Kenon’s home was massive, designed for the colossal being that he was. Kilometres of black marble drifted through an unending black void, lit up only by slithers of gold and small, white candles that burned endlessly to themselves. Few beings had ever made it to this dark sanctuary at the edge of the universe. Fewer still willingly stepped foot here. This was the domain of gods and no one else.
The largest hall was where Kenon spent most of his time. In its centre was a fire that burned eternally, giving off just enough warmth to keep Kenon comfortable. Marble columns held up a ceiling that was speckled with sparkling gems, while cold, monochrome statues of his four children decorated the walls, each lined delicately with gold accents. Today, Kenon was expecting a visitor.
“Father…” Arkadin, Kenon’s youngest child, hesitantly entered the room. As always, the Lord of Death was carrying his little gun staff, but he was also wearing more armour than usual. That set of gold shoulder plates and knee pads that he wore whenever he visited Kenon. “Hello…”
“Arkadin. It is a pleasure to see you, as always.”
Compared to Kenon, Arkadin was miniscule, small enough to quite happily sit in the palm of Kenon’s hand, something he used to do when the god of death and renewal was very young.
“There’s another one, isn’t there?” The Thantophor had a grim look on his little face. “There’s another Corruption on its way.”
“No.”
Kenon’s blunt reply stunned the Death Lord. “What? Almost every time you summon me, it’s because there’s a Corruption that you need me help you deal with. If that’s not the case, why have you summoned me this time?”
The God of Nothing lowered himself down to Arkadin and gently laid out his hand, suggesting that he climb on. Arkadin did so, not sure what was going on.
“You and I, we should talk more.”
Before Kenon could continue, something massive crashed through the wall behind them. The Dragon God of Time, Kairos, dusted rubble off his shoulders and walked in.
“Hey dad, how are… What is HE doing here?” Kairos pointed a clawed finger at Arkadin. “He’s not welcome here.”
“Kairos, calm down for a moment…” Kenon raised his hand, seeing that his son was annoyed. “We can…”
“Hang on!” Arkadin snapped back. “What do you mean, I’m not welcome here? I’m a god of this universe, just like you. Just because you don’t like my duties, does not mean that I’m not welcome in the home of my own father!”
Kairos simply tutted. “You’re the god of death who does nothing good for this universe. No one likes you. Not even Ken-”
The Lord of Nothing had already had enough. A slap across the face was enough to shut Kairos up. “I love all my children.”
“Not equally!” Kairos laughed.
“No. Not equally. Currently, Kairos, you are my least favourite child…” Kenon’s tone of voice remained unchanging, but both his sons could tell he was upset. “I recommend you leave here, and fix that wall you damaged as you do so. You will regain my favour when you have written an apology to Arkadin and delivered it to his realm. Until then, I do not want you here. Understood?”
Kairos said nothing. With a flick of his wings, he flew off, disappearing into the black void outside. Kenon turned back to Arkadin, sighing loudly.
“I wish that could have gone differently…” Kenon grunted. “He is correct, I do not treat you all equally. I never have. And that is wrong of me, but the four of you are all very different. Vastly different levels of danger and power. For that reason, I have always kept you busy, Arkadin, kept you to yourself to limit your potential.”
The Lord of Death shrugged. “I know. I get it. I’m Death itself. I could kill this universe if I so desired. One day, I probably will, won’t I?”
“That is inevitable, my son…” This time though, there was a slightly change in Kenon’s voice. A hint of worry, which swiftly passed. “That… is for another time though. In our current state, I simply wish to talk to you. Explain to you.”
“You don’t need to explain anything to me, father!” Arkadin smiled a little. “I get it, I really do. I know what I am and I made peace with that fact ages ago. I know why you gave me all these rules I have to follow while the others are free to do whatever they want. And I’m fine with it all, because I’m following these rules for my benefit, not yours.”
Kenon stroked Arkadin gently on the cheek. “You are a good son. And you have come to terms with yourself. I now see that you are capable of self-regulation. For that reason, I wish to remove the rules we gave to you.”
Arkadin blinked. “Alright, now I don’t follow.”
“You made your own rules to look after yourself and fulfil your duties. Do you not need our rules any more.”
“Oh…” A smile sneaked across Arkadin’s face. “Ohhhhhh…” That smile quickly turned into a grin. “Thank you, father. I appreciate this.”
The Lord of Nothing patted the Lord of Death on his head. “You are welcome, little one. Remember, I may treat you differently, but I love you all equally… Now you go back to your duties, alright? Look after yourself.”
“I will!” Arkadin beamed as he disappeared in a cloud of smoke. “Thank you!”