27. Axis

The sun shone and the birds sang to the enjoyment of many. It was a beautiful summer day, the temperature and weather just right enough for the citizens of Ottawa to be out. A perfect day for a picnic or any other kind of outdoors activity, but the city's streets were mostly deserted, with few people venturing outside. Of course, there were exceptions, like the gigantic crowd swarming around Parliament Hill.

It was not strange to see large groups of people surrounding Parliament Hill. The buildings were, after all, beautiful examples of Gothic revival architecture and they attracted thousands of tourists every year, never mind the many protests the complex had seen during its long existence. But what surrounded it today were not young idealists demanding a better world from their supposed leaders, nor were they foreigners eager to see the elegant example of gothic architecture, just like how the barricades erected to keep the crowd away were not manned by the usual policemen.

Today Parliament Hill was host to what many around the world considered the event of the year. Three of the most powerful men, if they could be considered as such, on the planet were about to join together in an exchange of words. No one knew what would come of it, whether they would emerge as friends, enemies or anything in between. The leadership of a dozen nations prepared their most powerful weapons and warriors as their people cowered, organizations took refuge and reinforced their hidden fortresses while powerful individuals prayed their intervention would not be needed. The world was collectively holding its breath and waiting for what may happen.

Of course, not all were full of terror. Some, like the crowds of cheering people gathered around Parliament Hill, saw the historical meeting as a moment of hope. They saw it as the realization of everything they had ever hoped for. These people, many of whom who at a first glance were no different from regular homo sapiens, were as different as humans could ever hope to be. While a few had normal appearances, many others had small deformities adorning their bodies and some were outright inhuman, their bodies completely alien to what was considered normal for humanity.

Even while the terrifying monsters who manned the barricade around Parliament Hill eyed them warily, their dead visages full of unmistakable hate, the people outside (also monsters according to some) waved flags and chanted without a care in the world. For while the rest of the world saw the meeting taking place inside the building as the ultimate threat, they saw nothing but their final salvation. So, their voice as one, they chanted the names of their heroes.

"Magneto! Ainz! Magneto! Ainz!" They chanted, their voices hoarse and their emotions clear. Never did they stop waving their flags, one a brutal thing of red in a field of purple, much like three violent claw marks and the other a vertical band of red and white, with a complex symbol with an unknown meaning in the middle.

These people were simply known as 'mutants', they had long been oppressed and hunted by the rest of humanity. They had suffered the persecution and attempted destruction of their people for many years and had lacked any means to oppose them. But now they could feel that the time of change was coming and were ready to eagerly embrace it.

The only other group lacking enough common sense to contemplate making an appearance at such a risky venture, much less actually doing so, were much less eclectic if incredibly more eccentric. Their pursuit of the truth, or at least some form of it, had pushed them into some of the more harebrained and less thought out ventures and neither the presence of inhuman monsters nor the risk of instant death would deter them from continuing it. Simply put, they were the news media.

"Hello and welcome, this is Kathy Dizon reporting for Channel 6," said the a pretty brunette woman as she looked at the camera, her face never betraying the discomfort almost anyone would feel while being so close to over-excited mutants. "We are currently standing outside of Parliament Hill, where a large crowd of people has gathered to show their support for the announced meeting with President Erik Magnus of Genosha and King Victor von Doom, better known as Magneto and Dr. Doom respectively."

The reporter turned slightly sideways, allowing the viewers a better view of the main building "As you can see the Parliament Hill complex is completely surrounded but what we have been told are called 'Death Knights' and 'Zombie Squires'."

Holding a tight formation around the main building, with smaller numbers elsewhere, were hundreds of Death Knights and Zombie Squires. The heavy riot uniforms of the Squires and the armored forms of their masters more than threatening enough to keep anyone from even thinking about breaking the perimeter.

"There are also reports that His Majesty has called the newly formed 1st Royal Division to offer extra security during the operations, but any details remain secret." Continued the reporter.

"The security situation has also been further complicated by the attendance of a large number of mutants, almost five thousand during the latest count, at the event. While nothing has happened yet it is feared by the human members of the civil security that violence could be started by, and I quote, 'subversive elements'. Whether this will change remains unknown at the time."

