Trickster Wukong

'Remember, Illian. They want something from you. They'll swindle you if they can, but…'

Despite Illian deep in thought, he froze as his eyes locked onto the first figure he saw.

The long and majestic white beard that paired well with his long, flowing white hair made his bright ocean-blue eyes stand out.

His towering figure was enough to put the likes of Ares to shame as his chiselled body was one fit for a king.

So much so that the white cloth around his waist covering everything below, leaving his torso bare seemed appropriate.

'This is…'

"Illian Hale…"

A thunderous voice rang out as Illian felt as though a heavy gust of wind assaulted his body as he stared at the figure.

If Ares made him feel miniscule, this figure made him feel utterly meaningless, as if his existence was void before him.

"I, God of the Sky, Welcome you to Olympus!" Zeus smiled widely as he stood at the end of a long table.

As he said these words, Illian felt the presence in the room somewhat lessen, making Illian think it was almost intentional.

'Zeus. I know he's popular in my world but how many people know what he looks like?'

Illian thought, staring at Zeus, who fashioned a large, warm smile, his arms stretched out in a welcoming motion.

'Get a hang of yourself.'

After a few seconds, Illian snapped out of his trance as he assessed his surroundings, bowing deeply as he smiled.

"I am honoured to be in the presence of the Gods of Olympus. I deeply thank you for this opportunity." Illian respectfully spoke.

"What a well-spoken young man." A soothing voice entered Illian's ears as he looked up, straightening his back.

Despite the words, the tone seemed patronising and almost condescending.

Before him was a long table vertical to him, Zeus standing at the very end.

Five other chairs were lined by the table on each side, only half of them being occupied.

Though other individuals could be seen standing in the large dining hall, most likely workers, Illian wasn't focused on them.

Instead, he glanced at the female sitting beside Zeus. The female who spoke.

Her brunette hair flowed down her back as she fashioned a gold crown designed after leaves, bending around her temple.

'She should be Hera, Queen of the Gods. Wife of Zeus.'

Illian noted. He made sure to receive a detailed description of everyone here by Ganymede before he entered.

"Well spoken, yes. But more interestingly, look at that boy's eyes. Gold is rare even amongst us gods. I can only recall a single person with it." 

These words stood out to Illian. He wondered why his eyes were considered "Taboo".

This curiosity of his only increased as he noticed everyone sneaking glances at his pupils.

Illian turned his head to the closest individual to him.

A female. 

That was all he could notice before…

'My mind…'

His mind suddenly became clouded as one thought repeated itself.

'B-Beautiful…'

"Oh? Is there something you want to tell me, boy?" 

She spoke in a soft and slow tone, seemingly in a seductive manner as if she were teasing him.

The female, thick blonde hair and soft rose lips she caressed with her tongue every so often.

Her face alone was so alluring that Illian didn't feel the need to shift his gaze to the cleavage her clothes did a poor job at covering.

"You're…"

Illian muttered. However…

-CRUNCH

"You're Aphrodite, Goddess of Love. I'm honoured to be in your presence." 

Illain finished with a straight face, speaking in the same respectful tone as usual.

'What…did he just…bite his tongue?'

Aphrodite widened her eyes as she perked her head off the palm it was resting on.

Not too far away from them, Hermes grinned as he witnessed this.

Zeus stared, the others having their own thoughts as he smiled.

"Aphrodite, leave the boy alone. Illian, please take a seat." Zeus sat as Illian followed his lead.

As he said this, the aura he was feeling from the others lessened to the point that it was hard to notice them if Illian wasn't paying attention.

Though, simply looking at Zeus had its usual effect, a testament to his stature.

He inwardly clicked his teeth as this happened, knowing Ares could do this but chose to intimidate him during their previous meeting.

As he sat opposite Zeus, ignoring the dangerous glare he received from Ares and the curious stare from Aphrodite, he tried to maintain his composure.

'I've barely taken a seat and everything almost went to shit.'

He thought, looking around and seeing some familiar faces. 

Ares thankfully sat beside Hera, far from him. 

Hermes sat in between him and the angry god, making Illian feel a little better.

Closest to him was Aphrodite, something he wasn't too fond of, especially since she wouldn't take her eyes off him.

There was just one person he didn't recognise and hadn't spoken to yet.

'Demeter, Goddess of Harvest.'

He wasn't too worried or cared much about her presence, simply taking note of her blonde, wheat-like hair that sat on her shoulders and her young, appealing appearance.

She simply served as an extra set of eyes for Illian, like the others in the hall.

Something he needed.

"Please, Illian. Indulge." Zeus invited Illian to help himself to the mountain of mouthwatering food before him.

And though he was hungry…

'Business first.'

"I'd love you. But if you don't mind, Sire, why has a lowly mortal such as myself been given the honour of dining with the gods?" 

A pause erupted within the dining hall as all eyes turned to Illian, then to Zeus shortly after.

"You like to get straight to the point, don't you?" Zeus chuckled, placing his knife and fork down.

"I've been watching you for some time, Illian."

'That's a lie.'

Illian could tell they'd only started watching him when he used Ruyi. 

Otherwise, their first question would be, "How did you suddenly appear in our world?"

This only furthered Illian's trust in his leverage.

"Tell me, what is that weapon you use?" 

All heads turned to Illian simultaneously as Zeus asked this, clear that it was a common interest.

And rather than words, Illian stood to his feet as his lips moved, his hands behind his back.

"Appear." 

-VUAM

Illian revealed his hands like a magician, barely holding onto a black staff with gold patterns coiling around it like snakes.

"This is Ruyi Jingu Bang. I can make it appear from thin air and…"

"Enlarge it to the size of a mountain. Yes, we're familiar." Hera interrupted.

