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They were nature spirits created by mother earth, minor deities who helped tend to their respective elements, caring for the trees, the flowers, the wild life. Healing the earth and helping her to grow in any way they could.

He has never seen one before, as they often stayed hidden within their lands and didn't stray far from home, but he had heard of others who had.

Now, to have one here, healing him of all creatures, it was truly a blessing from a god he didn't follow.

A rare gift, a memory he would cherish for the rest of his existence as he watched the energy fade, the last of his injuries now healed as the nymph finally pulled her hands away from him.

Her smile calm, small but kind in it's sincerity, as she gazed at him before finally standing up, the very grass beneath her bending towards her as she moved away, as if they too wanted one last touch to remember her by as she left.

Her form fading into the distance, her soft humming returning and fading along with her as he watched on, his hand now gripping at his chest where his heart and instincts both twirl together in a show of utter devotion for the one who had saved him with such a gentle touch and melody upon her lips.

The Daisy was parched, he begged her for drink He wept and he groveled right there at her feet The flower obliged with a soft-hearted grin She bent her own stem to give nectar to him

Years had passed since that fateful day, the dragon only known as the Abyssal Shadow by the people of the kingdom going about his life, building his power and wealth far beyond any within the land could comprehend. Striking fear into the hearts of the humans that had once shunned and tortured him.

Even so, despite all his vast wealth and power, the only thing upon his mind remained a nymph with hair like fire and eyes of emerald sheen. The memory of her gentle touch and the warmth of her skin against his own pushing him forward, yearning to see her one last time despite years that passed.

Until the day fate led him back to her when he heard a familiar melody flowing through the trees on his way back from a hunt.

His heart racing within his chest as he pushed past the bramble and into a clearing deep within the forest where a lone willow stood tall and proud, and at the center of the tree, sitting serenely upon it's branches sat the very woman he had longed to see.

Her hair shining in the afternoon light that slipped through the leaves above, her expression calm and her eyes filled with peace as she wove together the vines of the tree into intricate designs.

Yet, a feeling of loneliness clung to her presences as she sat among the cover of the great willow tree.

The dragons instincts pushing him forward as he stepped into the clearing, standing tall and imposing like he had taught himself to all these years, his shadow falling upon the woman and causing her eyes to widen as she quickly glanced over to him.

That wide eyed look of surprise within her gaze causing something in his chest to tighten, worried of scaring her in a way he had never been with anyone else.

He had always used fear in order to survive, used it in order to keep humans and others who wished him harm away from him and his treasure.

Yet, in this moment, the thought of this woman whom he had longed to see again fearing him in any way, made fear and panic grip at his chest.

His body trembling as he quickly fell to his knees before her, the great willow looming over him as he bowed his head to her in a show of submission he would never give to anyone else.

"My lady."

The dragon whispered, his voice filled with reverence and care for the woman before him, trying his best to sooth any fear she might have of him as his wings brushed against the earth.

"I'm sorry, please forgive me, I... I didn't mean to intrude upon your land, nor startle you in any way. I just- you may not remember, but you saved me long when I was nothing more then a lone dragon with nothing to my name."

He continues, refusing to look up even as he heard the woman gracefully descend from the willow and step upon the ground, determined to prove he is not a threat to her.

"From that moment on, you had mesmerized me, your beauty and gentle touch captivating me in a way I could never forget. I- I have worked hard to become something that would be worthy of being in your presence. I have conquered kingdoms and gathered wealth from far beyond this land. I have done this all so that I could one day offer it all to you if only to see your smile once more."

The dragon confesses, tears gathering in his eyes as he continued to stare down at the ground, fear gripping at his mind at the thought of the woman thinking him nothing more then a monster.

His heart racing as he listened to the woman slowly walk towards him and stand before his kneeling form.

"Please- I beg of you... just once allow me to gaze upon your smile once more and I shall offer you all that I have."

He begs, groveling beneath her in a way he never would for anyone else, his heart on display for the woman as silence followed. The dragon's hands trembling against the ground as he tried to keep himself from crying, only for his breath to hitch as he felt a familiar warmth against his cheek.

His eyes wide as the nymph gently cupped his cheek, slowly guiding him to look up at her and finally meet her eyes.

Eyes filled with soft kindness and care for him as she looked upon him with a soft smile, eyes that shone like the rarest emeralds in the gentle light of day, eyes that he would never forget in this lifetime or the next.

"I remember you, dear one."

She says, her voice just as calm and regal as the dragon remembered, his body trembling as he waited on her words with a reverence only she deserved.

"Don't worry, I didn't fear you then... and I don't fear you now."

She continues, her words pushing a relieved sob from the dragons lips as he collapsed beneath her gentle touch. Leaning into her hand and nuzzling against her palm, breathing in the scent of ivy and roses upon her skin as his tears brushed against her.

