Chapter Text
Pre-Era of Fire
Mingrui casual stared at the River Fate, watching as new whirlpools start to form in the near future. He's been awake for a short while, mostly seeing how things are developing, checking in on Lilith and Farbauti who are both advancing quickly.
As the whirlpool grew closer, He felt a shift in the castle, in the room specially prepared by His Master. When He first saw the stolen souls, Tianzun explained that He will know when to release them, but in the time until then, they can open when an ideal host body is available.
With a thought He Blinked to the room filled with souls in delicate spiritual orbs. Following his intuition He came to one with a young well off lady holding a cellphone. He watched as the orb opened and the soul slip out, heading towards it's new body, like a butterfly crawling out of it's cocoon.
~~
She couldn't breathe, her body was heavy and her head foggy. The worst pain was centered on her throat as if someone had slit it. A cough wracked her body and blood filled her mouth.
The iron taste nauseated her, causing her to cough more. She tried to spit out the blood but only managed to cut her tongue on her teeth. Why was her teeth so sharp? What happened to her body guards? Why was she dieing?
After a few moments she realised she could breathe easier, her throat didn't hurt as much and her body wasn't as heavy. Carefully she tried to stand up but her 8 limbs wouldn't… Wait 8 limbs?!
The sudden shock cleared her mind of fog and she realised she was outside, it was dark but she could see perfectly. Looking up she could make out dark clouds covering the sky and when they moved, they revealed a bloody red moon.
Terror gripped her heart and as she tried to turn away, she fell over all 8 her paws. Finally looking at her own body she came to the shocking realisation that she had become an 8 legged dog.
No.
No, no, no!
Nonononono….
A new panic and fear gripped her, quickly followed by a demented clarity. This was a nightmare! That's the only reasonable explanation! In a few moments she'll was up in her bed and-
"This is not a nightmare."
She looked ahead of her to see an small man wearing a yellow traditional Chinese outfit with black detailing, bright golden eyes and long black hair.
DANGER! Run! RUN!!!
Adrenaline fuelled instincts took hold as she, without realising what she's doing, bolted up and ran as fast as she could. Vague memories and feelings of places that where safe filled her mind as she did everything to get away from the Old One.
Eventually she stopped at a hidden cove, and following those very same instincts, concealed it. Panting, she only hoped that she'll wake up from the nightmare soon. Now that she wasn't in any immediate danger, she started to look around where she was.
"Quite impressive how quickly you are adapting to your new body."
Turning around, there stood the Being casually, arms held behind his back.
In front of the only exit.
She crouched down, baring her fangs, if she had to fight, she will with all she got.
"I know you can understand me, I am speaking English afterall. Now, why don't you calm down so that we can talk?"
"Who are you?" She flinched slightly, not expecting such a deep and gravelly voice.
"Is it not polite to introduce yourself first before asking someone their name?"
She stared at the being, he did not look like a threat. In fact he just looked like a rich Asian man. Her thoughts shifted to how Asians would introduce themselves with their family name first, it was part of her international etiquette education.
Wanting the nightmare to end sooner, she decided to play along. "I am Armani Nisa." She twitched at hearing how the muzzle distorted her words, but glad they were clear nonetheless.
"Amanises," the being said with a nod and slightly smile, "you may call me Mysteries."
"Not Amanises, Armani Nisa or Nisa Armani!" No matter what fear she's, so hear her name, her family name, butchered like that, was insulating and infuriating.
"I heard you the first time Amanises. No need to repeat."
She watched as the being, Mysteries, smirk a little wider. Her eyes widened, he was mispronouncing her name on purpose!
"Why are you chasing me?!"
"I simply wish to welcome you to your new live. Like I said earlier, this is not a nightmare. The world you knew is gone."
"What?" Caution flew to the wind at hearing that. Surely he was joking?!
"I'm not joking. This is your new life, the life of a Demonic Wolf, Daughter of Flegrea."
The name caused her to wince as the memories of the body came to the forefront of her mind. Information about the world, the existences in it, and about the ancient being in front of her.
When she could focus on the present again, He was gone. She sat the alone in her concealed space, howling in grief at all she has lost.
Mingrui returned to His Sefirot, already excited to see the changes to the future this little silver spoon corporate manager would bring.
~~
~~
2nd Epoch
Mingrui was outside the old Chernobyl facility, slowly walking in. It's only polite afterall than just appearing inside.
Grisha had prayed to Him a few moments ago asking him to come over. The child had been busy with a private project for a few days, and He was admittedly a bit curious, afterall just as God Almighty does not know the ongoings in Sefirah, He cannot gaze into the Chaos Sea.
