Ch 46 Part 1

Shadow Light

Chapter 46

Revelation

Dimensional Gap

In the ethereal vastness of the Dimensional Gap, a tear in the very fabric of space-time shimmered, the space breaking like glass, as though reality itself had been punctured by the needle of existence. From this tear, a figure emerged, her form a blend of substance and shadow, composed more of light and thought than flesh and blood.

The entity was undeniably female, with an elegance that transcended the mortal concept of beauty. Her form was semi-spiritual, ethereal, like a goddess conjured from the mists of some ancient and forgotten world. Her hair flowed around her like a halo of soft, luminescent blonde with red threads, each strand glowing with a pale, otherworldly light that seemed to pulse in rhythm with the beats of the universe. Her eyes, wide and luminous mauve, mirrored the cosmos—vast, deep, and filled with the swirling nebulas and starlight of distant galaxies.

Her attire seemed woven from the very fabric of the night sky, adorned with constellations that moved and shifted over her form, a map of celestial wonders that was both armour and insignia. The air around her was perfumed with the scent of ozone and jasmine, a fragrance that spoke of rain-soaked earth and the electric charge of a storm.

This is Aethra, a being of profound origin and purpose. As she floated gently in the boundless void of the Dimensional Gap, her thoughts raced at an incredible pace. She had been drawn here by disturbances that rippled through the layers of space-time—a series of anomalies that had unsettled even her ancient and inscrutable kind. Only days ago, these disturbances had been mere whispers on the cosmic winds, but they had swiftly grown into clamours impossible to ignore.

Her purpose here was threefold. The first was to investigate the source of these disturbances, disruptions that had the potential to unravel the threads that held their universe together. The second, more pressing concern was the sudden and alarming disappearance of one of her own—a fellow entity who had vanished a day ago, her magical essence abruptly ceasing to resonate in their dimension. Though they suspected she fell to their enemies, they knew better than to lose trust in one of their own, given their capabilities and the one missing is a special kind which their enemies fear.

Third was a pivotal warrior, a messenger that came to their world with news that could help them in the relentless war their kind waged against a race of self-proclaimed superior machines, entities that viewed organic life as a redundant precursor to their own cold, calculated existence. These machines, calling themselves the pinnacle of creation, had long sought to eradicate the other beings, seeing them as obstacles to the ultimate order of the universe—a universe governed by logic and efficiency, devoid of chaos and emotion. Preposterous.

Hovering in the void, Aethra focused her senses, extending her awareness across the dimensional divides, searching for any trace of her lost sister. The urgency of her mission was palpable, each moment stretching out like an eternity. The fate of entire worlds hung in the balance, hinging on her ability to uncover the truths buried within the chaotic folds of the Dimensional Gap.

"Astrid, report," she commanded softly, her voice resonating within the confines of her mind, prepared to delve deeper into the mystery.

Analysing current dimensional signatures... Data integration is in progress, came the crisp, ethereal voice of Astrid, her system-type assistant designed to aid in her navigation and analysis of cosmic disturbances.

As the vast, digital-like streams of data flowed before Aethra's eyes, a more pressing reality dawned. Her presence, a ripple in the cosmic weave, had not gone unnoticed. The deities of various pantheons, sensitive to even the faintest disturbances, had detected her arrival. And amongst those who sensed it, one reaction was swift and unmistakable.

She could sense an immense Draconic? Divine? entity coming towards her at an insane high Bang speed. Unlike the subtle and often secretive nature of deities, this entity's approach was direct and imposing.

With Great Red

In the vast, ethereal expanse of the Dimensional Gap, a realm where the fabric of reality stretched thin, the sudden appearance of a being of light and ancient power, caused subtle yet significant ripples. As she hovered, wrapped in her attire woven from constellations and the night sky, her presence alone began to stir the cosmos. Each pulse of her aura sent waves through the delicate balance of the interdimensional void, an intrusion that could not go unnoticed.

Meanwhile, not far from this cosmic disturbance, Great Red, the True Dragon known for his dominion over the Dimensional Gap, was engaged in an activity that belied his formidable reputation.

The dragon, whose mere movements could warp reality, found a peculiar joy in what could only be described as a cosmic joyride. He was weaving through dimensions with the glee of a child, spiralling around black holes and surfing on supernova shockwaves, a pastime that brought him a simple, uncharacteristic delight amidst the often-lonely void.

As he looped around a particularly bright neutron star, his enormous form shimmering with a red glow, Great Red's mood was one of utter contentment. However, his revelry was abruptly cut short. "Ah, Joy!" Red gave a contented sigh. If only Naruto could join him in his endeavour, it would be better.

But before he could fully enjoy his journey, a disturbance, a new and powerful presence within his realm, snagged his attention away from his playful exploits. It was not just any disturbance, but one that resonated with a depth and intensity he hadn't felt in eons.

With a flick of his colossal tail, he tore through the fabric of the Dimensional Gap, creating a portal that shimmered like a wound in the universe. Great Red's entrance from this self-made tear in space was anything but subtle; it was an assertion of his power and authority. He emerged directly in front of the being causing the disturbance, his massive eyes narrowing as he took in the sight of the ethereal entity whose arrival had interrupted his joyous escapade.

