~ In Heaven
Death stood still, his expression troubled. "I didn't expect Shadow to awaken his First Form… but how is he that strong? Something's off. I need to report to the Goddess of Justice."
~ In the Palace of Gods and Goddesses
"Justice," Death began as he approached the towering throne. "Shadow is on Earth. Not only is he helping the humans, but he has awakened his First Form... and killed the God of War."
Justice smirked. "Shadow is still alive, I see. As for the God of War, he's not truly dead—it was just a copy I sent."
"I know it was a copy," Death replied, narrowing his eyes. "But even then... how is Shadow this powerful?"
Justice waved it off. "I don't know. And it doesn't matter. In the end, those ants will die."
Death turned away, thoughts swirling. Power... is that all you crave? "I'll take my leave, then."
~ In the Realm of Death and Life
"You're here..." Life said softly as Death appeared. "Why do you look... off?"
"I saw Shadow."
Life sighed in relief. "He's alive? That's good. So, you told Justice?"
"Yes. But... I don't want Shadow to die."
"I know," Life said gently, "but we are bound to our roles. We serve Justice and Nature."
"I know…" Death nodded solemnly. "And Shadow understands it too. That's why he let me go without attacking, even while I was running away."
"You're still sad about the past, aren't you?"
"Yes. Why wouldn't I be?" Death's voice cracked with frustration. "I saw my mother—the former Goddess of Nature—and my aunt, the previous Goddess of Justice, lying dead. I saw my brother, Shadow, used like a tool in endless wars. And when he rebelled, he not only had his core damaged, but he was also banished from Heaven. How can I forget all that?"
"It's okay, Death. You didn't do anything wrong," Life assured him. "You are bound by your responsibility as the God of Death."
"But still, what's the use?" Death murmured bitterly. "People hate me just because I represent the bitter truth. They like you because you're a beautiful lie. They hate me even though I end their misery. They don't realize that eternal life would only bring suffering."
"People always love what they think is right—without knowing the truth," Life said quietly. "But in the end, it's our duty to do what we are destined to."
Death's gaze hardened. "But still… one day, when it comes to choosing between Shadow or Justice, I will side with Shadow—even if it means going against Heaven."
"We will," Life said, her voice unwavering. "And I promise—even if I die—I will still stand with you."
Together, Death and Life raised their hands and took a solemn vow:
"We, the God of Death and the Goddess of Life, will stand by Shadow when the time comes. We will fight by his side—till the end."
~ Meanwhile on Earth
"This is the Kingdom of Justice," Miko said with worry, glancing at the towering gates.
Shadow remained silent.
A whisper echoed through the shadows: So this is the Kingdom of Justice… look at it. Doesn't feel like there's any justice left.
"That's because all the gods' soldiers are on the battlefield," Miko explained. "No one is here to take care of this place…"
Arthur looked around with concern. "I've heard of this kingdom. Once, it was the safest place on Earth. Now, crime is everywhere. What happened to this place?"
Miko had no answer.
We don't have time for this, the whisper urged. Let's talk about the plan. Where is your headquarters?
"Yes," Miko said quickly, her tone hurried. "Let's go."
As they made their way toward the headquarters, a commotion caught their attention. In a corner of the street, a demon was being mercilessly beaten by a crowd. Suddenly, in a flash, Shadow appeared in front of the demon, shielding it with his body.
"Who are you?" someone in the crowd demanded.
"What's going on?" Miko shouted. "Why are you hitting those people?"
"They're demons!" a man from the crowd shouted. "Look at them!"
Miko looked again, realization dawning on her face. "What's a demon doing here? Where are the guards?"
Why do you need guards? the whisper said coolly. What is the fault of this demon? Don't humans and demons live together now?
"No… demons are bad creatures. They might do something wrong," Miko muttered.
Shadow didn't speak—he merely stood there, protecting the demon.
But it still has emotions, the whisper growled. And it didn't do anything wrong. Is this what you call justice, human?
Miko, Arthur, and the crowd hesitated. "But…"
Silence! the whisper snapped. Watch who you're talking to, human. Dare you raise your voice against a god? Who do you think you are? This demon has done nothing wrong. Justice does not care about race. It only sees right or wrong. And the ones who are wrong here… are all of you.
"Yes…" Miko said softly, trembling.
Let's go to the headquarters, human, the whisper said, still seething.
As they continued their journey, Shadow carried the injured demon in his arms. The demon stirred, waking slightly. For the first time in its life… it felt warmth. It felt safe.
To Be Continued…