The Curse of Immortality

Chapter 4

The year was 750. The humans were a spec compared to the Gods above. She stood under the black velvet skies with hints of lights staring down from afar. Her eyes strained as she looked specifically at one bright star “What do you see Chow Siu Jei?” the leader of the Wah San clan asked. In his old age, he was still distinguished and well respected by the other clans.

Recently, there was an explosion in the sky that brightened even the darkest remote places of the world. The people scurried to safety even though there was no need for hiding. They were curious to know what was happening and were the Gods angry at them for something they have done terribly wrong? No one knew and they turned to the only person that was well deserved of the name Fortune Teller. She was the daughter of Chow Hoi, a man who built his fortune on telling the futures to noblemen and merchants and at times, the royal family. Maybe it was a punishment from the Gods when he told too many fortunes, he died at a ripe age of fourty. His daughter, Chow Yee was only twenty two. She had surpassed her father’s powers of seeing the future. So much that she would have nightmares every night after he passed away.

As she stood there calculating the time and day at the tip of her fingers, she remembered his last words. He told her to be careful and not to spill more secrets of the future, for the Gods would punish her. She didn’t believe it and refused to live in such fears. If she were to die, she would die her own person. He had told her to follow her heart and she was planning to do just that. A cough in the crowd startled her back to reality as she turned to the tall man looking at her with wondering eyes “The Gods are angry.” She sighed causing stirs and whispers throughout the crowd.

The leader held his hand up to silence his people “Please, explain.” He urged.

Chow Yee stepped towards the upper part of the hill “I cannot say.” Her words secretive yet it was obvious the people were not satisfied.

“That’s not an explanation!” one man yelled.

She turned to them swiftly “The Gods would not let me!” she argued pointing to the sky “They have already given us a warning days ago during a moonless night when the sky exploded with red fire!” she stepped closer to them, her eyes angry “We cannot disobey them.”

“Is the world ending?” a feeble voice from the crowd asked, she could tell it was a girl.

Chow Yee shook her head slowly, eyes drifting away “No. But there will be tough times. Our country will live in poverty and more deaths will occur.”

“Is there any way to stop them?” The clan leader asked. He was a sincere man, only worrying for his pupils and family.

“No. But you can help your karma by doing charity. Maybe when the Gods take you, they will be kind.” She turned to the sky and spotted a shooting star “Be good to others.” She seldom spoke but each time she did, a natural occurrence would happen “I must go.” She turned to the clan leader with a slight bow of the head.

“Where could we find you?” the answers were still hazy and he was even more curious.

Chow Yee shook her head “When it is time, we will meet again.” She did not say goodbye as she walked along the grass trails of the hills. It took her nowhere and she loved the freedom of traveling without an end. Her eyes again, moved up to the sky. Something eerie was happening in the heavens, she could feel it in the core of her bones. Something bad was going to happen.

*************

Azariah pointed into the crystal ball “Ahron! Come quick. She just looked directly at us again!”

He was busy practicing a power when she interrupted him “She does not know, fair lady. The girl is a but a mere mortal.”

“Do you accuse me of lying?” she asked with a straight face, but in truth she was teasing him.

He quickly paused his motioned hands as he stood up to look at her “I do not dare.” He said solemnly.

Her lips maneuvered into a smile at his serious expression “Silly Ahron. I was only teasing.” Her face frowned “But I have a feeling that she is not normal.”

Sighing, he finally pushed himself off the clouded seat and approached her from behind, his eyes tilting as he stared at the girl in the ball “She is a fortune teller.” He said at one glance and quickly returned to his studies.

“How do you know? And what does that mean?” Azariah asked with her chin on the palm of her hand, her elbow resting on her thigh “And why is these crystals called ‘The Quad’? I thought we could only control the current time?”

He smiled at the curious God “The Quad is the name of the four eras. Future, current, A.D. and an undiscovered dimension.”

“Undiscovered?” she asked, her eyes still glued to the crystal balls.

