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daeguzen · 1 year ago

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Son of Hades

PAIRING | p.js x g.n reader x ft. taeyong

GENRE | angst fluff

WORD COUNT | 12.8k

NOTE | this has been rotting away in my wip for more than a year. endings is a little rushed but I hope it’s okay enough.

WARNING | depictions of parental abuse, bullying, and character death

SONG | welcome to the show - dpr ian

SUMMARY | Park Jisung had always been quiet about his godly parentage especially because of his powers still trying to adjust to his body after years of living in the underworld. His only friends were Zhong Chenle and his partner from the Hephaestus group. Somehow, Jisung stumbles in your path and wonders if the blush on his face is as noticeable as he feels it to be. You find yourself caught in a whirlwind of shy glances, pretty smiles, and awkward greetings that make Jisung wonder if you feel just as he does. His heart breaks a bit knowing your Y/N, Artemis’ greatest hunter. Not only that but he feels a strange presence attach itself to him. He wonders if you’ll remain loyal to your oath or if he could become the one you’d leave it for.

The world taught children to fear the monster under their bed. To quiver with unspeakable fear or to scream their throat raw to be saved. It didn’t matter what it was or what form it took, repulsion clawed its way up. The monster was to be feared and rejected. However, the little boy who had no one to turn to had become well acquainted with the monster. Its name was Suffering and it curled itself deep within the boy's chest, rested there, and snarled at any attempts of riddance.

The child was not like any other. Even among his kind he considered himself an outcast. Humankind would call it a power, demigods a gift, but for Park Jisung it was a burden. Perhaps if he had been born as a mere mortal he could have had a chance at a normal life. But his dealings with all he came to know were as his bloodline meant for it to be. Suffering was simply a byproduct of his upbringing.

It is said that children born of Kronos’ eldest son had to accept a life of sadness and pain. It was a curse to be related to the King of a dreadful realm. People feared having to be judged for all their doings and having to be assorted. As much as the King would have liked for people not to dislike him so, he knew it was futile. He was no god of skies, oceans, or music. He was Hades, King of the Underworld and would remain so for all eternity.

Overtime, these feelings became trivial. Hades had accepted the role he had to play among the Greek gods. If anything, he rather enjoyed being away from all the dramatic antics of his brothers. He also preferred the stronger ratio of monochromatic colors compared to the blinding golden swirls of Olympus. Contrary to popular belief of mortals, the Underworld was not visually horrifying. Those tortured souls that screamed in agony were sealed to Tartarus alone. In the same sense, the happy and joyful voices remained in Elysium.

Every day had felt the same to Hades until the birth of his son, Park Jisung. He knew that his parental skills were not perfect and lacked in certain aspects. His godliness did not immediately assume perfection. However, that had not stopped him from trying. Years ago he had a son who taught him a great deal about being a proper father. He would be ashamed to let the child know he had repeated his mistakes. Alas, it would always be trial and error when it came to humans.

The mortal identified as Park Eun was the mother who hardly tried to raise Jisung. In her youth she was a tempter, a sin disguised as an embraceable beauty. Those who caught sight of her could testify that they had been drawn to her from the very first sight. They saw her as a pious woman. A loving heart with a gentle hand. It was why Hades searched for her believing she would be suitable to nurse his future son. Little did he know, that woman had no ounce of love for anyone but herself, much less any motherly instincts.

It began as a slow and formal courting. Hades had also a way of presenting his own charming qualities that instead of outweighing Eun’s own beauty, was unified with hers. The two of them standing alongside each other was a sight to behold. They were the object of everyone’s gossip, compliments, and jealousy. Eun had relished in this, holding her head high with immeasurable pleasure. Hades had only begun to observe this time after. When he realized her true self it was far too late, what seemed to be the ripe apple he had chosen was rotten from the inside.

Eventually, Hades had to reveal his true nature, knowing that she carried his son. When the truth came out, he saw the greed that shone in those hazel eyes. She wanted more, implored him to give her everything she dreamed of. But seeing his actions and responses to her made her believe that she was being confined to a “lesser” life than she deserved. The mansion, selections of jewelry, and expensive brands weren’t enough for her. She needed everything to fuel her grandiosity.

In her descent into madness she became another person entirely. One that was true to her selfish ambitions. The bright hazel eyes became dark and angry. Her luscious painted red lips mirrored a smeared and bloody mess. The graceful posture she once held curled into that of a taloned creature.

Screaming ensued, matches that Hades would always end with silence though he knew all too well he lost. He could never win against her because it was his mistake for falling in her trap. Knowing he could no longer bear to stay at her side, he left to continue his godly duties as King of the Underworld. It tore at his heart when he had to accept that he could not take his son with him. Not yet at least.

The most Hades was able to do was hire a small staff to overlook the home, Eun and Jisung. At first, Eun avoided the baby at all times. She resorted to going out, losing herself in gambling and drugs. The mansion became less of a home and more of a prison. As the years went by she found a means to release her emotions in the form of her growing son. Jisung had been the spitting image of Hades with his black eyes and pale skin. He reminded his mother of the life and man she could no longer have.

It was her greed and arrogance that caused her insanity. A woman who once glorified herself had become destructive. Everything she ever wished for came down all around her, Jisung being the only one who remained. She couldn’t stand looking at him. Especially when there was a trace of happiness on his face. Hades had taken away all she wanted to keep her content and so she retaliated by doing the same to him.

Jisung was much too young to remember the change in scenery. The limitations of food and basic necessities had become the norm he knew. In the little downtown that his mother forced them into, he had become a punching bag for all. He was scrawny, barely strong enough to stay awake after beatings from bullies. His mother had also taken to beating and verbally abusing him. As the older children simplified it, he was a waste of space.

It was all so…tiring. The beatings, judgments, harsh words, and cruelties. In the end, Jisung had sadly accepted that he was a burden, a punching bag that served to make others feel better. He didn’t process how inhumane it all was. A child who had only known darkness and nothing more. Jisung eventually thought it was okay because everyone else was sad and the only way to make them feel better was for him to take their sadness away, even if only temporarily.

Jisung felt that although his mother constantly committed atrocities towards him, he had to love her. She was his mother after all, the one who brought him into this world. She was the only family he had known. Besides that, all the storybooks at his school depicted the relationship of a son always loving his mother. It never did quite display what he was used to but he knew better than to question anything. However, it was at the tender age of ten that Eun did something that shattered any ounce of respect Jisung tried to hold..

In those horrid years, Jisung’s only source of true happiness were visits to his grandfather’s home. The man had doted on Jisung, rightfully leaving him starved for more affection. Whenever Jisung would close his eyes years later, he could remember the thin fingers that ruffled his hair adoringly. It wasn’t often that Jisung would visit but when his mother decided to go he was allowed to accompany her. Of course, he knew why his mother would let him tag along. Shamelessly she would beg for money, giving excuses of not having enough to maintain and feed her little boy. Embarrassingly enough both child and grandfather knew better.

Eun was the woman he had tried to raise and steer to the right path. A man of his age should have not felt the overwhelming anger that surged at the sight of the broken family. He knew of the father who had left. He couldn’t blame him entirely for not being able to stand Eun but he could never forgive him for leaving his grandson to fend for himself.

Jisung’s grandfather could not sit idly as she begged for things he knew would never land in the boy's hands. This was how Jisung learned to hide things extremely well from his mother at a certain point in his life. His grandfather was adamant when he explained how any bits of money he’d give him could not be seen by Eun under any circumstance. Jisung had respected his grandfather greatly and listened well to his words. It remained their little secret that had never reached the light.

Eun would sometimes curse her father for not caring enough and he would blatantly tell her that Jisung should be in his care. Just as she did with Hades, she would not allow anyone else to take Jisung to spite them all. She needed her little punching bag; if she couldn’t be happy anymore neither could her son.

The broken relationship between mother and son took its final course after Jisung’s grandfather died. He had passed away peacefully in his sleep. Jisung had heard it from his mother after she locked herself in her room for a few days. He remembered the instant denial. Tiny hands clutching painfully at the edges of his worn out shirt. He couldn’t believe it at first. It couldn’t possibly be true. Not his grandfather of all people. In that moment, through all the choked sobs, he had a sickening thought he never dared to tell anyone. He wished that his mother had been the one that died that night.

Jisung was distraught, confused, and in pain. He cried for long hours and barely ate. He avoided his mother at all costs because she couldn’t make him feel better. He knew his mother was upset too. He had never witnessed another time in his life where his mother genuinely felt anything for anyone other than herself. He almost thought it impossible but was surprisingly proven wrong.

It had all happened slowly and silently on a cloudy evening. Hazel eyes that Jisung could only remember as angry were filled with sadness and remorse. He could see her silver dyed hair swept to one side of her face. The porcelain doll under the rising moon was what she reflected. They sat together, for the first time, in front of his grandfather's gravestone. It was the only place his mother bothered keeping clean and regularly changed the flowers.

Jisung wondered why people felt so sad all the time. Truthfully, he was getting tired of feeling it. He felt an unbearable emptiness inside of himself. Something incurable. He wondered what would bring his mother happiness. If he could see inside her mind, he would learn that all she dreamed of was fame, richess, and everlasting beauty. Jisung offered nothing in comparison.

But perhaps contradiction was a characteristic that was in her genetics. As much as she claimed to hate and abhor the child she had given birth to, she couldn’t help but remember whose eyes those belonged to. At another time, Jisung could have sworn he saw a flicker of guilt in those cold eyes. He couldn’t have been quite sure, it wasn’t an emotion he could imagine his mother being acquainted with.

It felt strange the way she reached out to him, gesturing for him to comfortably sit on her lap. It was awkward but he couldn’t complain as her delicate fingers threaded themselves through his hair like grandfather would do. It was the first time she had let him embrace her. Her chin rested upon his head and his ear laid softly in her chest, listening to the gentle beating of her existing heart.

He couldn’t remember for how long they stayed like that, only that he had fallen asleep. When he woke up on the cold ground, his backpack and teddy bear perched on top of it, he panicked. His mother was nowhere to be seen. He called out to her once, then twice, and finally screamed until his throat felt raw. Among humans in a world so vast, they could all feel agony. They knew what it was to be afraid. But it was nothing compared to the innocent child whose face scrunched up in wild fear and hurt. Tears staining his face endlessly, hiccups loud for those to hear, hands bunched up in small fists, and sobs of a mother that would no longer hear him.

He was silenced at the sound of strange whispers that rose all around him. Opening his swollen eyes, blinking his surroundings into clarity, he saw a terrifying sight. Ghosts, shadows, skeletons, people with rotting flesh, all rising from their graves. Hands protruded from the ground, clawing out in a desperate need to escape. Jisung felt the feeling of throwing up that threatened to rise in him. He screamed louder, curling into a fetal position on his grandfather's grave. He couldn’t think about anything besides the fact that no one would realize he would be dead at the hands of the mangled corpses. For a while, he stayed there shaking terribly. He couldn’t hear anything at one point and when he opened his eyes he saw the figure of a man, flesh falling apart, body void of blood, bones protruding, and empty eye sockets staring down at him. He passed out from the shock.

When Jisung had woken up again he was in a bed that engulfed his small frame and was covered in black silk sheets. He couldn’t make out where he was or how he had gotten there. Blinking away his drowsiness he started to notice that the room was nothing compared to his shabby home. The room alone made up his entire apartment.

On the opposite of where he had been resting was a long six drawer dresser. A square mirror hung above it, his reflection staring back. He looked away immediately, avoiding his puffy and swollen eyes. Looking around the rest of the room Jisung noticed very minimal decor with what seemed to be kids toys grouped together in one corner. The only thing he could recognize was his backpack on the nightstand next to the bed and his teddy bear resting beside him. Before he could gather his things to escape the strange place he heard a knock on the door.

Jisung wasn’t sure what to expect. He felt frightened at whatever or whoever was behind the door. When a man came into view, Jisung felt a strange sense of familiarity. But that had to be impossible, he’d never seen this man in his life. He would remember someone who looked as charming as his mother used to be.

The man's complexion was pale, raven hair that was tousled in a voluminous mess, the back of it sticking to his neck and the rest covering his ears and eyes partly. He wore black dress pants and a collared dress shirt. He seemed to be someone who could cause fear but enchant at the same time. Just like his mother.

The biggest difference was the shy smile that graced his face as he stood by the door, not taking another step to avoid frightening the boy further. When his voice rang through the room Jisung was surprised to hear the softness that contrasted his cold appearance.

“Do you recognize me Jisung?” Jisung shook his head and observed the sad sigh that escaped the man in what seemed like a vague look of disappointment.

“Has your mother ever told you about me?” Jisung didn’t hesitate when, once again, he gestured a simple no. He pondered the question for a bit, curious as to who this person was. What relation did this man have to his mother? Was he going to harm him too? The man fidgeted awkwardly in his position, not knowing how to move forward but having to resolve the situation in some way.

“My name is Hades. I’m your father,” Hades didn’t know how Jisung would react. He wasn’t really sure there was a way to ease a child into a reveal like that. But he could see a recognition in Jisung’s eyes, the tears that welled, and his trembling lips forming the words he longed to hear.

“F-father?”

Hades’ gaze softened, walking up to the boy. Albeit slowly at first with hesitance but then clumsily did the boy stumble into his father’s arms in his haste. Hades let out a small grunt at the sudden attack and wrapped his arms securely around Jisung who dug his head deeper into his fathers chest. Hades let his cheek rest upon Jisung’s head, rocking him back and forth like a baby. He cooed at him, whispering words that reassured him that he was safe and most importantly, that he had someone who loved him.

Two years after being reunited with his father, Jisung had grown comfortable living in the Underworld. He learned a lot during the time he bonded with Hades. All the tales of gods, demigods, and other mythological creatures of Greek culture. When he turned twelve, Hades spoke to him about attending the Academy for Demigods. It was a place where all demigod children learned in more depth about their history and honed in their powers and skills. It was a rather prestigious school but it was also a home.

It was a great opportunity for Jisung. Especially at that time when he had learned to get past the intense fear he used to feel. His development changed for the better. He went from being malnourished and scrawny to a healthy person with renewed childness. Jisung would always understand sadness and pain in the world. But it didn’t dictate his life anymore. He was now free to be happy and engage in a better lifestyle.

That wasn’t to say he didn’t feel nervous starting school, he panicked a bit wondering what would happen. He didn’t know if he’d be able to make friends or if people would want to approach him with ill intentions. He was delighted to find out that no one paid any attention to him. Everyone went on about their business and he preferred it that way. However, he did appreciate the welcome from another student named Zhong Chenle.

Apparently, Hades had asked Hermes to have one of his sons guide Jisung during his time at the academy. He quickly recognized the playful and mischievous glint in his eyes but it seemed to dissipate as Jisung introduced himself. He garnered his affection rather quickly and soon enough the boys had become attached at the hip. Although he was disappointed that Chenle liked to mess around with people, he knew he was just like him. Chenle had gone through events in his life that shaped his view on the world. Just as Jisung’s views were changed by his childhood.

In his first few years nothing crazy happened. Jisung demonstrated to be studious in his classes. However, his strength was very average compared to other students. This was when the invisibility started to wear off and students took note of his skills. He took a long time to manage a sword decently. His reflexes were a bit slow as well. Sometimes he’d trip over his own feet and fall clumsily. There were students, mostly from Ares and Aphrodite’s side, that would laugh and mock him for not being able to hold himself up in a fight. He was a pitiful sight to behold in the eyes of his peers. A demigod who hasn’t been claimed and couldn’t keep up in a duel wasn’t much of a demigod to others.

Jisung had ignored them all. He knew who his father was, there was no need to make a grand show of being claimed. They weren’t worth his efforts or worry. He continued on with his life as he always had to. Some time after, Jisung realized no one stepped up to mock him, people ignored his gaze. He had a feeling it had something to do with Chenle but he didn’t question it. Still, even if they didn’t have the courage to say it in his face they did do it behind his back. Or at least tried to.

Years of training did help him but he wasn’t up to par with the well skilled students. Sometimes he’d watch Chenle spar with others and look at him in awe. Chenle knew what his opponent was thinking. He seemed to know where they would step, jab, or turn. He was too fast, sneaky, and dangerous. Even the Ares children had become frustrated with him always winning. Of course, Chenle lost his fair share of fights but it didn’t outweigh his wins in the slightest. In times like those, Jisung wished he could relate.

It wasn’t until he turned seventeen that his power started to slowly manifest itself in him. It began with a small shadow of someone's silhouette that moved across his wall. He wasn’t surprised when the shadow took the form of a ghost. When the black faded away from the silhouette, disappearing at its feet, he saw a boy around his age. He blinked at Jisung, a small smile stretching on his small face.

“Ah, you can finally see me. You are the young prince of the Underworld. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Jisung felt strange at the title. Nevertheless, he stood up from his relaxed position on his bunk and walked closer to the ghost in front of him. He seemed young, too young to be dead. But Jisung knew death did not discriminate. It took anyone whose time was at its end.

“You don’t need to refer to me as such. You know who I am but I don’t know who you are?”

“My name is Shotaro. I was a student here some time ago. I can’t remember. Time after death doesn’t really exist. At least I don’t feel like it does. Well, that aside, there has been talk about your presence. It has been a very long time since another child of Hades was born. The Underworld has felt the awakening of your power.”

“It feels strange that you know so much about me.” Jisung put his hand behind his neck, rubbing at it shyly and awkwardly. Shotaro looks at him, nervous at having made the boy feel negatively.

“Yes, I know a bit of how this functions with demigods born from Hades. I have been around, hearing whispers. Your powers have been strangely dormant since you were born. But then they got better as you practiced. You have lived in the Underworld for some time and you have been trying to adjust to the mortal realm.”

“Sorry, I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”

“Awakening?” Jisung pondered that for a bit.

“Don’t worry, it’s just that you know more about me and I don’t know anything about you.”

“Oh…well I’m Osaki Shotaro. Apollo is my father. I was very talented in music. I was a very quiet student, much like you are. I had a friend, his name is Sungchan,” Jisung could feel some of the pain emitting from the boy's emotions as his eyes avoided his, “We used to do everything together. Play games, pranks, study and so on. I got sick one day and never got better. It was rather a slow death, hours turning into days. Days into weeks and weeks turning to months. I died a year later. I watched Sungchan mourn me.”

Jisung doesn’t say anything, gesturing for the boy to continue. Shotaro takes a breath before continuing.

