More questions than answers

You recover your composure quickly, looking up at Poena as they await your response. They have assumed the same strange, almost draconic form as before, alluringly feminine and intimidatingly tall, easily over eight feet. Ferra still stands in front of you protectively, staring up at the unfathomably powerful entity without a trace of fear. You place a hand on her shoulder, and she relaxes slightly.

“It’s ok, Ferra. This is Poena. She…they…it’s the creator I told you about.”

Poena nods. “You can use ‘she’, as I’m using a female body in this case. It will be easier for you this way. And yes, I mean no harm. Your bravery is intriguing, however.”

Ferra nods, stepping back beside you. “In that case, I apologize for my aggressive actions. I merely wish to protect my master.”

Poena shrugs. “I am not so easily offended. Besides, I wished to see you in action regardless. Chosen companion of the chosen champion.”

You nod. “That she is. So what is it that you want this time?”

You’re surprised to see a smile on Poena’s face. “It is interesting to see you after having paid a visit to your father. You are very much like him.”

You blink in surprise. “You met my dad?”

She nods. “It seemed fitting, after all. He is likely the most powerful deity left, and he hails from another world, one which is far from the crisis you approach.”

You shake your head. “Wait, dad’s world will face this too?”

Poena shrugs. “It’s the nature of magic. Part of the experiment that we agreed upon when we allowed the creation of the portals. Magic would slowly infuse their world, just as technology would slowly influence mine.”

You share a glance with Ferra. “You lost me there.”

Poena smiles again. “A creature like your companion wouldn’t be possible otherwise. I made a deal with another of my kind. They create worlds without magic, avoiding the crisis point. We decided to link this world to one of theirs, to see what happens. The results are fascinating.”

You shake your head again. Your mind is reeling from the implications of what you’re hearing, but you realize you’re getting sidetracked. “So, you spoke with my dad? What did he say?”

Poena shrugs. “The expected. He is proud of you, and he eagerly awaits word of your victory. In truth, I was there to speak with the parents of your companion.”

Ferra looks at Poena in surprise. “Me? But why? I am simply a golem, my master is the important one.”

You give her hand a squeeze, and Poena shakes her head. “That’s not true. While the creation of your body is impressive enough, it’s the soul that interested me. You have emotions, desires, love. Things that even the most powerfully enchanted golem could never achieve without my intervention before now.”

Ferra looks away, but says nothing. Poena nods. “I hear your desire, companion of my champion. This is within my power to grant you, but not yet.”

Ferra looks up at Poena, wide eyed. “You are serious?”

Poena nods. “I do not make jokes about such things.”

You look between the two of them. “So…this is why you’re here? To see Ferra?”

Poena smiles. “Yes. And to deliver a warning. Do not spend too long waiting. And only you and your companion will be able to fight. Your foe grows in power, and may soon become too much for you to overcome. Make haste.”

Before you can respond, Poena vanishes in a cloud of sparks, leaving behind a fading ghost of her voice.