Lord Of The Mysteries: A Slug of Time

In the foggy desolate plains, with the faint light of dawn filtering through the dark clouds in the weary sky, illuminating an amalgamation of grotesque structures, majestic buildings that had long lost their luster, with their surfaces ridden in flesh and blood. The many straight and winding paths leading to the heart of this massive city was ridden with decaying corpses.

However, among this was a dark ancient divine chapel, its many windows now shattered, exposing its dreadful and putid filled interior to the elements. This imposing structure was now a shadow of its past, a very recent but turbulent one; with its previous terrifying aura gone.

Then suddenly, from the very edges of the dead settlement, erupted a thick greyish white fog, like an enormous wave, it sweeped the entire desolate land, cloaking all structures, bodies, blood, grotesque flesh and the innumerable distinct objects—the various gleaming characteristics that had seeped out.

The fog quickly enveloped the entire place within itself, concealing it from the outside world. Cloaked within the greyish white fog, the innumerable characteristics belonging to Darkness and Fool Pathways suddenly began to shake and churn around, before disappearing from their spots.

One by one all of the characteristics that laid around in the dead settlement disappeared into the greyish fog!

As the last characteristic vanished, the fog thickened even further, creaking into every single spot within the settlement. The ground, buildings and bodies, everything began to shake violently, as countless cracks took form in reality itself.

The "Space" itself began to be torn apart! The very "Space" in which the dead settlement that once belonged to the Demonic Wolves existed, was being torn apart and annihilated. The greyish white fog gently swayed around, consuming the "Space" it had enveloped, folding it, destroying all buildings, and bodies in the process, returning all matter within the "Space" to void. 

In just some moments, the entire area was shattered and consumed by the void, leaving not even the faint lingering godhood. Then, the space-like area transformed and rearranged itself into a plain field, perfectly blending with the surrounding plains as the fog vanished.

A hush soon settled in, a gentle breeze passed by, fluttering the blades of grass on the ground, which were now illuminated by the morning sun.

A light far reaching; eclipsing the previous, and soon to be forgotten Darkness and Dread

…

Jolted awake, Fred opened his eyes to the damp rays of sun pouring in through the cracks on the walls that acted as windows. Immediately, he took a sharp intake of stale air, then breathed heavily as he struggled to move around, before slowly regaining his composure and settling down on the rough, ragged floor.

His eyes rolled back, while his body quivered, shaking uncontrollably. For many moments, he laid there silently with only the sounds of his breath bringing life to his miniscule "room". Then, he gradually stood up while taking support on a nearby wall.

As he steadied his breath and shaky legs, he turned his attention to the large crack on the wall—the window. Fred slightly narrowed his eye, ignored the sight outside and approached the opened, and weathered wooden door in the room.

Exiting the room, he slowly made his way along the crumbled hallway, avoiding the scattered glass, the bits and piece of stone arches, and the absolute mess of furniture and concrete. Fred eventually arrived at an opened barn in the messy and overturned garden, spotting a number of people having already gathered at the place. 

"Fred!" He heard a familiar voice and witnessed a man—his friend Khin, approach him with a worried expression. His dirty skin and hair were messy, with a streak of crimson originating from his forehead blending with his tattered clothes. 

Khin immediately put his arms around Fred's shoulder, supporting his limping friend, and soon placed him onto a small stone chair. 

"How are your injuries? Are you feeling alright?" Khin asked, his weary voice laced with worry with a hint of dryness from a sore throat. 

Fred gazed at his friend, his eyes closing and opening repeatedly, before settling eventually. Instead of answering, he looked around himself, noting the many people, some of which were his friends, people he had lived with or worked together with, all either in a similar state as him, badly injured, or dead. 

He let out a deep breath before erupting into a coughing fit. Khin quickly leaned forward, giving light taps to Fred's back repeatedly while rubbing his chest. After settling down once more, Fred looked towards his friend and asked in a hoarse voice.

"W… w-where… is Jese?" 