“I’ve been watching over him since that day. I watched him get better but I can still see that look in his eye whenever he gets silent. He has a family now and he’s retired. I wish I could have said something.”

“Do you want me to pass on a message?” Shotaro’s eyes widened, his hands shaking in a gesture that rejected the idea.

“I wouldn’t want to bother you with such trivial matters. I was just rambling.”

“Hey don’t worry about it. In fact, I should be able to make your presence apparent to Sungchan. Father taught me how to do it but I wasn’t able to try it without an amplifier of some sort.” Shotaro looked near tears as he watched the boy in front of him. His offer was kind and the ghost knew it would probably be some more time until he could see his dear friend. Softly he whispers to Jisung, “I would really appreciate that.” And Jisung reciprocated with a smile of his own.

Jisung’s time at the Academy was uneventful for the most part. But he enjoyed every moment of it. He had a friend, a father, even a stepmother who loved him. Persephone was a kind goddess. And a very rightful Queen for the throne. He finally had a family of his own and truly, he couldn’t have asked for more.

Along the way, he did make a friend besides Chenle. They were the child of Hephaestus. He fondly remembered the journey they took together. Triple H as Chenle would jokingly call them. They were strong, ferocious, and knew how to put Chenle in his place. Jisung never said anything but he knew there was something off about them in the beginning. If the lack of a heartbeat was anything to go by. All he could do was observe them during the quest.

Jisung’s body had been weak since birth. His demigod powers had not properly adjusted to his body especially with all the psychological and physical abuse he’d gone through. It wasn’t until he started living in the Underworld that he had the opportunity to become stronger. He practiced all that his father taught him. Unbeknownst to him, his power had not reached its full potential. The time at the graveyard was a small power surge from the psychological overload.

During his time in the Underworld his powers kept growing. But as soon as he went back to the mortal realm his powers were harder to bring forth. This explained Jisung’s clumsiness and lack of stability in his fighting. It was as if the difference in the mortal realm was weighing down on him.

However, he was able to at least function enough to be a useful asset during the quest. Especially with his shadow travel. That was always fun to him but it drained him a little more quickly. But his power was enough to get Cerberus out of the cave Jungwoo had him in. Just remembering his name made him feel unusually angry. All that he made Chenle and his friend suffer was unforgivable. He could still visually see the pain in Chenle’s eyes when he walked through his father’s mansion, his friend’s arms and head dangling.

He knew what death was and although he couldn’t feel their heartbeat, he could understand the empty corpse that Chenle had in his arms. If he’d ask Hades to do something about the situation he knew his father would accept. But for the second time in Jisung’s life, Hades had denied him this. He argued with him for the first time. Hades had shut down his request almost immediately. It was after a moment of silence that Hades let the tension go, his hands limp at his sides.

Jisung, that demigod was not born of nature. That is one of Hephaestus’ many creations. I cannot bring life to them because they have no soul that I can place in their body. I would make this exception for you but I physically cannot do it. Hephaestus will help him. Do not worry yourself too much, death is only the beginning of another life here. You know this. In their case, they will walk among the living once again.

Still, Jisung felt upset and hurt at the turn of events. But it was later on that it became known of their return to campus. Their first stop was the Hephaestus workshops, a place where Chenle had found himself withering away day after day. Apparently, Chenle had almost lost his mind when he saw them, thinking they were a figment of his imagination. But it had been true, Hephaestus had fulfilled his deal and the friendly trio was restored.

Jisung was happy again. He was doing better with his life and he was grateful. It was all well again until he nearly got skewered with an arrow by you.

“For the love of the gods!” Jisung screamed, stumbling backwards and falling onto the ground with a pained grunt. His hands flew to his face and then his heart as he tried to calm down from the arrow that nearly left him lodged into a tree. His wild eyes looked around and then up to the person standing some feet away from him.

“Idiot…you…any idea…blind…” Jisung couldn’t process the words coming out of the person's mouth. They were blurred as the whistle of the arrow and his raging heart beat deafened his ears. He blinked a couple of times and then looked up again.

“Hey idiot! Are you even listening to me? Are you so blind that you’d fail to notice an archer right in front of you!?”

“Who…who are you?” You look at him, scoffing at his question.

You mutter under your breath, “unbelievable.” You grabbed him by his wrist and pulled him up much to his surprise.

“What does it matter to you?” Jisung was frankly starting to get annoyed at your attitude. His previous fear slowly morphs into a frown.

“It was just a question. I think you’d at least owe that much for almost killing me.”

“Well, if you had been looking where you were going instead of aimlessly wandering about with your head in the skies, maybe you wouldn’t have walked in my way.” Jisung wanted to throw something back but as soon as he opened his mouth, he realized you weren’t wrong. Entirely at least.

“W-well, you’re not supposed to be here! This is the academy’s forest training ground. It’s closed to outsiders.” That makes you scoff yet again.

“Dreaded academy. Confining yourselves to that little institution.” Jisung does take offense to that.

“It’s not dreaded…it’s a nice place.”

“You seem to be convincing yourself and not me.” Jisung gave a small pout which made you scrunch your face in disgust. You start walking away, without saying more but the boy you just met decides to walk in front of you. Raising his hands a bit at his sides as if trying to stop you. You could almost laugh at his ignorance.

“Are you serious?” Jisung blushes. Perhaps it was his curiosity or maybe those pretty almost silver eyes of yours, but he meant it when he wanted to know who you were.

“You still haven’t told me who you are.”

“I don’t have to tell you anything.”

“Considering you almost killed me, I think you could at least tell me your name or what you’re doing here?” You glared at him. You could hear the underlying message of getting in trouble with the Academy. Of which you’d rather avoid.

“Artemis…I’m one of Artemis’ hunters. And we don’t particularly take to little demigods like you. So get out of my way and go back to your little dollhouse.” This time you weren’t so patient or kind as you pushed the boy out of your way. Still, he watched you as you disappeared into the forest. So mean for someone as cute as you.

You weren’t very well known among demigods. And you liked to keep it that way. But that didn’t mean they didn’t know of your other…persona. The Moon Hunter. Stories told of a hunter who was incredibly strong, quick, and lethal. Those sharp eyes of yours could see just about anything and calculated within seconds. You were a dangerous person even among demigod standards.

Artemis’ hunters were a group that vowed loyalty and swore off romantic pursuits of any kind. They dedicated their lives to hunting and keeping monsters at bay. They took care of each other and became a true family. But with this oath came another promise. The promise of immortality.

You couldn’t remember exactly how many decades you lived through but you adapted pretty quickly to the changes. Nothing less could be expected from the famed Moon Hunter. But even then, the name started to become a stranger to you. As if though, that person was someone else. A person you used to know who would take joy and pride in their work. But you? You had become a hollow shell of the former. Days went by, feeling prolonged and repetitive. Boring and useless.

You continued to practice even though your skills were by far the best anyone could ever dream of having. You had left the other hunters to journey on your own, much to their sadness. But they could only let you do what you wished, they still yet had not understood your aging pain. In this journey of silence, you met the boy who had his head in the skies.

Or moreso in the underworld. His skin was pale, eyes a little sunken, and hair a floppy mess of raven black. You noticed the weakness in him immediately. As if though his body was not yet properly maintaining the chaotic power in him. But you could tell a child of Hades when you saw one. He rarely did have any children, being possibly the most responsible in that aspect among his two brothers. This demigod though seemed different from the last one you’d seen years ago. More of a childlike aura to him. He was stupid enough to not watch where he was going.

You put those thoughts away as you walked on. After having left the forest you made your way back to the small home over the mountain. The mountains were what separated the academy from the outside world. You weren’t a fan of the institution but you had made a promise to someone that you would move on with life and live calmly. And you acted upon those wishes because there was nothing more for you to do. At least that’s what you believed.

The second time you were found, Jisung was more aware of his surroundings. The boy had been left curious by you. And his curiosity was one that he wanted to fulfill. Every day he’d take a walk around the forest, hoping to find you again. But you never did show up so he decided to wander a little farther. This time he found you making more arrows for your bow. You didn’t have to look up to know of his presence. But you didn’t ignore it either.

“You find me once again. You avoided having your head in the clouds?” Jisung reaches out to push the hanging branch in his way and steps out into the open space you were in. He observed the pile of silver arrow tips among other supplies neatly placed on the wooden work table next to you. You look up at him, bringing your motions to a slow stop.

“H-how’d you know?” You go back to putting your arrows together.

“Let me guess, you feel sick to your stomach just thinking of traveling by sky?” Jisung blinks, surprise shadowing his features.

“A son of Hades. I could tell what you are from the moment we met. Now why is it that we’re meeting again? I’m getting the impression that you’ve purposely seeked me out.”

“I’m not very fond of clouds to be honest.”

“I- well…I was curious about you. You seem different from the people I’ve known. And you’ve managed to pass through the academy’s barrier. Not only that but you also know who my dad is.”

“Such useless thoughts. Instead of asking so much why don’t you just go back? There’s nothing for you here and I’m not worth being curious about.”

“I would hardly say you’re not worth it, if so I wouldn’t be here.” It almost surprises you, the little quip.

“I’ve heard about Artemis’ hunters. You trade a life of partnership and romance for immortality. That doesn’t seem entirely fun. If anything, it feels quite long does it not?”

“It’s a relaxing lifestyle.” Jisung doesn’t move from his place. If there was one thing you could admire of him was the way he was trying to read you without being read himself. His eyes were quite difficult to discern beyond the growing curiosity. But you see a small, kind smile tug at the edges of his lips.

“Isn’t it lonely?”

“Lonely is not bad at all. As I said, it’s rather relaxing.”

“I know what it is to be lonely. In a world where anyone could care less. In a place where things stop to matter. It’s not fun. Nor is it relaxing. If anything, it’s dreadful.” You want to snap the arrow in your hand in half but refrain. Just what was it with this kid and why was he talking so much?

“I didn’t ask for your life story and I’m the last person you should be trying to pitch your advice onto. I’m past the age of needing advice.” Jisung simply smiles at you, this time he does walk closer. His hand comes up to place something on your bench and you glance at it.

“I bought you something to drink. I wasn’t sure what you liked so I bought a few different ones. You seem to be the type to wander alone. I think you could use some company.” He ignores the annoyed sigh that escapes you.

“I think you’re painfully dense. I don’t need-”

“I’ll come by again tomorrow. I hope we can be friends.”

“I don’t need friends!” Jisung laughs oddly with optimism at your sudden outburst.

“I’ll see you tomorrow!” And with that he joyfully bounces away leaving you with a now snapped arrow and a growing headache.

Jisung kept true to his promise. He came back frequently to see you. It became part of his routine to visit you that even Chenle started taking notice. At first it was nothing. Jisung would disappear for an hour or two. But then it became an almost everyday thing. He could visually see the happy glint in his eyes. It made him question just what was going on in Jisung’s life at the moment.

When he confronted his friend about it he was surprised to see how quickly he opened up. He had met a hunter of Artemis and had been meeting with them. He called them a friend. Chenle was happy for Jisung, seeing how he was making more connections outside himself and his partner.

He noticed the little smiles, the gifts he’d make, the blush on his face whenever he brought them up. His friend was undoubtedly falling in love. And although he supported the idea, there was something that concerned him. Jisung was a kind person, he was a caring person indeed. And it was completely plausible that he had fallen in love with this hunter. But after a year of being acquainted with the hunter, there was a subtle change in Jisung’s affection that didn’t sit right with Chenle.

For starters, Jisung wasn’t exactly the best when it came to art. As far as Chenle knew, Jisung never picked up a paintbrush in his life. But on a particular day that he’d walked into their dorm he saw a beautifully painted person on a canvas. Jisung being the artist in control of the paintbrush. The second part that felt weird was Jisung’s use of language. Sometimes he would slip into a different accent. Say words that felt too proper. There was something definitely wrong and he had to find out why.

Chenle being the person he was, tried of all different ways to find out what was going on. He started to follow Jisung around. Whether it was walking with him to morning classes or trailing him to the Hephaestus workshops where he frequently seemed to be creating something. Even his partner had a say in all of Jisung’s frequent visits.

“Chenle, I think there’s something wrong with Jisung.” Chenle sighs, a look of concern blooming.

“I agree. Have you noticed how he’s been speaking? It sounds like he came out of the 1950s. And the hobbies he’s taken up? I know for sure one can’t learn how to paint like that in the span of a week. I don’t even know how long it took him to do it.”

“I think…look it might sound weird but it’s the only conclusion I could make that is sensible.”

“You’re kinda scaring me.”

“I think Jisung’s being controlled by a ghost.” Chenle looks up, eyes wide. His mind starts to play back everything that’s happened since Jisung’s turn in character. If he applied this logic, it fit extremely well. Jisung’s never been one to paint, he’s never spoken in any other accent other than his own, making crafts was also something Jisung never showed interest in. Even when it came to his fighting style in class, it had radically changed. He wasn’t as clumsy but instead of using his right hand he’d use his left. There were just so many things that have changed.

“If it were true, how would we go about it? I don’t think the ghost will tell me who they really are.”

“I’ve already made a contraption for this. I need Jisung to walk into a metal cage I’ve made. It’s invisible but once he steps inside and I seal it, I can separate the ghost from his body. They’ll be completely divided and Jisung might have an answer on what to do afterwards.”

“Okay but how do we get him to walk into it? Jisung can sense things around him. He’s sensitive to all around him, it’s also why he has trouble controlling his powers.”

“I’m 99% sure that he won’t notice but just in case we’ll have to create a scenario where the object of his affection is in perilous danger to the point where he won’t notice. The only way to do that is to inform this person. You have to follow him to where they meet.” Chenle looks at his partner, mischief written all over his eyes. Of which he receives an eye roll in response.

You could no longer remember how long it had been since Park Jisung had crossed your path. He kept coming back even if you pushed him away. He treated you as a friend even if you didn’t reciprocate. You would say it was taxing but really, you started to grow fond of him. Instead of the usual jabs at his clumsiness, you started teaching him how to fight better. There was an understanding that the mortal realm had its effects on Jisung’s body and powers. He had been trying to get accustomed to it but it was a slow process.

However, after a while, the more you had practiced with him and lectured him on important topics like hunting, using your surroundings to your advantage, and how to cook, the better Jisung had become. At an alarmingly quick pace but you didn’t think too much about it. He’d ask for your critiques and advice frequently of which you were surprised he accepted kindly.

But among it all, you knew that there was a change in your relationship with the boy. Jisung had become…different. Yes of course you’d expected his clumsiness to lessen after practicing beside you. However, Jisung had surprised you on certain occasions and that was something that people ever rarely got to brag about. Standing in the training area of your yard, you began teaching Jisung how to use your bow and arrow. Before this you started with sword lessons but after seeing his improvement you let him move on to use your bow.

“You have to concentrate on your target. Pay attention to your target but do not ignore your surroundings. Steadily hold it,” you help Jisung position the arrow, “now aim and…let go.” The arrow zipped through the air, landing exactly in the center of the target you placed on the tree ahead of you. Jisung let out an excited gasp looking back at you. He had been hyper aware of your proximity before but had underestimated just how close you really were. When he came to face you, your face was a mere few inches from his. From where he was he could see the beautiful specks of color in your eyes, the shape of your parted lips, he could even hear your faint breathing. His eyes had flickered to your lips, imagining just how nice it would feel to kiss you.

You cleared your throat, backing away from him swiftly and murmuring a good job. But he smiled, looking down to the ground realizing the unmistakable blush of your cheeks. When he looked back to you, you were cleaning up the practice area and avoiding his stare.

“Would it truly hurt you to look into my eyes?” You don’t stop moving, trying to avoid where the conversation was headed.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” At this Jisung lightly scoffs.

“You cannot deny that there is something between us. I have come here many times not only grateful for your teachings but also simply to see you. I know you feel something for me too.” In a rise of frustration you throw the equipment you had in hand onto the table, turning to look him in the eyes just as he wanted.

“Jisung, I’m not sure what you want from me. I’ve welcomed you as a friend and nothing more. I’ve let myself accept you because you were right, I was used to being alone for years, decades really. And I appreciate your company. But I am Artemis’ hunter and I do not wish for a romantic relationship. I prefer my immortality as is.” You could see the frustration growing in those dark eyes. The way he wants to say more but doesn’t. Instead he walks up to you, gently handing you back your bow. He walks away but not before whispering closely in your ear.

“You loved me once Y/N. Don’t you remember? We made a promise but it seems you’ve forgotten. I may not look the same but I know you can feel the difference.” Jisung looked into your eyes a little longer and smiled. You felt a cold prickling throughout your body. The silence around you deafening as Jisung walked away into the forest, leaving you alone with your thoughts and the painful memories of the name you uttered softly.

“Taeyong?”

The young boy had been a mere mortal. He was no son of the Greek gods but he was surely recognized by them. His features had been too beautiful to ignore, to not look at. Everywhere he went, he was doted on. Watched with fascination and adoration. He didn’t pay it any mind though. At five years old, Lee Taeyong just wanted to play with his friends and enjoy meals with his parents. He was a caring boy, full of sensitivity for others and love.

It was how you became attracted to him. You had grown up besides Taeyong since birth, both families having been friends since their teenage years. You had gotten accustomed to Taeyong’s cute hugs, soft kisses on the cheek when you scraped your knee or started crying. You were only five but you understood the feeling of love that soothed your chest. People liked each other and they got together because of love.

The two of you were inseparable. Truly aligned soulmates that were meant for each other. At twelve years old, you went to the school dance together. Although all the kids ran around and played, you stood beside Taeyong for the remainder of the evening. Giggling, laughing, talking about anything that came to the mind of a twelve year old. It was when Taeyong asked if he could kiss you on the lips. You were flustered to say the least but accepted the request willingly. It was weird but a good type of weird. You nervously held onto his hand and he brought them around his waist. His hands moved up to hold your face, just as he always did when he’d kiss you on the cheek.

You were just kids but you never forget that night. After that, you told him that you wanted to be his partner but that it would be nice to take it slow. Of the two, you were always the one who had a sense of clarity, perhaps maturity, when it came to relationships whether a friend or partner. As time went on, Taeyong had finally asked you out at fifteen. It was usually an awkward time for teenagers who had a lot to explore about the world and about themselves. But just as it had been before, everything felt right when you were with him. You didn’t explore the world on your own because you had Lee Taeyong by your side and you couldn’t ask for more.

