Chapter 28:
Ocean Slugs: The Tower of Stars
“I’m going to climb alone.” I found the words I wanted to speak.
“Why would you want to do that?” My mother asked.
“Because…” I stammered, “I don’t believe in destiny.”
“It’s not that, is it?”
“How else would you describe this feeling?”
My mother closed her eyes. Connecting again to my consciousness. A jumble of emotions mixing together shifting from understanding to uncertainty. Our bloodline that is tied together like ribbons, would unravel as we learned more about ourselves.
“You still want to climb, on that front we both agree. But your feelings on the matter. Your goal for the surface differs from what we have been living for.”
“That’s correct.”
“You see it as a contest. How very interesting.”
“Isn’t it?”
“Normally, I would be inclined to reject your decision. Even after the fact that you completed the climb to the third floor by yourself. That was impressive. But these floors are not all cakewalk. We’ve all been granted boons to help us to the surface by the Blight God and it is a duty we all promised to use together to reach the Surface.”
“You’re trying to tell me something. Is there a condition?”
“There is a condition. Complete the climb to the fourth floor with the family.”
“Are you trying to convince me to join you on all floors? An elaborate scheme for me to realize that family is a decisive factor in all of this. That destiny is already predetermined.”
“Nothing like that.” My mother takes a seat on a large rock. Her cloak instantly morphing and slicing it into a perfect seat.
I stay standing now at her eye level.
“Your cloak has not finished manifesting its true form. It’s still in its dress stage and I fear you won’t get far without it.” My mother continued.
“I can get by without a stupid cloak.”
“No, no you can’t. No matter how strong or intelligent you are, you cannot accomplish everything alone. If you do decide to continue the climb yourself, you will at least need the cloak fully developed. It is not a traditional thing, but a human necessity."
I pondered. The conversation was not going the way I presumed. I expected a lot more pushback, begging, and defiance. Our mold conscious connection ability makes conversations easier I guess, but this is the first time I’ve been able to let a lot out. I’ve always felt like I did not fit with people growing up, always surrounded by the same people my entire life, but there is a bit of comfort in my mother’s words.
“Can we talk about Iuty?” I asked. Shifting my emotions from compromisable comprehension to disturbance.
“What about him?”
“It’s about his magic. Ever since he gained it, he’s been a different person.”
“Probably mental influence from the Blight God.”
“I know he’s my brother, but why would the Blight God choose him? There were surely better candidates to receive his magic down the line.”
“It is but a fraction of his power, but we are honored to be the parents of such vessel.”
“I don’t think you understand,” I start pacing back and forth, “It is like giving a sword to a child. I don’t think he’s ready to be handling that type of power.”
“There are things we don’t understand, and that is the nature of this world. We get our answers as we climb to the Surface. Surely, your brother’s role will be revealed.”
“I’m not too sure. He’s always been an oddball.”
“Oddball… what a strange word.” My mother chuckled silently, “All he needs is to be shown the right path and I believe you are the only one who can do that.”
I am now in the white room with the marble and gold statues. After escaping Olive’s former teacher and my brother, I am drained of all magical power. Luckily, I see a Bank. I will be able to proceed. I look at Olive and Gabriela. They are as exhausted as I am, but we all know we must keep moving.
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