New Place to Begin

Preparation's

"What exactly did she say?" Eunbi asked, leaning forward in her chair.

The four of them were now crowded around the dining room table in the big house, Yunjin cradling a glass of water as though it was a lifeline. Her hands still trembled slightly, but she had calmed since retreating from the attic. Chaewon reached over and rested her hand on Yunjin's, giving her a reassuring nod.

"Um," Yunjin said, struggling to recall the exact phrasing. "She said 'friend will turn against friend'..."

"And?" Sakura asked quietly, brows furrowed in concern.

"And...'no Olympian will win this war in the end.'" Yunjin finished, looking up to meet their eyes.

There was a tense silence.

"What war is she referencing?" Eunbi asked, shaking her head. "It's been years since the Gods fought..."

"That's...not exactly true." Chiron interrupted suddenly from across the room, having finally ceased pacing across the wooden floors. "They've just gotten more subtle about it."

"But how?" Sakura asked, sitting up. "If gods were fighting, humanity would feel the effects of their battles all across the world."

"This is true." Chiron agreed. "In fact, the last time the gods fought in a real war, it became known as World War II."

"So, why is this different?" Sakura replied.

"The gods aren't at war yet, per se." he explained. "Tensions have been brewing for years now, and Hades is...angry." He looked up at them, his face grim. "A war between the Olympians, even if it hasn't officially started, is inevitable."

"Hades' sword." Chaewon breathed, leaning back in her chair. "The Oracle said we're supposed to find his sword, which means..."

"Yes." Chiron agreed. "His sacred weapon has been stolen, and he no doubt blames his fellow Olympians. If it is not returned to him, and if this war is not stopped in its tracks, it's only a matter of time before a true war begins. And that will be deadly for all of humanity."

A grim silence settled across the room.

"But..." Eunbi broke the silence. "That still doesn't explain why Hades is after Yunjin. If this is about a war brewing between Olympians, what role does she play in all of this?"

Chiron gave them a rueful smile. "It involves the real reason behind the pact of the big three." he explained. "Long ago, following the events of the second World War, the Oracle recited a different prophecy, one that foretold a new war between the gods. According to the Oracle, brother would turn against brother, and only a half-blood child of the big three would have the power to end the war completely. Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades all made a pact to have no more children with mortal women, but clearly, Hades did not stay true to his word."

Yunjin swallowed, her mouth suddenly dry.

"Hades wants to get to Yunjin because he believes that she is the key to winning the battle against his brothers." Chiron said, turning towards Yunjin. "The most likely reason you've survived this long outside of Camp Half-Blood is Hades defending you from monsters until he was ready to strike."

"Which explains why he sent his skeleton friend to bring her to the underworld a couple months back," Eunbi filled in, nodding her head. "Right before we were meant to bring her back to Camp."

A heavy silence settled across the table.

"Okay, so..." Yunjin said, trailing off slightly.

"Now...now we go on a quest." Chaewon answered Yunjin's silent question, sounding unsure of herself.