"Why do you dare disturb the tranquillity of my domain?" Great Red's voice thundered, the sound echoing through the layers of reality, his annoyance palpable yet tinged with a curiosity about the boldness of this intruder.

Aethra, though taken aback by the sudden and dramatic appearance of the divine dragon, she confirmed, maintained her composure. Her luminescent eyes met his, holding the gaze of the creature whose whims could alter dimensions. She stood serene, her form barely stirring in the cosmic wind.

As Aethra and Great Red faced each other amidst the swirling energies of the Dimensional Gap, the tension was palpable—a cosmic standoff where every moment held the weight of eons. It was then that Astrid's voice, ever precise and informative, resonated within Aethra's consciousness, providing a crucial overview of the formidable dragon before her.

My lady, you are currently engaging with one of the primal guardians of the cosmos, known among many as Great Red, or in more ancient texts, he is referred to as 'Eclix, the Primordial of Chaos, Dreams, and Destruction,' Astrid intoned, her digital voice overlaying images and streams of data into Aethra's mind's eye. He is one of the Draconic Duos, alongside Ophis, the Infinite Dragon Goddess of Void and Creation. Together, albeit often in contention, they balance the forces of chaos and order within the current world structure.

Astrid continued, detailing Great Red's mythic lore. Eclix's birth predates the formation of what is now known as the dimensional framework. Born from the very chaos that he now strives to keep in check, Eclix awakened during what ancient chronicles call 'The First Echo,' a cosmic event that occurred at the dawn of reality.

The overview shifted to his role and nature. As the Primordial of Chaos, Dreams, and Destruction, Eclix does not merely exist within the dimensions—he is intertwined with their very essence. His body is woven from the threads of collapsed stars and nebula, and his breath can weave or unravel the tapestry of galaxies. His primary role has been the safeguarding of the dimensional boundaries, ensuring that they are neither breached nor collapsed, maintaining a balance between creation's expanse and the void's encroach.

Aethra listened intently, her understanding of Great Red deepening with each piece of shared lore.

His awakening was marked by the Second Starfall, an event that realigned many astral bodies and set forth the current era of cosmic stability. Eclix's influence extends beyond mere power—it is his essence that deters those who would seek to disrupt the cosmic equilibrium, for to challenge Eclix is to challenge the framework of existence itself.

The narrative provided by Astrid painted Great Red not just as a creature of immense power but as an entity whose very existence was essential to the structure of the universe. This deeper understanding allowed Aethra to appreciate the gravity of her request and the dialogue she was about to engage in.

As for her nature, Astrid added, Eclix is known for his independence and his desire for freedom to roam the expanses he protects. While often solitary, he possesses a wisdom that is sought by many who understand the deeper currents of the cosmos. His decisions are not made lightly, for they ripple across dimensions.

Great Red's mind raced as he processed the information Astrid was feeding Aethra. The entity before him was not just a random intruder but a being with a purpose, a mission that could potentially align or conflict with his own duties, that he could gleen. The speed at which she had gathered information about him was alarming, indicating a level of sophistication and capability that demanded his respect and caution.

'What could she want here?' He pondered, his thoughts a whirlwind of possibilities. 'If she seeks to alter the balance, it could spell disaster for my realm and beyond. But if her intentions are aligned with maintaining or even strengthening the cosmic order, she could be a valuable ally.' He deducted. Not that he needs any allies aside from Naruto.

Aethra, on the other hand, felt a growing sense of hope. Great Red's presence, though intimidating, also represented a potential ally of immense power and wisdom. His role as a guardian of the dimensional boundaries made him uniquely suited to assist her in her quest. Not to mention he is a fellow Deity who can understand her plight!

'If anyone can help me achieve my purposes, it is him. But I must tread carefully, as the consequences of our interaction will ripple across dimensions.' She resolved after taking in everything Astrid shared.

The tension between Aethra and Eclix thickened the endless void. Eclix's vast, ancient eyes studied Aethra intently, understanding the depths of her mission without a word being spoken. Suddenly, the cosmos around them began to shift, a subtle, powerful magic emanating from Eclix enveloping both beings in a cocoon of draconic energy.

This barrier, spun from the very essence of Great Red's power, shimmered like a curtain of red and black, woven with threads of cosmic force. It obscured them from the prying senses of all other entities, a private chamber set amidst the stars.

As Astrid began to react, preparing to deploy countermeasures, Aethra dispelled her worry. 'Wait, Astrid,' she whispered, her voice calm but firm. 'There's no malice.' Her instincts, honed over eons of diplomacy, told her that Eclix's actions, though sudden, were not a prelude to battle but rather an invitation to dialogue without outside interference.

Once enclosed by his magic, the dragon's demeanour shifted. Aethra felt he is more willing to listen to her unlike his intent to confront her prior.

