The sky and the storm

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Long ago, in the time before time, when the gods still walked among mortals, there were two powerful deities — Afi, the Goddess of the Sky, and Tano, the God of the Storm.

They were born from the same cosmic flame, two forces of nature that danced together above the mortal world. Afi ruled over the clear heavens, her laughter bringing sunlight and peace. Tano, her closest companion, roared with thunder and brought rain to nourish the earth. They balanced each other perfectly. Where Afi brought calm, Tano brought life.

Together, they watched over the kingdom of Odanmu — a vast and fertile land filled with people who worshipped them both. The people sang songs to the sky and prayed for rain during the dry seasons. The gods answered as one.

But beneath the harmony, a hidden truth brewed — only one god could inherit the Celestial Crown, an ancient artifact that granted absolute control over the skies. It had been sealed away in the mountain of N’kara by the first god, and it was prophesied that the one who found and claimed it would reign as Supreme Sky Ruler, while the other would fade into legend.

Afi and Tano had sworn to ignore the prophecy. “What we have is greater than power,” Afi once said. “We have friendship.”

But as centuries passed, the whispers of mortals grew louder.

“Why should we bow to two gods?” they said. “One sky, one ruler.”

The seed of ambition crept into Tano’s heart. He began visiting Odanmu alone, summoning great storms and demanding offerings in his name only. Afi confronted him atop the Clouds of Keji.

“You’re changing,” she warned. “You swore we were equals.”

“And yet they choose me!” Tano thundered. “They dance when I rain! They fear me, love me. Why shouldn’t I wear the crown?”

They parted, not as friends, but as rivals.

The Quest for the Celestial Crown began.

Afi soared to the peak of N’kara, braving spirits of the wind and riddles of the sun. Tano carved a path through lightning, turning rivers into mist and commanding beasts of the storm. The journey was perilous. Along the way, both encountered visions of the past, reminders of their bond. Still, they pressed on.

At the summit, the Crown awaited. But there was a catch — only one god could enter the chamber. The other must die.

They fought, shaking the skies and tearing the clouds apart. Thunder clashed with sunlight. Mortals ran in fear as the heavens cracked open.

Just as Tano struck a final blow, Afi fell — but instead of pleading, she smiled. “I knew you’d choose the crown,” she whispered.

And that’s when the twist was revealed:

The Crown… was never meant to be worn. It was a trap, forged by the first god to test the loyalty of the sky’s children. Whoever sought it with ambition would be cursed to become mortal — stripped of divinity.

Tano placed it on his head, victorious — only to feel his power drain.

Afi rose, unharmed. “I knew you’d betray me,” she said. “But I never wanted your end… just your truth.”

Now mortal, Tano fell from the skies. He lives among men as a wandering rainmaker, bringing storms to far-off lands. Afi, alone in the heavens, watches him with sorrow.

And when the rain falls and the sun shines after… the people of Odanmu say:

“The Sky still misses her Storm.”