Killian
The Deities of Heathen has the ability to recognize one another in any kind and in any form, regardless if they are reincarnated or one of those powerhouse Gods who didn't die. But well, that's not the case with Killian because he's neither of the two. He is not a reincarnated God, and even if he didn't actually die, he is currently weaker and is possessing a dead man's body. It's true that he spends his existing power in order to inhabit Rozen's body, and to not let it deteriorate for a period of time.
There's no way he'll be recognized by any Gods when even Fuego, his loyal friend and servant needs to be convinced by their secret handshake in order for him to believe his Lord Killian. He shouldn't worry about being caught on his third day, right?
He's close to being a human right now and his spark—as what the heaven called the God's power level—isn't enough to be detected as one of them. Damn, right. He's a like a human right now so maybe the reason why Leviathan called him to his office was for Rozen. Maybe the professor wanted to inform him about his failing grade or missed activities.
The Trickster God kept on tapping his feet on the ground as he silently sat on the stool, facing the Water God on his teacher's table. The faculty room being cold and empty didn't add any comfort in his already panicking heart. Everything about the interaction is creeping him out.
He gulped as Leviathan slid an envelope on the table. Reaching his direction. "I just want to ask some questions, and you are free to go."
Even his voice was as deep as the sea. Killian felt like they were now surrounded by a ball of water that separates them from the outside forces even though there's no proof to his claim. Just the chill down his spine and his gut feelings.
He blinked a few times before processing what Leviathan said, and when he did, he immediately and picked up the envelope and opened it.
In an instant, he was stunned.
The envelope consists of Heather's high school photo. Still with her cute full bangs, hime cut and raven black hair. She just got more youthful because of her baby checks and a sweet smile. It was the first time he saw Heather smile.
Despite how the photo caught him off guard, he immediately gets back to his composure and got ready to find the Water God's weak spot.
Whether Leviathan recognize him or not as the Trickster God, he knew that he's not in the proper state to fight. Because even if Killian doesn't originally give a flying fuck about Heather, he's currently inhabiting a body who secretly did. So, if Leviathan happen to fight him right there, he wouldn't just crumble to pieces, but he wouldn't also be able to protect her. His weakness.
His heavy breathing was evident despite of how he tried to calm himself from the fact that he might put her into danger. And yes, he seems to be more concern about that, rather than losing to the God of Water in a potential fight.
"Rozen, why are you so tense? I just want to ask if she was the subject of all the poems from your successful zine?"
Oh right, he is Rozen. He finally recalled and gulped harder. "W-what tense? Nilalamig lang talaga ako sir, because of the aircon." He tried to downplay it, but Leviathan just kept on examining his every move.
"And no, she wasn't the subject of my poems. The poem was dedicated for everyone who wanted to relate." Killian added and kept his gaze on the table. Damn, he's becoming a bad liar.
Of course, Rozen would write a lot of poems for her. Even though he didn't know the context or the truth, he knew Rozen would, because that's what he felt like he'd do if he happens fumbled a modern-day goddess just because of his pride. If he happens to fumble Heather.
Killian's eyes immediately widen upon realizing his own thoughts and shook off his head. That's when Leviathan chucked and rested his back on his swivel chair. Their gaze met each other once again.
"Weird. The street said you changed and that you became softer and more honest after the accident, but I guess you're still the same, Rozen Blake." Leviathan fix the bridge of his glasses.
Making the God of Mischief to just brush it off with a laugh. "Of course, I'll always be the same sir. I just got bad memories but I'm still competent and awesome just like before."
And with that, their short meeting has ended. Killian immediately went out as if he just escaped the brush of death. This can be put on the history, being a rare moment of him holding on to his dear life and trying not to get caught. A thousand years ago, he usually just stomps other Gods and Goddesses because he was one of the most powerful. But look how the tables have turned?
He sure did get nerfed to being a human.
***
"Why is the Water God an English Professor anyway? Wasn't he supposed to be a pirate? Or a fisherman? A captain or a sea man? Anything that is ocean related?" Fuego handed his Lord Killian some more chocolate filled donuts. Not minding his manager nor his personal assistant.
Not even the maids nor the other workers in his ethereal mansion that he instructed to get out the moment they reach the dining area.
"It'll be like that, I guess. Look at you, you're an actor and not a firefighter or a fire dancer, anything that is related to flames, you know?" Killian munch on his donuts with all his heart. It's been so long since he tasted human foods, and he sure love sweets and chocolates. It's making him cry out of joy.
