Faith

Summer blinked and stared for a moment, licking her lips as she stood in front of the altar before slowly getting to her knees. The Ranger folded her hands in front of herself and closed her eyes, hesitating as her mind went blank. She wasn’t sure at all how to do this prayer thing as she’d never really believed in Arceus before now. Yes, she knew that he existed, but it was hard for her to wrap her mind around worshiping a Pokemon.  Something had been calling out out to her earlier in the day from where the temple in Cocona Village used to be. It was overgrown by the jungle now, but she felt a tug from deep inside. After getting help from the many wild Pokemon, she’d finally managed to find the altar that had stood at the center of the temple used for ceremonies she knew nothing about. She now sat on her knees in front of it, still not at all sure what to say to Arceus. She’d captured him just a few weeks prior. Would he remember what she had done? Would he remember her promise to her? Would he answer what she asked? Would he even hear her? The doubts raced through her mind, but she took one last deep breath before squeezing her hands tightly and closing her eyes. Lord Arceus. I-It’s me, Summer. I’m sorry I’ve never prayed before. I…just don’t  know how to do this sort of thing. I’m sorry if I’m doing it wrong or anything… I know I should probably be more formal, but I just don’t know what to do…  Uh, how is my family? Is my mother doing all right? How are the twins? I…hope they didn’t suffer too much…  A tear trickled down Summer’s cheek as her heart clenched in her chest as she remembered that night, but bit her tongue to stop herself from falling into a flashback. She could feel the heat from the flames on her face again, but managed to calm her mind, sending the heat away and returning to her thoughts. A gentle presence enveloped her and she found herself drawn into a black void. A shudder passed through her body as she realized she was alone, but it was only for a moment until Arceus appeared before her. She bowed her head quickly, still being in the kneeling position, but a gentle pressure on her head made her look up. The Pokemon looked at her and gave a gentle smile, as much as his facial features would allow. He gave a nod to her, reassuring her that everything was fine. The Ranger managed a small smile before she noticed the god motion and step aside, revealing a familiar form to her. Long, brown hair cascaded down her shoulders and a white nightgown was draped lightly over the woman’s form. Tears began to flow down Summer’s cheeks as her heart clenched, but a gentle hand wiped them away, the soft smile of her mother just inches away from her face. The teen wrapped her arms around her mother’s neck and buried her face in her chest. Calm fingers stroked her hair and she soon found herself falling asleep as the familiar motion soothed her. Before she knew it, she was waking back up in the jungle, the sun peaking over the eastern horizon. Summer rubbed her eyes and looked around, smiling a little bit as she nodded, still feeling the lingering presence of Arceus and her mother next to the altar.