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Azik was sitting on the bed in the old apartment he woke up in before he moved to Tingen. Slowly, methodically, he was removing small little baby feathers from the back of his hand, adding each one to the grown pile on the bedside table.
Around him the room is in a mess, things broken, the pieces scattered, wood rotting… A pair of his smaller skeletons have already started cleaning up despite him not asking them to. This is not the first time it's happened, but it has been happening more frequently.
Azik promised himself that he won't allow himself to lose control, at least not until Ince Zangwill was dead. The man who stole his son from him…No, he stole my son's skull! Klein, he wasn't… but he was wasn't he?
Azik let out a sigh. This all started after Klein's death, after he was a just few minutes too late. Teachers are not supposed to pick favourites, but Klein… He remembers the first day in the lecture hall, seeing the excited scruffy little runt sitting in the middle of the front row. No matter the topic, he always asked questions, always tried to catch his professors after class to discuss the lesson and his theories.
It was easy to see that his family situation wasn't good. Both he and Cohen tried to treat him to lunch when the situation allowed for it. But because of how obvious it was that he was of lower standing despite his best efforts, he was isolated. So Azik decided to pair him with Welch and Naya for a group project. He was happy to see them get along so well, to see that Klein wasn't as alone with his books anymore.
When he heard Klein had received the job offer, he was happy for him, but also sad. Not just because of him losing his two friends, but he could tell that something fundamental had changed about him, had been lost alongside his friends. Something about his favourite student had changed and he didn't know what to do about it, but he still agreed to help with Klein's request to find information regarding the Hornacis mountain range. That evening he did a divination regarding his future, about this change in him.
When he confessed to Klein about his amnesia, it was a whim he regretted later. During the meeting he could tell Klein wasn't Klein... And yet he still was. The way he talked, the way he promised to keep an eye out for any possible leads towards his past, his sincerity, it was still the same. He had decided to warn him, to tell him about the divination and its results. He was subtly surprised when Klein paid attention to it, it was another difference, the old Klein didn't put any stock in mysticism, not even the religions.
That late night when Klein suddenly knocked on his door with news about having a hint towards his past… He didn't want to hope it was true, and in the end he regretted that it was. He remembered more than he let Klein know. He remembered bits of the Pale War, from before he became the Baron. So when Klein actually asked for his help, for something so minor, he easily agreed.
He had left for Backlund, both to draw out the man who took his son’s skull, and to follow more leads regarding his past. But he decided to give his whistle to Klein so that they can keep in contact. It was endearing, each letter he received, usually asking something regarding mysticism or to give an update regarding the situation. It was like receiving letters from a child that's away from home…
That's when it started he guessed, the change in the way he viewed Klein. He slowly found himself getting attached, something he hasn't done in several lifetimes now if he wagered a guess. And the more he thought of Klein as his child, the more memories he recovered about his past children. It was because of this that when the letter about the pirate came, he decided to deal with it. Not to get the artifact Creeping Hunger, but because Klein, his Klein, his son, asked him, even if not directly.
The day he received the call for help was the worst. He left mediately, or he tried to at least. MI9 had cornered him the moment he received the note. By the time he got to Tingen… he saw the official beyonders enter the crumbling building, he could taste the rot and blood and ashes on the air. He watched as they carried out a small, limp body. Cold, heartless…dead.
Someone who he got attached to died again.
Like they always did.
And it was his fault.
Again.
Klein Morreti died because he wasn't fast enough.
Klein died because he wasn't there for him.
His CHILD died. And. It's. HIS. FAULT!
When he managed to get ahold of himself, he found himself in the form of a Quetzalcoatl. He remembered that it was the form he was born in, slithering out of a cold female corpse, his first victim, his mother. He quickly shifted back to his human form looking at the ruins of Lamud castle, now in a worse state than it was a few weeks prior.
Calling his spirits closer, he learned that a few days had passed since… since… Azik felt himself slipping again, that loss of control. He could tell that it was how he was finally going to go, and soon. But with that realisation came a promise to himself. He will not allow that to happen until he got revenge on whoever took his child from him.
Ince Zangwill his spirits whispered to him. A name to the monster that is his target. With that knowledge, he left for Backlund once more. He didn't visit Klein’s grave, he did not think he would remain in control should he see his child’s grave.
Azik felt a boney hand on his shoulder, drawing him from his memories. Looking down at his hand he sees that he has picked it raw, long since having removed the last feather but not stopping. Looking up, he feels the concern radiating off of his skeleton. He is once more reminded than they, too, are being affected by this. They bear this loss, this sadness, with him, and endure the madness that's quickly consuming him.
Azik gave a nod to his skeletons and got up to leave. He had another lead to chase down in West Borough. He did not bother to tend to his wounded hand, it was a minor inconvenience in the grand scheme of his vengeance.
Azik was stalking through an alley, being careful to not draw attention to himself. Taking a deep breath to find the trace of his current prey, he caught a different scent, one that made him stop in his tracks. An impossibility, or perhaps a miracle? No, don't go there, don't hope, you saw his body. But what if?
Azik's eyes became yellow with slit pupils, his tongue long and forked flickered out, getting a better taste of the scent. Too caught up in his thoughts, Azik didn't notice the tiny feathers starting to grow again. Unconsciously he started walking towards the point of the scent, having forgotten about the world around him.
He came to an apartment building, but found that the door was locked. It didn't stop him though, a simple step through the spirit world brought him inside. Standing in the tiny apartment, the smell was the strongest, his child, his dear little hatchling was alive! As to be expected of… but hatchling wasn't a Death descendant, he was a Fool, a small little Seer.
Without realising it, Azik had already shifted into his true form as a quetzalcoatl, staying small and careful not to destroy anything, this was his hatchling’s den after all. He quickly flew up and hid above the closed, the position giving him a perfect view of all the entrances so that he could see his hatchling's return.
~~
Klein was tired, he's had a long day of investigating in the West Borough, and his fake beard was getting itchy. Walking up to his rented apartment, everything seemed fine and he did not find anybody following him. But when he just entered the apartment and closed the door behind him, his intuition screamed at him to close his eyes. He did so immediately, but the feeling brought up bad memories of the fight against Mergose not so long ago.
