The Curse of Immortality

Nick Cheung - Ahron 'God of Rain' / Ah Hong
Maggie Cheung - Azariah 'God of Sun'
Daniel Wu - Barak 'God of War'
Joyce Tang - Moriya 'God of Truth'
Athena Chu - Ketura 'God of Love'
Lam Ka Tong - Gidoni 'God of Power'
Roger Kwok - Jeroham 'God of Life'
Benny Chan - Salai 'God of Hatred'
Bobby Au Yeung - Cyrus 'God of Fortune'
Lisa Fong - Serefina 'Queen of All Gods'

Ching Dynasty:
Louis Koo - Prince Kong Lung
Raymond Lam - Chiu Ka Chan
Vivian Leung - Chou Yee

2100 - Future:
Nadia Chan - Natalie Lou
Julian Cheung - Ross Chung
Vivian Leung - Zoey Lam

Gangster 1994:
Ekin Cheng - Lung Gor
Jordan Chan - Chan Wai aka 'Fingers'
Ada Choi - Delilah aka Dee
Vivian Leung - Joey Lam

1500's:
Steven Ma - Hui Fei Hung
Gigi Lai - Man Yu Mong
Vivian Leung - Chou Yee

'Legend says that when the God's are angry, the world of humans will suffer. The God of Rain is said to be most powerful as he has the power to destroy humankind with something as harmless as water. But people create stories to keep themselves entertained, then there are those that praise the Gods above and lastly there are those that have seen a God with their own eyes; they are called fortune tellers. For ignorant people, it is a gift but trully it is a punishment from the Gods. They will always see what is going to happen to others but never know what will happen to themselves and the ones they care about. Or so the story goes, you see, legends are created by the Gods above. They are amused by the mere existence of humans living in fear and pain while they live the endless life above the clouds. Although, there is a curse for immortality. "Gods shall not love". It is forbidden by the Queen herself. But two Gods will soon learn it the hard way and pay the price for following their hearts. The test of love is based on the power to accomplish what you have started, it is staying strong until the very end and it is giving up the chance to love just to be around the one true love.'

Chapter 1

The sky is black tonight, no moon and no stars. The clouds managed to move their way over the world’s only source of light. A young girl walked across an endless meadow of grass, her eyes fixated on the only star left in the sky. On her back was a small cotton backpack where she kept her father’s tools. She was a wanderer, but most people called her a Fortune Teller. She smirked at the name, she hated that word and hated more that she was able to tell the future just by closing her eyes. She wanted nothing more than to live happy and not be able to see what the next day holds.

There was a sudden bolt of lightning that surfaced the sky, brightening everything within miles. She shielded the sudden blue light from her eyes with her arm. After it was over, she looked straight into the sky “Someone up there is having fun.” She muttered under her breath before moving along with the road. She wasn’t sure where her destination was, but she knew she had to leave. Follow your heart, that was what her father always taught her. They were also the last words he ever said to her.

If people were to look back in the old history books, they would read of such extravagant and tall tale stories of the heavens above them. Where Gods dwelled and controlled human life. But they were only mere spectacles compared to the truth that no ignorant mortal person could ever comprehend. Above the clouds were a land on it’s own. Where immortality possessed every inch of the sky. Where Gods wandered about with their specified duties. Where there was no night, only days. Everything the humans were came from a special God. Their lives were written in the stars and controlled by Serefina, the magnificent female of the white world. She was the most powerful and knew of everything the Gods and mortals thought, there was no hiding from her.

Most Gods feared the mistress of the kingdom above, but in truth she was more loving than a thousand mothers. Serefina held her stature with care, never letting anyone see her weak side. Even Gods had weaknesses, it was created that way so that none would abuse their powers. She has yet to learn all their weaknesses but once she does, they are eternally fearful of Serefina.

The beautiful castle of clouds created their homes and divided them into sections of private living space. Contrary to what the humans presume what the heavens might look like, it was actually not all white. Livid pastel colors filled the sky, clouds were blue not white. The Queen’s castle is more beautiful than a rainbow in the sky, changing colors by the mood of Serfina. It is often pink, which shows her calmer mood.

