Why is this bath so freakin' huge and deep!? I think as I flail around in the water, trying to gasp for air.

However, next thing I know I'm being lifted from the water and held in someone's embrace. I cough up the remaining water that had made its way into my body, while trying to catch breath I clear my wet hair from my face, looking up to see Leon.

"You have terrible reflexes."

"You saved me…" Meaning to only think it I accidently say it out loud with a hoarse voice.

"Awe man, I only wanted to have a little fun with her." Ichthys chimes in with a playful look on his face. "But this time I'll use my powers for real, okay?"

Gritting my teeth, I try to escape Leon's hold but feel my limbs go weak, so instead I yell or more like wheeze. "Geh…what…. the he—what…"

Leon speaks with an intimidating tone. "What goes on with your Department of Punishments is no concern of mine. I do hope thought that your precious Vice-minister is in paperwork hell."

"H-hey, don't be mean…It won't be just Scorpio, but the rest of us will be stuck in paperwork hell too…." Ichthys innocently says.

"G-ge…get me the hell out of here." I gruffly yell. Still feeling weak and probably in shock I end up leaning against Leon's bare skin, feeling it through my soaked clothes. My heart rapidly races.

Leon...saved me? I thought seeing me helpless and embarrassed was his entertainment.

Leon climbs out of the bath with me still in his arms, then gently setting me down on the tile floor where, at first, I'm unsteady but get my land legs back in a second. I use my hands and arms to cover the front of myself to hide what's beneath my soaked white T-shirt.

At this moment, I can't tell if I want to be angry, appreciative or embarrassed, but I end up storming out of the grand bath with a huff.

I make it to the main room, just before exiting and teleporting back to my apartment Leon stops me.

"Where do you think you're going?" He says, not realizing how close he was behind me.

Without looking back, I answer, "I'm going home!"

"And who gave you permission to leave?"

I rest my hand on the doorknob and finally have the nerve to look him in the eye. "I do! Good bye!" I harshly swing open the door

The door slams back shut as a masculine, long fingered hand presses up against it. I spin around and I find myself to be trapped with the door at my back and Leon pressing in on me. I moment of silence, with the quiet sound of the light tapping sound of the droplets of water rolling off my hair and clothes hitting the floor.

"Since when do I need permission to go home?" I ask, frustrated.

"I'm not done with you yet." He smiles.

"What else could you possible need me for?" I ask in an almost whiny tone. "Using me to use your powers to do work I understand even though you did very little work, but then you took a bath that anyone could manage to accomplish to do on their own. Not to mention try to make an idiot out of me. I'm soaking wet and pissed, so I'm going home." I manage to breath after I rant to him.

Leon stares at me, head held high, with an over-confident grin. "I don't know if you're bold or just an idiot. Talking to an all-powerful god that way.

I sigh, shaking my head before looking him dead in the eyes. "The fact that you are an 'all-powerful god' doesn't matter to me, so you can stop it with that."

Leon looks shocked at first, then again shoots me a grin.

"I want to help you Leon, I do, I want to absolve your sin. But if we're going to do this we're going to have to come to an understanding."

"I don't need to." Leon eases off a bit. Still standing in front of me, his hand comfortable resting on his hip.

"Just hear me out. I have a job, friends, a life one I can't simply uproot because a bunch of gods need their sins cleared." I tuck wet strands of my hair behind my face. "I said I would help but now I'm promising you that I will do everything I can to help you get back in the heavens, but you have to help me too." I scan his face, his eyes finding any sign of hope that he will understand.

Leon's hand extends outward, touching my shoulder. He snaps his fingers and his appear back in his uniform and takes a few steps back.

"Anything else?" He asks, his tone low.

"…No…" I say my eyes casting downwards.

"Then you may go." He says waving me off, then turning around and walking away.

I look up, staring at his broad back. I open the door again, seeing the view to my apartment and before stepping through I call. "Hey, Leon."

I hear him stop.

"Um…thank you, for saving me earlier." I say to him, not bothering to hear what he has to say. I close the door behind me, safely returning to my home.

Days later…

After what seems to be like an understanding between me and Leon, I'm getting use to him calling me daily, to which he's kindly made it so it doesn't interfere with my job.

I'm rushing around the restaurant taking orders, serving meals, and cleaning tables. Looking at the clock seeing that my shift is nearly over, and wondering what Leon will have me do today, I hear the bell from the kitchen ring.

"Abbey! Table six is up!" One of our kitchen chef's hollers.

