The Curse of Immortality

Chapter 19

Ahron had the privilege to sit at Lung Gor’s table. Joey kept him company as she explained about the history of Hung Hing. A gang solely developed by an ex-cop, he was framed after risking his life to be in an undercover. But because he got emotionally involved with the leader, he decided to help the triad. He was looked down by fellow cops but respected even more by the triad world. Soon he created a gang called Hung Hing, named after himself.

“So what happened to him?” Ahron asked with curiosity.

Joey shrugged as she took a sip of her drink “Don’t know. He died years ago.”

“How did he die?” Ahron pressed. He was intrigued by the different world they lived in, it was underground and dangerous.

“What do I look like? A history teacher?” she quickly caught herself “Don’t answer that!” her finger pointed at him threateningly.

Lung Gor overheard his sister’s comment “Don’t mind her, she’s a little uptight because she was never good in history.”

Joey pouted her lips “Whatever, just because you were a history geek.”

“You went to college?” Ahron asked, trying not to sound shocked.

“No, if we did, we’d be sitting in an office enjoying the air conditioned room.” Joey snickered “We only went as far as second year in high school.”

“And you been on your own since then?” Ahron was full of questions and it seemed only one person was annoyed with it.

Fingers crossed his arms, his face twisted into a suspicious glare “Why are you so curious about their backgrounds? Hmm, I heard about Fu Ting sending over some undercovers to get back at us for the 92’ war that we won.”

“What is a Fu Ting?” he asked innocently.

Joey flicked an eye dangerously at Fingers “It’s our rival gang. They hate us, we hate them…you know the usual.” She nodded her head towards Fingers “He’s got a stick up his ass, don’t mind him.”

“I’ve got a stick somewhere else too…” he smiled disgustedly.

Lung Gor shook his head at the two “Stop wasting your energy on her, she doesn’t like men.”

Dee turned to Joey “Why don’t you give men a chance, maybe you’ll like it on the other side if you catch my drift.”

“Men are dumb.” Joey snorted.

“I’ll drink to that!” Lung Gor announced as he raised his cup of beer making the rest follow in unison. In a way he was glad that she didn't prefer men. They could only mean trouble especially after realizing she was the sister of the most promising Triad leaders in Hong Kong.

She smiled crookedly at the way her brother always had a way with words. And he was twisted enough to turn her problems into a joke “I’m sure they’re not ALL dumb.” Ahron disagreed.

“Really?” Joey turned to him with an interested look and he nodded. She nodded to Dee “Go to the bathroom.” Dee looked at her strangely but she got up, showing off her long slender legs. She was beautiful enough to be a model but preferred the dangerous lifestyle. Her sultry steps earned looks all around the tables. Joey noticed now Ahron’s eyes wandered to Dee as he too watched her leave “She makes your groin itch huh?” Joey nudged.

“I beg your pardon?” he asked with surprise.

Joey rolled her eyes “Please, don’t use that polite crap on me. Didn’t you notice that every guy in this room watched Dee get up from her chair and walk to the bathroom. It’s a given fact, men are dumb when it comes to beautiful women. They don’t even know that they are dumb until they’re caught in the act.”

Lung Gor smiled with appreciation “She makes a lot of sense.” He turned to see Dee walking back.

“What happened?” she asked with an excited tone.

“You just proved Joey’s theory.” Lung Gor grinned proudly.

“Really? How?” Dee wondered out loud.

Joey sighed “Nevermind. Where the hell is the food??!!” she growled.

Lung Gor snapped his fingers at one of the guys “Go see what the hold up is.”

“Yes.” He replied obediently. Within seconds the food was being served “He just needed a good scare.” The guy said when he returned with a laugh.

“Great how threats work huh?” Joey snickered. She dug into the food but at the corner of her eyes, she could see Fingers leering at her with hungry eyes “What?!” she snapped angrily.

He shook his head, but kept the smile on “Nothing.”

“Perv…” Joey muttered under her breath. She gathered a bowl full of food as she nudged Ahron “Come on.”

“Where are we going?”

“Somewhere else, I can’t eat with pervs.” She said it loud enough for Fingers to hear. Grabbing a beer bottle, she led Ahron outside. They sat on an empty table set outside of the diner “Much better.” She nodded while enjoying her food.