Slightly tilting her head the reporter as she listened to some unheard question, the reported smiled before continuing.

"That's a good question John. The talks between His Majesty and the two foreign leaders is scheduled to continue for another hour but the contents of what will be talked about, even what has already been talked, remain a mystery. The Bureau of Communication has remained silent, only informing us that His Majesty had Canada's best interest in mind." Never once did the smiling woman falter while repeating what was clearly propaganda.

Once again she softly tilted her head, listening to what her counterparts in the studio were saying. She gave the camera another charming smile before moving closer to the chanting crowd.

"Excuse me sir, would you mind answering a few questions for our viewers?" She said to a mutant holding a red and black banner with Magneto's face and the words 'Magneto was right' inscribed upon it. His features were completely human but for two partially cut antlers growing from his forehead.

The mutant seemed to hesitate for a second, before shrugging and smiling at the reporter. Far too many, and far too sharp, white teeth adorning his mouth.

"Not at all."

Showing why she was a consummate professional, the reporter didn't show a shred of her discomfort as she fired off a barrage of questions.

"Why have you come here today, sir? What's your opinion on His Majesty? And what does that banner represent?"

"Well, I came here as part of the Association for Mutant Rights. Me and my fellows came here today to show the support of our people for his Majesty and, of course, President Magnus," the man looked at the Parliament Building, a certain fondness in his eyes "and I consider His Majesty to be an outstanding individual. Ever since his takeover my people have only seen an increase in security and a better treatment by the government."

"And the banner?" repeated the reporter, her eyes focused on the monochrome depiction of the much-feared 'Magneto'.

"This," the mutant said before taking a deep breath "this is a reminder of what it takes. That for all that he may have been mistaken, President Magnus was right in one thing. Strength is the only thing people understand."

"Thank you for your time, sir. It was a pleasure to listen to your words."

"Thanks for the chance," was all the mutant answered before turning back and renewing his cheering.

Both the reporter and accompanying cameraman moved away from the possibly dangerous mutant before continuing the report.

"Here you have it people. It seems that His Majesty's popularity with the mutant population is on the rise and their trust alongside it," continued the reporter "now we will go back to you Joh-"

"Excuse me." Interceded a voice before the lady reporter could finish her sentence.

"Uh, yes?" taken by surprise, the woman was temporarily taken aback before regaining her composure.

"Stanley. Stanley Ditko, at your service" the one who had spoken, an older man of slightly above average height, said.

"A pleasure Mr. Ditko but we are in the middle of a-" Started the reporter, a disarming smile adorning her features.

"Yes yes, of course. This won't take a minute." Once again the man cut her off before she could finish.

"Mr. Ditko, I…"

"So, like I was saying. I'm Stanley Ditko expert on international relations and superpowered rulers. Probably know me from my book." Stanley spoke with full confidence, each word intoned in a certain way that made it clear to anyone listening that they were supposed to thank him for it.

"It's a pleasure but-"

"Anyway, I have come here all the way from the US to watch this event as closely as possible. It is a monumental time, especially for someone of my profession. The presence of both Doom and Magneto in one place, nevermind Ainz too, is a monumental event. I don't know how informed you may be but it is rather rare for such people to gather peacefully, and more importantly, to make it a public event."

"Why would that be?" By now the reporter had given up on getting rid of the strange man and had decided to go along with it, if nothing else the eccentric character in front of her would help their ratings.

"Ah, that's quite a good question! You see, there are certain types of 'superpowereds', we have those who use their abilities for crime, from the pettiest of thieves to the greatest mastermind, those who fight said crime, also known as 'heroes' and those who simply try to make a living out of it or simply ignore their abilities, like most mutants." The hoary man stopped for a second to clean his dark tinted glasses. "But that leaves one group out, the ones who use said power to rule over others. They, as explained in my book 'The new Kings', which I highly recommend for anyone listening, I call them Overlords. People like T'challa or Namor, who rule both by virtue of the law and their personal power. It is for this reason the current meeting is so important"

By now the reporter had started to actually pay attention to the previously seemingly deranged man. The chances of him actually being someone important were growing by the second.

"Is that so? Could you perhaps tell our viewers why this is?" While Kathy could not help but worry what the man may say, what with her and the entire network being under careful orders not to say anything 'politically incorrect' as defined by the new Bureau of Communication, she pressed on.

