Serek widened his eyes. He had no idea, no idea at all where he had come from. He had never asked Mother and she had never told. He had never really thought about it. He just...existed. But he was someone before, someone with a gem, a green gem, who had died and become bones. So long ago that their body faded away and became the bones across Canis. He suddenly became very self conscious of the bones he stepped upon. He had often seen gems glittering and glinting among the masses, but he had never thought that he had been one of them.

He looked down as he processed this. He remembered the dog that had been confused, never seeing anyone like him before. It was because he wasn't like anyone. He was a freak, a stranger, an alien among the gems. Perhaps he didn't belong.

No, he belonged. He would prove it. He would fight and beat anyone that tried to question it. Upon this promise, he lifted his head and looked Mother in the eyes. "Thank you, Mother, for telling me and for giving me life." Although his young mind still did not quite comprehend the enormity of this, he was grateful all the same, grateful for his life.

Mother's speech was long and complex, despite her efforts to make it simple. He tried to understand, tried to grasp it, but when it failed, he simply committed it to memory. If he didn't understand it now, perhaps he would some time later. Perhaps the Children of Rot would give him the answers.

He leaned into Mother's nuzzle and gave her neck a soft lick. He would be strong for her. He would be brave for her. And for the Siblings, who she had brought to life.

He stepped back and raised his head proudly. "I understand, or, at least, I will understand. I promise, I'll never forget. I'll learn and discover. I'll make you proud, Mother."

He suddenly remembered something that he thought he should do. He bounded out of the bone pit and found a nice open spot. He had been practicing this for some time and he hoped that Mother would like it. He touched his nose to the ground as magic surged forward, powered by his emotions, and a large area of glowing fungus popped out through the bones. He looked at her, pride sparkling in his eyes. "I know that you like the glowing ones. If the darkness ever comes again, I hope these will make it bright enough to see."

With one last long look at Mother, hoping that she liked his little present, he turned and headed towards where Dragon was waiting for him. He didn't want to look back in case he changed his mind so he stalked ahead of the huge beast, his eyes trained on the exit to the bone room. He was finally leaving, finally beginning his life in the caves. But he wouldn't forget his family. Not ever.

*exit