Lord Of The Mysteries: A Slug of Time

(Massive Thanks to ChaoticWriter for cooking the Deity Fight! Peak!)

"Has the opportunity arrived?" 

Amanises questioned the spirits around her. Suddenly, she started chuckling, curling her lips as if she obtained her answer. "I see, quite a wonderful one." She spoke, closing her eyes, and humming a beautiful melody. 

The Demonic wolf settlement shrouded in darkness was quite stale, with only a bit over half the population present. Under the dictation of the three remaining Subsidiary Gods, the place remained in order, preventing the maddened Demonic Wolves from wreaking havoc in the absence of their master. 

Suddenly, each of them felt a tug, drowsiness taking over, as they began to fall asleep one by one. In just a matter of moments, the entire demonic wolf settlement was pulled into a dream, leaving only Amanises gazing at the stars quietly. 

In an instant, her house shook, causing her gaze to stiffen. Her vision was blanketed by pitch black darkness, obstructing her view of stars as the wave of darkness spread from her small house, destroying and melting it away entirely.

It also destroyed her garden.

Beyond the spreading darkness, standing not too far away, Antigonus observed as the pool of darkness destroyed the once small structure, concealed from this world. "He" had a difficult expression on "His" face, as if "He" was going through an intense internal struggle.

Which "He" was.

Has Amanises truly betrayed us, as sister and "father" expected? But… Why would "She"? "She" used to be extremely loyal to "Father"; one of "His" most trusted subsidiary gods. It doesn't make sense, maybe "She" is being influenced? Antigonus' many worms of spirit tried to conjure a rational reason that wouldn't shake "His" already unstable state. Perhaps the beautiful Goddess of Misfortune, whose appearance was aesthetically pleasing to both demonic wolves and Humans was misunderstood.

Before departing, The Evernight Demonic Wolf, Flegrea had pulled Melantha and Antigonus into a subtle dream, passing over a warning. 

"Be Weary of the Goddess of Misfortune."

Alongside this warning, the Annihilation demonic wolf blessed the siblings, providing strength as well as empowering their ability in case of necessity. This dream had resulted in Melantha becoming extremely weary of Amanises, keeping a discreet eye on her, and just as this subsidiary god made a move, "She" was able to intercept it, resulting in the current situation.

The entire time, Antigonus remained silent, partially in disbelief. While most of "His" worms of spirits did not wish to accept this possibility, the facts as well as this very situation proved them all otherwise. Melantha, on the other hand, had no remorse or reconciliation. 

Hence, this Servant of Concealment took charge, attacking the Goddess head on. Through her empowered concealment, allowing "Her" to creak about without Amanises sensing "Her" presence, as well as use of Wave of an all encompassing Darkness layered with Misfortune to vanquish "Her" foe. 

Melantha lowered "Her" gaze, as the tide of darkness receded and revealed ruins of wood, and stone. The small garden was completely overturned due to the combined power of Repose, and horror. 

Melantha focused "Her" gaze, immediately noting the outline of a figure in black dress, her eyeballs shallow, with most of her skin melted away by darkness revealing the bones and flesh underneath.

It was a gruesome sight, one which Antigonus and Melantha were all too familiar with, yet witnessing the dead body of the goddess of misfortune, sended a wave of emotions down the former's spine, causing "Him" to lean backwards, "His" eyes widened.

"Fake," Melantha commented, causing Antigonus to snap out of "His" dazed state as he examined the corpse closer. The corpse in question vanished as if it were an illusion; No, a projection. The moment this occurred, Melantha spread the Darkness "She" had subtly laid around the entire settlement in order to buy "Her" some time. However, she felt a strong resistance to this as an imposing illusory door enclosed "Her" figure, as well as Antigonus' effectively sealing them.

While this occurred, an ethereal door appeared not too far from the ravaged compound, and Amanises, dressed neatly, calmly walked out of it while holding a worm filled with starlight. 

Worm of Star!

This wasn't all as between her fingers, a worm of Spirit moved, morphing into a Tarot Card depicting a naked woman, seemingly dancing above the land holding a baton in each hand, surrounded by a wreath while being observed by four creatures. A man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle.

The World Card!

