Mary's Dream

 Mary slept in her bed and dreamed of the Entity.

She stood in the middle of mist-covered nothingness when the Entity appeared before her.  Mary didn't know what to say but found herself blurting out "What is your name?"

I have no true name.  True names are things that were given by those that have gone before, for there was none before me.  It was my eyes that first glimpsed the forming universe; my hand that first touched the cooling surface of the first planet

The species that shares my resting place called me the Lifebringer and I feel that is fitting.  I did seed the worlds that would bring forth the first of the First Ones, the Celestials, and the Guardians.  I tended the gardens of a million million worlds, creating the lush vistas you have undoubtedly seen

The Entity seemed to sense the growing religious conflict that was growing in Mary.

I am not here to confirm your beliefs, child, but neither am I here to invalidate them. There are things that are greater than me, and in turn there are things greater than them.  I am not sure where the chain of existence ends, only that only there you will find the answers you seek.

I did not create the Four Eras of divinity, but I did stoke the embers of faith which allowed them to grow.

Mary seemed to understand but grew sad. "You died.  You died giving me this power". In her trembling hand was the White Lantern Ring.

Death?, the Entity replied. I am the fount from which all life flows.  I am not sure I can truly die, though the Master of Entropy will put that to the test.  Regardless, the afterlife is not equipped to deal with one such as I, so I am not sure what is after this, once my...existence ends.

But yes, I did give you this power because that is my purpose.  I bring life and this...anti-life...is against everything I am.  I could do nothing else.

The Entity smiled and touched the tear flowing down Mary's cheek.

Now be my lifebringer, Mary.  Save the universe and bring life to all you can.  I am you now.

And then Mary woke up in her bedroom.  She could have sworn there was a bright light in the window just a second before.