PMD-U: The Sun

Nothing.

For hours, she had climbed over fallen branches, hoisted herself across gaps in the earth's crust and waded through waters that threatened to sweep her away, but still there was nothing.

No Pidove chirped softly in the night breeze. No playful buzzing of a Volbeat trying to win the attentions of an Illumise. Just the vast emptiness imposed onto her senses by the Calling.

His Calling.

Yes, she had prayed to him, asking for his guidance in her time of uncertainty and pain. Never had she expected an answer. His name, his very presence was the binding of their culture, of their stories. Without him, they would not exist as they did, but many believed him to be just that: a story.

But no, the structure coming into her sight was no tale. The cavern glittered with brightly colored gemstones, inviting her into its depths. Who was she to refuse?

The dark, rock walls gave way to something that glowed in the dim light. For just a moment, she stopped and placed a paw on the strange surface, only to pull it back in disbelief.

Gold.

The walls of the cavern were composed of gems and gold. Just as the myths spoke of. Could he really be. . .

Heat engulfed her form as she stepped through a magnificent, natural archway. The searing pressure took the air from her lungs, leaving her gasping for each shaking breath. She wanted to turn back, to regain herself, but the insistence tugging at her mind, the deafening silence pulled her forward.

Any air that remained left her with the sight suddenly before her.

It was. . . He was. . .

Beautiful.

The stunning giant was waiting, his wings smoldering in the dim light of the room. No amount of words could describe the being before her. The Ancient One, here and calling on her. Knee shook until they could no longer support her, falling to the ground in a deep bow.

"You have come." That voice broke through her silence, overtaking all of her senses at once. Was she supposed to reply? Could she speak in his presence? Would she?

"Y-you called on me, my. . ." My what? My lord? This was no mon of higher status than her who demanded her respect. There were no words for this.

How does one address a God?

"You claim control over my tribe, yet you lack control of self." A bright glow from his eyes forced her own shut, making his words that much clearer. "You who call on me to abolish the feelings within. You who seek release from what you have done." Her body shook fiercely, unable to move from her place at his feet.

"Your passion flares brightly. Allow these thoughts to continue and it will burn you alive." A mighty beat of his wings sent the sparks of ember skipping across her skin, the small coals slicing every spot they touched. Still, she dared not move.

"You wish for my blessing, my power. You must first accept the source of your pain. None are to blame. Only your own selfish desires. I will not see my line destroyed by one's foolish hatred." His words stung more than any ember and she knew she should accept them, but her pride would not allow it.

"I did what had to be done. I could not allow such abandonment-"

"Your side was not empty." His voice boomed over hers, blocking any attempts at continuing. "Only your heart. You are the one who could not accept the love of a friend. You did not want her love. You wanted to own her. She was not your equal, not in your mind."

No. He was like all the others His words were full of lies and misunderstandings. She had done right. So. .

Why did everything still hurt so much?

"You are not fit to rule my tribe. Until your cold heart has been kindled once more by the fires of forgiveness, you will rule none." No. She looked up, awe smothering her want to argue. No. Why would he lie to her? Why would he bring her all the way here, to a place no one had entered in generations, just to lie?

Perhaps. . .perhaps his words held. . .truth.

"My words are truth. Seek out what remains of the love you wronged. If they find it in their hearts to forgive, then you may still have a chance." The heat kicked up in a crushing whirlwind, sand scalding every inch of her skin as she cried out in agony. "Refuse. Fail and my Mark will no longer adorn your body, nor will the flames given to you by your worship.

"Now, Cold One, go. When you are worthy, the path will become clear once again." Moving on its own, her body stood, granting her Lord another bow. Seek out what remains. . .What remains. . . As suddenly as she was at the mouth of the cavern, his words' meaning occurred to her.

She. . .she had to get home. Her soul and heart ached and her mind was a spiraling mess of colors and sensations. Her feet took her the way she thought she remembered coming through.

It was strange. She didn't remember such a thick Fog before.

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Some current events relating to Team Roseli's backstory.

Why, yes. The Fog means exactly what you think it means.