Slowly and carefully he closed the door, he'd rather not risk any innocent lives should something bad happen. He stood still in his spot by the door listening if he could hear the intruder. And what he heard, made all his hair stand on end and goosebumps cover his body. He could hear scales scraping against wood, and he prayed in his heart to the Goddess that it wasn't a snake.
Trusting his instincts to stand incredibly still, and having the knowledge that sakes have bad eyesight, he hoped that whatever snake was in the room ignored him. How did a snake even get into apartment? Was it chasing a rat? He could hear the slithering sounds getting closer, until he felt something big scrape up against his leg. It took all his self-control not to jump away from the clearly very large serpent. How did it get in here?! Did the landlo- his thoughts were cut off as the snake was starting to slither it's way up his body. Tears started froming in his eyes as he felt a twisted smile start to form on his face, he was starting to panic and the side effect of the clown potion was making itself known.
He accidentally flinched and let out a chuckle when he felt a different sensation, almost like feathers, like wings, encircling him. Oh Goddess, it's not just a snake but a FLYING SNAKE?! More laughter started escaping him along with tears. This was like a nightmare, a living nightmare! And it only got worse when what he guessed was the snake's head press up against his face. He could feel the feather-light touches as it's tongue flickered out across his cheek.
"Don't cry Hatchling."
The soft words were easily heard in the quiet room. Oh Goddess, it's sentient! That was Klein's last thought before he promptly passed out.
~~
When Azik finally regained control over himself, he found himself coiled around a body laying on the floor. In a panic he quickly shifted back to his human for to check on the poor person, pointedly ignoring that they smelled just like Klein. Carefully turn them around, he was glad to note that they weren't hurt anywhere, but he did see that the beard is fake and starting to come loose.
Trepidation filled his heart, as well as hope. He slowly reached out a shaky hand and carefully removed the beard, carefully not to wake the young man. Sitting back on his knees, he looked on in a daze at the face of Klein Moretti, his favourite student, his friend… his son, his mind traitorously continued. He had so many questions, but first things first, he had to get Klein to the bed.
Carefully, he picked up Klein and carried him over to the bed, gently laying him down. Azik was very gentle and careful not to wake Klein up as he removed his tie and shoes. Unbidden, memories of doing something similar with his past children filtered into his mind, and a gentle smile tugged on his lips.
After he was sure, Klein was comfortable, sat down at the edge of the bed. He hesitated a little, but the desire to comfort Klein won, and he reached out a hand and gently carded it through Klein hair. Hearing Klein release a soft content sigh in his sleep, Azik felt himself relax as he continued to indulge in the action.
~~
When Klein came to, he found himself laying in bed, no snake coiling around him to be felt. But before he could relax his intuition showed him that someone was reaching for his head. Without thinking twice, and remembering the previous assassination attempt, Klein quickly sat upright, grabbed the wrist of the incoming hand and threw the hardest punch he could from his position.
Unfortunately, or rather fortunately, Azik easily caught the incoming fist. "It's okay Klein, it's just me." Azik was not expecting such a reaction, but sadness and pride filled him in equal measures. Sadness at what the young man had to endure for this to be his first reaction. And pride knowing that his kin was aware enough of the world not to trust waking in such a way and was willing to put up a fight despite the disadvantages.
"Mr. Azik?" Klein calmed down a little, seeing that it was his former professor. "How are you here? Why are you here?"
Azik gave Klein a gentle smile, letting go of his fist, "I should be asking you the same thing. The last time I saw you, your body was getting carried out of the building. I… I am sorry that I wasn't able to make it in time." By the end of the apology, Azik could no longer look at Klein.
"Mr. Azik, please don't blame yourself! Ince Zangwill has a very powerful artifact with him that stopped all help from arriving! I'm sure you tried your best to help! Besides, I wasn't expecting to wake up in my own grave, I haven't actually told anyone else that I'm alive… I didn't want anyone to be involved and get hurt again. I am sorry too." Klein himself was looking down at his hands.
It was silent for a few moments as they both were stuck in their own thoughts. Klein looked up when he heard Azik start to move, only to be enveloped in a tight hug. "I am so, so glad that you are still alive. And I am also sorry for the fright I gave you last night. I wasn't in s proper state of mind and had reverted to my true from."
Fright last night? Wait, does he mean the snake? "Mr. Azik, are you saying that snake last night was you?"
Azik pulled away from Klein, "Yes, ever since that day I haven't been the most stable, and often revert to my true form, a quetzalcoatl. I had caught your scent and it led me to this apartment."
A quetzalcoatl? Klein wasn't expecting to hear a word so similar to his hometown. He remembered looking up the myths when he first read the word, and promptly shut down his computer when he saw it was a winged snake. And professor Azik just said that he was one! Wait didn't he… "You called me hatchling last night!"
Azik blushed lightly at that. "Yes, it would seem I did. My, well I guess you can call it my most basic instincts as a mythical creature, has imprinted on you as my kin, causing me to view you as… my son."
Mr. Azik considers me his son? Klein felt very guilty at that moment. His main goal, revenge not including, is still to find a way back home. Can he really allow such a relationship to form knowing that he will eventually have to leave? "Mr. Azik, I don't think I'd make a very good son." Better to break this off now.
Azik reached out to Klein, gentle cupping his face and making Klein look at him. "That's okay, you don't have to see me as your father, but would you still allow me to take care of you and help you?"
Looking at Azik, Klein could see the loneliness in his smile, the sadness in his eyes. He also noticed how Azik's eyes were slowly turning a golden yellow and what looked to be scaled trying to form under the skin. Is he starting to loose control? Am I currently the only thing keeping him sane? Surely I've not had such a big impact on him, but what if that's the case? Think it over a little more, he came to the realisation that he doesn't have much to lose. "Alright."