He smiled at her warmly “This is just a wild guess but you don’t like Fingers.”

Joey laughed with her mouth full of rice “Yeah, something like that. He gives me the creeps. Something about that guy…I don’t know, it just doesn’t fit.”

“That’s your opinion.” She nodded in response as he continued to look at her. She turned up with a small smile but didn’t question his gaze “I just looked at you for longer than…” he checked his plastic watch “twenty three seconds and you haven’t barked or cursed at me yet.”

She laughed, “Is that what the stare is about?” Joey shrugged nonchalantly “I don’t know why…you’re different. I can feel it in my bones. I’m not a great people person but I trust my instincts. You would never hurt me or try something.”

“How could you be so sure?” he watched her take a gulp of beer and pointed the bottle to him. He reluctantly took a sip and almost spat it out.

Finding it humorous, Joey cackled with laughter “Sorry, I couldn’t hold that one in.” she took the bottle from his hands “I told you, I trust my instinct. I can’t tell you why.”

“I see.” He smiled while they finished the food “Do you want more?”

Joey shook her head “No, I’m good.” She finished the rest of the beer and let out a loud burp “Whew…that felt better.” She tilted her head at Ahron “What do you do for fun?”

“Excuse me?” he raised his brows at her.

“You heard me.” She pressed.

He smiled, indeed he did “Nothing.”

“Yeah right!” Joey pushed him playfully “So you don’t go to bars and pick up girls? Oh wait…that’s right, they don’t have them up there.”

“No, I just never had the chance to experience it. Maybe if I did, I would like it?” it was more of a question for himself.

Her eyes narrowed with a sly grin “We’ll see.” Grabbing his hand, she pulled him up from the chair “Come on.” Entering the restaurant, she yelled loud enough for her brother to hear “Gor, I’m going out!!”

He nodded and pointed a few guys to go after her. Joey began walking with her hand entwined with Ahron’s “Where are we going?”

“Somewhere new.” She said secretively. They were in time for the opening of a small club that she usually goes to get away from her lifestyle of gangs and violence. The two entered with a few curious eyes turning to look at the beauty. She seemed to care less that a few whistles were blown her way “First, you need a drink.”

He shook his head politely “I don’t drink. I thought it was obvious.”

She laughed “More than you think. But you need to loosen up. Just one shot to give you a little buzz where you’ll find everything amusing and dancing is actually fun because you don’t care what others think.”

He was hesitant, but she was persistent “Okay.”

She called a drink that he was not familiar with but took the shot that was thrust into his hands. They clinked the small glasses together “To a crazy night.” She laughed and took the shot. He smiled and followed with a disgusted look when he swallowed the bitter drink as a whole.

“Smooth…” he said sarcastically.

“Let’s go dance!” Joey pried him away from the bar and into the center of the dance floor. He was shy at first but with Joey’s fluid body grazing against his, he felt almost strange to move something “Loosen up!” she instructed.

He laughed nervously “I can’t. It’s…weird.”

“You callin me weird?” she asked offensively. Ahron quickly shook his head “Now come on! It’s not hard.” Taking his hands in her own, she moved them freely “Its just takes a little bit of guts.” She dropped one hand and twirled herself into him with the other hand. When he was still stiff as a board, she sighed, “Do you want another shot?”

That did the trick as he began moving uncontrollably, arms and legs kicking in strange directions. Joey took a step back, her fingers on her chin thoughtfully “Is it good?” he asked with a goofy grin.

She widened her eyes when he did a strange movement with his neck “Uh…yeah, much better.” She laughed when he continued with wild arms smapping. He was loosening up or maybe it was just the booze.

His face grew red as the alcohol streamed into his blood. But it gave him courage to dance as clumsy as he wanted. He found the more wild he got, the more Joey laughed. It was addicting to his ears as he tried harder to make her laugh. At one time, he twisted a foot behind and tried to spin on one heel, instead he landed on his butt while Joey laughed until there were tears. She reached her hand down to help him up “You like that move?” he asked, finally oblivious to the stares and pointed fingers in his direction.

“Stop…my stomach is hurting.” Joey shook her head, her head lowered as she grabbed her stomach painfully “No more. I need to sit down.”

“Okay, five minutes and then we’ll be back!” he cried over the sound of the booming music. They took a seat at the bar and it was Ahron that called for another shot.