“Time does not end in the mortal realm. It continues to eternity. But it circulates itself, that is why you are able to see the year 750 A.D. even though the current year is 2004. Humans do not know it exists. The fourth ball is a mystery to us all except for the powerful Serefina. No God has yet to learned of its secrets. I assume if anyone does discover the truth, they will be vanished from this world.”

Her eyes widened as she sat upright and waved the balls under the clouds “Why didn’t you warn me?” she asked fearfully “I do not want to be punished after only being anointed for six months!”

Ahron laughed giddily at the screech in her voice “How I adore you!” he flew over to her and swept her into his arms.

She wrapped her arms around his neck to keep from losing her balance “Tell me more.” Her smile teasing and her voice singing.

“Must you two do that here?!!” Jeroham scolded as he entered his humble home.

Ahron placed Azariah onto the clouds with ease “It is the safest place in the heaven.” He pointed to the soundproof bubble “And you never explained how you learned that power!” he reminded the God of Life.

Jeroham stammered “I…uh…that…eh…is beside the point!” his arrogance returning as he lifted his chin haughtily.

“Jeroham, dear. You need to live a little.” Azariah teased. She had grown attached to him as well as Cyrus, both great friends of her beloved. Since the day Ahron saved her from Barak, they had an instant connection and were miserable without each other. The secret love affair was only known by four people and all of whom would be tortured and punished if Serefina were to ever discover the truth. Fortunately for them, the Queen adored them and trusted no other Gods. There were countless times Barak tried to frame them but the Queen would only dismiss the rumors.

“I have lived!” Jeroham reminded the naïve God “I was a boring farmer that married a fat and ugly wife who was horrid during pregnancies and we had ten children!!” Ahron and Azariah tried unsuccessfully to stifle their humorous laughs “That is NOT funny!” Jeroham exclaimed.

“What is?” Cyrus appeared behind Jeroham, a hand on his shoulder.

Jeroham jumped a feet after being startled by the unwarned arrival “You Gods are unbelievable!!” he cried.

“Why thank you.” Cyrus bowed politely. He turned to the two laughing love birds “What is the poor lad talking about?”

Azariah bounced her way over to Cyrus with a hand linked through his arms as she led him over to Ahron “We were only speaking of the truth. Don’t you agree that Jeroham does not know how to live happily?”

“Of course!” Cyrus agreed quickly causing the scowl on Jeroham’s face to grow.

“I am not a bore.” Jeroham said in his own defense “It is not a crime to live carefully, I do not want to be punished, that is all.”

Ahron’s smile slowly faded “I am sorry that you have to hide this for us.”

Guilt quickly took over “I didn’t mean that…” Jeroham began “It’s just…I fear for you two. If her highness decides to punish me, I will not fight. But I only worry for you and Azariah. Her majesty is known for her cold heart when a God disobeys her. Look at Ariel, she is a great example.”

Azariah smiled at her good friend “Don’t worry about us, Jeroham. No matter what happens, I will have known that my life was not dull with Ahron to love.” She said boldly. She was courageous by nature and too strong for a female. But that was a good trait that Ahron loved about her. Loved, it was an odd word for him to use but he adored using it and hearing it.

“Azariah is correct. We are not afraid.” Ahron replied with a wide grin.

“Let it be, Jeroham.” Cyrus urged “I have long ago given up trying to convince them otherwise. They are not to be discouraged. Anyways, it is different seeing Ahron being tamed.” A wicked grin grew on his face.

Jeroham nodded slowly “You’re right, Cyrus. He has been calmer.”

Ahron was not offended or felt the need to fight with them “As the humans would say… whatever!” the comment made Azariah chirped with laughter.

Suddenly, their bubble evaporated and the blue clouds began to wither along. The four turned to each other as the watched the home being blown away “Barak.” Azariah whispered.

He stood there with a smirk on his face “Four little rats hiding behind a magical bubble. Hmm, I wonder if Serefina would like to see this.”