"You have become so powerful, so feared by all those outside my forest. Yet, all I see is that young dragon who craved a gentle touch."

The woman whispers, her words pulling a soft chuckle from the dragons lips as she knelt before him as well, staring up into his crimson eyes with that calm smile upon her lips.

"You did not have to become anything more then you already are in order to request anything from me, I would have given it to you easily the moment you asked. I have nothing to offer you in return for your devotion, nothing to my name, nor can I leave the forest which I was born to."

She says in apology, the dragons head shaking as soon as her words began as he leaned into her touch, closing his eyes and nuzzling against her palm as he savored the warmth of her touch that reminded him of home.

"I ask nothing in return for my devotion, I only beg that I be allowed to remain by your side for the rest of this lifetime and the next. If you cannot leave, then I shall build us a home here. If wealth does not suit you, then I shall bring you the rarest flowers across the land and help you tend to them. Anything to remain by your side."

He says, his words bringing tears to the nymphs eyes, her smile just as warm as her touch as she stared up at the dragon.

"I don't even know your name, for the people have only ever called you the Abysm Sovereign."

She responds, her words causing his smile to turn sad as he hid his face against her palm.

"While I have received many titles and collected many treasures in my time... the one thing I have never been given was a name."

The dragon says, his words causing the nymphs eyes to widen, a moment of silence passing before she tightened her hands against his cheeks, guiding him to look at her once more as crimson eyes met those of emerald sheen.

"Then, my gift to you shall be that... a name."

She whispers, her words causing the dragons breath to hitch as he stared into her eyes, her expression calm but her eyes shining with a fire that made his instincts sing.

"Sylus, your name shall be Sylus."

She finished, her words hanging between them as tears clouded the dragon's vision, a sob slipping past his lips as he leaned into her touch.

The name settling into place between them as the greatest gift he could ever received was finally given to him by the woman he loved the most.

Their foreheads pressing together for a moment that felt like eternity before their lips finally came together in a gentle kiss, pouring all of their love and devotion for one another into the simple act as they remained upon the forest floor shadowed by the willow tree.

Sylus, a name meaning 'of the forest'.

The perfect name for the dragon who's heart and soul belongs to the nymph chosen by the forest herself.

If only she noticed how deeply he drank The Daisy grew taller while she only sank He spread out his leaves and he beckoned the shade A cover so thick no light could penetrate

The sound of laughter echoed throughout the forest as you watched your chosen children play throughout the clearing, the sun shining down from above and warming your skin as you sat beneath the willow tree.

Their little wings fluttering as they tackled each other to the ground, their soft giggles bringing a smile to your lips as you watched them tumble throughout the grass before the younger twin began trying to climb the willow tree in order to escape his brother.

"Kieran darling, don't climb too high, your wings still aren't big enough to fly with."

You say, the smile in your voice bringing a grin to the little one's face as he continued climbing, trying to escape from his brother while show off for his mother.

"Yes mama!"

He called, only to immediately regret it as his feet slipped out from under him. His eyes wide and his little wings fluttering to try and catch himself as he fell towards the ground, only for the vines of the willow tree to move on their own, catching him gently within their grasp.

His little giggles echoing throughout the clearing as the willow tree guided him towards the ground before setting him safely within your arms.

His smile sheepish at the reprimanding look upon your face, your eyebrow raised as you nod to the willow in thanks before turning back to your son.

"Kieran."

You say, your tone indicating disappointment and causing the little one's tail to curl between his legs as he bowed his head.

"I'm sorry, Mama."

He whispers, his voice filled with regret before your smile returned, leaning in to nuzzle your foreheads together and causing the child to giggle once more.

"It's alright, but be more careful next time."

You say, receiving an enthusiastic nod in return as the child nuzzles against your chest before a soft chuckle draws your attention.

Looking away from your youngest to watch your lover, Sylus, walk out of the cave nearby now carrying your second son. His towering form casting gentle shadows against the ground as he supported your son, who growled and playfully nibbled at his father's horns while climbing onto his head.

Soft laughter falling from your lips at the sight as you watched Sylus carry him over before sitting down beside you and Kieran beneath the willow tree.

"I heard that someone had quite a tumble."

Sylus says, his tone teasing as he glanced down to Kieran, who was beginning to fall asleep in your arms.

"Yes, is seems they got your knack for getting into trouble, maybe it's just a dragon thing."

You comment, giggling as Sylus leans in to playfully nip at your cheek before reaching up to lift Luke off of his fathers head, where he was still nibbling at his horns.

"Mama!"

The boy says happily, immediately stopping his attack on his father to nuzzle against your cheek, his little tail wrapping around your waist as he joined his brother in your arms.

It was hard to believe four years had already passed since you and Sylus found their eggs, their fangs only recently coming in and their little wings already trying to take them to the skies.