Miles away lay a violet clouded home, where a beautiful God sat as she watched the bubble of the world. She was Azariah 'God of Sun'. Quiet by nature, she rarely spoke with any of the other Gods. She was new and was recently initiated into the golden book of Gods. Serefina saw something in her that made her stand out from the other waiting angels who wanted to be Gods. When she summoned Azariah to step forward, there was an apparent color aura around her. Violet was not a good color, it represented traitor, evil, and impurity.

Most of the Gods questioned Serefina’s choice in replacing Ariel, who was the former “God of Sun”. But she knew looks could be deceiving. Azariah had a violet aura because of the human life she lived. Her planned mortal life was surrounded by hatred, violence and deaths. She hated her life and wanted nothing more than to end it, but each time she tried, the Gods above would stop her from performing such acts. She had then learned to accept her fate and felt remorse for all the wrong doings that she did. At her last minute of human breath, she prayed for the Gods forgiveness and was saved by Serefina and brought into heaven to live as an angel for all eternity.

But that day she sat in her home while she controlled the sunlight in different aspects of the world. She finally understood why there were floods, earthquakes and other natural disasters. It was because a God had lost control of their power and it was then when the humans suffer due to Serefina’s harsh punishment on the God. Azariah watched the specific bubble of life in China, where the kids were excited when the sun appeared. Her smile was only for the balls of life.

“Ah, the beautiful lady do smile when no one is around.” Ahron ‘God of Rain’ invaded her privacy.

She turned her head slowly while concealing the smile “You again. Do you know it’s rude to enter without knocking?” she was not too fond of Ahron or any other male Gods. They were bad luck according to Ketura ‘God of Love’. She was read her rights and rules the minute she agreed with Serefina of being named ‘God of Sun’. There was to be no love between any Gods, for they can only cause the world turmoil and the mortal realm chaos. Because Serefina believed that when there is Love, there is Hatred and comes Jealousy and finally War.

Ahron quickly dismissed her harsh tone and invited himself in “Would you like a short break?”

“No.” she answered flatly without looking at him.

A mischievous grin appeared on his perfectly handsome face “Suit yourself, but if Serefina asks where you are, I will tell her-”

“What?” she cut between his sentence.

Ahron placed his hands behind his white cloak “Now do I have your attention?”

Azariah nodded reluctantly “Come now, you know how much I hate mind games.” Her tone was relaxed and not as harsh.

He laughed “Straight to the point, that’s what I admire about you.”

“Please cut the useless jabber.” She was growing bored of him.

He nodded “Her majesty has called a meeting for all the Gods. I was the first to know and so she requested that I inform the fellow Gods.”

“Right now?” Azariah asked.

“It is the reason why I’m here.” He replied a matter-of-factly.

She turned to the crystal balls and gave her arm a wave and the clouds quickly covered the balls so that no one else could control them. Getting up, she noticed that Ahron had no interest in moving out of her private home “Ahem!” she cleared her throat.

He turned with raised brows “You must see Jeroham for that. Even Gods get ill.” He reminded her.

“I am fine. But you need to leave.” Her palm turned upwards in a circular motion and his figure was elevated while he was still in a sitting position.

“What’s the rush?” he asked with a teasing tone.

“I do not like to be late.” Azariah said as she made another hand gesture which took him outside. She flew out after him and waved a strong arm against the home and the violet clouds quickly vanished into the blue clouds.

“There is no need for moving.” He laid down on his back comfortably.

Azariah was one of the few Gods that preferred the life of a traveler. She moved more often than a bird. She turned her head up to Ahron “I don’t like to be in one place, it makes me uneasy.” She didn’t know why she should explain to him but she did. Personally, she found him annoying and contrary to his God’s name. He was never gloomy but instead he was often happy and smiling at everyone and everything.

Azariah turned to leave when his call stopped her “Wait! Aren’t you going to release me?” he sat up right.