“I beg to differ. If we are rats, then there are no existing rodents that could be named for you, a conniving beast amongst this world.” Ahron spat harshly.

But his insults only made Barak laugh louder “Imbeciles!! You are no match for me. Soon, you will grovel at my feet, so you might as well do that now.” He challenged.

“Only in your dreams.” Azariah dared say. She smiled shortly “Actually, we do not sleep therefore even then you could not see it happening.”

Cyrus chuckled “Spited by a female God…tsk, tsk, tsk…Barak, you should be ashamed.”

His face turning red as he nodded at them “I warned you. Once I learn the Power of Nine, you four will be the first to die!!”

Jeroham exchanged glances with the others “How do you know about the Power of Nine?”

“Just because you are the God of Life, does not make you powerful enough to control what the other Gods learn as well as not learn.” Barak placed his hands confidently behind his back “I know you have tampered with the special power to block out Serefina’s powerful hearing.” He looked above his head “This is quite interesting…” Barak said while admiring the bubble. Suddenly, his eyes fired as he waved a hand swiftly bringing down the bubble.

“How did you do that?!” Jeroham demanded.

“Practice.” Barak snickered shortly. His eyes softened as he stared at Azariah with human lust. It made her uncomfortable as she backed away behind Ahron, who in turned glared at Barak “Tomorrow is the Heaven’s day off. Serefina has announced that we are to do whatever we please. I would love to escort to the Garden of Plums, I hear they are heavenly to devour.” Seduction filling his eyes as he tried to lure her in.

“Should I be the one to wake him from the day dream?” Cyrus asked sarcastically.

“Come with me, my lady.” Barak said with his hands sprawled out, beckoning her near. He had long ago practiced the power of love and it seemed to be working with charm as Azariah slowly stepped over and towards Barak “That’s it…” he cooed while Ahron and the other stared in shock. It was the same power he used on Moriya and Ketura to gain their powers.

“Azariah!” Ahron glared at Barak evilly “Release her this instant!”

A crooked smile planted on his lips as he continued to call Azariah with his mind. Jeroham closed his eyes as he said a silent spell, he opened his eyes and a surging blue light streamed towards Barak, who then stumbled back in pain. Azariah was quickly released from the love spell as she shook her head and returned to Ahron’s side. Barak clutched his chest “You will pay for this!”

Jeroham snickered “I shall await.” With that Barak disappeared across the skies, leaving a trail of gray clouds behind.

“Are you alright?” Ahron asked his love with such sincerity.

She shook her head “No…I do not know what happened?” the two turned to Jeroham for an answer.

“He has been practicing the power of love.” He sighed as he stepped over to the two “There will be more curses along the way. If I’m not mistaken, he knows the secrets of the Power of Nine. Made up of only nine of the most powerful Gods in the Heaven Kingdom. Rain, Sun, War, Truth, Love, Power, Life, Hatred and Fortune; all of which can give one God magnificent powers if he is to conquer them all. This power will surpass Serefina and even then no one could stop him.”

“I swore it was a rumor.” Cyrus shook his head in disbelief.

“I wish it were, my friend.” Jeroham was worried “But this power was developed by a God by the name of Lucifer where he is now condemned to hell. Unfortunately, the power still remains and Serefina has no way of destroying it.”

“Who is he?” Azariah has never heard of this story.

“Her father.” Cyrus nodded solemnly “She took over the kingdom after his fall. The rise of the heavens were in her hands. But at that time, the mortal world was nearly destroyed. Ice covered most of the land and it took years for Serefina to bring light and clean air to the world.”

“We must stop him.” Azariah said.

“I’m afraid it is only four of us left.” Jeroham sighed as he circled his palm into the air and showed them through a hazy picture that appeared in mid air “He’s already got five out of nine.” In the scene, they saw Ketura and Moriya being slaved by Barak.

Ahron’s eyes hardened “The scoundrel!”

“Indeed. But we mustn’t be discouraged. He will be stopped, as long as the four of us do not leave each other’s side.” Jeroham turned to Azariah “I know you are comfortable living far from the Heaven’s Palace, but I believe it is for the best if we move the homes near each other and closer to Serefina.”