As the tense silence stretched, Aethra floated before the colossal form of Great Red, her radiant presence a stark contrast to the swirling iridescent vortex of the Dimensional Gap that surrounded them. The ancient dragon's eyes, twin suns burning with an intensity that defied comprehension, bore into her very essence, scrutinising her motives and intentions.

"State your purpose, being of light," Great Red's voice rumbled, a deep, resonant timbre that reverberated through the fabric of reality itself. "Why have you come to my domain?"

Aethra took a deep, steadying breath, her voice calm yet resonant, carrying the weight of eons of wisdom. "I seek knowledge and guidance, Wise One. My mission is threefold: to find my lost kin, to ascertain the cause of an anomaly and to search for an ally who can help our kind."

Great Red's massive tail flicked, creating a ripple in the Dimensional Gap that sent shockwaves through the surrounding space. "And you believe I am such an ally?" He questioned, his tone laced with a hint of scepticism.

Aethra nodded, her gaze unwavering, meeting the dragon's piercing stare with a resolute determination. "Your role as a guardian of the dimensional boundaries makes you uniquely suited to understand the intricacies of these disturbances. Your wisdom and power are unparalleled, Wise One. With your guidance, I believe our kind can find a way to restore balance."

A flicker of interest flickered in Great Red's eyes, though his expression remained guarded. "Flattery will get you nowhere, being of light," he rumbled, his voice carrying a subtle warning. "What assurance do I have that your presence here will not disrupt the balance I strive to maintain than it already did?" He said with a hint of irritation.

Aethra's posture straightened, her determination evident in every fibre of her being. "I have no intention of disrupting the balance, Wise One. My goal is to preserve it, to ensure that the cosmic order remains intact. I believe that with your guidance, we can achieve this."

Eclix's thoughts churned, a maelstrom of considerations and calculations swirling within his ancient mind. 'She speaks with conviction, but can she be trusted? Her knowledge of me is extensive, that 'Astrid' proves her worth. Yet her intentions remain to be proven.'

He leaned closer, his massive form casting a shadow over Aethra, his breath a scorching gale that threatened to consume her. "Very well," he rumbled, his voice laced with a hint of reluctant respect. "I will hear you out. But know this: any action you intend to take that threatens the balance of this realm will be met with my full wrath."

Aethra's eyes glowed with a renewed sense of purpose, her radiance intensifying as she met the dragon's challenge head-on. "I understand, Wise One. I will do everything in my power to ensure that our goals align and that the balance of this realm is preserved."

Eclix's gaze turned neutral, a hint of calm settling over him. "Then speak, being of light," he commanded, his voice carrying the weight of eons. "Tell me of these disturbances."

Aethra took a moment to gather her thoughts, her mind racing as she formulated her words with the utmost care. "The disturbances I speak of are ripples in the fabric of reality the space-time continuum itself," she began, her voice carrying a sense of urgency. "They manifested as fluctuations in the dimensional boundaries, causing instability and chaos three celestial days ago."

Eclix's eyes narrowed, his attention focused intently on Aethra's words. "Go on," he rumbled, his tail flicking in anticipation.

The celestial day is equivalent to 1.44 Earth years, Astrid chimed in, converting the time difference. Aethra conveyed the same and continued her explanation.

"We feel these disturbances are not isolated incidents," Aethra continued, her expression grave. "They are symptoms of a larger, more insidious force at work, one that threatens to unravel the very tapestry of existence as we know it."

Though Aethra should have mentioned that they are different worlds, she knew that the Wise Dragon in front of her is aware of that.

Red's thoughts raced, his mind grappling with the implications of Aethra's words. '... A force capable of disrupting the dimensional boundaries on such a scale... That arrived almost four years ago… She couldn't mean…' His thoughts raced as he remembered the fateful day he gained a new ally, someone who is capable of standing on the same footing as him.

Not wanting to come to a premature conclusion and do something rash, he decided to ask 1 last question before deciding. "What does your kin plan to do with such an entity if you found who they are?" He asked seriously, his eyes narrowing on the ethereal goddess.

Aethra noticed the sudden shift of the dragon god's demeanour and the feeling of the magic around them. She felt as if Eclix was on edge about something, and with a slight gulp, she responded. She wouldn't have bothered about the Dragon's reaction if it were her world, but as she was splitting her capacity to maintain the warfront while also being here on a search, she was cautious.

"We plan to eliminate this entity to stop the further disturbances and suppress the chaos…"

The air around them seemed to thrum with power as Aethra awaited Eclix's response.

DANGER! DANGER! DANGER!! Astrid's alarms blared.

And Cut!

That's it for this part folks.

As always, let me know in your reviews and do share your feedback and suggestions!

I'm very delighted to share that you can now read next 35k words of the story on my patron page. My user name is same BlackInfinity1289 on patron website.

Note: They are early access only, they will be eventually released here as well.

Also, if you want discuss about the story or the ideas, you can join my discord server. I go by Henry there, give me a ping to say hi.

link: discord. gg / SPsSwAcq4b

Hope to see you there!

Thank you for reading.

Good Day!

Black Infinity 1289,

Ja Ne.