It had been on a sunny day that Taeyong took you out to a local festival. Your arm looped around his, both of you wandered off into the streets where all the excitement was happening. Games were played, foods were shared, hidden pecks were exchanged. When it started getting dark he walked you home. But before you reached your house, he led you to the park that was around the corner. It was silent, the breeze blowing a bit, and distant laughter could be heard from the festival. You had walked ahead of him looking up to the stars and admiring them. The smile that was on your face was a sight that would forever be engraved in Taeyong’s mind.

“Y/N?” He called out to you softly and you turned back to look at him, responding with a little hum.

“Remember the day you said you wanted to go out with me but to take things slow?” A blush spread on your face, a shy smile making its way to your lips.

“Yes. What of it?” You were expecting it now. You were hoping for it and you weren’t disappointed.

Taeyong came closer to you, putting his hand out and softly asking to dance with you. It was a surprise but you couldn’t say it wasn’t entirely unexpected. Taeyong was a great dancer and a wonderful starting musician. His voice always soft and melodious in your ears. You placed your hand in his and let him close the gap between the two of you. He looked down into your eyes, infinite love within them and you only hoped he could see the same in yours.

“Y/N, would you grant me the greatest honor of being your boyfriend?” You couldn’t even speak, not with how tears of happiness welled in your eyes. Your heart was moving too rapidly, his words and his proximity being too much for you to handle. So instead of a verbal response, you gave him a kiss. Within that kiss, the both of you smiled, giggled, and sighed. It was your happily ever after. Lee Taeyong would always be your happily ever after.

It wasn’t fair. That’s what you told yourself repeatedly. But reality couldn’t deny the digression of Taeyong’s physical beauty and health. You couldn’t remember what he was diagnosed with because you refused to believe it. You refused to believe that the love of your life was dying and leaving you behind. He didn’t want to tell you, his first few weeks full of sobbing and painful headaches. He wasn’t ready to go, he was only twenty. He was looking forward to finding a nice little apartment for the both of you. But by that time, he had collapsed and his parents had to take him to the hospital. The diagnosis was Taeyong’s worst moment in life. But then he realized that he’d have to look into your beautiful eyes and tell you that he couldn’t be with you. And that had truly torn him apart. Why had fate been so cruel?

He didn’t want to tell you but avoiding you could have only gone so far. When you showed up to his door, his parents had let you in. You too had been crying. Phoning Taeyong was challenging because his parents had always answered instead of him. Visiting him was always rejected with apologies. But this time you didn’t take no for an answer. When you pushed his door open you saw him curled up on his bed. He was a complete mess, his hair sticking out oddly, his skin looking paler than usual, and those pretty eyes of his were puffy. A sign that he had been crying.

When he saw you he teared up again, shaking his head as he tried to tell you to leave. He didn’t want you to see him like this. But you put away all of your frustrations of his negligence and sat next to him. You reached out to him, pulling him up into your arms, and placing your forehead on his.

“What is wrong? Why are you like this? Please love, talk to me. You can tell me.” You tried to get him to talk but when those words came out he just broke down. You couldn’t remember how long he held onto you, all you could hear were his choked sobs and feel his tears on your neck. Taeyong had always found comfort in the way you ran your fingers through his hair and he realized that he missed you too much for words to convey. When the sobbing had ceased to little sniffles, Taeyong pulled away and told you everything.

You called him a liar. But you knew he wasn’t. You called him a bastard for trying to fool you with such a mean joke. But you knew it wasn’t true. Taeyong could only cry as he watched you fall apart. Hitting his chest, roughly rubbing at your eyes, your head shaking in denial. Finally, you both laid down next to each other, too tired from the tears. You asked him questions he wished he didn’t have to answer. He didn’t know how much time he had. So you made him promise that he would never avoid you like that again.

“Lee Taeyong, don’t you ever pull a stunt like that again.”

“I’m sorry my love. I am so sorry.”

“It’s better now. We have talked about it. There is only one thing left to do now.” Taeyong looked into your eyes that reflected his melancholy. He gave you a weak smile with a question, “And what would that be my love?”

“Enjoy our life together faster than anyone’s ever witnessed.” Taeyong didn’t know what he did to deserve someone as loving as you.

Ultimately, that was what you did. You moved into an apartment with the help of both your families. You did your best to work and bring what you could to the table. If it weren’t for the support of both parents you didn’t think you’d make it. But they understood the fear and the rush to enjoy life with Taeyong. He would become a fleeting moment and you wanted to enjoy him as much as possible.

Taeyong felt like he had burdened you. But everytime he had those thoughts or had that look in his eyes, you had to reassure him that you loved him no matter what. That he was stuck with you because you could never let him go. As Taeyong’s health declined you found that you couldn't work anymore. Taking care of him was now your priority. Towards the end of his life, Taeyong had to stay in bed, machines doing what they could to prolong his life a little bit more. But he knew his end was near and seeing you trying not to fall apart hurt him.

“You have to promise me you’ll fall in love again.” You didn’t want to have this conversation with him again.

“I don’t want to! Stop saying that please.” Taeyong could only watch as your heart fell apart so visibly through your tears. He whispered to you, voice barely strong enough.

“Darling, you need to live. You need to go on. You’re always so sad.” Everytime he started with this you’d cry loudly, grab at his hand and hold it to your heart. You knew he was weak, his body not strong enough on its own. You wished for him to understand that you could never love anyone the way you loved him. You’d always be the one to take his hand and put it against your cheek as you’d whisper everything you felt for him.

“I do not want anyone else! Stop trying to give me away. I only want you. I will never love anyone else like I love you Lee Taeyong. Accept it. Accept that I do not wish for any man in this world that is not you.” God did he want to, he loved how you wanted him so badly. But he knew it wouldn’t be right. However, to ease your sobs he made a promise.

“Fine then let us settle this with a promise. We will wait for each other. And when the day comes that we finally see each other, we will stay together for all eternity. I will always love you Y/N. I love you my darling.” Taeyong’s coughing started to take over him and you dreaded that this was the moment. You called for a doctor, for help, but Taeyong could only look at you with his last smile. You didn’t realize you were screaming until your mother came by to check on the both of you. She tried to pull you away but could only let go and cry as she watched you mourn the love of your life.

You didn’t want to remember life after that. You vowed to never pursue a romantic relationship again. You became cold and you knew Taeyong would have been upset to see the person you’d become. He took away with him all the love and warmth you had to give. Your vow is what brought Artemis to you. You learned from her all you knew and more. You became Artemis’ infamous Moon Hunter. You had to explain to your family what you had become. They believed it as they realized that you stopped aging. After, you mourned everyone else around you. Your parents, Taeyong’s parents, and your few friends.

When those you knew left, you vanished from that town and never looked back. Instead, you carried your duties. You continued on with life. And it may have been selfish because you knew Taeyong was waiting for you. You knew he had to be. But you were alone. You had no one else and your mental state had suffered greatly. Eventually, you put away your past and Lee Taeyong had become a buried memory within your heart.

There was a knock at your door. Walking away from the dishes you were washing you grabbed a rag to dry your hands as you walked to the door. Upon opening it there was a boy with mint green hair and clear eyes of a snake. You leaned upon the doorframe, arms crossed in front of you.

“And what do I owe the pleasure of meeting Hermes’ prodigal son?” Chenle eyebrows furrow confused as to how you know who he is. Before he can ask, you speak up again.

“Don’t ask how I know. I’ve been alive for so many decades I’ve become a book of secrets. And your little friend talks a lot about you. Now what is it you want, Zhong Chenle?” Chenle could see the bits and pieces of what Jisung had told him about you. The way you presented yourself, your silent disposition that was calculating. You were confident and unafraid. An interesting match for his friend who was a little more bubbly.

“I need your help. It’s Jisung, he’s been acting weird. I thought you might know or be able to help.” You laugh.

“You're a smart person. I think you already know what the problem is.” You push yourself off the doorframe and invite Chenle in. You let him settle in and bring him a drink of his choosing. Now settling on the opposite chair of the dining room table you sigh. Beforehand it wasn’t noticeable, but seeing you unwind for a moment Chenle sees that you are beyond tired. Moreseo mentally than physically.

“Who is it?” Chenle asks, getting straight to the matter at hand.

“His name is Lee Taeyong…” you hated yourself for feeling emotional but you knew how to control your voice, “he was my husband.” Chenle’s eyes widened in shock. He assumed he was a lover but for someone who seemed as young as you, a husband did not cross his mind.

“He died in his early twenties from an illness. We’d known each other all our lives. Madly in love and whatnot. We had our lives planned out, our entire future. But we found out he was sick and so I pushed for us to marry and live together. A love experienced faster than anyone’s seen. What I dreaded had become a reality and Taeyong became a distant memory. I vowed to never fall in love again and Artemis found me. Turned me immortal.”

“So that’s who he is. Hm, I did wonder how Jisung was able to paint so well. He’s never been into art and crafts.” You don’t look at him, remembering how much you loved seeing Taeyong’s work. You move on from his comment.

“How do we get him out of Jisung’s body? I assume you already have a plan.” Chenle starts to actually fear your intellect and reading abilities. It’s like you already knew how everything would pan out.

“My partner, their a child of Hephaestus. They’ve made a cage that will separate Taeyong’s soul from Jisung’s body. It’s invisible but we’re afraid Jisung’s body will react to it. We’re not quite sure how far possession goes in terms of connection of soul and host.” You wave your hand dismissively.

“Taeyong was mortal. Even if he could tell, Jisung would be made conscious of it and they’d fight for control. There were times he’d contradict himself but now that it’s confirmed I understand why. Jisung’s been awake the entire time. He’s been fighting for control but he’ll be able to get it back. How are we going to get him to walk into it?” At this the boy nervously laughs.

“Well we thought we’d have to create a scenario where you’re in grave danger. He’d only be focused on you and hopefully not entirely aware of his surroundings.”

“You barely know me and already treat me as bait.” Before Chenle could try and explain himself you put a hand up to stop him.

“I don’t care as long as they can be separated. The longer we wait the more problematic the situation can become. Tell your partner to bring their contraption. I will take care of the rest.” Chenle thanks you, informing you of the preparation of the contraption. Before he leaves he asks you a question you weren’t expecting.

“Will you be okay after seeing Taeyong?” You don’t look at him, instead telling him to close the door on his way out. Your facade was fading and you needed to come to terms with the painful piece that was your love. The one you buried under all the coldness and sternness that was your personality.

Jisung did not come back to you for about a week. You assumed it was to give some distance between the two of you. You felt conflicted but you knew what had to be done. You weren’t sure what it was that Chenle had said or done but Jisung was running hurriedly through the forest. He needed to find you. Apparently, there was a gadget of some sort that let you see another person. That was totally and not entirely Chenle’s partner’s many creations. It was a communication device and when he tried to use it, he saw you out in the open on the ground with what seemed like broken items around you. As if you were in a fight.

When Jisung walked into the open area where you were, he realized his mistake too late. The moment his foot stepped on the invisible trap, a glowing white fence formed behind him. He reached out to push it but retracted his hands when he felt a slight bolt of electricity. He looked around him, worried and panicked because of the cage and your body on the ground.

“Y/N! Y/N! Wake, please wake up!” He got as close as he could to the side of the cage that was facing you. He looked out with worried eyes, hands yearning to reach out to you. When he watches you move, he sighs in relief. Your hand comes up to clean away at the dirt on your face; looking up you stare straight into his eyes and you see some of the relief turns into confusion.

“Why do you stare at me with such eyes?”

“Tsk,” you shake your head, “when were you planning to tell me?” Jisung’s eyebrows furrowed.

“I do not understand what you are asking. I thought- I thought you were hurting?” You get up and dust yourself off, Jisung’s eyes following your every movement. You walk closer to him, sit down in front of him and observe.

“Taeyong.” Realization overcomes his expression, a sad smile playing on his lips as he remembers your last encounter with him.

“You do remember me.”

“It’s been decades, we may have known each other from a different time but I would be blind if I couldn’t recognize the boy I met and the boy I see now.”

“Have you always doubted me?”

“Jisung uses his right hand. You use your left. Apparently, he’s never picked up a paintbrush in his life,” Taeyong lets out a soft laugh, “and Jisung could have never known the lyrics to the song you hum all the time.” He can see that under that stoic mask, you’re hurting just like the first time. He wonders why fate had to be this way. All he wanted was to be happy with you but why was it that you always looked so sad.

“I am sorry for lying to you-”

“For how long?” Taeyong looks like his next words were too painful to say.

“Long enough for you to fall in love with him and not me.” You looked at him confused.

“I have only been in his body for three months. The Jisung you know was the one you fell in love with. And the one you questioned was me. He has a warm heart that was torn at too much. But he found guidance, family,” he looks into your eyes, “and love.” There was a time when you were drowning in happiness to just be able to talk to him. To be in his embrace. He was your first and who you wished to be your last. But the world had taken him away from you and you grew accustomed to not having him anymore. Hearing him now reminded you of the times where you were simply a mortal enjoying life and loving the boy who kept a piece of your heart.

“I mourned you Taeyong. I watched you die and I fell apart. But that was decades ago. Everyone left and I was alone. I chose this. So how and why are you here?” Taeyong scrambled closer, forgetting about the electric shock the cage caused. He flinched and moved his hands away.

“I was supposed to be judged by Thanatos. I know that but I was pulled away for some reason. I do not remember for how long but eventually, I saw you. You were different but I knew it was you. I was by your side for a decade but you could never see me. I guess I was not strong enough but Jisung came along. I practiced and practiced until eventually I was able to take hold of him. He fights me for dominance and I know, I-I know this is w-wrong-” tears escape you before you realize as you watch him break up in front of you, “but I needed to speak with you. I missed you so much. It has been everything I have ever wanted, being by your side and not feeling sick. I would remember all the things we used to do.”

“You can’t be here Taeyong. It’s been too long and although I loved you dearly once, I gave everything up to be here.” Taeyong looks like he wants to scream. All he wanted was to be with you. He knows he made you promise to move on with life but being with you for the past three months reminded him of all the other promises he wanted in life.

“A love experienced faster than anyone’s ever seen. We already lived it Taeyong. But you are dead. You need to move on just as I have.”

“But you promised you wouldn’t! You promised you promised me you wouldn’t! You said you could never love anyone the way you love me. Why can you not keep your promise to me? I am here just for you.”

“I do love you Taeyong, I do, please understand that. But I am no longer in love with you,” you watch him crawl away from you, pained not only from your words but the process of separation that was beginning, “we’ve been apart for far too long and I’ve made a life for myself.”

“You said we would wait for each other. Why would you choose to be immortal instead of being with me?” You feel guilty but there was truth in his words.

“I grew cold Taeyong. I was tired. But I do not regret anything between us. Your actual promise to me was that I’d move on and fall in love again. And I have. I will leave my immortality for Jisung because it’s true. I do love him. He’s been a friend to me in such a short time but he made me feel again. And if you’ve been there for me for so long, you know I have tired of this life. Hades and Thanatos will not be happy that you’ve taken over Jisung’s body. Only he will be able to get you in their good graces and forgiveness. I love you Taeyong. But you have to let go.” It hurts you the way he looks at you, the way Jisung’s facial expression reminds you so easily of Taeyong’s. He always looked like a hurt and wounded child. His teary eyes look into yours.

“Will I see you again?”

“Yes you will, Taeyong. I promise you that we will see each other again. No matter what happens, we will get there eventually.” And although Taeyong feels wounded and hurt, wanting to at least get a kiss from you, he nods in understanding, whispering his final “I love you” and letting go.

After Taeyong’s soul was separated from Jisung’s body he personally escorted him to the underworld. Neither of them said anything to you as they vanished. You were left to grieve once again. But this did not hurt as badly as the last. Although in your hurt and weakened state, you called out to Artemis. Wanting to get over all that has happened in the last hour. You hear her voice in your mind as you stare up at the moon that shone brightly.

Are you sure you want this? I cannot take you back into the group if you decide to give up your immortality for love.

Yes, this…this is what I want. I enjoyed my time as a hunter. And I will never forget everything you’ve taught me. But I realize now that I am not strong enough to remain this way. I grew tired and I wish to settle down and accept life.

Well then, it shall be as you wish. I will strip you of your immortality. But I will not make you into a mere mortal. I will give you the powers of a demigod and you will be blessed with the knowledge of Apollo’s children. My brother will take care of you just as I have. Be well my dear hunter, and may you find happiness in love.

Thank you mother.

The process of losing your powers wasn’t all that grand. You could only watch the light silver dust that swirled around you, taking away the immortality you had once vowed to keep. You felt lighter and more free than before. You could only wish that Taeyong could say the same.

Chenle had sent you news that Taeyong was able to make it into Elysium. You were relieved to say the least. But there was something else on your mind and he knew.

“He’s healing if that’s what you’re wondering. After everything, he said he needed some time to be away from people. He doesn’t hate you or anything. I know he misses you a lot.”

“He should hate me though. My dead husband possessed him for a few months. But he still let him get into Elysium.” Chenle could only watch you.

“You should enroll in the academy. You know, being Apollo’s kid and all.”

“You sneaky little snake,” you scoff.

“I didn’t see anything, I swear.”

“Liar, go away Chenle.”

“Enroll in the academy. It’ll be good for you and easier for Jisung. You’ve done a lot for him this past year but I know he’s done good for you too. He used to be scared of love. But you’ve changed that for him.”

You bid him goodbye as you walked back to your little cabin. Most often you were a person of very few words. But it took someone like Chenle or Jisung to understand what your silence meant. The microscopic expressions you’d make before turning away. You knew what you would do. You could only hope that everything would turn out well.

When you see Jisung again he almost falls over. He had been in his Demigod Healing and First Aid class. After the episode with Taeyong’s soul, Jisung’s inner balance was strangely put back together well. His powers had finally manifested properly in his body and he wasn’t as weak before. He knew it had to do something with that soul but he couldn’t figure out what. If Taeyong could see him now he’d probably laugh knowingly.

You had walked in, students whispering about the new student. Before anyone could offer you a seat you head directly to Jisung, plopping down next to him. You turn to him, elbow on the desk and chin settling down on your hand.

“What’s up lover boy?” Jisung blushes deeply all the way to his ears as he looks away from the gaze of other students. He ignores them all and looks to you.