But despite his own curiosity, and not indulging in it, he already had a theory as to what the young Pillar has been doing. One cannot simply keep secret from the Secrets Sorcerer.
The last time they spoke He had suggested Grisha reduce his excess characteristics in order to lessen the Original Will's foothold. In that time he had been coming and going, checking in on everything he's sent up in the past.
The most interesting thing to happen was when Grisha asked Him to steal a few of his ribs for his project. He was very specific about which ribs, and the fact that Mingrui wasn't supposed to look at him at all during the process, he had been topless.
He had agreed, not much caring about the request conditions Grisha established. He doesn't much care about peoples bodies, but understood that many felt self-conscious. He Himself was like that before He learnt to ignore such things after becoming Faceless.
"Come on. Come on, Mingrui ! Why today of all days are you taking your time! I have something amazing to show you!"
He watched as Grisha came running out of the building, a small indulgent smile formed on His face as the child grabbed His arm and proceeded to drag Him inside in his excitement.
It took only a few minutes to get to the room that seemed to be the destination of their small journey. He could easily tell with His intuition that someone was waiting inside.
That moment they entered, Grisha let go of Him, moving to stand next to the Dark Angel. Well stand was quite subjective, it's more accurate to say he did the 'Behold' meme pose.
The dark angel was rather androgynous, having a masculine face that held a feminine sort of softness. He had dark, wavy hair, that hung loose past his shoulder. The robe he wore, was quite detailed and though it was fitted properly, one could see that is was slightly loose around the chest area.
Looking at the Angel, considering how Grisha's been acting, things started to click into place. Mingrui was a bit surprised that he hadn't realised the true meaning being it sooner. He gave Grisha a gentle smile before asking.
"Does he have a name?" He had purposely put emphasis on the pronoun.
Grisha relaxed at hearing the question. His entire life had been filled with hardships because of body. Between societal expectations placed on genders, his researched getting dismissed because of misogyny in the science world and discrimination, he had feared Mingrui 's reaction.
"Sasrir. His name is Sasrir."
Mingrui walked over to Grisha, reaching up to pet the taller man's head as though he was a small child. "It's a good name, just like Grisha."
He could feel how Grisha tensed under his touch before relaxing. His mind filled the the history of the hardships the man had to face.
They had spent a while longer discussing a few things and training some more. Before leaving, Mingrui decided to make one last comment to ensure that the child knows He accepts him as is.
"God Almighty holds the symbolism of Fatherhood, this suits you well."
~~
~~
5th Epoch
Klein let out a sigh of relief, he had just returned home after meeting with the specialist. A light blush formed on his cheeks at the thought of the teasing woman.
They did an odd ritual where he entered up in his own mind's island, but they could not get any more information. Then afterwards Dunn offered him a position under the Nighthawks with a salary of 3 pounds. 3 Pounds!
Taking off his old brown jacked and hat, he went to lay down for a nap. The last few days had been quite exhausting and he hasn't had proper sleep.
As his head hit the pillow, he felt light and mad ravings filled his ears. When he managed to open his eyes, he was above the Grey Fog.
He turned to face the throne but did not dare to look at the God, his God. Nerves filled him as this was the first time being about the fog since he became His Blessed.
"Mr Fool…m-my Lord…" he stumbled a bit over his words, not yet knowing the proper way to address the being.
A faint chuckle tickled his ears. "You may address me with either of those, there's no need to fear, my Blessed. Come, sit, we have some things to discuss."
Klein quickly did as told and went to sit by the table next to Mr Fool, all the while keeping his head down.
"I'm sure you have worked up a list of questions since we last met here. Ask, and I shall answer."
Klein wrung his bottom lip between his teeth, considering his options, before deciding what to ask first.
"Mr Fool, what's a Blessed actually supposed to do?"
Mingrui looked at his nervous little Blessed, " A Blessed is their God's hand in the living world. An extension of ones influence and their most loyal follower. And much like how a Blessed serves their God in this way, their God watches over them in all forms."
Klein shivered a bit, the knowledge that he was being constantly watched was both terrifying and comforting. "And how am I supposed to do that? Should I become a beyonder?"
"To walk the paths of the divine is to court the madness of existence itself. Such is not a decision to take lightly. I will admit that I have little use for one who does not hold power."
Klein swallowed, that's what he was scared of. If he couldn't serve this Being, would he lose his life? Would He do something worse to those around him?
Mingrui could see the turmoil brewing in the heart and mind of his Blessed, and a quick theft of his thoughts revealed why. "You need not fear, I have no desire to harm those around you."
