Prologue

What exactly makes someone a monster? In the context of humans, it tends to refer to someone who is cruel and evil. But yet, when one steps out of their original scope of understanding, aren't we all monsters? From the time one wakes up, they are already performing cruel actions. They are cutting off a reality they fabricated in their mind, and forcing their body to perform work. Is that not cruel to the atoms that make up one's body? And what about the act of breathing? Sure it has benefits to the environment, but it is also contributing toxins into the air. When one goes to the supermarket, is it not cruel and evil when one takes the last box of cereal? They are depriving others of sustenance, all so they can benefit. Any action taken could be considered cruel. Any choice made can be considered evil. As sentient beings, we tend to put these arbitrary titles on things, to either justify or condone actions of ourselves or others.

And yet, we all know what a monster is, despite the ambiguity of cruel and evil, when one thinks of a human monster, a very clear image comes to mind. A human monster is someone who disregards lives, either taking pleasure or enjoyment from others suffering. A human monster is someone who will commit unspeakable acts without second thought, and feel no remorse after the fact. And yet, it isn't always that simple now is it? Behind every supposed monster, there is a reason. Either through mental illness, past abuse, learned behaviors, or even good intentions, there is a reason. They may not be good reasons, the reasons may not even make sense to anyone else, but there are reasons. Just like everyone else, these monsters had their reasons. So who's to say that your own reasoning will turn you into a monster? Is it just inherent to sentient creatures to have these dormant monsters, ready to come out? And to top it off, how does one even know they have become a monster? As far as they are aware, they are following their own reasoning, just like anyone else would do. It's either through taking a step back, or through the mentions of others, that individuals might see what they have become. But isn't it too late at that point? And what of those that realize they are monsters, and accept it? Are they a different beast altogether?

If they are, then what would that make me exactly?

Of the three most powerful, most ancient beings in this universe, I can humbly say that I take one of those positions. Though in truth, I don't really feel all that powerful, especially compared to the others. The other two truly hold up to the idea of "gods'' in both power and attitude. And yet, if one were to look at me, they would just see a normal, albeit handsome, man. I cannot create life, perform miracles, or even destroy a planet at the snap of my finger. Sure I have a few neat tricks up my sleeve, but who doesn't? And yet....

Am I not so different from them?

Mortals tend to see gods in two ways. Either they are like man, with flaws as well as strengths, just more powerful. Or they view gods as perfect beings, who can do no wrong. And yet, that is not at all how they actually are. Even trying to understand the mindset of a god is impossible for a mortal. It is like comparing the mind of a house fly, to that of the most intelligent human. Gods find themselves above mortals, and prefer not to interact when possible. Though when they do, it is always with an objective in mind, and that objective normally benefits the god in some way. While mortals like to focus on the more positive stories, they tend to ignore the tragedies gods cause. Which would make sense, especially to those mortals who view gods as perfect beings. Why would a god needlessly wipe out a civilization for no reason? Why would a god allow for so many horrific events to occur, when they can do something to stop it? These are imperfections, which gods do not have. And so mortals find ways to justify the gods' actions, painting them in a better light. But in the end, aren't they covering up for monsters?

Just other gods, I too have interacted with mortals. And just like other gods, I too had an objective in mind. I did not care for the mortals' feelings, nor did I care about the direct consequences. All I cared about were the end results. That's what I have always cared about. And while I can try and argue that my actions are for the greater good, in the end my goal is to wipe out all life, along with the universe itself. So even though I am not as powerful as the other two gods, I too wish to bring terror and destruction to mortals. But unlike them, and unlike many mortals who try to make the claim, I am the true monster. My actions in the past are enough to prove that. And the worst is yet to come.

I must accept the fact that I am a monster, even if it causes me to lose sleep. But even monsters are capable of doing good, and if I am to act without remorse, I must do something good, even if it's small.