Still rubbing his friend's chest, Khin shook his head and replied. "She is fine, but not here anymore. She left for the main city earlier." Fred suddenly felt a huge burden vanish hearing this, as he hung his head low. They both remained in silence, peering in on the nearby murmurs, agonising groans, and cries resounding in the large barn. 

"What's the situation?" Fred eventually broke the silence as Khin turned his head around, constantly shifting his gaze, observing. 

"Messy. Countless are injured, many are missing. Only a few of us are still in a somewhat good condition, so we are taking the lead in caring for those that are not. Some like Jese went to the main city to further evaluate the situation and to collect necessary resources." Khin gave a surface level explanation. 

He then moved away from Fred, standing back up on his feet. "You stay there. I'll go get some water." Saying that, Khin hastily walked away towards one of the barns. Fred, witnessing his friend's departure, examined himself once more, before shifting his gaze at the sky.

A scene surfaced in his mind. Following the sudden disappearance of every Sanguine, and Vampire from the Moon City, bright rays of purifying light descended from an infinite height washing over the entire landscape, engulfing the entire Moon City and the terrible battlefield that seemed to encompass most of that landmass beyond the city. It burned away the countless Mutants, Undead, demonic wolves, scorching and washing away all ailments, and curses. It shined brightly illuminating every edge, every corner of the World leaving not a shadow of Darkness beneath it. 

It was like a saving grace to the innumerable abandoned innocents that were left behind by their masters to tragically perish. Within a few moments, the entire armies belonging to the mythical races, lying outside the Moon City were annihilated. Witnessing such a spectacle, the denizens of the Moon City were thrown in disarray. 

Having been abandoned by their Masters, a sense of loss quickly washed over even the calmest ones. Some held the hope of their return, while others, quick to seize the opportunity, began to brutally sack the "City of Sanguines", savouring their freedom. A clash between the two groups was unavoidable, and thus chaos and disorder quickly spread outwards, embroiling even those that have yet to take a side. 

Eventually, some level of order was restored as a group of servants previously belonging to the Blood Moon Queen Auernia, retaliated with alleged support of an Outside Force. The city gained a new order, one that was led by Humans. 

Yet, what can order do, if the city itself is a crumbling mess?

This thought crossed Fred's mind, before he noticed his friend Khin taking long strides towards him, with his left hand grasping a mug filled with water. 

Fred reached out with his hand, taking hold of the mug and bringing it to his lips. He gulped the Water down his throat, quenching some of his thirst which he had not realised until now. 

"Feeling better?" Khin took the mug from his hand, resting it on the ground. He then laid down on the floor, while dropping his head low. "Unfortunately, we are running low on food, and the injured need it at the moment. I am sorry Fred…" He spoke in a low hesitant tone, only to witness a small smile forming in Fred's dried tired face. 

"Go and do your work. Don't hold back for me." he spoke out, before standing up with a grunt. Khin immediately stood up to support his limping friend, but was gently shoved back. "I am… fine. I'll go to the Central… to… to…" Fred's voice grew distant and hesitant; his dark brown eyes reflected a distinct figure within them. 

It was the figure of a Man with black hair and black eyes dawning a black overhanging robe, with a red scarf draped around his neck, his pants had a checkered pattern of dark black lines, and a classical hat adorned with red feathers rested at his head. The Wandering Magician Merlin Hermes. 

"To see things out myself." Out of nowhere, Fred's sentence took shape in his head, spilling out of his mouth without his control. Before Khin could refute him and notice the nearby Magician, Fred suddenly felt fully rejuvenated, with his bruised leg instantly healed. 

The change caused his eyes to widen as he moved his legs under the bewildered eyes of Khin. Before he could utter a word, a snap sounded, and was quickly followed by numerous confused and joyful gasps. 

The injured, whether with a few cuts and bruises, or those with missing limbs, organs among other injuries were

healed. Even those on the brink of death, were brought back to their peak, with those feeling weary, mentally tired, hungry, thirsty; all were rejuvenated.

This was a miracle! 

