Graydon Creed POV:
Rage burned in my heart, as the image of my mother flashed through my mind, haunting me like a bone chilling nightmare. —Although I have yet to meet her, such dreams have only become more frequent over the years, especially after I, at the age of 8 discovered my unholy origins.
I was the offshoot of two mutants, yet I was ordinary. I had not the strength and regeneration abilities of my father, nor the shapeshifting powers of my mother, I had nothing.
What is my purpose in life? My mother abandoned me, why? Was I a failure, no, perhaps I was and then again, maybe I wasn't.
I have no feeling other than pure hatred towards my father. He, just like my mother, abandoned me as a mere inconvenience.
For that, he along with all other mutants must never be granted mercy.
This is my purpose in life, to curb the filth that is the mutants off the face of this world!
If mutants don't consider me one of theirs, then the extermination of mutants is my goal. I will stand on the side of humans and hunt down every single one of them!
No mutants, whether they be children, women or men shall survive-- this world belongs only to humans!
Hiding inside my secret area inside my house, that not even my adopted parents knew of —I contemplate my next action.
I am currently 12 years old, which means there is not much option to what group I can join. Even if a group accepts me, what can I bring to the group? My charisma and intelligence?
Although I value my intelligence, there are many people smarter than me. My charisma is the only aspect of myself that can affect people. —As long as I speak with conviction, people will feel more compelled to obey me. However, in front of strong minded individuals I'm hard pressed to change their outlook on life.
As I sat there, I didn't realize that directly behind me--a shadow had manifested wearing black robes and carrying a large scythe which is longer than his body, observing me.
"Graydon Creed, son of Raven Darkholme Gown—Father requests your presence." I turned around with visible shock as the literal manifestation of 'Death' stood behind me.
I didn't not sense anything, as if 'Death' had been there since the beginning, which is frightening.
Even if I had no combat experience, I know even the strongest mutants can't actively hide their presence like this—-Raven might be an exception to this rule, as she can hide right next to you and one will not know.
Looking in those gleaming red eyes, I couldn't help but tremble! Even if I am determined to kill all mutants, in front of such existence, I am all but a candlelight to the moon.
Of course I wasn't scared, as long as I have enough time, killing even 'Death' is not impossible, but that isn't my goal.
Looking directly at 'Death', I asked, "I don't consider myself to be the son of that woman, so I don't see why I must meet this so-called 'Father' of yours." I do want to meet Raven, but not for stupid questions, like 'why did you abandon me?,' but instead to kill her.
Walking towards me, 'Death' looks into my eyes, with what I assume to be empathy and almost pity? "My sister—Raven—is being punished by Father for the sins of abandoning her children—you. Father wishes to meet His grandchildren thus I have come to get you along with you siblings."
'Raven had a brother, who is literally 'Death? I also have other siblings? How many people did this woman abandon?'
Now that I think about it, not much is known about Raven, other than the fact she had been around for many years. —Some people claim her to be older than even Magneto— but that's just a vague estimate since her powers allow her to assume whatever form or age she wanted.
So does this mean that 'Death' is my 'uncle'? And does that mean I cannot die with him as a relative? If so, I guess having 'Death' as my 'uncle' will be an advantage. However, even if all I assume is true, it still remains that 'Father' remains unknown.
Death calls him 'Him', akin to speaking of God. However, that shouldn't be the case. How could God have such an abomination as a daughter? So even if 'Father' is not God, he should be a similar existence, to some degree to deserve the moniker of 'Him'.
Not expressing my thoughts or changing my expression, I ask tentatively, "Can I refuse?"
If I only have the option of going, that would mean I am a prisoner of some kind, but if I was given a decision, that is a good sign. I could plan my next step in case I am left with only option one.
"No, refusing an order from Father—your grandfather—is not a good idea. Now let's go meet your little brother, I believe his name is Kurt Wagner?" 'Death' placed his hand on my shoulder, and before I knew it, my surroundings had changed.
My new surroundings was that of a circus, with many people sitting down watching the live performance on stage of a woman with clown makeup, making a lion jump through a flaming circle.
