A searing light woke him. In the cloudless sky hung a harsh summer sun beating down on him waiting for him to burn to a crisp. Where was he? He looked around the unfamiliar beach and realized…he was completely alone. No sounds were heard other than the slapping of waves against the shoreline. “Is anyone here?...” his question echoed off the sand back at him. Stumbling to the water’s edge he caught a fish to state his hunger and began walking around.

A tantalizing voice coaxed him to the water’s edge. Looking down into the dark abyss a sweet whisper came across the surface “Come my child, feel the waves caress you as you fall down in your true domain.” Cocking his head to the side he debated it. This dragon could potentially know where he came from, or even what his plan was. Hoovering a claw over the water, he decided against it. He didn’t know how to swim, let alone who exactly was speaking to him. A gaping maw broke through from the depths knocking him onto his back. “Join my legion and serve me for eternity, where you will want for nothing and have your heart’s desire.” The stench of rotting fish and seaweed engulfed him as he was glowered at by the strange being. While the offer sounded nice, it didn’t sit well with him. It seemed dubious, and in his heart, he knew it wasn’t what he was meant to do. Standing, he slowly stepped back trying to place room between him and the being. “A kind offer, but I really must be going, I don’t know my future, but it’s place is not there.”

A loud roar shook the beach and a grimace spread across the being’s face. “YOU DARE DEFY THE TIDELORD?! I WHO HAVE GRANTED YOU YOUR PITIFUL LIFE AND A PLACE IN MY DOMAIN!” splashing down, he was hit in full force by a tidal wave, that knocked him back several hundred feet. Getting up, he shook his wings, but the water would not come off. Looking into the eyes of the Tidelord, Pan suddenly knew what true terror felt like. Not only did he see the soul of the Tidelord, but the many beings and souls sacrificed in his name, the fear and regret of all those who dared to defy the deity. Instead of flinching, Pan stood his ground. “I will find my own path, and not be told what to do. If you decide to strike me down, so be it. But I will not be forced to do something of which I do not choose to.” The harsh gaze softened and studied him. “You passed your test. Only a true dragon would dare stand up to me. For this, you will be marked until your dying day. Remember this meeting little Coatl, for the next time we meet, you won’t be alive.” With a splash, the Tidelord descended back into the depths of the ocean.

Wandering around for days, he began going mad. Why was there no one here? Who could he talk to without losing his mind? Looking into the distance, he saw black a dot on the horizon. Great, more mirages to taunt him. Patrolling the coast he ignored the looming shadow until it landed right before him. Gazing into the eyes of a Pearlcatcher, he was taken aback by his fine apparel and haunting aura. “News of a stranger stranded and mad on my beach has come to my attention. Why are you trespassing on the edge of my land?” A piercing gaze made Pan shrink down. “I-I don’t know where I am and how I even got here…all I know is I don’t trust the water.” Blue eyes met those of ice, and the gaze lasted for an eternity~ or only a second. Time froze as Pan felt everything from his feathered wings to the deepest part of his soul analyzed, taken apart, and put back together. Relaxing, the Pearlcatcher sat. “You speak the truth, so I shall make you an offer. Come with me back to my lair. Our clan will heal you back to your full health, and you may decide to do after that.” Pan was too tired and worn to argue. Having somewhere safe to heal and relax would end the nightmare of these past few days.

Flying to the lair, the landscape changed into a pulsing, living wasteland. “We’re nearly there.” Landing in a cave, the interior changed into a comfortable living space. Wordlessly, he was passed to a beautiful Wildclaw, who nursed him back to full health. After a week had passed, he had a visitor to see him. It was the same Pearlcatcher that found him. “You look much better than when I found you. Now would be our proper time for introductions. I am Xeromias, leader of Clan Tamashi.” Standing, Pan kneeled. “Thank you much for taking me in, I owe you a great debt for rescuing me. My name is—” he was cut off by the Wildclaw. “Pan”. “Ice Fang, you seem to know our guest well. Did you dream of him?” questioned Xeromias. “I saw his beginning and how he was marked by the Tidelord. He is one of us in heart.” They both studied Pan at this point. “If you choose to stay, we will give you a position of power in the clan, but you must work with us. You may find a mate, settle down, and join our family.

With a sparkle in his eye and a grin on his face, he gave a response.

One year later

“How the times had changed.” Thought Pan. He gazed across the lair at his mate. He thought of no other but Ice Fang, and if she was happy, so was he. Gaining strength, he had trained to fight and protect the clan without hesitation. Sitting on her nest, Pan knew the eggs were not his, but that didn’t matter. They were Ice Fang’s and he would love them as his own. There was a place in his heart for all of his family, and he would give anything to protect it. Staring off into the distance from the mouth of the cave, he saw a looming shadow coming out of the water. Gripping his trident he stood guard. No one would threaten his clan, and no one would feel unwelcome. At long last, he knew who he was and why he was here.