“What are you doing here? I thought the children of Artemis didn’t attend the academy.” You hum.

“That’s because they don’t.”

“Then how are you here?”

“I’m officially Apollo’s adopted kid. No longer an immortal.” Jisung does a double take, words stuttering, and head shaking in confusion.

“I’m sorry, Apollo adopted you?”

“Artemis didn’t want to leave me as a mere mortal as I was before. Instead, she let me stay as a demigod. I guess she did me a favor.” There’s a look in his eyes, one you can’t read.

“Why would you do that?”

“Because I like you a lot. Well love but uh anyway. Immortality is boring and repetitive.” Jisung looks at you.

“You’re crazy, you know that?”

“Crazy in love.” Jisung gags and you let yourself laugh.

“Oh my gods. I can’t believe you confessed to me in a health class.”

“Love is a healthy thing in life, you know. Helps build relationships.”

“That’s the wrong type of health.” You look at him, surprised that he’s being a little brat.

“Huh, maybe I don’t know you after all. Where are these little quips coming from?” Jisung leans over to leave a quick peck on your cheek, leaving you surprised and him impossibly redder than before.

“I love you too.”

“Were you ever bothered by being able to know what Taeyong was doing?” Jisung hums, cuddling up next to you as the movie played on your living room television.

“I understood what he felt. Although we lived different experiences I knew that he loved you a lot. He felt it to be unfair, the card he was dealt with. But he said to me before he left, ‘Take care of Y/N. I loved them enough for one lifetime. Now you can do it instead.’ We all have something we have to move on from eventually. I know I had to.” Jisung thinks back to his mother, the one who although treated him terribly, he still kept a piece of his heart reserved for her. He thought back to everything she wanted in life. She could’ve had it all but it had not mattered in the end.

Jisung was simply content with having you in his arms, looking at him with those eyes of yours, dazed at the shape of your lips. That was what truly mattered. He knew that Suffering was not the monster in his chest. It was loneliness that tried to reach out for someone. And he fell even more in love when he knew that someone had been you.

#jisung #park jisung #nct jisung #angst jisung #fluff jisung #park jisung x reader #nct dream fanfic #Spotify

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daeguzen · 2 years ago

Text

Son of Hermes

PAIRING | z.ch x g.n reader

GENRE | angst fluff

WORD COUNT | 20k

NOTE | this is my longest one so far of all the stories. i don’t know how it happened but lol. heads up this has a slightly open ending if you wanna think of it that way. like it is mentioned what will happen but at the same time the length of when that event takes place is unknown. you’ll know. ;)

WARNING | graphic depictions of fighting, blood, and character deaths. read with caution.

SONG | only in my dreams - the marias

SUMMARY | zhong chenle was a name everyone knew. not only due to him being a mischievious, conniving little brat but because his parents were the number one patrons of the academy of demigods. he had status, money, and hermes as his godly parent. he had all the skills to be a dangerous character to mess with. as such, chenle liked to play a lot, messing with other students, taking bets from yuta of the ares lineage. but he makes a fatal mistake in involving himself with you, the hephaestus kid no one even knew about. which was highly abnormal considering he knew every single person in the academy. he doesn't realize that he opened the door to his own tragedy where your name was one to burn up into ashes and his heart into flames.

Zhong Chenle. It was a name known to every single person who walked the halls of the prestigious Academy of Demigods. It was with good reason that everyone knew who the boy with dyed blonde hair was; after all the Zhong family were the academy’s best patrons. This came to mean a lot of things to everyone in the special academy for demigod children. The Zhong family had to be treated with utmost respect. In return for their patronage, they asked that the academy follow through with creating the best schooling for demigods; the students had to excel at everything ranging from languages and charmspeak to engineering and fighting. There was, however, an unspoken rule that was in place. Above all else, Zhong Chenle was to be respected at all times.

The Zhong family was kind, but at the same time, they chose to turn a blind eye to Chenle's enlarged ego. The boy had grown up as such and making him change proved too difficult of a challenge. Even through all of the tough lessons he was put through, Chenle was too clever and cunning. He always made his way out of any situation thrown at him. He was at the top of the food chain because of his name, and that made him feel like he was untouchable in all his rich and genius glory. The only other person he had in his life that stuck with him through all this was Park Jisung. The clumsy, shy, and quiet boy was always found at Chenle’s side, like a right-hand man. He was rarely separated from the older boy, and that was a mystery to everyone who had crossed his path. Jisung may have rarely said anything, but when he did, he was very soft-spoken.

The most important piece of information about Zhong Chenle was who his godly father was. At times, his father seemed just as childish and a mischievous messenger for the Greek gods. But Chenle gave his father a whole new identity as he proved to be the very mirror image of him and more. Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades were the most powerful gods in Olympus. Everyone knew this. What they didn’t realize was that Hermes too had his strengths, and they had all been passed down onto Chenle. He had certain perks that no one else did, and considering that he was a born prodigy, his mind was indeed up to par with the likes of Athena’s children. That in itself said a lot about his character. He was a master thief, better than the likes of the most notorious couple, Bonnie and Clyde. They were smart enough to get them through a few robberies, but they were mostly fools for being caught so easily.

Chenle could steal from the most secure places in the entire world. He didn’t need any type of insurance; he could get past anything or anyone without getting noticed or found out. His catlike steps and calculating gaze made him capable of sneaking up on anyone. He was the Academy’s book of secrets, and that had made him one of the most dangerous students. He had information on anyone and everyone, including the board members of the Academy. He took advantage of his position even if Jisung tried to discourage him from doing so. But as much as Chenle loved his dear friend, he was too stubborn to let Jisung try to change him for better, much to Jisung’s continuous disappointment. Jisung believed that Chenle had a good heart; it just had to be clawed out underneath all his ego and selfishness. But Chenle had a habit of trying to prove Jisung wrong. That is, until he finds himself caught up in a proposal he couldn’t reject. Consequences were always paid when it came to Chenle’s victims. Unfortunately, he finds that the price to pay for his own wrongdoings exceeded anything in his life and that ultimately, he had placed his heart in the hands of a tragedy.

It began with little thefts. Unnoticeable, really. A small nail would vanish from where it was; a bunch of screws that were left in a corner were no longer there. Eventually, it turned into a missing screwdriver, measuring tape, and other tools. It wasn’t anything too dramatic. But you were one of the only clean freaks in Hephaestus’ family. You knew exactly where you left everything and how you organized it. So when little things started to disappear from the Hephaestus Workshops, specifically your area, you noticed. It wasn’t a big deal at first. Your siblings were allowed to borrow anything they needed. Or take some screws if they needed it. They were, for the most part, replaceable. But you knew someone was messing with you because when you opened the bottom drawer of your work table, you noticed that your measuring tape was gone. The measuring tape. It was nothing to everyone else, but it was everything to you.

That measuring tape was the first one you made using your own hands and intellect at the age of five. Prodigy? Very much so, but no one had to know those little details. That measuring tape was very special to you because of the memories it held. Simple as it may be, its sentimental value was something that couldn’t be priced or replaced. Strange enough, no one could tell you where it had gone because none of them used it. None of your siblings would lie to you; they were all pretty laid back, sometimes eccentric, but Hephaestus kids were known for keeping out of people’s business. Tools were important to everyone; they respected your space, and you respected theirs.

It did come as a very big surprise when Zhong Chenle came to you, a little sneaky glide in the way he walked, your measuring tape in hand. Claims of him having found it fell deaf to your ears. Chenle couldn’t have just found it anywhere, that measuring tape had no way of leaving your workshop. All the Hepaestus kids had a special way of locking the most important sections that contained personal works and items. Your workshop drawer had a mechanism that was rather simple; a series of taps on the drawer made it open. No one knew of it. It was something special to you, and yet here was Chenle, standing in front of you with the smile of a school boy but the glint of snake eyes staring back at you. You had become extremely suspicious of him. It was true that you always kept to your workshop, but everyone knew who the Hermes Prodigy was. Boy thief, huh? You avoided all contact with him because he was too dangerous and nosy for your liking. It was all detestable how he took advantage of his status as a rich student. Either way, you gave him a low and hesitant thank you, your eyes staring dully into his. But he seemed to not want to let you go because suddenly his voice rang out, and an unbelievable question left his lips.

“Would you like to grab coffee with me? Whenever you're available of cour-” You, however, didn’t pay attention to him as you let out a brief no, took a swift turn, and left Chenle standing in the middle of the hallway. You left him there like a fool, wide-eyed, and shock coursing through his veins at your indifference towards him. To him, of all people, the one who practically owned everyone’s souls. He let out a laugh, his eyes looking a little crazed, the other students who had walked by practically fleeing away from him, scared of his reaction. His hands slid into his pockets as he sauntered off back to his dormitory with a new sense of interest and a promise to win you over.

You knew nothing about Chenle’s proposal or more so bet. And you weren’t going to find out anytime soon. Chenle had a knack for keeping tabs on everyone, so he wondered how the hell you had passed by his eyes unseen. It wasn’t until Jisung mentioned how you were a great engineering partner that he’d realized you existed. Yuta had mentioned you as well, who was notorious for playing with people's minds. Especially with their hearts because war was great and all, but when it was caused by something as simple as devotion, it was even more bloody. Chenle had no interest in that, but he liked Yuta’s way of strategy and planning. He also enjoyed his bets because he was the only one who could make things really challenging for him. Yuta had challenged Chenle to make you his and then break your heart into pieces. The bet hadn’t really drawn him in; it was a children’s game that would prove far too easy. But Yuta had said that you were very different from most students. No one knew anything about you, and Yuta had wanted Chenle to expose who the mysterious Hephaestus kid was. Yuta had tried to profile you a bit, but he came up with nothing. Only that you were a child of Hephaestus and had been at the Academy for a little over a year now. You were also very smart amongst your siblings; you collaborated on intricate projects, and you kept to yourself. And someone like you definitely had to have secrets. You were too quiet, Jisung type quiet, and Chenle had a sudden hunger to know more.

Shockingly, he hadn’t expected your downright rejection of him. No one said no to Chenle if they knew what was best for them. Apparently, you didn’t get the memo, but that was fine. Yuta had said this was going to be a challenge, and Chenle looked forward to it. He needed to make you fall for his charms, a baby bunny falling into the trap of a big serpent. That’s what this was for him, and he knew you had to fall sooner or later. As for you, when you made your way back to the workshops, you were bombarded with questions by one of your siblings.

“Is it true? Did Zhong Chenle actually ask you out for coffee?” You look up at him in surprise, immediately pushing him towards your table and avoiding the stares of the others.

“Shh! Shut up, don’t let the whole world know, will you? How the hell did you find out anyway?”

“Dude, this is Chenle we’re talking about. Anything he does spreads like a wildfire in minutes. And I was also on my way to the workshops and overheard,” he gives you a sheepish smile.

“Gods the last thing I need is for some stupid boy to plan something shady. I just want to graduate in peace.”

“What do you mean shady?” Jungwoo was the sibling you trusted with everything. He was the closest you ever had to an older brother, and that was enough for you. You didn’t hesitate to tell him what Chenle had given to you before him asking you out.

“He had my measuring tape.” Jungwoo’s eyes widened, his body becoming tense.

“Wait, you don’t mean the measuring tape?” But you don’t need to answer for him to understand, “How the hell did he get that!? Your drawer is enchanted with morse code.”

“Yeah well apparently he found out, and I doubt you told him.”

“I don’t even know morse code. He's Zhong's kid, though, and he’s Hermes Prodigal son. He’s the only one able to sneak into whatever place he wants to. Including the damn White House in America. That kid is scary good at what he does. But why’s he interested in you? He doesn’t even know you.” You heave out an exasperated sigh, throwing your hands up confusedly.

“Yeah well I’m not exactly someone everyone knows about. Probably Jisung, the kid was practically praising me for my engineering skills. I felt weird about it. I still wonder how a good kid like him is friends with an egotistical asshole.” Jungwoo laughs.

“It’s been a mystery for years. What are you gonna do now?”

“Ignore him, that’s the best I could do. I don’t need this shit.” You walk over to your desk, putting your measuring tape back in its place. Jungwoo just looks at you, and he wonders what Chenle’s game is. You're like family to him, and whatever is a threat to you is a threat to him as well. But he knew his place in the world of Zhong Chenle. It meant nothing to him. Jungwoo was as harmless as a hamster, really, not the slightest bit threatening to that conniving little spoiled brat. But that was okay with you because you didn’t need him to protect you as long as he was there for you that’s all that mattered. And Jungwoo knew you very well; you would stand up for yourself because to him, you were very powerful. You were like an immovable object, a statue that wouldn’t break easily. People just didn’t know it, and he hoped that Zhong Chenle wouldn’t be the one to invoke your wrath.

“You think it’ll work?” he asks, looking at you knowingly.

“Of course not, but he’ll tire eventually. Chenle likes to get what he wants. I don’t want anything to do with him but well you know what? Now that I’m thinking about this more, if it’s a date he’s looking for and he keeps asking me...I think I can play his game quickly. He’ll see I’m not at all what he wants in a partner, and he’ll leave me alone.” Jungwoo tries to see your thought process.

“He’ll read through those actions. Rejecting him coldly and then saying yes. He’ll know you're faking it.”

“Well then I’ll make it believable.” Jungwoo looks at you, something you discern as worry in his eyes. He whispers to you two words that make you look away; you knew only you could hear him, but that didn’t mean you didn’t feel anxious.

“Fotia paidi.”

“Don’t. Please.”

“Please be careful, Y/N. Chenle is Hermes’ most beloved son. He runs this school. You were able to hide from him for some time. But if he’s getting close to you now, then he’s definitely planning something.” You avoid his stare and let yourself get to work on your assignments. Chenle was smart, but you were smart, too. You’d have to play him at his own game, and then you’ll disappear. And Zhong Chenle would be nothing, not even a memory worth keeping.

Chenle was actually both pissed and amused. He gave you back your measuring tape. He made himself obvious, and he’d gotten your attention. He didn’t miss the shocked and confused look in your eyes even after you went back to that dull stare of yours. You knew who he was, and yet you said no to him. You didn’t even let him finish his sentence when you just said no and left. Amusing really. But then again, he was pissed off that you’d do that to him so blatantly and in front of everyone in the hallway. Gods, you had just gotten him more interested. Oh, you poor soul, if only you knew what was to come. He was notorious, famous, and a prodigy yet you had turned down his pretty face.

Chenle was sitting in the garden of Persephone, a beautiful contribution made by his parents. There were flowers of all types around the towering garden fence. The stone water fountain that was placed in the center had Persephone sitting and gazing upwards towards the sky. The water poured out from under the slab she was placed on, and Chenle only took a second to think how pretty the clear blue water sparkled. When he looked away, he was staring at Jisung, who had just started to lecture him. Of all times, he does it when he’s clearly trying to enjoy his lunch.

“Chenle, I’m telling you, man, this is not worth it. There is no good at the end of this road. You’re gonna hurt Y/N, they’re a friend of mine.” Jisung had tried, day after day, to get Chenle to knock it off with his childish games. Sadly, it all fell deaf to Chenle’s ears, who just rolled his eyes in annoyance.

“Come on, Jisung, get over it. It’s just a stupid bet. But besides that, Yuta offered to give me a special made caduceus.”

“I’m sorry, a what?”

“A caduceus.” Jisung looks at him, confusion still in his eyes.

“Isn’t that your dad’s staff with the snakes?”

“Yeah.”

“Okaay…wouldn’t it be best to ask that of a Hephaestus kid who can actually make one to your liking?”

“My dear Jisung, you forget, Ares also deals with weapons. Although rather brutal the characteristics Ares holds, he does have some power over the makings of certain weapons. And Yuta is quite handy when it comes to it, too. Plus, he can get two real snakes and incorporate them into the staff without getting bitten.”

“You are absolutely mental.”

“Genius I think is the word you’re looking for.”

Chenle was stubborn. Dramatically so. But no matter what Jisung said he wouldn’t stop his advances on you. He had even just found out a very important piece of information about you. You seemed to have an uncanny resemblance to Jisung’s situation. You were not claimed until you had turned twenty. He overheard one of the board members talking about that in his office. It proved to be quite a strange scene. It was obvious that you were a demigod before your claim. You could read Greek without ever learning it prior. You were handy with swords and daggers of all shapes and sizes. You had quite the affinity for blacksmithing and simply creating so it was obvious that Hephaestus had to be your godly father. But unlike all the other twelve year olds at the academy, you weren’t claimed until you turned twenty. And you had been new to the academy. Some people spread rumors saying that you were left nearly half dead on the steps, others said that you had a family member on the board.

After all you were quite well acquainted with all the professors and have even been called forward to some of their meetings. It set off a burning curiosity in Chenle when he realized he couldn’t overhear the meetings. His sneaking abouts and trying to hear your secrets were blocked from him and he couldn’t figure out how it was even possible to begin with. It was like talking to a wall, no interaction or thoughts could be sensed from you. You had been completely cut off from him and he found himself in a contradiction of hating it but also being amused. How was it that a demigod was claimed at the age of twenty? How come he didn’t know who you were? How did you even manage to get past him without being noticed? The most important questions stood in his mind though, if you were so quiet then what were you hiding and who were you truly? These thoughts plagued him but Chenle knew that he’d find out one way or another.

“Why are you so invested in them anyway?” Chenle looks down at his lunch.

“Y/N is cut off from me.”

“What?” Jisung looked up at him confused.

“Y/N is the only person in the institution who is completely cut off from me. You know how I can tell lies and truths apart. And how I can easily hear what I want and sneak around? I’ve tried to do it with them. It doesn’t work.” Chenle avoided Jisung’s gaze. This meant a lot if Chenle was confessing this to him quietly.

“How is that even possible? You can find out whatever you want.”

“Yeah well I’ve tried to eavesdrop on board meetings and I wasn’t able to hear any of their voices. That should be impossible. I hear absolutely everything.”

“Is that why you don’t want to leave this alone?”

“You know, Y/N is just like you.”

“What?”

“Y/N turned twenty when they got claimed. And I didn’t know them until you mentioned them. You know I keep tabs on practically everyone in this place. How is it that they got past me unnoticed?”