Even though we appeared out of nowhere, no one looked in our direction as if they cannot see us, showing that my 'uncle' might have many powers which is not normal.
It's not proven if he is even a mutant, so it's hard to say what's normal to him.
"We are hidden away from the eyes of these mortals. Now, look around at this scene and tell me what you see." 'Death' explained and asked me, making me confused. Isn't it obvious? Even a blind person could tell what is going on.
"What is there to see? These people came to see a circus, and they are being given a show. So why did you bring me here, don't tell me my 'brother' is in the audience?"
Did this brother of mine have Raven's power to shapeshift? If so it would be hard to find him, however considering who I'm with it should not prove any difficulty.
Taking his gaze from the crowd, 'Death' looked at me with what seemed to be disappointment?, "Maybe what I asked was too vague? However let me explain it so you can understand—From you, I see hatred, no, murderous intent towards your mother. Whenever you utter her name, venom comes from you. I do not doubt that if she stood before you, you would rip her apart. Usually, I don't interfere in mortal affairs no matter how severe it may be but you are family so I shall be blunt with my words going forward."
Seeing 'Death' read me so easily, I was amazed, but anyone could find out the same thing if they observed me long enough, so the amazement was short-lived.
"The words I ask of you earlier, is for me to see how you comprehend things. Things are not as they seem, even if they seem simple. Being born with powers doesn't mean one is the strongest, true strength comes in one's time of need. When I look at those performing and those entertained by their performance, I see the world as a whole. To me, every single organism is performing a grand play, with everyone as an actor. That includes you and Raven as well. This world is like a grand net of stories that spans from each individual, yet intertwining making the world as you see now. Your story starts with Raven abandoning you, which led you to this point in time, why? And How? Each of these moments good and bad shape you to become the man that stands before me. I honestly don't think I would find you interesting if you had these powers. Why do you want to be the same as these mutants? Are they powerful? To mortals probably, but to me, they are only a slightly bigger ant that I can squish, but I don't because it's interesting to see what mortals can amount to. Will mortals stand up after falling or remain a constant stream, following its predetermined path? I love to see them diverge from this path, yet I see you still in that stream I spoke of. Anyway, as my nephew and grandson of 'Him', you shouldn't limit yourself to be a mere mutant. While I'm still hazy about the facts, from what I have seen so far, there are many things better than mutants." Shaking his head, 'Death' mutters something I vaguely heard, "Needs education."
I feel like I'm slowly but surely beginning to realize my 'grandfather' is not exactly normal. Earlier I assumed him to be a god-like existence but I feel I might have underestimated him.
There are some terrifying mutants out there, with terrifying powers yet here my uncle is saying they are only a slightly bigger ant.
Subconsciously I feel I'm slowly changing, I still hate all mutants and wish for them to die tragically but not as much as before. 'Death' was right, if I could obtain power higher than that of mutants, then it would be pointless to hate mutants.
Humans don't hate ants, because they are not a threat to them, maybe 'Death' is the same. No matter how powerful one becomes, even if they achieve what seems to be immortality, they would still eventually fall.
To me and all humans, the Sun that shone on all things is eternal and immortal existence, but that's because we will not be around when the Sun is no more.
"I'm going to speed this up, we can't keep Father waiting. ." 'Death' muttered and from a place inside of the circus house, a crib began to tremble before beginning to fly into our direction.
Inside the crib, a blue baby with demonic features could be seen looking around with curiosity.
The people inside the circus witnessed this scene and were amazed at seeing this magical show however seeing the sight of a demon, commotion ensued.
The performers look at the scene with shock and slight fear. They made sure to lock the door with Kurt inside, but here he is flying in his crib.
"Demon….!"
"THEY HAVE DEMONS!!!"
"SOMEONE CALL THE AUTHORITIES!!"
Looking at the baby floating into our direction, I immediately knew this was my brother. Although we look nothing alike, I could just tell, maybe it's the blood of that woman resonating with him?
Looking at how people reacted to my brother's appearance, I felt sad, even at birth he is hated; something that I have not experienced. Is it really worth it to be a mutant? Not having anyone that can truly love you and have to hide in a corner in fear of being discovered? The constant fear and worry will make one collapse eventually.