Joey turned to him with a grin “Wow…you pick it up fast.”

“I learn from the best.” He winked at her flirtatiously.

“Is something wrong with your eye or did you just wink at me?” she asked straightforwardly.

Ahron looked sad “See, this is why I can’t find a girlfriend. Because I can’t even flirt right! Even when I’m drunk!” he pounded the shot into his mouth.

Joey laughed “First of all, you’re not drunk if you have two drinks. Second of all, any girl would be happy to find a decent nice guy like yourself. Your kind is practically extinct.”

“Thanks.” He frowned “I think…anyways, I’ve never found a girl that was appreciative of me.”

“You just haven’t found the right girl, that’s all.” She looked earnest for a second until a song began to play “Ooh, it’s my favorite song!!” and they were on the dance floor again.

Chapter 20

Joey and Ahron were involved in their own world when she began teaching him new dance moves. Oblivious to the Fu Ting gang that entered the tiny bar. They marched through the crowd as the people slid to the side to make room for the Dai Lou, Chun Gor.

Ahron was the first to notice the guy "Gidoni?" he questioned silently. He was a splitting image of the God of Power. How ironic that he would have the power even in human form.

"What the hell did you call me?" he asked with narrowed eyes.

Joey turned after hearing the familiar enemy's voice "Shit."

"How did you come down here?" Ahron asked. He wasn't aware that people were giving him strange glares.

"I was born here, stupid." he scowled but the second he laid eyes on Joey, his syrupy voice emerged "Joey." he said her name sweetly that it gave shivers up her spine "I didn't see you. What are you doing with this fuckin geek?"

Joey whipped her eyes towards her boys that stood near the exit. Giving them a quick warning to get her brother "Nothing." she replied casually.

Chun Gor was ahead of her as he snapped a finger "Get them." at the command, a group of ten guys ran after Joey's boys. Whipping out their knives they began a brutal slashing. She didn't dare to look, none would probably survive. He turned to her with interest "So...where were we?"

"WE were dancing, but you interrupted us." Ahron replied.

Joey turned to face him and her back was towards Chun Gor. She shook her head slightly "Not now." she whispered.

"I can defeat him." Ahron said with confidence.

Chun Gor tilted his head back as he laughed, his boys too began laughing as if on cue "Did you hear that? I can defeat him." he said in a mocking tone.

"Leave him alone, he's not with Hung Hing." Joey warned as she turned to the ruthless leader.

"Aww...sure, I can leave him alone. If you go back with me. I want to rock your world." he inched closer to her until she could feel the heat coming from his body.

Ahron snickered "Leave the lady alone, it's obvious she doesn't like you."

"Shit...shut up!" Joey hissed with a hand covering her mouth. She didn't know why he was trying to be heroic when their lives were in danger.

"What did I tell you about cursing?" Ahron scolded. He turned to Chun Gor and pulled Joey closer behind him "Look buddy, I don't know who you are and I don't really care, but you are disturbing us. I'm afraid you need to leave." he began politely.

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

Lung Gor was still enjoying the dessert when one of his boys came back with slashes all over his body. His face pale as he was helped up by three guys "What happened?!" Lung Gor demanded.

"Fu Ting..." it was all he needed to say to send goosebumps all over his body.

"Fuck! Joey..." getting up, he nodded to his boys as they quickly followed "Fingers, take Dee home." he instructed without turning back. He hoped it wasn't too late to save his sister.

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

"Where are you from? The 1300's?? Who the fuck talks like that anymore?" Chun Gor was growing bored of the guy.

"Correct grammar doesn't have to be used in the 1300's--" Ahron's quick quip earned a painful punch into the left jaw by Chun Gor. His body whipped to the ground unexpectedly.

Joey tried to catch him but his fall was too fast and hard. She stumbled down with him "Are you okay? Damn, I told you to shut up."

Ahron adjusted his jaw as he tried to control the throbbing pain shooting through his face. The pain felt too real, but how could he be hurt from a mortal? He looked up and noticed Joey's worried expression "I'm okay."

"I'll do the talking." she advised as the two stood up to face the fierce leader "Chun Gor, don't pick on the little boys, they're no match for you." she said sweetly.

"So you finally noticed?" he teased "So when are you gonna follow me? I'll make it worth your while."

