Little star

-Quick question: who is trying to kill us now? Changbin shouted in Hyunjin's face as the two of them and Felix were hiding behind a tree.

-An old childhood friend, Hyunjin explained.

-Friend? That's who you call a friend?

-Hyunjinnie, let the shadows find you or give me the box, Seungmin searched the area carefully. After all, you've always hated your looks. I'm doing you a favour by letting the shadows take care of your face.

-Who is he? Felix asked as he trembled between the two gods.

-He's Seungmin, the son of Athena. He wants what I took from his mother.

-Athena has no kids, Changbin looked at Hyunjin like he was crazy.

-Yeah, I know.

-He's right, Felix backed Changbin up. Athena is one of the Virgin Goddesses along with Artemis and Hestia.

-I KNOW! He's her adopted son and apprentice. His mother is Nemesis.

-Then we're dead, Changbin said as he spotted the shadows coming towards them.

He tried to use his fire but at because of its light the shadows grew even bigger.

-That was a bad idea, he admitted.

-We need more light or total darkness, Hyunjin put his hand in front of Felix to protect him.

-Light... Felix repeated.

Hyunjin looked at the boy and noticed his hair getting brighter and harder to look at.

-Felix? Changbin spotted the blood dripping from the mortal's freckles, forming a red mask under his eyes. He's doing that again! the son of Hades yelled at Hyunjin.

-Then hold on tight to him!

-What?

-Stay under his light or we're doomed! Hyunjin screamed his lungs out.Changbin hugged Felix's waist and closed his eyes. The light radiating from the boy's body chased away the shadows deep into the forest. Yet Felix's light didn't stop.

-That's alright... I can kill you myself, Seungmin decided a better way to action was with the whip from his mother.

-He's going to find us in no time if Felix doesn't go back to his not glowing self, Changbin tried to shake off the boy but it was like the freckled was in a trance.

-He wants me. You can escape, Hyunjin said.

-We kind of promised Birdie we'll rescue you and to be frank I'm more terrified of him than of your childhood friend, Changbin smiled to reassure Hyunjin he wasn't going anywhere.

Suddenly the sky went dark, the moon rose above them and the cold crawled under their clothes.

-No! Get out of here! Seungmin screamed furious.

-Easy, Seungminnie! Mom sent me since you've been using the shadows for your own purposes. We've talked about this, haven't we?

-You're ruining my plan, Seungmin hit the ground with his whip.

-You wouldn't harm your uncle, would you?

-Uncle? Hyunjin and Changbin frowned at each other before peeking from behind the tree.

-That's Soobin! He's son of Nyx and therefore brother of Nemesis, which makes him Seungmin's uncle, Felix admired the god.

-You're back? Do you feel alright? Changbin caught Felix's cheeks between his palms.

The younger nodded slowly as Changbin sighed in relief.

-You scared us.

-I'm sorry...

-Apologies accepted, Soobin answered from behind them.

They all froze in front of him. His power could be felt from a mile away, but when you were next to him the feeling of fear was paralysing. A good enough reminder that Nyx was a primordial god and one of the few Zeus was afraid of.

-You are the kid Olympus is talking about, Soobing leaned a bit to take a better look at Felix. Apollo must have trusted you a lot. I wonder why.

-So do I... Felix spoke shyly.

-I yearn to see how it will all turn out for you, little one.

Their conversation got interrupted by a powerful earthquake. They all watched the land beneath their feet split in two, opening the gates to the Underworld.

-Can he do that? Changbin caught Felix's hand and held it tight.

-No, but his father, Tartarus, can, Hyunjin revealed. Can't you close it?

-Yeah... I can't interfere with Tartarus due to a deal with Hades. We should run.

Too late. The three of them were thrown inside the depths of Hades's Kingdom and followed by a proud Seungmin who thanked his father before jumping after them.

When Jeongin and the others got there there was nothing left.

-I don't understand. I feel their signatures here. Why aren't they- he stopped for a second and kneeled down as soon as he sensed Nyx's signature.

-There's no need for that, Soobin showed himself.

-You're not Nyx, Jeongin got up confused.

-No, I am her son. And before you ask, I did see your friends.

-Are they alright? ...Where are they?

-Down below.

-Down? No...

-I'm afraid so. They were taken there. I cannot step on Hades's territory. My mother doesn't allow it. But maybe you can, son of Hermes.

-How did you-

-The wings are an obvious clue, Soobin smiled weakly. Besides... I have met your sister before. You two look so much alike.

-Sis-sister?

-How do we get there? Minho chimed in. Tell us!

-Son of Hermes can take you there. He's the messenger of the gods, isn't he?

-No... I've never done that.

-There's a start for everything.

-What am I supposed to say or do? I need instructions! I can't just think of the gate opening and make it happen!

-Then how come you just did that? Soobin looked at him proudly.

Jeongin looked down and saw the stairs to the underground.

-Good luck with that! Chan tried to walk away.

-You're coming with us. After all, you've been there before, Jeongin smiled.

-I'm coming too, Minho pushed Chan forward. I need to find Jisung.

-Down we go! Jeongin took a deep breath. Oh, and Soobin? he stopped before his foot touched the first step.

-Yes?

-IF we fail and the war breaks out, would you be on our side?

-I've been watching you for a while. Mother is as intrigued about the boy as everyone. I admire your brave deeds and I promise you my loyalty when the times comes.

He picked up a star from the dark sky and handed it to Jeongin as a silver pendant.

-Break it and release the star when you need me. Good luck in finding your friends!

Jeongin bowed and glanced one last time at him before following the others.