Danmachi- Hell’s Forge

We made it to the gate of the Apollo familia manor and the guards there merely glared at us but let us in without a fuss. There were already dozens of gods and captains in the ballroom just chatting and socializing when we walked in. Hestia and I got strange looks from the others gods and captains since it was public knowledge at this point that we were in conflict with the Apollo familia. Anyone with half a brainstem could tell that this little get together was going to get entertaining at some point. We split up with Hestia heading to the food table and me just loitering out in the open.-

"Bell seems to get you all in the most trouble, first was Soma and now Apollo? At this rate he'll end up annoying the Freya or Loki familias." A male voice with an accent said and I looked over to see Miach and Naaza approaching in a suit and dress respectively.

"You know she said something similar on the way here but I just don't see what the issue is. So far we could handle everyone he's picked a fight with and I can't imagine he'll change so why not enjoy the ride?" I said with a smile.

"Still as mad as ever I see." a female voice spoke up and I saw Loki and Finn(her captain) walk up.

"Sanities overrated but I suspect you know that already. Now where are my manners Alexander drake." I said with a grin.

"Finn Deimne and of course my goddess Loki." the small blonde Pallum man said with a friendly smile.

"Tiona's been saying some rather interesting things about you, you don't look like much though?" the red headed tomboy goddess said with a curious look while looking me over.

"I might not be the most outstanding person but I promise my performance is anything but." I said with a grin and a wink.

"HA! You and me'll get along just fine boya, I prefer the fairer sex though." she said with a smile.

I shrugged "A shame, you are just my type." I said unbothered by the rejection.

"How'd someone like you end up with the loli cow anyways, you don't seem the sort to get along?" Loki asked curiously.

"Oh I'm not a scoundrel horndog or anything like that you just struck me as the sort of woman to enjoy a no strings attached turn in the sheets is all. Other than that I wanted freedom when I went looking for my familia and she offered it, the rest as they say is history." I said.

"Why not apply to our familia then? We offer our members a lot of personal freedom." Finn asked clearly curious what I'd say.

"I had thought of it but you guys are well known for your teams and I didn't think I'd work all that well with others. I was right too as my magic is very friendly fire prone when fully unleashed." I said summoning a small black flame above my hand.

"Some sort of intuition then? It's rare but not unheard of for a nonadventurer to have a feeling about stuff like that. Would also explain what Tiona's been saying about how you seem to predict her moves before she does them." He said with a thoughtful look.

I didn't feel like correcting him either as in this case the misunderstanding was in my favor. Loki wondered off at some point and he had to go after her since she apparently caused trouble otherwise. Miach and Naaza had also slipped away while I was talking with Loki and Finn so I was alone again though not for long.-

A dark shadow fell over me and I turned to look behind me only to find Ottar staring down at me.

"Damn son, you's tall as hell. You got some sort of special diet or is this all natural?" I asked unbothered by him looming over me.

"Natural, you are unusual." He said with a straight face.

"Oh? How so?" I asked surprised by his answer.

"Few level sixes are willing to meet my gaze and yet you appear unaffected, it is strange." he said bluntly.

"You are certainly strong enough to respect but why would i bow or cower from you when I aim to surpass you, to surpass everyone who came before you?" I asked with a grin.

That got a reaction as for the briefest moment his eyes lit up and the corner of his mouth twitched upwards before it was gone, under control.

"I will wait for the day you can stand as my equal." he said before moving as Freya walked up.

"Color me pleasantly surprised, I had Ottar introduce himself to you but I had never thought you'd get his approval so easily. Why I haven't seen him this excited in a VERY long time, not since Zeus and Hera ruled this city in fact." she said with a smile.

"I suppose that makes sense. He seems like the kind that enjoys having rivals and probably got thrilled at the idea of having one again." I said with a shrug.

"Is that so?" she asked the giant man and he nodded with a slightly embarrassed look.

"Ah but that reminds me I have a favor to ask of you." I said casually.

She looked surprised "I never thought you of all people would ask for help, especially not for something so little as this." she said slightly disappointed.

"Don't go jumping to conclusions, I can handle Apollo easily but things could get messy if anyone tried to shove themselves into this matter for some reason. I would like you to keep that from happening that's all." I said correcting her misunderstanding.

"Oh that? You may as well have not asked since I would have done so regardless. Was that all you wanted , nothing else perhaps more personal?" she teased.

"You know i'm not interested right?" I asked with a sigh and she giggled.

"Oh I know but teasing you is just far too much fun. Plus I couldn't help but notice you trying to make a move on Loki of all people, notorious womanizer that she is." Freya said with a smirk.

"I can't really understand you girly sorts but tomboys I can understand perfectly and as a result they appeal to me more. It helps when I know I can't knock them up too." I said honestly while shrugging.

"The amazons must be a dream come true for you then." she said teasingly and I shuddered.

"Nah way too baby hungry for my taste. I like rolling in the sheets as much as the next guy but the idea of having children gives me chills and not the good kind." I said seriously and she laughed.