Mother Nature

Chapter 5

Her eyes flew open. 

Bright lights.

Another pair of hands were gripped tightly; anxiously around hers. 

Heavy, relieved breathing. 

‘God Ivy.’

She blinked sleepily while turning the other way to stare at wall of grey cotton. 

Fabric. Her mind registered numbly. 

The fabric stretched over hard muscles, then loosened. 

Fabric...human.... inhale...breathing. 

Then it clicked. 

Ivy was up in a flash. Head rush. 

‘Whoa, steady there.’ A hand reached out and held her firmly by the shoulders. 

Ivy tried to clear her head.  Two bottomless pits of black swayed in front of her. 

Someone sighed.

‘Stay still.’ A familiar voice instructed as she felt something cool on her forehead. ‘Lantinus Phoexhelah.’ 

The confusion was gone. 

‘Kai?’ Ivy croaked out. 

‘I’m here.’ He assured her as he sat down. ‘God, you scared me for a second there.’ 

Ivy frowned.

‘What happened to me?’ She asked. ‘I mean I remember Camellia and everything, but after that?’ 

‘I thought I told you not to get too attached.’ He growled suddenly when hearing the flower’s name, ignoring her question.

‘I didn’t!’ Ivy protested. ‘I did as you told me! I didn’t embrace her life force!’ 

‘You still got very attached to her mentally.’ He replied curtly. 

Ivy threw up her hands. ‘Well, I’m sorry. You told me to find her thoughts and-’

‘-I know.’ He cut in, His face weary. ‘I know.’

Ivy watched him as he got up and paced around. His broad shoulder’s hunched, those firm hands clasped behind his back, his bushy eyebrows were knitted together in worry.

‘I guess it shouldn’t be anything too surprising.’ He mumbled more to himself than to her. ‘You are Mother Nature. Your connection with plants practically defines you.’ He stopped and looked at Ivy. ‘How was it? The whole experience?’

The glowing sphere...pollen...velvety petals...

‘It was amazing.’ She breathed, recalling the memories. 

‘Huh. I should’ve guessed.’ Kai snorted. ‘Camellia is a very attractive flower herself anyway, so it makes sense.’

She was only half-listening. 

‘So why did I pass out?’ she asked. 

‘Probably because it’s your first time. And of course-’ he gave her a steady look ‘-over attachment. It can be overwhelming when a flower gives up its life while having made a close connection with someone. You were lucky it was mostly a mild mental connection, if it were a soul connection and she left...’ he trailed off. 

It was enough.

She caught a glimpse of a smooth, dark-green opaque surface in the clutches of Kai’s hands. 

‘What’s that?’ 

He glanced down as he uncurled his hands, revealing a round surface of dark pine-green, dotted and interweaved with veins of wine-red.

‘Its a bloodstone.’ He answered. ‘Known for its healing properties. I used it to clear your head.’

Ivy nodded, recalling the cold smooth touch against her forehead. ‘But the name? Really?’

His mouth curved into a wry smile. 

‘Ironic huh?’ 

She grinned. Then remembered how worry was creased into his face when she woke. 

‘I’m really sorry if I freaked you out.’ She mumbled quietly. ‘I didn’t mean to.’ 

‘Nah. It’s good.’ Kai gave her a reassuring smile. There was a flash of shakiness but then it was gone. ‘It wasn’t your fault and you did good. You mastered it in one go.’ 

‘Really?’ Ivy beamed. ‘In one go?’

‘Well, you are Mother Nature.’ He said slowly giving her a sly smile. Ivy grinned as she flung herself on him; enveloping Kai into a tight hug. His eyes widened in shock.

‘Thank you.’ She whispered against his shoulder. ‘For helping me.’ 

He slowly laid his hand on the small of her back, but pushed her away gently using the other. He gazed at the girl in front of him. For a moment, something flashed and burned in his eyes; a flame in the midst of darkness. But it vanished just as quickly. 

‘It’s my duty.’ He replied stiffly, giving her a small squeeze on the shoulder. ‘C’mon, lets get you home.’ 

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Author's Note:

Mmmm is it just me or do I see sparks flying? ;) Or is it more darker than that? Keep reading.... Comment, vote, add plz <3

xxClare