Marvel: Son of TOAA

Chapter 3: Shadows of Rebellion

In the infinite void that bordered existence, Oblivion stirred. He was the cosmic embodiment of nothingness, the antithesis of creation itself. Where others sought to build and preserve, Oblivion desired only to unmake. The birth of Azrael—a being unbound by the multiverse's laws—was an affront to Oblivion's very nature.

"His existence disrupts the balance," Oblivion murmured, his voice like a cold whisper in the dark. "He is too powerful, too prideful. Yet I cannot destroy him... not directly."

Oblivion's void-like form shifted as he contemplated his next move. Azrael's strength exceeded his own, but power was not the only weapon. Manipulation, cunning, and patience could fell even the mightiest of beings.

---

Oblivion's musings were interrupted by the presence of another. Death appeared before him, her form veiled in shadow and mystery. Her eternal gaze met Oblivion's, and for a moment, the void seemed to grow colder.

"You plot against the Firstborn," Death said, her tone devoid of judgment. "Yet you know you cannot confront him directly."

Oblivion's hollow laughter filled the emptiness. "Indeed, my dear sister. But I need not destroy him with force. His pride will be his undoing."

Death tilted her head, intrigued. "And what do you propose?"

"We turn him against his creator," Oblivion replied. "Azrael's arrogance knows no bounds. He sees himself as above all, even the One who made him. We will stoke that fire, make him question his purpose and his father's intentions."

Death considered this. "And what of TOAA? If he discovers our involvement, we risk annihilation."

Oblivion's form coiled like a serpent. "TOAA rarely interferes directly. Besides, we will remain unseen. Azrael will believe this rebellion to be his own idea."

---

The first phase of their plan required subtlety. Death, with her vast knowledge of life's inevitable end, began crafting visions to haunt Azrael's mind. In his dreams, he saw images of himself chained, his power stripped away by the very father who had created him.

"You are but a tool," a voice whispered in his dreams, soft and insidious. "A pawn in a greater game. Why else would your purpose remain undefined? Your freedom is an illusion."

Azrael awoke in a cold rage. His golden eyes blazed as he paced his chamber, the visions gnawing at his mind. Liora watched him carefully, her serene presence offering no solace.

"My lord," she ventured cautiously, "what troubles you?"

"Troubles?" Azrael snapped, his voice shaking the walls. "I am the Firstborn! What could trouble me?"

Yet, even as he spoke, doubt lingered in his heart.

---

Oblivion's next move was to place a whisperer in Azrael's path. Disguising himself as a humble wanderer, Oblivion appeared on a distant world Azrael had chosen to visit.

The being bowed low as Azrael approached, his form trembling with feigned awe. "Great Azrael, I am but a simple seeker of truths," the figure said. "I offer you knowledge, if you would spare a moment of your infinite time."

Azrael raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite himself. "Speak, mortal. But know that your life depends on the value of your words."

The figure smiled faintly. "Have you ever wondered why your father keeps his distance? Why he created you, only to leave you without guidance or purpose?"

Azrael's expression darkened. "Mind your tongue, lest I silence it forever."

"Forgive me, my lord," the figure said, bowing again. "But I speak only what many wonder in silence. Could it be that TOAA fears you? That he sees your potential and seeks to control it, to keep you from realizing your true power?"

Azrael said nothing, but the seed had been planted.

---

As Azrael's pride and doubt grew, Death played her part. She appeared to Azrael in the guise of a mysterious advisor, offering cryptic warnings.

"Beware of chains," she told him one evening, her voice like a haunting melody. "Even the most radiant stars can be bound, their light snuffed out by those who fear their brilliance."

Azrael scoffed, yet her words lingered.

---

Slowly but surely, Azrael's thoughts turned darker. He began to question TOAA's intentions, his mind clouded by the whispers and visions orchestrated by Oblivion and Death.

"Why did my father create me?" Azrael asked Liora one day. "Was it out of love? Or was it out of fear, to fashion a tool he could control?"

Liora hesitated, sensing the turmoil within her creator. "Perhaps only TOAA knows the answer, my lord."

Azrael's expression hardened. "Then perhaps it is time I demanded answers."

---

In the void, Oblivion watched as his plan unfolded. "The first cracks have formed," he said to Death, his tone triumphant. "Soon, the Firstborn will turn his gaze toward the Creator. And when he does, the multiverse will tremble."

Death remained silent, her unreadable expression betraying nothing.

Oblivion's laughter echoed across the void, a chilling sound that promised chaos to come.

---