I Miss Her

Crystal, along with Aurelius and Ambrose, stood outside the magnificent Garden of Eternal Blossoms. The entrance was sealed off with a visible green barrier, and the grand doors, crafted from exquisite crystal rails, were adorned with a prominent crystal lock. Ambrose sighed, "The formidable powers of the Priest Faeries have affixed their seal upon it, leaving us with naught but the ability to observe it from afar."

However, Crystal paid little attention to his words. Driven by an inexplicable force, she stepped forward, her hand reaching out to touch the crystal lock. With unwavering determination, she commanded, "I command you to open for the Aether Faerie before you."

As soon as the words left her lips, the crystal lock vanished into thin air. The green barrier surrounding the garden slowly began to dissipate, and the massive crystal doors swung open, granting her access.

Both Aurelius and Ambrose stood in awe, partially shocked and partially filled with admiration. Even the most powerful of faeries would struggle to break the spell cast by the Priest Faeries, given their divine magic.

"Your Highness, might there not be potential ramifications if the sudden disappearance of this barrier were to come to anyone's attention?" Aurelius expressed, his concern evident. He was worried that Crystal's true nature as an Aether faerie might be discovered.

"In the absence of witnesses, we can remain assured of the situation's stability," Aurelius responded with composure. Hearing this, Aurelius nodded in agreement.

Ambrose and Aurelius followed Crystal into the enchanting Garden of Eternal Blossoms, their breath taken away by its sheer beauty. They were both aware that the garden had been locked and inaccessible for over a decade, and yet, the flowers and greenery thrived vibrantly, shimmering with faerie dust, radiating in the magnificence.

Crystal's eyes welled up with tears as she gazed upon the familiar expanse, stepping into the very garden from her dream. The bushes adorned with pink and red flowers; each with six inverted petals forming the center, and the two anthers standing out, emitted a unique fruity scent exactly as her dream. It was an overwhelming sight, a bittersweet feeling had settled in her heart.

However, one element was slightly off the track—the large fountain that resided at the heart of the garden. In her dream, Crystal had witnessed the water taking the form of a magnificent ten-meter-tall dragon resembling Aurora. But now, the fountain stood dry, devoid of any water.

Crystal walked up to the fountain, disregarding the state of her gown as she crouched down on the ground. Her fingers traced the edge of the fountain, and an overwhelming surge of unexplainable emotions washed over her. It was as if the echoes of the past enveloped her senses—the laughter, the melodic chirping of birds, and the harmonizing voices that resonated with her dream.

In that moment, the realization struck her like a bolt of lightning. The little girl in the maroon gown, the one she had seen in her dream, was none other than herself. Madonia, her past self was her truest form, and the older girl, her mother. The nightmare that had haunted her held the only memory she had of her mother now, and the floodgates of grief opened wide. Crystal couldn't contain her tears any longer.

Aurelius and Ambrose watched, their hearts heavy with empathy, as Crystal wept, her sorrow pouring out like a wounded child longing for the embrace of a lost loved one. They respected her need for solace, giving her the space to release those pent-up emotions that had burdened her soul for far too long.

Silently, they stood behind her, ready to offer their support when she was ready.

...

Crystal stood by the side of the lake behind the west garden of the academy, her gaze fixated on the tranquil water's surface. It had been a week since their return from the King's banquet, and during that time, a heavy silence had settled between her and Aurelius. The absence of any interaction with him weighed on her, leaving her feeling frustrated and uncertain.

Even Aurora had not reached out to her through any of her dreams, adding to the sense of isolation Crystal experienced. Restless, Crystal clenched her fists, her frustration mounting.

Crystal could not help but miss her mother as she started to create birds out of water from the lake effortlessly. The birds flew around her, their graceful movements echoing her mother's elegance. As Crystal watched them, her heart ached even more. She could vividly remember her mother's golden gown and her flowing burgundy locks, but the memory of her face remained elusive. She longed to see her mother's beauty and feel her presence at least once.

In the midst of her melancholy, Aurelius approached her, his hand gently resting on her shoulder. Crystal wasn't surprised as she had already sensed his presence, and turned to face him. "I trust you are in good spirits. How are you feeling?" he asked, concern evident in his eyes. Crystal sighed and shook her head, but she appreciated his unwavering support. As soulmates, his presence brought her comfort and tranquility. He was able to calm his nerves down.

"I miss her deeply," Crystal admitted, her voice filled with longing. "I wish I could remember every detail of her, but all I have are fragments of a single dream."

Aurelius squeezed her shoulder gently, understanding the depth of her yearning.

Crystal smiled as she recalled the past, sharing a memory with Aurelius. "I remember telling you that it was my mother who taught me to create these birds out of water," she said, her voice filled with warmth and nostalgia. Aurelius nodded, a fond smile on his face, affirming his recollection of that conversation.

"Then let me show you something my father had taught me." He watched intently as she cupped her hands, a radiant light emanating from within. Soon, the light enveloped the water birds, and they began to sing and chirp in perfect harmony. Aurelius stood in awe, witnessing not just a display of unique magic, but a manifestation of emotions that resonated deeply within him as Crystal's soulmate.

"I sincerely wish that you discover the answers you are seeking," Aurelius sincerely expressed his care for her. Even if their paths diverged in the distant future, he genuinely wished for her happiness wherever she may be. Crystal, touched by his well-wishes, leaned her shoulder against his and thanked him for his support.

Little did they know, Ambrose, who had been observing from the woods, had witnessed the entire scene. His heart clenched seeing Crystal so close to Aurelius, and unable to bear the sight, he hurriedly walked away, reminding himself that he had no right to harbor such emotions towards Crystal or should he say, Madonia.

Unaware of Ambrose's inner turmoil, Crystal and Aurelius stood together, sharing a moment of connection and understanding.