Chapter 126 - Great Prophecy

The hall of Olympus buzzed with murmurs after Ikki finished recounting his mission. The gods whispered amongst themselves, exchanging knowing glances. Some seemed surprised by the details, others clearly impressed with the feats of Zeus's son. But there was something more there, something left unspoken.

Ikki noticed it, but didn't care.

Near him, Zöe and Thalia didn't appear as relaxed. There was a disquiet about them, as if they were waiting for something to happen at any moment. Artemis, on the other hand, cast subtle glances at him, her face impassive, but her eyes betraying that her mind was far from tranquil.

It was then that Zeus cleared his throat.

The sound reverberated through the hall like distant thunder, silencing the whispers immediately.

"Ikki, my son. Aren't you curious to know why we were so worried about Bianca and Nico? About you and Percy for over two years?"

Ikki arched an eyebrow, crossing his arms casually.

"And why?" His voice was calm, without any sign of genuine concern.

Zeus's gaze grew even more serious, and the mood in the hall seemed to shift.

The other gods watched intently, waiting for the answer that would come.

Zeus, with a serious and grave expression, began to recite the words that had been weighing on Olympus for a long time: "Because of an ancient prophecy…"

"A half-blood of the eldest gods,"

"Shall reach sixteen against all odds;"

"And see the world in endless sleep;"

"The hero's soul, cursed blade shall reap;"

"A single choice shall end his days:"

"Olympus to preserve or raze."

Thalia, who was also among the group of half-blood children of the Big Three, felt her whole body tense when Zeus mentioned the Great Prophecy. She already knew those words—Chiron had told her when she woke up, and since then, they echoed in her mind like a relentless drum.

She crossed her arms tightly, her fingers digging into her jacket as if she was trying to hold something inside.

The prophecy spoke of a half-blood of the Big Three who would reach sixteen, which meant she could be that person. That was bad enough. But what left her even more uneasy was the final part: "A single choice shall end his days."

Her stomach churned.

What did that mean beyond the obvious?

She would have to make a decision that would affect the fate of Olympus. But the word "end" didn't escape her. That was why, during that moment at the Junkyard of the Gods, she asked Ikki what to do if it was an inescapable fate. He gave her the answer through his actions, and although she felt worried about the prophecy, thanks to that, she gained more confidence that everything would work out.

Unaware of his daughter's thoughts, Zeus looked at Ikki, a visible weight in his eyes, and admitted:

"You deserve to hear this. I can no longer hide the truth. You have a right to know what may come to pass."

Ikki let out a deep sigh.

Some time ago, he would have become a sea of questions, fears, and anxieties about what the future held. But not now. He had learned enough about [Fate] and had even won some battles against it.

He looked calmly at Zeus and, in a quiet tone, said: "Thank you, Father… Now, I'd like to know what Grover was talking about before?"

He turned to the satyr, who was silent, clearly thoughtful, and asked the question that was on his mind.

Grover, who until that moment had his eyes fixed on the floor, suddenly raised his head, visibly more animated. His face lit up as he realized Ikki was referring to something he had said earlier, as if it were finally his chance to speak.

Before Grover could continue, with excitement evident in his eyes, Zeus raised his hand, abruptly interrupting him. The room, already charged with tension, seemed as silent as a battlefield about to begin.

"Well, we were talking, obviously we're not going against you and the other half-bloods, but at least the monster has to be destroyed. We agree on that?" Zeus said, the statement echoing in the room.

Several gods began to nod, their gazes filled with concern and caution. Ikki, however, took a second to realize what they were talking about. He looked at everyone in the room before letting out a low chuckle, which soon transformed into an expression of surprise.

"Well, Percy and Grover call it… Bessie? You want to destroy Bessie?" Ikki asked, incredulity mixing with the tone of his voice.

The sea creature, which had been quiet until then, emitted a loud bellow of protest: "Mooooooo!"

Poseidon frowned, clearly uncomfortable with the situation. He turned to Ikki, unsure exactly how to react to the situation.

