~~ Meanwhile… Heaven~~

“Pfft. I knew she was an oddball, but she exceeded my expectations. Hahaha!”

God chuckled at Hyun’s shocked expression as the TV screen flickered off. Things were going a lot smoother than he had anticipated. Though he hadn’t anticipated Zadkiel’s pivotal role in all of this. Leaning against his seat, God swiveled around in his chair, pondering if he should make Zadkiel an “official” character in his story. 

“Zadkiel’s always been fond of humans, so I’m quite certain he’ll fit right in. He also seems to have gotten attached to that child as well.” God tapped his finger on his desk as a small grin peeked out from the corner of his lips, “It wouldn’t be a bad idea to have someone close to the children—.”

A loud ding suddenly sounded from his computer, alerting God to a new “chapter.” Curious, the deity shifted his attention to the Word document and watched the blank page fill with detailed accounts of Heeyoon’s reincarnated life. He silently read its contents before resting his head on his desk.

“… Am I really doing the right thing?”

Slumped over his desk, God’s amethyst eyes flickered towards the miniature model of the Arch of Reincarnation that was tucked away in the corner. Two leather-bound books were neatly displayed within the glass case. Their intricate finishes made of precious stones and gold sparkled under the soft glow of the overhanging lights. 

Rising from his seat, God slowly made his way to the display case, his chest tightening with unbridled grief and sadness. With a trembling hand, he rested his palm on the glass and stared at the name engraved on the front cover of the book placed on the left-hand side.  

God could never forgive himself for what happened. If only he had been more prudent in his decision, could he have saved them? Or had it always been inevitable, and he had been too stubborn to acknowledge it? Biting the inside of his cheek, God felt his heart sink at the sudden realization he had neglected to think about. What if Heeyoon’s fate with Song Yoo is irreversible as well? 

After the tragedy that followed the last contractor, the divine creator had vowed never to enter into another covenant. Yet, when God saw Heeyoon’s undeterred gaze, he couldn’t help but be reminded of her predecessor. 

With a frustrated sigh, God rested his forehead against the cool glass surface of the display case. His head hurt to think about the endless possibilities that could ruin his plans, just like before. The veins on his temple pulsed with each throb. The harder God pushed to repress his memories, the more they seemed to surge to the forefront of his mind. 

“… That child greatly resembles you, doesn’t she?”

.

.

.

~~Approximately 400 Years Ago…~~

“Please! I can’t be here; I must save him!” 

The 19-year-old’s desperate cries rang across the golden throne room. The angels that had been in the middle of reporting to God froze, gawking at the living soul that had suddenly appeared before them. How did he manage to break through the many barriers that surrounded the divine palace of God?

God raised an eyebrow, his golden hair hanging loosely around his shoulders while his inquisitive amethyst eyes peered down at the tiny soul.

“… Welcome, my child. But whatever do you mean?”

Scrambling to his feet, the young man limped towards the divine being. His unsheathed sword in his dominant hand was dripping with thick blood, leaving behind a sticky trail with each step taken towards the golden throne. Collapsing onto the ground, the soldier’s dark black hair covered his gray eyes as he bowed his head to the Divine.

“Please… I beg you! Is there any way you can save him?!”

“You are referring to your master, the third prince, yes?” 

The young soldier merely nodded his head, his entire body quaking and trembling in the presence of God. Hot tears plip-plopped onto the stone floor while the young man’s chest burned with growing resentment and guilt. He would do anything to go back and save the man he had sworn his life to.

“… Leave us. I wish to talk to this mortal alone.”

The angels swiftly formed two lines and hurried out the door, leaving the pair in total silence. God beckoned the man to come closer, all the while eyeing the large scar that ran across the soldier's neck. Suicide, eh? I wonder how he managed to arrive in Heaven despite attempting such a cardinal sin. What an impressive feat! 

“Unfortunately, I cannot bring the dead back to life. It would disrupt the laws of nature. Not to mention, it’s an immoral act.” 

“Then what am I to do? How can I go on without…?” The young man trailed off. His heart pattered quickly against his throat, terrified of acknowledging his vile and untoward affections for his beloved master.

“Hmm. You must have loved him terribly to come all this way despite your unforgivable sin.”

“…”

“There is another way that you can see him again, but it will cost you tremendously.” God rested his chiseled cheek against his fist and flickered his curious glance at the mortal before him, “Are you willing to make such a sacrifice?”

“If it means that I can be by his side again, I will gladly throw my life away. There is no point in continuing this life when he is not by my side.”

Huh, the reapers must have told him that he has yet to pass on. God studied the young, sturdy 19-year-old shivering before him. This boy had been destined to become an influential military figure, and yet, he wanted to throw all that away for love? God was stunned. Despite the many “great loves” the human world had to offer, God had never encountered a mortal who managed to crawl up the Stairway to Heaven without the soul becoming corrupted— or worse, devoured.

“Hm. Then shall we—.”

.

.

.

“BROTHER!”

God snapped his eyes open, jolting away from the display case. The headache that had been throbbing against his temples seemingly dissipated as he witnessed his younger brother’s grand entrance. Accompanying the Greek god were four cherubim*, the personal guards tasked with defending God at all times.

