The Shadow Plane

The Shadow Plane – the realm of Erebus, the Primordial of Darkness. It is a place destined to be perpetually dark; the sun and moon would never grace this realm. It also serves as a haven for the Dark Fey, a mythical species created by Erebus. They are his servants and soldiers, endowed with the blessed power of darkness and shadows.

Hypnos appeared in the night sky of the Shadow Plane. He immediately gazed down at his father's realm with nostalgia. He had spent the first years of his new life just adventuring through these dark lands. He began to scan the realm for his father. Then he teleported to a dark forest at the edge of the realm.

His father stood in the midst of twisting and distorting time and space, surrounded by swaying trees and freezing air. He was clutching a dark—no, a colorless—orb of calamity and disaster.

"Father," Hypnos called.

Erebus turned to face Hypnos. "Do you know what this is, Hypnos?" he asked, pausing to answer his own question. "It is Annihilation given form. The nemesis of Time and Space. The bane of Order. The graveyard of Creation."

"Nothing can escape this," The Primordial of Darkness said as he raised the orb, a triumphant smile on his lips. "Not even the light of heaven."

It was a black hole, a singularity.

Hypnos couldn't possibly be wrong. But it didn't feel like any ordinary singularity; it felt more primal and initial in nature, as if, when unleashed, it could devour everything in existence.

He had erroneously assumed that, given his own rising power, his father could no longer surprise him. But here he was, being gobsmacked once again by the power of his father.

Hypnos also noted something in the words of his father—the heavenly light. It was the light that bathed the heavens, the light that God used to cast Lucifer and his army into the infernal pits of hell, and the light that was said to be the true pillar of creation itself.

And his father was claiming that the primordial singularity he created could devour the light of heaven. He didn't know whether his father was just boasting or maybe it really could achieve that.

Hypnos always had the impression that his father was plotting something hefty, which could or could not involve rebellion against heaven. His father wasn't really being subtle about his intentions, at least to him and their family.

Heaven was the de-facto ruling force of creation. The ancient laws that bind the divine beings so much were put in place by Saint Michael. The Order of creation was thus established and overseen by the angels of heaven.

Despite the fact that the Primordials were not bound by the ancient laws and order of heaven due to their cosmic status, they were still forced to bow and recognise the rule of heaven at the beginning of creation.

Under the light of all of this, Hypnos suspected God was on the same level as Khaos, the progenitor of the primordials, though his parents avoided discussing much about creators.

In the beginning of Creation, Khaos took several forms, like Chaos, Ginnungagap, Nun, Amenominakanushi, Pralaya, and gave birth to all primordials in existence, from whom the Gods sprang.

Khaos was the progenitor of all primal and divine beings, and his father, Erebus, was most likely planning a rebellion against a being equal to Khaos. Every time he thought about it, his heart erupted in waves of chaotic emotions.

Restraining his flying thoughts, Hypnos merely stared at his father.

"A primordial singularity." Erebus confirmed his guesses, extending the black hole toward him. "It's fascinating, isn't it?"

"Yes, father." Hypnos stated coolly. He really didn't want to delve into the apocalyptic plan of his father for the time being.

Erebus picked up on his tone. "All right, come on." he simply waved his hand, and the primordial singularity disintegrated into a sea of eternal darkness, which swept them away like a tide.

Hypnos blinked. The darkness dissipated, revealing a massive castle with a blackness rivalling the void and a backdrop of billions of stars gleaming brilliantly in the dark sky. The darkness and night seemed to be coalescing together in-between the spires of the castle.

A rising city with wide bridges and rising palaces surrounded the castle. The winding streets were bustling with people going about their jobs and duties.

This was Louver, the capital city of the Dark Fey civilization. They were a mythical species with their own culture, laws, and history.

Hypnos gazed around the city. He couldn't help but marvel at his father's creation once again. This was an actual and functional civilization that was completely different from that of Earth. And he met and interacted with the dark fey during his adventures. They were truly...a fascinating species.

"Hypnos." Erebus called, pulling him out of his marvelling revive.

Hypnos strode toward his father while the dark fey troops stationed in his path bowed reverently. He nodded to them and then followed his father into the massive castle.

The dark doors of the castle rumbled shut with their arrival.

——————

Hypnos and Erebus sat at opposite ends of long tables decorated with candles as their dinners—shadow plane specialties—were served to them.

Hypnos immediately began devouring the sumptuous meal.

"How is your realm coming along?" Erebus inquired, sipping his dark wine.

"It's progressing well, father," stated Hypnos. "I am actually here on a different matter,"

"What is it?" Erebus questioned.

Hypnos leaned back in his chair and placed his spoon on the table. Then he asked, his voice firm with determination. "Destiny," he paused, cavalierly pointing out. "You and Mother have purposely avoided discussing this matter."

Erebus furrowed his brows. "Why are you suddenly inquiring about this?"

"I need to know, father." Hypnos answered elusively. There was a reason why he decided to see his father rather than his mother about Destiny. Unlike his father, his mother does not really understand the concept of personal space.

Erebus placed his glass on the table, "Your mother will be very angry if I tell you about Destiny without her, but—" he shrugged. "It is already past time for you to know this."

Hypnos leaned forward to the edge of his chair and looked on at his father with utmost attention.

"Destiny." Erebus began. "It is a pillar of creation, supporting the very existence of the cosmos. Everything needs a reason to exist, a purpose to live, and Destiny gives that," he said, pausing and gazing at Hypnos. "In essence, Destiny is nothing but a path forged by our own choices—"

"Father, your previous statement totally contradicts it." Hypnos cut in sharply. "You stated that Destiny gives us a purpose, a reason, and in retrospect, that will mean our path. So, how does our choice still matter?"

