Valoria is the first to wake from the dream. Everything hurts, and she feels tired. It was just as she had been told, Her souls almost entirely spent. She had been told that 20% was left, but she wasn’t sure how accurate that number was. Even if she wished for it, she would not be able to land a decisive blow against Clara now.

  Valoria watches as Clara's eyes drift open. The Grand Tree looms overhead, and several dryads begin to snarl at the sight of the girl.

  But the Twisted Guardian merely holds a hand up high. This is more than enough to silence the creatures.

  Clara's breath catches in her throat as she recalls her last memory. Valoria had killed her, and then she died. Instinctively, she grasps at an Aetheric Needle, feeling it take shape into a sword within her trembling hand.

  With a surge of defiance, she holds the blade out towards the Twisted Guardian, her voice quivering with anger and fear.

  "Y-You killed me… Illusion magic?..." Clara grunts, her glare fierce behind the glint of her weapon. The dryads around her hiss and snarl, poised to strike should the Twisted Guardian command it.

  "Silence," Valoria commands, her voice a chilling hiss that echoes through the clearing. "Clara, do you truly not remember what came after your death?"

  "Remember what? You killed me, and now I’m here. What more is there to remember?"

  Valoria stares at her for a long moment, her inky eyes unreadable. Finally, the corners of her mouth curl into a twisted smirk.

  "Very well, I will tell you. What you went through was merely a test, designed to reveal the depths of your resolve. You have proven yourself worthy, Clara Crowsong."

  The clearing seems to hold its breath as Clara, still grasping her Aetheric Needle, watches the Twisted Guardian with narrowed eyes.

  "Worthy of?" Clara asks, and a tree can be heard falling in the distance as Terra squeezes his way into the clearing. Just behind him is Clarence and Seraphine, both of their arms alight with flames.

  "My legacy. Just to the North of here you will find a human child, her name is Ann. I need you to bring her to me. I am unable to leave this Grove, lest the Grand Tree will die. Of course, you will be rewarded for this quest."

  "Who is she to you?"

  "...She is my oldest friend."

  [Side objective: Assist Valoria, the Twisted Guardian in finding her oldest friend]

  Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

  [Reward: Probably nothing]

  It doesn’t give much incentive, but there’s no reason why Clara should decline it if Aetheria’s the one giving the objective…

  "Well if she’s anywhere near as old as you are then she can’t possibly be a child, can she? Sure, I accept your quest."

  "Are you sure about this?" Terra asks quietly, casting a glance at the dryads who watch them, their snarls replaced by curious gazes now.

  "What's the worst that could happen? I’ve got a hunch that I should do it."

  With determination, the four of them set off, heading North. The trees part for them, and they leave Valoria’s grove behind.

  Clara's thoughts linger on her death, and just how powerful Valoria had been in her dream.

  The hatred in her eyes was no longer present. Was it truly a test, or was there something more to it? And why didn’t the Twisted Guardian seem nearly as intimidating now?

  Clara can’t help but feel as if she had forgotten something very important.

  "Are you alright, Clara?" Clarence asks.

  "It's nothing, let's just go find this girl."

  *

  Valoria's body trembles as she collapses to the ground, her once vibrant aura has now been reduced to a feeble flicker.

  The air hangs heavy with the scent of decay, a sign that her soul could not fuel this vessel any longer. Her breaths come in shallow gasps, each more labored than the last as her life force continues to drain from her frail form.

  "Help," she croaks, summoning the last remnants of her strength.

  At her call, several Withered Dryads come to her aid. With tender care, they fashion a makeshift sled from a collection of twigs and gently ease Valoria onto it, dragging her back to the safety of the tree.

  Among the group, one stands out. Sensia.

  His eyes convey a depth of emotion that belie his withered condition, and he watches Valoria with concern stretching across his bark-like face.

  "Come, Sensia. Don’t think that I’ve forgotten about you. I know you snuck into that dream to protect that girl," Valoria whispers weakly, beckoning him with a trembling hand, but he stays rooted to his spot in the distance. "Please, come, I’m not upset. I…I don't have long now..."

  Sensia reluctantly waddles forward, his movements slow and deliberate. As he reaches Valoria, he begins to rub her back in soothing circles, offering what little comfort he can.

  "Thank you," Valoria murmurs, her voice barely audible. A smile tugs at the corners of her cracked lips. "You're kind, unlike your kin. This is why I must burden you with the hardest of tasks."

  She pauses, coughing violently, her body wracked with pain. Thick, black blood spatters into her palm.

  "Before I die... I need to tell you something, Sensia," she says, her voice trembling with urgency. "I remembered who I was in life... Life is beautiful, but it is also full of pain. So much pain. I have done so many wrongs in my years. I’m sorry Sensia, but I ask that you too live. Live, and experience life as it’s meant to be. Accompany your friend on her journey, protect her by all means, even at the cost of your own life. For the sake of the world, you must deny Death a single soul."