"Coming." I say, snapping back into reality. I walk over to the kitchen counter, smoothly taking the plates in my hands and heading to the waiting table.

Setting the plates in front of the hungry customers I give my usual spiel. "Here you go, enjoy your meals. Let me know if you need anything else." I finish with a smile and turn away.

As I do I notice a beautiful woman sitting at one of the booths. One could say she could very well be a supermodel given the way her hair is beautiful styled, long dark and wavy. Her make-up is perfectly applied. The tight fit cocktail dress of a champagne color. Then it's her sharp blue eyes that catch me, as she's just staring calmly at me. She sits, one long leg over the other, showing off her stilettos, her chin resting in her hand, elbow propped up on the table. As if she's been waiting for me. Specifically, me, and I get a weird feeling.

I didn't notice her come in. And no one said anything to me about her sitting in my section.

With a shrug I walk over, quickly grabbing a menu along the way. I slide the menu in front of her. "Hi there, I'm Abbey I'll be your waitress, can I get—"

"Do I know you?" She cuts me off.

"Excuse me?" I'm taken aback.

"I'm sorry, you just look so familiar, like an old friend of mine." She slightly tilts her head and I hear the slight clinking of jewelry.

"Oh really?" I say, unsure on what to say.

The woman leans back, keeping her eyes on me, very focused. Which is starting to creep me out. "Yes, you and she have the same eyes."

Then it felt like time suddenly slowed down and I could only hear the ticking of the clock as we both stood in silence.

"Umm…" I begin to say.

"I'll have a coffee. Black." She orders, finally turning her face away from me.

I nod my head and quickly turn around. Heading to the coffee station.

"Hey, Abbey. What are you doing?" Jack comes up beside me.

"What does it look like? Getting coffee for the lady at table three."

Jack's tone turns confused. "Uh…what lady?"

"What do you mean? The lady right over…" I turn around and see the booth is empty. "There…" I look around the restaurant, making sure it was the right table, but I didn't see her. "She was right there…"

"Are you feeling all right?" Jack, concerned rests a hand on my shoulder, trying to look me in the eyes. "Are you stressed? You're looking a little tired. Are you eating regularly? You know Hannah will freak out if she sees you in this state."

Sure, I guess I've been a little stressed out due to the fact I must absolve the sins of six gods of the zodiac, while juggling my own life.

I slip away from Jack's hand. "What are you talking about, I'm fine."

Jack sighs. "You know…if talking to someone won't help, why don't you try writing it down. Get your thoughts cleared."

Then I get a quick ringing in my head and my eyes dart to the clock noticing I was done my shift two minutes ago. Sadly, Leon will beckon me the very moment I'm done work. "Never mind, I gotta' go." I go through the kitchen dumping the coffee down the sink and heading into the back room.

"Ooh, going to see that Leon, guy?" Jack follows behind. "Is he causing this? Should I be concerned?

"Even more concerned than you already are? She's going to see her super hot boyfriend." Emily, who comes out of no where chirps in on the conversation.

I roll my eyes, sighing at the teasing. "He's not my boyfriend. Trust me."

"Right, you just spend every moment of everyday with him when you're not at work that is." She states.

"What? Come on." My voice cracks.

"You're not denying it." She gives a smug look.

I suck back my bottom lip. Damn it. She got me. "W-whatever. But he's still not my boyfriend!"

If only everyone knew the twisted, and arrogant mind set behind that smug handsome face.

She laughs as exiting the room with Jack giving me one last worrisome look before following behind Emily.

I quickly change, grabbing my keys from my pocket and heading out the door.

As I'm on my way home, I take Jack's advice into consideration. I drive in silence, only to have the constant echoes of my own thoughts, speaking one after another.

I can't tell anybody about the gods and me, a reincarnated ex-goddess. Not unless I want to be placed in a straitjacket.

And I certainly can't talk to the gods. I barely know them and I would be ranting on about…well…themselves. They'll call me a stupid goldfish and to do my job as the ex-goddess of fate. Blah blah…

I guess the only other option is to keep a journal and see how it goes from there….

Later…

After returning to my apartment, and a few annoying calls from Leon later I step through my door to the mansion and make my way to Leon's room. With a quick knock, I enter and see Leon standing over by the reflecting pool.

"Hey, Leon, sorry I'm a little late." I close the door behind me when I enter. "Do you have work to do today?"

He lazily turns to look at him, with a tiresome expression. "The reflecting pool is dirtier than usual."