She didn’t bother turning as she swiftly waved her arm’s sleeve, which dropped him from the elevation spell. Maybe it was too fast for he didn’t expect it and quickly fell into the clouds with a thump “Ow!” he groaned in pain.

Azariah turned to see him rolling in pain. A smile had appeared when she saw him in such agony but when he failed to get up on his own, she grew worried. Were Gods able to feel pain? She wondered to herself before approaching him “Are you okay?” she bent down on one knee to see how he was doing.

The aching face was rapidly replaced by a playful laugh “Silly girl, Gods do not feel physical pain…just emotional.”

Her body snapped straight up and her brows cringed together “That was not funny!” it was then that she heard a chime like sound coming from the eastern side of the kingdom “Serefina…” she turned to Ahron “I’ll finish with you later.” With that she quickly flew off towards the sound. Azariah’s graceful violet cloak flew along with the wind as she landed peacefully on Serefina’s castle door.

“Identification.” A echoed deep voice ordered, it was the guardian of the castle.

“Azariah ‘God of Sun’ has arrived.” She announced clearly.

“Enter.” The voice commanded as the double doors opened.

When she got inside, she noticed most of the Gods had already arrived. She nodded to Ketura, a God she had befriended the minute she was placed in her station. She walked into the center and gave Serefina a bow, she was sitting on her beautiful silver lighted throne while nodding in response. Azariah walked over to the empty seat next to Ketura, the girls smiled silently and it was then that she noticed a pair of eyes staring at her. She looked up to find Barak ‘God of War’ stealing glances at her. Not willing to acknowledge his presence, she turned away.

Serefina stood up from her seat “Welcome everyone. I have summoned all of you here to announce an important news…”

Suddenly a gust of wind blew through the arena-like room. Serefina raised a hand to stop the clouds from moving, her hand lowered and so did the clouds “I apologize your majesty, I am late.” Ahron bowed respectfully.

She lifted her chin “That is alright, have a seat Ahron.” He nodded and retrieved to his place next to Cyrus ‘God of Fortune’. The two have been friends for decades since the day Ahron was assigned to his job “The crystal ring has been tampered.” Serefina paused to let surprised gasped die down “The culprit has yet to be found, but it is an internal affair.” She stepped down the escalated stairs and into the center of the room. Her eyes scanned everyone’s “I will give the person one chance to confess, step out now.” Her arms linked behind her long white train of cloak, her eyes steady but firm. No one dared to whisper, afraid the Queen would grow suspicious of them. After a moment, Serefina nodded “Fine. You give me no choice.” She returned to her seat and spun quickly making the room fill with cold air “Culprit, beware. When I find you, the only home you will be seeking is eternal hell.” Her voice low and threatening. In a heartbeat, the room was contained at room temperature and the Queen was back to her calm self “Now then. Are there any questions or announcements of your duties?”

Barak raised a hand as he was acknowledged by the Queen “I had a question about Germany…”

Cyrus swallowed the lump in his throat as he turned to his friend “Who do you think it is?” but Ahron was no longer listening, he was busy attempting to make eye contact with Azariah “Ahron!” Cyrus hissed “Must you mock her so?”

He laughed after Azariah gave him the evil eye “I don’t know what it is, I love teasing her.”

“It’s called a death sentence!” his friend warned him “Don’t you know about Serefina’s rule of love? Thou shall not fall in love with any other Gods while remaining on duty as a God.”

“Who said anything about love?” Ahron lifted a brow at his friend “I just like to see her squirm.”

“My friend, you mustn’t get caught up in that feeling. Anything to do with a female God cannot be good.” Cyrus was wise beyond his years “Believe me, I am wise beyond my years.”

“And round in the mid region area.” Ahron quipped while eyeing his growing stomach.

“I happen to like this exterior, it was my human life form and might I add, the ladies loved it.” Cyrus pushed his chin in the air while Ahron laughed.

Chapter 2

The meeting ended with the Gods dispersing as they huddled in groups to talk about what was going on. Most of them looked towards Moriya ‘God of Truth’ for an answer. She shook her head “I have no visions. But I know whomever did this will be severely punished.”