"Let's go." 'Death' reached out, temporarily appearing in front of everyone, before our surroundings changed.
"GRIM REAPER!!"
That was the last thing I heard from the circus before I appeared inside a wooden house that seemed to have seen better days.
Looking out of the windows, it could be seen that we appeared in a forest house.
The sun was slowly disappearing from the skies, meaning it was evening going to night.
I could vaguely hear the sound of creatures roaring, the wings of birds covering the skies—it seemed like a thriving place for animals.
Inside the house, a small girl probably no more than 9 years old was sitting next to an open fireplace, with a book in one hand and a cup of water in the other.
'Death' manifested in front of the girl, startling her, making her throw her book at him, before jumping behind her seat—well that's what should have happened.
Before the book could hit 'Death', it paused in mid air before dropping to the ground.
'Death' as if nothing had happened, reached over at her, grabbing her shoulder, making her groan and pass out.
"What did you do to her?!" I shouted.
"Don't worry I simply pause her heart, making her unconscious. She will awake soon. And she is not 'her', her name is Anna Marie, your sister. Now get ready to be transported to Nazarick where Father is waiting."
Calming down, I was subconsciously relieved when I heard the words of 'Death'.
I don't know why my heart was worried about her, was it because she was like me? I don't know.
I walked over to her and gently touched her head, feeling her soft hair falling through my fingers.
Ahha, so even I can feel the sentiment to protect? Just like me, they were abandoned, they are my family.
Reaching over at my brother, I ruffled his head, not noticing that tears were falling from my eyes.
Looking over at 'Death', I swear I saw him smiling at me, maybe I saw wrong—how can a skeletal being smile?
Unlike before, instead of appearing in a new location, 'Death' made a hole in the very fabric of reality, where time and space seem tangible.
Where the hole leads to is unknown to me, but I have no reason to doubt 'Death' or rather I have no choice but to step through it.
Since his presence, I have not found out how his power works. In the circus it seems it might be spell related but when he opened a hole in reality, he simply pointed. —Maybe his earlier action was to mislead me? But I honestly don't have any thought of harming him.
"Follow me."
I nodded and followed 'Death' through the portal.
There was a moment of blackness before my vision cleared showing me that I was in a long hallway which was grand beyond belief. Everything about the place I was at screamed 'wealth.'
The chandeliers and the carpet, everything was beyond anything I have ever seen.
On both sides of the wall, statues wearing powerful equipment look like soldiers ready for war. The statues were odd and looked very demonic but also powerful.
There were also many paintings with many things, such as paintings of gods, demons, weapons, and even of Raven in her youth.
There was one painting that caught my eye, it was a painting of 'Death', a goddess, Raven and a skeleton that seem to be the center of the painting.
The skeleton eyes seem to move and look directly at me, making me immediately look away, it was too terrifying!
My back was drowned with sweat, the second I locked eyes with the skeleton, I felt the cold grip of absolute death, something I didn't feel around this supposed grim reaper.
As if sensing something, 'Death' stops walking and looks at me, "Don't look directly at that painting, the craftsman added a fear inducing rune to it, making those of weak mind to either feel fear or succumb to madness. Now that I think about it, it would be best not to look around, there are things that are too powerful for you to see, they might directly corrupt you."
--
Momonga POV:
Sitting at my desk, I observed the scene inside the Mirror of Remote Viewing, which is displaying a scene of a great thunderstorm in a deserted location not far from a town.
I have been observing this scene because Aidoneus reported that such a sudden appearance of a thunderstorm could only be the result of magic. This obviously proves that not only mutants reside in this world, no, this universe as teleportation magic was detected from the thunderstorm which is odd.
The only information I have about this world is from Raven, and from Ariel who just returned. So far I can conclude that there is no immediate threat to my life or Nazarick. None of the people they got in contact with could enter my eyes, they are too weak.
The knowledge that this world actually has different dimensions alarms me somewhat but at the same time, I'm relieved since there were restrictions—one must make a sacrifice to these dimensions for the creatures to enter the main world.