Azariah quickly agreed, “You are right. I will move this instant.”

“Ahron, go with her.” Cyrus instructed.

“You need not tell me.” Ahron smiled as he ushered Azariah away.

Chapter 5

Serefina sat in her studies as her heart began beating like a drum. It was a sign she had long wanted to forget. When her father was condemned, her heart thump so loud, it was thunderous to the human world. She touched it softly “Even I cannot stop it.” She whispered.

She quickly called for Jeroham, who appeared at her beck “Your highness.” He bowed with respect, kneeling on his right knee.

“Please, do not be a stranger.” She lifted him up with the clouds “I have called you here to ask you what the future holds for this Kingdom.”

Jeroham angled his head to the side “I do not understand.”

“Do not hide from me. I know you see it.” She urged.

He knew it was absurd to even try to lie “I apologize.” He lowered his head guiltily.

“I accept, now tell me.” She rushed.

“He will control it.” Jeroham’s words only caused her heart to thump harder.

“What should I do?” she was lost. Jeroham was one of the first Gods anointed to the Heavens and he was the one that saved Serefina from Lucifer’s evil hands. She only trusted him and in turn trusted whomever he deemed worthy “Is there any way to stop him? Why has he returned?”

Jeroham shook his head sadly “No, we cannot stop him. Lucifer is after all the most powerful God there was in the history of the White Kingdom.”

“So the future will be as it will be? Evil will prevail and the Kingdom will be no more?” her heart began to ache “Why must it fall in my hands?”

“It will not.” Jeroham closed his eyes as he got a calling, a smile appeared and it eased all her worries “There is a human…she can help.”

“Who is she?” Serefina asked curiously “What can a human do for the world of Gods?”

“She is a fortune teller. It was a gift that was given to her by I. She is able to travel through dimensions and can see every God in his/her purity. But she is afraid and not ready for the challenge. We must send someone to help her.” Jeroham had long ago seen the future of the Gods. When he wrote her human life, he knew she would be different. It was his last resort to change the Heaven’s doomed future.

“I will do as you please.” Serefina had no choice but to lay it in his hands.

***************

Ahron and Azariah returned to her home only to find it ransacked and the crystals were thrown on the blue cloud floor “He was here!” she turned to Ahron with fury.

“The beast, I will make him pay for this!” he turned and flew off leaving Azariah crying for him to return. When he got to Barak’s home, he was faced with not only the God of War, but Gidoni and Salai. The two looked like simple rabbits compared to Barak’s fierce aura. Ahron’s eyes landed on another being that he knew did not belong “Human.” He breathed, “It was you.”

“Let’s kill him now!” Gidoni cried.

Barak raised a hand to silence his ally “So…you found my secret, Ahron.” He laughed while pointing to the human male figure, who looked unafraid “Yes, it is I that tampered with the Crystal Ring. Even Serefina did not know.” He waved a hand causing the bubble to tremble with a loud ringing sound. The human began to plug his ears in pain while Barak laughed amusingly at his misery.

“Stop!” Ahron cried as he pointed to the male “You are torturing him!” the God of War was unbelievable, so true to his cold nature.

Barak turned to his two friends “What did he say?”

Salai played along with his head shaking “I do not speak the idiotic language.”

Ahron grew weary of watching the human in pain as he quickly grabbed him and flew off towards the Crystal Ring. Gidoni took a step forward “Barak…”

He raised a silencing hand “Let him.” Then a slow slithering smile appeared and was replaced with a wicked laugh, his head thrown back.

Ahron landed gently on the bed of clouds as he turned to human “Leave now.” He commanded.

“It was you.” An angelic voice said and it made Ahron freeze in his place.

He turned to face her “Azariah…”

“Don’t speak, I beg you. I do not want to hear anymore lies.” She said sadly.

Ahron turned to the human, who had on a smile “You don’t think…No! Azariah, it was not me, it was Barak!!”