Khin, observing all of this, was shocked beyond belief. It was then that he too took notice of his condition suddenly improving. His mind was as calm as ever, while his body as a whole felt fresh, freed from the previous fatigue and stress. Not only Khin but everyone gathered around him shared the same sentiments. It was as if divine blessings had suddenly been bestowed upon them, providing them strength against these harsh and unforeseeable times.

The previously sombre environment turned joyful, blossoming with new vitality and vigour. The worries that had gnawed at them were all washed away in an instant. Unfortunately, some still grieved at those who still remained dead, however, their corpses were now in pristine conditions, as if they had all died peacefully. 

Fred, initially walking slowly eventually broke into a sprint, following the faint illusory spectrum of the Wandering Magician appearing at the corner of his eyes, shattering the next instant. Without holding any awareness, he left the ruining crumbles of Lord Quans mansion, running along the path that led towards the sprawling but devastated Moon City. He ignored the deathly silent wilderness around him, something he had remained wary of his entire life. He ignored the increasingly bright shining sun, its rays illuminating the very path he was marching on. He ignored his own condition. 

Before he knew it, Fred was now on the destroyed walls of Moon City. Immediately he took notice of the fallen giant concrete arches, the thrashed buildings and roads, burned wood, and destroyed cobble. Moon city, once interconnected with eloquent infrastructure and architecture, now only featured ruins. 

Scattered around, Fred looked over at some dead bodies buried within the debris. His nose immediately picked the dried scent of blood and rotten flesh, while his mind instinctively took note of the city's silence causing his previously ignored weariness to creep in. 

But then, a voice, distinctly familiar, sounded in his ears. "Fred!" 

He snapped his head to witness the familiar figure of his friend, Jese approach him with an hesitant pace. She soon stood before the silent Fred, noting the absentminded smile that had taken form on his face.

"What are you doing here?! You should be resting back in the Manor!" She shouted at him and took him into an embrace. 

"I am fine. There is no need for this." Fred refuted, trying to escape from her grasp, yet found himself incapable of doing so. 

"Where is Khin? Or anyone? Did you come alone?" One by one, Fred was overwhelmed by the barrage of questions leaving him unable to answer any of them. Before he halted her, they both perked up at the sound of approaching footsteps, and turned towards a group of people approaching from a destroyed corner. 

The group consisted of both men and women, dressed in white clergyman robes. Silence dawned over for some moments, before it was broken by one among them. A man with light bread, and short stature coughed twice before speaking. 

"Forgive me, but could you two step aside. If you are looking for food or other resources, there is a tent about a few 'blocks' away from where we came. We can take you there." His voice carried a strange reverie, calming those that heard his soft spoken words. 

"No, we have already obtained some. We just came from there. Please excuse us." Jese immediately replied in earnest while offering a simple bow. She squeezed Fred's hand, dragging him with her towards the temporary setup of living quarters in a still somewhat 'standing' district of the city, far away from the group of people. 

The duo walked in silence for a while, before resting at a spot among crumbled arches and stone towers. "Now, tell me, why are you here?" Jese asked with an authoritative tone, seriously questioning her friend. Fred scratched the back of his head, his eyes darting around, trying to catch a glimpse of the wandering magician, yet there was nothing to see bar rumbled and decaying corpses.

"Well… I was just worried… and I wanted to see things for myself. As for my condition, look I am completely fine! It was a miracle! All my wounds are healed!" Fred turned his body around, bending down lifting the folds of his pants up to reveal a perfectly fine leg with no sign of bruise or strain. 

This momentarily shook Jese, as the possibility of the powerful healers that were the Sanguines crossed her mind. However, she soon discarded the possibility. This was because, in such a scenario, neither of them would be currently walking freely in this once grand city. 

She bent down, extending her hand running her rough fingers against his calf, before letting out a low, but astonishing gasp. 

"Truly a miracle… how did this—" Her words were cut off, as she turned her head around, and pushed Fred behind her. They both witnessed a bright light shine from a certain area in the living quarters attracting the attention of all those in the vicinity. 