Confused, I go to stand by his side, peering into the water. "What the hell…" I see that Leon is right and that the water is murky and impossible to see anything. What does it mean? Pollution on earth?

I look over at Leon who has this hateful look on his face. He then pinches the bride of his nose as he turns away and heads for his bed. "I can't work like this. I'll just try again tomorr—"

"Lord Leon you can't!" A squealing young voice has me jump out of my skin.

Spinning around I see little Vega in near tears as she pleads to Leon. "V-vega…when did you?" confused I look around.

Her tears vanish and her cute smile returns. "I brought some work for Lord Leon by Lord Karno's orders." She then faces Leon. "Perhaps, if you can't see from here, then you'll have to go on-site."

Leon sits up from his bed. Glaring at Vega. "You can't seriously be suggesting that, I, go to the human world.?"

I get a slight pang in my chest, feeling somewhat offended, and I shoot a pouting look over to Leon.

Vega looks somewhat frightened by the harsh vibe Leon is giving off. "B-but…Lord Karno said so—"

Leon deeply sighs.

As much as I want to step in and tell Leon to stop acting like a child and do his job, I keep quiet and watch the situation unfold.

"Why is it that you bring up Karno whenever things don't go your way?" Leon says, exasperated.

Vega giggles. "Because I know you'll do your work if I say Lord Karno needs you to."

"Why you little…" Leon begins to say but stops.

Damn Vega… you have a whole other side of you that I rather not mess. But I guess even Leon listens to Karno. Makes me wonder what kind of god Karno is. Can't be any worse than Leon…right?

I finally step in. Putting myself between Leon and Vega. "You know Leon, Vega is just doing her job. You could learn a thing or two.

He glares at me.

"W-well, I mean…" I stammer.

He gets up from his bed. "Come. I'm going to change."

"Okay…wait what?" I freeze, nervous by what he could mean by that.

Few minutes later…

So not only does the doors to the mansion connect to my apartment but can open to any location. This time we use it to go into the city.

I walk beside Leon, looking over at him in dark jeans, and a black buttoned shirt, with a few buttons undone. Even while he wears those human clothes it does nothing to hide his godly aura. And I can't help but notice that the people around us stare intently on him. Mainly the girls.

Even though I'm not the one being stared at, I feel very awkward, I throw up on my hood and shove my hands in my pockets and slightly keep a distance between me and Leon.

Leon sighs. "There air is stagnant. That's why the reflecting pool appeared filthy."

I look up at him from under my hood. "Really? I can't tell."

"Pfftt…" He laughs. "Your body isn't nearly as sensitive as that of a noble god."

"Ugh…" I roll my eyes.

However, I come to notice that he doesn't look as great as he usually does. His complexion is a lot paler.

Leon huffs, walking faster. "Let's just hurry up and get this over with so we can leave."

I look around, feeling the tense stares from everyone around us. "Fine by me."

"The person with the wish is over there." Leon cocks his head.

I follow his line of sight to a familiar face. In the distance, I see Emily with a guy.

"Ooh sh-shit." I quickly grab Leon, pulling him behind a building, then I peek from around the corner to luckily see Emily hasn't spotted us.

"What are you doing?" Leon asks, irritated.

"Uhh…sorry…I guess here would be a good spot to do the job. We're out of view, and not around any large crowds?" I shrug.

More like to try and avoid the never-ending teasing and mockery.

"Whatever." Leon says, peeking around the corner with me.

I see Emily with a tall man. This man has a bad boy, edgy style. Leather jacket, ripped jeans, nightmarish tattoos up his arms and a chain running from his belt loop to his pocket. He had five o'clock shadow and shaggy brown hair.

Yup…that's the type of guy she would go after…I don't recall her mentioning a boyfriend. Not that I've had the time to spend time or discuss what's happening in anyone else's lives.

From where me and Leon are we can hear their conversation.

Emily, looking very upset, speaks. "Don't talk that way. I want to be with you."

The bad-boy, rolls his eyes, speaking in a frustrated tone but his body language is calm. "You don't mean that. I don't understand you at all."

I whisper over to Leon. "Why are they fighting I wonder…usually it's the guy begging to be with Emily."

"That's the human you saved before, right?" Leon asks.

I nod my head. "Yeah. She's my co-worker."

Emily and I suppose, her boyfriend's argument starts to heat up.

Emily stomps her foot on the ground, finally having enough. "Fine then! Don't believe me."