“Stating the obvious.” Ahron added.

She turned to him curiously “Ahron, mind you not mock the queen’s orders. Although I know you are innocent, you must not be arrogant.”

“I was not trying to be arrogant.” He defended himself “As the humans always said, you are innocent until proven guilty. So even the powerful Moriya does not have an answer?”

“I am but a mere ant in the eyes of Serefina. If she does not know, what makes you assume that I do?” she dared him.

“Come now. We mustn’t argue amongst each other.” Cyrus said peacefully. He knew too well of Ahron’s temper. He never liked to loose a battle of words and Moriya lips spoke of truth only “Ketura, would you mind seeing that this group be seeing more love?”

The petite girl in yellow smiled “Of course.” With a wave of her hand, a light sprinkle of golden confetti spread around. A magnificent gold aura surrounded the group, making them feel more at peace. She watched as Ahron and Moriya bowed to each other in truce, apologizing for the hasty comments. She turned to Cyrus “This will not last long, the effects are forever on humans but Gods is only a few minutes.”

“But it’s nice while it lasts.” Cyrus added with a laugh.

Azariah was emotionless as she turned to her friend “I must get back to the glass balls.”

“Yes, of course.” Ketura watched her fly off into the puddle of clouds, she took a few steps towards the direction Azariah disappeared to “Such an ice heart for a beautiful angel.” She sighed.

“It should not be hard to turn that ice…” Ahron turned his palm up and an ice ball appeared “into water.” At the sound of his words the snowball melted magically.

“My friend, you are playing with fire.” Cyrus warned.

He waved away his friend’s worries with a nonchalant hand “Nonsense. I do not plan on falling in love with her. One must not assume things, my chubby little friend. I am simply implying that I be the one to warm her up.”

“Actions speak more than words.” Moriya sighed, “You are meddlesome, dear Ahron. I only see pain in your future. I advise you to distance yourself from Azariah.”

“You need not worry, I can take care of myself.” He nodded at her sympathy.

Ketura shook her head sadly “I’m afraid Cyrus is right. Azariah lived a painful human life, endured more sorrow than you could ever imagine. Her heart is cold, there is no changing it. Delicate as a winter flower, a God’s heart cannot be toyed with.”

Ahron knew she meant no harm, she only wanted to protect her new friend. But he was almost determined to change her. Something deep down in his soul was calling out to her and he knew of no reason why. He only followed what his heart told him “I thank you for all your concern but I am aware and capable of controlling my emotions. You need not worry.”

“Salai, do you hear that? Were those the words of the all powerful Ahron? Speaking of love is he?” Barak mocked Ahron’s posture. Salai ‘God of Hatred” snickered along with Barak’s laughter. He turned and waved to Gidoni ‘God of Power’ as he flew over to the group. They were the three musketeers of the Heaven. As Power, Hatred and War go hand in hand, they were inseparable.

“Look, it’s the three stooges.” Cyrus retorted with a laugh.

Gidoni angled his head suspiciously at the God of Fortune “Spending too much time in the mortal realm? Do you think Serefina should be informed?”

Ahron smirked at the three bullies “I believe her highness has encouraged us all to learn from the mortals. They are but ignorant beings that are controlled by us, but they are still their own mind and soul. You could learn some manners from them.” He said to Gidoni, who turned red in the face.

“Well said!” Cyrus laughed giddily.

Moriya shook her head at the men “It’s a wonder Serefina forbade the Gods to fall in love, males are quarrelsome and problematic.”

Salai crossed his arms with a crooked smile at Moriya “You would fall into my spell if it weren’t for Serefina’s law.”

“I beg your pardon. As the mortals will say, I’m going to be sick.” She blinked her eyes away and nodded to Ketura “Come now.” Together the Gods flew off together.

“You scared them away!” Gidoni blamed Salai.

Cyrus moved closer to Ahron “Looks like you are not the only one willing to break that law.”

“Speak louder!” Gidoni dared.

