The Dryad's Loyalty

Chapter 10: Healing

Hazel sprung from their bed, and this time, Roy couldn't do anything to stop them. They stumbled on the sheets, hopping forward to regain their balance and stormed out of the infirmary, leaving the patients extremely confused.
They had places to be.

They tried finding their way out of the castle again, rushing through crowded hallways. They ran past many minions, who were all waiting on the magikoopas to tend to their wounds and nearly bumped into a couple, apologizing profusely.
Once they reached the outside they decided to fly up, figuring they'd find the greenhouse faster that way, and then finally... they spotted it and landed right in front of the entrance, catching their breath while gripping the door handles, ready to make their way in.

Hazel pushed the doors open, and immediately they saw just how much damage had been done to those poor plants, really just as much as any other minion, despite their resistance to jumps and the like... it looked like the bros had a bit too much fun with the Fire Flowers...
And there, tending to all the plants, was Lakitu as usual, but it seemed like he wasn't doing so good either.

Hearing the doors open, the floating turtle looked towards them, fixing his glasses, his beady eyes widening once he saw who it was "Hazel!" he shouted, flying towards the dryad, unable to hold back a smile "I'm so glad you're okay! They told me you went face-to-face with the brothers on your own, and then you weren't waking up anymore and-- I was so worried!" he exclaimed, flailing his hands.
"But now... you look completely fine, how is that possible?"

"Well- I think the green brother left me a 1-Up mushroom to help me recover? That's how I remember it anyway-" Hazel muttered, still trying to recollect all their memories.

Lakitu looked even more surprised "WHAT?! He- he gave you a healing item... just like that?"

"Y-yeah... beats me why he did that... he probably just felt sorry for me"

"Hm... well at least you're back now! And- and I'm really glad you came here honestly..." Lakitu muttered, looking a bit down.

Hazel tilted their head "Y-you are? Well- I mean I had to! Actually I'm looking for Petey, where is he? Is he okay?"

"Well... that's sorta why I'm glad you showed up- Petey's still healing but- he's also really sad about something... I can't communicate with piranha plants, so I don't know what's bothering him specifically but- that's why I'm glad you're here! Maybe you'll figure it out" the turtle muttered, fidgeting with his hands.

"Oh Petey... alright, I'll see what I can do! Where is he?" the dryad replied, smiling reassuringly. They wondered just why Petey was feeling like that... maybe it had something to do with what happened in the forest? Only one way to find out.

"He's in the other room, wait, let me lead you there..." he said, floating through the greenhouse and into a separate room, where the climate felt slightly warmer. There, under a blanket, Petey was sleeping; his petal crown looked wilted, and there were still many parts of his head that were healing up.

Hazel felt their heart tighten seeing that... poor baby. The next time they caught those two Mario bros they were going to rip off those silly mustaches of theirs!

"Hey Petey..." Lakitu whispered "Look who's come to visit you!" he smiled, gently shaking the big plant-dino awake.

Petey let out a sad grumble, looking at Lakitu, before he noticed Hazel was there too and suddenly got up, waddling towards them and immediately hugging them tight, nuzzling them and drooling all over their head.

The dryad yelped and chuckled seeing how happy he was to see them again, and hugged back, giving him lots of pats "Hey, hi!! Oh my gosh I'm so glad you're saaafe!" they said, listening to Petey's purrs and clicks and quickly figuring out the reason for his sadness.
"Aw lil guy, don't beat yourself up over it... I'm fine now, see? Good as new!"