Hearing his answer, Azik pulled Klein into a gentle hug, feeling his spirituality calming down. Klein hugged back, but his thoughts were on his parents waiting for him at home, wondering if he just made the right decision.
As they hugged, Klein heard a nearby church bell ring, reminding him that it is Monday and causing him to pull away from Azik. "Oh no, what time is it?!" Azik, shock at the sudden outburst replied that it was around 1pm based on the bell count, causing Klein to calm down a bit.
"Is everything alright Klein? You seemed quite worried about the time."
Klein blushed a little at his outburst. "I just have someplace to be at 3 o'clock. And I was worried I'd missed it."
"If it's no different to you, I can always take you to the location. I am capable of travelling through the spirit world and it is much faster than mundane travel methods."
Klein got up from the bed, just to put some space between them, trying to think of a way to keep Azik from getting curious.
"No, it's fine, but thank you for the offer. I can easily get there on my own." Klein unconsciously started to pace around as he thought, unintentionally causing Azik to grow worried.
"Klein, are you in trouble? It that why you don't want to mention anything?" Azik, too, stood up and walked over to Klein, placing a steadying hand on his shoulder.
Klein stared wide eyed at Azik trying to figure out what made him think something is wrong. "What? No, nothing is wrong."
"Then why not let me take you to the location, or close to it? Just for my own peace of mind."
Take me to the location? Mr. Azik, I enter the location by taking four steps. "Its just that, that might not be possible."
Unfortunately, that information only put Azik more on edge. "There are very few places capable of not being entered through the spirit world, those places being either sealed off by high sequence beyonders and artifacts or they are the Kingdoms of Gods." Feeling Klein flinch slightly at the mention of a God's Kingdom, Azik pressed on. "Klein, are you being forced to meet with a God? Is that how you were resurrected? Please tell me the truth, I saw what Gods were capable of in the forth epoch. I've seen the reason behind the saying 'Trust in a God's power, but not their benevolence'."
Klein stared in shock at Azik, surprised at the worry being shown on his face, the genuine fear for his well being. "Mr. Fool isn't like that! He's… a God who values equivalent exchange." There, that should calm him down a bit, hopefully. Except it didn't.
"The Fool? That new mysterious God the Aurora order is trying to find the believers of? Klein, you might not be aware of this, but high sequence beyonders can effect lower sequence beyonders of their own pathway, and the Seer pathway used to be known as the Fool pathway for a reason. You might believe that this Fool has good intentions but that could just be because of the influence They hold over you!"
Wait, the Seer pathway is also known as the Fool pathway? Of all the things that Azik just said, that is what stuck to him the most. "I only picked the Fool as my alias because I pulled the tarot card earlier that day." Klein was in a bit of a daze regarding the information.
Seeing Klein's state, Azik guided him to sit in a chair. He knelt down before him and took his hands in his own. "Klein, what do you mean that you picked the Fool to be your alias?"
Klein looked at Azik in a bit of a daze. He thought about telling the truth, maybe not the whole truth but some of it? Azik was far more knowledgeable in mysticism than himself and could perhaps help him out. With that thought in mind he decided to tell Azik some of the truth.
"After the incident with Welch and Naya, I've been able to access a grey fog and it responds to my will. I had accidentally pulled two people above the fog and started a weekly gathering there. With a few experiments, I created a honourific name that points to me so that they can ask for leave of absence. Back then I didn't realise that three line honourific names belonged to Gods."
Azik listened patiently, silently coming up with his own conclusions. "Is it because of this grey fog that your soul changed and that you came back from the dead?"
Klein stared once more at Azik, somehow not surprised that he's noticed something wrong with him. He subconsciously started biting the inside of his cheek as he thought of how to answer. "I think it's more accurate to say that I can access the grey fog because of the change in my soul, but the resurrection was thanks to the fog, yes."
Azik could tell that the subject regarding his soul is a sensitive one, and one he does not want to talk about now. He didn't want to push and end up chasing away his child so soon after reuniting with him, so instead he decided to change the subject a bit. "Can you show me this grey fog?"
Klein felt subtly relieved that Azik didn't question him further regarding his soul. "I can, you just need to say my honourific name to create a connection that I can use. You do know my honourific name right? Could you also maybe move a bit Mr. Azik?"
Azik gave a nod in acknowledgement before standing up and talking a few steps to sit in the opposite chair. "The, the Mysterious Ruler, the King of yellow and black. The Aurora order has been spreading it around."
Klein himself stood up and walked to the bathroom, saying "I'm going to head up to the fog so long then." Inside the bathroom he quickly put up a spiritual barrier before performing the 4 steps. He did trust Azik but he'd rather not take any risks of this ritual become common knowledge.
Azik watched as Klein entered the bathroom. After the door closed he tried to remember the last time he prayed to one of the Gods, but couldn't. He did feel as though it has been a very, very long time since he prayed at all. His reason for doing this is that he wants to make sure Klein is safe and not being tricked and used, so slowly he brought up his hands in a pious position before repeating the honourific name in full.
He opened his eyes looking around wonder if it worked when his vision was filled with red. When the colour faded, he realised that his aether body was in a realm covered in grey fog. What shocked him though wasn't the fog or the majestic castle like structure surrounding him, he was shocked because he could tell that he was above the spirit world. He was shocked because this was a Sefirot, the once forgotten knowledge making itself known.
"Welcome to the Grey Fog Mr. Azik."
Turning around to face the voice, Azik's eyes went milky as he activated his spirit vision, his intuition not warning him of any dangers. Sitting on the throne at the head of a long bronze table, was Klein, and Azik relaxed at seeing his soul is still the same as it was back in the mortal world.
"Klein, do you have any idea what you have here? What this grey fog truly is?"
"Not really, though I guessed that it is the Divine kingdom left behind by some long dead ancient god. My sequence isn't high enough to fully explore it though, but from what I can tell no-one else is here."