Ahron raised a hand “Eh, he means no harm. Now if you will excuse us, we have better things to take care of.” Nodding to Cyrus, they synchronized their exits into an awaiting pillow of blue clouds.

“Pheasants!” Salai muttered. He turned to Barak, who remained quiet “What are you thinking of?”

His eyes darkened while placing his arms behind his back, he was staring after Ahron “It seems our little ‘God of Rain’ has found himself a target.”

“You mean Azariah? But it is forbidden.” Salai didn’t need to remind him.

“With such a rare beauty, forbidden or not, it is worth it.” Barak smiled at the thought of the violet God.

Azariah set up a new home further than the last. She preferred to be alone and never welcomed any visitors “How are my children?” she said to the crystal balls. Her smile faded when she noticed the heavy rain in a region where there should be sunlight “Darn that Ahron!” she cursed.

By calling his name, he quickly appeared in her room “You called?”

She was startled while clutching her stomach “Must you do that?!”

“Are you forgetting the beckoning spell? You call my name, I will appear.” He reasoned.

Azariah frowned “I heard of no such thing!”

He laughed, “Right, I almost forgot you are new here. That is the first rule of thumb, God’s have to help each other. Serefina set up so that if we are in need of anything, by uttering a God’s name, they will appear instantly.”

She knew he was right since he was one of the oldest God’s that was chosen by Serefina. He was wise beyond years but it did not change the outlook she had on him “I do not need you now.”

“Oh but you do.” He pointed to the crystal balls.

“You purposely did this?” she demanded.

Ahron shook his head with the boyish grin “Of course not. But it is written in the books.” He nodded to the wall and suddenly appeared an orbit circle with the golden book of mortals. He skimmed down and pointed to the words “See?”

She stepped closer to look “But why?” she wondered.

“It is our way of controlling the human minds. If they learn to predict the weather, what are Gods here for?” he explained shortly before the orbit disappeared “You have much to learn young one.” Azariah knew it “Is that all the question you have?” when she didn’t answer, he turned to leave.

“Wait!” she stopped him. He turned to her questioningly “I do have one question.” Ahron nodded with a welcoming smile “What is the Crystal Ring Serefina speaks of?”

His eyes distant as he explained, “The Crystal Ring is the heaven’s gate. The only exit to the world below us and the only entrance for humans.” He noticed her curious expression “There was a time when the Crystal Ring did not exist. But recently a God by the name of Ariel released the doors to the mortal realm. She allowed a human to enter the gates of heaven. Serefina discovered it before the human could do any damage, she then punished Ariel to eternal hell.”

“Ariel is the former God of Sun?” Azariah recognized the name with ease. Ahron nodded “Why did she allow the human to enter the heaven?”

“Love.” Ahron’s eyes were daze and almost clear of emotions “Her life was taken away abruptly, she was in love and was ready to wed a mortal man. But her life was not to end happily ever after. Serefina pitied the girl so she brought her here to work by her side. Unfortunately, Ariel could not forget her love and snuck down to earth to visit him. He too was in love and begged her to take him with her…so she did.”

Azariah did not know of such tragic love story “What happened then?”

“They are separated. Never to meet again.” Ahron sighed sadly. He did not know Ariel personally but heard from the other God’s that she was a loving soul.

“What a shame.”

“I suppose.” He smiled as he turned to her “You’ve asked three questions, it is only fair that I now ask you two.”

Her lips curled into a smirk “I promised no such thing.”

“Very well, then you owe me two favors.” He turned to leave and spun his head when remembering something “As I recall, the fair Azariah was not a person who liked to owe favors.”

He had done his homework, he knew of her human life. She wondered if he was as powerful as Serefina? Her thoughts were returned when realizing he was still there smiling that ridiculous grin on his face “Fine. What do you want to know?”

He took her offer quickly “What will it take for you to smile? I don’t mean a forced one, I speak of a sincere smile.” He was pushing his luck but he wanted too much to ease her into the world of no pain for she felt too much.

“Nothing.” She said. Was that a hint of sadness in her voice he detected?

