Choose Your Own Adventure [Part 7]

OH MY GOD. We have another part! WILL YOU BOND WITH THE LEVIATHAN!? o.o

[Part 7]

“Yeah,” you say. “We’re here to take your trial of worth.”

The leviathan lowers herself into the water and then leaps out with the grace of a dolphin. She lands on the rocks around you and Nini, splashing you both. The beads of water catch the bright summer sun just right—tiny rainbows flicker in the air for just a moment.

Once the leviathan settles around you, her fins quiver and shake. “My name is Aquitia.”

“Well, I’m Nini Wanderlin, and this is—”

“I was nearby when you two introduced yourself,” Aquitia says. “I even saw your interactions with the trickster.”

“Oh?”

With a childish pout, Aquitia sighs. Then she turns her attention square on you. “You displayed plenty of assertiveness, but can that be tempered?” With a tilt of her head, Aquitia turns to Nini. “And you displayed plenty of conviction, but it was… foolish and desperate.”

Nini frowns, her face pink once again.

“Being a leader of men isn’t a title. It’s an attitude—a way of life. You never have to tell someone you’re the one to take charge. When you’re confident and assertive and capable, people will know. They will look to you for guidance.” Aquitia glances from you, to Nini, and then back to you. With the beauty of regal snake, the leviathan moves around you two, a hiss-like hum on her breath. “And I know how to determine which of you exemplifies those qualities.”

Nini taps her fingertips together. “You do?”

“That’s right.” The leviathan stops moving, her fifteen-foot-long body half-circled around you both. “You two will decide who will stay and who will go. Show me you’re a leader and convince the other to leave. In your hearts, you two already know which of you is best suited.”

The statement causes Nini to grow still and quiet. She doesn’t look over at you.

What do you do?

A) “Are you serious? This isn’t even a contest. Nini knows she lost.”

B) “Aquitia—didn’t you say you had sisters nearby? Maybe one of us could go there.”

C) “Nini—what do you think? Do you have a way to convince me to leave?”

D) “Oh, in my heart, I know Nini will do great. I should be the one to leave.”

E) “Nini—no more games. You should hurry and find another mystical creature before it’s too late.”

F) “Aquitia—can’t you just decide? Nini and I are basically friends now.”

G) Wait for Nini to say something.