Taking a seat, Azik unconsciously switch to teacher mode, "There are 22 pathways, and they can be split into 8 groups. Pathways in the same group can safely be interchanged at high sequence, for instance the Death pathway can switch with the Darkness and Giant pathways. These 8 groups are all linked, no governed by the 8 Sefirot, and this Grey Fog as you call it appears to be one of those Sefirot. And if I'm not mistaken, this Sefirot is called Sefirah Castle, and it exists above the Spirit World. In the past many seers, marauders and apprentices have been trying to get access to it."
Klein listened attentively, somehow not that surprised that the seer pathway could switch with the apprentice and marauder pathways. Is this what Roselle found out? Is this why he regretted not choosing one of these pathways? Is this grey fog, no Sefirah Castle, truly the key to return home? Klein got lost in his thoughts and Azik let him. This gave him an opportunity to look around some more, one thing that caught his attention though is that there are 22 chairs surrounding the table.
"Has your gathering grown so large already?"
"Oh, sorry what did you say?" The question pulled Klein's attention back to the present.
"The chairs, I'm counting 22 of them." Azik gave Klein a gentle smile, not sure if he's able to see it through the fog or not.
"Oh, that, no. When I first pictured a table to sit at, the grey fog formed it like this. Other than myself there are only 3 other people currently attending, 5 with myself included."
"Are you counting yourself twice?" Azik was both amused and curious as to the reason.
"Since I'm pretending to be a God, I can't really ask general questions. So I am using a sequence 5 characteristic to control a puppet member to do the things I can't." Klein explained, feeling a bit bashful at having to explain this to his mentor.
"Quite the clever idea. And what exactly do you do during these meetings?"
"We trade for information, ingredients and potion recipes for the most part. On occasion members even issue commissions, it was actually through one such commission that I learned if the Pirate Admiral that I sent you the letter about." Klein suddenly fell a bout of nervousness overtake him. "They actually believe that I have an Angel of Death beneath me because of that."
"Well, would you let this Angel of Death join in on the meetings?"
Once again Klein was shocked by Azik's actions, not once had Azik gotten upset with him. "Are you sure? I mean you can if you want but the gathering is still small and everyone is low sequence…"
"Klein, I wouldn't have asked if I wasn't interested, besides this will benefit both of us. I can use this as an additional means to find information about my past. As for the benefit to you, I can answer questions relating to mysticism making your godly persona all the more mysterious."
Klein thought it over and came to the conclusion that it's a good deal, and having someone around to help him would be nice. "Alright. After I introduced myself as the Fool, the others decide to use Tarot cards as aliases as well, and the gathering is called the Tarot Club. Normally I would let you pick a card, but how does being Mr. Death sound Mr. Azik."
Azik gave a slight chuckle. "I think Mr. Death fits me quite well."
"Welcome to the Tarot Club then Mr. Death. We meet every Monday at 3 PM Backlund time. Now that that's settled, mind if we head back? I want to eat something before the actual meeting starts."
~~
"Good afternoon Mr Fool!" Audrey greeted as enthusiasticly as always, but before she could continue, she noticed that there was someone new next to her, a bronze skinned gentleman. And from the corner of her eye she could see the Mr. Hanged Man and Mr. Sun were also looking on in curiosity.
"Good Afternoon. As you have noticed, we have a new member."
Taking that as his cue, Azik decided to introduce himself, but no-one noticed that mischievous look in his eyes due to the grey fog. "My Lord has graciously allowed me to join these meetings. You may refer to me as Mr. Death."
Mr. Azik, what are you doing?! Calling me 'My Lord? Do you want me to die of embarrassment, because this is how you do it! Luckily no-one noticed Klein's inner plight.
Alger, upon hearing the introduction instantly froze up, remembering the death of Qilangos, about how it was caused by a high sequence beyonder of the death pathway. Coupled with him, no Him, refering to Mr Fool as 'My Lord', he quickly came to the conclusion that the new member is one of Mr. Fool's Angels.
Derrick was happy to see more people join, wondering if they were someone from within the Forsaken Lands or outside like the rest. "Hello Mr. Death, I'm Mr. Sun. Are you also someone from outside the Forsaken Lands?"
You could hear a pin drop as everyone mentally facepalmed at the Sun's question. Azik for his part gave a tiny glance towards Klein. "Yes, I am not from the Forsaken Lands of the Gods, but it is the birthplace of my Father. I am willing to do trades regarding any information you can provide about the ancient God of Death or a being known as Salinger."
Suffice to say, that Tarot meeting was quite interesting.
~~
Klein was surprised that even though Mr. Azik was now a constant part of his life, there wasn't much change in it. The two of them continued to do their own investigations into Ince Zangwill and the conspiracy surrounding the Royal Family, sharing their findings with one another.
Azik had taken to visiting him regularly to teach him more about mysticism and acting like a God to keep up the appearance of the Fool. He has also started teaching Klein Duntanese, the language of Balam, saying that it could be used as a covert means to communicate since few people in the Northern continent knew it (though Klein suspected it was just an excuse to teach him his mother tongue).
~~
It was a late Thursday evening and Klein was sitting above the fog, keeping himself busy with analysing the Magician acting method while Azik explored the Castle.
Eventually he heard footsteps approach as Azik returned. "Mr. Azik, did you find anything…" the words died in his throat as he saw the contemplative look on the Angel's face.
"Mr. Azik?"
Azik didn't sit down, instead he walked over to Klein and leaned against the table. "I saw something disturbing. At the top of the stairs of light was an area filled with dozens of cocoons."
"Cocoons?" Klein's full attention was on Azik, this could be a way home after all.
"Yes, cocoons made of light. Each one was holding a soul inside, and those souls feel older than anything I've ever felt before, and that includes my father who was born in the second epoch. And three of them were opened, one of which had a scent similar to yours."
What? Is this why I'm connected to the fog? Because I was in a cocoon? But why? And why is Mr. Azik saying all the souls feel old? What's going? Does this mean that a long time has passed since the left my world?! Do I need to find a way to time travel too, to return home?! Or… or is the time difference between dimensions just that big, that a long time passed here but almost none at home? Yes, yes! That's it! Some sort of -
He felt hands squeezing his shoulders. "Klein, can you hear me? I need you to take a deep breath for me? Can you do, can you try and take a deep breath?"