Joey grinned "Maybe in your dreams because I prefer women." her comment made some of his boys stifle a laugh.

Chun Gor was out of patience "In my dreams, I'll fuck you till you die." he narrowed his eyes dangerously at her "But wait...I can do that now too if I wanted." his threat earned whistles and appluase around the room. The doors were shut and the music had long ago stopped. The only sound was his booming voice.

"Fuck yourself!" Joey spat. She was disgusted with men, but he was the worse of them all. Arrogant and demanding of women, they were at his beck and call. She didn't know why he wanted her.

"Bitch!!" he growled at the same time, his hand raised to slap her across the face.

Joey widened her eyes, fearless of the coming slap. Instead, Ahron's hand stopped Chung Gor's wrist centimeters from her face "Didn't your mother ever teach you not to slap a lady?" he threw his hand to the side.

Chun Gor remained cool eventhough he was boiling inside. He snapped his fingers at his boys "What did I say about fuckers that talk about my mother?"

"KILL HIM!!!" his boys answered in unison.

Joey inched away as she was covered by Ahron, they moved back but quickly realized there would be nothing to stop them. They were surrounded by forty something guys, she didn't bother counting "Great job! Now what?" she muttered to Ahron.

"I'll protect you." he said courageously.

"Yeah, that's good for dreamland but we're talking about right now!" Joey said with sarcasm.

He turned to her with wrinkled brows "Can you for one second take me seriously?"

She laughed nervously when the circle got close to centering them "I'd like to...really...but it's a defense mechanism. I like to be sarcastic before I die." Joey could only close her eyes as she was ready for the beating, they were not any kinder to women. She knew it too clearly after hearing her brother explain Chun Gor's ruthless ways.

They were saved by the door being thrust open. All eyes turned to the door where Lung Gor walked in with a long stride, his eyes meeting no one elses but Chun Gor. His gang of guys walked in with dangerous stares as the two rival gangs slid behind their leaders. The club was too small for that many people but it seemed it was the least of their worries.

"Ah Gor!" Joey was happy to see her brother.

He nodded for her to stand behind him "You got a problem with my sister? Take it up with me." he said coldly.

Chun Gor snorted with a crooked smile "Not really. But I do have a problem with that nosy ass punk bitch next to her." his eyes pointing at Ahron.

"He's not with us." Lung Gor replied coolly.

"You could have fooled me." he laughed "He was trying to be the hero that saves the maiden. Wasn't it funny?" he asked his boys as they replied with a roaring laugh. Raising a hand, he halted the room to a silence "I was just talking to Joey about how I could change her taste."

Lung Gor chuckled "Oh, is that all?" he shrugged nonchalantly "I can tell you now even if she was straight, I'd kill her before I let her date a mother fucker like you."

Chun Gor threw a quick punch at his enemy but he was as much experience in the art of fist fighting. Lung Gor dodged it with ease as he expected it. After a few more dodging punches, the two were quickly entwined in a brutal fight "What the hell are you waiting for??!!" Chun Gor roared at his guys and they began choosing their enemeies to fight with.

Ahron pulled Joey away from a brawl that soon began in front of them. He held tightly onto her hand while manuevering around the fights. They were at the door when a group of the guys speeded away from their fights to stop them "Going somewhere?"

"You take the skinny one and I'll take the fat one." Joey whispered. She began charging at them when suddenly she felt a force pulling her back. Ahron quickly attacked and within seconds, he had defeated them without losing energy. Joey gaped in shock "How did you do that?" she asked dumbfounded.

He smiled secretively "Don't ask." he winked at her before racing back into the growing fights to help Lung Gor. With every punch from Ahron, the guy was thrown back a few feet and was quickly unconscious. When he got to the center, he swiftly threw Chun Gor to the side. Lung Gor had a pretty red bruise at the corner of his lips while Chun Gor didn't have a scratch on him. Ahron knew why "Come on, you can't defeat him."

"What?" Lung Gor asked as he wiped the blood that was creeping from the cut.

"Go...get Joey and go. I'll take care of him." Ahron said with confidence.

Lung Gor was flabbergasted but his instincts told him to go. Turning back, he fought his way through the crowd until he reached Joey "Gor! Where's Hung?" she asked worriedly.