Her eyes glossy as she stepped closer to him “Lies…that’s all they ever were. How dare you!!” she accused. Suddenly one by one, every God flew in from afar as they witnessed with their own eyes the God of Rain ushering a human through the Crystal Ring.

Barak stepped behind Azariah as he placed a hand on her shoulder “Fair lady, he had us all fooled.” His eyes looked evil as he eyed Ahron with victory.

Ahron had blocked out every accusing whisper, but his eyes tried desperately to get a hold of Azariah’s. Yet she refused to look at him “You do not believe me?” he asked silently.

“Take him to Serefina!!” Salai bellowed into the crowd causing a thunderous answer in agreement.

Cyrus watched helplessly as his friend was condemned. He could not speak of such truth while all the other Gods have witness what he too saw. Ahron had no explanation. Barak raised a hand to silence the group. He stepped over to his rival with a cool nature “You should not have left her side.” He whispered as his head turned to Azariah, who smiled at him. It was the same smile she gave to Ahron hours before “Now, you must die.”

Rage boiling in his blood as he crumbled his fingers into a fist and let out a growl while punching Barak straight in the chest. The God flew back yards away, the crowd gasped in horror. Azariah assisted Barak to his feet “How dare you try to kill your fellow God!!” She accused.

“I…I didn’t…” but it was too late. Ahron could not explain himself now. The crowd quickly surrounded him as they ushered the clouds under his and the human’s feet and it took them straight to the Palace.

Serefina waved for Jeroham to stand aside as their discussion was interrupted by a mob of Gods “What is the reason for intruding my meeting?” she asked.

Ahron and the human was then placed in the center of the blue clouded room “Your highness, we caught him with the human at the Crystal Ring!” Gidoni pointed.

Jeroham and Serefina exchanged glances. She turned to the group “Who witnessed this?”

Barak stepped forward as he spread his arm out “Everyone in this room besides Jeroham and yourself, my Queen.” He said with the utmost respect.

“Cyrus, come forward.” Serefina beckoned.

He reluctantly walked up “Yes, your highness?”

“Did you see such accusations?” she asked carefully.

“I…I did…” he dared not lie to the Queen. His eyes darted to Ahron, who nodded understandingly.

“Ahron, what do you have to say for yourself?” Serefina was discouraged but rules were rules, he had to be punished.

“If you are any noble human, you will speak of the truth. Now speak!!” he demanded the male mortal next to him.

The guy cowered down into his knees as he begged the queen in an urgent voice “Please, it was he that let me in the heaven!” he pointed to Ahron “He was going to use me for his powers. I am innocent!!”

Ahron’s eyes widened in shock “Liar!!!” he cried angrily.

“Silence!” Serefina commanded. She stepped down from her thrown and approached Ahron “I am disappointed.”

“There is more, your majesty.” Barak interrupted as he nodded to Azariah.

She stood forward “Ahron is in love with me.” Her words caused a louder stir in the crowd.

Serefina raised a hand as she turned to Ahron “Is it true?”

He did not want to hide his true feelings “Yes…I am.” Hisses and whispers broke through the crowd like a wave “Please, do not punish Azariah…she does not know.” He lied with a lowered head.

Serefina shook her head sadly “Ahron, you are one of the most trusted Gods and in my eyes, you can do no evil. Do you not agree to my law?”

“But the heart is more powerful.” He argued.

“No! The mind is most powerful.” Serefina returned to her thrown “Ahron, kneel down and hear your sentence.” He did as she asked while Barak watched on with a smiling face “For the many centuries that you have given into this heaven, I will allow the Crystal Ring case to pass. But you have disobeyed my rule of love. Thou shall not fall in love with any God while being a God.”

“He should be condemned to eternal hell!!” Gidoni cried out while a few agreed with loud cries.