"Of course!" Stanley answered excitedly. "You see, among all these 'Overlords', there are two that stand above anyone else, Magneto and Dr. Doom. They are both personally powerful and in control of a great number of similarly powerful beings, with the means and the will to make use of both if required. It is for this reason that small countries like Genosha and Latveria are considered world powers regardless of their population and territory. Now Ainz Ooal Gown has joined their ranks. But somehow he has convinced both them to talk in peace!"

"And why is that so remarkable?" Inquired the reporter.

"Because the 'Overlords' are natural enemies. Whether they hold their positions due to loyalty of their people or sheer might the only real threat to them and their regimes are equally powerful people. The Fantastic Four are never going to depose Dr. Doom and liberate Latveria, but Magneto marching in front of a mutant army may be able to. Yet today they are inside that room just talking. This is an historical event if there ever was any." By the end the man had started gesturing with his arms, his excitement clear to all who saw him.

"Any idea what they may be talking about?" By now Kathy was completely sure she was getting out of line and that one of the Communications Bureau creatures, the so-called 'liches' would eventually come find her for a 'talk'. While the idea of the undead monster was terrifying, she could not lose the chance for a good interview.

The old man stopped talking as he thought about her question. His glasses and sweater making him look like a professor considering a student's inquiry. "Probably something regarding the future of the world. Their support for the new Canadian regime and all these strange events surrounding the three of them clearly point at some kind of grander plan. I would not be surprised if in the close future Latveria, Genosha or Canada expanded their current borders or if some troublesome villains and heroes disappeared. The point being, with a being of such a cold intelligence as Ainz Ooal Gown and the two men he is with, whatever they are discussing right now must be of the highest interest and complexity and so outside our frame of reference we have no chance of ever figuring it out."

---​

"Doom-san, do you want more coffee?"

"No, I thank you Gown but I am fine as it is."

Currently the best way to describe Ainz's state of mind would be the words 'extremely confused'. Ever since Albedo had informed him of the arranged talks between him, Doom and Magneto, Ainz had dreaded what the future had in stock for him and now that the time had come it had gone from terrifying to simply strange.

"Umu, what about you Erik-dono?" Ainz could not allow himself to stop talking, for if he did, he feared what the resulting silence may bring.

"No need Gown-dono, I have yet to even finish this cup. Also, feel free to call me Magneto if that is more to your liking, I feel it fits better with our current situation." Magneto answered curtly.

"As you will, Magneto-dono." Ainz answered, his worries from their last meeting about giving the man in front of him offense coming back with a vengeance.

"What kind of coffee is this? Its flavour is strangely invigorating yet relaxing." Inquired Magneto

"It's from our best stock, an Alfheim brew I came by a long time ago. I'm happy to hear you enjoy it." Ainz did his best to imitate the tone Yuri Alpha would use while doing one of the Pleiades' tea parties and hoped it did not come across as cringey.

Magneto on the other hand just smiled, a soft smile probably meant to seem reassuring but which from his perspective only seemed to mock Ainz for his failings

Ainz thought about what to say to continue the conversation and came up empty-handed. The truth was that his talks with Doom were already hard enough in a private environment and now that they were both representing their countries, and Ainz could still hardly believe he owned a country and had to represent it, the presence of the foreign mutant only making it worse.

What should I say? Do I talk about the weather?

Finally, when the silence extended for almost a minute, Ainz decided that it was better to take the ridicule quickly and get done with it instead of dragging the affair further than necessary.

"I apologize, but am not one for idle talk." At least not with you two.

"Then maybe it is time we get down to discussing the matter at hand," spoke Doom, his powerful voice making clear it was an statement, not a question.

"Yes, maybe it is time," Agreed Magneto. "I have to ask Gown-dono, what do you want from us? What do you expect this meeting to accomplish and better yet, why have you brought us here exactly?"

Ainz silently thanked the universe, god or whoever it was for the last question, as it was the only one he actually knew the answer to.

"While I understand you may find the current accommodation suspicious please believe me this is just a manner of security. As Doom-san may attest," he nodded at Doom, who gave a slight return nod "this place is unassailable through any means magic and mundane and I felt security was paramount if I were to meet with such, ah, illustrious people as you."

