Part 29 - Flexing on Oblivion

Ichibe was travelling through space. It was something he wanted to do for a while now. He felt a closeness to space that he hadn't felt before.

He knew why of course. It was the darkness that welcomed him. All the Darkness was his power and in theory, he had control over it all. That made him something to be truly feared.

And it was when he left all the haven of earth and travelled for a few hours, that Ichibe felt a calling that was similar to the one he felt from the Soul Stone back then.

This call was different, however. It was not as welcoming, and more out of curiosity. An interest, if you will.

Ichibe could stop or block this call, but he was curious as well. there was something about this call, that felt familiar. Maybe someone of similar standing or power to him.

So, he let it happen again.

His consciousness travelled through dimensions and time. The speed at which he was being pulled got faster the longer it took.

It got incomprehensible and climaxed, as Ichibe actually left the Multiverse and entered a black void.

Ichibe looked around and knew the name of the place he was in right now. In front of him, a stone-like throne came into view. It had spikes that pointed in all directions.

On the throne sat a being. It had dark blue and black colours and was loosely dressed in a wine-red cloth. It had multiple skulls as a belt and its eyes were shining in a sinister light.

Ichibe didn't say anything. He was a guest here and therefore would wait for the entity in front of him, to speak first.

Time had no meaning here. In fact, it didn't exist here. Nothing existed here. Only nothingness.

After something that was not time, the entity spoke, with a very deep and slow voice. In every word, Ichibe felt the power that radiated off it.

The voice felt nonexistent as well. Like it was a whisper, but loud at the same time.

"What are you?"

"I'm what you call a Shinigami and also human, if you are asking for my 'race' that is."

…

"… You aren't human. That much is certain. And you are also not a Shinigami. Those don't have your power."

"I am a different Shinigami."

"Where did you come from? There shouldn't exist something like you."

"Oh, and why is that?", Ichibe asked curiously.

"I can feel it. Coming from you is an unmatched connection to darkness. It's unlike anything I have ever felt.

But it doesn't stem from me. And every darkness stems from me. So you are this powerful without my help or power.

So, the question stands, who are you and where do you get your connection to darkness?"

"No wonder you would feel that. Since that is indeed your domain and what you stand for.", Ichibe said.

The being had some form of a frown.

"Do you know who I am?"

"I know exactly how and what you are. You're the Nothing which watched the birth of everything, The Darkness, The Void, The End of Creation. But your true name … is Oblivion.", Ichibe said.

There were many names that Oblivion went by. And even more titles, but his one true name, was Oblivion.

"Who are you!!??", Oblivion was not angry, but he was impatient. This ant of a creature knew his true name. Which was unheard of.

"I am Ichibe Hyosube … The Monk who calls the true name. Pleased to meet you.", Ichibe bowed in a form of respect.

"Ichibe Hyo… Hyosube. Interesting. Your name carries a curse and so much power, that it almost affects me.

The Monk who calls the true name. So, you know the true names of anything then? That is very dangerous. For you and for everyone else."

"It has indeed the potential to become very dangerous. But only if I didn't know the true meaning and extent of my powers.

However, I know both and therefore there is no danger towards me anymore."

"You are confident. I guess someone with your power needs to be. But I'm unsure that you understand the position you are in right now. I am Oblivion.

So why are you still this confident?"

"I'm confident in my power and I'm not arrogant. But with the knowledge of your true name, I know almost everything about you. Actually, it's safe to say, that I do know everything about you. And you are not hostile towards me.

For we both share something.

Your power over darkness is very similar to mine. But darkness is my power. All of it. And therefore, it will never be taken away and can not be removed.

You know this as well. So, fighting each other would yield no purpose and only do harm. So, we won't fight."

Oblivion studied Ichibe for a moment.

"Will you become my champion, Ichibe Hyosube?"

Ichibe thought for a while. He didn't need Oblivion for a power-up. He was plenty strong already. And there was no one that truly knew how strong, except him. But he knew how desperate Oblivion was.

It was his nature to destroy and seek out the end of all things. Just like it was in the Phoenix Force's nature to burn worlds to the ground and have new life sprout.

So Ichibe thought for a long time. He was willing to have Oblivion take part in the skirmish, or at least have him see the things that are happening for himself.

This would prevent him from choosing others that might cause chaos. But it was not Ichibe's nature to destroy and cause chaos.

Ichibe made his choice and opened his mouth to answer Oblivion.

"Oblivion, I …"

However, he didn't get to finish the sentence.

It was like the air was ripped open and a bright yellow shine lightened up everything around.

A very loud voice was heard.

"Ichibe Hyosube, you are in the process of upsetting the cosmic balance in its entirety.

So you are beseeched to stop your actions and not take the deal you were just about to … please."