Koi, Playful Leviathan

393 AC - Its multicolored silhouette is reflected in the stagnant water of the rice fields, which are full to brimming after the recent rains. I watch intently to ensure I don't miss a single moment of the show. And what a show it is! Its pastel-colored fins push the clouds away each time they flap, like the rippling, lacy fins of a betta fighting fish. As it twists in the sky, like the fish-shaped streamers often flown during Ryukkōsai, its whiskers stir the air around it like those of a catfish. But there's really no mistaking it: This mischievous Leviathan specifically chose to be a carp as big as a mountain to announce its existence in the world. Its iridescent scales reflect the sunlight and start to shimmer.

It looks like it's dancing, or engaging in a courtship ritual. But I know it's actually playing with my alter ego. I can also see the sparkling droplets that Bubbles forms as he swims around the Leviathan, and the giant Koi happily follows him, curious and playful. After all, Chimaeras and Leviathans aren't that different, really. I don't know yet if other humans realize how closely related they were. They surely knew that both were connected to Mana and the Tumult, and could freely wade around in it as though it were an ordinary ocean. But did they understand their true nature and what their role was? I take out my notebook and charcoal and prepare to sketch the aerial ballet. I simply must show this to Zaza.

NADIR