"Whatever, I'm leaving." The boyfriend turns his back and begins walking off.

"Fine then! Go!" Emily yells at him.

The man walks further down the street trying to flag down a cab, while Emily begins to walk in the opposite direction.

"Jeez, Emily, you must really like him if you're acting like that." I mumble not enough for Leon to hear, but then turn to face him again. "Say, Leon, do you think Emily is wishing to—"

"I see. Well, In that case…" Leon then proceeds to snap his fingers.

"Wait, what did you do?" I panic, looking between Emily and her 'boyfriend'.

"I simply granted your friends wish." He says with a smug smile. "She wanted him to leave. A wish such is that is nothing for a god like me to grant."

"What? No!" I face-palm myself. "That's so not what she is wanting. I don't need to be a god or even a relationship specialist to know what she really wants." I explain. "What she really wanted was to make-up with that guy and be with him."

"She was the one who told him to leave." Leon continues to smile. "I granted that wish. End of story."

"Oh my god, its like talking to a brick wall…" I sigh, taking in a deep breath, feeling a headache coming on. "Leon, what she said, and what it is that she really wants were so obviously different."

Unfortunately, Leon doesn't seem to understand at all at what I'm getting at.

Leon rolls his eyes. "What she said and what she wanted? Typical human problem." He crosses his arms, looking down at me. "So is lying like that another form of love."

I rub my temples, becoming annoyed. "It's not like that. Stuff like that happens when you're either in a relationship or wanting to be in a relationship/ You want to say how you really feel, but you become afraid and anxious and end up saying the exact opposite." I take a deep breath. "Emily is stubborn. I've never seen her in a situation like this, but that only shows that she really likes that guy and wants to be with him. It happens to a lot of people from what I've witnessed."

"What a joke." Leon's words punch me right in the stomach. "Why cling to love like that? Is deceiving a man you can't be honest with considered true love?"

I grit my teeth. "Oh my god. She didn't deceive him and no one said that she's in love with the guy. Obviously, she has some feelings to him but is having a hard time dealing with it. Especially when the other person isn't making it any easier."

Leon doesn't back down. "But she still betrayed her real feelings and fought with him, saying things she didn't mean. They obsess over the illusion of love. Just to get hurt when their illusion lets them down." He shakes his head, stretching his lips into a wide devilish grin. "Humans are fragile and weak. Its pitiful."

Those last words really hit me where it hurts, remembering something from my past that triggers my thoughts to race.

Maybe in some cases some give into that vulnerability, and open themselves thinking everything is going to perfect with that happily ever after. Not realizing the reality. That's weakness.

However, …

Not all humans are weak and fragile. Some don't have time to love, block it out and focus on themselves, their goals, and fight to survive. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

Before I know it, my hands are clenched into fists. "How can you say that?" My voice, sounding intimidating, but also a bit shaky. But I bite my bottom lip, realizing that my mind is elsewhere and focus back on Leon.

"If their relationship was weak enough to be broken by words like those, they should never have been together or tried to be together in the first place." He continues to stare at me with those unwavering eyes. "That way, no one would obsess over love that they don't even know exists."

How can he speak like that? Even though I understand a little bit of what he's getting at, its like he's not even trying to see my point of view of what I'm getting at. Not only did he not grant Emily's true wish, but didn't notice the body language, her expression, the hurting and upsetting vibe she had around her.

"Leon…" I shoot a stone-cold look. "You can call us weak, and pitiful but you truly do not know anything about us humans and our pain. The fact that you're a minister and you think this way. "I stand my ground as I continue, knowing that the words I'm about to say will piss him off, but I stare at him right in the eye. "No one would ever want their wishes granted by someone of the likes of you."

Leon shows no expression, no indication of being angry or upset.

"Pfftt…what's with you?" He chuckles.

"I can't speak for all humans, maybe most, but at this moment as I have a god standing before me so I can at least say that much."

"You must have a very high opinion of yourself then." He cocks his head. "Especially when arguing with a god. Say what you like but none of it will change the fact that love is an illusion."

"Say what you want, there are things in this world that will not change. I challenged you to show you what true love is. And I fully intend to do so."

Even if I'm beginning doubt myself.

I can't tell if the look on Leon's face is of him thinking long and hard about my words or generally upset.

"Now, that's my co-worker, my friend, Emily over there. We are going to fix this, by granting her true wish."

And with that I grab Leon's hand securely in mine and follow Emily.