When Albedo had informed him that the talks 'he' had planned on holding with the two foreign leaders were being arranged Ainz had not lost a second before panicking. He had tried, and failed, to pry 'his' supposed reasons for such meeting and had failed utterly. Eventually he had focused on helping Albedo plan the event. While he had not one fraction of the intelligence she believed him to possess, he did have a knack for organization and a resolve to be useful in any way he could.

While most of the world believed the three were meeting inside one of the Parliament Hill buildings, the truth was that Ainz had staged the whole affair. Ever since he and his guildmates were ambushed while holding peace talks with a rival guild, he had been paranoid about possible ambushes during parley. For this reason, the highly visible Parliament buildings acted as decoys while the real meeting was held in the only truly safe place Ainz knew. That place none other than Nazarick itself.

Currently Ainz and his fellow rulers were sitting inside one of the secondary meeting rooms, comfortable suites designed for meetings between guild members when their numbers were too small to justify using the Round Table room.

These smaller rooms were built in a likeness of the actual Round Table room, with smaller versions of the round table and similar quality items decorating them. Currently Ainz, Magneto, and Doom were sitting around one such table. Whereas the original one was a beautiful white marble masterpiece with the guild emblem on it, theirs was smaller, of a deep red colouration and with nothing but vein-like golden decorations on it. The room itself was illuminated by a perpetual magic light, its nature as a cash-shop item making the illumination come from the walls and ceiling itself instead of some specific point and giving the room the strange optical effect of complete illumination without any shadow.

Transporting Doom and Magneto by portal after entering the Parliament building had been easy and while Magneto been wary at first, Doom's continued reassurances of Ainz's honesty had finally convinced him to relent.

"I see, and...?" Was all Magneto said as he waited for Ainz to continue with his answer.

Uh, is he expecting me to say something? But what? Albedo didn't tell me anything and Demiurge wasn't around to explain 'my' plan. What should I do!?

Just as his despair grew beyond the breaking point Ainz felt the, for once welcomed, emotional suppression taking effect. Resetting his emotions to a more manageable level and giving him a chance to think straight.

Maybe I could…? Will it work? Well, there is only a way to find out.

"Well, I don't think it is necessary for me to explain it to you is it? After all, I think both of you already know what I wanted to talk today." Please believe it, please believe it, please…

Magneto's brow furrowed as his eyes took on a harder glint. For a moment Ainz feared having offended the powerful mutant. While his previous conversation with the man had been cordial he was nowhere near as close as he was with Doom and had yet to get a real feel for the reserved mutant leader's personality.

"Maybe I was not clear, I-" started Magneto, only to be cut off by Doom.

"Your small political games bore me," spoke the Latverian ruler, his hard blue eyes focusing on Magneto's. "We all know why we are here and pretending otherwise is an insult to our intelligences. You don't want to insult Doom, magneto. You better remember that."

Magneto's face hardened even more, his expression neither aggressive nor passive, but the kind of neutral that Ainz knew to associate with a soon to be extremely angry upper management employee.

For a moment Ainz wondered if the mutant would attack Doom, either verbally or physically, but thankfully the moment passed and Magneto's face returned to his placid mask.

"Of course Doom-dono." The emphasis in the last word made it clear even to Ainz that no one should anger Magneto either, for he considered them his equals. "I just wanted to see how straightforward our host would be. I apologize Gown-dono."

"Umu, there is no need. I know no insult was intended." Ainz did his best to reassure the mutant with a smile as he answered.

"So now that these tiring political games are out of the way I have to say that I can agree with what you want. I know from my previous talk with you and due to some personal inquiries that my people are being cared for, much better than the previous administration," Magneto said with a clear distaste, "or other homo sapiens ones would."

"It is a ruler's job to take care of their people. They are their responsibility after all," answered Ainz. Be it being the guildmaster in YGGDRASIL or ruling, if giving vague orders to the NPC's could be called as such, the country and Nazarick, Ainz had always made it his job to see that everyone was happy and cared for. It was, after all, the only thing he could do.

"Gown speaks well. A king's job is to the people, fealty giving must be repaid or else you are nothing." Doom's support was an unexpected, but welcomed, surprise for Ainz.