“Chenle please let this go. These should all be indicators that it’s something personal. You shouldn’t snoop around. And you shouldn’t play with their feelings.” But Chenle stopped talking because he knew that whatever he said Jisung wouldn’t like it. He loved his friend dearly, he was like a little brother. But he was too invested in this bet and he’d see it through. Yuta would make him a genuine caduceus with enchanted snakes and he’d have even more powers like his father. He’d be just like his father and people would praise him even more. But for now Chenle settled on avoiding the subject.

“Are you having trouble in maths again? I’ll help you out.” Jisung was disappointed, he could tell, but he ignored it as he took over and put away his lunch to tutor Jisung instead. Oh Chenle, I hope you don’t regret this.

It came to you as your biggest failure in life when Professor Iason asked you to meet him in his office. It wasn’t that, that had made you upset. It was the fact that a boy sat next to your empty seat, dyed blonde hair quite noticeable. When he turned his head, he gave you a cheshire smile and you wanted to punch it off of his face. Professor Iason invited you to sit in the empty seat, offering you a warm smile. You could tell his eyes held pity for you.

“Welcome Y/N, I believe you know Mr. Zhong.”

“Yes I do sir.”

“Great, I’ve called you both down for a reason and I will get straight to it. It has come to our notice that there’s something going on in the underworld.” You look at him, eyebrows furrowed.

“I’m sorry sir I fail to understand what I have to do with the underworld.”

“Yes yes, see, Hades is having a problem. And absolutely no one can know of this. What I will share with you and Mr. Zhong is completely confidential. Park Jisung is also aware of these circumstances. The board has been informed that Hades’ faithful and guardful dog Cerberus has vanished.” At this both you and Chenle sit up. Chenle speaks up first, his tone laced with incredulity. You were surprised he had other emotions besides selfish, egotistical, and flirtatious.

“I’m sorry I thought I just heard you say that the underworld's most dangerous hound is missing.”

You chime in after, “Cerberus is a big dog. He’s deadly, how is he gone?”

“We do not know. It’s a very complicated situation to understand. That is why we need you three to find Cerberus and bring him back to Hades. He’s aware of all of this of course.”

You then ask him, “Professor, couldn’t Hades find Cerberus himself I mean doesn’t he have some power to trace his pet? And what does this have to do with me? I’m a child of Hephaestus. I have nothing to do with the underworld.”

“Well, Hades should be able to find Cerberus but we do not know how it came to be that Cerberus’ connection is untraceable. And Y/N, it seems that your current, how do I say, abilities, are needed for this type of request. We know that he’s located near the Milos Volcano and-”

“No, absolutely not. I won’t.” Chenle’s eyes follow you as you stand up, curious of your sudden outburst. Your professor avoids your glare, his hands tapping nervously against each other.

“Y/N, I am afraid you cannot reject this quest. Usually you can but Hades has asked this of you. And your father as well.” You stand there for a second processing the fact that your father has asked you to go to a place you promised yourself you wouldn’t. A place he promised he would never ask you to go back to.

“My father? My father has asked this of me when he clearly knows my situation?” Chenle doesn’t miss the Professor’s nervous finger taps and he wonders what is so special about Milos. And why were you adamant on not going?

“We are very apologetic for putting you in such a position but I am afraid that the underworld will not function without Cerberus protecting its gates. It’ll become utter chaos if we do not act quickly. Chenle is someone who can pass through the underworld just as easily as his father. Jisung can as well but his power has yet to fully manifest in his current weak body. And you, well, you are the only one who knows that volcano better than anyone. We need your help. Things are happening, things I cannot share with you. We need to act or as they say, all hell will break loose.” The Professor flinches when he hears your outburst again.

“But why me!?” you cried out. You wished that pity would leave his eyes, you didn’t need anyone's pity. You just wanted to be left alone.

“It just is that way Y/N. I’m terribly sorry. But please trust me when I say that you are the only person who can get Cerberus out. He needs you. And the three of you will help each other greatly. You leave tomorrow morning. The folders that will brief you further on the situation are here. Please go over it and prepare yourselves. Zeus has sent transportation for the three of you to take tomorrow. There are packs with any necessities you may need in the Hephaestus Workshop. Please take the two boys with you and talk among yourselves.” You don’t say anything more as you turn away, the folder from the desk now clutched in your hand. Chenle also makes a grab for the other folder and follows quickly after you.

“Hey, slow down.” But you don’t as you make your way to the workshops, your folder in hand. Your steps were angry, resonating loudly against the wooden floors. When you open the door you find Jisung already sitting by your workshop, folder in hand and reading. Chenle follows behind you and just watches as you throw the folder on your desk and look between the two boys angrily.

“What the hell is this? Would one of you like to explain why I’m involved in this!?” Jisung looks at you, mouth agape.

“Hey, would you calm down for a moment?” You look at Chenle enraged and he’d be lying if he said it didn’t surprise him.

“Calm down? I’m being sent on a quest with you of all people Zhong. Why don’t you explain to me how you got me here because I’m sure as hell that the board didn’t just select me.” He looked like he could take a screwdriver violently to your direction as he feels angry that you’d accuse him of something like this. You didn’t even know him.

“I don’t have anything to do with this! If you didn’t notice I was also taken by surprise at the news back there. You know the Professor was sharing quite some interesting information. Like how you happen to know the Milos Volcano. As far as I know, that place is all fire. No one can make it through there without the help of Hephaestus himself.” Chenle can tell that you were hiding something very important when your gaze flickers around.

“That is none of your business,” Chenle scoffs.

“It is since we’re partners now.” You look at him with pure mockery in your eyes and Chenle can’t help but think it looks very attractive on you. Weird thought after having been yelled at by you; then again this is the most lively interaction he had with you.

“Why should I trust you with anything if you're also hiding shit from me?”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“Why’d you ask me to coffee Zhong? You obviously don’t like me given your current attitude and lack of prior interest in me. What is it that you want?” You were good. You read right through his actions. A difficult challenge indeed you were proving to be. But Chenle was better because he lied with such ease, his pouty lips saying one thing but his eyes actually saying another.

“I do like you, you’re just infuriating when you’re all angry instead of taking a deep breath and talking things out.” You look away, one hand running through your hair. When you speak up again you’re as calm as you can be.

“The quest. We’re leaving tomorrow. So let’s get this down since apparently I can’t reject it because his godliness asked this of me. First things first. I command.” Chenle’s pout quickly fell and you had only infuriated Chenle further when you saw his look of disbelief. All while Jisung sat quietly like a frightened little hamster, not a word leaving the boy's lips as he watched you two quarrel.

“To hell with that! I’m in charge. I know best how to strategize and I can get us anywhere.” All of the sudden you have the worst outburst to the point where your words had to be pure nonsense to the ears of Chenle.

“I am telling you I am in charge because I was the one who commanded the demigods into the city of Milos!” Chenle looks at you for a moment and laughs real hard. It’s loud and true but you just look at him, no signs of jest in you. He blinks. So much for not letting anyone know who I am.

“You’ve got to be kidding me. You are the Fire’s Death Soldier?” He sees you flinch slightly.

“Don’t call me that I hate it.”

“Yeah, okay and I’m the fucking King of Greece. Fire’s Death Soldier was killed in battle. They were engulfed in the very flames of Milos’ volcano as a sacrifice to Hephaestus after he blessed his children with temporary protection from the flames.”

“Well I’m here now aren’t I?” Chenle still finds it hard to believe you, even if there were no signs of lies.

“I led the Hephaestus Battalion into Milos when the city was in ruins before the war against Kronos began. I know how to strategize and I know the area best.” He now looks at you clearly, trying to discern truth from a lie. But he looks into your blazing eyes and realizes you aren’t lying. Chenle doesn’t know if that’s better or worse for the current situation.

“You can’t have possibly commanded them.”

“Well I did. And if you don’t believe it, ask your dad.” Now you’re the one staring into his eyes, watching his mouth go agape and his eyebrows raise slightly in surprise to ask you what that’s supposed to mean. This time around you see the genuine shock and confusion in his eyes but then another voice finally speaks.

“Holy shit.” Jisung looks up, now speaking, “Does this mean we’re completely fucked?” You don’t look away from Chenle’s calculating eyes as you two come to a realization.

“Yes it does. If my father asked for me personally it means there isn't just a problem in the underworld-” Chenle finishes your thoughts.

“It means there’s going to be another uprising and Cerberus is just the beginning.”

After cooling down from the intense quarrel with Chenle you let the boys settle into your workshop. Jisung praised you for your skills when you changed the chair he was sitting on. You had the power to make your work chair into a bean bag and that was crazy cool in the boys eyes. You had thrown them each a small bag of snacks that you had stashed in one of your drawers. It was almost comical how you kept taking out things from your drawer and throwing items at the boys.

“So does your drawer ever run out of things?” Chenle asks, eyes glinting with mischief. You roll your eyes at him.

“Haha, very funny. It’s enchanted. I made it myself. It provides me with anything I ask of it.”

“So if I wanted a sword it’d give it to me?” You look at Chenle.

“Such a simple minded request for a supposed notorious thief.” Jisung laughs and Chenle scoffs.

“It won’t give you anything because it only provides to its maker. Which is me. Enchantments go a very long way. Anyways, let’s talk,” you take the folder in your hand and go through it as a marker writes notes on its own on the whiteboard you had just dragged out.

“Cerberus disappeared four days ago. This is very bad because he’s never left his post in all his time of existence. It also means he’s not guarding the gates of the underworld. Thanatos has been kind enough though to guard while we search for Cerberus. We also know that he’s in the Milos Volcano which has remained dormant for five years now. How he got there we do not know. What we do know is that Hermes spotted him but wasn’t able to get to him because he vanished as soon as he was noticed. Zeus’ transportation will get us into the city, after that we’ll have to travel all the way to the volcano. Which all adds to how we’re really fucked.” Chenle raises his hand and then throws a piece of popcorn in his mouth.

“Just a question, how the hell are we going to get him out and how are we fucked?”

“Because even Zeus is getting involved. He’s arranged our transportation and we all know Zeus could care less. As for how we get him out, well we improvise.” You really had a knack for surprising Chenle at every turn.

“We’ll improvise? Yeah sure, anything else that’s totally impossible without a plan that you want to do?”

“You have to trust me on this okay. I know what I’m doing.”

“Yes yes you’ve had history with your dear volcano. So we’ll improvise but how are we getting Cerberus back to the underworld and not getting killed by fire?” You look down for a moment and then back up directly at Jisung.

“Chenle can get us free passage anywhere including the underworld. You, however, will be the one to keep Cerberus on his leash.” Both Jisung and Chenle look at each incredulously and then at you. Chenle speaks out first.

“And how do you suggest that little Jisung here will be able to control a three headed death hound? Is this your way of feeding us to the dog?” Your expression shows nothing as you speak your next words.

“He’s your fathers pet is he not?” It was like you dropped them into an ocean of ice water with chains at their feet. It was impossible. Utterly impossible for you to have known such sensitive information. Even the students didn’t know of Jisung’s godly parentage. But you notice that Chenle has a knack for knowing what’s in Jisung’s mind and speaking on his behalf.

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“Jisung walks around wearing all black,” you start.

“That’s a stupid assumption.”

“He’s got Death’s eyes. I know you can see them too.” Jisung turns pale.

“You say to trust you and then you say shit like this. How the fuck do you know?”

“Only those who have died and come back take a little piece of something. Except under special circumstances. I can see the ghosts too. And you do too.”

“What makes you think he hasn’t died and come back?”

“Because, I can’t control Cerberus. Neither can you. Who can? The boy whose silence offers a lot. People just can’t see it because they don’t think deep enough. And you were put on this quest too obviously not because Chenle needs his little buddy but because you have something to offer. And I highly doubt your Hermes’ kid too, to be able to venture off into the underworld. Either way, it doesn’t matter, I won't say anything. I have my secrets too.”

“How do you know? I’ve never told anyone else about the ghosts. Only Chenle…” Jisung practically whispers his words and you can’t help but feel soft for him. He was too innocent for this world but he was forced to grow up fast. To see things he didn’t want to see. That’s probably why he was at Chenle’s side. He was protectful of him and Jisung felt safe.

“Your eyes wander too much Jisung.” He doesn’t say much else, choosing his silence once again.

“You are a piece of work, you know that?” You close your eyes, sighing with frustration and a hand coming up to rub at your temple.

“Shut up Zhong. Anyway, I think that’s all for tonight. We have to get some sleep before tomorrow.” As you start cleaning up around your workshop Chenle makes a stupid joke. Mostly to lighten the mood but also to regain his posture and sanity.

“So, Hermes, Hephaestus and Hades. We should be known as Triple H.”

“Shut up.” Jisung and you both speak at the same time. You fight the smile that wants to grace your features and you succeed. But Chenle notices and he wonders how long will it be for you to keep your guard up. You all start walking towards the exit and share your last words.

“Well boys, we have a shit quest to do and we might die. But if we die at least I won’t have to see Zhong’s face anymore. Good pep talk everyone. Oh and Zhong?” Chenle looks up at you as you all make your way out of the workshop, you let go of the lock to the door and look up at him dead in the eye.

“Never go through my drawer again or I’ll happily feed you to Cerberus.”

It’s six in the morning when Chenle feels a light weight on his chest. As if someone placed a pillow on top of him. Suddenly, he feels a smack that hits him square in the face and his whole mood turns sour.

“Who the hell! Is waking me up so fucking damn early!”

“Get up idiot. It’s six am. We have to get going, Y/N is on her way.”

“For the gods sake why am I in this situation again?” he asks while getting up slowly.

“Because we're Triple H.”

“I thought you hated that name.”

“Well it stuck. Hurry up, Y/N says that our transport has a great breakfast selection.”

“Oh well thank the gods now I can fall face first into my breakfast and inhale it.” Jisung ignores his whining as he finishes gathering his stuff.

Jisung and Chenle slept pretty well the previous night compared to you. You had stayed up worried about the quest for a few hours too long. You had also told Jungwoo certain details about what was happening, mostly things about you as you tried avoiding Chenle and Jisung’s involvement. He was also infuriated about the whole ordeal but most of all he was worried for you. He didn’t know everything about what went down in Milos but he knew it was too much for you. He had known you for a year only but he felt like it was an eternity. You were his little sibling he would’ve done anything for you. That was one of the first nights you let yourself sleep comfortably as he lulled you to sleep.

The following morning you got up thirty minutes before six and had gathered what you needed. You had grabbed three pairs of backpacks that were custom made by you. They worked just as your drawer had, enchanted to provide enough room to fit the entire Hephaestus Workshop honestly. And you changed their color to differentiate them between the three of you. Black for Jisung, green for Chenle, and orange for you. You also made sure you had everything you needed to put into your bag. Leaving Jungwoo with a big hug, you went to first check up on Jisung, then to the air nymph that was your guide and then back up to Jisung’s dorm room. You knocked on his door.

“Hey, I came back up because I forgot to give you guys something. Are you guys ready yet?”

“Yeah, Chenle hyung is just getting ready. Uhm you can come in if you want. He’s already changed and all just collecting some things he may need.” You walk in and notice the hazardous mess in their room. Boys were to dorm together, godly parentage not being important. It was believed that students gained a more enriching experience if they worked with other students of different godly parentage. Of course, Jisung and Chenle were the only ones allowed to dorm in a room for two. Usually it was four in one room but of course he bent the rules to his will.

Chenle looked up to you with a grin on his face.

“What a beautiful sight to wake up to.” You gag.

“Never say that to me again. I’ll make you into a chew toy for Cerberus.”

“That’s mean.” You ignore his comment and he pouts as you throw him the bag that almost hits him square in the face. You kindly hand Jisungs his and the action doesn’t go by unnoticed, a glare burning a whole into the back of your head.

“What’s this?” Jisung asks.

“Enchanted bag. For the love of gods do not lose them. These are the only three in existence. Although impossible to lose, I don’t know with your friend over there, anything seems possible.”

“Do you mean as possible as our blossoming romance?”

“As possible as me driving a dagger through your chest.”

“You know, for a child of Hephaestus you’re really violent. Are you sure it’s not Ares that’s your father?”

“Fuck off Zhong,” and then he laughs.

“It’s Chenle.”

“What?”

“Call me by my name. Zhong sounds way too harsh coming from your pretty lips.” You ignore him completely.

“Anyways, you don’t need the bags the Professor gave you. Put whatever you’re taking, important things obviously, into these bags and it’ll weigh nothing.” Jisung’s eyes glitter.

“You mean like your drawer!?” You nod and you let a small laugh leave your mouth as you see Jisung hurriedly dump whatever he had in his other bag and put it into the black one. When he finishes, he zips the bag and weighs it in his hand, even throwing it in the air for good measure. It looked as if it were empty and as you had said, it weighed nothing.

“Awesome!” You miss when Chenle looks at you and then at Jisung. His friend was always quiet and shy around people. Rarely ever showing his jittery childishness. But here he was laughing and smiling at how cool the backpack you made was. Jisung was so comfortable around you after knowing you for less than a month. Interesting.

“Let’s get going, I’ll be waiting at the front steps.” Jisung nods and Chenle just watches you leave. He gathers all of his things, even more extra clothes now that you gave him an enchanted bag, personal necessities, and he pulls out a box from under his bed. He looked at it for a moment; the box was a beautiful deep green, the symbol of his father’s caduceus in the middle etched in gold. He shoved the entire box in his green bag and zipped it up. When he got up he saw Jisung waiting for him and a look of dread filled them both. Both boys knew the weight of this quest and it wasn’t like they hadn’t gone on quests before. But this was personal. Nobody got away with touching Hades’ faithful guard dog. The situation overall was too shrouded in mystery. Chenle was a born trickster, thief, a mischievous boy but he wasn’t stupid. And he wasn’t blind to all the signs. Something more than a lost hound was occurring and Chenle just hoped that the three of you would make it out of this alive.

When the two boys arrived at the bottom of the steps they noticed you talking to an air nymph. When they got closer Chenle noticed how animated you were in the conversation.

“Zeus has an airship?” The air nymph looks at you, her head tilting in thought.

“Well, more like a small boat. We would take you by Cloud Transport but the trip is long and we wouldn’t want to have any demigods falling out of the sky.” You look at her, face void of any expression when she says this, a little giggle to her voice. Then both boys whip their head right at you when you start laughing, your whole body reacting on its own. Gods, I didn’t know you could even laugh.

You wipe away your tears, a big smile on your face and say, “Wow, that’s hilarious. So, how are we gonna get onto the boat?”

“I’ll take you up on Cloud.”