Nazarick can pose as one of such dimensions since there are apparently so many, no one can say that the dimension of Nazarick doesn't exist.
I'm already thinking of entering this world's grand stage, that's the only way I can acquire the resources to further strengthen Nazarick. The current Nazarick is far too weak. Only if I have gold coins can I summon more mercenary NPCs to serve me without expending even the stashes I left for emergency situations.
As for how to enter this world with righteousness on my side, it's simple —I can use this thunderstorm as the reason. However, it's still a little dangerous to enter this world fully.
Mmm, depending on my grandchildren's age I will have them go in my place, scoping the world of its true depths. No one will notice anything odd about them since they are from this world.
I also need to research my newest daughter in more detail, her power could truly be godly with nurturing.
"Father, I have returned."
"Enter."
Gardyon Creed POV:
Walking down the hallway, even though 'Death' said not to look at the things placed in the hallway, I couldn't help but notice that each of these items could cost a country worth of wealth, yet they are being used for display. These items could probably cause mass death and chaos on Earth.
The journey to meet my 'grandfather' didn't take too long, as we arrived before a massive double door which had a tree with nine worlds. Each world had a different symbol on them.
Standing before the doors, I felt the smallness of myself for the first time in my life. It was like I was not standing before a door but nine large worlds with daunting power.
"This door is called the Gate of Worlds. These worlds were worlds that Father along with His companions once ventured in. Speaking about Father and His companions, they are called the 41 Supreme Beings, led by Father making Him the Supreme One. Sometimes Father says things which may be confusing but understand that Father is very intelligent, sometimes to talk to lesser beings much of the substance must be eliminated. You probably wouldn't understand what I'm saying but those statues you pass are the statues of my Fathers companions, each of them were powerful. Unfortunately they became bored with conquest and left this plane of existence for other journeys."
So this grandfather of mine is actually this powerful? It makes sense. To have 'Death' as his son, it would make sense that he was overpowered. If I am truly related to such an entity, doesn't that mean being a mutant would truly be a disgrace? No wonder 'Death' looked down on me earlier, my goal is too insignificant.
"Get ready, I'm about to announce our presence." 'Death' seemed nervous and excited which couldn't really be sensed by his voice. "Father, I have returned."
A voice that was grand without even trying to be, responded, "Enter."
Placing his hands on the Gate of Worlds, the double doors opened showing a tall ceiling with crystal chandeliers. The floor was carpeted with red carpet with a golden insignia.
At the other end of the room, there was a huge throne that reached the ceiling.
On said thone a figure wearing grand clothing that seems to absorb light, rings of absolute might and a staff that seem to be too holy for the unholy hand holding it.
Yes, the figure sitting on the throne was a skeleton, yet it felt that calling him was an insult to what he truly was
On the left side of the skeleton, a goddess with three pairs of wings stood, looking holy and sacred. Her eyes looked at us with undisguised love and compassion.
The being whom I assume is my 'grandfather' looked at 'Death' and spoked , "Grim, you have done a good job, thank you. Now, do wake up my granddaughter, I wish to interact with her."
"Yes, Father." 'Death' or now 'Grim' bow slightly before muttering something which causes my sister to awake.
She looked around the room with consciousness and fear. Her body floated down and gently touched the ground.
Looking at the people around, she seems to tremble, which is expected from a child of nine years old. Even an adult would shake when in the presence of such beings.
Noticing Grim, my sister grabbed his robe and shouted, "Who are you?!! Why have you taken me here?!!"
Frowning, I approached her, "Sister calm down. We are currently at our grandfather's home."
Confusion appeared on her face, which looked cute, "'Grandfather'? Who is that? Wait, who are you?! And why do you call me sister!?"
"Chi…" The goddess was about to speak, but the skeleton raised his hand stopping her. My 'grandfather' slowly stood up causing the already dim room to almost descend into primordial darkness.
"I can see your confusion. Let me introduce myself, I'm Ainz Ooal Gown, or Momonga if you prefer, the absolute Ruler of Nazarick, and also the father of Raven Darkholme Gown, your mother. The personification of Death over there and the one of Life by my side are my children as well, meaning that they are your uncle and aunt."