Klein didn't understand why Azik was asking that until he tried. I'm… hyperventilating? With that realisations dizziness hit him but Azik's hands on his shoulders stabilized him. Slowly he started feeling better as he focused on breathing.
"That's it Klein, just breathe." Seeing Klein stabilize, Azik started gently rubbing his shoulders to help him calm down further.
When he finally felt better, Klein sat back and looked at Azik, seeing the sadness in his eyes. Something broke a bit in him and he decided to come clean about his situation.
"Klein, the real Klein, committed suicide alongside Welch and Naya… And I woke up in his body. I'm… not from this world Mr. Azik."
"I known." There was even more sadness lacing Azik's voice. "But I do not agree wholeheartedly with that statement."
"What? What do you mean?"
"Death lingers Klein, I could always sense that you had died, even if I didn't fully understand it myself. But people's souls don't simply just change, and a soul can't take just take over a random body. If they could, Evil Spirit wouldn't need to constantly change hosts. I think a part of you has always been Klein Moretti, the Church of the Earth Mother has a word for this, Reincarnation."
Through his small speech Azik took Klein's hands in his own and didn't let go once. Klein on the other hand was grateful for it because it was helping to keep him grounded. Reincarnation, a foreign word, yet a concept shared between our worlds… just like there are 12 months to a year, and the days per month… 365 days a year, 7 days a week for 52 weeks, 24 hours a day, 60 minutes to an hour… it all matched up… it's all matching up…
"Klein, breathe."
Breath? Oh, I'm starting hyperventilate again…
It took a while but Klein got his breathing under control again. In that time Azik had moved to sit on the arm of the throne and started rubbing Klein's back, keeping a close eye on him. He was seeing the signs of losing control, but between him trying to keep Klein grounded and the effects of being in the Sefirah Castle, it hasn't reached that point yet.
"Mr. Azik, can you conjure up a map of this world? The same way the Club does for formulas?" His voice was soft and shaky, but he needed to see this, he needed to confirm.
"Alright." And he did so.
Klein himself conjured a world map too, the one that he is familiar with, to compare.
A sob tore it's way from his throat, and Azik held him tight as he cried, as he mourned, placating him the best he can. He never stopped softly talking to Klein, comforting him, empathising with him, because he knew what it was like to discover wake up and discover all you knew no longer existed. Azik knew that if he stopped now, his son will lose control.
His parents, his aunts, uncles, cousins, friends… they're all gone, his world, his hometown was gone, there was no going back, because there was nothing to go back to.
He didn't Transmigrate.
He Reincarnated.
~~
Currently Klein was sitting on the banks of a river, drenched and coming down from the adrenaline rush after trying to escape Mr. A, only to see him erased from reality by the emotionless woman. Tears started gathering in his eyes as he thought of Azik suffering the same fate.
Unbidden memories started surfacing about the last few months. The way Azik would teach him, help him and congratulate him on doing something successfully. The way Azik always came to his aid… The way Azik held him and kept him from losing control after learning the truth of his existence. Tears streamed down his face as he started silently crying over the thought of losing someone else.
"Klein!"
Hearing his name, Klein spun in the direction of voice, seeing a haggard looking but very much alive Azik Eggers. Without considering his actions, he launched himself at the man, wrapping him in a tight hug. He was fully crying now, but not out of grief or fear, but relief as the man who he had come to view as a father figure was safe. "Papa…"
Azik frozen hearing the word, because despite their close relationship and him treating Klein like his son, this is the first time Klein has actually called him such. Azik pulled Klein closer, not caring for the river water, tears and snot covering him. "Shh, it's okay, I'm here, I'm here my little hatchling."
~~
~~
OMAKE 1: Birth of Gehrman Sparrow
Azik walked to room Klein was staying in, seeing through the half open door that his son hard at work on something. Just as he was starting to raise his hand to knock on the door and announce his presence, Klein spoke up. "You can come in Papa." Though not once did Klein look up from the papers.
Azik chuckled slightly as he entered the room. "A seer's intuition is as terrifying as that of a monster or devil. What are you so busy with that you've not come out of your room since morning?"
Looking at Azik from the corner of his eye, Klein moved over the papers he's been working on. "I've been designing a new persona. From what I have been able to gather about the Faceless acting method, it involves both having an understanding about yourself and being able to act flawlessly as someone else entirely." After hesitating a moment, Klein continued, "This is Gehrman Sparrow, a bounty hunter out at sea… and the son of the first Consul of the Balam Empire, Azik Eggers." He blushed slightly, embarrassed to admit that he's creating a persona to be more publicly Azik's child.
Azik felt warmth spread throughout his chest hearing that, but he also knew that it was somewhat unrealistic. "Anyone connected to the Eggers family would see through that. I am the son of Death and my blood is strong, you being a seer would not make much sense."
"Yeah, I thought of that and figured we could say my mother was a Seer? Oh and an elf too. I intend to mix physical characteristics of my past life with your looks… if you don't mind?"
Azik gave Klein a gentle kiss on his head, "Nothing would make me happier. As for the 'mother' idea, perhaps we should say that she died during childbirth? It's unfortunately a common occurrence for a mid sequence beyonder to die when bearing the child of high sequence beyonder. My death characteristics kept you alive while you absorbed her seer characteristics?"
Klein shudder, think about Mergose and the way she lost control, but he did have to admit that this left less loopholes, explaining why Gehrman Sparrow was a seer and why no-one will be able to find the mysterious mother to confirm the story. "And the reason why no-one has heard about me before is because you kept me hidden, weary about what everyone else would do to me due to my pathway. And I'm only making an appearance now because you are confident that I'll be able to protect myself." Klein finish with a nod, writing it all down.
"Seer is a terrifying pathway, especially from the mid sequence onwards. Protecting you up to this point is reasonable. Though the name Gehrman Sparrow doesn't quite fit the son of the Death Consul."
