As Existence drifted through the vastness of the universe , he couldn't shake the Creator's words from his mind. The idea of darkness as a natural part of creation; intended to balance the light—still felt unsettling. Yet, he had to trust the Creator's plan, even if the concept of balance was beyond his understanding.
Not long after his talk with the Creator, Existence noticed a familiar presence approaching him: Lucifer. Bright and powerful, Lucifer radiated light and confidence, his energy unwavering.
"Existence," Lucifer greeted with a respectful nod. "You seem… distracted."
Existence hesitated, then replied, "I've just had a conversation with the Creator. I'm trying to understand what was said."
Intrigued, Lucifer raised an eyebrow, his interest increased. "What did you discuss? You can share it with me if it helps."
"Of course," Existence said, pausing as he gathered his thoughts. "The Creator spoke of darkness and its role in the balance of the universe. I thought light was all there was; pure, untouched. But now, I'm told that darkness has its place, that it's not… entirely wrong."
A flicker of surprise crossed Lucifer's face, quickly replaced by his usual calm expression. "Darkness has a purpose?" he asked thoughtfully, as if testing the words in his own mind. "Strange. I've always believed that light alone was perfection. Isn't that why we exist, to reflect that?"
"I thought so too," Existence admitted. "But the Creator seemed certain that balance is more than just light. Darkness, as unsettling as it is, must exist for creation to be complete."
Lucifer let out a slow, measured breath, his gaze hardening. "If darkness truly belongs, then why does it feel so… foreign? Like a shadow creeping over everything we hold dear. Can something that disrupts be part of harmony?"
The question struck Existence, who had felt that same discomfort. "I don't know," he said quietly. "But the Creator said darkness came from creation itself, that it wasn't intended to cause harm."
"Perhaps," Lucifer said, crossing his arms and looking out at the stars with a distant, almost troubled gaze. "But can balance even exist where darkness is present? Maybe the Creator didn't foresee everything."
Surprised, Existence looked up at him. "You really think so? That there could be something beyond even the Creator's design?"
Lucifer met his gaze, eyes sharp. "Why not? We were given thought, weren't we? Our own choices. Perhaps this darkness… perhaps it's something we're meant to challenge. Or maybe," he hesitated, then continued, "it's a test."
"A test?" Existence echoed, pondering this new idea. "Then, what are we meant to prove?"
"I suppose," Lucifer replied slowly, "it's a test of loyalty. Maybe it's our role to reject the darkness, to keep it from overshadowing the light we represent."
They fell into a thoughtful silence. The stars around them seemed to glow brighter, their light casting long shadows—a reminder of the presence of both light and dark. The silence was filled with tension, as each considered the implications of Lucifer's words.
After a while, Lucifer turned back to Existence, his face resolved. "Have you ever wondered why we were given choice? If all was supposed to remain in light, why allow for darkness? And why allow us the freedom to even consider it?"
"Maybe… the Creator believes that true balance requires understanding both," Existence offered, though he wasn't entirely convinced. "If darkness is part of the balance, then maybe rejecting it without understanding would create more imbalance."
Lucifer's gaze hardened, his voice firm. "But understanding isn't the same as acceptance. Should we tolerate something that contradicts what we were made for?"
Existence met his friend's intense gaze, sensing a growing tension beneath Lucifer's calm exterior. "I don't think the Creator meant for us to fight the darkness blindly," he said slowly. "We're meant to be guardians, to protect balance—not disrupt it."
A flash of irritation crossed Lucifer's face, though he quickly masked it. "And yet, here we are—caught in confusion over the very nature of what we're supposed to protect. Tell me, Existence, do you truly feel at peace with this balance?"
The question left Existence speechless for a moment. Did he feel at peace? He remembered the Creator's gentle reassurances, but there was still a lingering doubt. "I trust the Creator's words," he said finally. "But… I admit, I don't fully understand."
Lucifer gave a small, understanding nod, though his expression remained guarded. "Perhaps it's time we sought answers beyond words. If darkness has a place, maybe it's up to us to explore it, to find out what it truly is."
"Explore it?" Existence asked, cautious. "Do you really think that's wise? The Creator made it clear that it's not our role to challenge it."
"I'm not saying to challenge it," Lucifer replied, though his tone held a hint of defiance. "I'm saying to understand it. If balance truly demands both light and dark, shouldn't we know what that darkness holds?"
The suggestion unsettled Existence. He respected Lucifer's bravery and curiosity, but he feared where this path might lead. "I… I don't know if that's a path we should take."
Lucifer looked at him with a spark of determination. "Then maybe I'll find out myself. After all, what harm could there be in seeking knowledge?"
The boldness in Lucifer's voice sent a chill through Existence. He wanted to urge his friend to be cautious, but he also knew that Lucifer would not be swayed easily. Instead, he simply replied, "Be careful, my friend. Some knowledge might come at too high a price."
Lucifer nodded but seemed unaffected by the warning. "Then let it be my risk to take. If balance requires both light and dark, then it's a truth I intend to understand—fully."
With that, he turned and drifted off into the stars, leaving Existence alone in the silent heavens. Watching his friend disappear into the vastness, Existence felt a heaviness settle over him, a foreboding sense that this conversation marked the beginning of something profound, something that would change them both.
He couldn't shake the feeling that Lucifer's curiosity could lead to places the Creator had subtly warned against. Yet, he also knew that no amount of persuasion could stop Lucifer once he set his mind to something.
Alone now, Existence tried to find comfort in the Creator's words, but questions continued to echo in his mind. Why was he feeling so uncertain? If darkness was meant to be part of creation, why did it feel so… disruptive?
As he pondered, he realized his friend's question lingered in his heart, too. Perhaps choice wasn't just about obedience, but also about discovery. If balance required both light and dark, maybe he, too, needed to understand what that darkness entailed.
And so, with a heavy heart and a troubled mind, Existence drifted on, contemplating his role, the Creator's intentions, and the new spark of doubt ignited by Lucifer.