Lord Of The Mysteries: A Slug of Time

Within the Demonic wolf settlement, enveloped in deep calm darkness, various howls resounded. Each carried extreme pain and desperation before gradually turning muffled, and receding into the soft sway of the wind.

The Demonic Wolves that resided within the kingdom of Evernight, began losing control. Some writhing, barely being able to crawl before turning into hideous monsters, looking to devour everything. Some turning into a pile of maggots crawling on the ground, attaching itself onto weathered walls, or burrowing into other creatures.

It was chaos and madness all around, with the land of illnesses, air turning increasingly thick with the scent of blood mixed with other filth. Mountains of flesh formed, mixing with maggots, and the now fallen marionettes on the ground. 

More agonising howls sounded with the Darkness and greyish white fog in the settlement receding.

The faint illumination of the stars dotted the starry sky, casting their "gaze" onto the peak of a mountain range. These stars shone brightly, making them stand out.

An 8 legged enormous demonic wolf, covered in black wavering fur with translucent maggots burrowing out of "His" skin, out of every orifice, and dying on the spot. "His" entire body was disassociating with "His" desperately beating crystalised heart, and the almost completely invisible tangible fog that covered "His" body, slowly weakening and dissipating respectively. 

"He" wailed, whimpered, trying to conceal himself, to escape within the fog of history, to fool it, to control the thousands and thousands, possibly million worms that formed most "His" body. But "He" was utterly incapable of completing any of these tasks, only driven by "His" instincts at this point, unable to stop the inevitable "End". 

Thus, as a last resort, the evernight demonic wolf instinctively began to spread out "His" very self onto every demonic wolf, "His" subsidiary gods, as well every creature of Fool and Darkness. Even if "He" did not possess the characteristics and the Uniqueness of Fool anymore, there still remained the mystical connection which linked "Him" to all of "His" race; one "He" could exploit.

What "He" instinctively wished to achieve was "His" resurrection in one of "His" race, preferably a Subsidiary god. But "His" maddened state seemed to spread more efficiently in all those considered "His" kin, causing most to lose control on the spot, or disappear from existence.

This greatly affected "His" subsidiary gods, especially the siblings—Melantha and Antigonus who had both received boons from their father, allowing them to contend against Sefirah Castle's "proxy," and the traitress, Amanises.

But these boons turned out to be curses, with the siblings being in a Frenzied and dissociative state, mirroring their father's almost instantly, the two demonic wolves fell to the ravaged ground, with Antigonus turning into maggots, while Melantha's limbs, fur, body all mutated to varying degrees. In "Her" state of despair, "Her" fragment of sanity forced "Her" to extend a hand to the nearby agitated worms of spirits, as if trying to soothe them.

In the battlefield involving Sanguines, Mutant, and Demonic wolves, the army of Evernight, consisting primarily of Demonic wolves, Undeads and Marionettes quickly began to flatter, as the former lost control on the spot, while many fell to the ground, as if their strings were cut off.

This caused a sudden halt to occur from both sides as they observed the Demonic Wolves, shifting their gaze on to the God of Death and the God of Miracles, the latter suddenly turning into a giant vortex of translucent worms, looking to grasp the spirit body threads of everything in the surrounding 20 km. The God of Death, on the other hand, simply backed down, "killing" the various attacks around "Him" while making "His" undead army resume its assault.

Master…

In the demonic wolf settlement, just outside the divine chapel, piles of bodies gathered, encircling the entire exterior of the divine Chapel of Serenity, while the distorting mess that was the Annihilation Demonic wolf somehow navigated into it, using the faint darkness.

There was no crimson to illuminate "His" figure anymore, only the deep darkness that permeated the chapel, concealing within it "The Night" approaching its "End". The distorted divine being laid on the ground, now covered with all manners of corpses "He" typically left concealed.

A wave of darkness gathered around "His" figure, caging "Him" at "His" place, as "His" body began to shake, causing "Him" to fanatically conceal and reveal everything, melt it in darkness, or put even immaterial to repose. Instincts were this crumbling divine being's last sentient remains.

However, an image flashed before "His" mind. It was that of an ancient majestic palace, looking grand and lofty with an ancient dome propped up by various pillars of varying highest. Under the dome laid a Grand Bluish-Black Door of Light, with a High Back chair at front. 

The Image of Sefirah Castle!

In all "His" life, from the moment "He" rose to the "Fool" to this very moment of "His" "End", Flegrea had tirelessly searched for one singular thing, making it essentially "His" life goal. The Sefirah Castle, the divine kingdom of the Great Ruler of the Spirit World. 

This desire to find the ancient relic was also what led to "His" nearing its final destination. It was ironic considering Flegrea knew full well it was a trap, "He" knew he was being led, and yet swayed to their beat. One after another, Misfortune befell on "Him", from being conveniently "fooled" by Kvastir, or being cursed and pulled into a deadly trap by this Mutant King, cashing "Him" to incur an end; one "He" knew if done right, "He" could still survive through it. However, this all failed as "He" came before Sefirah Castle's proxy… No, it's master.