"That's because it's an alias, and quite literally means Pirate Hunter. This identity's real name will be Mingrui Eggers. Mingrui being the name my mother chose." Klein's thoughts drifted towards his mother he had unknowingly lost, she was the one who named him that, saying that he was a blessing after years of trying to have a child.
Azik saw the daze Klein entered, realising he was probably think about the parents from before. It still shocked him to learn that this world didn't start at the first epoch, that Klein had killed himself only for one ancient soul of Zhou Mingrui to take over the body, inheriting all its memories and connections. But it doesn't change the fact that he is still his son. "I like the sound of Mingrui Eggers." The dazzling smile Klein gave him at hearing that could easily melt the mid winter snow outside. Ruffling his hair Azik decided to leave him be. "Remember to come down for dinner, I'm making Balam style pork knuckles."
"I would miss it for the world Papa."
When dinner came around it wasn't Klein Moretti who came down, but a tall, lean young man with bronze skin. Azik stopped what he was busy with and walked over to properly inspect his son's new appearance.
He had shoulder length straight black hair tied into a low ponytail, the shape of the eyes and nose where the same as his appearance as Zhou Mingrui, but the eye colour, where he expected Klein to keep it brown, was instead a golden colour reminiscent of his true eye colour in his quetzalcoatl form. He also spotted faint scale like patterns on parts of the skin, as well as a tiny mole beneath his right ear.
"So?" Klein was nervous. He's spent the last few days working on this look, wanting to incorporate some features from Zhou Mingrui with features of his father, including some of his more serpentine features. He's been working hard to overcome his fear of snakes these last few months, and has can say with great pride that it's been working.
"Is there any particular reason why you made yourself taller than me?" Of all the comments he was expecting, Klein wasn't prepared for one regarding his height.
"Well, being taller can help one appear more intimidating." He was not going to admit to feeling a bit insecure at being shorter than most other men he meet.
Azik gave Klein an indulgent smile, "If you want to be intimidating, then you need to perfect your death stare and have an intimidating aura. And to help with that," taking something from his pocket he held it out to Klein, "here's Creeping Hunger. I sealed it so now it only needs to be fed within 24 hours of being used instead of every day."
~~
~~
OMAKE 2: Meeting the Maid
Danitz had followed the bronze skinned man outside intending to recruit him to the Golden Dream. He may not be the smartest, but he wasn't a complete idiot and he had good instincts. And those instincts told him to stick close to the man.
Unfortunately, said man had recognised him, or more precisely his 3000 pound bounty. That's when he felt it the aura, one filled with Hunger and Madness, but there was also something else underneath that. And it felt Ancient.
That morning he packed all his stuff, put on a disguise and got a ticket for the White Agate. His gut told him it was the best option, and he always went with his gut. He was eager to get off this island and away from that madman.
Unfortunately for him, he ran into said madman on the ship, and it was too late to change his plans.
~~
When Klein met Danitz he really considered claiming the bounty, but it also left a bad taste in his mouth. The blonde's bounty was so high because of how aggravating he was and his own tendency to burn things when aggravated. He technically haven't committed any major crimes the warranted execution. So he decided to let him go, but then he saw him get on the ship the next day.
"Once is chance, twice is a coincidence." He did not have a good experience with coincidences, so he was suspicious. And that led to the current situation.
He was in his first class cabin (something his father insisted on), sitting and looking down at the pirate sitting on the floor, contemplating what to do. If it was just normal me I'd leave him be and just keep an eye out for if he causes any trouble. But I'm not me now, I'm Gehrman Sparrow, mad adventurer and son of the Death Consul…
"From now on you are my servant. You do what I tell you, when I tell you, and should you fail I'll atleast be compensated 3000 pounds."
Danitz looked up at him in shock, mouth hanging open.
Klein let the Creeping Hunger's aura free, seeing Danitz pale even more.
"Y-yes…"
Klein raised an eyebrow at him. Danitz did want to anger the ancient monster capable of hiding such a vicious aura.
"…Sir."
Klein pulled back the aura again. "Good. Now go wash my laundry."
He watched as Danitz collected his dirty clothes to do just that. Bullying like this is kind of fun. He felt his potion digest a little bit.
~~
~~
OMAKE 3: The Mysterious Island
Alger was leading the way through the underbrush as they were exploring the mysterious island. His nerves were strung high, not because he was exploring with Mr. Fool's Blessed, but because a few steps behind them was Mr. Death.
Did Mr. Fool know something about the island and send His Angel to watch over us? Or is there another reason for Him to be following us? The theories were starting to form one after another, but this time he decided to ask instead of guess.
Silently he gestured for the adventurer to come closer, and after a quick glance at the Angel, started a whispered conversation.
"Gehrman, is there a reason Mr. Death has decided to accompany us? If this the will of Mr Fool?"
Will of Mr. Fool? Klein can feel the amusement radiating from his father. "Firstly, whispering is useless, an Angel's senses are far greater than you realise. Secondly, Papa was curious about this island, but will not interfere unless necessary."
Alger tripped over his own feet when he heard the word 'Papa'. He turned to look at the World, truly look, and then nearly smacked himself for noticing the similarities sooner. The skin tone, the jaw shape, but the eyes and nose looked almost… elven? He saw an eyebrow arch and decided to turn back to the matter at hand.
Like Gehrman had said the Angel did interfere and always stayed several steps behind them. The only he came closer was when he was dealing with the commission for Miss Justice. As he turned around after collecting the fruit, he saw Mr. Death standing next to Gehrman, hand on his shoulder.
"Is something wrong Mr. Death?"
Azik gave Alger an indulgent smile. "No, I was merely stopping my son from putting a bullet in you. Your song is quite aggravating to those around you."
It was only then that Alger notice the gun in Gehrman's hand, mentally thanking Mr. Fool that he would not be a beyonder characteristic at the next gathering. Luckily the rest of the exploration went rather smoothly, though Alger became more terrified and awed by Gehrman when he saw him take out a sequence 5 level mythical beast in seconds.
~~
After they got the Card of Blasphemy and heard the sigh. Before he could comprehend what was happening he was being pulled through a confusing and colourful world. Eventually they stopped and he was let go, only to realise that they are in the Spirit World.