Time passing by faster then you both could comprehend as you sat beneath the willow tree together, cradling your sons close as they fell asleep within your arms.

Only then did you allow the fatigue throughout your body to show, leaning against your lover as he cradled you close, easily picking both you and your children up into his arms as he carried you back to the cave you all called home.

Your breathing labored as the shadows of the cave fell upon you, blocking out the light of the sun as you were gently sat within the safety of your shared nest of furs and treasures.

The twins nuzzling against your chest in their sleep as you curled around them, content with your family despite being away from the light of day as you allowed yourself to sleep.

All while Sylus watched you, his heart aching with guilt at having to keep you inside the cave so often lately.

It just wasn't safe, the forest growing sicker with each passing day as the King's men invaded her lands, with Sylus only able to do so much while trying to protect you and the children.

Even so, as Sylus ran his clawed fingers gently through your hair that shone like fire in the dim torchlight nearby, the glistening gold giving your otherwise sickly form a celestial glow, he could not help the possessive thoughts that invaded his mind.

His instincts warring with his heart as corruption spreading the longer he watched the gold shine across your beautiful skin.

He was doing the right thing, keeping you here.

Safe within this cave you'd both turned into a home, with your little ones safely within your arms and the gold and jewels he had collected over the years draped across your body like they were always meant to be.

It was the right thing, the only way to keep you and your little ones safe.

At least, that's what he told himself.

Even if he knew the longer you remained away from the green land of your birth, the more sick you would become.

She pleaded with him, he ignored all her cries He stood like a tower his head held so high The flower was stunned, she was spurned and betrayed Alone in the darkness, she flew in a rage

"Sylus."

The name rang through the cave like a blessing and a curse as the dragon stood before his treasure, the glittering of the gold shining beneath the nearby torches and hypnotizing him in a way he couldn't understand as he ran his clawed hands along the gems.

The world around him fading away until the only thing in his mind was the smell of metal and the sight of his treasure, even as his love knelt nearby, calling out to him.

Cradling their sons against her chest, their cheeks hollow and their little eyes closed as they struggled to breath, all while she begged for her lover to snap out of it.

"Please, we can't go on like this, they can't go on like this. They need food, fresh air, sunlight. They need to leave this cave."

She says, her words echoing off the walls of the cave that had once been their home, but had now become their cage.

A cage filled with treasure gathered from the kingdoms of man, treasure that had only made her husband fall further and further into corruption as the greed of humans that had soaked into the metal poisoned the air of their home.

It started slow, things that could be brushed off and ignored as instinct, until it was too late.

His protectiveness over her and the children, his sudden craving to gather more and more treasure, his fear of the outside world growing with each passing day and causing him to spend more and more time inside the cave alongside his family.

Until they never left all together.

It had been weeks since any of them had seen the sunlight beyond the cave walls, the artificial light of the treasure hollowing their cheeks and doing nothing to rid them of any sickness that had begun to grow within them, all while Sylus refused to allow them to leave in fear of something happening to them.

In fear of something happening to his treasure if he stepped foot outside.

Still, while your body was weak due to hunger and being separated from the forest outside, it had hit the children the hardest.

Despite being dragons, the boys were still very young, barely more then toddlers losing their milk teeth. Their bodies needed nutrients and sunlight to help them grow, and while gold soothed their instincts in a way it did to all dragons, they could not survive on gold alone.

And here you were now, knelt before your lover, pleading with him to see reason and do something before it was too late.

Before they lost their little ones to the greed this treasure had spread.

"No."

A single word, spoken from a voice you had not heard in days, causing you to freeze as you stared up at your husband.

Your husband who wasn't even looking at you or your children, his only focus being on the treasure laid out before him, a look of awe so similar to how he had once looked upon you and the family you had both built, now tainted with greed and obsession.

The sight filling your heart with rage, the cries of pain and hunger from your children over these last few days ringing in your mind as you cradled them close.

"This has gone far enough, if you will not come with us, I am taking the children out of this cave."

You say, your voice filled with determination, holding the boys close as you prepare to stand, only to freeze as Sylus finally glanced to you over his shoulder.

A feeling you had never felt before in the presence of your husband washing over you as you stared up into his crimson eyes shining in the torch light, glowing in a way you had never seen before as he glared down at you.

Fear.

"You will not leave. None of you will leave. I cannot lose you all. All we need is here... all we need is the treasure."

He whispers, his words and the cold tone of his voice filling your heart with dread as you watched him turn away once more before reaching out, brushing his fingers along the golden coins like he had once done to your hair, ignoring you and your sons once more as he continued to caress his treasure.

That fire in your heart growing, along with your fury as you held your trembling sons close while they continued to dream of times long passed.

"They cannot survive on treasure alone! Your greed is killing us, Sylus! YOU'RE killing us!"

