Brave explorers investigated the place where destiny had been decided. They found the Forge dark and cold, a portent of unimaginable gravity for the galaxy’s future. The explorers found what they sought: gathered in a triangle were Sheath, Sword (his grandeur diminished) and Will. However, another was among them.

“Just is your triumph, my children.”

“I perceive no victory, only an endless cycle of conflict.”

“History begins a new chapter with my intervention. I am here so that the story may unfold.”

“Who are you?” Sheath asked.

“I am what I am.”

“What is your purpose?” plied Will.

“Life.”

“You are our Maker.”

“Yes. All was set into motion by my hand.”

“Now I am truly dead.”

Sheath and Will looked askance at Sword.

“In the presence of One who is Life, my role is at an end.”

“You were harbinger of death until Sheath took you into herself through Will.”

Sounding much like a confused child, that titan among titans wondered, “What am I?”

“You are mine. I am yours,” said Sheath, touching him. He shuddered, having forgotten his last communion with her in ages past.

“Forgiveness,” he whispered, “How can it be?”

“Without you,” she simply said, “I am not what I am.”

As they embraced in an exchange of divine joy, Will approached the One.

“Why me?”

“You are my son, in whom I am well pleased. You are my response to Sword and Sheath’s separation.”

“You could have accomplished this yourself, almighty as you are.”

“No. Humanity, the same race that troubled Sword, must calm Sword. Alone and without approval from any other mortal, you made the choice.”

“What is my fate?”

“My own. Do you not see?”

Then Will realized he had left the mortal coil, and was a spirit with his Maker.

“I die,” he noted bemusedly.

“The ultimate act of a warrior is to lay down his sword. You, greatest of warriors, laid down your life before Sword. In doing so, you showed him the true path.”

“Peace.”

Sword and Sheath were communing as one soul, the all in all.

“Where two are gathered, I am there.”

Will smiled, the most innocent and peaceful smile ever to grace a human face. It was the fitting reward of a life that had known naught but strife.

“And I am with you.”

“Now sleep. Rest deep within my heart. Return to the bliss you knew before life opened your eyes.”

Thus did Will pass away, and the galaxy he had died to save knew him no more.

---

The Beginning.