Chapter 47: Papa scolds the children

In the heart of her vibrant, ever-changing realm, Life sat amidst an ethereal garden, surrounded by luminescent flowers, fluttering fairies, and creatures of every imaginable kind.

The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flora, and the sound of laughter and song echoed all around. It was a place of pure, untamed beauty—a reflection of Life's essence itself.

Life, with her radiant golden hair and eyes that shimmered like sunlight on water, was laughing—no, cackling—like a maniac. Her laughter echoed through the realm, causing the flowers to sway, the fairies to dance, and the creatures to join in with their own joyous noises.

She was thoroughly amused by the events unfolding in the universe she had a hand in shaping—the universe where her brother, Darius, and his little apprentices, the Endless, had just concocted their latest scheme.

"Oh, Darius, you never fail to entertain!" she giggled, clutching her sides as she doubled over with mirth. "A tournament, really? How wonderfully chaotic! The endless games these mortals play, and now you've turned it into a cosmic event! This is too rich!"

Her laughter rang out, and the entire realm seemed to pulse with her delight, the vibrant life around her responding to her mood. For a few moments, she was lost in her own amusement, imagining the chaos that would ensue and the way it would ripple through the cosmos.

But then, her laughter was interrupted by a presence—a familiar one that caused the very fabric of her realm to still, as if holding its breath. Life straightened up, her laughter fading as she turned to see her Father standing before her.

The Father, the omnipotent Creator of all things, radiated an aura of infinite power and wisdom. His form was both impossible to fully comprehend and comforting in its familiarity.

He was the source of everything, the beginning and the end, and His presence commanded respect and awe from all His creations.

He looked at Life with a mixture of exasperation and affection, as if she were a child who had once again found herself in mischief. "Life," He began, His voice calm yet carrying the weight of the cosmos. "What has amused you so greatly this time?"

Life, still smiling but with a touch of sheepishness, shrugged. "Oh, just my dear little brother and his apprentices. They've decided to hold a tournament—heroes against villains, chaos against order. It's going to be quite the spectacle!"

Eternus sighed, though there was a hint of a smile at the corner of His mouth. "Instead of working together, as siblings should, you are all out there playing games on each other. This is not what I intended when I created you."

Life pouted slightly, though her eyes still sparkled with amusement. "But Father, isn't it the nature of life to be playful? To test limits, to explore, to experiment? Darius and the others are just doing what comes naturally to them."

Eternus gave her a long, measured look. "I noticed the shift in balance in one of the universes I created—one where the boundaries between worlds have merged. The Axis Mundi, as they call it. Your brother's actions, and now yours, are causing ripples that could disrupt the harmony I have woven into the fabric of reality."

Life tilted her head, considering His words. "But isn't that the beauty of life, Father? The unpredictability, the constant change? You gave us free will for a reason."

The Father nodded, though His expression remained serious. "Indeed, I did. But with that freedom comes responsibility. I will allow this game to continue, but remember, Life—there are consequences to every action. The balance of this universe is delicate, and if it tips too far, even I may not be able to restore it."

Life's expression softened, and she bowed her head slightly. "I understand, Father. I will keep watch over it, and ensure that it does not go too far. But please, allow us this moment of play. After all, what is life without a little chaos?"

The Father sighed once more, though this time it was with acceptance. "Very well. But be mindful of the balance, my child. The Axis Mundi universe is a special creation—one that holds great potential, but also great peril."

With those final words, He faded from her realm, leaving Life alone once more amidst her garden. She stood in silence for a moment, contemplating His words, before a mischievous smile returned to her lips.

"Oh, Darius," she whispered to herself. "You'd better be ready. Because things are about to get very interesting." 

And with that, she returned to her playful laughter, the realm around her responding in kind as the game between the Endless and their siblings continued to unfold.

[Some 'time' later~]

Eternus, the timeless architect of all things, resided in a realm that transcended the very concept of existence. His domain was a place where time, space, and matter were mere suggestions, bending and warping to His will.

It was a vast expanse of shifting realities, where stars were born and died in the blink of an eye, where galaxies spun in endless dances, and where the very fabric of the multiverse wove together in an intricate, ever-changing tapestry.

The skies of His realm were a kaleidoscope of colors, each hue representing a different plane of existence. Cosmic winds, carrying the whispers of ancient civilizations, blew across the endless fields of stardust that stretched as far as the eye could see.

In the center of this awe-inspiring expanse stood Eternus' throne, a colossal structure made of pure, unadulterated light. It radiated power, wisdom, and the unyielding authority of the one who sat upon it.

The throne itself was surrounded by swirling nebulae, their ethereal forms constantly shifting and pulsing with life. Planets orbited around it, each one representing a different aspect of creation—life, death, chaos, order, love, hate.

It was a realm of infinite beauty and boundless power, a place where only the most powerful beings could stand without being consumed by its majesty.

It was here that Eternus summoned His three children—Darius, Harmony, and Life.

The three siblings appeared before Him in an instant, their forms materializing in the midst of the cosmic splendor. Darius, with his flowing white hair and robes adorned with golden accents, stood tall and proud, his expression calm but with a subtle edge of defiance in his eyes.

Life, her golden hair and eyes shimmering with the energy of creation, stood across from him, a playful yet challenging smirk on her lips. And between them, Harmony, ever the mediator, looked nervously from one to the other, trying to keep the peace.

Invisible sparks of animosity crackled in the air between Darius and Life. Their rivalry was as old as time itself, a natural consequence of their opposing natures.