"He said we had to go." he was confused himself but the gut feeling told him not to worry "Let's go."

"No! I'm not leaving him! He could die!" she shook her head stubbornly.

Lung Gor turned to the crowd and let out a high pitched whistle "Come on!!" he commanded as his guys quickly left their fights and rushed after Lung Gor and Joey. His hand gripping on her wrist as he dragged her out of the bar.

"Let me go, Gor!" she twisted and turned her wrist but the more she tried to free herself, the tougher he was.

He didn't give in to her begging. Lung Gor didn't bother acknowledging her tears. They stopped after a block of running, he pushed Joey into one of his guys "Take her home. I'm going back."

"GOR!" Joey tried to go after him but the guys had firm orders from their Dai Lou. She was ushered away while her brother returned to the scene.

"Barak, I know you're in there." Ahron said threateningly "You're breaking the laws by invading a human soul and body."

Chun Gor snickered "You're fuckin crazy."

"Am I?" they circled each other like lions ready to fight for a piece of meat "How come you punch me and it hurts? Don't play games Barak, I know it's you. I can smell the stench coming from your breath."

A smile grew wider "You're not entirely dumb." rolling up a ball of fire, he threw it at Ahron with a vengeance. Ahron dove out of the way as it crashed into the bar behind him. The fire exploded quickly and most of the guys rushed out of the bar.

"What do you want with her?" Ahron asked, trying to get the bottom of his journey to the mortal world.

"Who?"

Ahron snickered "You know exactly whom."

"Ahh...the human girl. Well, she's not entirely human. The Fortune Teller." Barak found it amusing as he threw his head back with a laugh.

"She is innocent!!" Ahron cried angrily "Leave her alone."

"The hell I will." He formed another fire ball but suddenly fell to his knees. He seem to be in pain as he clutched his head. The fire slowly evaporated from his hands.

Ahron frowned curiously, why was he in pain? His eyes looked up when he saw Lung Gor entering the bar and beating up the guys that tried to stop him. Ahron knew it would be inexplainable if he saw Barak holding his head in pain. Sprinting over to Lung Gor, he pushed a few guys out of the way "Let's get out of here!"

Lung Gor nodded as the two rushed out with only a few guys that attempted to stop them. When they were at least two blocks away, the two paused "I think they're not following us anymore." Lung Gor said while trying to catch his breath. Ahron nodded in reply. Together the two began walking back to Hung Hing's territory where they would be safe "You're not bad." he nudged Ahron after a few steps.

"Thanks." he smiled "You came back."

He stopped dead in his tracks "I always come back."

Ahron nodded, at that moment he finally understood the bond between a gang brother. They were noble men, fit to be a King's guard "Where's Joey?"

"She's safe." Lung Gor nodded. A smile suddenly grew over his face "You like her?"

"No! Well...even if I did, it wouldn't matter." Ahron shrugged.

Lung Gor laughed "I was just fucking with you, man. I know she's into that gay crap. To be honest, I don't think men are all that great anyways. I'd be happier if she was with women that wouldn't hurt her emotionally."

"You say it as if she had experience?" Ahron asked, wondering how Joey came about to becoming gay.

He nodded solemnly "You can say that." He stopped in front of a convenient store "Wait here." running inside, he bought a six pack of beer for the two of them to drink. After he came out, he handed one to Ahron "This is gonna take all night."

Chapter 21

The guys took a ride up to Mountain Peak for more privacy. The view was magnificent at night but they seemed oblivious to the lights of the lively city surrounding. Lung Gor leaned against a pole while he sat on the ledge of the cliff with ease, not at all bothered by the inch away from falling to his death “My sister is only twenty four but she’s endured more than some people have in their lifetime.”

“So what happened to her?” Ahron asked curiously while taking a sip of the beer.

He wrinkled his face in disgust while Lung Gor laughed at the facial expression he gave “It’s an acquired taste.”

“Big word.” Ahron kidded.

“I know.” He laughed as he gulped half a bottle of cold beer into his stomach. It was queasy but he liked beer “About five years ago, she met a guy…can’t remember his name.” He said nonchalantly “She fell madly in love. I was like any brother, cautious and warned him not to hurt my baby sister. He was really strange, followed her around like a puppy. But one day, he just left…no letter or call. She was devastated. Then a year later, he returns and says he made it to the top of his business. He was rich, a lawyer or something like that. He asked for her hand in marriage.”