Having already rehearsed this act with Klein, Amanises wasn't surprised by the sudden attack of her fellow subsidiary gods. Naturally, Klein couldn't make drastic moves like sending an avatar or worse, his true body to subtly aid her due to Flegrea's presence and thus he proposed an alternative.

By applying a Mentor of Deciet's deception of rules, his worms of spirit and worm of stars would be able to be sneaked into the Demonic wolves settlements. After all, Flegrea was a mix of Darkness and Fool pathways. Wouldn't that imply that demonic wolves such as Amanises possessing a worm of spirit wouldn't be seen, or sensed as an anomaly? And since both worms are essentially from the same person, this deception would naturally apply. 

With this, Amanises confidently headed to her master's beckoning and sauntered into enemy territory.

 Antigonus, having dispelled "His" historical projection that had being sealed by the worm of Star, sent out another projection, gazed the seal on the illusory door holding "His" sister, which had "unfortunately" weakened enough for "Her" to walk out of it. 

The siblings then observed Amanises who held the major Arcana Card tightly in her hand, opened her mouth as two words, beautifully chanted in jotun escaped.

"The World!"

Right behind her, the Darkness which seeked to consume her, froze as an incandescent door of light quickly materialized onto it, and opened, momentarily stunning both opposing subsidiary gods. A figure sporting a black windbreaker with pants of the same color, while holding a black cane embedded with gems, walked out. He held a tall tophat resting on his head, and stopped beside Amanises.

He had black eyes, black hair, and ordinary facial features, his head tilted as the illumination emitting from the door of light, provided a backdrop to him. He was none other than,

"Shall we, Klein?" 

…

"Now the War is getting interesting!" Commented the Red Angel Medici, as "He" lifted "His" hand, biting at a red apple while bearing witness to an apocalyptic war between three different races. Sanguines, Mutants, and Demonic Wolves.

After the respective death of the God of War of Mutants, and the Goddess of Life of Sanguines, both corresponding armies had been thrown in disarray at varying levels. While the Mutants followed with their plan, bringing down all their forces at full strength under the control of Calamity Warlock, they had not expected the sudden appearance of the demonic wolf's faction.

This addition caused the Symbol of Strife and Rust to decisively split "His" army to deal with both threats efficiently. However, this still resulted in disorder due to the sudden change of plans. 

On the Sanguine side, the weakened Blood Queen, Auernia was swift to capitalize on this fact, and make "Her" subjects adopt a defensive approach.

The Queen herself dived in the first line, protecting the Sanguines from the various calamities, apocalyptic curses, the violet tinged flaming volley of spears and arrows and a number of other high level and elusive attacks. 

Having lost their concealment, the less organized Demonic wolves had to throw themselves into battle, so their weaknesses couldn't be exploited.

Salinger and Kotar directed the army, attacking Sanguines and Mutants alike, with Kotar constantly manipulating probability, turning some Sanguines and Mutants into "His" marionettes, and occasionally summoning scenes from "His" memories as well as summoning Melantha's historical projection. Salinger, on the other hand, directed most of "His" focus to claim the spirits of numerous Sanguines who still greatly suffered from the lingering curse, making them join "His" ranks. With all this, even with their relative inexperience, the Demonic wolf faction could swiftly grow in numbers and overwhelm their adversaries.

"With the current situation of the war, the Sanguines had suffered terribly from the assault of both sides. Their biggest advantage, their constant cycle of Rebirth, is now gone." Sasrir said as Brass eyes hidden behind a dark curtain moved to analyze the projection of the war they were witnessing from a safe distance.

"That reminds me, don't they have another Sequence 2: Life Giver? Why don't they just substitute "Him" for the Goddess of Life?" Medici asked nonchalantly, to which Sasrir replied without turning "His" head. "Unlike most of the other races, not all Sanguines are fit to fight Wars. A large portion of their ranks thus remain in Moon city, with a few having moved to other neighbouring states. To ensure their safety, assigning a Subsidiary god is sensible."

"I see… makes sense. The Sanguines are a relatively more rational and intelligent race…" Medici tilted "His" head, shifting "His" focus to the Sanguine Queen, constantly moving about on the battlefield, providing protection and support to "Her" subjects.

Medici, using "His" conspirator analysis ability, took note of Sanguine Queen's action and deduced that "She" was buying time. 

