More than a hundred years ago…

If Aia could yawn, she would have done so multiple times that day.

But to sleep or to even yawn is not something she can do. But the goddess knew she was bored as she watched the three fishermen talked to a young boy. They came rushing to her while she sat on her chair placed in the temple. The men shoved the boy, and he fell backward. The boy was hurt, but she sensed it was not enough to break his will.

At first, the goddess thought it was a case of thievery. But the boy was only trying to make a living for himself. They all gathered in her temple due to the conflict that arose.

“Goddess, this boy invaded our fishing area.”

“Why am I not allowed to fish around that area?” asked the boy.

He spoke as he stood from the ground where he fell. His knee is cut and is slightly bleeding. But the boy talks as if he has no injury. He also has bruises on his arms that the goddess wondered if caused by another incident.

The boy faces the men instead of her. So Aia sat patiently on her chair as she listened to their voices.

“Because we have been fishing on that same spot for years,” argued the man who tries to intimidate the boy.

“I was not aware that someone had bought the river,” the boy said as if in awe.

“I did not say I bought the river, you fool!”

“Then anyone can do what they please in the river.”

Aia almost smiled at how the boy answered abruptly. He was not only looking for an opportunity for himself but for other people as well who lived on the island.

“You should know your place! And you should know how to respect your elders, young man. Did your parents not teach you that?”

“Unfortunately, Sir, my father died when I was still a baby. There was no opportunity for us to meet. Meanwhile, my mother was occupied with work most of the time. She failed to take proper care of herself and me. Now that she is bedridden, I have no choice but to take care of her. And myself, of course. I intend to do a decent job if you allow me to gather enough fish to sell in the market.”

Aia is amused with how the boy explained his circumstances. He was honest with his words, yet he is also good at hiding his real intentions and emotions. If Lucas would also see this, he would sense it as well.

Oh, he is here. Aia thought as he saw the god of lie.

She sees him, but Aia also sees how others perceive the god at that moment. He only seemed like a man lurking in a crowd, as if he was only among those who delivered the offerings to her temple. But Aia knew he was also listening in to the ongoing conversation.

“The fishes are becoming scarce as we speak. Why would you think we would protect our spot at all cost?!” the man shouted at the boy before he respectfully turned to the goddess listening to them. “Please, goddess of truth, tell this boy he should find another way to survive.”

“Very well,” the goddess said. She walked towards the boy until she stood behind him.

She had seen the truth in their eyes. Samuel is considered the leader of the fishermen. He believes he is protecting his men from hunger by limiting the supplies to sell. Samuel is also a good man and has his own family to feed. But at that moment, Samuel was only thinking of himself for fear what might come to his clan. And if famine strikes, the people on that island must search for another land to live in.

When the boy finally looks back at the goddess, the goddess clasps his cheeks, bends a little, and stares deeply into his blue eyes. The boy was a sight to behold. His hair was almost as white as hers and it matches his pale skin. He is undernourished, and there are dirt smeared on his face. But they remained unnoticeable because she only focuses on his mesmerizing eyes. They were as blue as the deepest part of the ocean. It was lovely to look at. Aia was fascinated with its color and the truth it showed her.

The boy is barely twelve. His mother has been sick ever since last week. And since the island is becoming populated, it was challenging for a young boy to find a decent job suited for his age. He chose to be a fisherman because that was the only thing he was good at. To catch animals and sell them. He knows how to hunt rabbits and deer. But the animals in the forest are also becoming scarce. He was hungry and slowly getting weak. Setting a trap was the only option left. He only wanted to bring home a decent meal. Desperation was eating him from within. But he refused to steal even if opportunities had presented himself.

“You needed to find another source of living,” she ordered the boy. And the three fishermen smiled in relief.

“As for the three of you, you should be less greedy and offer help to those who need it.”

The three fishermen were stunned.

“But goddess... we are only trying to survive.”

“Yes. But to live is far better than to survive.”

The three men bowed bitterly. They hated the words they heard from her because they expected to gain her favor. But the goddess only knows to utter the truth.

“Can I still find another source of living?” the boy asked.

They both look at the fishermen who are leaving the temple.

“Come,” she said to the boy.

She offered her hand.

“Where are you taking me?”

“I will show you something you will love to see.”