25. The Devourer | Beyond The Firmament: Tales From The Cosmos

Beyond The Firmament

Tales From The Cosmos

25. The Devourer

- Written by Gift C Enyadike Jr

Do you remember the stars and their cycle of death and rebirth? How the dust of those too small to become black holes would gather to form new ones in their place? 

Unfortunately, there were some who refused. They would cling to life as long as possible, refusing to make space for the new. The black holes would make short work of them if they were close. If not, they would go unopposed, attempting to crowd the cosmos. 

For their defiance, a new being was given form. A beast made from star dust that sleeps at the very bottom of our universe, only awakening to devour them. It exists as a testament to the power of Da Vaada, so massive it could swallow entire galaxies at one time if it were so permitted. Be thankful it is not, because it wouldn't stop at just one.

We call it such names as the Puraserpa (Nebula Serpent), though it is not a serpent; yet it is long and winding, and Makar Joga (Great Mouth), for reasons I have already given you. 

When it is awoken, all of the stars are made to sleep, except the defiant one, which burns brighter than ever until its final moments. The creature then returns to its domain to slumber. 

None but Da Vaada can defeat this creature, and it obeys no voice but his. The Heavenly Hosts are forbidden from approaching it. For their light draws its hunger, and it is blind to reason.