Life, the embodiment of growth, change, and chaos, was always at odds with Darius, the judicious and calm arbiter of balance and judgment.

Their energies clashed even in their Father's presence, though neither dared to fully express it.

Harmony, sensing the tension, stepped forward, her voice soft and soothing as she tried to diffuse the situation. "Now, now, let's not do this here. We're in Father's realm, and I'm sure He summoned us for something important. Can we at least pretend to get along for once?"

Darius merely raised an eyebrow, his gaze never leaving Life. "I'm always willing to listen to reason, Harmony. But it seems our dear sister enjoys causing unnecessary trouble."

Life's smirk widened, her golden eyes glinting with mischief. "Oh, brother, trouble is just another word for fun. You should try it sometime."

Before the tension could escalate further, a voice as deep as the void itself and as powerful as the birth of a star echoed through the realm, instantly silencing them.

"Darius Caelum Veritas!

Harmony Celestia Concordia!

Vitae Lux Aeterna!"

Eternus called each of them by their full names, each name carrying the weight of their essence, their purpose, and their station.

Darius Caelum Veritas—the Sky Truth, the arbiter of judgment, balance, and the one who sees all.

Harmony Celestia Concordia—the Heavenly Harmony, the weaver of peace, balance, and the connector of all things.

Vitae Lux Aeterna—the Eternal Light of Life, the bringer of creation, growth, and the endless cycle of existence.

The siblings, for all their power and pride, immediately bowed their heads in respect, their earlier animosity momentarily forgotten in the presence of their Father.

Eternus looked upon them, His gaze penetrating and all-encompassing. "You three," He began, His tone both scolding and affectionate, "are My most powerful creations, yet you act like children squabbling over toys. What am I to do with you?"

The siblings shifted uneasily, glancing at each other with a mixture of guilt and defiance. Even in the presence of their Father, their true natures couldn't be fully suppressed.

Eternus continued, His voice now more stern. "You, Darius, with your endless judgments and need for balance, must learn that not everything can be measured and weighed.

Life, with your boundless energy and chaotic whims, must understand that creation without purpose is as dangerous as destruction.

And Harmony, dear Harmony, you must find the strength to not just mediate, but to also lead when necessary."

Harmony nodded, her gaze still lowered, while Darius and Life exchanged a brief, begrudging glance.

"Father, we were only…" Darius began, but Eternus raised a hand, silencing him.

"I know what you were doing," Eternus said, his tone softening slightly. "I am aware of everything that transpires in My creation. But remember, the balance of the DCxMarvel universe—Axis Mundi—is delicate. Your actions, however well-intentioned, can have far-reaching consequences. I will not have My work undone by your petty rivalries."

There was a pause, the cosmic winds around them stilling as Eternus' words hung heavy in the air.

The siblings, now fully chastened, exchanged looks that spoke volumes. Despite their immense power and centuries of existence, they were still like children in the presence of their Father—respectful, yet with a hint of childish defiance lingering beneath the surface.

Eternus finally sighed, a deep, cosmic sound that reverberated through the realm. "I love you all dearly, but you must learn to work together. You are not just My children; you are the guardians of existence itself. Do not let Me down."

Darius, feeling the weight of his father's words, remained silent, though the stubborn set of his jaw indicated his reluctance to completely concede.

Life, on the other hand, seemed to be enjoying herself, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she leaned slightly toward Darius.

Eternus paused, his vast presence seeming to contemplate the endless possibilities before him. Then, with a sigh that sent ripples through the stars, he made his decision.

"Very well. If you must compete, then let it be so. I will allow this tournament to proceed. But know this—I will be watching. And by its end, I expect this rivalry between you two to be settled once and for all."

A spark of surprise flickered in Darius's eyes, though he quickly masked it. Life's grin only grew wider, her excitement barely contained. Harmony, though relieved that a more drastic outcome had been avoided, couldn't help but feel a pang of concern.

She knew how competitive her siblings could be, and the thought of them going head-to-head on such a scale made her uneasy.

But before she could voice her concerns, Eternus's vast form shifted slightly, and his tone lightened, as if to remind them that he was not just a ruler, but their father.

"And while you're at it, remember to have some fun. It's been eons since I've had the chance to enjoy a good show."

Harmony, unable to resist her affectionate nature, floated up toward Eternus's colossal face and wrapped her arms around as much of him as she could, giving him a big, fluffy hug. "You're the best, Father," she said, her voice full of warmth.

Eternus rumbled with amusement, a sound like a thousand galaxies laughing in unison. "You always were the affectionate one, Harmony. Now go, all of you. Prepare for what's to come. And Darius, Life—no more petty squabbles. Let the tournament decide, once and for all."

As the siblings turned to leave, the invisible sparks of animosity still flickered between Darius and Life, though both were now tempered by the knowledge that their father's eyes would be on them.

Harmony, ever the peacemaker, floated between them, her presence a calming force as they prepared to return to their respective realms.

But even as they departed, there was a sense of anticipation in the air, an unspoken understanding that the coming tournament would be like nothing they had ever experienced.

And while Darius and Life may have had their differences, they were still family—bound by blood, by purpose, and by the watchful gaze of Eternus, the father of all.

As they vanished from Eternus's realm, the universe itself seemed to hold its breath, waiting for the first spark of the inevitable clash that was to come.

=========================================================

[A/N Axis Mundi: The accumulation of multiple realities and universes, some minor some major. The two most prominent being DC and Marvel, comics and cinematic realities, all woven into one cluster f*ck that your dear Author needs a 10 point plan just to remember what the f*ck I write. Its tough.

Have fun reading!!!]