“Oh man, I can't wait to see it.” You look back and see both boys standing idly.

“Well come on then!” The nymph instructs the three of you to stand next to each other, Chenle coming up right next to you, as the air nymph lets a cloud form in front of you, about three feet off the ground.

“Please keep your hands and feet inside the Cloud. Stand firmly on the Cloud. There are no safeguards around this Cloud and we will not be held responsible if one or more people tip over. Thank you!” Chenle didn’t know if you were on something but he heard you laugh again and he couldn’t help but ask,

“Are you high?” You look at him, blinking with confusion and your smile dissipating. He regretted saying that when he noticed your smile leave.

“What?”

“It’s just you’re laughing at the prospect of a demigod falling to their death.”

“It’s the whole perspective of it. I just find it hilarious that we’re standing on a cloud that is something like water. You go right through it technically. But here we are riding a cloud into the sky. And all I can imagine is some demigod with their arms flailing around dramatically.”

“Tsk, you have the humor of an old man.”

“Hey! Do not!”

“Oh will the two of you shut up? I feel like I’m gonna throw up.” Chenle looks at Jisung who looks paler than ever, a hand clutching at his stomach.

“Please don’t, I just got these shoes.” Chenle feels a smack on his shoulder and turns to you but says nothing.

“Asshole. Jisung, are you okay?”

“Y-yeah. Just gonna keep staring up. Because if I look down I'm gonna fall over. Chenle if you even think of letting go of my hand I will personally tell my dad that you’re to blame.”

“Okay there, let's not be too rash. I don’t think Hades would want me just yet.”

“Yeah, keep telling yourself that.”

“It’s okay demigods, we have arrived.” You and Chenle take a moment to really look around the infinite expanse of blue sky. It was a rather calming sight, almost serene. You feel the moving of very old school machinery before you actually see what it was that was in front of you. Before Chenle could tell the air nymph that he didn’t see anything, he noticed the ripples in front of him. And then, as if an invisible cloak was being lifted, a medium sized boat painted white with golden lines appeared. You watched in awe as the boat came into view, the sails getting taller and the bolt of Zeus printed on the white fabric.

“Welcome to the Olympian Boat. We will now be landing on the center of the boat.” You barely hear the air nymph when you watch as the Cloud by your feet disappears and you drop about a centimeter onto the boat's floorboards with the lightest thud. You notice Jisung's knees buckle immediately as he falls and takes a deep and shaky breath. Chenle looks at him making sure he wasn’t going to actually throw up.

“Never again. Never again.” Chenle pats Jisung’s back reassuringly. You drift away from them as you walk around the boat, taking in all of its mechanics. It was one of the most predominant powers among your siblings. Taking things apart, putting them together was the most obvious trait. But actually sensing, feeling, and hearing even the tiniest of clicks and clacks was the most important power of it all. It was easy to determine what was what, what made the other pieces work, how it was built, and even when there was an error in the design. All of this you could take apart in seconds and put back together in your head. But your eyes widen in surprise as you look back to the little nymph, a dazed grin spreading on your face.

“There’s a whole cabin inside!”

“Yes, very good. You have been blessed well with the powers of Hephaestus. This door here will lead you down to a small hallway. To the left there is a door to the main room with three doors to the dormitories. Each has a small bathroom. The kitchen is found through the door across the main room. You will find foods of any kind and they replenish just as it does in the Academy’s Pavilion. Getting to Milos’ Volcano will take twenty-four hours. Please accommodate yourselves, prepare and you can come to me with any questions you have.” You thank the nymph and she wanders to the back of the boat. You were feeling rather jittery at the newfound information of the Olympian Boat. It was rather extraordinary to you because it was something designed so simply and yet the inside was beyond anything you could imagine. You knew that the boat magically transformed to whatever its owner changed it too. Currently, it was enough to accommodate three demigods.

You ignored the boys in favor of wandering and studying the boat's design, your mind was running through images of what the layout of the boat was. You also started mumbling to yourself with eyes closed and hands out in front of you not noticing that they started to watch you in curiosity.

“There is no machinery on this boat. Three rooms….twenty square feet….the kitchen is pretty spacious. It even has an oven. Oh wow the pantry. The wood is extremely sturdy. It self paints if the paint wears off from any corner. Beautiful design and workmanship...”

“What are you doing?” You look up at Jisung who had spoken first.

“I can tell the design of the boat. There is no electrical machinery on here, it’s pure solid wood. The ovens work solemnly with coal and fires are made on metal slabs to cook food. It’s natural. Quite beautiful. As a Hephaestus kid things like this excite us. How do objects and machines work? There’s just so much in the makings of things in the world. Jungwoo specializes in engineering many types of machines. I work more broadly. Natural makings of things. Designing weaponry. And engineering as well but not as much as Jungwoo.” They barely nod or say anything as you ramble about the exciting ways of building boats. Chenle feels weird as he sees you so invested in something because up to now the only thing you spoke about was the current quest. You’ve been pretty quiet and serious. But he watches you as you practically glow, studying the boat like it was a big piece of candy. Cute.

You practically walk with a hop in your step as you make your way past the two boys and all the way to the door that leads to the hallway. Chenle tells you to wait up but it seemed you were impatient. You leave the door wide open for them to follow and venture off to your left. The main room was made of mahogany, you wondered why Zeus would choose such a design. Not that you minded. There were four white couches in the center of the room that created a square. In the middle of that was a glass coffee table. There were paintings on the walls that seemed to only depict Zeus’s apparent greatness as his Kingliness. You thought the boat could do without all that but you weren’t going to say that to the King of all Gods. Either way it didn’t matter, what mattered was the beautiful workmanship that you took pleasure in observing. You opened the door to one of the rooms, not caring which one it was because they were all the same.

One simple bed with a baby blue blanket, a white round nightstand with a drawer, and a white dresser with two doors and golden handles. You hung your bag on the hook nailed onto the wall and made your way back out.

“Well, let’s talk about strategy.” Chenle and Jisung had already accommodated themselves onto one of the couches and you could only roll your eyes as you see pillows already on the floor. You also see each boy with snacks in their hands, Jisung’s guilty eyes looking at you and Chenle just looking at the fresh buttered popcorn in his hand. Of course they would immediately go to the kitchen, remembering their fascination with all the snacks you had pulled from your drawer the previous night. You snap out of your daze when Chenle looks up at you and asks,

“What’s the plan?”

“Well, we’re gonna land in the city of Milos. Right at the border of the town. We’re gonna land there and then walk up the path to the volcano.” Jisung raises a hand.

“How will we get up there? The pathway onto the volcano has flames everywhere and last time I checked we didn’t have Hephaestus’ blessings.”

“We don’t need his blessings. I’ll get us there.”

“And how do you propose we walk through fire?” Chenle looked at you, the little annoying snark in his voice.

“I can walk through the flames.” Both boys look at you and you wish you could just hide away in your workshop. You hated how this was panning out but you knew that you had to share important details about yourself if you were all going to get out of the quest alive. Your powers have always made you miserable. You didn’t want people to see you as a powerful demigod. You just wanted to be the demigod who could build and create, not lead and fight. Of course, Chenle throws another sarcastic remark but you were too tired of him to fight back.

“Yeah and I can walk on water. Stop messing around.”

“I’m being serious.”

“That’s impossible. Hephaestus kids are good for building stuff and working with mechanics. And yeah you guys work in a controlled area but no ones’ able to literally walk through fire. And with you being Fire’s Death Soldier, wasn’t that power temporary?”

“It’s hard to explain, okay? I’m the only one of my siblings who can do this. Hephaestus works with fire in his shop. He’s even worked in volcanos.”

“Okay and how are you going to protect us from becoming ashes?”

“...I designed a crown that helps me channel my power and focus. You two need to be close to me at all times so I can make a barrier around us. You cannot for any reason separate from me.”

“You made a crown? Well well don’t we think we’re a little special.”

“Well I can’t exactly have something simple like a cap or make a heavy metal helmet. A crown is lightweight and easy to make. Anyways, moving on. Jisung, can you control Cerberus?”

“I don’t control Cerberus. He listens to me. I used to play with him all the time so he’ll listen to me.” You look at him.

“You played with a three headed hound who could chew you up?”

“You walk through fire.”

“Well played.”

“Ok and what about me? Where do I fit in all of this?”

“Zhong, you have the most important job of it all,” you can already imagine the tantrum he’ll throw, “covering our backs.” Chenle’s jaw drops and Jisung laughs out loud. You could see how much Jisung was enjoying this, even you did, as Chenle’s hands flailed around full of complaints.

“That’s nothing!” you try to reason with him, “It’s actually important.”

He points an accusing finger at you, “You just don’t trust me!”

“I’m literally telling you to cover my back, that is me trusting you.”

“Well I hate it.”

“Well don’t. You’re light on your feet. You calculate and you can hear anything. I need you to make sure there’s nothing lurking.” You almost regret saying it as you see the failure in your choice of words.

“I love that you’ve taken notice of me. I feel quite flatte-”

“Don’t say it. I’m not complimenting you. I’m simply stating your valuable assets to the team and how we’re going to work with them.”

“Dude, you just got partner zoned…” Chenle glares at Jisung with full force, his face becoming red.

“Partner zoned? Really Jisung!?” Jisung just shrugs, claiming you guys weren’t even close and laughing at his friend.

“Anyway, you’re the lookout. After we get out how are we taking Cerberus back to Hades?”

“Shadow travel?” Jisung scoffs.

“Do I look like I can shadow travel the four of us?”

“Come on Jisung, I've always wanted to shadow travel.”

You chime in, “I’m sorry, shadow travel?”

“It’s this thing he does where he melts into the shadows and travels in that form. He’s been practicing but he never takes me.”

“Because I’m not that good at it.”

“Sungie, don’t underestimate your power. You just need to focus on yourself.” The boys don’t say anything to you and when you look up at them you notice their eyes are blown wide.

“What? Did I say something wrong?”

“Sungie!?”

“Yeah?”

“How come you have a nickname for him and not me!?”

“I do have a name for you. It’s Zhong.”

“That doesn’t count!”

“Well it does for me. Grow up. Anyway, Sungie, can you just shadow travel Cerberus?” He gives you a smile that’s between soft and shy.

“I can take him for half the distance. He’ll take the both of us on land through the rest of the way. What about you guys?”

“Don’t worry. I’ll take Y/N with me.” Your head whips around to look at him, his pout still evident from being denied a nickname.

“What’s your method of transport? Bet it won’t sound as cool as shadow travel.”

Chenle puts a hand over his chest and speaks, “You wound me. Although I agree. Don’t worry though, we’ll get there when we cross that bridge.” You take a good look at Chenle and then at Jisung. No more words were shared as you reached for one of Chenle’s snacks. He yelped, claiming it was his and you responded by saying you’d never take from Jisung. It was comical how Jisung had come attached to you in a span of a few hours and Chenle was left pouting and kicking as you didn’t give him the attention he desired. You were truly turning the tables on him.

He had tried to speak to you, flirt with you, offer you snacks, all after the planning of the quest was done. But you barely bat an eye at him. Jisung would just laugh at his friends' failed attempts of making you swoon. He just didn’t understand how you could resist all of his charms besides the fact that he ran the school. Why was it so hard to make you budge? What did he have to do to make you see, well think, that he wanted to be with you? He just wanted to get to know you but you were so adamant on not letting that happen. He tried to bring up the story of the Fire’s Death Soldier and he got a very serious reaction from you. You had glared at him and he swore he could almost see orange flames dance in your eyes as you told him never to speak of that name again.

That was something else that was extremely curious to him. Chenle had heard about Fire’s Death Soldier in great detail. Of course the board had not been able to keep him out of the loop with such information, he always knew what was going on. From his knowledge, he had understood that as the war against Kronos started to unravel, there were beasts that had attacked the city of Milos. No one understood why or what they were after, to this day it was still a mystery. But these beasts had left the city in flames. People were being killed, some burned alive, others preferring to end their misery quickly. Very few escaped on their own but many were saved by the battalion. Hephaestus had apparently blessed one of his most special children with the power to withstand fire and also bend it to their will. The rest of the children were simply protected from the flames.

Fire’s Death Soldier was said to have been one of the deadliest demigods known after Poseidon’s son who defeated Kronos. They had mercilessly disposed of and burned all the beasts that had attacked the city. Their leadership was worthy of that of an army of five hundred and more. Their strategy was unmatched and all the demigods had followed this unknown warrior into battle. In a matter of a few hours, all the beasts were killed, many people were saved, and the casualties from the battalion was very minimal. It was surprising and most definitely a miracle.

So how was it, that a little quiet thing like you was the blood thirsty soldier that killed so easily? After the battle was won it came to everyone's knowledge that Kronos had been defeated as well. Hephaestus spoke into the minds of his children, congratulating them for their victory. However, he informed them that he would have to take away the blessings and required the Fire’s Death Soldier as a sacrifice for his assistance in the battle. The battalion had cried for him not to but he was very fierce about his decision and the soldier whose beautiful face they couldn’t entirely visualize because of the flames that surrounded them, had been engulfed by orange and blue flames and made its last flight as a gorgeous phoenix before turning into ashes.

The ashes were spread all across the land, the Fire’s Death Soldier being no more. As much as Chenle wanted to call you a liar he couldn’t because he knew that you weren’t. He had looked into your eyes and saw the truth but he also saw something different that he simply could not understand. You were definitely hiding many secrets and he wanted to find out. He needed to know what made you tick because as of now, you were still a great mystery to him. He knew you’d get mad when he asked about the battle but he didn’t realize with just how much blazing frustration you’d deny him an answer. He knew his eyes weren’t playing a trick on him when he saw tiny flames flash in your eyes. He could’ve almost let his facade fade and smile eagerly with a crazed interest in his eyes. There were nineteen hours left in the trip and he wasn’t able to get anything out of you. You were in the kitchen, preparing something to eat when you saw him and scrunched your face in disgust.

“You following me now?” Chenle took a seat across from where you were standing.

“No I’m not. I’m just hungry and curious as to what we’re gonna eat.”

“I am going to eat this. You can make something for yourself.”

“Ouch, that’s hurtful. And why are you cooking if you could just get anything made immediately?” You don’t answer.

“Oh come on, if we’re going to work together we might as well get along. I’m your lookout, remember? That means you trust me.”

“It’s a gamble.”

“What do you mean?” He looks at you genuinely confused.

“Chenle, don’t think for a minute that I don’t know you have an ulterior motive for approaching me. Up to now I have been invisible to you. You don’t know me at all and you don’t need to for us to work together. You’re simply my partner in this quest who I have to work with. There’s nothing more that’s going to happen because after this,” and you look him dead in the eye, “I’m going to focus on my work and you’re gonna go back to tormenting other demigods and making yourself feel so special. Know that your eyes give you away Chenle. You're not as perfect with that facade as you think you are in front of me. I can see that sick interest and curiosity like a little boy looks at a piece of candy. And I’m not going to satisfy that.”

You don’t look at him anymore, focusing on your food and taking in the nice silence. It only gets interrupted by the screech of a chair sliding back and footsteps hitting the ground angrily. You had pissed off Chenle and you could almost regret it because there would be repercussions for speaking that way to the boy. But you could care less because you had also indirectly lied to his face. You were going to focus on your work but wouldn’t be going back to the academy to do that. And Chenle wouldn’t notice that you had already packed all your things, ready to get away as soon as the quest was over. You never asked to go back to Milos and being acquainted with the boys was proving very dangerous. So you would do what you did best.

Run away.

When the boat reached its destination, its descent was smooth. The three of you had taken great advantage of all the amenities and were rather sad to see it all go. What you had to face now was extreme heat and an ascending walk. And a very petty Zhong Chenle who refused to talk to you. Jisung was left to wonder what had happened between the two of you but didn’t push on the subject.

As you got down off the boat, you made sure you were prepared. You had given the boys strict instructions to follow as well as gear that they needed for the walk onto the volcano. They noticed that you were handy with enchantments after being presented with plain shoes that were meant to withstand the heat of the volcano. You had also provided them with fireproof t-shirts and shorts. You had definitely come prepared for everything.

As you all bid goodbye to the air nymph, the three of you came to the rocky path that would lead to the volcano. The path had rocks of many sizes on either side. But in the distance you could see the outline and textures of the Milos Volcano. You turn to the boys, the crown that you had behind your back now coming up and being presented to them. Chenle looks at it and lets out a laugh.

“That’s your crown? It looks cheap.” Jisung almost smacks Chenle for his insult, disliking the way he has started to speak to you. You on the other hand don’t pay any mind to it.

“Shut up Zhong. I want to just warn you guys first, please don’t…don’t freak out.” Chenle looks at you and you can see he’s still being a little petty with you.

“You’re not so special because of your crown.”

“Hyung, can you shut up?”

“Look, trust me okay. I will do my best to keep you guys safe but remember you have to stay near me at all times. We go up there, we find Cerberus, we lead him out and then Jisung will take him to Hades and Zhong and I will follow. So please just trust me?” You look at them and Jisung nods his head with a simple yes from his mouth; Chenle decides to be stubborn and not say anything. That’s until Jisung elbows him rather hard and Chenle gets the message, a simple whatever leaving his lips. You nod a few times, taking a deep breath, and bringing the crown up to place it on your head.

Chenle has seen many things in life. Very strange things and very normal things. He saw a little snake making its way into his crib and asking him about his day when he was two years old. Chenle had been born with interesting powers, he had known what the snake had asked. He had laughed, clapping his hands childishly, as he spoke to the little snake. Before it could go any further the snake had slithered away just before his door was opened by his mother. When he was five he held his mothers hand while they walked into the bank. His mother had to withdraw some money and he was right next to her. No one noticed when the little boy slipped out and made his way to one of the safe’s down in the basement. He hadn’t taken much, just a few hundreds. He never shared that with his mother knowing that stealing was bad but being tempted by it. He saw the little snake again, he was a little more grown than last time. But he was there, this time he was silent and Chenle didn’t say much either. He made his way back to his mom who just turned in time to see her little boy smiling up at her.