Cyrus quickly stepped up “No! Although Ahron has disobeyed you, he should be punished but not condemned. Does loyalty mean anything to this kingdom? If not, it is unfair for the rest of us to continue if we were to misstep in the wrong direction. After all, we were humans at one time. They are not perfect beings and so are Gods.” He had logic behind the words and Serefina knew she should thank him.

“You are right, wise Cyrus.” She nodded while turning to Ahron “I am willing to forgive and forget…” a quick smile appeared on his face but there was more “but you must accomplish a few…challenges.”

“Anything, your highness!” Ahron was desperate to stay in the heavens.

She stood up and towered over him “A test of courage, lust, greed and loyalty taken place in the mortal realm. When you pass each test, the dimensions around you will change. If you do not pass them, you will be condemned to the human world and will never be returned to the heavens after your mortal death.” He snapped his head up as she nodded “Your powers will remain, but you can only use them for good. If you allow a human to know of your true identity, he or she will be vanished from this world.” She stepped down the stairs of clouds and pulled him to his feet with her hands “You have done well in heaven, but it has been too long since you have lived your human life. Do not forget your destiny. For the sake of the heavens, I would like to see you return. But if you don’t… then it was not meant to be. As for the human.” She turned to the male “He will remain in custody until I find a potion to erase all memories of the White Kingdom.” She let out a sigh “Jeroham will see you off.” She turned her back.

“Thank you, your majesty.” Ahron said earnestly.

Jeroham nodded as he took Ahron’s arm and together they flew off towards the Crystal Ring. Ahron turned to his friend with a saddened look “You must not be discouraged.” Jeroham advised.

He nodded understandingly “Whether I return or not, I will never forget your help through all these years. Please, send my regards to dear Cyrus. He is a great friend.”

“Is that all?” Jeroham tilted his head knowingly.

“She does not remember me.” Ahron sighed sadly.

Jeroham laughed, “Are you forgetting about the all powerful God of Life?” Ahron turned to him blankly “I will cure of her the curse, you need not worry. Concentrate on returning and passing the tests. Serefina has judged this well, justice will prevail.”

“You speak of such secrecy.” Ahron could tell his friend was hiding many meanings behind his deep words.

“Do not stress, you will understand one day.” He turned his back to check if anyone was there “Be careful in the mortal realm.”

Ahron smiled “I will be fine. It has been a long time, but I do not fear the humans.”

“It is not the humans you need to beware of. It is the Gods.” His eyes twinkled at the warning words.

It sunk in slowly as Ahron nodded “I see.” Barak would surely cause him more strain on the four challenges. It was almost a given “Farewell, my friend.” The two men embraced before Ahron jumped through the bright blue vortex that Jeroham opened with a wave of a hand.

Chapter 6

Ahron felt his entire body tremble as the blue light sucked him into the endless hole. He gasped for air at the end of the tunnel but only for a moment before he was knocked unconscious by an invisible force. His mind was conscious but his body and eyes refused to be waken. When he finally relaxed, he could almost hear the bustling sound of people walking by. It was then that his face was splashed with cold water. Ahron snapped his head up with his eyes opened as he stared at the scene before him “Ah Hon, get to work!!” barked the owner.

Ahron looked around when the owner seemed to be talking to him “Me?” he asked himself while wiping the water off his face.

“Who else??” the restaurant owner threw him a towel “I told you only a ten minute break and you doze off for half an hour. Don’t worry, the money will be deducted from your pay.” He rambled on about how he had to cover for him and lost the many customers that couldn’t wait.

Ahron got up slowly as he observed his surroundings. He seemed to be in the middle of the Ching Dynasty. Men had long braided ponytails while women pulled two braids to the front. The clothes were simple and plain. He began cleaning tables blankly while pondering what the first challenge would be.

Just then, a distinguished gentleman walked in. An aura of wealth as he nodded to his companion whose head remained below the man’s chin “Yes, Sir.” He nodded and quickly waved for Ahron “We need a table for two please.”

Ahron nodded slowly “Sure. This way.” He led them to the back room, where he had no idea how he knew even existed “What kind of tea would you like?”