Klein looked up for the first time hearing those soft words. "But what if I don't want to become a beyonder?"
Mingrui gave a sad smile at that. He remembers what it felt like when his Master had first introduced him to the world of mysticism. "Certain individuals have their fate interwoven with that of the world of mysticism. To them, becoming a part of it is not a choice but an inevitability."
Klein shoulders fell at that, though he already assumed as much. He asked a few more questions, but it all the answers came down to two things.
He will need to become a beyonder.
Mr Fool won't tell him what pathway he should choose.
"You have received an invite to join these Nighthawks. I will not prevent you from joining them, but remember your loyalty is to Me, not their Goddess."
"Yes, Mr Fool."
"Do you have any other questions?" Mingrui asked out of courtesy, he already knew that Klein wouldn't ask any more.
"Not right now, Mr Fool."
"Good. Then I shall give you your first tasks."
Klein sat up straight, something inside him settling knowing that he could finally start returning the mercy the God had shown him.
"You are familiar with one Azik Eggers correct?"
"Mr Azik? He was one of my professors in college."
"Meet with him. Tell him I am awake."
Klein's eyes widened at the implications. His favourite professor was a follower of his new God.
"You can even tell him that you are my Blessed, he may be able to help you."
Klein nodded, not quite trusting his voice.
"Secondly, regardless of what you choose to do in the future, ensure that you have Monday afternoons free."
"Mr Fool?" Klein at first thought it had something to do with each churches' rest days, but then thought that only having the afternoon free was a bit odd.
"I have started a gathering. The individuals invited to join are are to assist you with connections and resources. During gatherings you may trade freely. It has been dubbed the Tarot Club, the other members chose aliases based on the Major Archana."
Klein suddenly felt a bit stupid, the only thing he knew about tarot was that it was introduced by the late Intis Emperor. "Mr Fool, can you choose an alias for me? I… admittedly I am not familiar with the card game."
Klein watched in awe as 22 cards appeared out of the mist on the table. Slowly 3 of them moved to the side.
"The first card is The Fool, this one represents Me. The other two represent the two individuals that have joined the gathering. As for my recommendation? The World."
Klein looked at the cards, finally spotting the World at the very end, furthest from the Fool. "Wouldn't it be better to choose the Magician since it's right next to The Fool?"
"As someone unfamiliar with the cards would think that, yes. But the card representing completion and fulfilment is much closer to the one representing new beginnings than the card of creation and manifestation. Choose whichever card you desire."
Klein took his time, carefully looking over the cards, before finally settling on the World, hoping that his life under the Fool is a fulfilling one.
~~
Klein stood in front of a door, unreasonable nerves boiling up. Mr Azik was his favourite teacher and had helped him a lot through his years of studying. He had become something of a role model to him, and he did not want to disappoint the man.
Klein raised a hand to finally knock on the door when it opened up and a surprises Azik was starting at him, before the look turned to a gentle smile.
"Klein, what a surprise. Please come in."
Klein bashfully brought his hand down. "Good morning Mr Azik. I hope I'm not bothered you."
"Not at all, but I do wonder, has your nerves gotten the better of you? You look like you've hardly slept and your interview is in a few days."
"Oh, about the interview, I'm not partaking in it anymore."
"Klein?" Azik was shocked at hearing that, but also worried.
"I got an offer for a job as a history consultant. The starting salary is 3 pounds."
"So you came all the way here to tell me the good news?" Azik kept a careful eye on his former student, wanting to make sure that he didn't get involved in something dangerous.
"Yes, but I also wanted to tell you something else. No, not wanted, needed. He told me to let you know that He's awake."
Azik went rigid, the only Deity he believed in… "Klein, who is He?"
Klein, trusting in what Mr Fool told him. "He is The Fool, the-"
"The Dominator of the Spirit World."
Klein was shocked at the awe Mr Azik was showing.
Azik was shocked and in awe that the God his Father served until madness took him was awake. But then it struck him, Klein Moretti, his dutiful student, was the one to deliver the news.
That meant one of two things, he was either a Blessed or an Oracle, and neither lived easy lives.
It didn't take Azik long to come to the decision to whatever he could to help and protect Klein. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a copper whistle.
"Klein, this whistle summons my messenger. Whenever you you need help or just someone to talk to, you can send me a letter. I will do my best to help you in anyway."
Klein was touched by the gesture and carefully took the whistle. "He said you might be able to help me… Mr Azik, are you a beyonder?"