Ahron felt a strange chill running up his spine and his stomach turned “What happened then?”

“She wanted to marry him. I couldn’t say anything. So I let her…walked her down the aisle and everything. Then within two months, she came to me. She caught him with another woman! That bastard, I wanted to wring his neck with my own fingers!”

“You…you killed him?” Ahron asked. His heart was beating faster and for a second he thought maybe Lung Gor was able to hear it.

He snickered with regret “No, that son of a bitch was killed by that woman’s husband before I got a chance to get to him. Joey was torn into shreds.” He was choked up just speaking of the story but he felt no need to hide the tearing eyes “And do you know what he left her with?”

Ahron shook his head, a ghastly look plastered on his face. The story was too familiar “Don’t tell me she was pregnant.”

Lung Gor tilted his head to the side “How did you know? Did Joey tell you?”

“She might have mentioned something, but I did not hear the long version.” He lied.

Lung Gor nodded as he continued “Well, after she caught them in bed. She took off in her car. Damn…she was in no condition to be driving. A car came directly at her and she didn’t stop in time. The baby was gone…I wanted to kill him. I really did.” He said darkly, eyes red with rage as he recalled the situation clearly.

“Is that why she turned the other way?” Ahron pressed further. The cold sweat was creeping up his back, Joey’s story was a combination of the past two encounters he had with Chou Yee and Zoey. He knew now that they were the same person but she has not figured it out yet.

Lung Gor nodded “Yeah. She gave up on men, she didn’t care for them and hated them. Strange how she seems to be very nice to you.”

“Cause I saved her.” Ahron added quickly.

He shook his head “No, not that…there’s plenty of guys that has saved her life but something about you…”

Before he had a chance to finish the thought, Ahron interrupted “Don’t worry Lung Gor. I would never hurt Joey in any way. We are too different, she’s like a…sister to me. Nothing more. I promise.”

Lung Gor laughed as he punched Ahron’s arm playfully “Stop being fucking paranoid. I wasn’t going to threaten you…actually, I kinda like you.” Ahron raised his brows and Lung Gor quickly covered his comment “I don’t mean like that. Shit…I love women. I’ve got a girl. I mean, you’re geeky looking but you’re cool. You’ve got a lot of guts. I admire that.” He nodded firmly.

Ahron smiled humbly “Thanks-”

“Hold on.” Lung Gor couldn’t take the vibrating calls any longer as he picked it up “What?!” he growled angrily.

“Gor! Why the hell haven’t you call?? Where is Ah Hung?? Is he alive?” Joey’s frustrated voice broke into their conversation.

He laughed while rolling his eyes “Is that all you care about? He’s fine, still alive and in one piece. We’re just having a talk.”

“Don’t you dare initiate him into the gang! I don’t want his life to be in danger. I have enough people to worry about!” she scolded like a mother.

Lung Gor sighed, “Alright grandma…I know, he’s not joining our gang even if I want him to. Stop being such a mother. I’ll be back later. Bye.” He hung up without giving her a chance to say anything else “Women, they’ll drive you crazy.”

“She’s just worried about you.” Ahron smiled. The sibling bond between them was indescribable.

“Me? Shit no! She was asking about you.” He laughed making Ahron join him eventually “I guess we better get back before she calls me again.”

Ahron nodded in response as he got up “Thanks for the beer.”

“No problem man. You’re a cheap date, you didn’t even finish one.” Lung Gor pointed out.

“Sorry, I don’t like bitter things.” He commented.

“Yeah, Joey didn’t either. But she’s learned to accept it. Now she can drink like a sailor…I guess it’s a good thing. No guy can take advantage of her, she can never get drunk or let herself get drunk.” Together they walked towards the bottom of the hill where a taxi was waiting for them “Smart girl now.”

Ahron nodded in response “She is.”

***********

Azariah had a puzzled look on her face as she turned to Jeroham “Why is it that—”

“No more questions!!!” Cyrus exclaimed before she finished her thought.

“Excuse you, Cyrus, but I was not speaking to you.” She said haughtily.

“Sorry…I was speaking for my friend, Jeroham.” He said calmly.

Jeroham smiled at his friend’s outburst “Your question is answerable but I am not to expose the truth.”

