I was wondering when the scythe was going to start challenging you.

  From the outside, Ever just looked like any other guy on his way to his hospitality job. Little did anyone know that he was having a discussion with his mentor Death about last week’s reaping.

  *Gregory did say that he wanted to kiss and hold his daughter and granddaughter. Selecting ‘Touch’ was the logical choice.*

  But the incorrect one, Death said, at least according to the scythe.

  *Did the scythe ever challenge you, Mentor?*

  Not often. Ever could hear bone scraping on bone, as Death rubbed his chin thoughtfully. But it could just be that it’s finally taking off the training wheels for you.

  *Training wheels?* Ever got to the front door of Pagoto’s, found his keys and entered.

  The end of ‘easy mode’. Anyway, I’ve got things to do. Toodles. With that, Death left Ever’s mental chat room… only for Chaos to enter immediately after.

  ∞Death’s Apprentice.∞

  Ever jumped. *Chaos?* He looked around.

  ∞I’m not here.∞

  *Where are you?*

  Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  ∞I’m not coming in today.∞ His voice sounded… different. Almost as if…

  *Chaos? Are you… unwell?*

  ∞I do not get unwell.∞ He boomed irritably, immediately coughing afterwards. ∞I have decided that I’m not working today.∞

  *OK… have you told Taylor?* The question was met with silence. Seconds later, Ever realized how foolish the question actually was. *I'll let her know you're not coming in.*

  Ever squatted and opened the freezer, starting to take the tubs of ice cream out.

  ∞I've grown tired of... AH CHOO!∞ his sneeze was a cannon that went off on the inside of Ever's ears. ∞...working.∞

  Ever picked himself up off his backside, waiting a good minute until the ringing subsided. *Are you saying that you’re not coming back to work?*

  ∞I didn’t say that!∞ Chaos snapped. Not wanting to risk another explosive remark, Ever chose not to reply.

  While Ever went through the rest of the store set up by himself, Chaos stayed telepathically connected. It was almost as if he wanted to be there in spirit. A theory started forming in Ever's mind. It was a slightly preposterous yet entirely plausible theory for Chaos’ sudden illness. He couldn’t think on it too deeply in case the thought seeped into the link Chaos kept open with him.

  ∞You will have an entire day with your precious Taylor.∞

  Ever couldn’t help but smile at Chaos’ attempt to get under his skin; he felt as calm as he'd ever been in the moment. Maybe it was the fact that if the first being in existence - a god effectively - could get sick, he shouldn’t feel too bad about his erratic, human feelings.

  ∞Do you remember that you owed me a favor, Death’s Apprentice? I've decided to call it in.∞ Ever was just about to turn on the radio; he waited, listening for Chaos' response. ∞I will have you sew the seeds of chaos for my entertainment.∞

  Ever held his breath, his small triumph moments ago crushed to dust. *In what way?*

  ∞You will reveal the truth of who you are to Taylor and give her no choice but to believe you.∞