"You are right, she is waiting." Medici redirected "His" attention to the Dark Angel, who elaborated with a neutral expression.

"The humanoid faction consists of the Sanguines, Elves, and Giants, with the respective deities in a tight band with each other. In this dire situation, Auernia expects help from at least one of them. The Elf King is currently busy with the Dragon of Imagination, rendering himself, and "His" army incapable of coming to aid. Whereas the Giant King is…"

Sasrir's many brass eyes deeply gazed at Auernia whose tired expression displayed hesitancy and a hint of weariness mixed with fear. Medici also followed examining this beauty Goddess, while taking a bite of "His" apple. "There is a saying that goes, do not trust your enemies, absolutely do not trust your friends." 

Auernia controlled "Her" spirituality, as well as a fleet of thousands of Vampiric bats, forming layers of barrier, while "She" herself moved "Her" gaze towards a certain spot of the night skies, locking eyes with the visible, and digitised twilight.

"Auernia is aware of the situation with Elves, and has suspected that the Dragons might have attacked the Elven Kingdom. Hence, "She" expects the Giant's to join into the fray."

Auernia deeply gazed at the twilight and the somewhat hidden emotionless "Eyes" beneath it that examined the battlefield. 

"To "Her" dismay, and perhaps the greatest Misfortune…" Slowly, the "Eye" beneath twilight, shifted, now reflecting "Her" beautiful figure.

"After bearing witness to the mutant king's curse, the Giant King was put on edge, both due to the loss of balance that was caused by this Chained God, but also due to "Death", controlling "Her" impulses and silently spectating the battle. If "He" were to make any mistakes, or leave any opening, "She" will ultimately reap the most from this."

Auernia felt tense, before gulping, "Her" palm long curled into a fist, visibly shaking, as she retracted "Her" now hollow gaze and returned to the battlefield. 

"Thus, "He" has determined that sacrificing Sanguines is the best course of action here. "He" can use this opportunity to "Decrypt" the situation and make a corresponding "Knowledge" for future scenarios."

Auernia, had silently accepted the unspoken proclamation: 

They were on their own. The Sanguines had been betrayed

Medici completely finished "His" apple, as he remarked in a refreshed tone.. "How Interesting. Death, Betrayal, this is just like the many "Literatures" you presented to me. What else is left, then? Will "She" fight till the butter end, and end in a glorious fashion?"

Just as "He" spoke, a giant beam of crimson erupted from Auernia's body as the Sanguine Queen, temporarily blinded even the Red Angel, who was simply watching a projected scene of the fight. This prompted him to rub his eyes, while the unflattered Dark Angel said, ""She" will endure and await a signal from the Sanguine Ancestor."

Slowly, opening "His" eyes, Medici let out a grunt, before regaining his exposure as "He" curiously asked. "And what's their situation then?"

The Omniscient Eyes behind the curtain surrounding Sasrir, moved to peer at the Astral world. Slowly, "He" proclaimed, causing a stir in the world itself, his mouths and uttered, " A nigh approaching "End ""

…

In a singular moment, countless mirror fragments entered Flegrea's vision before clearing up as the Evernight Demonic wolf now found himself within a dark, illusory pathway extending towards an inconceivable void.

Even with "His" senses tethering madness due to the apocalyptic curse, "His" "Vision" saw the illusory and colossal spider web paths shifting, overlapping with each other, and enveloping the entire mirror dimension. Their surface suddenly turned reflective, showing the gigantic demonic wolf. 

The reflections immediately succumbed to an all encompassing Darkness, concealing and affecting the concept of a mirror, greatly affecting the entire dimension, while Flegrea's silver of rationality focused on grafting and concealing the madness which was thrown into a boil by Kvastir's curse. 

Because of "His" unstable state this, "He" was reluctant to use the authority over change granted by the "Fool", as the terrifying will within "Him" was using "His" unstable state to awaken.

However, to the tiniest of "His" remaining sanity's shock, the Darkness "He" had brought forth was quickly brought to an "End", affecting even "His" spiritual sense as "He" didn't foresee this action. This was immediately followed by the dissociative nature and converging nature of both of "His" primary authorities calming down—as if "Chained" down.