Fred and Jese were no exception. They exchanged glances before sharing a nod as they quickened their pace towards the light. For some reason, this light seemed to be calling out for them.

With Jese's familiarity over the many routes of the city, even though destroyed, they soon arrived at the large square.

The sight that greeted them was miraculous to say the least. 

This was the patient area of the city, housing the children, the elderly, the dead and the injured. All those who had indiscriminately lost something in the war between mythical races. 

Walking through this area only gave a grim reminder of what the average humans suffered during a war in which they were mere bystanders. The countless lost souls, and the suffering that those closer to them felt.

Yet, the sight before Fred and Jese was an exact opposite of this. The Injured suddenly had their wounds healed, their state revitalised. The elderly felt a new and flourishing youth taking over, feeling energetic. The grim and sobbing children suddenly broke into astonishing cries, as they all tried to form smiles. The monotone environment suddenly turned lively. 

Then, Fred picked up on something. He saw a woman appearing in her late forties, drop down to her knees and clasp her hands together, close her eyes, and murmur. 

"Oh, Sun God! I give thanks and praise for showering us with your love!." She chanted the same prayer over and over in a reverie, all while looking up at the bright sun. 

Standing a few feet away, a certain figure suddenly felt his lips twitch repeatedly. Sun God? Seriously!?

Sun God? Turning his head towards Jese, Fred displayed confusion caughting her attention. Jese grumbled inwardly for a moment before speaking. "You remember the Holy Brilliance at the end of the Twilight of Crimson?"

Seeing Fred nod in acknowledgement, Jese looked up at the sky, putting a hand over her eyes to shield them from the increasingly bright blazing sun. "It was only natural. Having been abandoned by their Masters and their Goddess, people desperately looked for 'Hope' in their treacherous situation. That's exactly when the purifying rays of light descended from the sky itself, shattering suffering and stirring our inevitable fate of death by the hands of Sanguine's enemy." 

Looking back at Fred, she momentarily paused before uttering, "A new faith emerged. The Sun began to be praised in revery. You remember how an 'external force' helped the previous servants of the Blood Queen in restoring some order in the city, right? That 'external force' are the believers or "Angels" under the Sun God, whom had also protected the Moon City from the shadows, the entire time the war went on. The people from before were also these peoples that have fully converted their faith to the Sun God, as well as most of the residents of the city."

Fred's eyes slightly widened, and he turned his head to peer at the sky, and the blazing ball of light that continuously rose higher and higher. He then shifted his gaze back towards the people, some dawning confusion, other excitement and amazement while many just like the woman in her forties, began to pray in revery. 

But that's a Miracle… a Miracle invoked by a Wandering Magician… This thought reverberated in Fred's mind. 

Before he could say anything, his vision was suddenly engulfed by a bright brilliance! Almost immediately he slightly glanced up at the illuminated sky, his motion followed by each and everyone around him. Everyone around Moon city, those at its outskirts, far beyond it, including those slumbering, looked up at the Sun. 

They gazed at the endless brilliance and empowering light that had grown to encompass the entire skies. Though, strangely it didn't hurt any attempting to peer at it. 

The gentle, and warm rays carried with them a message yet more so of a thought that made itself aware in their very mind.

The Lord knew everything, and so did "His" people. 

The Sun returned to its original form, yet still shining brightly. But the humans that had gazed at it, felt their minds resonating with the most precious thoughts. 

They had received a command, all of them. The command being 'The entire Moon city is to be displaced from these barren and shattered lands, and start anew on the foggy and western edge.' This alone resulted in great shock, but those that still had a moment of clarity found it reasonable and understandable. 

With this command came a string of words descended from Heavens themselves. One by one, suddenly many people looked up at the sky while dropping down on their knees. They clapped their hands together, closed their eyes and spoke in a hushed tone. 

"The Lord that Created Everything,

"The Omnipotent and Omniscient, The Source of Everything Great, The Beginning and The End, The God of Gods,

"Ruler of the vast Astral World."

A single chorus resounded in the air. Fred remained the only one standing with even Jese having crouched down on her knees and began praying. He bore witness to this spectacle with his continuously dilating and contracting eyes. 