Ahron nodded “I will take that as an answer. Secondly, tell me about the mortal world.” He looked like an eager child waiting for his bedtime story.

She tilted her head strangely “Do you not know? I thought the all powerful Ahron knows everything?”

He shook his head “It’s been thousands of years. I see the world through crystal balls, but have not experience the grass under my feet and the sun beating down on my face. I forgot how it felt like.”

“Curiosity kills the cat.” She said metaphorically.

“Maybe. But I cannot help but wonder. Please, tell me.” He urged.

Azariah found it harmless to tell him about the awful world she lived in. She told him about her home town, in the outskirts of the China capital. Poor, little room and never had enough to eat. But no matter how sad the story she told was, it could not wipe the grin from Ahron’s face. When she finished with her death, she shook her head at him “How could you be so intrigued by the world below when the heavens is as perfect as it gets?”

He laughed, “I guess it was a trait Serefina gave me. I loved to travel and meet new people. My life was in the 789 A.D., when life was simple and humans were not evil. Now, they are power hungry and only live to cause pain for others around. Maybe it is naïve for me to wonder about the mortal world, but like humans we have a planned life too.”

“We do?” she never heard of it.

“It holds in Serefina’s heart. A place where no God could ever find. We are not physically weak like humans but we bare one same trait. Emotions. The heart is too strong to control, Serefina knew of this.”

“Is that why she made the Forbidden Love rule?” everything finally made sense to her. Ahron nodded “What happens if Gods fall in love?” speaking of it was like taboo to Azariah but she was growing more curious.

“The Heavens will collapse and the human world will be no more as they will end up killing each other to extinction.” He said solemnly. She covered her gasped with her hand “But…that is the curse that the God’s told around heaven world. We do not know exactly what will actually happen. It has never been tried.”

“I see.” She nodded. Her eyes moved over to the crystal balls and she noticed the rain had stopped. Smiling, she pointed to the balls “It stopped!”

Ahron smiled “You owe me nothing now.” Azariah was confused “There’s the smile I was looking for.” Before she had a chance to protest, he was swiftly on his feet and out of her home.

“Peculiar male.” She mumbled to herself.

Chapter 3

Jeroham ‘God of Life’ was mixing a potion he formulated to keep the humans from growing stronger when Ahron gave him a surprising visit. He entered the home and noticed that his friend was concentrated on his job, Ahron snuck up behind him “What is that?”

Startled, Jeroham’s hand was holding onto a bottle of control essence when it was dropped into the crystal bowl. He turned sternly to Ahron “Now, look what you have done!”

“As I recall, it was you that dropped the bottle in there.” Ahron replied reasonably.

“Why must you always sneak up on me?” Jeroham sighed as he scratched his head, wondering how to salvage the potion.

Ahron made himself comfortable on a cushion of clouds that he formed into a seat “I have learned that when I knock, no one lets me in.”

“Curious?” he replied with a snicker “What can I do you for?”

“You are the God of Life.” Ahron began and Jeroham can read the warning signs already “I believe you are in charge of the golden book of mortals.”

His eyes narrowed suspiciously “Yes? Where are you getting at?”

“There is a group of orphans in mainland China that has not seen sunlight in ages. Could you possibly make a little change?” Ahron smiled dashingly.

Jeroham began laughing “Save the smile for the female Gods.” He shook his head while returning his attention to the potion under his nose “Even if I do have the golden book, I cannot change what is written. Serefina will surely punish me.”

“Maybe not.” Ahron bounced from his seat as it vanished away “You are the most powerful God next to the Queen. She adores you, I believe you would not be punished. Besides, one little change will not severely damage the books, will it?” Ahron was charming, there was no doubt but he forgot Jeroham follows the rules like no other.

He shook his head firmly “I will not be responsible for such absurdness.”

“Fine! Then show me how and I will do it myself. If her highness finds out, blame it on me.” Ahron said boldly.

Jeroham turned to his friend with a stern look “What has gotten into you? Why the sudden urge to do good deeds? You are the God of Rain.” Ahron shrugged his shoulders carelessly while the God of Life suddenly widened his eyes “Dear heavens…are you in love?”