She, like everyone else, stared at the staff with focused eyes. 

Though, unlike everyone else, she kept her expression controlled and emotionless.

"Fascinating. How exactly did you come across such a treasure?" 

Zeus asked, his eyes glued on the staff as his fingers pressed against his chin.

"It appeared in my greatest moment of need. I used it to bring justice to Thalia."

For all Illian knew, the Gods before him had some sort of magic to tell if he was lying.

He wasn't going to take any chances after the nonsense he experienced with Zoey.

Therefore, he told the truth. 

He did obtain Ruyi when he needed it the most against Monroe and he did use it to bring justice to Thalia.

But he used the facts he had to insinuate a lie.

However…

"Your revenge in Thalia was your greatest moment of need?" Hera peered at Illian, her expression never changing.

'She's quick.'

"One of them, yes." 

Illain inwardly cringed as he said this. 

It was a stretch to call any event in Thalia his greatest moment of need. It was clear it was no more than a chore to him.

However, a second passed and Hera turned away, causing Illian to feel a sense of relief.

'Good, I don't think they can detect lies.'

This gave Illian more wiggle room. But he was sure to be careful with his words.

"At the moment, the staff is bound to me, meaning it'll only heed my command till I willingly transfer that right."

This was important. Of course, it was a lie. But they didn't need to know that.

Illian was sure to add the word 'Willingly', meaning only he could consent. 

Therefore, simply killing him wouldn't give the murderer the complete weapon.

Meaning as long as the gods were interested in this weapon and Illian owned it, his life was safe.

And it seemed that they noticed this as Ares scoffed.

"Such a weapon that even we have never heard of and can make a deformed human child so powerful." 

Upon saying this, Zeus abruptly changed the topic as he continued.

"I'll be honest, Illian. I wasn't pleased with your acts against Philosia."

Zeus revealed, his smile never leaving his face, somehow making his words all the more heavier.

"I know, to which I apologise deeply. However, I couldn't allow Philosia to get away with what they did against Thalia." 

"I understand. But it isn't a problem. Because I've found something far more valuable than anything we'd have found in Thalia."

'I know.'

Illian could only imagine how exciting it must be for a being who was all-powerful and all-knowing to witness something new.

"I am interested in your Ruyi Jingu Bang and I'm willing to grant you any wish you desire for its possession." 

Illian kept a straight face as Zeus finished his sentence, quiet as he wasn't given a chance to reply before another god interrupted.

"I believe you've noticed Zeus' private quarters. He's made it a small hobby of his to collect artefacts and treasures around the world."

"Or perhaps it isn't something materialistic you want. A shaman to dispel that hideous curse, perhaps?" 

Hera added while staring at the boy's hands, her gaze alone making Illian feel as though he were naked.

"Anything you want, Illian…anything," Aphrodite added, Illian meeting her sharp and powerful gaze.

-CRUNCH

But Illian showed no reaction as he simply turned away, causing her lips to curl further upward and her gaze to intensify.

'I'd be lying if I said that doesn't sound tempting. It seems they've joined forces with a common goal. Con the Conman. Too bad for them.'

It was clear what Zeus' deal suggested.

Illian could almost smell the "Or Else" that was to come if he rejected.

Zeus already had reason to punish Illian, so no one would bat an eye if he chose to do so.

Especially since Zeus also offered a reward despite Illian's acts.

'They've prepared to back me into a corner. Now will be a good time to throw a wrench in their plans.'

Illian inwardly grinned.

"I am touched by your generosity…"

Zeus smiled as Illian started, but soon raised an eyebrow as the boy continued.

"However, I'd like to propose a deal." 

For once, since he'd arrived, a boyish smile presented itself on Illian's lips as he watched the different reactions appear on each of the god's faces.

Meanwhile, the smile widened on Hermes' face.

The teasing eyes on Aphrodite widened as she looked more like a curious cat.

Ares' eyes intensified as Hera narrowed her gaze.

Meanwhile, Zeus' expression seemed neutral, his smile fading as he simply stared at the boy, likely deep in thought as his hands clasped onto each other.

"A deal?" Hera asked with a tone filled with scepticism.

"Maybe a 'Deal' wouldn't be the best way to put it. It's more like a wager. A wager that'll guarantee you this weapon without losing anything if you win." 

"Explain," Zeus demanded, his expression never changing.

Illian wasn't sure whether the silence meant he angered the god. 

But either way, it seemed Zues' curiosity was enough to overpower any other emotion.

"Send me to the Underworld."

-GASP

The pleasant music playing suddenly halted as every eye in the room turned to Illian. 

It was as if the world itself halted at the words Illian had just spoken. 

The boy paid attention to the reactions given.

For once, the angry Ares relaxed his face as he turned his head to stare at Illian. The same for Hermes and Aphrodite.

However, surprisingly, it was Demter's reaction that surprised Illian the most as she shot to her feet, staring at Illian with wide eyes and dilated, her lower lips seemingly quivering.

Silence prevailed as seconds turned into minutes. 

-SLAM

"What did you say?!" Hera slammed her two hands into the table, jolting up as she was the first to snap out of her trance. 

"Boy…"

Illian suddenly darted his eyes to the figure at the end of the table, a suffocating aura suddenly exuding off of him.

"Are you mad or simply an imbecile? Which is it?" Zeus muttered while glaring at Illian, his previous friendly demeanour disappearing.

"If I'm unable to return alive in two weeks…"

Despite the almost tangible bloodlust exuding from Zeus, to the surprise of everyone present, his lips curled upwards in a devious manner as he held out Ruyi with his shaking hands.

"This staff is yours. Without you having to lift a finger. All you have to do is wager with a mortal."