>>5189561"How long would that take you? We resonate with two of the Fragments, at least enough to use them, but we are on a time limit.” You start to explain, quickly adding as Leviathan shudders indignantly; “I'm not trying to hold out on you, so if you tell me this is something that can be done fast, then we can do it right here and now. But if it would take some time, would you consent to holding off until our immediate crisis is over? I can show you the Fragments as proof that I'm not trying to swindle you."
“…VERY WELL. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT, DESPITE MY EAGERNESS, WOULD BE FOOLISH TO RUSH THROUGH.” Leviathan relents, relaxing a fraction. “I HAVE WAITED THIS LONG—I CAN WAIT A WHILE LONGER. THE FRAGMENT, IF YOU PLEASE?”
Withdrawing the Silver Key from your dress pocket, you present the chrome sphere to Leviathan’s overwhelming scrutiny as the titan fills your field of vision once more. A few harrowing seconds pass as you watch Leviathan’s eyes narrow, their mouth opening slightly to allow a legion of tendrils to flick at the air before closing it and giving you a satisfied nod.
“I CAN PERCIEVE IT, YES.” The titan declares with a hint of relief.
"Additionally, we might be able to give you more complete data by using multiple Fragments together, some of our allies possess Fragments that I think might be helpful for this purpose.” You continue as you tuck the fragment back in your pocket “That would take further time, though, to negotiate with them for their assistance, and again is best done after this problem is sorted out. It's your call, if you want to go with that additional delay."
Leviathan weighs your words for a few long moments before allowing a dark chuckle to escape their maw.
“…HA. HAHA, I SEE. AND THESE ALLIES, I SUPPOSE THEY’LL BE PRESENT AS WELL WHEN YOU CONFRONT MY BROTHER?” The titan asks, as though they’re putting some great plan together. “ASKING ME TO WAIT UNTIL YOU’VE CONFRONTED BEHEMOTH, BUT RISKING THE POSSIBILITY OF LOSING THE PEOPLE WHO’RE ALREADY ATTUNED TO THE FRAGMENTS I SEEK UNLESS I TAKE ACTION…YOU’RE A SHRED NEGOTIATOR, SHU THE DEFIANT.”
You remain silent, wondering where Leviathan is going with this…it was far from your intention to put the titan in this position. Hell, it was Leviathan that put themself in this position by asking for the fragments in the first place, so why suspect some grand pla-?
“FINE. I WILL ACCOMPANY YOU TO DEAL WITH MY PETULANT BROTHER. THERE’S NO OTHER WAY FOR ME TO GUARANTEE YOUR SAFETY.” They suddenly declare, no room for argument in their tone. “MY EFFICACY MAY BE DEMINISHED SOMEWHAT ON LAND, BUT I CAN STILL WHISK YOU TO SAFETY IF THE NEED ARISES.”
Oh.
…Neat.
Not exactly how you expected things to go, but welcome turn of events, regardless.
(Continued)