In fact, true Misfortune had fallen on to "Him" quite some time ago. From the first time "He" had gazed at Sefirah Castle's fog. 

Suddenly, a name surfaced in "His" mind, causing "His" maddened state to further condense into anarchy.

Amanises.

It was the same day this Goddess of Misfortune had abruptly left the settlement for a short time, leading to Flegrea, in a rare moment of clarity to trace "His" intuition, eventually setting "His" eyes on the unforgettable Greyish white fog. Like a snowball effect, "His" Misfortune formed and grew one after another, such as giant barriers of gray fog erupting within the settlement, the disappearance of each and every human in the settlement, the attack that was delivered to "Him" the day of the eclipse, by the giant looming shadow from the Astral World itself, worsening "His" condition.

Eventually, she had betrayed "Him". Even "He" had never expected her to join hands with the owner of Sefirah Castle.

To have Amanises as "His" Subsidiary Goddess, was Flegrea's greatest Misfortune.

Suddenly a thick greyish white fog enveloped "His" darkening vision, causing the dying Demonic Wolf to slightly hoist himself upwards, before dropping back to the cold floor. Though, "He" suddenly felt a piercing chest pain, no, "His" heart.

…

Whimpering, the God of Puppets Antigonus suddenly felt "His" condition somewhat stabilize, as the dissociation in "His" entire being came to an abrupt end. Immediately "He" looked over at his sister, the Goddess of Concealment Melantha, witnessing "Her" form recover as well, though the piercing sensation in "Her" heart remained.

Antigonus, fully reorganized "His" body as "He" gently bit "Her" neck to help "Her" stand. "Are… you… okay?" "He" asked, pausing in between to catch "His" breath, while "His" gaze remained worryingly fixed at "His" sister. Melantha wearily lifted her gaze and gently nodded at "Him", panting as well.

Suddenly, "Her" breaths halted, while "Her" eyes widened. "Master…" Melantha blurted out, causing Antigonus' gaze to stiffen as fear and dread flooded in. They both remained silent for some moments, before being enveloped by a wave of darkness. 

Though weaker, Melnatha used "Her" abilities to help them navigate the littered and pungent surroundings more efficiently, discreetly heading towards the divine chapel. 

Within the flickering darkness, Antigonus felt a shiver run down "His" spine upon seeing the death and destruction around "Him". As far as "He" sighted, "His" senses could perceive, not even a single entity remained standing. Even the undead creatures that had lost control and turned inactive soon after. Melantha also felt herself tensening, taking note of the lack of Amanises and the Sefirah Castle's proxy. "She" feared that if they were to be attacked right now, there was simply no chance of either of them surviving.

Thus, "She" remained absolutely vigilant, treading through the dead land. Eventually they made their way safely to the divine chapel at the center of what remained of the demonic wolf settlement. Immediately they noticed the piles of bodies, flesh and blood that lined the entrance, and the deep dark hush blanketing the place.

The siblings subtly glanced at each other before walking in, one step at a time.

Suddenly, they both froze.

Antigonus' eyes widened, horror dawning "His" face, which "He" quickly restrained with "His" body control, while "His" sister applied some concealment. Crimson creaked back into the place, as the Moon returned to its position in the sky, though it no longer held the same glow as before. It was darker and more terrifying as if the streaks of crimson had eyes of their own.

This crimson creaked within the Divine chapel, drilling through its intricate windows, illuminating a scene. 

It was the Evernight Demonic Wolf, the king of demonic wolves and the father of Melantha and Antigonus, laid on the crimson dyed floor, surrounded by innumerable dead bodies, pools of crimson blood, and the wave of darkness that was slowly receding away.

In front of "Him" stood a beautiful figure shrouded in greyish white fog. She wore a plain black dress, a veil rested before her face, concealing its top half. Yet, her dark, emotionless eyes stood out. There was crimson blood splattered all over her, dying a part of her face, and dampening her dress. 

In her hand was a scythe conjured from pitch black darkness, its sharp end piercing the Evernight Demonic Wolf's heart, causing blood to spew out, complimenting the glow shined upon by Crimson Moon. The Evernight Demonic Wolf let out a small whimper, gazing up at the Goddess of Misfortune, his greatest Misfortune, before his vision darkened, fully extinguished.

The "End" had come. The One to deliver it was always present.

The Annihilation Demonic wolf breathes "His" last.

Antigonus' breath grew increasingly heavier and heavier, "His" eyelids twitching while "His" gaze remained fixed at Amanises. Why… "He" wanted to ask her. Why? Why had "She" betrayed them? Why had "She" done this? What was "Her" reason? Just… Why?

Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why?

She had just killed their father, her master, the King of Demonic Wolves. What happened to the Amanises Antigonus knew? The Serene and always Calm, loyal and steadfast Goddess of Misfortune. Where did she go? What happened to her, just what caused her to do all this? 

Antigonus wished it was a dream, a prank being pulled on him by "His" Sister.

Yet, as the cold wind swayed, and the scythe conjured by Darkness, dissipated from the dead body of the King of Demonic Wolves, reality hit. It was not a dream. Everything "He" once knew was destroyed.

