Jungkook runs his finger down the page of the book, trying to find his name. He is reading one of the books he bought from the market. Specifically, it is a ranking of the various immortals on a number of categories.

The wealthiest, voted most beautiful, worst temper, and much more.

Currently Jungkook is on 'Most Dangerous Immortals'. Right beneath the title is a short description: this ranking is based on wit, knowledge, strength, abilities, equipment owned, curses and gifts.

First on the list is Namjoon, child of Athena. If rumours are to be trusted, it is said that Namjoon had surpassed his mother in terms of strategic planning. He is also famous for knowing a large variety of spells.

Others on the list include Hercules, the two Gorgon sisters, child of Ares, child of Hermes, child of Morpheus...there he is!

"Hah! I knew I would make it," Jungkook grinned to himself. With his inborn god powers from both parents and his way of using them to his advantage in fights, it is no surprise that he is in the top one hundred.

"Voted the immortal you want to marry the most (single and childless) is...child of Hermes, Hoseok. Hmm I guess there's no fighting that," Jungkook mumbled to himself. He had seen Hoseok before and the man was more radiant than the sun.

"Namjoon again, Seokjin who? Ah, a child of Aphrodite. Hey, why am I not in the top ten?"

Jungkook flipped to the footnotes and read the author's comments on him, "the annoynmous voters agreed Jungkook, child of Hades and Persephone is 'hot enough to bang', but he seems to be afraid of females. Most female immortals said a potential husband who is afraid of them is a big no. Many of these immortals are forward thinking, stating their ideal relationship is between two equals rather than one party being afraid of another. Jungkook's votes therefore came from mainly male and genderless immortals."

Jungkook snorted in disbelief, "who said so! How could they tell? Who's the one who wrote this book anyway?"

He threw 'Greek Immortals (new) Ranking ver XXI' down and left his room. Jungkook decided to go on a walk instead of reading that unreliable book.

The book laid quietly on Jungkook's bed. On the last page was the author's final footnote: our rankings are 99.99999% accurate. We would like to gently remind our readers that notable mortals, ghouls, original Gods, titans, and the like are not included in this book. Please refer to the limited edition copy for the complete list (to the best of our ability) and further analysis. Thank you for your purchase.

Jungkook stood outside his bedroom door and halted. He has no destination in mind. Well, he has plenty, especially for areas outside the underworld, but he is currently grounded and his father would know once he steps out of their house so...

Jungkook sighed, "what I would give to go out."

"What would you?"

"Mom!"

Persephone rounds the corner. She had just arrived to check on Jungkook's burns and she nodded, "you're getting better at healing your wounds."

Jungkook's burns have scabbed after he had applied a self-made balm of medical herbs. His tolerance to fire had also built up over the years thanks to fire attacks generated by his father, evoked by both his ability to rile his father up and Hades' quick temper.

"Anyway, you can leave the underworld for a day if you would run an errand for me."

Jungkook brightened, the flames on the torches lighting up the hallway flickering excitedly according to his mood.

"What is it, what is it you would have me do?"

"Here, go to the market and buy these for me," Persephone handed Jungkook a list and a bag and ruffled Jungkook's hair with affection.

Oh yes, the market sounds fun!

"Love you, mom!" And Jungkook was already in his room, grabbing all the things he needed before he rushed out again.

After a quick peck to Persephone's cheek, Jungkook sprinted away for the market.

The place he is going to is neither in the mortal world or on the immortal plains. It is on a neutral territory where immortals and all other beings trade. Anyone who is able to access the market through any means are allowed to view the wares, no questions asked.

Thus, it is not that surprising that Jungkook met the mortal again. Dressed in the same hooded cloak covering every inch except his eyes and a few strands of green hair, the mortal was browsing a stall selling books.

"Uncle Tata?"

Taehyung almost slipped. Who. In. Zeus'. Name. Called. Him. Uncle!?

He turned around, shock lurking underneath the usually still grey eyes.

Ah, Persephone's child. Shock gave way to slight annoyance as Jungkook has some similar physical traits to Hades, with whom Taehyung has some negative history with, then to resignation, because the child is not the father.

Jungkook is also technically right because Taehyung knew Persephone and Hades from a long time ago before Jungkook was born. The grey eyes turned emotionless again. It matters not and he is in a hurry.

Then, Taehyung turned away.

"Eh? Uncle Tata, wait!" Jungkook called again.

While "uncle" is still slightly jarring to his ears, Taehyung did not falter in his steps and he walked to the next store.

He exchanged a few words with the vendor and the vendor shook his head. Taehyung nodded his thanks and his shoulders dropped a millimetre in disappointment. He was about to make his way to the next store, when he stopped.

"What are you doing?" Taehyung asked Jungkook who had been following him.

Hades' child had been keeping a distance and also his silence, not intruding on what Taehyung is doing but his presence is loud all the same.

Jungkook grinned at him. Taehyung held his patience for a second longer. So Hades' child has bunny teeth and it makes him less irksome.

"If you are looking for something, I can help you," Jungkook said and before Taehyung could put in a single word, Jungkook continued quickly, "this place is like my territory. I've grown up on the streets and I know who sells what or who can find what you need. So let me join you!"

Hmm, perhaps Hades' son would be useful. Taehyung touched the pendant hanging around his neck before asking, "If I want a rare scroll..."

"On stories? Spells? Curses? History? Maps?" Jungkook asked eagerly.

So Hades' child has bright eyes.

Taehyung said, "spells."

"Well, if you had gone to Argos' bookstore and couldn't find anything, then it will be a difficult task."

"But?"

"But I know one place that has or may know how to get what you need! Just follow me, uncle!"

"Taehyung."

He is not Jungkook's uncle, and Tata is not for Jungkook to call him by.

"Taehyung," Jungkook repeated, rolling the name around his mouth. "Right this way, Taehyung!"

The pair soon disappeared into the crowd with one slightly ahead of another.

Character profile

Name: Tata/ Taehyung
Species: Mortal/ ?
Special abilities: ?

- a/n -

It is late, I can't sleep, wrote a general outline from start to end and praying that I don't have plot holes which would destroy the outline and published all the drafts i wrote so far.

Stay safe and I appreciate any comments on what you think or any theories 😊

- rsv (resha)