There will always be a beginning, and always an end. Some come too soon but leave an unforgettable light, while some linger too long like rot and decay. But all things are a cycle. Now this story must begin; and it starts with Creation. She took the first breath of this universe, and from that exhale she grew her power. The first thing she did with that power was dream of the stars. Entire cosmos she imagined. Great bursts of fire and light as it took shape, trailing dust like echoes. Bigger dreams yet of planets and solar systems that would turn and dance around each other in an eternal waltz. Of stunning comets that would streak through her universe with fiery passion. She could hardly wait for the day when it would all come together to greet her. She just needed to wake up first.

When the day finally arrived, she was awestruck at how perfectly it had all come together. It had been born exactly as she wanted it. Its flawless beauty filled her with a euphoric feeling. The more she admired everything around her, the more she wanted. So, she reached out and from her hands, she expanded the universe. No galaxy too big or small, planet or star cluster too ambitious for her. Everything that appeared from her hands, was precious and hers alone.

That was until one day, she noticed things she had never created began to appear on their own. It never occurred to her that after something had life in it, it could take its own shape and breathe its own magic into her universe. But as she gazed upon an unfamiliar solar system, she realized it was just like her. It shared the same love of creation as she had. A storm of emotions she didn’t have names for yet began swirling through her. She loved the universe as it loved her, that was a fact; however, it seemed the further it expanded the less she believed it needed her. It was no longer at her fingertips; unfamiliar, new, and alive with its own ideals. Shouldn’t she be proud that her greatest love was growing with her?

Creation reached for the stars she once cradled, but her hands were left cold as they closed around nothing. Her universe, her love, had drifted from her. For the first time Creation knew pain. Then one day she caught sight of a star, its light sputtering in passing, calling out to her in desperation. She had become withdrawn and afraid, but chose to approach it, for she didn’t want her creations to suffer as she was. What she couldn’t understand was why one of her children was fading; for Death didn’t exist yet. 

She tried to hold it to soothe its pain, but as its final dying embers burned out, she was left holding its cold core. It was in agony, and she couldn’t do a thing to help it. Loss left her hollow and frozen. The silent ambience haunted her, she had never felt so small. She gazed at every planet and star around her, wondering when her next creation would sputter and die as this one did. Would it die alone? Did it not know how much she loved and wanted it here?

Then ultimately, she feared, would she sputter and die too?

She held the star close to her chest. From her sorrow, she created something entirely new.

She created Death.

He was created in her image. He was everything and nothing, but he was familiar. She recognized herself in him. He held his arms open for her and looked at her with the softness of a soul who understood. Her star had transformed and bloomed, becoming something entirely new. He would protect her and her creations for as long as the universe still marched on. This would be his purpose.

As time moved on, Creation would mourn each star and planet that suffered the first’s fate. And every time Death stood beside her and comforted her, taking the light within each beloved creation and keeping it with him. Assured her that even in death, everything she created was loved just as much by him, even if they only existed in his universe and could no longer hear her.

It never got easier. She became cold and reserved. She lost the magical spark in her. 

That was until a little planet called to her. Through her tears she gazed upon the little planet as it spoke to her. “Look, I am creating a bountiful world. Your grand design of the universe is almighty and dazzling and it inspired me to make something new. While you focused on making the pillars on which this universe stands on, I focused my energy into growing a garden for you to rest your weary head.” Creation suddenly felt small as the earth cradled her feet, soft and warm. Instead of a lightshow, the garden shimmered with blue waterfalls, colorful walls of flowers, and trees in every shade of green. For the first time in eons, she felt like she could breathe through her ache.

She was inspired again. Her eyes sparkled with joy as she looked upon Death. She took his hand and closed her eyes. Neither one had ever felt the kind of comfort they felt there, a familiar feeling, one like home.

“I want this moment to live forever. I know all things must end, but I need this one forever.” Creation’s voice was soft, wishful even. Death desperately wanted her wish to come true, so he plucked a fire lily for her and combined that wish and his desires to create their first child. Pain overflowed his body from the stress of such magic. From the fire lily a small dragon unfurled its wings.

“Immortality. He will be spared the fate of death for as long as this universe breathes.” His scales reflected the beauty of the garden back at them. Spared the fate of death, eyes wide with wonder, destined to become the wisest of them all. “There will be times when he is lonely, and we can’t give the same gift twice. What should we do?”

Creation inspired, reached down grabbing a fistful of dirt. “We will create a second life then. One where you can bloom and have the grace and sustainability to grow again, and again. Rebirth.”

Death chuckled, “a cheeky way around it. But you are strong and mighty, I know you will sustain them well.” Rebirth was a dryad, born to bloom again and again. A speaker for the righteous and of second chances. “Rebirth will know both of us well. They will see you in every new breath and me with every last. Something must keep them together surely. Someone who can shoulder the weight of this existence. I think they should be born with the fluidity to adapt and overcome.”

Death dipped his hand into the water that flowed from the waterfall. Creation accepted a single drop and from him, a small hippocamp appeared between her palms. “Perseverance.” She was like the flow of time and the cycles in which life would have. A peacekeeper, and symbol of strength for all.

Creation and Death allowed their children to spend their first day to play in the garden. Creation tilted her head towards the sky where she could see her stars. “You will always be my first love. You made me a dreamer. But I have a new love.” She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “This world, Nuria, is my new journey to follow. I am excited to see where this life will take me. Thank you for this wonderful gift.”

Death stood not far away; eyes also turned towards the stars. Filled with apprehension. He wanted nothing more than for it to be kind and filled with the peace that Creation deserved. But he knew something she didn’t, that one day he would become The End. The Death of all things. He was growing without her. A festering power stirred inside him, begging to be released.

But today? He would bask in this magnificent warmth. He didn’t know how long this peace would last. But he did know he must protect this garden, no matter the cost.