The prince of Ithaca

-Here we are, Jeongin looked around at the beach Hades teleported them on.

-Ithaca... Hyunjin was left speechless at the sight of Odysseus's fortress.

All of a sudden their feet got soaked in the salty water of the reflux. They all looked confused at each other as the sea marched forward towards them.

-It this happening because of you? Changbin asked Jisung.

-It's not me the sea is calling, Jisung replied which sent shivers down everyone's spines.

-Then who is-

-Welcome to Ithaca! a woman's voice cut Changbin off. I am queen Penelope. How can I help you?

Jeongin and Hyunjin made eye contact, trying to decide which one of them should address to her.

-Speak! Changbin pushed Jeongin forward.

-We would like to speak to king Odysseus. We think he may want to meet us.

-Why is that?

-Because of him, Jeongin took Felix's hand and dragged him closer. He's the child blessed by Apollo.

Penelope's face went pale as soon as she heard it. She gulped in shock and tried to brace herself to bring the news to her husband.

-Wait here! she instructed them and went back inside only to return 3 minutes later, arm in arm with her husband.

The hero of the Trojan War, the wise captain, the man blessed by Athena. Odysseus himself.

-What's this nonsense my queen told me about that you dared bring my enemy in my kingdom? Who are you? he pointed his sword towards Jeongin.

The latter bowed down and beckoned everyone to do the same.

-I'm the son of Hermes, Your Highness. With me are the sons of Aphrodite, Hades, Ares, Prometheus, Orpheus and Nemesis. As well as the protégé of Apollo and by my judgement the son of Hector, he squeezed Felix's hand.

The blonde looked at him confused, not understanding a thing.

-Wait, what? Changbin got up dumbfounded. No... That's not possible!

-And why in the world would you bring him here if your assumption is that?

-Because I need to know the truth, Your Highness. What happened after Achilles spared him?

-I came across the son of Hector and Athena told me to kill him. There was a prophecy in which my son was killed by him and a new war started. I couldn't let that happen, yet I couldn't kill him either. Therefore I asked Apollo to take him far away. I lived with this fear of the day he would return. Seems that I was correct. Leave this island right now or I'll finish what I've started years ago, he raised his sword in the air.

-I'm afraid we cannot! Jeongin spoke up. We asked Lord Hades to bring us here. We have a favour to ask Your Highness. We need a ship to take us to Poseidon.

-No.

-But you didn't even listen to- Hyunjin chimed in.

-Poseidon wants my blood spilled. What do you think it'll happen if he sees one of my ships in his territory again? This absurdity ends here. You have time to leave until tonight! he turned around and rushed back inside, not before throwing a disgusted glance at Felix.

-He's old enough to know better. He won't risk loosing us again. I apologise! I hope you'll find what you're looking for! Penelope bowed slightly.

-And now what? Hyunjin sat down on the heating sand.

-What was all that about Felix being Hector's son? Changbin placed his hand on the freckled boy's shoulder.

-We think Felix is that boy. And this theory got confirmed by Odysseus.

-That means... The string!

-I fixed it, Hyunjin revealed. I tied it back. I knew you would want that.

-If we have the son of Hector with us, doesn't that mean we're a target for every god? Jisung asked.

Jeongin nodded.

-We need to find the box. And for that we'll need a ship.

-And how are you planning to do that, son of Hermes? Seungmin scoffed.

-I'll find a way just like I found one to beat you, Jeongin smirked.

Seungmin rolled his eyes and shut his mouth. He didn't have the energy to deal with a crazy god like Jeongin.

Suddenly a boy ran past them and Jeongin's eyes turned completely white.

-What's wrong? Hyunjin shook him.

-That's our way out, the winged man stared at the boy running on the beach. You go in the village and buy some food for Felix, alright? I'll get us a boat.

-Are you sure you'll be alright by yourself? Hyunjin caught his hand.

-Have some faith in me, cousin, Jeongin smiled.

-Good day, little prince! Jeongin approached the boy who was nailing into a wooden board.

-Who may you be? I don't recognise you, young sir!

-God. Young god. I am Jeongin, son of the Almighty Hermes. Have you heard of him? he spreaded his wings to obtain a reaction from the boy.

-I did. He helped father come back from his 10 years journey. What brings you in our humble kingdom?

-You! Jeongin kneeled down and helped the prince put the wooden pieces in order. You're a craftsman, aren't you? How many ships have you built?

-12 so far.

-You must be talented. Can you built one for me?

-Why won't you ask father for one?

-He does not want his name involved with our quest. I don't blame him. Perhaps it's the best this way. Perhaps it's your turn to become a hero. What's your name?

-Hongjoong.

-Hongjoong! Imagine every kingdom knowing your name. Not as the prince of Ithaca, but as the skilled craftsman! What do you have to lose, little prince? Jeongin waited for Hongjoong to take his hand. Let's make a deal! he got up suddenly. You make us a boat and Your Highness's name will circulate all around Olympus. With my blessing, of course. I offer you my protection! The blessing of the messenger god. The fame, the way out of your father's shadow. What do you say?

Hongjoong thought about it for a second before shaking his hand.

-Excellent! Jeongin's eyes turned white as a bit of his energy transferred to the prince.

____________________________Not Jeongin using the same tricks as his father =)

Excited for this last arc?

Thank you for reading!