8 Sabertooth

The three gods drank their wine for a long time, but they were unable to get drunk. Finally, Long He cut the silence by saying, "There is another favor that I need."

"What is it, god He?" asked Bephine.

"I want to know about a particular god. Apparently, he is one of Ilah's servants."

"And who might this lesser god be?" asked Uion while leaning forward.

"I don't know if he has a name, but I know him as Sabertooth."

Uion and Bephine looked at each other and made a silent agreement.

"Sabertooth is the most ferocious beast on planet Earth. I advice you not to try to even talk to him," said Uion.

"Please, if it's not important, I wouldn't ask. But I need the information about this particular god."

"Alright then, I will tell you," said Uion while taking a deep breath, "Sabertooth is the seventh son of Ilah, born to be the most powerful one among his brothers and sisters. He was born as a god, which is very rare."

"Sabertooth committed himself to his father, Ilah," said Bephine, "His arrogance grew on other gods. As if he was the only one born as a god!" While she said the last sentence, her tone became gravely dangerous, as if she was going send thunderbolts all around the hall.

Long He tried to get back, frightened. Even though he knew that she couldn't harm him - since they were an alliance - his human instincts still worked.

When Bephine saw that, she laughed and said, her tone now softened, "Don't worry my dear. I won't hurt anyone on purpose. It is just my nature, after all, I am the goddess of vengeance."

"Anyway," Uion said, "Ilah hadn't shown any favor for Sabertooth. But still, the beast loved his father and served him well. But his love started to decrease."

"Why that?"

"Ilah started to give his children the heavenly beads. Now, all his sons and daughters are lesser gods, which made him growl in fury. Nevertheless, his arrogance remained the same."

"And he still serve his father?"

"Yes. Sabertooth is only afraid of one person, Ilah his father. He does not have the guts to dare his father to a fight, thus becoming his enemy."

"Why wouldn't Ilah love him? Haven't Sabertooth served him well?"

"Ilah only loves himself. If anyone is a threat to him, he would send his servants to kill them."

"Isn't Sabertooth a threat to Ilah?"

"He is," said Bephine, "But Ilah doesn't have the heart to kill his son."

"I am lost. If Ilah hates Sabertooth, then why he can't kill the beast?"

"He simply can't," said Uion, "It is a father's nature. Once you become one, you will understand."

"That is if I even marry."

"One day, my dear boy, everyone finds the love of his life. If only my dear wife is still alive..." Tears dropped on Uion's cheeks. After a while, he adjusted himself and said, "There are other things about Sabertooth that you can't know at this moment."

Long He nodded and said, "Is there anything that I can know now?"

"No," asked Bephine, "But why are you so interested in Sabertooth?"

"He killed my father when I was just a baby."

Uion stood up and started to walk in a circle at the center of the hall. Finally, he said, "This is a grave matter. If Sabertooth killed your father on the order of Ilah then the latter have predicted something, something that proves that you are a threat to him."

"If I am so, then why would Ilah make me a god?"

"No one knows. But I advice you to be cautious. Tomorrow, I will send a servant of mine to help you protect the planet, if Ilah decides to attack."

"I will also," said Bephine, "He, I sense the anger in your heart rising. As the goddess of vengeance, I shouldn't probably say that, but for your sake I will. Don't even talk with Sabertooth, if he discovers you, then you are dead."

"I will take your advice," said Long He while lost in deep thought.

Ding.

[Host, there is a visitor to your planet. He is currently waiting outside in the void. He is shouting your name.]

"Do you know his identity?" asked Long He.

[No. But I sense he is powerful. The system recommends that the host returns immediately.]

"Alright. I am coming." Then he stood up and said, "My dear fellows, it was a pleasure to meet you. Now if you'll excuse me, a guest is waiting for me on Aquahelios. I must bid you farewell now."

The two gods nodded while they shook Long He's hand. He went back to Aquahelios at full speed, cutting through the void.