Hmm? In an instant Flegrea felt some semblance of balance return as "He" prevented the similar wills within the Fool and Darkness Authorities from fusing and awakened itself, using "His" own will.

That Chained Lunatic restrained my madness? Flegrea didn't believe for one second that this enemy of "His" did this out of goodwill, and thus "He" immediately uses the darkness permeating the entire dimension to appear all throughout it. 

All Mirrors corresponding to the outside have been "Chained"... not just that, an unfathomable Primordial "Chaos" lays ahead, seeking to bring an "End" to all those who try to force their way out. As the thoughts rushed through "His" innumerable worms of spirit, "His" vision was suddenly filled with Crimson, permeating every inch of the mirror dimension.

The Crimsons Moon seemed to have descended as aMountain range of vile reproductive organs stood below this grand Celestial body. At its base level, was another version of itself, made up of all sorts of corruptive curses, all seeking to return back into the mountain range. However, Lilith had given birth to it, and excreted it out of "Her" system, and it was soon forced to remain docile.

At the same time, the massive Crimson Moon grew in size and pushed away at the invisible restraints laid around the mirror world. As a Naturewalker, Lilith's existence spread even beyond the confines of the Mirror World, extending to all "Her" kins—the Sanguines. This part of "Her", laid in all of them seeked to recall "Her" true body into its embrace, in order to escape the shackles placed by Kvastir.

Realizing this, Flegrea acted and increased the probability of such a scenario occurring so "He" could sneak out as well. At the same time, "He" brought an unfortunate end to all attempts which sought to interrupt this. Even if Kvastir used "His" apocalypse authority to "End" all destinies, this wouldn't stop the unfortunate end Flegrea created using "His" Knight of Misfortune authority. Through this, "He" could find an opportunity to escape.

And indeed, "End" was nigh, as a cursed, crazed, restrained, seductive, and maniacal cackle sounded throughout the realm, affecting both divine entities. 

"Don't you two find it strange!? I plague you with this abominable curse, pulling you into this "Prison" of mine, and then I proceed to aid you in resisting the effects of my attack!?"

The voice sounded all at once, causing curses and a feeling of solitude to pervade both Lilith and Flegrea. It was like when both were insane demigod creatures, only seeking to converge further, as well as the solitude brought by reaching the "Top". Both of these conflicting feelings caused a sense of alienation to grow in their own bodies, as if one side seeked to separate and remain alone, while the other side wanted to go wild in a rampage.

From the mountain range, several creatures embodying these concepts were born, separating from Lilith. However, this action brought about an inescapable collapse in "Her" psyche. The same happened to Flegrea who got rid of several of "His" infected worms of spirits and caused them an unfortunate end, in order to get rid of Kvastir's words.

Both Gods were once more back to a precipice, as Kvastir had simply exploded a fundamental and primordial dilemma which existed within them. If they didn't act swiftly and get rid of it, they would have completely dissociated. On the other hand, since they got rid of an essential part of their very being, they'll naturally dissociate at an even worse pace. 

This was Kvastir's aim, bringing both to their "End".

From the tallest peak of the mountain range of flesh, an extremely beautiful, voluptuous naked woman emerged, "Her" red eyes filled with fury directed at a specific section of the Mirror dimension. The Crimson Moon also reacted, illuminating it as a distorted gigantic figure was revealed.

The figure was wrapped in thorny roses puncturing all of its body, with the blood seeping into it, causing the rose's colours to darken, affecting the surroundings. The figure itself was rather blurry, but under the illumination of the Crimson Moon, a previously "restrained" feminine form dominated the figure's appearance. "Her" long red hair was accentuated by the crimson shine, while her enchanting figure was enclosed by thorny roses. "Her" eyes punctured by thorns emerging from within, blinked as they locked with Lilith's blood crazed eyes.

Femininity vs Femininity, Charms to affect even concepts on both sides clashed, with curses, life, mutations, return, Nature stroll, spirituality, affecting both sides. If the battlefield had taken place back on the mainland, the entire planet and more would have been embroiled in carnage, forcing the other Gods to intervene.

Flegrea, who was covered in fog "He" created as "His" Darkness was countered by the Crimson Moon silently watched the two. "He" noted Kvastir's changed form, likely irreversibly affected by the Demoness authority "He" had "Chained" down and restrained for so long. The charm and after effects of the two deities battling didn't affect "Him" much due to a combination of putting the effect into sleep, or concealing himself from stray attacks at critical moments.

