A thousand bells echoed through the sky as the divine city Aarvanya, hidden in the folds of space, revealed itself to the world once more. Suspended above the mortal realm, built on celestial stone and lit by eternal flames, this was the throne of every god and goddess who had ever existed.
And today, it would become a battlefield of words.
Ash stood at the heart of the Grand Council Hall, where stars circled above and the floor reflected entire galaxies. On either side of the circular arena, deities took their places—beings of unimaginable power and pride.
To the left knelt the Goddess of Nature, Prakriti Devi, her eyes like emerald forests.
Beside her sat Jaladhira, the Goddess of Oceans, whose voice could calm tempests.
Agneyi, Goddess of Fire, stood firm, her robes made of flame and fury.
Even Bhumi Ma, Goddess of Earth, radiated concern and defiance.
Opposite them stood the Demon Lord, Ravanaari, daughter of destruction, bearer of his command. At her back were monstrous generals, all kneeling in reverence to the one before them.
Ash.
He now wore a robe of shadow and light—half human, half divine—his aura in perfect balance. His mortal friends stood behind him: Sarina, Akarshan, Shiv, Monish, Anuj, Shivam. They were allowed to be present—not as warriors, but as witnesses to history.
The hall rang with silence as Ash raised his voice.
"I ordered the destruction of humanity."
Gasps spread across the chamber.
"I did it when I was not myself. I did it while drowning in the madness of infinite memory. You all know what happens to a Supreme Being who lives too long—our souls unravel."
The goddesses lowered their heads.
"But now, I remember why I created this world," Ash said. "Not to control it… not to rule it. But to love it."
Jaladhira spoke. "And yet you still gave the order."
Ravanaari growled, "And I shall carry it out if you command it again, Father."
Ash closed his eyes. "No. That command… is now revoked."
The air cracked.
Some gods sighed in relief.
Others tensed.
Agneyi stood. "Then what now? You remember who you are. Will you take the throne once more?"
Ash turned to his companions. "I am still Ash. I am also the Supreme Being. But I will never rule alone again."
He looked at his friends. "These humans taught me what it means to care… to feel… to belong. I will protect this world—not as a god above it—but as someone within it."
Shocked silence. Then murmurs.
Sarina stepped forward. "He gave up everything to remember who he is. Isn't that what makes him worthy?"
Bhumi Ma whispered, "Perhaps… this is the balance we've waited for."
But not all agreed.
A deep voice rumbled from the shadows.
"You may have remembered yourself, Supreme One," said an ancient figure rising at the edge of the council, cloaked in night, "but what if there are others—older than you, hidden even deeper?"
Everyone turned as the shadows parted.
And a new presence emerged—one even the gods didn't recognize.
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To be continued...