"Papa?"
The question drew Alger's attention back to the situation. Yes, why were they suddenly pulled into the spirit world? What sighed to cause such a reaction from the Angel of Death?
"That was the Angel of Imagination."
~~
Alger stared at Gehrman, they were in a hotel room having just finished discussing everything, including how He was on the island and what that meant. He decided to broach another subject that had been bothering him.
"Mr. Death doesn't seem to have a problem with us referring to Him as such outside the gatherings."
Klein raised an eyebrow at the chosen topic. "Because if anyone recognises my father, they wouldn't think it odd."
"Why is that?"
Klein gave Alger a contemplative look. "How much do you know of the war at the turn of the epoch?"
Alger was not fully understanding what Gehrman's thought process was. "I know what the Church of Storms has taught me. So I know that that war between the continents ended when the God of Death died, and His death gave birth to the Berserk Sea. And after His death, the Balam empire fell."
Klein nodded, what Alger knew made sense, not everyone was a historian. "Death had one son that exceeded all expectations and survived all siblings, that son became the first Consul of the Balam empire. He was a Death Consul who lead the fight in the Pale War, becoming known as the Pale Scourge. Today, he is The Fool's Angel of Death, and my father."
Alger's mind only had one thought.
Death's Son is Mr. Fool's Angel, His son is Mr. Fool's Blessed. Was Mr Fool the one behind the death of the Death God? Mr. Fool must truly be powerful and patient if that was the case!
~~
~~
OMAKE 4; Gehrman Sparrow's True Identity
It was early in the morning, the sun barely broke through the horizon when Danitz was rudely woken up but hurried knocking on his cabin door and a command to get on deck. The only previous time something like this happened was when the ship was expecting combat.
He quickly got up and grabbed the bare essentials, ready to burn whoever stepped foot on the ship… If Gehrman Sparrow didn't put a bullet in them first. He shuddered just thinking about the monster in human skin, and not even proper human skin, he's seen the scales.
When he finally made it to the deck, he didn't see or heat the invading force, instead everyone was standing in a circle around two people.
Making his way to the front was easier than he thought, but when he arrived, he understood why. Gehrman Sparrow was in a glaring match with a bronze skinned man. He couldn't see any other details of the man because his back was to him, but Danitz shuddered.
The man had an aura of Death.
The man was a Predator.
The man was worse than Gehrman Sparrow.
~~
Klein had gotten up early, dressed nearly like usual before heading to the deck. The skies were clear and it was still mostly dark out, but the sun would start rising soon. He found himself a copy spot facing East and settled in. The morning shift crew avoided him, and he was grateful for his reputation for that.
Unfortunately, shortly after the first rays of sunlight started to show over the horizon, the colours around the deck started to become more vivid.
Turning around to the centre point of all this, he saw a bronze skinned man stepped out of the spirit world. He heard the crew shout out in alarm, but all he wanted to do was walk over and give his father a hug. Unfortunately, he was Gehrman Sparrow right now, and doing that wouldn't fit his image.
So instead while everyone was freaking out, he walked over to stand across from Azik, keeping his eyes on the man and ignoring the chaos around them. He will let his father decide where this interaction will go.
Azik, seeing his son's actions, decided to go against his first reaction as a caring father who wanted to see his hatchling. To succeed as a Seer, one had to have a flare for the dramatic, and Klein did have that flare.
Instead he stood straight and imposing like the Death Consul he is, glaring at the young man. Pride filled him as instead of showing any weaknesses, Klein glared right back just as impressively, though he didn't let any of it show.
They stood like that for quite a while, sending death glares at each other, as the crew steadily gathered around them. Neither of them were willing to back down, ignoring the people around them as they continued their staring contest, until the silence was suddenly broken by someone in the crowd.
"Who's the scary guy glaring at Gehrman?"
Danitz's innocent question broke the tension that had been building, everyone shifting their gaze to him. And for his part, Danitz did looked abashed, hands covering his mouth. It was clear that he hadn't meant to say it so loudly.
Klein looked at Danitz, "This is the Death Consul Azik Eggers, the first Consul of the Ballam Empire, the one known as the Pale Scourge."
Every was looking on in horror, thought Edwina was also holding back her curiosity. If the man was truly who Gehrman claimed he was, then he was well over a thousand years old and a walk library of information.
Klein gave a small smile before he continued talking, though no one would say that it looked like a kind smile, but would rather compare it to a viper's. "And he is also my Father."
Azik relaxed his aura, not that the crew noticed, still struggling to digest the information that was just revealed. "You forgot to add 'Son of Death Himself' to my titles." Azik chuckled as though he was making a joke.
"Look how shocked they were with only what I revealed. I feared some would lose control if we added Grandfather into the mix." Klein didn't know how to feel about calling the dead Death God grandfather in the beginning, but Azik told him stories about how He was before He went insane and realised that Azik still love his Father despite everything that had happened, and that information was enough to convince him.
"Though I must say your glare has been improving."
"All things considered Papa, my glare is absolutely deadly. Afterall I'm not even 23 yet and you've had nearly 1500 years to master yours."
Azik, seizing the opportunity, pulled Klein into a hug, being careful not to hug too hard. "Have you been enjoying your time out at sea?"
Klein hugged Azik back, faintly taking note of the sound of a body hitting the deck as someone passed out at the sight. "What, getting empty nest syndrome already?"
~~
Later that day after Azik had left, Klein was sitting on the edge of the boat, using his clown balance not to fall off, when Danitz walked over.
"So, uhh…"
Klein looked at him with a raised eyebrow. He also noticed that some of the crew shifted attention to them, though they were not as subtle as they like to believe. They were probably just as curious and more that happy to have Danitz be the sacrificial lamb.
"… That was your old man, huh?"
"Yes."
His short and curt answer made Danitz squirm a bit. It was then that someone decided to take mercy on him. Anderson walked over and gave Danitz a hard slap on his back, Edwina following along, probably with questions of her own.
