It knew no beginning, and it would have no end. Their struggle would span the cosmos, creating havoc from order, tranquility from chaos. Forging new realms while shattering old worlds. Ultimately ending life. So went the battle between the two forces of the universe: Death and Life, Destruction and Creation, Darkness and Light, Shadow and Aura. The would war over control of existence from the other, their equal, their sibling, for all time. This is the way it had always been, for longer than time itself. Nothing could stop them, nothing could stand in their way. This would be eternity.
... but even the immortal grow weary.
"Sister, tell me, why do we fight?" Never slowing her attack, Shadow put the question to her sibling.
"We fight so that the universe will be ours and ours alone," Aura reminded, slightly puzzled by the break in the silence of eons between them.
"What if, sister, there was another way?" Shadow inquired while delivering a blow to Aura, swallowing a galaxy in consequence. "We have fought for eternity. Neither of us shall win. Shall we fight for another eternity? Do you not grow tired of this war?"
"If there was another choice, I believe I would have seen it already," replied Aura. "I am as weary of this war as any, but do not think your trick is affecting me. Your deception shall not work against me."
"I mean no trick, sister. I seek an end to this." Throwing the shining one from her, she laid down her guard. "Is this sincere enough for you, sister?" Seeing the opening, Aura lunged at the opportunity, weapon raised, driving towards her. Still, Shadow did nothing to shield herself. Aura stopped, not taking the chance she had waited for in all time itself.
"You meant it, indeed," admitted Aura. "Very well, a truce shall be in order as I hear you out." At these time, the universe stood still.
"Lovely, sister. I knew you would not disappoint me," Shadow cried in rejoice.
"What is this solution you have thought? It had better not be foul."
"Oh, no, sister, never. I would never place us in an unfair agreement, no. The proposition is a simple one: We fight for control of all, when it is not us who shall have all. All belongs to them, sister, and they are not immortal." Shadow motioned to the expanse of the universe, signaling all its inhabitants. "Should they not have a say, should they not have the choice?"
"And how should this voice be heard?"
"Why, sister, by a show of allegiance," hissed Shadow. "By choosing to love one of us over the other, by chanting one name louder, by making all the others know which is the correct choice."
"A choice? Who would be ignorant enough to favor their own annihilation at your hands?"
"Who indeed," Shadow said with a twisted smile. Aura pondered the proposal.
"A trial of all creation?" Aura scoffed, "A little much, isn't it?"
"No, sister, the whole is not needed," corrected Shadow. "Only one of these specks shall be needed, wouldn't you agree, to place the weight of the universe on?"
"As you wish," concurred Aura, "but I shall choose the speck." Turning her head, she scoured unfathomable stretches of the cosmos. "This one should prove interesting."
"Then let it begin-"
"A moment," Aura halted Shadow. "I believe some rules are in order."
"Rules?"
"To ensure the challenge is carried out in a fair and proper manner."
"Oh, yes, sister, of course," sneered Shadow. A thought then rushed to her. "I also would like to declare a rule, but after you, sister."
"Very well. Neither of us shall directly influence the outcome by any means." Shadow scowled at the direction and implication in the statement.
"So be it, sister. I decree that certain preparations be made before the challenge is underway."
"Preparations?" queried Aura.
"Nothing too drastic, sister. Merely a radical alteration to their world in order to promote their willingness to partake."
"Oh, is that all? Let us carry on then." At that, the two transcended to their destination, knowing that soon the fate of all would finally be decided.