It was then, a figure suddenly reflected in the corner of his eyes. He looked up, gazing over at a stone tower that was still in a relatively good condition. At its top, stood a figure, his cloak gently swaying in the air, and his white gloved hand pressed the classical hat on his head.

His face held not a smile, but a grimace. 

…

Standing within a vortex of light and ocean, the Sun God Grisha overlooked the Moon city in its entirety, watching over the countless humans that had gathered together to discuss God's plan for them. "His" face held an innocent smile while "His" golden, glistening eyes shimmered. 

"He" let out a soft chuckle before turning around, facing a man wearing a robe, checkered pants, his gloved hand held on to his classical hat adorned with red feathers, that was pressed against his chest. His black eyes reflected Grisha's figure, and his black messy hair formed bangs at his forehead. 

"Has this been our first proper meeting after the war?" Grisha asked in a soft tone to which Merlin simply chuckled and replied in a calm, steady voice. "Technically not. While I am sure you have already discerned, the one standing here is an Avatar. The main body has better things to deal with."

"Amanises, am I right?" 

Merlin did not reply, instead presenting a calm smile. "Regardless, meeting you is equivalent to meeting with the real body." Grisha paused for a moment, and giggled. "Will we have a meeting this Monday?" Merlin remained motionless for a moment before nodding in affirmation. 

"Our alliance hasn't officially reached its conclusion." He stated leisurely. "Which brings me to my main objective for this meeting." Grisha nodded and lifted "His" hand, gently putting it within "His" Clergyman robe. 

"I am aware." Slowly, "He" pulled out his hand, which now held a bright crimson coloured orb, with dark spots dotted about in its spherical structure. It was akin to a miniature crimson moon, yet the radiance from it was perhaps even brighter than the original. 

The Moon Uniqueness. 

"I still do not see your reasoning for wanting this. It neither neighbours your pathways nor Amanises'." Grisha displayed a very slight hint of confusion in "His" voice, while the Moon Uniqueness gently floated at "His" fingertips. 

Merlin rested his hat on his head, while taking a step forward stopping just a feet away from Grisha. "You can say…" he extended his hand, taking hold of the Moon Uniqueness from Grisha's fingertips. "I am nonetheless interested." 

After he recovered the Moon Uniqueness, Merlin let out a sigh, taking hold of it before flinging it up in the air, as it disappeared into Sefirah Castle. 

Merlin then narrowed his eyes, and gently said in a weary tone. "Your Honorific name…" Before he could have completed his sentence, Grisha's smile twisted into a weird one, as he turned around and disappeared into the Sea of Quanta. 

Merlin was left with his mouth slightly hung open. Don't tell me…

"He" was too embarrassed to discuss "His" Honorific name…

…

God Almighty;

Creator; Maker;

The Omnipotent and Omniscient;

Lord of the Astral World. 

Klein had a weird expression on his face. This is the third time someone has made a honorific name and it's completely on point correct without their knowledge. He grumbled inwardly, while the corner of his lips repeatedly twitched. 

I suppose that is what Fate is all about… he nodded repeatedly with a serious expression. He then relaxed his expression and sighed. The people of Moon City are in better condition now. I should still observe them closely for some time. He thought about Fred for a moment, before sighing again. I should meet him too… I can only imagine what he is currently thinking. 

He slightly leaned back and shifted his focus to other matters. Interesting. In the original timeline, moon city's human denizens were made to follow a prophecy from Grisha, which was why they settled right beside the Western Continent's barrier. The prophecy itself was to guard the place and notify "Him" if someone were to walk out of the fog. That someone was me. 

Klein ruminated for a moment before continuing his train of thought. Since I am already here, the prophecy cannot be that. But that begs the question of what it could be? Countless mysterious symbols took form in Klein's eyes, as he tried to deduce the meaning of this new prophecy. This resulted in failure due to a combination of his lack of comprehensive knowledge to form any reasonable linkage, and the level involved. 