"Percy named the Ophiotaurus Bessie?" Poseidon questioned, his voice laced with confusion.

Ikki, seeing the god's confusion, shrugged with a calm smile.

"Uncle Poseidon… Bessie, he's just a sea creature. A really cool sea creature. And he's Percy's friend, you wouldn't want him to be sad about this…"

Poseidon, still visibly uncomfortable with the situation, crossed his arms.

"Nephew, the monster's power is considerable. If the Titans steal it, or—"

Before Poseidon could continue, Ikki cut in firmly.

"You can't." He stated calmly, looking at Zeus: "Father, controlling prophecies never works. Doesn't it? Besides, Bess—the Ophiotaurus is innocent. Killing something like that is wrong. It's as wrong as… Cronos eating his children, just because of something they might do. It's wrong!"

Zeus was silent for a moment, reflecting on Ikki's words. His gaze softened, but there was still tension in the air.

He then looked at Ikki and then his eyes fixed on Thalia.

"What about the risk? Cronos knows very well, if one of you sacrifices the beast's entrails, they would have the power to destroy us. Do you think we can let that possibility remain? Thalia will be sixteen tomorrow, just as the prophecy says."

The tension in the air was palpable. The Gods were divided, restless. It wasn't just about the destruction of a creature, but about the risk it represented—the power the Ophiotaurus possessed could change the course of everything. And with the Great Prophecy looming, the concern was even greater.

Ikki, however, did not waver.

"I understand the risk, but what is more important, Father? The possibility of a future that may never happen, or the justice of saving an innocent life now?" He challenged, his voice calm but charged with a force that made everyone around him hesitate.

It was then that someone spoke up to help him.

"Ikki is right, but to alleviate everyone's concerns…" Artemis said, her voice firm but laden with a certain gravity: "And that is why I must make retribution. As the Hunters have expanded considerably in recent years, I feel it is time to have a new lieutenant. And I already have someone in mind. However, before making any decision, Father Zeus, there is something I need to discuss with you privately."

Zeus, who was watching attentively, gestured with his hand, signaling for Artemis to approach. She leaned toward him, her lips almost touching the King of Olympus's ear as she spoke in a low, serious tone. The sound of her words was almost inaudible, but Zeus listened with full attention.

After a few moments of conversation, Artemis pulled away, a resolute expression on her face. She turned to everyone in the room and, with a gesture, announced:

"I will have a new lieutenant." She said, her voice echoing with authority. "If she accepts."

Everyone's eyes turned to her, waiting, sighing with anticipation. And then, with a direct and steady gaze, Artemis said the name that surprised everyone present.

"Thalia," she began, her voice deep but charged with something almost maternal. "Daughter of Zeus, will you join the Hunt?"

A heavy silence fell over the room. The atmosphere was tense, as if time had stopped for a moment. Ikki stared at Thalia, his eyes narrowing, he could guess that Artemis had invited his sister to the Hunt when he was unconscious in the Sarcophagus talking to Kronos, the conversation between her and Zöe afterward while he was helping the sunset nymphs to go to a safe location indicated they would be sisters now…

Zöe, who was calmer and more experienced, didn't hide the smile that formed on her lips. She gently squeezed Thalia's hand, as if she had been waiting for this moment for a long time, and then released it, as if a new stage was about to begin. For Zöe, that was the right choice.

Thalia, without hesitation, looked at the goddess with determined eyes. Her answer was firm, and the entire room seemed to hang on her voice.

"I will," Thalia said, with certainty in her words, making it clear that there was no turning back.

Zeus stood up abruptly, his gaze piercing and filled with an almost palpable concern. He looked at Thalia, trying to find some doubt or hesitation, but only found a cold resolution.

"My daughter." Zeus said, his voice hoarse and grave. "Consider carefully what you are doing. This is not a simple decision…"

But Thalia, with a firmness that no longer impressed herself, but everyone around her, interrupted her father. Her eyes shone with a flame that would not be extinguished.

