In the beginning, or something resembling a beginning - where even the concept of a true beginning remained elusive - a boundless expanse known as 'The Emptiness' stretched infinitely. Within this unfathomable emptiness, Time reigned as the sole constant, ceaselessly flowing through the expanse.
However, amidst the eternal passage of Time, a momentous occurrence transpired. The void underwent a series of enigmatic phenomena until, at last, it culminated in an event of unparalleled significance - The Origin. And through the sacrifice of countless eons and the dissolution of the limitless void, primordial cosmic energy was birthed.
This very primordial cosmic energy, which signified the dynamic forces that shape the fabric of the cosmos - creation, sustenance, and destruction - took the form of 'The Creatrix', the genesis of all creation.
The Creatrix, whose true form was unknown and beyond understanding, manifested itself and spoke. Her words echoed throughout the void. Her words were imbued with a great power, and they echoed through the void, giving birth to all existences, living beings, and countless worlds.
From the Creatrix's words came the stars and the planets, the sun and the moon, and all the wonders of the cosmos. But the Creatrix was not content to create a lifeless universe, and so she imbued the universe with the power of Aether.
Countless ages passed as The Creatrix drifted aimlessly through the infinite cosmos. It was an intricate framework composed of infinite Multiverses, which, in turn, encompassed infinite Universes. Within this extraordinary expanse, the realm of possibilities knew no bounds.
Yet, amidst the infinite tapestry of occurrences, there were unfathomable events, abhorrent and beyond reason, defying the very nature of existence itself. Such aberrations persisted until The Creatrix, in its wisdom, grew weary of this disarray and initiated The Creation.
From her, this universe was borne, By her, this world was created, and by her, it is protected.
To oversee this vast web of existence and maintain an equilibrium, The Creatrix birthed Seven entities, each embodying a distinct aspect of the cosmic order. These entities became known as Fate, Karma, Destiny, Time, Space, Life, and Death - custodians of the universal balance.
Fate, the unyielding shepherd of destinies, wove the threads of the future with an unwavering hand. Its influence stretched across the breadth of existence, an indomitable force that shaped the very course of all things to come. None could escape its grasp, for its power was immutable and its will supreme.
Destiny, a notion veiled in mystique, whispered of a grand design bestowed upon each living soul. Within the tapestry of fate, each being was entrusted with a unique purpose—a sacred path they were destined to tread. Their every choice and action resonated throughout the cosmos, painting strokes upon the canvas of the universe, forever shaping the tapestry of existence.
Karma, the cosmic weaver of consequences, orchestrated a delicate dance of cause and effect. It proclaimed that every action, every choice, carried a weight that rippled through the tapestry of life. From the simplest deeds to the grandest gestures, the repercussions echoed far beyond the present moment, intertwining the lives of all beings in an intricate web of interconnectedness.
Time was the eternal passage of moments, the never-ending march forward that could not be stopped or slowed. It was an eternal force, unyielding to mortal whims and desires. It shaped the ebb and flow of events, sculpting the past, illuminating the present, and unveiling the enigmatic tapestry of the future.
Space was the infinite expanse that surrounded all things, the canvas upon which the universe was painted. It stretched across the infinite expanse, an ethereal canvas upon which stars danced, galaxies collided, and worlds blossomed. Within its embrace, matter and energy intertwined, birthing the wonders that adorned the cosmos.
Life, the sacred spark that animated the myriad forms of existence, surged through the veins of every living being. It was the vital force that propelled creatures towards growth and evolution, guiding them on their unique journeys. From the whisper of a newborn's cry to the echoes of ancient forests, life's symphony resounded throughout the realms.
Death, the ultimate emissary of transition, awaited all beings at the culmination of their mortal voyage. It marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Death returned matter and energy to the cosmic tapestry - to The Origin - allowing for the emergence of new life and the eternal cycle to persist.
They, after taking an ethereal form, existed for time beyond counting, and in that time they had done many things: argued about the nature of their existence, fought, loved, hated, and ignored one another. In time, they devised a game to occupy themselves - a game of betting.
Each time a bet was placed, the Wheel of Time would spin and something would transpire, unveiling something beyond comprehension, horrific in nature, and fated never to occur. Yet, with each occurrence, such as this present predicament, they brought upon themselves cosmic headaches of monumental proportions.
* * * * *
A world of pristine white resembled an imperial castle, where armored knights stood as sentinels along the opulent hallways, guarding every entrance with unwavering vigilance.
At the culmination of one such grand hallway, a resplendent door stood, adorned with intricate designs that hinted at an ancient divine presence. To those who possessed awareness, an aura of sacred antiquity emanated from within.
