>>5219949“Everyone who can move without interrupting the call, back away to outside Behemoth's immediate striking distance and prepare for the possibility that one or more of these three are going to come out swinging.” You declare to the gathered crowd. “But try not to look like we’re expecting a fight. If Behemoth comes out angry and sees us rattling sabers, then that’ll make things a whole lot worse.”
While the troops prepare once more for the threat of combat, you turn to Rath, flashing her a smile to chase away the last vestiges of her shame and worry.
“Hey, look at me—I’m okay, but I’m more worried about you right now." You say, reaching out and placing your hand on the shorter girl’s shoulder. “How’re you feeling? Has the link subsided at all?”
“Sort of? It’s…it crept up on me, now that I’m thinking back on it.” Comes the redhead’s guilty reply. “I didn’t even realize how bad it’d gotten, until you…yeah.“
“I see…do you think it could work in reverse?” You ask, seizing the opportunity. “Now that we’re fully aware of just how potent this could be, how comfortable do you feel with trying to just…blast him with good vibes?”
“Heh, well…it’d be easier if-“ She begins, just in time for a FuzzBuzz to pop out from behind your left shoulder, its bright red mane bouncing as it flits over to your brawler’s waiting arms. “Oh yeah. That’s the stuff.”
“Not going to lie, I’m considering making Behemoth one if he comes to in more a sulky mood than a…’destroy everything’ sort of feel.” You admit with a sigh. “I can only hope that-“
You’re interrupted when the trio begins to stir, and you take a step back to watch as consciousness is restored to the mountains of flesh and blood that loom over the ritual site. The siblings stand there for a long moment as they allow the new paradigm to settle in, and you give them the time they need. It’s Ziz who moves first, as you’ve come to expect—the shy little bird boldly raising her head to the skies as all seven heads draw in a long breath of resolve.
“Okay. Okay, so…so I think what we need to do first is-” She begins before Leviathan interrupts, voice chilled with a tone plucked from oceanic depths.
“*THINKING*, DEAR SISTER? THAT’S MY JOB.” The world serpent bites. “NOW, SNAP TO IT—IF WE HURRY, THERE’S STILL TIME.”
“Time? For what?” She retorts.
“TO SAVE FATHER.”
“But…but didn’t you hear a word of what he said?!” Ziz replies, confusion and frustration plain for all to hear.
“DID *YOU*?” Leviathan roars, the river’s burning waters echoing their words. “IT’S CLEAR AS DAY THE DEGRADATION HAS GIVEN HIM LEAVE OF HIS SENSES. NOW, BY CONDUCTING A RITUAL LIKE THIS ONE ON A MUCH GRANDER SCALE, WE MAY BE ABLE TO SIPHON ENOUGH POWER BACK TO-”
You never thought you’d see the day when a mountain moves like lightning.
(Continued)