To the other two, Flegrea's dissociating form looked like a flicker which remained around the "edges" of the realm, likely looking for an opportunity to get out of it. 

However, "Flegrea" himself was long gone already!

Yes, the instant "He" had achieved somewhat of a balance within "His" body, Flegrea fooled history, separating "His" past self and future self from each other. "He" then grafted "His" future self into "His" concealed divine kingdom, and let "His" past self face the other two. Through the fusion of a Realm of Mysteries and Darkness, Flegrea's acts went completely unnoticed. 

To think I thought only that Devil Monarch could match my madness. The future Flegrea, within "His" divine kingdom—a replica of the one in "His" settlement mused. Those two were clearly worse than even "Him", causing "Him" to immediately plan an escape. 

Of course, the dissociation Kvastir had applied, worked on "His" past version, still flickering around the battlefield, and naturally not "His" future self.

The future projection of Flegrea observed the fog of History beyond the concealed kingdom. This was a particular period of history within a time before even the era of the Gods, where "He" was still a demigod. 

"He" then used "His" authority over the fog of History to sense if anyone laid around, and then tried to sense beyond it.

Indeed, even within a concealed realm, the fog of history, particular to the realm, existed. In "His" current situation, the Fog of History of the Mirror dimension, and "His" fog of history within "His" divine kingdom existed. And beyond all this was the main Fog of History, permeating the world. 

This was what Flegrea planned on using to work around Kvastir's entrapment. 

As the Fool, "He" would Fool History, making the Fog of history "He" possessed mystically similar enough to the main historical fog. Then, "He" will Fool reality into believing they were one and the same, essentially bypassing the seal. 

Unfortunately, the moment I exit this place, Kvastir's actions on the current "me" and the past "me" will come undone, bringing the sense of "Solitude", "madness" and the "Dissociation" I contracted due to the attack on that day. 

Wouldn't that be the perfect time to finish me off? Flegrea felt enthralled at the level of sanity "He" felt, and thus felt slightly reluctant to part ways with it. However, "He" knew what needed to be done and thus, "He" made "His" past self, moving around the battlefield of the Gods utter, "My wish is: For the "End" to be brought forward."

"His" wish caused the existing "End" within "His" past self, Lilith, Kvastir, and the "chains" and primordial chaos behind every mirror or reflective surface, to hasten and intensify. As a result, "His" past self dissociated completely, and "Ended". This development which wasn't caught by the other two, on the verge of complete dissociation who were enveloped in an apocalyptical level battle.

The future Flegrea within "His" divine kingdom became the present through fooling, as "He" used Kvastir's "chains" with "Him" to resist the dissociation threatening to resurge. With this, Flegrea had both "Ended" and "Survived" with the former fate going in line with Kvastir's curse. Fate had been fooled.

"His" senses then picked up on a gargantuan but illusory fog beyond the mirror dimension, trying to penetrate the mirror world in order to unveil the mysterious history within its confines. 

The gigantic wolf bared "His" fangs at this, and immediately fooled the boundary where the concept of restrained and Primordial Chaos laid, causing the main fog of history to faintly resonate with the mirror dimension's own current history, and Flegrea's history. The moment the latter occurred, Flegrea's form appeared within the main fog of history, bypassing Kvastir's entrapment, and dissolving "His" concealed divine kingdom dissolved. 

History has been Fooled. 

The moment Flegrea's gigantic form appeared in the first epoch's fog, "His" form irreversibly started dissociating while "His" sanity mostly vanished. Kvastir's "chains" vanished as well, causing Flegrea's "End" to near. 

The Celestial Worthy's powerful will flared as the fragile balance was broken, causing the Fool Uniqueness—Flegrea's illusory mask, the Darkness Uniqueness—Flegrea's Dark fur, and the corresponding beyonder characteristics to try and dissociate from their hypercoagulative state. 

Convergence, Divergence seemed to work against each other as these authorities once in the hand of the Lord of Mysteries seeked to fuse and give birth to this great existence, but also wanted to split due to their non-related nature. And thus, Flegrea's form suffered.

Suddenly, his surroundings began to change.