"Father," she said, her words weighing in the air. "I will not be sixteen tomorrow. I will never be sixteen. I will not let this prophecy be mine. I stay with my sister Artemis. Kronos will never tempt me again."

She then turned her gaze to Ikki, who stood there in silence.

She had seen Ikki as an example of someone who, despite adversity and the pressure of greater forces, chose his own path. And the consequence of that was saving two people who were destined to die on this mission. Thalia wanted the same thing. She didn't want to be molded by what others thought she should be. She wanted to be the master of her own destiny…

Removing her gaze from Ikki, Thalia knelt before Artemis, the entire room silent as she began to pronounce the words of the oath, with a solemnity that made her heart beat faster:

"I pledge myself to the goddess Artemis. I turn my back on the company of men…"

The room was attentive, but what happened next surprised Ikki more than any word or gesture he could have imagined. After finishing the oath, Thalia stood up and, with a smile, walked over to him.

Without hesitation, she enveloped him in a big hug. Ikki stood still for a moment, surprised. He hadn't expected that, but it was something so simple, so human, that he couldn't help but reciprocate, even if a little tensely. She was a Hunter of Artemis now, after all.

When she pulled away, still with a smile on her lips, Thalia squeezed his shoulders with a caring gesture.

Ikki didn't know what to say at first, but then murmured, with a playful tone:

"Um… aren't you supposed to not do that anymore? Hug boys, I mean?"

Thalia laughed softly, without losing the lightness of the situation. She didn't seem bothered at all, her decision was made. She then glanced at Artemis and Zöe, who were watching the scene with subtle smiles on their faces, and finished with a slight grimace, as if it were inevitable:

"I'm just honoring my brother one last time…" She explained, her voice full of sincerity.

"Honoring me one last time, is that it? Do you think I'm going to die now?" Ikki raised an eyebrow.

The provocation was light.

Thalia responded with a playful smile, without hesitation:

"Maybe," she said, winking at him. "But don't worry, I'll visit you from time to time, for sure."

"Bring me a burger, even a ghost wants to eat something…"

Their interaction was soon cut short.

"With that, we have one last matter to discuss." Artemis continued, her voice gaining a firmer tone.

The attention of the room turned completely to Ikki.

"You have demonstrated bravery." Artemis said: "Strength beyond what was expected, even for a son of Zeus."

The gods looked at each other. Some seemed satisfied, others hesitant.

Thalia crossed her arms, looking suspicious. Zöe stood tall, but the tension in her shoulders was visible.

"Because of your actions…" Artemis continued: "The Council is considering granting you an honor."

Ikki arched an eyebrow.

"What kind of honor?"

It was Zeus who answered this time, his voice echoing through the room like distant thunder:

"Immortality."

The silence that followed was enough to hear a pin drop.

Thalia's eyes widened. Zöe glanced at Ikki, waiting for his reaction. Grover froze in place, his expression torn between surprise and uncertainty.

Ikki, however, didn't move. His face remained expressionless. He didn't understand why the Gods had made all this conversation if they had already discussed and come to conclusions, just as he didn't understand why they narrated everything if Artemis had already done so, but well, the Gods were strange…

But as for their offer? Inside his mind, he reflected on what was being offered: immortality, power, a place on Olympus beside the gods. However, what he felt was not desire, but a certain silent repulsion. Becoming a god of Olympus, an immortal who depended on the adoration and faith of people, was something pathetic, something he considered slavery disguised as honor.

The idea of having his existence sustained by a bundle of human beliefs, by empty prayers and rituals, seemed like a joke. He was walking a path that would lead him beyond all that. A path that would make him a True God, a divine being without needing anyone's approval or faith. He would not become just another immortal puppet, an icon in a temple, fed by human fragility. He would be divine by himself, without needing the adoration of others.

And most importantly, even if he did become one, he still wouldn't be able to bring his mother back to life that way, since the Olympian Gods are limited by fate…

Wait! Was that what those old witches wanted?

