After the blackness the real show started.
Daniel was flying through the void, falling in 29 dimensions towards who knows what. He reaches out for his Gift.
His personal connection to the goddess that he's held since birth.
...
Nothing.
Daniel's heart sinks as the gravity of the situation sinks in and he starts to panic.
Usually in this situation he would use the Gift to help control the trajectory of his fall, help him face where he would land and also try to decrease his falling speed.
But now he senses a vast nothingness in his own soul where there used to be his goddess.
He screams in fear as he plummets through the blackness.
And then he suddenly halts all momentum. Somehow his spine isn't ripped to pieces along with all other parts of his body.
'I must be dreaming' Daniel panickedly thinks,
'This is one hell of a scary and conscious dream, I can even generate coherent thoughts.'
Yes Indeed My Darling
'What on earth?!'
Daniel feels a profound sense of panic as he looks around himself in the void. He didn't hear a voice, it was as if those words had been WRITTEN into reality! A platform of light materializes beneath him and he immediately fell to his knees and made himself prostrate. It was clear to Daniel that he was in the presence of his goddess.
The light that formed his platform blossomed into billions of colors, many imperceptible to the human mind.
You May Rise. Commanded the goddess
You May Not See My Face Though.
"Yes my lady." Responded Daniel most appropriately.
Daniel rose and took in the magnificence of the structure that has bloomed around him. Its looming balconies, its ornate and dancing designs flowing and weaving intricate and beautiful stories. And at its epicenter sat the holy one herself, clothed in wonders and beauty surpassing even the building around Daniel and her.
I Know You Abhor Ceremony But At Least Allow Me This Comfort.
"Far be it me to deny you anything my fair lady." Said Daniel breathlessly.
Good.
I Bring You Here For A Much Necessary Message.
"What does your holiness impart?" he beseeched.
Daniel felt her smile upon him as a wave of compassion flowed over and through him.
As You Know, You Have Just Been Assaulted By A Gift Of Darkness.
The Name Of That Being That Supplies That Power Is Diabolus, Thus Why Their Society Is Named The Diact.
Daniel frowned immediately, he has always hated the heretic Diact, although the only time he has heard that name was from the mouth of the heretic that attacked him.
"Why do you not destroy such a dark being and their society?" Daniel asked, dreading the only answer he could conceive.
The Dark Being Diabolus Must Exist.
She decreed.
There was a period of silence as Daniel expected her to continue.
.
.
.
.
"Why?" He asks finally.
You Do Not Need To Know.
Suddenly Daniel was filled with a rage he didn't know he possessed towards the goddess.
"Why can't I know?" He demanded
He immediately felt a drastic gravity upon his body and he was forced to his knees. The colors all around him started to take a menacing tone.
KNOW YOUR PLACE HUMAN.
Boomed the goddess in his mind.
Realizing the arrogance of what he just said Daniel shakily responded "I am so sorry, I know it is a great honor alone to be in your presence and receive your message directly, I thank you deeply."
Suddenly the weight disappeared as the goddess's rage subsided and the beautiful palette returned once more.
It Is Only Human To Sin.
But It Is Truly Strong And Holy To Deny Your Base Instincts In The Name Of My Word.
"You are right my lady."
On To My Message.
'Shit, she hasn't even started her message yet.'
Thought Daniel.
He sensed disapproval from the goddess and he was confused. Then he remembered the events that transpired a few minutes ago.
Please Tame Your Thoughts When You Are In My Presence.
"Sorry my lady." Winced Daniel.
You Will Never Feel My Presence Again.
This put the ultimate weight of damnation in Daniel's heart. 'Did I sin that badly? What does she mean never? Will I go to hell for my stupidity?!'
That Is Not So.
Diabolus Now Has His Claim To You.
You Will Never Use My Gift Again.
This alleviated a little of the worry from Daniel's heart, but not much.
Take Heart That You Can Deny His Bidding And Return To Me.
But It Will Not Be Easy.
"I am prepared and hardened against that challenge" Daniel declared.
Good.
"May I ask one more question?"
Daniel asked.
In Addition To The One You Just Asked, Sure.
Daniel shared a smile with the goddess.
"Why do you not speak this casually at the trials?"
Daniel heard a grand and booming sound that must be the goddess's laugh.
Your People Enjoy The Ceremony.
This brought a smile to Daniel's face.
Now Go.
With that command Daniel shot out of the structure and straight into a giant, clawed hand.
"It Seems We're Going To Have Some Fun Together" stated something he could not see.
Daniel was filled with terror and he screamed.
....
Then reality returned to him as he opened his eyes to find he was in the med-bay of the arena. Surrounded by some very concerned friends.