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The world was divided between those who ruled the heavens, the mortals, and those unfortunates who had been punished in the underworld. Humans had no idea of the power which lay between heaven and earth, and in their ignorance, they were in the gloom, wanting more than they could ever deserve. Among the gods there was one, the one who dominated the winter, and like that season, the cold dominated in his heart. Harumichi, his father, was the one who led the young gods, imposing the worst sufferings on the naive Toya, who failed to understand the danger posed by humans.
He grew up without knowing warmth, without knowing tranquility, without knowing the meaning of love.
Toya spent his time admiring the humans among the clouds, wondering why he was born wrapped in immortality, why he could not be a human too and experience the pleasures, joys and wonders on earth that heaven did not have?
One day, he caught sight of a young man whose hair shone like the sun at dawn, in the village he was known as Akito. It was well known that he was trying to achieve his dreams, he had a desire to know other lands and, to become a man worthy of recognition, and admiration, like the gods he had heard of. He prayed to a certain God, and he always said:
"Don't interrupt me, take the time to listen to me and answer my prayers"
The curious Toya could not help laughing, who would interrupt him if no one else was around to listen to him? No one else besides him, of course, but as much as the gods were forbidden to make contact with mere mortals, this did not prevent them from being present in their sight when fate desired. Akito, not knowing what to do in the face of the laughter, felt humiliated, and frightened to have a creature in front of him that reflected everything he could not be and the power he did not possess.
"Why have you laughed at my longings?" Akito had frowned, folding his arms. "And this is how you wish us to respect the gods? Do not tell me my faith has been in vain!"
"I did not mean to," Toya said, his voice timid. "Let me explain..."
"No, don't interrupt me! I want your power, and I want-"
"No. Forgive me, human. but I'm not in charge of guiding you, my power lies not with the longings of others, but in the change, the transition from autumn to winter"
After Toya explained to young Akito, even if it meant breaking the rules, Akito seemed to understand. From then on, whenever Akito wished for advice, he went to the temple to pray, and although he knew that it was not up to Toya whether his wish came true or not, it felt good that someone would listen to him.
But he still felt that hunger for power, and for success. He was getting tired of giving without getting anything in return. Toya, who was finally not lonely, and felt an inexplicable warmth every time he came closer to this human being, was blinded by his affection, unable to see that the other's heart was rotting in distress.
A shadow lurked in the darkness, as hungry for power and success as Akito. Yet it was not for the same purpose, rather a stronger craving, and one filled with vengeance. Who else could be the perfect accomplice but this naive, desperate, insignificant human? A macabre laughter echoed through the underworld, and the earth seemed to tremble at such a sight. The nameless, faceless creature was determinedly analysing the situation, and waited for the right moment to present itself to Akito's eyes as a charitable being who understood how frustrating it could be to pray without receiving answers.
"I want the soul of a God" It said in a breathless whisper.
"Is that possible?" Akito asked, feeling a sickening feeling at the thought of it.
"Everything is possible in this world, isn't that how you wish to get what you want as well?"
"Yes, but not at such a cost..."
"Then I won't waste any more time with you, it seems you don't have the passion required to really succeed"
"...Wait. What do I have to do?"
It paused, taking a time to reconsider. "Take this dagger, and stab it into his heart"
Akito spent the next few days with the dagger in his hands, looking at it from time to time. His trembling hands feeling repulsed that he had agreed, but perhaps the creature was right and, if he was not willing to make sacrifices... Then he was not worthy of possessing triumph.
Toya was still blinded by love, and every day he felt more human, more carefree, and less cold-hearted. He would talk to Akito about the wonders of the world, sharing his wisdom, and Akito would listen in silence, as if building up the guts within himself.
"Do you know what would make you feel like a human? To experience the warmth of another person, someone's arms around you" Akito murmured with a smile, eyes glittering with betrayal.
"It's not allowed, you know that..." Toya looked down, chuckling slightly.
"Let me do it, I know how much you want to be human like me, and I want to make your dream come true"
Toya blinked in puzzlement, watching as Akito approached him, not knowing exactly what to do. His heart pounded like never before, as if a spring had awakened within him. Such a blessing, such warmth... Such a searing pain in his chest. His eyes filled with tears as he felt the strength leave his body, perishing at the feet of a mortal.
Akito had to laugh at the despair in a god's eyes, and for the first time he felt mighty, not really knowing that the only thing he had gained was an eternity in the underworld, and never-ending agony for not cherishing the affection that was offered to him unconditionally.