Her First Love

The old and wise Pooka approached Crystal, his voice carrying a mixture of sorrow and longing. "Dear Aether faerie, our hearts ache for the loss of our beloved lake. It held the essence of life within its waters, and its absence has cast a shadow over our realm."

Crystal's confusion faded as Aurelius spoke up, "I have read about it in the book of nature. One of the mischievous Pookas broke a branch from an ancient tree, where the dryad resided. In revenge, they seized the lake of life that belonged to the Pookas. Since then, they have started to age, for the lake granted them immortality."

"Is there something we can do to help you?" Crystal asked, still uncertain as to why the old wise Pooka mentioned the lake to her.

The old Pooka nodded, a glimmer of hope flickering in his eyes. "You possess the authority to call upon the elements and break the enchantment that plagues our lake. Only you can restore its vibrant waters, teeming with life and magic."

"How can I do that?" Crystal inquired, her heart racing as she struggled to process the events unfolding around her. Just a few hours ago, she was someone who needed help from others to navigate the Plutus, and now an entire species stood before her, seeking her aid. She would need to come to terms with her newfound abilities and sense of self.

"The lake will rejuvenate upon your command. Follow us to the destination," the old wise Pooka replied, turning around and leading the way toward the former location of the lake.

As they made their way to the lake, Marina walked beside Crystal, her eyes reflecting concern and curiosity. She couldn't contain her thoughts any longer. "Crystal, what do you plan to do about all of this?"

Crystal shrugged, her mind still tangled with various thoughts. "I suppose we will find out once we reach the lake. I did want to discover more about myself and my powers, like you guys, but now that it has actually happened, it all feels a bit surreal and difficult to believe."

Marina fought the urge to facepalm in frustration, sighing while giving Crystal a stern look with furrowed eyebrows. "I'm not talking about the lake or your powers. I'm asking about your mates. I'm asking about Ambrose and Aurelius and what you intend to do."

Crystal paused, her gaze fixed on the path ahead. "Marina, I... I don't know," she admitted, a trace of uncertainty in her voice. "There is so much happening, and I have so much on my mind." Crystal's expression softened, and she turned to face Marina. "I appreciate their help, and I'm grateful to them," she sincerely replied.

"But Marina-- there is something you must understand that-- my heart belongs to someone else. My true first love resides on Earth, and my feelings for him will never waver. I can never love someone else in the same way." Crystal spoke loudly enough for both Ambrose and Aurelius to hear. She realized the significance of the concept of mates among the faeries and other species, but she had to lie to quell any glimmer of hope that may linger within their hearts.

For Aurelius, the truth was hard to swallow, his gaze fixed upon Crystal, couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. He had envisioned a future where their connection would flourish, but he understood the complexity of her emotions. He silently resolved to cherish their friendship, keeping his own feelings hidden deep within his heart.

Ambrose, too, grappled with his own emotions. He had felt an undeniable pull towards Crystal, captivated by her presence and intrigued by the mystery that surrounded her. But he had not realized until now that he heard Crystal about having her first love that he indeed took her as a romantic interest or was it just the fact that she was his mate.

"But do you seriously not feel anything when you look at them, not even Ambrose? When I found my twin flame, I couldn't control my emotions at all," Marina couldn't accept Crystal's claim about her first love.

Crystal took a deep breath and turned around, stealing a glance at the handsome fae and quickly averting her gaze forward. Her heart raced, and her cheeks flushed with heat, but she remained resolute. "No, I don't feel anything."

Disappointed, Marina sighed, hoping that Crystal would develop a beautiful connection with either of the two, knowing she had no one at the Fae Kingdom.

Soon, they arrived at their destination. Crystal's eyes met the still surface of the lake, its stagnant waters reflecting the sorrow that had befallen the Pookas. "I can sense the pain it has caused all of you," she whispered, her voice filled with compassion. "I will do everything in my power to restore what was taken." It was as if someone else was speaking through her, and she wasn't even aware of the words flowing from her lips.

The old Pooka nodded, a glimmer of hope flickering in his eyes. "You are our beacon of hope, the chosen one who can beckon the elements and breathe new life into our sacred lake. We entrust you with the power to rejuvenate its essence, restoring its waters to their vibrant and enchanting state."

With determination coursing through her veins, Crystal extended her arms toward the lake, her voice resonating with ancient power. "By the authority bestowed upon me, I command the enchantment to be undone. Let the waters of the lake flow freely once more!" Still, she felt immense anger, a throbbing sensation in her head as if someone else was controlling her.

As her words echoed through the air, a gentle breeze stirred, carrying a soft murmur. The surface of the lake trembled, ripples forming and spreading like a dance of life. The stillness broke, and water cascaded down in a magnificent display, rejuvenating the land with its revitalizing touch.

The Pookas gasped in awe and gratitude as the lake regained its former glory. Its waters sparkled with vitality, reflecting the vibrant hues of the surrounding flora. The sweet fragrance of blossoms permeated the air, and the melody of birdsong resonated throughout the Mysticum Vale once more.

Crystal approached the lake's edge, her heart overflowing with joy and fulfillment. She dipped her hand into the cool water, feeling its gentle caress against her skin. "The lake is restored," she whispered, a smile gracing her lips. "May it bring life and harmony to this sacred realm."

As she said that, she fell to the ground, losing consciousness once again, prompting her fellow faeries to run toward her in worry.