Beyond the door, in the heart of the hall, an ethereal flame flickered. Its colorless hue danced atop a raised dais, reminiscent of a mystical cauldron. Surrounding this focal point were 108 pillars, each etched with time-worn runes, while the hall boasted four grand entrances, one in each cardinal direction.
This sacred fire was known as the Empyrean Flame - an eternal flame burning since the beginning of time, since the very moment of creation. It was at this flame that souls, born from cosmic energy, converged with The Origin—the nexus of their being. Here, the cycle of Reincarnation reached its culmination, bestowing upon them the transcendence of 'Moksha' or 'Nirvana.'
Encircling the dais, Encircling the dais; some figures sat atop these thrones and some were empty.
On its throne that stood above the others, [Fate] groaned, ignoring the ongoing negotiations between its 'sisters' and resumed its playful manipulation of the cosmic 'Chains' that bound destinies.
This time, one of the bets was being placed between [Destiny] and [Karma] itself. [Destiny] and [Karma] were seemingly unaffected, but if one could look closely into their eternally spinning forms on the Wheel of Time, one would have noticed nervous sweat covering them.
At the fringes of Reality, [Destiny] emitted a whimper, hovering protectively over its 'board game'. Yet, amidst the reactions of their celestial kin, the true crux of the matter lay in the improbable occurrence of these two sisters, who harbored an inherent disdain for one another, engaging in a wager of profound consequence.
"It has been a long time since we last placed such a wager, don't you think, my dear sister?"
[Karma] let out a slow chuckle, her lips curling into a mischievous smile. The tuff between them traced long ago in the past.
"Stop it. I don't want to get into trouble again. You might not remember what happened last time, but I surely do."
"So you are admitting defeat again. Is that so?"
"I never said anything like that. Don't you dare twist my words against me?"
"I am merely putting into words what you fail to say yourself. Don't blame me. You have always been like that, my dear sister."
"I am like what?"
[Destiny] inquired, raising its brow. It was always weak with words, especially against its eternal rival [Karma].
"Like a coward? You are too mindful of others, always afraid of what Mother would say, always fearful. It's not like we are doing something bad. A little joke every now and then should not pose any problem."
Thus, the events unfurled, leading to the initiation of a momentous wager, focused on a single mortal who would become the subject of their cosmic conflict.
Bestowing upon him a terrible power, one capable of altering not only his own [Fate] but also that of his entire world, they set the stage for potential terror and upheaval.
[Life] and [Death] assumed their roles as the judge to oversee this wager, observing with keen eyes the mortal's actions. Once the mortal was done, the two sisters would count what he had brought more - was it Life or Death?
* * * * *
"The time has come," whispered [Destiny] with a mixture of nervousness and anticipation, as the momentous wager reached its culmination.
At the same time, the Wheel of Time spun once more, unleashing a peculiar force that surged forth. This enigmatic power, invisible and devoid of color, cut through the heavens with unwavering determination, tracing a path known only to itself. Its ethereal passing left behind a lingering harmony as if a concordant melody danced upon the very air.
It followed a predestined path set, a course untrodden for countless ages.
It soared upward, toward the sky. It speared through the celestial realm towards the eternal moons that held dominion over the heavens. An intricate lattice of imperceptible energy interwoven in the sky crackled with flashes of bronze, gold, silver, orange, purple, and blue-white, like an ethereal aurora encircling the power's ascent, its relentless surge tempered by the beauty of its captivation.
Released from all restraints, it catapulted into the boundless Void that lay beyond the stars, where darkness loomed oppressively and the harmonious melodies of creation dwindled to near silence.
Within that inky expanse, the power thinned, fragments of its essence dissipating as it traversed unnatural luminous voids.
Undeterred, it pressed forward, venturing past the resounding symphony of existence and into the faint echoes of its diminishing chorus. Its trajectory led it to a distant realm - a blue-green marble suspended beyond the Void - where even echoes surrendered to their demise.
Its target was Earth.
* * * * *
However, even after all the time had passed, the Creatrix didn't forget the existence of its arch-nemesis - The Unmaker, a malevolent entity that sought to destroy all the creation.
The Unmaker had created a race of dark creatures known as the Fallen, imbued with his 'Nether' and set them loose.
Ages come and pass. Yet the two are constant.
(End of Chapter... To Be Continued...)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Author's Note:-
After a long time, I have finally decided to write again. It will be a long and arduous journey and I hope you all will walk alongside me.
I will definitely be lacking as a writer because of my lack of experience but I hope you will correct me at every juncture, and will help me to be a better writer than I was the day before.