The Fates

-Lady Miyeon, how did you meet Changbin? Felix asked.

-Every single inhabitant of the Underworld knows Master Changbin. He's a notorious figure and no one dares to touch the child of Lord Hades and Lady Persephone.

-But you're half titan, aren't you? How does that work?

-Felix, leave her alone, Changbin sensed Miyeon getting uncomfortable by the question.

-Did I do something wrong? Felix panicked. I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to-

-That's alright, Miyeon smiled. Thank you for your consideration, Master Changbin, but I can reveal this to your husband.

-Please don't call him that, Changbin whined.

-Why are you being a jerk? Hyunjin nudged him.

-Look who learned a new word, Changbin avoided the question.

-I thought you liked Felix, Hyunjin kept going.

-You don't know a damn thing.

-As a child of a Goddess and a titan, it can get confusing, Miyeon replied to Felix. As gods, we're bound to kneel before Zeus, as Underworld inhabitants we must obey Hades, yet as titans we have the urge to listen to the call of Kronos. That's why creatures like me are likely to die first if a war was to ignite. We are dangerous and easily manipulated. We cannot step out of the word of our master, but if we have three that have different visions, we choose to die and escape the misery. Peace is our only shot and Lord Hades' empire is our sanctuary. He can hide us.

-But you're not obliged to be here. You can go outside, right?

-I can. I choose not to.

-Why?

-Felix, Changbin's voice became harsher.

-I guess I'm scared... I don't know what's up there. We're taught to be happy here. I am grateful for what I have.

-But do you wanna see the world?

-Felix!

The freckled turned startled by the scream.

-Enough is enough. Miyeon is not allowed up there.

-Why not? You can't tell her what she can't do! Felix got defensive.

-I can. Because one step out there and she dies. I'm protecting her, not gatekeeping her.

-What? Felix stepped back ashamed of his lashing out.

-She cannot leave the Underworld, Felix. No one here can. This is the dumpster for Olympus. All the broken ones are brought here. If they step aside, the gods will kill them all.

-But that's not fair...

-It's not. No one said the gods are fair.

-Such wise words coming from you, Master Changbin, a woman's voice thundered all of a sudden.

The prince looked behind and spotted a small temple.

-Soyeon? he asked squinting his eyes to see better in the distance.

-Indeed I am, she lured them to approach the spinning wheel.

Three women were standing next to the wooden object, watching carefully every move of the visitors.

They bowed one after the other in front of Changbin and each picked a person they focused their gazes on.

-These are the daughters of the Fates, everyone! Changbin clarified. Jihyo is the daughter of Clotho who spins the thread of human fate, Soyeon of Lachesis who dispenses it and Irene of Atropos who cuts it. They know the past, the present and future.The three were clothed in the finest black silks flapping in the dry wind of the Underworld.

-One question per person addressed to one of us. Those are the rules you must follow, Irene said.

-You can ask them anything about your past, present and future, Changbin told the others. It must be a clear question and you don't get any other shot. Choose carefully, he warned them.

-I could ask if we will find the box and stop the war, Hyunjin mumbled.

-I could ask if I'm gonna see the mortal world, Miyeon said excited.

-I could ask where's mom, Changbin added.

-I want to go first! Felix suddenly walked towards Soyeon.

-Please ask, mortal, she took his hands in her own.

-Are Jeongin and the others alright?

-Is this your final question? You can ask anything about your origin, your hair, the blood, the oracle. I know it all.

Felix shook his head and stood his ground.

-Alright. The son of Hermes, son of Ares, son of Orpheus and son of Tartarus are searching for you in the Underworld. They are fine, but son of Hermes is weakened. If he doesn't get out of here fast, he'll be stuck with us for eternity.

-Seungmin is with them? Hyunjin widened his eyes. Why?

-Is this your question?

-No... Hyunjin bit his tongue.

-Thank you! Felix bowed.

Soyeon smiled at him and ruffled his blonde hair.

Miyeon stepped towards Irene and kneeled in front of her icy gaze.

-Will I ever see the mortal world?

-Yes. The prince will take you there. You'll be freed.

Miyeon was so happy that she was on the verge of crying. She kept thanking Irene and Changbin until the prince patted her and walked towards the daughter of Atropos as well.

-Where will I find my mother? he asked dead serious.

-The son of Hector will lead you there. He is searching for her as well. You'll find her where the god of thieves vanished too. Where a god betrayed the others and harmed the three Kingdoms.

-Son of Hector, son of Hector, Changbin scoffed. I'm so tired of whoever this is. You told my mother that I'll be promised to him. I do not wish that. I order you to cut the string that ties me to him. Now! he shouted.

-I don't think this is a good idea, Hyunjin tried to rationalise with him. Love is not something we can play with him. It's a primordial power.

-I couldn't care less. I don't wanna fall for him. I already love someone.

The Fates looked at each other and Jihyo let out a chuckle.

Hyunjin caught the gesture. It was odd. But maybe they were trying to tell them something.

-Cut it out now! Changbin commanded them.

-Do it yourself, master, Irene handed him the scissors. I won't be responsible for the consequences. You'll blame yourself and only you, she tried to intimidate him.

The prince took the pair of scissors and cut the thread with no hesitation.

-Such selfish future king, Irene spat. You doomed yourself and the poor boy. He had no blame. He deserved love.

-He's the son of a criminal. I don't expect less of him.

-Don't mistake the brothers, Master. Paris was to blame. Hector was just defending his kingdom and brother. A noble heart unlike yours.

-Whatever, Changbin turned his back at her and walked away followed by Miyeon and Felix.

Hyunjin stayed behind since he had one question to ask.

-Come forward! Irene signaled him with a gesture of her hand.

-I had a question for you... he took a deep breath. Now I have for you, he fell on his knees in front of Jihyo who seemed nothing less than surprised.

-For me?

-For you. I just need a yes or no answer.

-Alright... she looked happy to finally be addressed to.

-Have I already met the son of Hector?

The three Fates all smirked at the same thing. As if Hyunjin cracked the code in the end. Even Irene seemed content.

-Yes, you have, Jihyo replied.

Hyunjin walked towards Irene and put his hands together to beg.

-Then can you tie the string together again?

-But his majesty...

-I don't give a damn about his spoiled child crises. I speak for love. I'll do it myself. I'll tie it again. They need to be together.

-Be my guest, then! she took his hand and helped him get up the stairs.

Hyunjin made a double knot and straightened the link with his Aphrodite magic.

-You do know the consequences of your journey, don't you? Irene asked.

-I am aware we're carrying with us a ticking bomb... but if not for love then what it's worth starting a war for? We'll survive or we'll die trying. That's alright with me, Hyunjin shrugged. The kid deserves a chance. And knowing he will grow into a fierce warrior warms my heart. I'll make sure he reaches his potential, Hyunjin smiled proudly. And I think Jeongin would agree with me if he was here.

-I shall hope our future king learns from you a couple of things, son of Aphrodite and Hephaestus, Irene bowed.

-Son of Hephaestus... I'll take that, Hyunjin said his goodbye and went to catch up to the others.