“Yes, yes, I know the rules. But Barak has obviously broken it when he entered that human’s body. Not to mention, he did not deny it. Serefina would surely discover this truth?” the God of Sun asked. With each nagging question, she realized the truth was hidden in every answer. She wanted nothing more than to help Ahron.

“Barak…” Jeroham sighed as he stood up from his game of ‘Go’ with Cyrus, who began to look frustrated “He is not himself and should not be stopped until the time is right.”

“When will it be right? When he has fully taken over the Heavens or when Ahron is banned from returning for all eternity?” Azariah asked, her voice rising with each question “He must be stopped! I will do anything if it means to save my beloved.” She cried boldly.

Cyrus groaned tiredly “Dear God of Sun, do not stress yourself over what is already written in the stars. He will be alright as he is an important aspect in changing the course of all Heaven’s rules.”

“Cyrus!” Jeroham scolded.

“You know it will eventually spill, so why not tell her before she drives us mad!” he argued.

Azariah smiled slowly “The God of Fortune is no fool.”

“As much as I disagree with Cyrus, I believe you do have every right to know the truth.” Jeroham sighed, “Have a seat, this could take a while.”

Cyrus slumped back in his chair of clouds “Great! We will never finish one game of Go.”

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

Lung Gor and Ahron were greeted by a worried Joey as she rushed over to them “Ah Hung, are you okay? Do you have any cuts? Bruises? I’ll get the first aid.” She clutched his arms while twisting him in circles for an inspection.

He laughed from her paranoid reaction, “I’m alright. Not a scratch on me.”

She sighed with relief and turned to her brother, who was grinning at him “And you!” she smacked him across the chest with her fist “Don’t you ever do that to me again!!”

“Ow!” he said simply “Sure, he gets the special treatment but your brother gets a punch and a scolding from his baby sister.” He narrowed his eyes dangerously “I’m beginning to wonder if we’re from the same parents.”

“No, I was adopted, thank God.” She joked. Joey cooled down as she reached out and hugged Lung Gor affectionately “I’m glad you’re okay.” She pulled away with a pouty lip “Next time, let me go with you.”

He laughed knowing that if there was a next time, he would still do the same. Her safety was too important “Yes…of course.” He nodded to Fingers, who silently stood in the back waiting to be acknowledged, “How’s Dee?”

“Safe.” He answered shortly “Lung Gor…” he said hesitantly.

Nodding, Lung Gor understood the silent request “Go to sleep.” He said to Joey before walking back to Fingers as they entered a room to discuss business.

Ahron noticed Joey gazing at him strangely “What? Do I look more handsome now?” he joked.

She looked ready to hurl “Please! I was just thinking how you were able to walk away without a scratch. Those guys had daggers bigger than your arm.”

Ahron’s eyes carefully moved away “Luck, I guess.” He began walking towards a room that he knew was empty “I need to sleep.”

Joey quickly covered the door with her body “This is my room.” She said carefully.

He stepped back “It is?” he frowned “I didn’t know your room was a storage for booze.”

She winced after realizing she was caught “How did you know that?”

“I saw it earlier.” He lied with a cool grin. Moving her aside, he opened the door and walked inside without inviting her in “Good night.”

Joey dropped her jaw “That’s all?”

Ahron was ready to close the door when he recognized the hurt tone “What else do you want, princess?” he sighed tiredly.

“A thank you would work.” She crossed her arms with widened eyes.

“For what?” he asked with confusion.

“For saving your ass!” she blurted but quickly covered her potty mouth “I mean butt.”

Ahron grinned crookedly “Last time I checked, I think it was me that saved your…eh… butt.” He turned his head to take a glimpse of the side of her butt “A cute one, I might add.”

She leered her eyes suspiciously “Damn, one night with my brother and you’ve turned into a pervert.”

“No, not a perv…just a new appreciation for life and women.” He smiled carefully.

Joey rolled her eyes “Great, an educated perv. Just what I needed.”

“Good night, Joey.” Ahron laughed.

She flashed him a wide grin “Night.” She turned and walked away, her butt swaying from side to side purposely. Joey turned her head over her shoulder and caught him staring after her “Perv.” He laughed harder at her comment before closing the door behind him.

SIUBINGLIBRARY