Author: Nix, Posted: Sat Jun 30, 2018 9:45 AM, Post Subject: Shadow's Rebirth [P, R]

Pale blue eyes, as the purest shadows of fresh snow, blinked several times. Where was she? Moments ago, wasn't she in the Valley of Vada? Mirannda turned around, and saw nothing but a long cavern path behind. Calcifer mewed at her, calling her attention forward. ”Cal? Where are we?” The brilliant plumage of Elata was nowhere to be seen, nor her mind able to be reached. ”Elata?” No response. Her companion’s glow lit the way farther in, and he seemed eager to delve deeper. With a shrug, Mirannda continued after Calcifer, hoping that there were answers somewhere down here.

Little things stood out, such as pieces of earth floating about her of their own accord. But what concerned her most was something happening internally. The deeper they went, she felt simultaneously stronger and weaker. Fear began to rise, realizing that her connection to the Mother Flame seemed to be diminishing. This was the reason she was bound by her parents. There couldn't be an eclipse happening right now! In her panic, she began to hyperventilate. A hand pressed into the wall as she fell to her knees.

So focused on the negative, Mirannda missed the important details. As her flame connection weakened, something else was too. Behind what was like a giant blockage in her mind, strength seeped out, engulfing the phoenix’s mind in shadow. She struggled to her feet, rushing to get back towards the surface of Revaliir, now hoping that fresh air would fix this new problem. However, in her panic, the phoenix tripped, all of her strength being spent in trying to maintain the hold of her reviving flame deep within. It was slipping from her, and there was nothing she could do but lay there, gulping for air.