"Well, being a famous actor is still connected to being a God of Flames. Because as you can see, I am hot just like the flames of hell. And the women in this world called me a blazing star just because I am a sexy actor." Fuego posed in this seat to prove his point, but Killian just darted him with his stern face.
"You are a sexy actor and Rozen's sister know you? Does she watch your shows?" He pointed at Fuego in the face.
"She probably does and what is wrong with that?"
Killian hissed and threw the fork into his direction. "She is a high school student, and she shouldn't be seeing your distasteful craps!"
"And why should you care? She is Rozen's sister. Not yours."
That statement successfully made Killian to stop his tracks and rethink his life choices. Because Fuego was right, why should he care about that little thing? The Trickster God went back to his seat and munch into some chocolate lollipop instead.
"Maybe Rozen doesn't usually express his concern and affection to his sister, that's why it's affecting me too." He deliberately stated and then an imaginary light bulb suddenly turned on! "See Fuego I told you! This is not just about Heather, this is about everything he's been suppressing and invalidating all his life! Heather's energy maybe just got more stronger than the rest because his feelings for her was the one he resisted the most." Killian jumped out of his seat and was so ready to throw some party because of his discovery.
Not realizing that the reason why he isn't being heard by the Goddess of Wind, despite of the chosen topic he had with Fuego was because of Fuego himself. He just took initiative to create a barrier circle in order prevent the outside forces to interfere or hear anything inside. Every deity has the ability to create that barrier with their own power, that's why what they have now was made with invisible flames. Killian just doesn't feel that because despite being on a human body, he probably has enough spark to resist the heat. Cause ladies and gentlemen, the Trickster God was born in flames himself. The reason why they get along with each other so well.
Fuego nodded and gently tapped his Lord Killian on the shoulder, grabbing his attention.
"Just a reminder that you shouldn't care nor get attached to his feelings so much. Keep in mind that you can't keep that body forever, and when you're powerful enough to acquire your real body from the underworld, all that connections and feelings you have with everyone in Rozen's life will disappear." Fuego uttered in his most serious tone, making Killian's smile vanished in his face.
"You will go back to being my Lord. The cunning and heartless man who won't bow down for anyone, the God of Mischief that everyone feared and envied. So, start collecting negative energy now and stop getting distracted by her. She is not worth it."
Killian nodded, but with a hole in his chest. He can't help but see the flashbacks of every little memory he had with Heather, Rozen's sister and his friends. He can't believe he's having an attachment issue right now, just because he was locked up in the underworld for a very long time.
He shook off his head and made up his mind. "You know what, you're right. I should focus on collecting the negative energy from humans and—"
"Excuse me, Master Felip, there's a visitor who wanted to see you right now."
Both of them immediately got back to their proper seat when Fuego's bodyguard chimed in. He was sweating so hard because of the invisible barrier that Fuego made earlier. Turns out, humans weren't heat resistant.
And well, before the bodyguard continue his speech, a familiar cold and spooky ambiance entered the God of Flame's mansion.
"Why is this chill so familiar? I hated it."
"Good evening, Fuego, I just got a message from Aeron's angels. It's about your scandal."
The ocean deep voice. Killian didn't even want to turn his head and confirm his hunch.
"What scandal are you talking about, Leviathan?" Fuego turned off his barrier and close the distance with the Water God.
Leaving Killian on his seat, facing them with his back. Because why does he keep on bumping with Leviathan anyway? He didn't want to get recognize, be it for him as the Trickster God or as his student named Rozen.
"What scandal you ask? Well, you just had a dating rumor." The Water God casually stated as if their topic was normal.
"And why would the heaven care about my dating life?"
"Because it was with a guy and you know that's not allowed. You had a dating rumor with my student right there on the corner. Rozen." Leviathan pointed at Killian's direction, and it did make him quiver more than the rumor he just heard.
Fuego bursted into laughter yet Killian silently just remained on his seat. He couldn't care less about the scandal nor the rumor because love knows no boundary for him, he was more terrified by Leviathan's presence as if he was trying to scheme something he couldn't just figure out yet.
The chills made its way on his spine again the moment the Water God went straight to him. "So, are the rumors true, Rozen? Was the subject of your sold-out poetry collection, him all along?"
"What games are you trying to play, Leviathan?"