The young man again nodded to his servant and he spoke directly to Ahron “Chrysanthemum tea and a few simple chicken dishes.”

“Coming right up!” Ahron replied perkily. He walked to the kitchen and ordered a few easy made dishes. His mind began to wander, the man was not ordinary, he could sense it. He came from a royal family.

Ka Chan turned to the King with a sense of panic “Your highness, what if he knows?”

“He will if you call me that again.” The King said calmly while clasping his hands together over the table.

“Forgive me.” Ka Chan bowed his head and then lifted it “The Empress will not be pleased to find you gone.” He reminded the heir.

“It is okay. Once I gather up all the powerful leaders of the purital world, she will understand. And not only that, she will praise me of my intelligent idea when we defeat the Mongolians in war.”

“Yes, sir.” The nobleman nodded in agreement. He dared not to go against the King “Where is our next destination?”

“Hong Chow.” The King replied shortly.

Ahron returned minutes later with a pot of tea and a dish of white flour buns “Enjoy. The rest of your dishes will be right out.” He said directly to the King.

“Thank you.” The King finally spoke up. Maybe he did it by accident because he quickly cleared his throat and nodded to his servant.

“That is all.” Ka Chan gestured Ahron away.

Returning to the restaurant work, he began clearing tables and wiping the tops. After a good two hours, he was growing weary “How do mortals do this everyday?” he sighed. He had learned that although his powers remained, he felt like a human. He was tired and his arm ached.

“Stop mumbling and get that table some tea!!” the owner cried again.

Ahron lifted a brow at him, his eyes narrowed but when his wish did not occur, he sighed “Right, I can only use them for good.” He walked towards the table in defeat.

“SiuYee (waiter), I want to get some food to go.” A female voice asked.

He poured the tea while answering “Yes, coming right up.” He turned to the girl and halted. The girl was familiar, like he’s seen her somewhere. She wore a light blue silk outfit with a dark sword in her hands. Her one braid delicately wrapped around her neck as it sat undisturbed on her right shoulder. His eyes soaked her in from head to toe, she was adoring to look at but the smile was deceiving.

“What are you looking at?” she asked suspiciously.

Ahron quickly shook his head “Sorry, you looked familiar.”

Her wrinkled brows eased up as she nodded “I do not know you.” She looked around the tiny restaurant “Tell me, did two gentlemen walk through here? One is tall, dark and handsome…looks very wealthy. He does not say much while the other is cowered and acts like a servant.”

He smiled the minute he realized who she was talking about “Oh, them…yes. They did come here.” He waved his hand carelessly while getting back to cleaning tables.

“Where are they?!” she asked hurriedly while stepping closer to him.

Ahron straightened his back and crossed his arms with a curious look “A cheating husband?” he teased, “Wait, no… he couldn’t be. Not with a beautiful wife.” The girl rolled her eyes at his lame attempt to compliment her “They’re gone.”

“They did? Where did they go?” she asked with annoyance.

But he was having too much fun “I’m sorry, Siu Jei…I am just a waiter. I did not know part of my job was to keep track of the customer’s whereabouts?”

“You little smart mouth!” she cried while yanking out her sword, which then pointed at him “I’ve heard of little scoundrels like you.” The restaurant began bustling with people moving around as they stood far away from the girl and her draw sword.

The owner with trembling hands walked over with a nervous laugh “Heroine…please, I’m just trying to make a living. Don’t kill anyone in my restaurant…”

Her eyes narrowed as she eventually put away the sword “Fine. But owner, you need to find new help. This man is not worthy of such work.” She spat harshly.

Ahron raised a hand when the owner began to open his mouth “Say no more, I quit.” He threw the towel on the ground and walked out of the restaurant. The girl smiled victoriously as she turned to the owner and ordered her food. Ten minutes later, she emerged, ready to be on her way in search of the King. She was sent by the Empress to retrieve his majesty. Chou Yee was born in the royalty class and trained by the best swordsman. Although the Empress objected to a female bodyguard, she could not help but admit Chou Yee was good enough to protect her and the King.