"In a sense, yes, but beyonder creature might be more accurate. I am not human. My memories may not be complete, but I do know that I am a Quetzalcoatl and I do remember that I've been worshipping Him my entire life."
Seeing Klein's unrelenting curiosity peak, he indulgently explained what a quetzalcoatl was and answered questions he had regarding the beyonder world. It became quite clear quickly just how little his student knew and decided to take it upon himself to teach him properly in the coming days.
After Klein left, he finally allowed his sadness to show. He is all too familiar with the darker side of the world, he could only pray that God took mercy upon him. But he also understood the silent instruction, afterall, Blessed always have an Angel guarding them.
~~
That night Klein actually slept a little better, his future wasn't completely unknown anymore. When he woke up the morning he felt more refreshed and more certain of his choice to join the Nighthawks.
After sending his sister off to school, he made himself as presentable as he could with his old brown suit, though it could bare be called that and made his way to bar, and was promptly informed to go to Blackthorn security company.
To be honest, arriving and finding the receptionist asleep as not the best first impression. Luckily a certain green eyed man showed up to break the awkward silence.
"My, my, if it isn't our newest member. Good morning Mr Moretti."
"Good morning…" Klein felt the awkwardness returning as he realised he did not know the man's name.
"Mitchell, Leonard Mitchell. But you can just call me Leonard, none of that mister nonsense. Say, why don't I show you to where the Captain is?"
"That would be much appreciated." Klein easily agreed, though he did start to feel self-conscious about his looks compared to Leonard.
Mingrui watched carefully as his blessed walked into the proverbial lions den. Ensuring his gaze remains hidden, he keenly observed the parasite hiding in the midnight poet.A possible target for when I am ready to reclaim a sequence 1 characteristic.
As he watched Klein's discussion with Dunn Smith, he heard an interesting piece of information. This church of the Evernight had access to one of his pathways, Seer in particular.
His lips twitching in amusement at the thought that His blessed would choose that pathway. He had yet to reveal His own pathways so as to not influence Klein's decision, but He had explained that if the Nighthawks did not one he found fitting, He will assist him.
He watched and learnt alongside Klein as he was given introduction to the organisation, hoping to get more information on the potential threat these orthodox Gods posed.
Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on who you ask, nothing happened over the next few days. Except if you count confirming that Roselle was indeed one of the cocooned souls.
But today was different day.
Klein was a bit nervous but also excited. He had chosen a pathway and was going to drink the potion. Today was the day he would become a beyonder.
"Seer? Are you sure about that boy?" Old Neil was looking on in surprise.
"I'm sure. It's a support sequence that's good at divination and rituals. I'm not much of a fighter so this feels perfect for me."
"But are you absolutely certain? Your salary is influenced by your sequence, so if you choose Seer and stay at sequence 9, that will be it."
Klein tried to hide his twitch at hearing his sequence influences his salary, but he is not changing his choice. Afterall, he could probably exchange something for higher sequence potions with Mr Fool.
"I'm certain Old Neil." Klein reiterated.
"Alright, alright. Just making sure you have no doubts!" Old Neil relented with a chuckle. "Having any doubts before drinking the potion would have been bad. Higher chance of losing control and all that."
Over the next few minutes Klein learnt the art of potion brewing before drinking his potion. Learning to cogitate was the trickiest part to be honest, specifically imagining something that doesn't exist in this world.
Eventually he started imagining Mr Fool's divine kingdom, the ancient giant structure covered in grey fog, and that had helped his spirituality finally settle.
Afterwards Old Neil had taught him a bit about spirit vision and how to use it. The lesson went on until he started feeling tired, which led Dunn to send him home to rest.
Despite feeling tired, Klein still had a lot of energy, so he decided to walk home instead of using a carriage. This also helped him to save a few soli.
As he walk the now familiar path he started to think back to the lesson he had. Specifically the eyes and figure he saw standing behind old Neil. He was new to all of this, but his gut feeling was telling him that it wasn't simply a result of ritualistic magic.
Once I get home maybe I should pray to Mr Fool for more information.
Realising his thoughts, he suddenly stopped dead in his tracks. He was so used to try and figure everything out on his own first, so why was he thinking about asking Him for answers? And hadn't he thought of getting the next potions from Mr Fool as well earlier?
Klein frowned, not understanding why he was suddenly so keen to go to Mr Fool for everything… Except it's not so sudden is it? I've been feeling like this since… since that night.
Klein shivered and quickened his pace. He wanted to get home so that he can ask Mr Fool himself what was going on. A small traitorous voice in his head quietly said that his Lord had all the answers.