"Danny boy here is probably wondering why you're using an alias. Though he probably thinks that Gehrman Sparrow is your actual name and was wondering why you're name is different."
"If I went around calling myself Eggers, then that's a one way ticket to getting the attention of the churches and Admiral Hell. And I do not want to be followed everywhere by Admiral Hell."
Klein raised an eyebrow at that question. "He's a Demigod of the Death pathway tied to the Numinous Episcopate. I'm the Grandson of Death, Son of the Death Consul. Guess."
"What's your real name them?" This time it was Anderson, a cocky grin on his face.
"Mingrui Eggers, Crown Prince of the Balam Empire." It took all his control to say that with a straight face. He still remembers the social death he experienced when he joked about being a prince to a no longer existing empire, only for Azik to point out that the empire never died and only went underground and that he is technically now the crown Prince of it.
~~
~~
OMAKE 5: Meeting the Prince
Klein subtly sighed in relief when they finally left the Sea of Ruin. It has been 4 months since he left Buckland for the sea, 4 months since he took his current identity and he has finally managed to become a Marionettist.
Unfortunately, the small amount peace that everyone felt quickly vanished as the Black Tulip appeared. On their way to the Sea of Ruins they had passed the ship but nothing had happened back then. Unknown to them, Admiral Hell had decided to ambush them here, because this way they had no escape routes.
Before they realised what was going on, The future was over run with zombies. Anderson had without hesitation pulled out his black blade and started fighting, living up to his sequence name of Reaper. Cattleya was organising the crew and activating ship's defensive enchantments.
Klein didn't immediately join the fight, he was in a cabin organising his thoughts and coming up with a plan. This is the first time he's running into someone connected to the Numinous Episcopate, and this will be his first true appearance as the Crown Prince.
"Come out from wherever you are hiding! Let me prove to everyone that those rumours are fake, that you are just some fraud!"
Klein let out a chuckle at that. I really am just a fraud aren't I? He was about to blow the whistle to call Azik's messenger when he heard a soft growling coming from around him and red eyes forming in the shadows.
His eyes widened as a new plan formed in his head along with a smile on his face. The Hounds of Fulgrim, the Keepers of Sefirah Castle, his hounds want to join in on this hunt. "Boys, let's put on a show they'll never forget."
Cattleya was focused on protecting her crew and keep Frank from using his powers, because being so close to the Sea of Ruins will cause mutations. She was worried a bit because she hasn't been able to catch sight of Gehrman Sparrow, and she figured he was the target. The rumours of him being related to the old Death God as quite popular.
"I'm right here Ludwell."
The fighting paused at that declaration, and everyone looked over to see Gehrman Sparrow standing there, an aura of unrestrained hunger hanging around and his eyes were cold enough to freeze the air around them. The most eye-catching part though was the smile on his face, it was dark, demented even, and it stretched unnaturally from one ear to the other.
Ludwell laughed and commanded the spirits carrying him to put him down in front of the pirate hunter. "So you're the brat that's apparently claiming to be related-"
"Kneel." Klein removed the spirit barrier from around the old whistle hanging from his wrist.
"And why would I do that?"
Klein tilted his head slightly to the side. "Is it normal for for mere servants act so brazen."
Ludwell unsheathed his rapier, getting ready to attack the young man. "You aren't even from the path of Death, I don't have to do shit!" And he lunged.
Klein, expect the attack, his intuition having warned him of it, easily evaded it and flame jumped to the roof of the cabins, sitting down lazily. He looked down his nose and the Pirate Admiral and finally the smile wasn't on his face. But that was only because he was whistling.
Soon a grey fog started to form across the ship, and in it shadows started moving around. "Fortunately for me I already have loyal servants. I have no use for a mutt unwilling to listened to his master's orders." With that the shadows started to reveal themselves as large black ethereal hounds that looked like they were made from smoke and had glowing red eyes and a grinning mouth that stretched till their ears.
It took Cattleya all her self control to stay standing and keeping her sight contained. These creatures weren't spirit world creatures, they were something more, and their strength were above that of Demigod sequence beyonders. But more than that, she noticed that the ancient aura clinging to the adventurer had become stronger.
Anderson gulped at seeing the creatures, cursing his bad luck. As a Hunter, a sequence 5 Reaper his senses were greatly enhance, so he could tell these creatures were divine. He looked at where the mad adventurer dared to sit, starting to wonder if this is what Danitz was afraid since he's met the two. He wondered if Danitz has been able to subconsciously feel this aura this aura the whole time.
Ludwell had the worst of it. He was a Demigod, an Undying, and things changed from facing a bunch of mid sequence beyonder to getting surrounded by dozens of beyonder creature stronger than himself. Not only that but he noticed that his undead had left his control, focussing all their attention on the Seer, or more specifically the ancient copper whistle on his wrist. The worst was the aura.
It was ancient.
It was mysterious.
It was terrifying.
He realised that he made a mistake, that he needed to leave. He turned to leave through the spirit world old for the top of his head to the grabbed and forced down to meet a knee. When the dizziness stopped he realised he on his back and someone was stepping on his face.
Looking up he got excited, it was his Lord, the Death Consul Himself in all His glory. He just had to explain himself, that Gehrman Sparrow was supposedly claiming to be His son. Unfortunately, all that was ruined when he heard one word.
"Papa."
No… no no nononono… Under his mask, Ludwell's eyes widened, this Seer was indeed the Death Consul's son.
"Mingrui, I'm glad to see your expedition sent well." Azik looked down at the man beneath him. "My son, your Crown Prince, gave you an order which you decided to ignore and then you proceeded to attack him. For this transgression, you will serve him as a marionette."
"Ludwell is quite conspicuous, Papa. I would rather marionettize him when I'm ready to complete my Demigod ritual."
"Understandable, thank my son for his mercy to only marionettize you later."
Ludwell was horrified, over his lifetime he had seen others getting marionettized, but never thought he would be experiencing it himself. Still, he did not want to worsen his situation, so he complied. "T-thank you for your mercy, my Prince."