>>5185575Well, if you’ve only got one shot and getting answers, might as well make it count.
"What is the Mother of All?” You finally settle on asking. “It’s a term I’ve heard a lot, and sometimes it’s even been implied that I *am* her…but nobody seems able to articulate what it actually means, so I have no idea if it’s accurate, let alone something I’d want.”
Leviathan pulls back as if struck, the sudden movement prompting a rush of wind to nearly knock you and Dorian off the driftwood you’re standing on.
“OH…OH HO HO, NOW THAT *IS* INTRIGUING.” The amalgam hums, its hide suddenly shifting between a variety of patterns, textures, and hues in quick succession. “IT’S A TITLE WHOSE MEANING MY CREATOR NEVER IMPARTED TO ME, BUT GIVEN HOW FREQUENTLY IT’S BEEN MENTIONED IN THE PAST SIX CRUCIBLE CYCLES I COULDN’T HELP BUT EXTRAPOLATE MY OWN HYPOTHESES.”
“I’d like to hear them, even if they’re only theories.” You remark, welcoming a lead of any kind on this doggedly persistent title whose nature has proved frustratingly elusive.
“AS I’M CERTAIN SOMEONE OF YOUR CALIBER HAS UNCOVERED UP TO THIS POINT, THE CRUCIBLES WERE DESIGNED TO GIVE RISE TO A BEING OF TREMENDOUS POWER THROUGH THE PROCESS OF ELIMINATION AND ASSIMILATION, BOTH. THAT MUCH IS OBVIOUS” Leviathan explains, their rapidly-shifting palette slowing as they speak. “THIS WAS THE ORIGINAL INTENTION OF THE CRUCIBLE STRAINS…THE WILL OF THOSE THAT FORCED MY CREATOR TO DESIGN IT. BUT HIS WILL WAS NOT THEIRS. INSTEAD, HE-“
Four of Leviathan’s eyes swivel towards a spot to your left, just out of sight among the drifting remains of the Flying Fairy.
“…AH, IT APPEARS WE HAVE VISITORS.”
A glint of light on the horizon is hurtling towards you at break-neck speeds, and when Snowbird finally darts to your side you’re pleasantly surprised to see her humanoid form protectively unfold between you and your host, with Gina jumping off her back and to your side.
“The Crimson Cord, I couldn’t reach you!” Gina declares, almost frantic. “Is everything alright?”
“Trouble?” Snowbird demands, focus affixed to the looming creature before her.
“No, actually…just pleasant conversation.” You assure them, balancing on the piece of driftwood frozen in the stilled waters as you place a reassuring hand on the other Daughter’s shoulder. “Leviathan, meet Snowbird and Gina. Snowbird? Gina? Leviathan.”
“My apologies.” Mutters the ex-proxy, taking two steps to bring her bulky frame behind you to hold fast to the deal she made with you before you arrived.
“OH NO, NO APOLOGIES NEEDED. YOU…HOW VERY INTERESTING. I’ll COME BACK TO YOU IN A MOMENT.” Leviathan dismisses, clearly intrigued. “NOW, AS I WAS SAYING—
(Continued)