Magneto looked at Ainz, then at Doom and back again to Ainz. There was a glimmer in his eyes, like he had just figured out some long-held puzzle.

"Yes, you are both right. You have held to your word, which is commendable. For this reason I know I can trust you to keep it once again."

What is he talking about? Please just be clear, what am I supposedly offering?

"It is as you say. Much like my own, that of Doctor Doom, Gown's word is of unshakable conviction. While I know it is not easy for your kind to trust others, you would do well on trust him here." Like always, Doom's words were concise and to the point. Sadly Ainz did not yet know what 'the point' was.

"Heh, I see. Maybe you are right Doom." Ainz was not sure why, but he felt Magneto's soft laugh was real.

"I am always right, you would do better to remember that."

Magneto seemed ready to retort to Doom's provocation before sighing deeply and looking back at Ainz. His eyes were those of a tired man.

"These last few days I have seen your country and how you manage it. I have seen the crowds of mutants chanting your name and the evidence of what you did with those who sought to harm my people. I saw the magic you wield and your followers. I know of Doom's own power, be it his science or sorcery. I also know what you need of me." Magneto took another deep breath, as if making some kind of choice. "I know what you want from me and what I want from you. I accept your terms. The world has been left to languish for too long, with us focusing on our business alone and nothing else. And no matter what misgivings I may have, it is well past time that changed."

"As our mutant companion has said, it is time for the world to remember why they feared us in the first place. Too long has humanity remained unmoving and frozen in one place without ever moving forward, like mindless lambs without a shepherd to guide them and Doom hates such state of affairs." Doom's words were full of fire, for a second Ainz even worried real fire would spout around the sorcerer.

"Do you agree with us?" finally asked Magneto as he looked at Ainz right in the eye.

For a moment Ainz doubted. He had gotten far by playing everything by ear, but he was completely in the dark regarding the subject at hand. It was clear they wanted him to do something with them but he could not figure out what exactly that was. So if he accepted or rejected them he risked putting his people in danger, either by offending them and creating new enemies where before there none or by joining the two powerful leaders in some unknown and probably risky scheme.

Ainz would have liked nothing more than to have Demiurge explain what he was being offered to sign up for, but the devil was nowhere to be seen. It all came down to Ainz, his decisions would determine the fates of many people and most importantly, the NPC's, which were like the children of his lost friends.

At the end it came down to faith. Ainz always believed in his friends and Doom had proven to be one. He had to trust that the powerful sorcerer would not betray him.

"I accept. You have mine, Ainz Ooal Gown's, word, so I swear upon my name." Ainz put as much conviction as he could in his oath. He hoped that the hours spent in front of a mirror practicing Doom's own 'royal speech' were working.

To make it official, Magneto shook Ainz and then Doom's hands, as they both did with each other.

"I am happy to see you are true to your words. With your magic, Doom's technology and my infrastructure for helping mutants our countries will finally become unassailable. The world will know better than to toy with us ever again," Magneto said happily, for the first time letting real emotion show.

"Indeed, today our Triumvirate is born. The world will known to fear the names of Doom, Gown and Magneto. I have high hopes for you, Gown," added Doom in an uncharacteristically festive manner.

"So do I. For our alliance!" Finished Magneto before downing his remaining coffee in one gulp.

As both leaders, the mighty sorcerer-scientist and the terrifyingly powerful Alpha-Mutant, congratulated him, Ainz heard nothing for he was in too much of a shock.

What did I just sign up for?

---

AN:

Finally done with this. I know I'm two weeks behind schedule now but I couldn't find the time. Anyway, I'm sorry for the delay guys and here you have the oh-so-awaited-for meeting chapter. I know it's probably disappointing to all of you so you once again have all my most sincere apologies.

Also, in case anyone is wondering, the "universal translator" from the game is still working, that's why everyone hears what Ainz says in a language they understand. So for example when Ainz says "name-san/dono/etc" they heard the appropriate word in the language to represent the respect that honorific shows and when Magneto says "mister" or similar, Ainz hears a "-san/dono" at the end of his name. I hope this explanation will make it so no one cries about "weeb terms".

Also, I posted earlier as an "I'm sorry for the delays" going to start working on the next part later today or early tomorrow if not.