“Hades. I warned you not to set foot within my domain without prior notice. Have you already forgotten?” God asked, narrowing his eyes at the unwelcome guest. 

“Psht, you thought I’d follow through with that? This place was once my home as well before I took up my duty as the ruler of the Underworld.” 

Hades shrugged off the cherubim and plopped onto the seat before God. His arms defiantly crossed against his broad chest, Hades smirked at his older brother, like he was challenging God to refute the undeniable truth.

“Ha… Never mind.” God massaged his temples, irritated that he now had to humor Hades on top of reviewing the mountain of documents waiting for his approval. I should’ve revoked that brute’s access to Heaven the last time he threw a tantrum. Ha…. God waved his hand at his personal guards, “You may return to your posts. Thank you for accompanying him here.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. We will take our leave.” The cherubim respectfully bowed before exiting the room. 

Once he was sure that the cherubims were gone, God turned to Hades, “So, what brings you here? I’m sure you didn’t come by to start a fight with me.”

“Do you really need to ask? Where are they?” Hades asked, resting his feet on the sleek mahogany desk. 

God bit his tongue at Hades’ blatant disregard for decorum. He understood that his brother was angry and upset, but to act so rudely was unbecoming of a dignified ruler. Is he reverting to his old ways? Or is he merely lashing out his frustrations towards me?  

“Do you not remember the lessons I’ve taught you for your succession? Be direct and concise with your question.”

“Ha! I am not a child! I don’t need your guidance anymore!” Hades growled, his golden eyes flashing with both annoyance and humiliation at God’s nagging. He had already graduated from God’s tutelage nearly a millennium ago. What more did his “brother” want from him?!

“Then act like the dignified ruler that you are.” God coldly replied as he flicked Hades’ mud-encrusted boots, “Get your feet off my desk and reframe your question.”

Grumbling to himself, Hades reluctantly set his feet down on the floor. “Those humans—. I mean, where have you hidden Hee-yoon Lee and Ye-ji Park?” Hades asked, eyeing the self-typing keyboard on the desk. Tsk, don’t tell me he’s started up that damn “hobby” again!

“I told you. They are currently under my protection and doing quite well. You have nothing to worry about.”

“How can I not worry?! I sent Ye-ji off with a tracker and—.”

“Oh, is that what it was? I thought it was peculiar that you’d part with such a beloved artifact. You never lend any of your artifacts to anyone. You even kicked out Yeshua from Elysium when he tried to ask for your permission to borrow Apollo’s bow.”

“Tsk… You’ve taken hold of it, I presume?” Hades asked, his voice full of exasperation at his brother’s meddling. 

“I didn’t take it on purpose. Zadkiel happened upon it when he went to visit the children. Would you like it back?”

“Forget it. I can already guess where you’ve sent those two.” Hades grumbled as he removed his cloak. His flowing, fiery red hair spilled down his back like a river of molten lava streaming down against his ashy skin. “You’ve started up that hobby of yours again, haven’t you?”

“Hm? I’m not sure what you mean.” God feigned innocence while covering the display case with his body. The last time Hades had borne witness to the Books of Reincarnation, he had threatened to get rid of them. 

“I can see what you’re covering, you know.” Hades sighed, shaking his head at God’s clumsy attempt to hide the books. “You haven’t learned your lesson at all!”

“I don’t need your criticism. You’ve made your point, so kindly return to your territory. I will protect the children from harm and return them within the year.”

“Six months.”

“… I can’t guarantee that.”

“Until when will you feed those delusions of yours?! You think creating an alternate universe will resolve anything? Those children are living beings— not some mere inanimate dolls for you to play house with!”  

“Who says I’m playing house? I only wish for their happiness. Is that so wrong?!” God snapped, his amethyst eyes glowing with rage.

“Yes, it is. You can’t force something that was never meant to be.”

“Force? How am I forcing anything? Hee-yoon and Song Yoo were supposed to be together if it wasn’t for his untimely death!" 

“Was it untimely?” 

God felt his heart drop as Hades’ words rang throughout the study. Of course, it wasn't. Song Yoo had died exactly the way the Book of Life had predicted. But wasn't it unfortunate that Hee-yoon and Song Yoo had to part in such a manner? Enough to leave a lasting scar on them both?

“You’re right, but that doesn't mean they don't deserve a second chance.”

Hades felt like he was talking to a brick wall. Even after witnessing the tragedy that befell the previous covenant holder, his brother was still holding onto that false belief. Not everyone wished to be tied down by the past, nor be given a second chance. What they did want— and should be given— was a brand new start. Yet, his brother couldn't understand such a simple notion.

Releasing his hold on God, Hades sighed as he walked back to the center of the room, “What about what Song Yoo wants? Do you think he would want to face that child again?”

“…” God gritted his teeth and averted his gaze to the floor. 

“Since you’ve already started, I won’t meddle any longer. However, if I sense that things have gone awry again, I will take all three of them back with me to the Underworld.” Hades kicked open the doors before glancing back at his brother, “Do not let history repeat itself.”

"It won't. I'll make sure of it."

SIDE NOTE:

*Cherubim: They are the second-highest rank order among the hierarchy of angels. These angels are fierce warriors who are solely mobilized for the protection of God and various sacred grounds of Heaven. 

**NOTE: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.**