The circular portal shimmered and faded as Elise disappeared into its depths. The room fell silent for a moment, the gods exchanging glances before Si Dapa's gruff voice broke the stillness.
"Now that that's settled... who in the heavens is this 'Natsu' mortal children keep mentioning?" Si Dapa's tone was stern, his scowl deepening as he crossed his arms. He'd been hearing this peculiar name for days now, ever since Jasper and Elise had their banter before the test in Mt. Kanlaon.
Apolaki, who had been leaning casually against the wall with his Percy Jackson book in hand, froze. His sunlit eyes lit up with a peculiar gleam, and he slowly lowered the book.
"Did you just say... Natsu?" Apolaki asked, his voice brimming with excitement.
"Yes," Si Dapa replied, eyeing him suspiciously. "Is this 'Natsu' a demigod I should know about?"
Apolaki's expression turned downright giddy. "Oh no, Si Dapa. Natsu Dragneel is a legend! A hero who eats fire and protects his nakama—I mean, his friends! He's from Fairy Tail," Apolaki explained, his tone reverent as he pulled a colorful manga from his robes. He handed it to Si Dapa, who stared at the cover featuring a spiky-haired boy surrounded by flames.
Si Dapa squinted at the image. "This... this is a child. How does he consume fire?"
"It's an anime, you grumpy Lolo. Anything is possible!" Apolaki exclaimed, sitting down eagerly.
"L-Lolo? But we're centuries old! How dare you call me that!" Si Dapa grumbled, his cheeks turning a shade of red that not even his divine aura could hide.
"But you're decades older than me," Apolaki said casually.
Si Dapa opened his mouth to argue, but he was left speechless.
Damn! No one can challenge the God of Knowledge and War in debates!
"Oh well," Apolaki waved his hands nonchalantly. "You'll understand once you watch it. Oh, oh! We should have a viewing party! I have the Blu-rays right here."
"Blue rays?" Kanlaon muttered, leaning over to peer at the discs Apolaki produced from seemingly nowhere.
Apolaki ignored the questioning tone and clapped his hands. "Alright, gods and spirits! Gather around! It's time to induct Si Dapa into the magical world of anime!"
Si Dapa sighed, rubbing his temples. "I am not here for your mortal distractions, Apolaki."
But Apolaki was already dragging him toward a large flat screen that materialized out of thin air, courtesy of his divine powers. The other gods—Pandaki, Kanlaon, and even the usually mischievous Laon—watched with mild interest as Apolaki set everything up with excitement, like a child on a Christmas morning.
"Prepare yourselves," Apolaki announced as the opening theme blared through the room. "This is where it all begins."
Si Dapa sat stiffly, arms crossed, trying to maintain his usual air of seriousness. But as the episode unfolded, featuring Natsu's fiery antics and his unyielding devotion to his friends, Si Dapa's stern expression began to crack.
"Why does this boy fight so recklessly?" he muttered, leaning forward slightly.
"Because he protects what matters most to him," Apolaki replied, his gaze fixed on the screen. "Isn't that what we all do, in our own way?"
Pandaki chuckled. "I didn't think I'd see the day when Si Dapa of all people would sit down and watch mortal cartoons."
"This is not a cartoon," Apolaki snapped, affronted. "It's art. And you'll respect it."
As the episode ended with Natsu delivering an epic, fiery punch, Si Dapa leaned back, his expression unreadable.
"Well?" Apolaki asked, grinning.
Si Dapa closed his eyes, seemingly deep in thought. Then, to everyone's surprise, he said, "The boy is reckless, but... he fights with honor. I can respect that."
Apolaki whooped, throwing his hands in the air. "We've converted him, everyone! Si Dapa is now an anime fan!"
"Don't get ahead of yourself," Si Dapa growled, though there was a hint of amusement in his tone. "I still have questions. What exactly is a 'nakama,' and why do they shout it so often?"
"Oh, you're in for a treat," Apolaki said, his grin widening.
By the end of the night, the gods found themselves engrossed in anime, their divine duties momentarily forgotten. Even Kanlaon, who had initially dismissed the idea, was watching intently by the third episode, muttering something about "story lore theories and the timeline".
As the credits rolled, Si Dapa leaned back, his expression unusually relaxed. "Perhaps these mortal creations aren't entirely pointless."
Apolaki smirked. "Next up: One Piece."
Si Dapa's scowl returned. "Do not push your luck."
The gods laughed heartily as Pandaki and Apolaki teased Kanlaon and Si Dapa.