"Hypnos." Erebus chided, "I see you still have not worked on your pessimism at all." He glared at Hypnos, who avoided his dark gaze remorsefully. "It very much matters. Your choices will determine your path. Though I much say—"

Here's the catch. Hypnos thought. How could I possibly be wrong about fate?

"—you must possess sufficient power to make your choice matter in the path of Destiny, and such power is only possessed by the primordials in creation."

Hypnos knew it. There is always a catch whenever it comes to Destiny. After all, Fate was a cruel but necessary concept. "So this means that—" he inquired, still unsure of his assumptions.

"Yes," Erebus nodded, "for all the beings under the Primordials, their path of Destiny is decided for them. However, there is an exception: if the existence of a divine or a mortal comes to affect the fate of the entire world, they will be granted the privilege of choice at critical moments of their destiny."

Hypnos leaned back in his seat, taking in his father's words. It did answer one of his most pressing question: if the Fates predetermined everything, what was the point of the Great Prophecies in the original story?

Erebus continued, "And just like most concepts in existence, Destiny is embodied by a Primordial." he paused, something passing his dark eyes. A flicker that was almost wryness. "Ananke is her name. She is the personification of Destiny, Inevitablity and Necessity."

He said lightly. "And as you know, she is also your aunt, Hypnos."

Hypnos was unsure how he felt about his connection with the Primordial of Destiny. Though he was certain of his feeling that the relationship between Ananke and his parents was strained. Every time fate or destiny was brought up in front of them, their uncomfortableness was palpable, and they would swiftly change the subject. "Father?" he asked, carefully phasing his words and observing his father's expression. "Is there perhaps a problem between Ananke and our family?"

Erebus picked up the cup and sipped the wine. "That's story for another day." He smoothly changed the subject yet again. "Tell me, why are you suddenly so interested in the workings of Destiny?"

Hypnos decided not to press since he knew it was a futile endeavour. Then he returned his attention to his question, falling silent for a brief moment in thought. "I need some answers from Destiny."

"Destiny has always troubled you, has it not?" Erebus heaved a sigh.

Hypnos was not surprised to learn that his father had noticed. In his early years, he wasn't very good at hiding his emotions, and the fact that his parents were Primordials didn't help matters. On the contrary, he would have been more suspicious and worried if they hadn't noticed anything at all.

But still, his heart skipped a beat at the way his father said those words, as if he always knew something he didn't.

"Father, do you know my destiny?" Hypnos asked lowly.

"No," Erebus peered Hypnos. "Destiny eludes me, Hypnos, as it does most, only the children and blessed of Ananke have the power to manipulate and perceive destiny," he paused. "Whatever answers you seek from Destiny, you will find them in the daughters of Ananke - the Fates."

"Why them—" Hypnos inquired, intrigued.

"I do not want you to meet Ananke." Erebus abruptly cut him off, leaving no room for further questions or arguments.

Hypnos resignedly accepted his father's words, though a part of his heart betrayed him, seeking solace.

Seeing Hypnos nod repeatedly, Erebus continued, his tone softening ever so slightly. "Always remember, Hypnos. It doesn't matter what you find in your fate, as in the end, your path will always be yours to walk."

-your fate. Hypnos sipped his wine, trying hard not to show his emotions on his face. He was certain his father knew something about him now. But he didn't press the issue. His father would have told him if he really wanted to.

"Yes, father." He finally managed.

If his father has indeed noticed his perturbation, Erebus didn't seem to bother to expose him to it. "You do know the ritual for summoning fates, right?" he inquired after a brief silence.

"Yes," Hypnos said, sipping his wine. "Mother taught me the basics of rituals."

Erebus stated. "Well, that won't be enough for your endeavour," he thoughtfully tapping the armrest. "Hecate. Go meet with her. She will guide you."

As he nodded to his father, Hypnos remembered the gloomy and pale goddess holding torches.

"Eat." Erebus finally pointed to his food. "Or else it will get cold."

Hypnos took up the fork and spoon, but another important matter flashed through his mind at the same time. "Father, Mother is hosting a secret meeting. What is that all about?" he emphasised on the 'secretive'.

"Your mother always enjoy being dramatic, doesn't she?" Erebus managed to crack a light smile when his mother was mentioned. "You don't need to be concerned, Hypnos. It will be just a meeting with Gaia's representative, who will most likely be one of the gods—her pawns."

"Your mother owes Gaia a favour. She's probably going to use it on the Titanomachy to seal her side's victory."

"Father," Hypnos immediately asked. "Wasn't it predetermined that the Gods would win?"

"Destiny is elusive and mysterious." Erebus said simply. "One can never be completely certain when it comes to fate," he continued with distaste. "That's enough of Destiny for today, Hypnos."

As he listened to his father, Hypnos felt a nagging feeling in his heart. The anomalous situation with Titanomachy will not somehow end up being related to him, right? Right?

Erebus said to Hypnos. "Now, tell me how your realm is progressing."

Hypnos immediately pushed all of his worries and troubles to the back of his mind. "I was worried that you wouldn't ask, Father." He smiled pretentiously.

"Dreaming." Hypnos began. "It is a realm where fantasy and reality know no distinction…"

The stars cast a soft glow on him, between his boasts and tales, between his smiles and boasts.

——————

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