*(In a cave somewhere in Egypt)*
"I love you so much," Geb said softly, stroking Nut's hair as they caught their breath after their shared passion.
"I love you more," Nut replied with a beautiful smile.
The duo had been involved in an incestuous relationship since coming of age. They had done everything possible to keep it a secret—blocking their thoughts from their father, avoiding each other in the presence of others, be they gods, warriors, or servants. How their family had discovered the truth was a mystery, but not a surprise. They knew their grandfather's supremacy and the fact that all creatures in Egypt were under his control as the Sun God and God Supreme. Even the cave they now hid in, if not concealed by their wills, could betray them to their father, who was desperately searching.
They didn't know exactly why, but their instincts warned them it wouldn't end well. They refused to take chances and stayed out of sight. They could have left Egypt, but as gods, they were bound by responsibilities. Their sudden absence as high-ranking gods would cause turmoil, and their existence tied to the land meant they could not simply migrate elsewhere. Thus, they resorted to staying in the cave. Nut, as Goddess of the Sky, camouflaged their surroundings to remain unseen, while Geb, God of the Earth, used his power to conceal their presence beneath the ground.
"You know we can't hide forever, right?" Geb said with a sad expression on his handsome face.
Nut stared into his captivating hazel eyes, her blue orbs lost in his, forgetting to answer.
"Nut?" Geb called again, jolting her from her reverie.
"What did you say, my love?" Nut said with pouted lips, aware that Geb had heard her thoughts. She wasn't shy, but slightly annoyed she couldn't do the same.
"I didn't give myself that power," Geb said with a sinister smile, "but I do enjoy listening to your thoughts—they turn me on all the time."
Nut blushed and leaned into him for a slow, sensual kiss full of lust and desire. They parted to catch their breath and resumed their conversation.
"To be honest, I don't want to be separated from you. I want to be with you for eternity," Nut said, burying her head in Geb's chest.
Nut adored Geb deeply, but Geb's feelings were more complicated. He used her to satisfy his lustful desires tied to their mortal forms, which the gods of Egypt assumed whenever they left Sun City—Ra's abode. Though gifted mortal bodies by Ra to interact and reproduce with humans, the gods retained their wills. They were free to take consorts of any kind, but incest—especially between pure-blooded direct descendants of Ra—was forbidden.
"Nut, listen to me," Geb said gravely. "I love you too, and nothing bad will happen… but you know how the Supreme Father can be. We must answer his call so he doesn't take matters into his own hands. My source told me he spoke with Father about this issue and gave him seven days and seven nights to resolve it. That was five days and six nights ago. We have just two days and one night left before he unleashes his wrath upon us—and he might even strip us of our wills."
Nut sprang up in anger, pacing the cave. "And why didn't you tell me all this sooner?" she demanded, looking at Geb in confusion.
"I didn't want to bother you. I thought I could handle it," he replied with a slight smile. But the truth was he hid it because he knew she would be restless and might refuse to be with him, overwhelmed by fear of the Supreme Father.
"Oh my heavens!" she screamed. Her blue eyes turned white, summoning a lightning bolt and thunderstorm that raged for minutes. She was furious and lost control. Geb stood unmoved, watching her vent her frustration on the innocent sky.
After the storm subsided, she turned to Geb, giving him the 'don't just stand there, do something!' look. Geb understood immediately—he had already read her mind.
"Well, I was waiting for you to finish your overreaction, which is now a big problem for us," he said seriously.
Nut's eyes widened. "What?" she asked, terrified. "What do you mean?"
Geb sighed in disappointment. "Too late… they're already here."
"Who!?" Nut gasped.
---
*(Back at Shu's abode)*
"My lord, you need to relax. Other gods are aiding the search, and with all elements in place, I'm sure we will find them soon," Shu's right-hand man said, trying to calm the angry god.
"Bo, you understand well the Supreme Father gave me only seven days and nights to find them—and that was five days and six nights ago. We have just two days and one night left. You know how disastrous his actions can be," Shu replied, struggling to keep calm.
"Bo, have you checked whether they've answered the mortal calls? It's the rainy season, and Nut, as Goddess of the Sky, should bring rain when she manipulates the weather. Any sign of her?" Tefnut entered gracefully, though her pale face betrayed her worry.
"My lady, I have—" Bo started, but their conversation was cut short by distant thunder and lightning.
"Is that Nut?" Tefnut asked, hoping.
"She is the only one who can do that, so it must be her," Shu said, filled with hope. "Bo, hurry before the weather manipulations fade." Shu teleported to his warriors' abode, gathering some before heading to the source of the storm.
---
*(Back in the cave)*
"Who!?" Nut demanded, staring into Geb's eyes. Before he could answer, their lungs seized. They struggled to breathe; their mortal bodies weakened, nearly losing consciousness. They both knew who was responsible—it was their father, Shu, God of Air.
Nut cursed silently. How had she forgotten that whenever she manipulated the sky, her location would be revealed? Geb, though sharing her pain, cursed her even more in his thoughts. They attempted to shift into their godly forms but were too weak. Overcome, they collapsed into unconsciousness…