Since then Chenle had seen that snake continuously. Sometimes he’d be in his garden at home, drinking whatever he liked, eating, or playing around. The snake would just look at him while resting comfortably. Chenle still remembers the day he had thrown what others saw as a full blown tantrum. Then again, even through all his childish insults and screams it could be seen that he was just a little boy in mourning. The snake had come to him, a deathly gash running through its scaly body. The maids had screamed when they saw it, stumbling over each other and running away to get someone. But Chenle had run forward to it, not knowing what to do. He remembered his hands shaking as he hovered over the snake with its gleaming eyes that had become more dull as the seconds passed. Chenle had let the snake weakly coil around his hands and arms. It looked a little awkward but it nudged softly at Chenle’s hand with its head. It has been a great service to serve under you, Master Chenle. I am afraid that I will not be alive to see you grow further but please do not cry. There will be another to take my place.

But I don’t want another friend! You’re supposed to be my friend! Why can’t dad save you!?

Master Chenle please, it is okay. Another will take my place and you will not mourn. Please…t-take c-care…

He remembered his pathetic screams. His tears. His parents had misunderstood at first thinking that Chenle was being attacked or had been. But when they stood in front of him they saw that the snake had died, their sons hands covered in its blood. He had screamed for them to make the snake come back, to have Hermes save him but nothing happened. There was only rain that day and Chenle had prepared its funeral the same night. He ignored all the pleas to go inside because of the fever he would have from being drenched and cold. But he could care less. When he had stopped crying over the snake he saw his replacement. Chenle had been cold to him. Hating that he’d look just like his little friend when he had been five. Since then Chenle had stopped being genuine. He was sometimes but not all the time. Chenle had mastered the art of emotions. Truly. Or so he thought.

He stood now, cheeks dusted pink, heart palpitating, eyes blown a little wide, and his mouth agape. When the crown touched your head, a whirl of bright orange fire swirled around you like a tornado, you were now hovering a few feet off the ground. Instead of your simple black shirt, pants, and sneakers, you were now wearing greek styled robes, sandals that wrapped around up to your shins, and the crown had specks of fire swirling around your head making it look like a halo. Your face glowed beautifully because of the crown that exposed your power. You were decorated in a few black rings, bracelets, and necklace. You could’ve been mistaken for any of the Greek deities and Chenle stood by this thought.

“Woah…you look so gorgeous.” For the first time, Chenle notices that you’re shy. Your eyes are looking anywhere but at Jisung’s after his kind compliment. He’s never seen that expression on your face and if he was being brutally honest, it looked adorable on you. When you look at him he feels frozen. He doesn’t even know what to say. He tries to formulate something nice, a compliment, something flirtatious but he just opens his mouth and then closes it. He feels stupid then for being so easily struck by your ethereal being.

“The more you stare hyung, the more uncomfortable they feel. Also, your breath smells.” That makes Chenle’s hand come up to his mouth and he lets a shrill scream when he realizes that Jisung was messing with him. He pushes him harshly but Jisung just hunches over to laugh out loud and you let out a light laugh. A very pretty laugh. One he wished he could just bottle up. Oh gods.

“We should get going. It’s a far walk up the hill. I need you guys to stand still okay?” Before they could ask why, you fly in a little closer to them, your left hand on Chenle’s cheek and your right hand on Jisung’s cheek. Both boys gasp lightly as they feel a warmth course through their bodies that leaves almost immediately. Chenle looks into your eyes and he finds it even harder to breathe when you’re literally glowing in his face.

“Just a bit of extra protection just in case. Now come on.” You stop hovering over the ground and land soundlessly on the ground. You turn and start walking, both boys following closely behind you. This was unexpected. Quite the turn of events because Chenle let his guard down. He let himself feel attracted to you…enamored would’ve been the word for it but he pushed that thought away. He couldn’t feel anything for you, that was not part of his deal with Yuta. And as quickly as all those fuzzy feelings had come, the faster they left as he started losing himself in his thoughts. Was it guilt gnawing at him? He did not want to think about it anymore. For now, he had to focus on getting to Cerberus without falling victim to a fire filled death. But you had made it so hard as your robes rippled from the light winds and the smell of something distinctly like something that was burned yet a sweetness mixed in. Chenle couldn’t pinpoint what it was.

“Have you ever heard of fire poppies?” your voice rings out with a pleasing lilt in it. Chenle shakes his head but realizes you’re not looking at him and then he answers with a no. He doesn’t pay attention to Jisung and misses the mischievous grin on his face.

“A fire poppy blooms in places where there’s been fires. Its scientific name is Papaver Californicum. It germinates from the smoke of a wildfire. It stands strong for one to two days. It’s rather beautiful.”

“Just like you.” Chenle wonders why there’s a silence that falls over and then he realizes he said that out loud.

“I- well, I mean- you see-”

“It’s fine Chenle.” That shut him really quick, not only at your response but because you had said his name. It sounded nice coming from your lips and he found that the warmth he tried to avoid kept rising up in his chest. He thought his previous tantrum to be stupid. He was starting to actually think he was stupid. But you bring him out of his thoughts.

“This place…I thought I’d never see it again.” The boys don’t say anything as they let you continue and they realize that you’re vulnerable right now. It’s why you have become a little more quiet than usual. You continue, slight hesitancy in your voice.

“I never wanted to lead the Battalion. I just wanted to live in peace. But Father had other plans for me. All of Hephaestus’ children have some of his most prominent characteristics besides power. He hates getting involved in things. He’d rather keep to himself and his workshop. Only when he feels it necessary does he ever do something. Like making Hera’s beautiful throne into a trap for discarding him. And humiliating Ares and Aphrodite for her infidelity. Things like that. But when I came into this world, he had a role for me. I’ve always hated it because I never wanted it. You know…I wanted to build cars. And cool gadgets like they have in those sci fi movies. And make natural works such as boats, wooden homes among other things. I wanted to have fun with that. But Father always pushed me towards bigger projects. If I’m honest, I resented him for that.”

“I think we all resent our parents for one thing or another. Hades had me which made me just like the previous pair of siblings. Ostracized. Feelings of loneliness and being a freak. My power deals with death, darkness, shadows. But I’ve always preferred bright colors and light.”

“Like Persephone?” It was like you could read right through him. You didn’t see it but a small smile played on Jisung's lips.

“My mom left me when I was ten. She could no longer deal with clumsy and depressed me. She left me at the cemetery where we used to visit grandpa. Dad knew what she had done. I always see other demigods upset that their godly parent barely pay attention to them. They’ve had so many kids that really how do they keep up with them all? But my dad barely had any kids because he knows his power. Yet he had me and he was just always there.”

“Did they take you in?”

“She did. And I’ve been grateful ever since. It hurts to know that my mom didn’t want me anymore. Dad…dad punished her for what she did even if I pleaded with him. But he was stubborn. So he kept me in the underworld with Mother. She would take me up with her when spring came around. Sometimes I’d leave on my own. Then dad suggested the Academy and I’ve been there ever since. It’s also why my powers aren’t as strong. I’ve spent time adjusting to the underworld. When I came up here I felt more drained than usual.”

“I see. Your mom gave up something precious that she will never get. I’m sad that you had to know about what your father did. But at least they care for you.”

“What about you? Y-you don’t have to tell-”

“My mom…well I never had a mom. I don’t know what it feels like to have a maternal figure.”

“Oh.”

“What about you Chenle?” You avoid talking any further about yourself and redirect to the other boy.

“Me? Uhm well…I grew up with my mom and stepdad. I’ve been pretty well off in that department.”

“That must be nice.” Suddenly Chenle felt like he didn’t belong. Here you were pouring out your heart alongside Jisung about missing parents when he’s had both. He’s lived comfortably. And he didn’t know why, he couldn’t understand why, but he felt so desperate to fit in and relate so he said something he’d never even told Jisung.

“I used to know someone. He wasn’t a pet but more so a friend. I've always found him to be more of a friend.” Chenle feels like he’s talked too much but you look back at him for the first time and you nod, gesturing for him to continue.

“He was a snake. He first came to me when I was two. And then again when I turned five. After that he showed up regularly in my garden or in my study room. Sometimes we didn’t speak. Other times we would have small conversations. He was very serene all the time. But one day he showed up in my garden, bleeding and wounded. He wasn’t going to make it. I-I never knew what happened. Or w-why…” He could hear his own screams again in his head. His cries for his friend. And he kind of hates that he let himself get weak because instead of feeling better he feels worse.

“He died and you lost a piece of yourself.” Chenle looks down at his feet, his mind being brought back to the present.

“More like buried.”

“There’s nothing wrong with mourning someone you’ve lost. And yes, you might bury a piece of yourself with them. But that shouldn’t mean that you can ignore that side of yourself. There’s nothing wrong with feeling. In fact it just shows that you are human. Being able to feel human is good.” Chenle doesn’t answer you, not even fully understanding a hidden connotation to your words. He feels the tears that burn at the back of his eyes and does his best to ignore them.

“So, how much further do we have to go?”

“We’re getting close. Up ahead is an opening and then we’ll be on the path to the volcano. Good thing Cerberus isn’t inside of it. He’s lost somewhere around the middle of the volcano. This isn't looking so bad. I was expecting something to hap-” Suddenly, you feel the ground shake, you stumble and so do both boys. You feel it before seeing it. There was heat spreading rapidly, a sudden rumble booming in the sky as the Milos Volcano once again showed signs of activity.

You hear Chenle scream at you over the rumblings of the Milos Volcano, “You just had to jinx it!”

“Shut up Chenle!” The three of you rise to your feet, trying to adjust after the shaking of the ground. You knew there was something terribly wrong. The volcano had been active again, you felt the trembles under your feet, the heat that was rising. But among the heat there was wind. Chenle felt it too.

“There’s something else here! The currents are moving all over the place!” Chenle slips his hand into his back and brings out a deep green box. Before you could ask what it was for he opens it to show a pair of sandals with wings.

“Just like your father.” Chenle wastes no time in changing his shoes, not as gracefully as he would think it would look like but it didn’t matter. The wings flapped to life and before you could yell at him he was flying. When he gets a few feet high he feels the onslaught of heat and falls a bit.

“Shit!”

“I told you to keep close to me, genius.”

“Well, I need to see what’s past the rocks.” You turn to Jisung, offering your hand. He takes it, holding your hand tightly, and you push off the ground. Your power had a way of being slightly shared, so instead of Jisung dangling from your hold, he too was flying. You didn’t even say anything as you brought your right hand to hold Chenle’s. He looked at you startled.

“That way you don’t fly too far and drop little Icarus.” He doesn’t say anything about the nickname and how it makes his heart skip a beat, instead trying to focus on what was going on. Flying higher towards the sky he sees another silhouette hovering. Someone asks what is that but Chenle just moves closer, you and Jisung being pulled gently behind him. He realizes it’s a boy who looks much older than him. When he gets close he hears you gasp and feels your grasp tighten. The boy turns to look at you directly and when he speaks there is surprise evident in his voice.

“Y/N? What are you doing here?”

“I should be asking you that.” He looks to you and then to the boys. Chenle sees the disappointment bloom on his face.

“Oh my. It seems you came here rather early. I was hoping to have more time.”

“More time to what!?” The boy looks at you, a bit sad.

“To kill Cerberus of course.” Your blood runs just as cold as Jisung and Chenle. Then you feel the anger coursing through you and Jisung. You don’t notice how the flames on your crown grow, specks of blue coming out.

“What in gods name are you doing Jungwoo!? Kill Cerberus? Are you out of your mind!?” Jungwoo laughs a rather empty laugh. His eyes were dull and cold. The opposite of your fiery and angry ones.

“Am I? I’m surprised you haven’t noticed Y/N. Don’t you know what I am?”

“What the hell are you talking about?” Jungwoo looks in your angry eyes and sees a battle within yourself. He hums.

“Don’t you see. We’re related. More so than our typical siblings. I thought you felt it when we first met,” he tilts his head as if in thought, “it seems Hephaestus didn’t give you that.” But you don’t understand his cryptic words and before you could ask he speaks again.

“Or should I say Vulcan?” Jungwoo says that name, that one name, slowly. His eyebrows raised, his mouth forming into a smile, but his eyes treacherous and cruel. There’s a slight tremble in your posture and you look at him now, even more clearly than before.

“H-how? I’ve never…n-never…”

“We are not like the others Y/N. We were created from the very hands of Vulcan. But we were raised by his form as Hephaestus. Vulcan found it too tedious to care for us but Hephaestus did not. He knew what it was to be a discarded child even more than his roman form. In all honesty, I hoped Father would show up,” Jungwoo brings his arms up to gesture around him, “alas he did not. Really I have no use for Cerberus. But I needed something dramatic to get him to come. Instead he sends you and your little pets.”

“Why would you do this Jungwoo? You were my brother. How could you just betray me like this!?” He hisses, his expression morphing into what you realized was decades of resentment and anger.

“Betray? I’m a traitor!? What about Vulcan? Is he not a traitor to us? He made us from clay and breathed fire and life into us! He gave us power but for what? To become the gods' little lap dog? He never let us do anything with our powers! We could do anything and yet he has us as chained dogs on leashes, let free only when needed. And what about our mother?” You look at him conflicted and shocked at the piece of information. Jungwoo registers this and scoffs. His expressions change from one to another like a mask. You read empathy on his face but you know it’s not that. If this was who he truly was then Jungwoo knew nothing of being empathetic.

“You don’t know. He never even told you,” you don’t like his tone and Chenle puts one hand on your shoulder as his other takes your hand again, “we had a mother. Vulcan created her too. She was perfect. The most perfect maternal figure you could ever imagine. But you know what he did? Vulcan thought I was getting too docile to her. I had become too soft. And that was enough for him to get rid of her. It didn’t matter if he had just destroyed her, she was a living human to me. And so to me that’s murder. He killed our mother just so we could listen to him. So really, who's the real traitor? Me or him?” Chenle speaks up, having had enough of the demigods' games.

“The only traitor here is you.” Jungwoo looks at him as if for the first time he’s realized that he was present.

“Oh? You have no say in this Zhong Chenle. If anything you shouldn’t be talking about betrayal when you yourself are made up of lies. You didn’t approach Y/N because of your supposed feelings. If I were to guess, Yuta challenged you to get their attention. And then what? For that, Y/N, don’t you think that he should be punished? He wronged you. They all wrong us. Please, come with me. We can over power Hephaestus…Vulcan. And we could take his place. We would be so much better. Twins. I would take Hephaestus’ form. And you would take Vulcan because you are so powerful. You are just like me but better. Don’t you think fotia paidi?”

You almost freeze at his words and he takes a sick fascination in that. There’s something wild and crazed in his eyes and you realized what your father meant when he had told you about his many failures.

I was never a great father. I know this. I’ve had my success and my failures. My best traits and my flaws as a discarded son. I need you to understand that I made a show of your sacrifice to keep you safe. You have been the greatest success in my life. But like anything else in the world you are followed by my worst failure. Know that I never meant to burden you with this but one day you’ll understand.

Chenle wants to say something. He wants to fight back. But Jungwoo has not only exposed him but has made you feel exposed as well. He didn’t know what he could say to you. But it never seemed to end, the ways you caught Chenle by surprise. And this moment was no different as you brought your head up, eyes looking right into Jungwoo’s. Chenle, for the first time, felt a bit fearful as he saw the deathly resemblance between you and Jungwoo.

“Punish? For a silly little thing? You are childish and pathetic. You are the true traitor to every demigod, every god, and every one who has ever believed in your lies,” a look of rage claws at his face and you continue, “The Fire’s Death Soldier died in the war against Kronos. This is what the people will know and remember. I may have been created by the very hands of a god just like you. He may have been quite dismissive of us but I would never harm anyone out of resentment towards him. I love you Jungwoo. I always will. But you will have to pay for your crimes with your life.” Chenle’s eyes widen at your blatant threat and you feel Jisung’s hand tighten around yours. Jungwoo nods his head a few times, a disappointed smile stretching across his face. He slowly bends his elbow towards him with his hand coming up in his face, looking at it for a moment. You don’t miss the little tilt in his head when he brings his arm back and aims towards you.

You see the ball of fire that hurtles towards the three of you. In a quick second you form a barrier that blazes with intensity, to block Jungwoo’s attack. As he continues throwing deathly balls of fire in your direction, you begin to strategize what to do next and come to the only conclusion you knew would work best. You give both boys a light squeeze by your hands while looking in Jungwoo’s direction.

“Boys, you need to get Cerberus and get out of here!” Chenle turns his head immediately and shakes it frantically and angrily. You didn’t need to look at him to sense the anger he was radiating at such a thought.

“We are not leaving you!” But you ignore his denial and turn to him as you explain your plan.

“You’re going to fly with Jisung towards the cave and get Cerberus out of here. I’ll deal with Jungwoo.” Chenle hates your proposition of having to leave you to fend for yourself, especially against Jungwoo.

“I am not leaving without you Y/N! There has to-”

“There is no other way, Chenle! You are going to leave now!” You let go of Chenle’s hand and place it on Jisung’s forehead.

“Wh-what-”

“Stay still!” Jisung doesn’t move, confused at your actions. He feels a strange warmth spread through his body. You take a glance at the barrier that has started to deteriorate little by little and try to hurry.

“You will both be protected by my power. That way the fire does not harm you.” You let go of Jisung’s hand and he lets out a yelp, thinking he is gonna fall but instead finds himself floating. When you turn to Chenle he braces himself for you to do the same but you surprise him when you grab him by his face and pull him towards you.

“What the hell-mmf!” Instead of a hand to his forehead like you did to his friend, your lips meet his. Without really thinking too much, his hands come up a little hesitant and grab at your waist. The warmth that spreads through Chenle’s body is different, it blazes with a strange intensity but although Chenle feels it, it does not hurt him in any way. Rather it just feels warm and inviting, just like your kiss on his lips. He feels it all ends too quickly and is also embarrassed after you let him go because he realizes he chased your lips as soon as they left his. When he looks into your eyes he sees something he can’t decipher and he swears that he can’t breathe properly, his heart has started beating erratically in his chest.

“Your eyes will always give you away. You’ve known me for so little but just a change of events has revealed your true nature. I see you now for who you are and if we get out of this, we can go for coffee any time. Don’t fly too close to the sun, little Icarus. Please go and be careful.” Chenle’s eyes tear up and he feels the slightest break in his usual character. He never foresaw any of this. He barely knew anything about you but gods you managed to unravel him so easily. Sharing details about his personal life, his childhood, the snake he had adored had all been unimaginable to him. But he had desperately wanted to fit in with the conversations you had with Jisung. He really wanted to fit in with you. Quarreling with you and being by your side brought him a happiness he never knew he’d enjoy. Having to leave you here alone with Jungwoo tore at him but he promised that as soon as he helped Jisung with Cerberus he would come to your side.

