Harmonies

-Jeongin! Hyunjin returned with food and water, followed by the rest of the group.

-Right on time! Jeongin clapped his hands together once.

-Did you find us a boat?

-Sort of. I need your help, he dragged Chan after him without further additions.

-Where are we going?

-Did Hephaestus teach you how to build a ship?

-Yes?! -Good. You're helping Hongjoong. Show us your magic, he pushed the mortal forward to get to work.

-What's going on? Who's that? Changbin asked perplexed.

-Hogjoong. Son of Odysseus.

-Son of who? Hyunjin widened his eyes.

-You heard me. I convinced him to help us, Jeongin stated proudly.

-Convinced? Changbin raised an eyebrow.

-Made a deal. Nothing in particular, Jeongin shrugged.

-You made a deal? You? That's intriguing, Changbin snorted.

-I don't see anything amusing in the situation. We had a problem and I provided a solution.

-By using the very skill of the god you hate the most. You're starting to sound like him, Changbin explained.

Jeongin's face slowly changed into distress. He was convinced he did something good and helped his friends. Was Changbin right? Was he turning into what he hated the most?

Once the ship was ready, they didn't waste a second and embark on their marine journey.

-Thank you for your help! Chan bowed to Hongjoong before waving his goodbye.

They were all on board except for the forbidden lovebirds.

-What are you doing? Changbin yelled at Minho who was trying to help Jisung get on the ship.

-Leave me behind. I don't want to go into the ocean. Mom is down there. Is she sees me, she'll make me stay with her forever. I'm not going! Jisung freaked out.

-I won't allow her to take you away from me, Minho took Jisung's hand to soothe him. We'll face her together.

Jisung looked at the waves coming closer and closer to his feet in the sand.

He looked at Minho and decided he would be his anchor to reality. To his purpose of winning against time and death.

He had to try. He was tired of hiding like a coward.

-Alright, he walked slowly on the deck and fell asleep in Minho's embrace.

At least he could feel safe that way.

-Are you good? Do the waves trouble you? Changbin sat down next to Felix.

-No, I'm used to them. Father used to take me fishing, he recalled the memory with a smile upon his lips. I mean... the father that raised me. Not my real father, his eyes lowered to his fidgeting hands.

-At least that means you're royal. Isn't it great? Changbin tried to cheer him up.

-It means the Fates are to blame for... for us. Nothing was real. We are together because the prophecy said the prince of Underworld would fall for the prince of the fallen Troy. You were right to cut the string. This is cruel, Felix started crying. How do I know my feelings are real? We were meant to meet for me to be your demise! I am a danger to everyone. I am to bring war! he started breathing very fast which alarmed Changbin.

-The only thing that bloody prophecy got right is that you're mine, Changbin whiped Felix's tears. Don't let the dark spirits get into your head! Let me whisper sweet words to you until you can taste honey on your tongue! Let me stay by your side until the legends mention us as two halves of a whole! Let me adore my prince in both life and death! The Fates wrote a poem and watched it unfold. WE were the harmonies in there. WE did it. We will prove everyone wrong and be happy. You hear me?

Felix nodded, more emotional as ever and trembling as Changbin hugged him tightly and kissed his forehead.

-Can't you find another place to sleep? Seungmin turned his back against Hyunjin.

-I need to make sure you don't attack us overnight.

-I don't need a guard. But I suppose that runs in the family. After all, your father sent a watcher after you.

-Hephaestus is not my father! He has no right to send that mortal to watch over me.

-You're so entitled that it hurts, Hyunjinnie. You've always been a spoiled brat. Crying and screaming whenever things didn't go your way. Hurting people around you to satisfy your childish needs. Never looking behind, Seungmin laid down and hugged his knees as he waited to fall asleep.

-You tried to kill us! What do you know? Hyunjin felt offended.

-What do I know? Seungmin got up provoked. I know that you will never appreciate what you have. You will always want more. You will always want to be pitied and cared for and looked at. That's who you are. You need attention. You need US to praise your genius and beauty. Without us you're nothing. And you don't care about us at all. Look at all those people that got hurt, pushed aside or got overlooked because you HAD to be the one winning! Think about it, selfish bastard! You ruined us! I hope your ego drowns and Athena sees you for yourself. You don't deserve any of us, Seungmin stepped away, leaving his childhood friend in shock.

-Do you like the ship? Chan sat next to Jeongin.

-Pretty good for Hephaestus's disciple.

-Is that a compliment?

-Could've been better, Jeongin added to erase the smirk off Chan's face. Do you... Do you think I'm turning into my father? he asked in a moment of weakness.

-Because of the deal? That depends. Do you plan on delivering Zeus's apology letters to Hera?

-No?!

-Do you plan on annoying Apollo daily?

-No?!

-Do you plan on disappearing anytime soon?

-No.

-Doesn't sound like Hermes to me, Chan shrugged. It's your ability, Jeongin. It's normal to use it. Your brain is nothing like I've ever seen. Use it! Your father passed some power and tricks to you. It's your choice to use them for the greater good and make a name for yourself. Remain in history. Not as Hermes's son or Zeus's grandson, but as the god of the sky and freedom. As whatever you want to be.

Jeongin listened carefully to what Chan was saying and let his guard down. He allowed himself to smile for a split second which didn't go unnoticed by Chan.

-Here! Jeongin gave him the book of Icarus.

-Did you read it?

-Why would I read it if I already knew the story?

-Trust me! Read it! You might be surprised, Chan gave the book back.

Suddenly the whole ship shook. As something hit it from the sides.

Chan towered over Jeongin to protect him and listened carefully to the sound of the water splashing against the wood.

-Cover your ears.

-What? Jeongin looked at Chan's serious expression.

-Cover your ears! The syrens are attacking us!