Figured. I'll have to closely observe Moon city and Grisha's attitude towards the Western continent's seal… Klein mentally took a note. There is also the Moon Uniqueness… 

Klein had come to realise a slight problem. Amanises and Grisha's attitude towards each other was not particularly good. The former often eyed the latter, building up tension. There were also problems with Amanises' involvement and knowledge over the extensive events; she was not aware of Lilith's survival. At least "She" should be alive if things went the way they should have… I hope "She" is.

Combined with her comprehensive knowledge of Great Old Ones and pathways, Amanises naturally, neither was aware nor desired to obtain the Moon Uniqueness. After all, what benefit could she reap from a non neighbouring pathway, except bringing more problems to herself? Uniqueness was after all Unique. While using it as a sealed artefact was great, it naturally came with an extreme amount of disadvantages. Thus, the thought never even crossed her mind in this timeline. This was a problem as in the original timeline, Amanises had obtained the Moon Uniqueness from Grisha and was later known as "Lady of Crimson". 

For the sake of maintaining the core events of History, Klein, a professional Scholar of Yore, took it as his duty to obtain the Moon Uniqueness himself and maintain this part of the timeline he was familiar with. 

But getting it was… something. A scene surfaced in Klein's head:

"You want the Moon Uniqueness?" Asked Grisha with a curious glance. "Quite so." The man in clergyman rob rubbed his chin with his fingers and pondered for a moment. "And what might I receive for this transaction?"

Klein smiled quietly and lowered his eyelids. "You remember how I once helped you in obtaining your Red Angel."

"…"

I am pretty sure that help does not equate to the worth of an entire Uniqueness… Grisha did not attempted to hide "His" weirded expression as he observed Klein. 

After further "negotiations", they both formed a notarized deal and Grisha agreed to offering Klein the Moon Uniqueness. 

Back in the present day, Klein shook his head and thought to himself. Things I do for this Woman…

I'll later go to Sefirah Castle to inspect it. Then I should-

Suddenly his thoughts were interrupted by a low sounding groan and then a shuffling movement. Klein's original body looked down and saw Amanises, whom sat by his feet, mewled in satisfaction, her ears twitch repeatedly, as she took the gentle feeling of Klein's fingers and the comb in his hand gently flowing on her silky hair. 

He was combing her silky black hair. 

Klein smiled and chuckled upon seeing such a reaction. "You seem to be enjoying it a lot," Amanises ever so slightly turned her head, the corner of her dark eyes peering at her friend. "It does feel really nice. It's like you are brushing my fur!" 

Klein maintained his smile while gently shook his head. His finger gently flowed by the strands of hair, straightening them, while the comb followed after his fingers. Occasionally his fingers would come in contact with her ears, causing Amanises to let out a hiccup. 

After combing her hair in silence and small occasional talk, Klein tied the long overflowing hair into an extremely low ponytail, letting a part of her hair form beautiful bangs at her forehead and around the side of her head, giving Amanises a completely new look. She lifted her hands and touched the tied part of her hair, displaying confusion over her look. Then suddenly, a mirror akin to the one in her room appeared in front of her. 

Amanises took a look at herself, finding her new appearance to be proper. 

"Not bad. I like it." She gently smiled, fully turning to Klein. 

The latter opened his mouth, but no words came. Instead, what he felt was a warm feeling in his chest. He let out a sigh and nodded gently. I need to give her the Moon Uniqueness… maybe on her upcoming birthday?

Klein let the thought flow past his mind and he soon noticed Amanises looking down at her stomach, causing him to stand up from the couch. "I'll make something for us. It's nearly lunchtime anyway." As he began to walk towards the kitchen, Amanises, narrowing her gaze, stood up from the ground, followed behind him and tapped at his back. 

"Mind if I help?" She asked curiously, leaning downward, pinching her lips outwards. Klein, observing her behaviour, pondered for a moment before unceremoniously swatting her away. 

"Of course, No!" Amanises grinned at this, but followed him anyway. 

That day, their house, in a twist of Misfortune, had nearly burned down.