Lost and Found

I close my eyes and let the wave of exhaustion wash over me.. I'm coming Fig. I feel warm tears flowing down the sides of my face but I don't bother to stop them. "Little one.. what you have given me... it's more than you'll ever know." Nexus's voice suddenly brings me back and I smile.

"I'm glad I could help Nexus. They helped me escape Ryder and his goons at the cost of their lives.. it's the least I could do for them.. and for you." Nexus suddenly moves closer and says "I will now show you our appreciation." The glowing seed begins to float again and it stops right above my head.

I look from the seed then back to Nexus in confusion. "What do you mean?" I ask but he's no longer paying attention to me. The seed begins to glow brighter and brighter until I can no longer keep my eyes open. I try to cover my eyes but he quickly says "Don't move little one."

I freeze and do my best to see. The seed looks as if water is about to drip from it but it wasn't water.. No, it was glowing a blindingly, bright blue color and as the drop grew in size it became heavier and heavier until it dropped. It landed straight on my forehead knocking me out cold.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I slowly start to wake up and find myself stretching like a cat. I feel like I've slept for years and it felt great. When I open my eyes I see the cave and everything comes rushing back. I quickly sit up and look for Nexus. When I do find him my jaw hits the floor.

"Nexus?" I say nervously and sure enough the large tree turns to look at me. "Ah! You're awake.. good, good." I stumble as I quickly stand and try to make sense of what I was seeing. "Good? You're a tree!! How is that good?" Nexus chuckles and I watch as his leaves shake. The little fairies dance and fly around him in joy.

"Yes, I am finally a tree and it's all thanks to you. My brethren have all become trees and rejoined the cycle and now I too can join them. If you had not brought the seed... I would have slowly disappeared and I would never have the chance to come back or join my brothers. Hahahaha! Little one you have done good!"

I'm pretty sure I looked like a goldfish at this moment because I didn't know what to say or do... he wanted to be a tree? This was a good thing? I scratch my head in confusion and say "If that's what you want.. and if this makes you happy.. then I'm happy." I give him an awkward smile that has him laughing again.

I look at the water that his trunk now sat in and was blown away yet again. It was the spirit water!! The water I drank that saved my life. Nexus saw my shock and said "Yes, it's the same but you no longer need it. I've given you a gift and you are no longer dying." His branch reaches out and points to my head and I reach up to feel but frown. I didn't feel anything.

I walk over to the water and look at my reflection. I suck in and jerk back.. no way! I lean back over as Nexus says "I prefer your original look." Sure enough my dark brown hair and green eyes were back.. I was back but a small light blue, shimmery star was left on my forehead. I reach up and touch it but nothing happens. I can't feel anything...

"That is my gift to you little one. With that mark you will live as long as your mate.. You don't have any magic but that shouldn't matter right?" My smile continues to grow as tears begin to fall. "No, it doesn't matter. I was never really good with the magic thing anyway..." My heart was happy and yet it continued to break. Fig.. I was too late.. if I could have made the connection sooner then...

"Ah that's right... I have one last gift to you." He lowers one of his larger branches and a large flower begins to bloom. Everything felt as if it was slowing down when I first saw what was inside. The large petals began to open and fall back one by one revealing a cute and fluffy sleeping Fig.

My hands shake as I step closer and reach for him. "Fig?" I ask and hear my voice break. Was this real? Fig's little head pops up and he looks around confused but as soon as his little eyes meet mine he freezes. "Fig?" I ask again but this time he jumps up and straight into my arms.

"Syn! I had the weirdest dream! But it was more like a nightmare because I couldn't find you no matter how much I looked for you..." I hug him to me and cry. I cry with relief and greatfulness.. He's here.. he's safe. I start kissing him over and over until he's squirming to get away from me. His hair is now sticking up in every direction and I giggle. I've never been so happy to see him...

Rune! I instantly begin freaking out. I turn to Nexus and he just nods his head say "Yes, yes, It's time for you to go. I will be here and you can come visit me any time you wish." I rush over to him and wrap my arms around his large trunk, careful to avoid the water. My arms can't reach all the way around but it doesn't stop me from trying.

"We will be back I promise. There's someone who's waiting for me.. and I can't keep him waiting." I say before turning around and running out of the cave. Fig holds on tight as I run through the forest and head straight for the castle. The fairies follow closely behind giggling and cheering. I'm coming Rune...