"We need to run," Melantha whispered, immediately enveloping the both of them in darkness, causing Antigonus' gaze to flatter as darkness enveloped "His" vision that was fixed on Amanises. "He" tried to open "His" mouth yet no words came through. 

Suddenly, a thick greyish white fog erupted within the darkness causing Melantha and Antigonus to be separated! Antigonus, on alert, immediately looked around spotting himself to be within the Fog of History. What? Antigonus tried to leave the Fog of History, but found himself incapable of doing so. 

Sefirah Castle's Proxy? Antigonus gulped, feeling terrified, but then something landed on "His" fur. Antigonus gritted "His" teeth, as "He" prepared substitutes brought from this very History and projections, so it could buy "Him" some time to make a wish. But "He" didn't have to.

Following "His" intuition, Antigonus took a deep breath and examined the object that had fallen on "His" fur. A translucent black "curtain", illusory almost completely transparent. "He" felt a strange attraction towards it as if "He" wanted to absorb or devour it. Of course, "He" brought "His" instincts under control. 

The Fog of History began to clear up as Antigonus now found himself in an unknown location, in front of "Him", Melantha. 

"Anti!" "She" shouted running towards "Her" brother, examining "Him" for any anomaly. Immediately "She" noticed the thin translucent black curtain on "Him", causing "Her" to grow apprehensive.

"What happened?" Antigonus asked to which Melantha shook "Her" head and replied. "I don't know. There was a grey fog that suddenly erupted within the concealed space and then I found myself here…" "She" briefly elaborated before pausing and continuing. "What's this on you?"

Antigonus shifted "His" attention back to the curtain, feeling enchanted by it. "He" remained silent before shaking "His" head in 'no'. Melantha noted this reaction, deeply thinking to herself before speaking. "Could it be… the objects that seep out once creatures like us die?" 

Antigonus looked up at "Her", and then back at the curtain. Taking "His" strange attraction towards it for as a hint, Antigonus nodded in affirmation. "His" gaze then became wary, as the memory of the previous incident flashed past "His" mind. 

Melantha gazed at "Her" brother, letting out a serene aura as "She" nuzzled "Her" head against his.

"Listen to what I am about to say very closely." Observing "His" silence, the Goddess of Concealment continued. "We can no longer live here. With the death of Father, The Demonic wolves will be driven to extinction and there is a fair chance you and I will also get hunted. I have no answer for what happened earlier, but we have to move." 

Melantha paused, remembering Salinger's words. A nigh absolute "End" "She" took a deep breath, and gently bit one of Antigonus' many limbs while moving forward. "It's only you and me now. Just You and Me. We will get out of here, out of this continent, we will leave everything behind and live a new life. You understand Anti!"

Antigonus felt a turmoil within "Him". The face of Amanises flashing past "His" eyes over and over, as the scene of her killing their father repeated itself in his head. Eventually, after a while "He" looked back up to "His" sister, wearing a hollow expression and simply nodded, tightly holding onto the curtain. 

Melantha deeply returns the gaze as she nuzzles further with "Him". The two of them began to move, head towards a new future.

…

The grey fog of Sefirah Castle veiled Amanises as she gazed at the corpse of the one she once called master. She then turned her head to peer at the door, noticing the sudden appearance of a thick white fog which soon dissipated. 

Before Amanises could make any assumption or deduction, she witnessed her surroundings rapidly changing, morphing from the deep dark divine chapel, illuminated by crimson, to an open sky and plain land. A cold breeze ran past her, fluttering her silky long hair and her plain black dress covered in blood. 

The breeze also caused Amanises veil to fly away from her head, revealing her serene dark eyes which had been instinctively closed and the two sharp wolf ears on her head which twitched repeatedly from the breeze. 

Amanises opened her eyes, examining the one standing before her—A man wearing a white shirt, yellow tie and a black windbreaker with the undersides being yellow, as well as pants and shoes of the same colour. He held a silver cane in his hands, with resplendent tiny stars gathered at its tip. 

The man had black hair, black eyes with a tiny hint of golden yellow, and overall ordinary features, with a comically tall top hat resting on his head. Amanises felt her gaze softening upon seeing him, while her lips curled up into a smile. 

"Klein." She uttered in a sweet tone. Klein also smiled, lifting his hand as he took off his top hat and gave a gentlemanly bow to the beautiful woman. Amanises almost instantly noticed the strangeness with the top hat. 

"Nice. Things went far smoother than I expected, to be honest." Klein said, his tone noticeably different carrying with it strange mischievousness. Amanises raised an eyebrow, before nodding and replying. "Same here. Fighting in the territory of the one wielding Misfortune and somehow not being affected by it is a massive achievement."

Amanises suddenly paused, her eyes slightly widening. Before she could utter anything, Klein's smile widened as he asked. 

"Can you feel it? The effects of the Ritual?"

Suddenly The Knight of Misfortune Ritual, surfaced in Amanises mind:

"Be the Herald of Misfortune, and cause the Greatest Misfortune to a seemingly insurmountable opponent."