“Nonsense!” Ahron argued.

“You are!” Jeroham looked suddenly fearful as he gave his arms a circular motion, locking them in a bubble so no one could hear, even Serefina “Who is she?”

Ahron noticed the circle surrounding them “How did you do that?”

“Nevermind that!” he scolded, “Who is she?”

“Does Serefina know you are practicing such powers?” Ahron asked while poking the bubble with his fingers. He felt an electric shock wave run through him, but it was not painful.

“You are denying it?” Jeroham laughed “But you don’t have to tell me, I already know.”

“You do not.” Ahron was confident.

The tan colored cloak flowed as Jeroham walked towards Ahron “You can fool the others but you cannot fool me. I have been a God much longer. I kid you not, the queen will be furious if she finds out.”

“Therefore you will keep this secret.” Ahron concluded.

“So you admit it.” Jeroham sighed.

Ahron shrugged “I am not sure, my friend. I only feel what my heart feels, when she is around, I want nothing more than to see her smile. Even if it is through my suffering.” The thought of Azariah made him smile “But alas, she does not feel the same.”

“Need I remind you of the rule…” he began only to be dismissed by Ahron’s nonchalant nature.

“Rules…laws. They are only there to control us. What is so wrong about being in love?” Ahron questioned. He never felt the need to have it answered before, but the day he met Azariah, he understood the aching feeling inside that he could not ignore.

Jeroham sighed, “Have you ever been in love?”

“It’s been too long since I felt human emotions.”

He turned to the golden book of mortals and snapped a finger. The pages moved at the speed of light until it reached Ahron’s mortal life. Jeroham skimmed through the pages and smiled “Ah, it is a wonder you have gone curious.”

“What does it say?” Ahron was eager as he stepped closer to the God of Life. Jeroham waved a hand the golden book was evaporated.

“It seems, you were not into females.” He didn’t need to explain further, Ahron understood.

“How is it possible?” he refused to believe it.

Jeroham laughed “My naïve friend, just because your life was in the earlier human times does not mean homosexuality did not exist.” His smile was contained as he pondered further “But I do not understand…how you came to be so interested in Azariah. What is it about her?” this time he turned the God of Rain for an answer.

“I do not know.” Ahron was honest “I have met hundreds, perhaps thousands of female Gods and angels in the heaven kingdom, but none that could compare to the fair Azariah. Her cold heart draws me closer and her smile is mesmerizing.”

“You must not-”

“Fall in love.” Ahron said flatly “I am aware. Do not worry about me, I would never do anything to danger her life. I will suppress the feelings.”

“Very well.” Jeroham turned his hand in a circular motion as the bubble began to fade away “Be careful.” Ahron nodded as he turned and flew out of the tan home.

He was on his way home, when he felt a stir nagging in the pit of his stomach. Something was wrong, he could sense it “Azariah…” he whispered as he turned the opposite direction and flew towards her home.

She fainted from the sweet aroma of earth orchids. During her human life, Azariah was allergic to Orchids because they made her dizzy. Before she fell unconscious, she saw a figure at her door but the face was a blur. Gidoni turned his shoulder “Barak, you must hurry, I believe someone is coming.”

He walked over to her cautiously “You are even more beautiful when you’re not glaring at me.” He lifted her face with his fingers “Such a shame…”

Salai shook his head “What are your plans for her?”

“A gift from the God, who would dare not believe me now?” Barak asked with an evil laugh. He swiftly lifted her with a wave motion and she dropped softly into his ready arms “Come now.” He ordered and blew the home into the clouds as the other two disappeared after him.

By the time Ahron reached where her home was, he was stunned to see it gone. But the crystal balls were still there, untouched and uncovered “Azariah…” he didn’t know what could have happened.

In the gray home of Barak, he settled her down on a bed of clouds “What if the queen discovers our plan?” Salai asked cautiously.

“She won’t.” Barak found it hard to tear his eyes from the rare beauty before him “The Ice Angel…” he cooed softly while letting the back of his fingers graze her cheeks “Soon, you will be mine.”

