, but didn't reject.
She looked at Ikki, trying to decipher whether he was just having fun or if there was something more. But his expression was the same as always—calm, slightly confident, without a trace of hesitation. He was comfortable there, leading her with ease, and Athena realized she liked the feeling of being guided by him.