Chapter 3: Death

I could feel it, the slow ache in my body so I try and distract myself by asking the tree questions and if you had told me I would spend the last few hours of my life talking to trees I'd have laughed at you. I was suddenly glad I had at least someone or something to talk to as I slowly died. No matter how many times I go over everything in my head I can't figure out how I got here so I decide to drop it. It won't do me any good now.

I sit with my knees drawn close to me to keep warm and ask the tree to tell me about his world. After some thought the tree decided it couldn't hurt anything to tell the poor human who is dying. "We have many living creatures here that do exist in the world of humans. There was a time when humans ruled this land and war after war it started to die and became toxic. Even back then the fae existed but in the shadows. Magic has always been part of this world but they could no longer agree with what the humans were doing." The old tree stroked what looked like a long beard and got lost in thought.

"The fae royalty came together with the strongest of our kind and created this world. All the magical creatures have a free pass to and from this world but as you know humans do not. You aren't supposed to be here." The old tree says in confusion. "Hey, I'm just as confused as you are old man," I say with a small smile. The old tree chuckled and nodded. "Yes, yes I know little one. Why don't you tell me a little about yourself?" He asked seriously.

Smiling I told him my name and about my world and friends. I even told him about being a DJ and he was slightly confused by the term. After explaining he got excited and said "You like music as well? My brothers and I all sing together! Would you like to hear one of our songs?" He asked excitedly. Giggling I nodded my head and as I looked up I noticed the sun going down and things becoming colder.

"Come Syn and sit against my trunk, I will do my best to keep you warm." The old tree said gently. I gave him a small smile as I sat against his large trunk and leaned my head back. It was getting dark fast and I could already see the stars in the vast sky. Suddenly I heard the most haunting voices as they all came together to create the most hypnotic melody I'd ever heard. I only closed my eyes for a moment but when I opened them all the trees had started to glow.

I couldn't believe my eyes or ears for that matter. I've never seen anything like it and suddenly I felt tears at my eyes threatening to run down my face. I took a deep breath in, smelling the earthy smell and something I've never smelt before... magic. Suddenly dying like this didn't seem so bad. I joined in humming their hypnotic tune. The old tree seemed surprised but was happy to see me join. I felt the warmth of all the trees seeping deep in my bones and I became so tired I couldn't hold my eyes open any longer.

"Syn, wake up. You need to listen to me closely. Do you understand?" The old tree said while gently poking me. I sat up slowly and felt pain and thirst like I never have before hit me. I moaned as I tried to stand. The old tree helped me stand. "What's wrong?" I asked confused. "I want you to follow a path the trees will make for you. At the end of that path, you will find a white broken tree with water pouring out the middle. You need to drink the water do you understand?"

Confused I nodded. "I think I have a fever," I say to no one in particular. "Mmm yes, you need to hurry Syn. Please." The old tree gently pushed me to the direction of the path that seemed to magically appear. I tried to steady myself as I slowly made my way down the path. The trees started to hum again and sway... or I think they were swaying. That could just be me though. I stumble a little and the other tree reaches out to steady me. "Thank you," I say as I keep walking.

I'm not entirely sure why I was doing as the old tree said but all I knew was that I had to find this water. I was so hot, dizzy and thirsty. I felt I was running out of time. I don't know how long it took but when I heard the trickle of water my head snapped up with joy. My smile slightly faltered as I looked at the tree... It was ghostly white. The water looked like it was a mix of blue and purple. I had never seen anything like it and I suddenly took a step back.

"I don't remember water looking like that.." I say softly. My head spun again and I almost fell. Steeling my nerves I stumbled over to the water and knelt down. It was eerie quiet as I took a look around. Nothing made a sound, not even the wind. I shudder as a wave of pain slips through me. "Here goes nothing," I say as I bend over and put my lips to the cold water. I close my eyes and drink.

Water had never tasted so good or felt so good as I drank deeper. I drank until my fill and sat back. My head started to spin a little more and I decided to head back to the old tree. I felt safe with him and this area was kinda creepy. Snap! I turn and look to see the white tree break even more. The water was no longer flowing and the water puddle I drank from was quickly drying up. I stepped back and started to panic. Did I do something? Did I break something?? The white tree started to turn gray and then black as it completely crumbled. I turn to run back to the old tree as my world suddenly goes dark "shit.."