In a distant corner of the universe lay an endless expanse of pitch-black emptiness. Darkness stretched far and wide, an all-consuming void so deep it seemed to swallow any hint of light—except for one radiant sight in the distance. Glowing softly, almost like a shimmering river, a stream of light flowed, twisting and winding with a surreal grace. This was the legendary "Cosmic River," an unending flow of celestial energy that seemed to have neither beginning nor end, a mystery of the universe itself.
Yet, in the midst of this Cosmic River was an even greater enigma. There, floating peacefully, was a man, seemingly asleep. He rested atop a massive, seven-headed serpent, each head still and silent, yet unmistakably alive. The serpent's vast body coiled below him, its thick tail providing the man with a secure place to rest as though he were a child held gently in its grasp. The serpent didn't stir, its loyalty clear; it protected the man, its master, in this strange realm.
The man's face was calm, his eyes closed in a serene slumber. His skin was dark, a deep ebony shade that contrasted against the glow of the Cosmic River, giving him an otherworldly beauty. His features were handsome, his presence radiating both grace and strength. Adorned with elegant jewelry and a robe of luxurious fabric, he appeared as a figure of ancient royalty, lost in dreams amidst the eternal river of stars.
Suddenly, the calm of the vast, dark space was broken. A disturbance rippled through the air, and in front of the sleeping figure, space itself began to crack, like glass shattering under unseen force. From this fractured space, a figure stepped forward—a man formed entirely of shimmering blue cosmic energy. Power radiated from him, almost tangible, filling the quiet with a sense of awe.
This new figure, unlike the sleeping man, was dressed simply in rough animal skins, enough only to cover himself modestly. He stepped forward silently, casting a glance at the man who lay asleep, but he didn't disturb him. Instead, he lowered himself into a seated position, hovering mid-air, a calm silence settling around him. Slowly, the cosmic energy surrounding his body faded, revealing a handsome man with deep blue skin, his face now clear and defined. A look of concern flickered in his dark eyes, as though he held something important he wished to share but hesitated, not wanting to disrupt the other's peaceful sleep.
As he pondered silently, another crack split the air, and from it emerged another being. This one was an elderly man, his face lined with age and wisdom, draped in a pure white monk's robe. Although he looked nearly human with normal skin, he was far from ordinary—for he possessed three heads, each lined with deep wrinkles and expressions of timeless knowledge.
The blue-skinned man glanced up, about to speak, but the three-headed elder chuckled, his voice echoing with mirth, "Hahaha… Shiva, I already know why you're here! Regretting that rash action born out of anger, are you? Feeling guilty now, I see!" His laughter was a gentle mockery, laced with familiarity.
The cosmic man, Shiva—the Destroyer—clicked his tongue in irritation, his gaze sharp as he replied, "Tch… Brahma, God of Wisdom and Creation, but not an ounce of manners. If you're just here to mock me, then go back."
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Shiva's expression was a mixture of annoyance and self-restraint, showing both his temper and the depth of his regret. Brahma's mocking grin softened, watching his old friend's struggle with a touch of understanding.
Brahma took a deep breath, looking toward the sleeping figure in front of them. "Alright... alright... Let's wake Vishnu. He might have an answer for the consequences of your actions," Brahma said, turning his focus to the resting man beside them.
The man's name was Vishnu, also known as the Preserver. Together, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva—sometimes called Mahesh—formed an eternal trio, though they were beyond what mortals might call gods or constellations. To call them mere gods would fall short of the truth. They weren't born of human worship nor created to govern life. Instead, they *were* the universe, embodying its core nature and purpose. Brahma, the one who creates; Vishnu, the one who preserves; and Mahesh/Shiva, the one who brings all things to an end.
As Brahma moved closer, intending to awaken Vishnu, the sleeping figure's eyes opened calmly, surprising the others. Vishnu sat up with a serene smile. "I've been awake. I was simply waiting for you both to gather," he said in a voice so gentle and mesmerizing that it could captivate anyone who heard it.
Shiva's frustration flared slightly as he looked to Vishnu, his eyes troubled. "If you already know so much, then answer me. I know I could stop all of this by ending her children, but how? If I take action against a mere mortal woman, I would be bound by karma. The world would see it as a petty grudge against one who is only mortal." His words hung heavy with his inner turmoil.
Vishnu nodded, considering Shiva's dilemma with a thoughtful expression. "Mahesh," he began, his voice gentle yet firm, "that woman indeed went against nature's rules, but isn't that the nature of mortals themselves? They're cunning, unpredictable, driven by emotions."
Vishnu paused, allowing his words to settle. "Remember, you were the one who created the Grant Wish Essence Stone, a way for mortals to aim higher, to reach beyond their limitations. It was your way of rewarding those who strive relentlessly. She endured her hardships and found her way to that reward. Can we really blame her for trying to change her fate?" Vishnu's tone softened, but then he continued with a grave note, "However," he said, voice growing firm, "by cursing her out of anger, you too have crossed a line, breaking the balance you vowed to uphold."
Shiva's shoulders slumped as he lowered his gaze. "I know… but once an arrow is shot or a word is spoken, it can't be taken back," he admitted, a trace of remorse in his voice.
Vishnu's expression softened, his hand reaching out in a comforting gesture. "Don't worry, Shiva. Accepting your mistake is the first step. Instead of dwelling in guilt, make amends. If you created this imbalance, then it's also within your power to restore it."
Vishnu's wisdom brought a calm over Shiva, easing the weight of his guilt.
Vishnu, who had been giving his advice with a confident smirk, crossed his arms, leaned back slightly, and shut his eyes with an air of pride. "But don't worry," he said, rubbing his nose as though to emphasize his self-assuredness. "You have me, the Protector. I'll be the one to handle your—"
Before he could finish, he felt a sudden surge, an overwhelming wave of energy. His eyes snapped open, and he turned, stunned, to find Shiva glowing with an intense cosmic blue light. Vishnu's mouth fell open as he saw a shimmering piece of Shiva's essence—almost liquid in appearance—separate itself from his form and drift downward, vanishing into the endless space below.
"Shiva! What did you do?" Vishnu gasped, still absorbing what he'd just seen.
Shiva shrugged, calm as ever. "What? You told me to fix the mess I made," he replied. "So I did. I just split a part of my essence and will to create an incarnation. It'll be born into that woman's world and set things right."
Vishnu and Brahma stared at him, speechless. Then, as if by instinct, they both slapped their foreheads in sync, a look of exasperation on their faces.
"Really, Shiva? Did you even think this through?" Vishnu groaned. "You're the Destroyer; creating and guiding incarnations is my job! I should have been the one to take on mortal form and fix this."
Brahma chimed in, his brows furrowed with concern. "Not only that—you just gave up a significant part of your will and cosmic energy! Do you have any idea how powerful your incarnation will be now?"