You give him a soft smile when you hear his words, “I’ll come back for you.”

“Guys we gotta move!” Chenle hates it when your hands fall away from his face and you move towards Jungwoo who had just stopped throwing fire at you. His expression is a mix of anger, disappointment, and disgust. His once boyishly charming smile and sweet eyes had become twisted into a snarl matched with cynical eyes.

“Are you blind? Or just blatantly stupid? You kiss the boy who uses you for his own entertainment? You befriend a useless child of death whose powers can’t manifest properly because of that weak body? You’ve barely known them and you dare choose them over me!?” You don’t look back at the boys who have started to back away slowly. Instead you keep yourself focused on the brother who you once loved.

“You don’t actually think you can kill me Y/N, do you? I am powerful too. I was the first. Honestly, it’s quite sad that you’ve decided to stay alongside those weaklings. Now you can die with them.”

Jungwoo lets out a surge of fire towards you, the onslaught of it causing the temperature around you to rise. That doesn’t affect you though, as you place one hand in front of you to block it. With a swift movement into an upwards arc with your right hand, you bring it back and shoot it towards Jungwoo with even more ferocity and speed. He tries to get away but not before he feels a slice at the side of his stomach. He hissed, looking down at the burning mark and back up to you in shock.

“You are immortal just as I am. But only our powers can harm or kill each other. You know this Jungwoo. Father was right,” and the way you tilt your head with eyes blazing, anyone could say you were a terrifying image mirror of each other, “you are his worst failure.” Jungwoo, lets out an enraged scream as he flies straight towards you. You simply let yourself drop when he gets close, his body passing by you instead and you grab him by his foot. He screams again, your hand engulfed in orange flames, burning at his skin. You tried to push away the sadness and pain in your heart as you heard his agonies. It proved to be a mistake as his other foot came to land a kick straight in your face. You let go of him, dropping a bit but keeping yourself still in the air, your head tilted back as you brought up a hand to your nose that bloomed with pain. When you draw away your hand you see a bit of blood on your fingers and glare at Jungwoo who just smirks.

“Can’t take a simple kick?”

“That was a mistake.” Jungwoo flies a little higher in the air, his head now moving to his right. You realize what he’s aiming for and immediately summon fire in the shapes of daggers. He dodges some of them, others due what they were intended to do but finally he moves out of your reach. His eyes were now focused on the two boys who were getting Cerberus out of the caged prison Jungwoo had placed him in. The boys don’t notice that Jungwoo is flying towards them but you follow close in pursuit. When you manage to catch up to him, you stop a few feet in front of him, a dagger now in your hand. He stops immediately, his body frozen at the weapon in your hand. His eyes blaze again as he stares at the dagger that had caused his undoing.

“Where did you get that?” He demands.

“A gift from father.” Jungwoo looks between you and the dagger, it’s colored black except for a bright blue fire that surrounds it. He knows this dagger rather well. It was the very same dagger his father had used against the mother he once had. You could tell the tears that threaten to fall from his face, the redness in his eyes, and the even more chaotic look that takes over him. Jungwoo becomes even more unhinged by the second, his sanity being completely lost.

“Where the hell did you get that fucking dagger Y/N!?” You pity him really, even after all this, he had just been a boy who loved his mother. But his sins were too grand and you had to stop him at whatever cost.

“He said that the person whom I would have to slay would recognize this dagger. He also told me to tell you that he was sorry. You weren’t what he had intended to make. You proved to be the opposite of what he needed. And I’m sorry brother but your pain has only created chaos and death. It follows you wherever you go and it will follow you for the last time.” You lunge out at Jungwoo, trying to cut at whatever you could but he dodges them all. You want to cry and scream at the unfairness of having to kill your own sibling. Jungwoo wants to cry too, at the cruelty he’s presented with. He cared for you but he did not love you. He only knew to love his mother and being attacked with the same weapon his mother had died from shattered the last bit of sanity he had. It was remembering his mother’s face that made his reactions slow down and it proved to be fatal as you drove the dagger into his abdomen.

Jungwoo looked down, his hand coming up to grab at your hand. The very hand that held the dagger to his abdomen. He coughed in pain and before you could react, his power failed him and he plummeted to his death. You watch as his body landed with loud and crunching thud, dull eyes staring up at you. You come down from where you were and onto the ground harshly, the urge to throw up crawling in your chest. You don’t even realize that you’re sobbing at the sight of Jungwoo’s broken and bloodied body, knowing that you had caused it. You scream and scream and there’s a feeling of hands grabbing at you. You only notice it’s Chenle when he grabs your face and makes you look at him. Even then you can’t tell what he’s saying, everything sounding blurred.

“I killed him. I-I k-killed my b-brother. I-”

“Shh shh.” Chenle brings you into his chest, tears streaming down his face as he sees you break in front of him. There were no signs of Jisung or Cerberus, only Chenle, Jungwoo and you. Chenle understands the pain that you’re going through but knows that the both of you have to leave. He tries to make you stand up, telling you that you have to leave. But Chenle was so busy worrying over you that he didn't notice the small movement; the slightest change in the vast scenery took place in a dagger that was now hovering over Jungwoo’s hand. His aim was definite, impossible to miss, the dagger now hurtling towards the boy whose hands were gently cradling you by your neck. You’re the one who notices as your eyes can’t rip themselves away from the body of your brother.

“Chenle!” Your power fails you as you try to aim the dagger elsewhere and you move without thinking. Chenle doesn’t realize what is going on as he sees you step in front of him. He only hears you gasp, your body hunching over slightly. His eyes immediately wander to the black point that is now protruding from your chest and he catches you as you fall back into his arms. Chenle’s knees give away as he lets your weight fall on him, his eyes now staring at the terrifying sight in front of him.

His eyes meet the dagger that has impaled itself into the right side of your chest, blood starting to seep through your clothes. His hands tremble as his panic rises and his voice starts to cry out for you.

“N-no, n-no, no, no! Y/N! Y/N stay with me!” Your body no longer feels as warm as it did. You feel your power draining away slowly and a coldness seeping through you as Chenle holds you. Your teary eyes move from the sky to meet his and you cry, feeling afraid but not alone.

“C-Chenle…i-it hurts.” Chenle’s eyes scrunch up as his face contorts in pain at the mere thought of you dying. His left arm is around your shoulder, bringing you closer to him and his right hand cups your face. He mindlessly wipes away at your tears with his thumb as his sobs become even more broken and his head shakes in denial.

“You’re going to be fine. You’ll b-be fine. Stay with me, stay with me.” The last thing he sees is your lips smiling softly at him, your eyes filled with an unmistakable adoration, and your final words stuttering out.

“D-don’t fly…t-too close to the sun m-my l-little…Icarus. Don’t f-fall.” He shakes his head in denial, a whimper of pain escaping his trembling lips.

“Don’t leave me! Y/N don’t leave me please! Come back!” He watches, gasping for air as your eyes go from their warm blaze to empty and dull. He rocks your body back and forth, his face now nuzzled into your neck and a raw choked scream of your name claws its way out of his chest and rips through his throat.

You were dead and so was Chenle’s heart.

Chenle couldn’t have known how long it was. All he knew was that the winds had calmed down entirely. Any activity that the volcano had shown previously was gone. The burning heat had also ceased and so Chenle had no need for protection, his body feeling that strange warmth leave. It was getting dark but Chenle could care less as he held onto you, your eyes still wide open and staring. He felt numb and cold. His emptiness growing vastly. He ignored the blood on his hands. It wasn’t your blood or his but Jungwoo’s.

In the moment he had felt you die in his arms, he screamed. His chest ached in agony as he held you knowing that he could no longer speak to you or feel you. The playful banter you had always managed to engage with him would no longer take place. When his cries ceased he looked towards the boy who had been the cause. Letting go of you gently, he walked towards the other body, purpose being noticeable in his stride. Jungwoo came into view, a hand over his wound and blood seeping through, his breathing was irregular and teary eyes looked up at his executioner.

Chenle kneeled over him while Jungwoo could only stare at the boy who had taken the dagger out of you and held it strongly. Jungwoo’s powers were no longer within his reach, slight panic manifesting itself.

“I-it w-was…s-supposed to be…y-you.”

Chenle couldn’t differentiate what Jungwoo felt about having killed you instead of him. He had been putting on all different masks but it almost seemed that he had regretted his decision. Chenle could care less as his hand let go of the dagger and wrapped itself around Jungwoos pale neck. His heart was ripped out and he was only present to return the favor. Chenle never considered himself a murderer. A cold blooded killer. But losing those he loved, feeling all that pain, he had enough of it. He wanted it out of his system. And through all his tears, the trembling of his hands, he spoke his voice barely above a whisper.

“You killed Y/N. You killed them and took them from me,” his tone turned poisonous, “Vulcan should’ve killed you when he had the chance alongside your mother.” Jungwoo could no longer speak, trying to gasp for a bit of air but Chenle did not let him.

Let go Chenle. Let him go. A voice spoke in Chenle’s head but he ignored it as he relished in watching Jungwoo kick pathetically and grab at his arms weakly.

Let go! Chenle wants the voice to shut up. He decides to put an end to all of this as he reaches for the dagger and tries to drive it into Jungwoo’s heart. But before he could finish, a force pushes him back a few feet.

My son, stop your madness. Killing him won’t bring back your love. It will only serve to taint your hands.

“I don’t care! “

His father will deal with him. For now, you should go. Take Y/N with you to the underworld. Your friend awaits you there. Go. Chenle thinks for a moment as he looks towards you again.

“Will…will Hades bring them back to me?” There was no response.

“Dad?”

Go Chenle. All will be as it should.

He looks back one last time at Jungwoo, death having taken him already. When he made it back to you he held you for hours before finally reaching out under you to pick you up. The wings on his sandals move as he starts to fly up and away from the volcano. The heat of the volcano no longer is present, the death of the two children putting it into a never ending slumber. Chenle barely stops to take a break from his flight. He’s focused solemnly on you and getting to the underworld. His tears don’t stop falling and his lips part, a song emitting from him brokenly.

Baby stay with me

I feel it happening

I guarantee

With every inch of me

Tonight I'll sleep

With demons in my hair

That talk to me

It's only just a dream

Baby stay here

The whispers in the trees

Are getting near

You're everything I need

To bare this fear

The demons in my bed

Are always here

It's only just a dream

Babe I'd rather stay inside your dream

If I could disappear beneath the leaves

When Chenle makes it through the underworld he lands softly at the entrance of Hades' home. He walks inside the mansion, knowing the halls pretty well. When he arrives at the center hall he sees Jisung. When the boy sees your limp figure he assumes that you're hurt. He tells himself that you're hurt. But Jisung was Hades' son. He knew a dead body when he saw one. Chenle's voice croaked out brokenly, his knees meeting the ground as his gaze met the god in front of him.

"Bring them back. Please bring them back."Hades looks at Chenle and then at you, face void of any expression. He speaks, his voice deep and cold resonating through the hall.

"I cannot." Chenle grits his teeth, desperation finally coursing through him.

"Why not!? You're the King of the Underworld! You can do something!"

"Child, I cannot help you because that body is void of a soul. I would help you as a recompense for helping my son bring Cerberus home. I am truly sorry but I cannot do much more than to tell you to speak with Hephaestus."

"H-how?" Hades looks towards Jisung who stands at his father's side. The tears and sniffles don't go unnoticed and Hades looks away. Persephone stands at Hades’ side, her gentle hand coming up to cover her mouth. Chenle sees her pity but he doesn’t want it. He doesn’t want pity, he wants you. He wants you to breathe again. He wants to feel your warmth. He wants to learn to love you because he doesn’t know how he’ll be able to live as he used to before knowing you.

"Jisung, help him take the body to the Olympian Boat. The air nymph will be there to guide you. She will take you up to Olympus where Hephaestus is currently located."

"Yes father." Jisung does as his father tells him, his steps echoing through the eerie silence. He tries to convince Chenle to let you go but he refuses to do so. He carries you now towards the exit of the underworld and up to where the boat has been placed on the ground. The air nymph does not speak as she sees the sad sight. Chenle reaches the dorm that you had previously used at the beginning of the quest. He places you on the bed, your crown placed itself directly on your head. Chenle couldn't take it off of you and he laughed thinking that you probably had enchanted it. You and your never ending enchantments.

You would've looked beautiful if your skin wasn't losing its color and the stain of blood where your wound was hadn’t been there. Chenle had taken the dagger and placed it into the bag that you had given him. He doesn't leave your side, choosing to lay down next to you. He places his head on your chest, ignoring the dried blood, an arm wrapping around your waist and pulling you closer to him. Chenle sings to you continuously, songs of love, pain, grief, and loss. Soon enough, he manages to fall asleep as he embraces you and after his cries cease once again.

When they arrive at Olympus, Jisung is the one to come into the room to wake up Chenle. Both boys ignore looking at each other too long, their faces looking gravely pale and puffy.

Chenle picks you up once again, not wanting to leave you at all and not letting Jisung help him. He walks out onto the deck and towards the exit of the boat. He doesn't pay much mind to the intricate architecture that makes up Olympus. Or the fact that they’re surrounded by an infinite blue sky and clouds. He remembers your laughing about a demigod falling from the sky. He can’t manage a small smile because it hurts him more instead. He stares ahead with dullness in his eyes. When he comes to the front of big gates they open on their own; the boys walk on, making their way down the hall and come in front of the gods that are present. Zeus does not speak as he watches the little boy walk up to Hephaestus.

Chenle looks at the Greek God, his eyes now angry and desperate. He holds no respect for anyone as he makes his demands clear.

"Bring them back now."

"Do you know of respect?"

"I said bring them back."

"Boy, they are dead-" Chenle raises his voice.

"Because of you! This all happened because of you! You forced Y/N to go to Milos! We put our lives in danger! We did what Hades wanted of us so our recompense will be you bringing Y/N back!"

"I fear that I cannot." Chenle feels tired. Tired of everyone telling him that they can’t do anything for you.

"What do you mean you cannot? Stop lying!"

"The dagger that drove itself into their chest was a dagger meant to kill the children of fire. I cannot give them life again." Chenle laughs. He laughs at this so-called god and at himself for being so pathetic.

Zeus says, "Zhong Chenle, for your assistance in keeping the balance of the underworld kept, I will grant you what you wish-”

“I want Y/N back.”

“Hephaestus?” The god looked towards Zeus and then back to Chenle.

“I will not bring them back to life but instead will create a new child-”

“No! That’s not-”

“Do not interrupt me. That body cannot be reanimated. And so I will give life to a new body. I cannot promise you their memories will be intact. Hades will provide them with a soul and they will be mortal. However, I will promise you that they will no longer be the Fire’s Death Soldier.”

A month had since passed and Chenle always sat waiting at your workshop. The academy had heard that you were gravely hurt during a quest but no one knew exact details. They were all shocked to see Chenle become cold and unresponsive. Students didn’t try to interact with him, his eyes only staring at them with a chilling hollowness. They did not know the details of the quest but they did understand one thing, Zhong Chenle had fallen in love. And he had lost you just as soon as he had found out. Falling in love with someone took time. And maybe it wasn’t love at first. But Chenle knew that what he felt for you was something so strong and pure. He wanted to know more about you. He desired it. But fate had caught up to him and left him broken. He waited for you to walk through those doors of the workshops and smile at him but it never happened. And none of the Hephaestus kids bothered Chenle as they glanced at the boy who sat at your desk, touching all the things you left behind.

Jisung was holding up better. He went on even if it did hurt to know that since your body was void of a soul, he couldn’t visit you in the underworld. It was lonely and he tried to speak to Chenle but his friend had become like an empty shell of his former self. He couldn’t find Chenle anymore, the sad boy was now lost in the very few memories he had of you.

Chenle was currently sitting alone at your desk again. It was two in the morning and everyone was in bed sleeping. But he was reminiscing just as he always did. His voice rang out in the empty room.

“I miss you so much. There’s not a day that doesn’t go by when I don’t think of you. And I hate myself and I hate the gods. I hate everything. You know, you were right to be hesitant with me at first…” he chuckles remembering how he got here in the first place, “Yuta made a bet with me because I asked him to. I was so bored at the time. I didn’t have anything to do. Yuta usually challenges my strength and skills. But this time he challenged my emotions. He asked me what I wanted if I won. I told him about a caduceus with two snakes on it. Two real snakes just like dad. I’ve…always wanted to be like him because he’s my role-model. I love him as he is and I’m grateful that I am his son. And I am grateful for being able to have a step-dad that loves me just as much as my mom because I know family is hard to find with kids like us.” Chenle feels the tears well in his eyes and he looks up to the ceiling, trying to blink them away.

“Yuta had told me that this bet would be different from the previous ones. That I had to make you fall in love with me and find out all your secrets. I thought it was stupid. Childish really. But then I realized that I didn’t even know who you were, that I couldn’t hear any conversations that had you in them. You were cut off from me and it frustrated me. So I went through with it. But gods…even the first time I met you and you said no to me…it felt so different. It felt so real to me. Because you didn’t do anything to appease me. You didn’t care who I was. You were true to what you felt and didn’t pretend. You weren’t scared of me at all. I should’ve been scared of you this entire time,” he laughs, “but I hadn’t known who you were. Fire’s Death Soldier. Even now, I can’t believe that you’re that person. Because you’re so quiet at first but when you talk about what you love your eyes brighten up and your lips curl into that pretty smile. And it’s something so small but to you it's everything. I wanted to know more about you. And it hurt that day in the kitchen when you told me that you’d go back to doing what you do and that I’d go back to tormenting students. It made me think about my shitty flaws. And I just didn’t want to hear it. Especially with how dismissive you were of me when really I just wanted your attention.” Chenle takes a pause before he speaks again.

“Will you ever come back to me?”

“My little Icarus, you fell.” Chenle almost falls over as he turns to the voice that just spoke. Your hands were in your pockets, your gaze so soft. But instead of Chenle accepting that maybe you were in front of him he realizes he’s most likely hallucinating. He has to be. He laughs, his knees on the ground, his posture falling apart.

“I’ve got to be losing my mind. I finally broke. Aha, I’m losing my mind.” You laugh too, your lips trembling sadly. Chenle hopes you're actually real.

“I’m here Chenle. I’m really here.”

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