“What do you mean?” Ever asked slowly.

  “I mean that another one of my progeny walks the earth… or should I say, is the earth.”

  Chaos raised his hand and emitted a powerful pulse. In a fraction of a second, the ice cream shop, the stalls outside, even all the people disappeared. It was just him and Ever existing here in this plane of undulating black, red and purple.

  …Except it wasn’t. In the distance another being was crouching, busy with their hands.

  Chaos raised his arm again, directing it to them. ∞Come, child.∞

  She turned around, long green hair swishing in a wide circle. Fluorescent petals shimmered off her, floating to the ground. She started making her way over to them. With every step, she flew several feet. Grass and daisies would excitedly shoot up where her feet landed.

  Not only that, with every step, the real world would reappear briefly: a bit of concrete here, pavement there. Somehow, she was able to penetrate Chaos’ realm, but only briefly. The window to Earth would close as quickly as it opened once the chaotic realm couldn't sense her presence anymore.

  She stopped skipping as she drew closer, walking towards them. She wore the crocheted moss-green cardigan that G had worn in her shop. Her legs were slender, though her thighs were plump like plant bulbs. She swished a few strands of her long hair that had fallen over the front of her right shoulder, sending more flowers scattering.

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  “Now, now, you know that’s my line, Father.”

  Chaos had his arms crossed, face expressionless though his eyes were back to the infinite depth that could send people who stared into them tumbling into an eternal abyss.

  ∞What are you doing here, Gaia?∞

  “Why, I’m here because you summoned me here.”

  Gaia? Ever stared at mother nature personified. It all made sense: the luscious grass in the stall, the emphasis on selling items that were kind to the planet and of course, shortening her name to ‘G’.

  Chaos still hadn’t reacted, refusing to be baited by his daughter. Ever noticed that the longer she stood in one spot in Chaos’ realm, the more of the real world reappeared. More and more of the ice cream shop was ‘growing back’, pushing against the domain that Chaos controlled.

  “Bit of a silly question really,” Gaia continued, looking at Ever for the first time. “I’m always here because I am quite literally the earth. I can’t not be here, now can I?” She gave him a quick wink.

  Ever’s eyes flickered over to Chaos. Still, he didn’t respond. It almost seemed as if he was trying to control himself. From doing - or not doing - what though?

  “Of course,” he finally said. He turned to Ever. “You’ve met Death’s Apprentice, I see.”

  “I have,” Gaia said. “Sister Nyx mentioned how Thanatos had recruited a human soul to take his place. I had to make his acquaintance myself.”

  Chaos grunted. In a blink, the world was back to normal and Gaia morphed back to the little, old lady.

  “Would you escort an old woman back to her stall?” Gaia asked, eyes sparkling.

  Ever didn’t hesitate, coming out from behind the ice cream display, just as some customers came in. He offered her his arm and together, they walked out.