Salai was more worried “The queen knows everything.”

Gidoni laughed, “Apparently not, she did not know that it was we that tampered with the Crystal Ring.”

“That is because we left no trace.” Salai turned to Barak “How did you do that?”

He turned to his followers “A little bit of life, a little bit of truth…they would never guess that I figured out the secret. Have you ever heard of the Power of Nine?”

Gidoni and Salai shook their heads “I thought that was a myth?”

“I thought so too.” Barak paced the floors of his home “The only reason why Serefina became the all powerful was because she was taught the Power of Nine. I was snooping in Jeroham’s home when I discovered his little potion. The little scoundrel found a way to covered any conversation that can be heard from the Queen.” His head lifted and his arms spread out “We are in the hidden bubble.”

“So no one can hear us?” Gidoni asked unsurely while Barak nodded confirming it “That is brilliant!”

“Yes.” Barak replied darkly “Unfortunately, it was not I that discovered this. Looks like our little friend Ahron has discovered the key.”

Salai followed his vision to Azariah “The God of Sun is the key?”

He nodded in answer “What does she have to do with the Power of Nine?” Gidoni questioned.

“Idiots!” Barak snapped, “The Power of Nine is made of only nine Gods’ unique power. Love, Truth, Power, Rain, War, Life, Hatred, Fortune and Sun. I found this in the book of immortals in Jeroham’s quarters. Why do you think Serefina keeps a close tab on us? The nine of us can overpower her if we cooperate.”

“But the others would not help us willingly.” Salai finally understood his plan.

“Hmph! Righteous is dead, someone should tell them. Power is all! Why should we live under rules and regulations? We are Gods!” Barak was arrogant.

“How do you gain the Power of Nine?” the God of Power asked curiously.

Barak stepped closer to Azariah “When she is mine. I will gain her power.” He said slowly “The rest can be used with force…one at a time.” He stroked her hair. Their meeting was cut short when the bubble evaporated with a mist. The gray home melted under the fog.

Ahron’s hands were clasped together at the forehead as he said a mist spell. He lowered his hand and his eyes snapped open as he faced the three along with Azariah laying unconscious “Barak! You will pay for this.” He pointed to Salai and Gidoni “The queen will be notified.” He threatened.

The two were trembling with fear while they turned to their head. Barak seemed unbothered as he pushed his chin in the air “Don’t be hasty. I was only playing a game with Azariah. But it seems, you Ahron, are more interested in her in a more…dare I say… loving way?”

“Absurd!” Ahron cried in defense.

“Is it?” Barak asked as he stepped closer to the unconscious God “So if I were to touch her, you would not be jealous?” he lifted his hand and her body elevated until she was standing upright but her neck fell limply to one side. Ahron took a step closer and it made Barak laugh, “I might be pressured to inform the Queen about this.”

“Release her this second!” he demanded.

Azariah’s slowly fluttered open as she realized she was under a spell “Barak, did you do this?”

He looked bored with his hand over his mouth “The fun is over.” He nodded to the other two and quickly flew off while releasing Azariah of the spell. Her knees were weak and she felt her body weaken. Ahron reacted quickly as he swept her into his arms, they landed softly on the cloud.

Her eyes were glued to his and it was he that turned away shyly “I’m sorry.” He let go of her waist.

“Thank you.” She lowered her eyes, unable to stop the butterflies forming in her stomach “Should we tell the Queen?”

He shook his head “No. Barak will not try it again. The Queen need not know. He did not harm you?”

Azariah shook her head “No. But he knows my weakness. Orchids.” She recalled the smell and it made her feel faint “I was allergic to them as a human and apparently still am.”

“That can be fixed.” He smiled brightly “We’ll go see my friend Kyra ‘God of Scents’ and get that allergy removed.”

“Is there a God for everything?” she asked while he motioned for them to fly off. The wind billowing in her long mane.

Ahron nodded while trying to ignore how beautiful she looked with her hair flowing “Almost everything you can think of.”

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