Ages passed peacefully after my first meeting with Gaea.
Together, we wandered the young Earth, nurturing oceans, mountains, and forests. Though countless stars existed throughout the cosmos, neither of us wished to leave this beautiful world behind.
"This place feels lonely," Gaea said softly as she gazed upon the endless lands.
I smiled.
"Then let's change that."
Raising my hand, I poured the power of creation into the land.
Golden rivers flowed across the earth.
Ancient trees taller than mountains sprang into existence.
Flowers of countless colors bloomed beneath the sunlight.
Crystal lakes reflected the heavens themselves.
Animals filled the fields, and gentle winds carried the fragrance of life.
Gaea's emerald eyes widened in wonder.
"It's beautiful..."
I smiled.
"Our home deserves nothing less."
Together, we named it—
The Garden of Eden.
A paradise untouched by darkness.
For millions of years, Gaea and I lived peacefully within our sanctuary.
Until one day.
While tending to the World Tree at the center of Eden, I sensed familiar presences approaching.
Three figures emerged from the horizon.
The first was a handsome man with crimson eyes and dark hair. Ancient knowledge and strange energies surrounded him.
The second possessed golden eyes and carried an aura of endless oceans and untamed beasts.
The third was a beautiful woman whose very existence radiated magic and wisdom.
As soon as I saw them...
Memories buried deep within my soul stirred.
Without realizing it, I whispered,
"Brother..."
"Sister..."
The three newcomers froze.
The crimson-eyed man blinked.
"Brother?"
The woman covered her mouth in surprise.
And the golden-eyed man looked completely confused.
Before anyone could speak, Gaea stepped forward.
"You feel it too, don't you?" she asked softly.
The three nodded.
Though they had never met before...
Their souls recognized one another.
As if they had always been family.
The crimson-eyed man smiled.
"My name is Chthon."
The golden-eyed man grinned.
"I am Set."
And the woman bowed elegantly.
"I am Oshtur."
The moment their names were spoken, the earth itself rejoiced.
Four Elder Gods had gathered.
And despite meeting for the first time...
We embraced each other like siblings reunited after an endless separation.
Set laughed loudly.
"So you're our eldest brother?"
Chthon smiled warmly.
"Indeed. I sensed your presence long ago."
Oshtur giggled.
"And I thought I was the oldest."
Gaea merely smiled as she watched us.
For the first time since the birth of Earth...
Our family had become complete.
Days turned into centuries.
Centuries became millions of years.
Within the Garden of Eden, we laughed together.
Set would often challenge me to contests of strength.
Oshtur taught Gaea and me the mysteries of magic.
Chthon, despite his curiosity toward forbidden knowledge, cared deeply for his family and spent much of his time discussing creation with me.
Peace.
Happiness.
Family.
Those were the treasures I cherished most.
But unknown to us...
Far beyond Earth...
An ancient whisper reached Chthon's ears.
A voice older than darkness itself.
And for the first time...
I noticed something strange.
As Chthon smiled alongside his siblings...
His shadow moved on its own.
And within that shadow...
Something smiled back.
To Be Continued...