A glint appeared in his eyes as he thought…

"So… you want to make me a god?" he asked, with no apparent emotion.

"Yes." Zeus confirmed with a smile: "A place on Olympus, alongside the immortals. As recognition for your deeds…"

The other gods continued to watch him, awaiting his answer. Some seemed hopeful, others doubtful.

Thalia took a step towards him, but was stopped by Ikki who raised his hand and turned his attention to the gods.

He smiled.

A calm smile, but full of meaning.

"I appreciate the offer." He said, his voice calm and controlled: "But I have to refuse…"

The gods were silent for a moment, as if they weren't sure they had heard correctly. Zeus narrowed his eyes.

"Are you certain, my son?"

Ikki held his gaze steady.

"Yes, I'm fine the way I am. I prefer to keep fighting for my goals and not become an immortal, you could say I'm a warrior who prefers the battlefield to being the general."

The silence was broken by a heavy sigh from Ares, who let out a short laugh.

"Hah! The boy has spirit."

Athena seemed to approve of the answer. Artemis expressed no surprise, as if she had already expected that decision.

Zeus, however, remained still for a moment before slowly nodding.

"Very well." He said with a disappointed sigh: "If that is your decision, so be it…"

Ikki didn't answer, just kept his gaze fixed on his father.

"Now, as for the Ophiotaurus." Artemis said, drawing everyone's attention again. Her voice was serious, and the gods adjusted in their seats, attentive to every word she spoke.

After a long discussion full of diverging viewpoints, everyone finally agreed to let the creature live. Zeus, as always, showed a clear preference for Ikki, supporting his decision without hesitation. But Thalia didn't seem bothered, not even a hint of jealousy in her expression. Now, she was a Hunter, and she knew she had a new immortal family, who would accept her without reservation.

"Alright," Poseidon said, his voice firm, reflecting his authority in the realm of the seas. "I will build an aquarium for the creature here. Hephaestus can help me. The creature will be safe. We must protect it with all our powers."

Zeus was thoughtful for a moment, his eyes revealing a slight doubt, but soon he nodded: "All in favor?"

The room was silent for a second, but soon all the gods raised their hands. It wasn't just because of Ikki Phoenix's request. It was because of the unwavering confidence he inspired, the respect he had already earned.

For them, Ikki's word was already worth more than any oath or promise.

Ikki observed the room, absorbing every detail as the gods made their decisions. There was something different in the air, something subtle he couldn't ignore. The Olympian Gods, so arrogant and imposing in their former posture, now seemed more human. He could feel the change in their actions, as if something bigger and deeper was influencing them. It was almost as if fate was shaping itself before him, adjusting in a way that, until recently, he would never have imagined.

And, reflecting on this, Ikki couldn't help but think about his own role in this process. His perception was sharper, more honed. He knew that fate, in a way, was leading him through the Gods' change, making them become more human and less unpleasant in his eyes.

But there was something more—something he was beginning to understand and control, although he preferred not to fully admit it.

His [Charm].

He knew his beauty wasn't just a superficial attribute, something that no one could notice due to his concealment. His appearance was something deeper, transcending the boundaries of species and genders. Even if he tried to hide it, his presence always exerted a kind of influence. The truth was that his beauty was almost a force in itself. Not a force that directly controlled the actions of others, unless he wished, but one that transformed them in subtle ways. He could feel it now—a light touch in his words, a smile, even a simple look that changed the dynamic of any situation.

His relationships, whether with gods or mortals, were never based solely on his appearance, but it always served as the key that unlocked other doors. Something within him made them look closer, rethink their own attitudes.

It was when Zeus's imposing voice cut through his thoughts, making him raise his eyes and turn his attention back to the supreme god.

"…And so, since these heroes have had their victory…" Zeus announced with a tone of authority, his voice echoing in the room like distant thunder. Ikki felt the eyes of the other gods turning to him, but his mind was still somewhat distant: "I imagine we should honor them. Let the celebration of triumph begin!"

The room filled with murmurs and a glint of expectation in the eyes of the gods.