-In Pearl's mind-
From one mother to another, seeing our offspring push through the uncertainty of our future is something to be proud of. Strong or weak, they are our blood and skin.
When we birthed them, we made a promise to ourselves and our partner. Our kids will thrive and succeed, no matter the cost. Nothing can make sacrifices like a mother for her babies.
I have seen it all in the years of a Walker, starting with Eldigo's attack. That creature swooped in and shattered the skies with unexplainable fury. No one knew why, either.
Regardless, we continued to examine the beast until we were sure we found an answer. As he left, we noticed one of its many tentacles loomed over us.
There was a feeling of guided conciousness as it hovered in the skies, as if it was told to do something. We were all paralyzed by fear, unsure of what was to come.
But the one leading the hunt, Trijunn, he barked orders. Telling us to run away from it, the others would take care of the creature. Until the tentacle came crashing down on us.
All I could remember next was being in the hands of mercy, some kind of song ringing in my ears. It sounded heavenly, really. But I felt defeated knowing my time was over and my Shora, Shodo, and Shojoro were motherless.
You have three kids, don't you? Hylo, Etherna, Azir. Zawed and Thrawed, what a beautiful combination. They make your heart whole, seeing them smile.
That being said, where our heart stays is where we are most fragile. When I saw my Shora dead, I held him in my arms, apologizing for not being there to aid him.
Now my kids are fully grown, but they remain my babies. One of my babies shares his heart with you, that's the pattern for the future.
Shora is in the center of your cold heart, I can tell. You two have endured together and lasted through so many conflicts. But you must understand one thing:
Being a mother requires sacrifices, big and small. Are you strong enough to sacrifice? Does your heart beat in unison with your babies and partner?
There will come a downpour unlike any other, we will all be on our knees. Only confidence and quick thinking could save us. I would know because I've been in that reality, it's the reason why I exist.
Starting with this war, prove to my Shora you are a worthy partner. Do not make the mistake I made after receiving Shodo, believing my own style was better than my partner's.
Because one day, when all fails, Shora will stand beside you. And together, you will make your last stand against the Advanced Ones.
On that day, you must look within yourself to make a decision. Yourself or Shora? I will not shame you for your choice, nor will he. It's just how we are.
When you voice your decision, Shora will voice his. If your decisions align, a bright future opens up. However, if your choices are different... it's difficult trying to explain.
Do not say a word of what I told you to any of my sons, this is between you and me only. From mother to mother.
-Outside of Pearl's mind-
"I have so many questions! Argh, it's difficult trying to decide which ones to as-"
"Don't," Lya sat beside Pearl. "What I am, my purpose, and intensions are all of my concern. You must worry about your family first."
Pearl sighed. "I guess you're right. Was Eth - I mean, Shora, difficult to raise?"
Lya noticed Pearl was changing topics, her eyes looked down at her lap. Remembering a time Shora laid there, naked and crying. Unsure of the world around him and all that he would accomplish.
"He was shy, very shy. Often hiding behind Solice and me, begging for protection. I shielded him, Solice encouraged him to interact with the other offspring," Lya replied.
It didn't take long for Pearl to picture Ether hiding behind his mom, peeking around the corner to see who was there. Throughout their relationship, Pearl commented on how tiny Ether was.
Comparing him to a full grown Zegus, Thawed, or Feral seemed odd because each one towered over him. Even the younger Zegi and Thawed dwarfed him.
"Even then, Shora was sugar sweet. It took some time for him to get the hang of things, but when he did he would experiment with it. Then bring it to me and Solice so we could see it. I always supported his growth."
Pearl hugged herself. "Some of you still lingers within him. I don't know if you see this too, but Ether encourages Hylo to be who she wants to be. Little girl already has a lot to deal with."
"A Zawed of pure opulence," Lya added. "Her sister and brother always interact with each other, leaving her to watch. In that, she found the silence needed to grow."
"Wouldn't it be dangerous?" Pearl asked.
"Shora and you are good mothers, she adores you both. As long as you two keep her going, she will never be sad," Lya answered.
Pearl glanced over to Lya. "Why do you sometimes call Ether a Yonie, other times a Yomie? He's a he."
Lya nodded. "That's correct, but even to Threshers what he and his siblings are is confusing. This is why Threshers breeding with other Variants is a hassle, because we cannot understand the product."
"You don't know the genders of your own sons?" Pearl asked in disbelief.
"Physically, they are male. In the eyes of every other Variant, male. In the eyes of a Thresher, they are all females. Same can be said about mentally. That's why they are so quick to care."
Before Pearl could respond, Demon walked into the room. Corruption twisting alive in his armor.
"Lya, Shora needs Tellendor. The Alpha Female says there's something outside that needs to be taken care of."