Ophidian's Genesis (UNDER REVISION)

CHAPTER 11

What happened to Seline...

Dione pursed her lips before speaking again, "I offer my deepest apologies, child," she began, her voice resonating with a low, ethereal quality. "My attention has been...divided since bestowing these gifts upon you. I must also express my profound regret regarding the circumstances of your...arrival in this world. No one should be subjected to such pain." Seline could only nod, the reality of conversing with a deity still a surreal weight upon her. Her mouth was ajar while she examined the deity's face. "Wow..." Dione gave out an awkward chuckle, "Are you okay, my child?" 

A soft, melodic chuckle echoed through the vast, star-strewn plane. "Are you quite well, little moon child?" Dione inquired, her tone laced with concern.

"Am... Am I dreaming?" She said feeling a little dizzy.

Dione's laughter, like the distant chime of celestial bells, filled the air. "No, child. This is no dream." A faint blush crept up Seline's neck. "I...I had prepared a list of questions," she stammered, patting her pockets in a futile gesture.

Dione's lips curved into a knowing smile. "This realm does not permit the intrusion of external objects, save for the garments you wear."

Seline looked back at the deity, "Um... okay..." She mumbled, not knowing where to put her hands, "Alana said something about what I should call you. I guess that would be my first question." The teen scratched the back of her head. Clueless and also still stunned while looking at the deity. She wasn't sure how to converse with a higher power. Honestly, it's not like every day you could speak with a higher power on the spot.

The deity looked at her champion, amused, "Only when we are alone, you may address me as my name. However, in the presence of other deities or champions, 'Your Divinity' or 'Your Grace' would be more appropriate." Dione answered happily.

Sensing Seline was still tense, Dione frowned, "You need not be tense." She conjures two chairs, "Sit, you need to calm yourself."

Seline looked at the chair and sat down whilst looking up, not breaking eye contact with the goddess, "I'm a little scared, not gonna lie." Dione nodded, "I know, everything might be moving too fast for you." She paused and shrunk down to be Seline's size, sitting down before continuing, "Don't be afraid, ask some more, if you'd like."

Seline perched at the edge of her seat, "I don't get it."

"It is a complex matter," Dione acknowledged. "Even for myself, when the time comes to choose a new champion."

"How did you come to know me?" Seline asked with furrowed brows.

Dione cleared her throat before answering, "I have watched over you since your childhood."

Seline tilts her head in confusion, "I'm sorry, I don't think I get it."

"The moonstone I wear," Dione gestured to the crescent moon on her forehead, "projects visions of potential champions. It revealed you to me as a child, struggling with...internal conflicts. I witnessed the...incident with your cousin." A shadow passed over Dione's face as she spoke the last sentence.

Seline stared at the deity scared, shuddering when she remembers her older cousin touching her. The way it replayed in her mind made her coil up, hugging her knees, "You... you didn't do anything?" Seline looked at the deity who hesitated to comfort her, "I attempted to offer subtle guidance...I sent your companion, and ensured your cousin was removed from your life." Dione looked at her with guilt-filled eyes.

The teen's head perked up, "Affie? You sent him?" She asked, eyes still watering. Dione nodded. "As a moon champion... Your job is also reliant on animals since most of them do see in the dark. Affie is a half-wolf. I sent him to protect the little girl you once were." Now Dione mentioned it, she does remember her dog scaring off her older cousin whenever she was alone with him. Seline frowned even more, trying to stop the tears, "I miss him. I miss my dog."