Identity of the Mystery Man

After a hearty meal, the family gathered in the warmth of their home, each feeling their stomach's were going to burst from the huge meal. Muskrat and their Mother deciding to rest in the living and bedroom.

Erwin and Whiskey-Jack, however, had left their family to rest, making their way outside to a couple of small snow-covered stumps, taking a seat.

Erwin put his arm around his son, his expression suddenly serious. "You asked about the Creator. Before I answer, I need to know how you came across this name. What made you ask?"

He could sense his son's nervousness, but he needed to be sure.. sure that nothing sinister was occurring to his son. The world seemed to influence many now, and he wasn't sure if the question had an ulterior motives.

Whiskey-Jack hesitated, then began recounting his experiences, the mushroom, and the cryptic encounter with the mysterious man. He kept quiet about how long he had been gone, fearing it might worry his father more than necessary.

Erwin listened intently, nodding his head here and there as Whiskey-Jack spoke. When his son finished, he sat back, a deep silence stretching between them.

Erwin felt a weight lift from his shoulders, he began to question his previous assumptions, was the world affecting him? How could he assume such things from his son for simply asking a question?

Finally, Erwin spoke, his voice low and somber. "Whiskey-Jack… the Creator, the man you met, he is exactly what he claims to be...He created this world. Everything in it, every being, every mountain, every tree, every animal...he gave life to it all."

Whiskey-Jack stared at his father, his mind struggling to grasp the revelation. The idea seemed so absurd, so impossible. How could one man possess the power to create an entire world? This made Whiskey-Jack assume his father was lying, simply making a joke of his experience.

Uncomfortable at the absurdity, Whiskey-Jack let out a loud laugh, only to stop short when he saw his father's unchanging expression. The weight of the moment settled in, and the gravity of the situation hit him all at once.

"H-Holy… fu…" Whiskey-Jack shouted, so loud his family could hear from their home, stunned by the realization. The world around him was far more complicated than he could have ever imagined.

How? Why? Whiskey-Jack couldn't begin to imagine the power required to complete such a task, but more importantly, why dedicate his life to creating it?

"Wait...didn't he mention something about me not being one of his?" Whiskey-Jacks face painted with horror, "What am I?"

Suddenly, a few words from the Creator boggled his mind, his heart racing realizing he left this detail out from his explanation. But he was also thankful, what would his father think? What would he do!?