So Grim is the personification of Death? I can accept that but to have an aunt that was the personification of Life, isn't this family of mine overpowered?
I could see the confusion on my sister's face deepened more, which is not surprising since Raven never told her about this.
"Where is Raven? Unless she is here, I won't believe this!"
"Raven right now is facing punishment. She has abandoned her children and failed to allow me to see my grandchildren thus she will be confined in Nazarick for the next century. Now come closer let me get a good look at you."
My sister's face looked angry but calmed down hearing she was being punished by this being for abandoning us.
I walked over to Momonga, while my sister hesitated but seeing me moved she followed. I actually didn't want to get too close to this being, but if he could father two aspects, his power was unrivaled by Earth, meaning I couldn't resist at all. Whether I was close or not would not matter to such a being.
Momonga looked at me and muttered something, "You lack mutant capabilities, but possess a growing body and stable mentality. If you had mutant powers, training would be difficult."
At first I thought he was about to reprimand me, hearing his next words made me sure I was right. Momonga and everyone in this place don't place much value on mutants, maybe they do but its so weak that they don't care
Reaching into another dimension, Momonga presented two rings in front of me, "This ring is called the Ring of Growth. It will increase your strength with enough training. The second one is the Ring of Longivity. It will stop your aging process as well as make it so you don't have to eat food unless you want to. Since you are still young, i suggest using it when you reach your ideal age"
Taking the rings and putting them on, my body seems to break through some kind of limit. My thoughts seem to increase in how fast they move and how high it operates. My hunger seemed to disappear, making me look at my immortality ring. As long as I have this, I will not age.
How many people would kill for this? And my grandfather is simply tossing it to me? Maybe immortality is not a big deal to them.
Momonga looked at my sister, "Your mutant power allows you to copy the power of others, which is very powerful. If you absorb every mutant power you come across and can actively use them, you can become a very powerful person. However, I can assume there are weaknesses to this power. Seeing that you absorb powers, it should have something to do with that. Maybe you have a limit to how much you can absorb or maybe you absorb more than just power?"
Maybe acknowledging Momonga as her grandfather, or maybe because she wanted help, Anna replied, "I can absorb lifespan along with memories but in doing so, my mind will become clouded and I will become more prone to evil."
My face pale slightly as I had touched her earlier. If her power had activated at that time, my puny lifespan would have been sucked dry!
"Your mind becomes weak? So a mental attack? Take this ring, it's called the Ring of Fortitude. It will make you immune to mental attacks below a certain level, meaning the weakness to your power has been reduced. If you want to absorb someone's power, it is best to ask them beforehand, that should lower the risk. You absorbing the power without asking makes the individual subconsciously protect itself which may be conveyed through its power. I was going to give you the Ring of Growth as well but since you can become stronger without it, I will give you a Ring of Sustenance instead."
"Now my last grandchild. There is not much I can do for you, as you are still a youngling. Hmm, does he possess a demonic aura? Raven is not a demon, meaning his father is one? Ariel, take him to Raven, make sure she raises him well. If she causes any harm to him, increase her punishment by three centuries."
"Yes, Father."
The Goddess of Life, Ariel smiled as she appeared next to Kurt, taking him away.
Before my aunt left she gave me a smile that wasn't natural, that made me disturbed.
"Grim, you can take your leave, I need to speak with them privately."
"Yes, Father." Grim's body flickered and disappeared from the room.
[Name: Grim Ooal Gown lvl 95
Title: Twin of Life, Son of the King of Death, Death's Guide
Job: Guardian of Death
Residence: World of Nazarick-Palace of Ainz Ooal Gown
Alignement: Neutral- Sense of Justice 0
Racial Level: 35
Ghastly Apostle(10)
Skeleton Priest(10)
Elder Lich(10)
Overlord(5)
Job Level: 70
Death's Messenger(10)
Spirit Possessor(10)
Death's Hand(10)
Lord of Samsara(5)
Other(25)]
Rogue(Anna Marie), Nightcrawler(Kurt Wagner), Graydon Creed
AN: Mystique has six children including Rogue, but I will only be using the three above, might change in the future.