>>5227340“I think I’ll join you and the Barbers, if you don’t mind the company.“ You declare as you turn to Jackie, who just flashes you her dagger of a grin before you place a finger to your ear. “Amara, who are you traveling with?”
“Oh! Me an’ Nerada are on Ziz! I’m waving to you!” She quickly replies, and a quick glance to the thunderbird’s crown reveals your little one frantically waving to you from up on her perch. Returning the gesture, you then fix Behemoth with a smile.
“I think that just about settles it, then…but thank you for your offer. I really appreciate everything you’ve done.” You say, with particular emphasis to the second half of your statement. “Your grace means more than I can properly express, Behemoth.”
“Oi, big guy! If you say you’ve got room for one more, then how ‘bout me?!”
From behind Amara, Rath leaps down from atop Ziz’s head, lunging through the air to land a few meters away from you—and you’re thankful for the distance as the ground buckles beneath her, your brawler’s three-point landing cratering the ground at her feet. You meet her eyes, and her intent is clear—Amara with Ziz, her with Behemoth, you with Leviathan.
This isn’t quite over. Not yet.
“Suit YOURSELF.” Behemoth shrugs, and Rath hops out of her self-made crater to clap you on the shoulder once more, imparting you with a whisper.
“Julia and Dorian are vibing so hard that I figured it’d be best to just let ‘em have at it, y’know?” She breathes, and you just smile as she clambers up Behemoth’s side with her boundless and admirable strength.
You and the Barbers follow the Midnight Crew as they board Leviathan, who deigns to lower their head to ground to grant you an easier climb. The serpent’s texture is not quite as you’d imagined it—it’s a mottled, patchwork thing, for great stretches of it proves to be rough like a shark, and then it gives way to a texture that’s slick and smooth, hearkening to the flesh of an eel. You briefly spawn a few Rooks to help you and your friends in your ascent, in in short order you’ve gathered atop Leviathan’s head as they and their siblings make their own ways to the Disassociated’s domain. You wait until both Ziz’s wingbeats and Behemoth’s tremorous footfalls give way to the gentle lapping of the river’s waves before you turn to the eight other Daughters that surround you.
“And thank you all, for your help. I couldn’t have done this without you.” You say, earning a noble bow from Sia and Ace, while Jackie just smirks. “This didn't end in violence, but it could have, and we appreciate them being willing to throw down.
“Kinda figured this would end well, given your track record.” The Midnight Crew’s leader laughs. “You ‘an violence go together about as well as jello and tuna.”
“Marvelous.” Sugar murmurs, as Quinn and Keane just shoot the bizarre Daughter a dirty look.
(Continued)