Ahron stood outside the restaurant and he quickly spotted the girl. Following her from a distance, he trailed her to the outskirts of the town. Trees and bushes surrounded them but she seemed oblivious to her surroundings. Just when he doubted her, she paused and turned “Don’t you think it’s time for you to show your face?” he was hidden behind a tree.

Ahron crossed his arms as he refused to emerge. Suddenly, he heard a group of laughing men that appeared out from the trees above. His eyes darted upward where they jumped down and surrounded the girl. Her hand rested on the nape of the sword ready to attack if they were to harm her “You are not simple.” The leader of the pack said.

She snickered “Chou Yee is not afraid of mountain thieves!” She said without fear.

“Surrender your coins and I will let you go.” The man threatened.

Chou Yee smiled crookedly “If you want it, come and get it.” She yanked out her sword and began fighting with the men. Ahron watched from afar, she was not a bad swordsman but there were too many attackers. She would eventually lose, he analyzed.

When her faithful sword was knocked out of her hands, she was defeated back by the group of injured men. They stepped towards her laughing with amusement. Ahron knew it was time to intrude “Sorry gentlemen…I need to interrupt.”

The men turned to him with annoyance “Who are you?” one man spat.

“People call me Ah Hon.” He nodded “And what do they call you?”

“Your father!!” one quipped causing a stir of laughter ringing around the group.

“My father is a bastard, so that makes you a bastard?” Ahron replied just as quickly. Chou Yee stifled a laugh even though she was not fond of the guy. But at the moment, he was her savior.

“Why you!” the leader waved a hand forward causing the others to attack Ahron. Daggers and sabers came his way but he remained calm with each dodge, his hands carefully clasped behind his back.

When he grew bored, he return the attacks with each punch that threw each man yards away. One by one, they were defeated while Ahron smiled “Is that all you have?”

“Run!” the leader was holding onto his wound as he pointed towards the mountains.

Chou Yee watched them leave “You didn’t have to do that.”

Ahron raised his brows “Really? Why didn’t you say so…I wanted to watch them strip you of dignity while they searched for the two silver nuggets you have left.”

Her face fell as she touched her belt where her little blue bag dangled “How did you know?”

Quickly covering his God power, he cleared his throat “Just a wild guess. Well?” he asked.

“Well what?” she wrinkled her brows wondering if he was for the Ching or ManChu.

“A simple thank you will do.” He urged.

Chou Yee turned her head “I didn’t ask for your rescue.”

“And I didn’t ask to be jobless but I was...thanks to you.” He reminded her swiftly.

Her head snapped back “I’m sorry for that. I just had a very bad day.” She explained “But you can’t hear about it.” As if reading his mind, she informed him “Be on your way.” She retrieved her sword and cover as she began walking away.

“Where are you going?” Ahron asked as he trailed after her.

“Nowhere you should be.” She replied darkly “I don’t need a nuisance along the road.” After a few yards, she turned to him “Stop following me!”

Ahron laughed, “I didn’t know you own this road. I thought it belonged to the people?”

Her face growing red as she snapped, “It belongs to the King! You follow me again and I will kill you!” she pointed her sword at him dangerously.

He shrugged nonchalantly “Suit yourself. But if I split up with you, we will still be at the same place.”

“You have no idea where I’m headed.” She replied.

“You want to make a bet?” Ahron was confident.

Chou Yee was debating and after a few seconds, she nodded “What’s the bet?”

“If we meet again, you will allow me to go with you…wherever you are going to.” Ahron challenged.

“Fine.” She nodded firmly “I go first.” She turned and sprinted away down the trail leaving him smiling to himself. Miles down the road, she eventually stopped, her chest heaving tiredly. Chou Yee arched her neck “If I don’t win, I won’t be called Chou Yee.” Once her breathing returned, she continued on her way towards the next town. The day was getting later, she could tell by the setting sun. She came upon the town called Hong Chow.

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