The Shadows of Nature

4.1 Friend

Audrey's vision opened to find herself amidst the autumn towering trees, allowing little but warm sunlight to reach the ground in netted patterns. The breeze was slow and gentle, the only sound audible in the vicinity. Her surroundings carried silence, a quietude that made her feel welcome but somewhat... foreign. Foreign to the world.

Her feet made little sound as she walked on the soft sand, each grain a lively sensation to her feet but unable to pull out of her thoughts' cloud. She couldn't help but marvel at the change the land had gone through; wrecking chaos to an ominous tranquillity. 

Her hands were still by her side, her footsteps making their way through the forest. As she walked she couldn't help but feel a chilling and oddly quelling sensation in her mind; something ensued by the land's past.

Audrey reached a large opening, faded and divergent figures appearing before her sight as they walked on their journey of life. They were shadows in the three dimensional space, nature being their sole home. Some walked towards their destinations, some wandered aimlessly, some sat by the trees and one noticed Audrey.

His body was entirely covered by a black garment, his face wearing an honest smile. It wasn't as if Audrey could see the background behind him, but she was certain his presence was not completely materialistic.

Perhaps that was how Shadow-Trappers appeared to Human Beings, at least those that could see them.

"Please follow me."

The sound of water grew louder and louder as Audrey walked, the vibrations giving her a sense that the air disturbed its rest. The forest once again grew dense, the smell of its leaves pulling Audrey's mind to be amidst the only sounds of nature. Leaves crackled as they fell to the ground and Audrey noticed the Demon Knight not step on any; he very slightly hovered above the ground and she realised that so did she.

They were in different spaces. She sensed Nature. Nature didn't. Nature was only aware of her.

The Demon Knight began walking towards the right and appeared under a falling leaf but somehow, its path seemed to bend away from his body. Perhaps it was the wind, perhaps it was space and its forces. Audrey wondered. Audrey probably knew.

Audrey's eyes caught the thin figure seated in the middle of the small clearing. Her alerted posture brightened the light that fell on her and Audrey smiled.

Audrey didn't wish to disturb her but fortunately, the Demon was already aware of the Shadow-Trapper's presence. She stood up, her eyes opening slowly as a smile emerged. She gave a small nod and the Demon Knight left silently.

"Hello," Zelda spoke in her deep and gentle tone. Audrey smiled, returning the greeting with a nod.

"The land has changed."

Zelda sensed the underlying thoughts of her aura, a rather proud smile emerging on her expression. Her dark hair was bound so as to not disturb her but as always, it and her black garment provided a bold outline to her aura.

"Indeed. It has changed back to its past form, but its memory..."

A melody was registered by their senses, perhaps something that their minds made or something that the land communicated. The peace remained strong for moments until it had to be interrupted by the matters of reality.

"How do I tell them? How do I tell an entire... species that there existence was not meant to be? That in time they have to leave forever?"

 A frown formed at Audrey's forehead, a breath escaping in harmony to the breeze.

"I am not as brave as Vlad."

Audrey closed her eyes, her back falling towards the bark of the tree. Nature supported her but she knew it wasn't for long.

"You don't have to be brave. You don't have to tell them. All they need to do is to be aware of their nature. It is not different from what the Shadow-Trappers are experiencing.

"Shadow Beings shouldn't have to communicate. There is only consciousness and experience."

Audrey's eyes opened, her head turning to face Zelda. The latter spoke in a softer tone full of care, and it made Audrey feel loose.

"When the Annual Ball comes, they will be made aware. I will help you, the lands will help you. Aurelia will help you. But there is someone else, too."

Audrey turned to face the sky. The white puffs amidst the endless blue... they were comforting. She had been to all of the universes that contained life in the specific region of spacetime. All except one.

"I believe it is time."

"Is it even possible for me to enter that land? I'm no more an angel, and although it used to be my mother... the spirit is known to be difficult to find, let alone speak to." Audrey asked in a whisper.

"Audrey, you are welcome everywhere. We are definitely by your side."

Audrey closed her eyes once again as she shifted her vision to look at Zelda, then opened her eyes.

"Thank you," she said with a smile. Zelda understood that it was both for what she said, and for asking the spirit of Chaos to join them in that final Annual Ball. 

Audrey no more knew what the word friend meant, but she still understood its essence. It was nice to have one in the foreign land, one who was experienced in the role she played in the present. 

The two walked together towards the portal.