The Rise to Godhood
Chapter 29: A Snakebite on Elvonia.

Gaia was looking down on Elvonia from the Divine Dimension. She felt that another Zeto Crystal was near, and it would be exciting to see the elves in person. True Maker had told Gaia that the elves looked like humans except for their pointy elfish ears, and they were a tad more collectivist and altruistic than humans. These traits made them unique among the sentient species in the Milky Way Galaxy.

The elves’ altruistic behaviour was how life on the planet had attuned to the Zeto Crystal. It was the only planet where all life had developed in synergy with the Zeto Crystal. Cooperation was vital in the Elvonian way of life, both for the elves, the plant-eaters, and the meat-eaters. Even the bacteria worked in symbiosis with other life forms so that they helped bodily functions instead of causing disease, perfect harmony in the circle of life.

Yet Gaia wasn’t here to learn about the Elvonian lifestyle. Instead, she hoped that her visit would be a short one. The faster Zelinko could recharge their sapphires with the power of the Elvonian Zeto Crystal, the greater the chances of saving humankind on Earth.

“Are you ready to go, Gaia?”

Gaia looked at Kailow, who smiled at her and seemed excited to visit the new planet. If it weren’t for True Maker’s prophecy, she would have loved to go with him.

’Kailow is destined to marry an Elvonian princess, not you.’ Gaia recalled True Maker’s heed and remembered Princess Imogen, whom she had seen in her visions. However, she wouldn’t give up her partner without a fight. Destiny or not; this was her choice.

Gaia grabbed Kailow’s hand, looked him into the eyes, and spoke, “Kailow, I need you to stay in the ship while I look for the Zeto Crystal in Elvonia.”

“Why? Elvonia will be a beautiful place to visit. We’ll have a great time together,” Kailow protested and looked at Gaia in surprise.

“I need you to look after Nayanika. I had a bad dream about something happening to her,” Gaia lied.

*Pow*

Gaia felt an intense migraine emerge as she uttered those duplicitous words. She had never lied for selfish reasons before, but what else could she do?

“Are you okay? What happened to you?” Kailow asked and squeezed Gaia’s hand.

“I am okay. It was only another vision. Please watch over Nayanika for me.” Gaia replied.

“Okay. If that is the will of the True Maker, that is what I will do,” Kailow replied.

“The portal to Elvonia is ready. Get ready for departure.”

Gaia looked at Arish, who had set up a portal to Elvonia, 50 metres away from their ship.

“I got to go. I’ll see you when I get back.” Gaia said and hurried to enter the portal for a flight through time and space.

***

“Wow. This place is amazing.” Areela exclaimed as they reached the main temple of Elvonia.

They had been walking for two kilometres, but they had not seen a single elf, although their sensors showed that elves were hiding all around them.

The main temple of Elvonia, the Bracashine Temple, was an enormous stone building carved into the mountainside, covered in leaves and grass. On the side of the temple, there was a sundial that showed the current time. It was presently midday.

“The sensors state that the elves built this temple 50,000 years ago. Yet, if they had such advanced technology back then, why are there no signs of development?” Zelinko pondered.

“Perhaps they’ve found the technology level that ensured the best outcomes and stayed there?” Areela reflected.

“Yes, that is a possibility,” Zelinko said and moved forth.

Gaia didn’t reflect on the Zetans’ conversation. She needed to rush ahead; she needed to see her rival, who would steal her love.

“Hurry up. We need to get to the crystal.” Gaia urged and started running towards the temple.

The others looked at Gaia in confusion, but they followed suit and ran after her.

As they reached the temple, a stunning woman with auburn hair and a beautiful green gown made of leaves and twigs approached them and spoke, “Welcome to Elvonia and the Bracashine Temple. I am Princess Imogen, representing King Concobhar and my people.”

“I am honoured to meet you, Princess Imogen. I am Arish Kisherom, the governor of Disyerto-2 and our new colony on Zetani Nova.” Arish said and bowed.

“So, if you already have two home planets, why have you come here?” Imogen asked.

“We have come to ask you to lend some of the power from your Zeto Crystal. We have promised to save humankind on Earth.” Arish said.

“Save humankind? Why doesn’t the True Maker look after them, like she does for all lifeforms on Elvonia?” Imogen asked.

“She does. She is inhabiting my body and speaking through me.” Gaia said with her eyes flashing blue from True Maker’s presence.

“I see. Please wait here.” Imogen said and walked back into the temple.

A few minutes later, Imogen returned with a dozen maidens carrying rainbow-coloured snakes. “Behold the snakes of truth. Nothing bad should happen to you if you are a friend, and their bites should only be a minor nuisance. But if you are an enemy, their bites will be lethal, and you will die instantly.”

The Zetans looked at each other. They were not keen to become bitten by snakes to prove their good intentions. Yet, they had come in peace, and how else would they prove themselves worthy?

Zelinko scanned the snakes, and the following message appeared on his health scanner: ‘While the unidentified snake species is of a venomous type, it is unlikely that the spike protein in its venom will be harmful to Zetans.’

As he showed the scanner to Areela, she objected, “How can the scanner know if it is venomous if the snake is unknown?”

“It cannot. However, it is the best indication we can get before doing proper testing,” Arish stated.

“So, what do we do?” Areela asked.

“We’ll replace out. I have faith in the health scanner. I’ll go first.” Arish said and turned to Imogen. “Please allow your Elvonian rainbow snakes to determine my intentions, oh fair, Princess Imogen,” Arish said and bowed.

“Of course. May Fíordhéantóir keep you safe.” Imogen replied as she directed one of her maidens to take a snake to Arish.

As the snake bit Arish, he felt a bit uncomfortable. He looked at the bite mark, and while it looked like a wasp sting, the pain quickly receded.

“You passed the test, Arish Kisherom of Zetani Nova. Fíordhéantóir blessed you with her mercy.” Imogen said, handed Arish a green ribbon, and continued. “Tie this around your head to show that you are a friend of the royal family. That will make the people respect you.”

Having said this, Imogen sent the other maidens with the other snakes to bite the rest of the group. Everyone was okay until Gaia got bitten. Being half-human, Gaia reacted to the poison and collapsed to the ground.

***

“Kailow, Gaia is ill. She might not make it. You must get here at once.”

Kailow felt shocked when his sister contacted him. He had never worried about Gaia’s health since they started dating. After all, how could the woman whom the True Maker created herself fall ill?

“I am coming at once. Is there anything I need to bring?” Kailow asked.

“Bring a medical kit and an antidote synthesiser. Gaia fell unconscious from a snake bite during the Elvonian initiation ceremony. The rest of us got bitten, but we are alright.”

“I understand. I’ll be there as soon as possible.” Kailow replied and closed the telepathic connection.

Having said this, Kailow hurried to fetch an antidote synthesiser and a Zeto-charged sapphire so that he could be by Gaia’s side in her time of need.