The Mothers Of All Cosmos

Chapter Twenty: Shadows Rising

Back on the planet of Verithar, a place once thriving but now ravaged by the cosmic war, the remaining Children of the Cosmos gathered to discuss the growing disturbances. Ayla had summoned them, sensing that the peace they had worked so hard to secure was slipping away.

Jorah, the warrior from the mountain realms, spoke first. His deep voice rumbled through the chamber like a storm brewing on the horizon. "We should be preparing for war, Ayla. Whatever is stirring out there, we need to strike before it gains strength."

Lyra, the diplomat from the floating isles, shook her head in disagreement. "We've already lost so much. There must be another way. Not everything can be solved with conflict."

Ayla, seated in the center of the gathering, listened to both sides, her face expressionless yet her mind racing. She knew Jorah was right in one respect: there was something rising. But Lyra's plea also resonated with her. They had barely rebuilt what had been lost. Another war could tear everything apart again.

Suddenly, Seren burst into the chamber, her face pale and her breathing labored. "Ayla! There's something coming. A storm of energy—like nothing we've ever seen before. It's tearing through the outer realms."

Ayla stood immediately, her eyes narrowing as her senses expanded, reaching across the stars. What she felt chilled her to her core. It was familiar, yet twisted. Something had taken the remnants of Lazrael's essence and twisted it into something far more dangerous.

Ayla: (urgently) "It's not just energy. It's a being. And it's growing stronger with every passing moment."

Jorah clenched his fists. "Then we go now, before it gets any stronger."

But Ayla raised her hand. "No. We don't know enough. Rushing in could be disastrous."

Seren: (fearful, but determined) "What do we do, Ayla? How do we fight something we don't even understand?"

Ayla's eyes flashed with resolve. "We don't fight it. Not yet. First, we find the source. We gather our knowledge, our allies. And then—if there's no other choice—we end it."