You yell, your words echoing off the walls of the cave and causing Sylus to freeze, his hand hovering over the treasure before him as silence fell.

A few moment's passing as you tried to catch your breath before Sylus finally turned to face you, the air surrounding you both heating up as you watched the way your words ignited the fire of rage within his heart that had laid dormant all this time.

Your body freeze up as you watched him step towards you, holding the boys close as you began to tremble.

"You speak as if you have a say in this matter. I have spoken, and my words shall be final. I will not risk my treasure just because of your worries. If they cannot survive, then they were not meant to survive, that is the harsh truth of this world. Either way, if they parish or if they don't, none of you will leave this cave."

He says, his words final in a way that shattered your heart, a feeling of hurt and betrayal so sharp stabbing through you as you stared up at the man that had once been your husband.

His eyes no longer filled with any of the gentle love and care that made up the man you loved, now only overtaken by greed and corrupted that twisted his mind and heart due to the prolonged exposure to the gold.

It was in that moment, as you stared up into the eyes of this stranger, that you knew you had lost your husband.

Silence following as he turns away from you once more, walking back over to the treasure and leaving you standing there, your world shattering around you as you held your sons close.

Hour passing into the night as you cradled your boys against your chest in the safety of your nest, now hidden away in one of the back tunnels of the cave away from that cursed treasure.

Your hands trembling as you tried to push any of your remaining energy into your sons to help them hold on just a bit longer, yet you had none left to give.

And by then, it was already too late.

Their soft whimpers of pain and hunger finally quieting as they relaxed against your chest, their hands linked together and tiny smiles adorning their lips as they both breathed their final breaths before passing away in your arms.

The sound of your devastated sobs echoing through the cave and into the forest beyond as you grieved for the loss of your children, holding them close and nuzzling against their little curls as you cried for the life they could have lived that was taken from them far too soon.

She hardened her skin and grew out her thorns So no other Daisy could hurt her anymore But she kept her blush red to this very day So she'd never forget all the love she misplaced

A feeling of cold numbness remained within your heart as you stared at where your hands had plunged the obsidian dagger into your lover's chest, blood staining your skin red and clouding your vision as you both collapsed to the ground.

Your trembling hands still gripping the hilt of the dagger as you stared at the wound, too afraid to look up and see the betrayal and anger you were sure to find in your husband's gaze.

That is, until he called your name.

The single word causing you to freeze, the tone so gentle, in a way you hadn't heard in so long as you slowly glanced away from the wound to meet his gaze.

Gone was the anger and greed that had clouded his mind, the red of his gaze no longer threatening to burn you in their depths.

Now, all you saw was the familiar love and adoration for you that made your heart ache, tears clouding his vision and giving his crimson eyes a ruby sheen in the dying light of the torches nearby as he leaned forward to press his forehead against your own.

"I'm sorry."

He whispered, his words filled with guilt and love for you in a way you had long missed.

Yet, there was relief in his tone as well, as if this action was not a betray at all, but a long awaited event that he had hoped you would have the strength and courage to perform one day.

"I failed you, I became the beast that everyone feared I was. I'm sorry for all of the pain I have caused you, I... I'm sorry about our babies, I didn't mean what I said."

He continued, his words breaking into a sob halfway through despite his smile, his conscious mind returning to him as his body began to grow cold, allowing him to grieve for the sons he had lost due to his own selfishness.

The broken tone of his voice and the regret shining within his eyes bringing tears to your own, you hands trembling where they held the dagger in his chest even as he weakly reached up to cradle them in his own.

Reassuring you of your decision, telling you that it was the right choice.

"Despite it all- despite what my instincts tell me and what my actions have shown, despite all the wealth and treasure I have gathered... you and our sons have been, and always will be, my greatest treasure."

He finished, the smile upon his lips remaining even as the light slowly faded from his eyes, his clawed hands falling away from your own as he breathed his final breath.

The sight before you and his words that lingered in the air between you both pushing a sob from your chest as the numbness around your heart finally melted away.

Leaving behind only grief, sorrow and anger as you pressed your forehead against your husbands chest, staring down at your hands bathed in his blood as you allowed yourself to cry.

Grieving for the family you had built and lost all due to the selfishness of man.

Your sobs slowly fading into crazed laughter as you threw your head back, tears rolling down your cheeks even as your laughter echoed across the cave, all while you stared out across the sea of gold that taunted you with it's splendor.

"Your humans have taken from me that which I love, for this I shall take from you as well... To the unfortunate soul that stumbles upon this splendor, I lay a curse upon their bloodline. May the things they love become their obsession, may it grow and consume their every waking thought until there is nothing but the shadow of what they once loved left for them to hold onto."

You whisper to the God of Fate far beyond this world, your words spoken into existence and taking hold of the treasure before you, as you continued to laugh.

All while corruption spread throughout the land, the energy of the surrounding plants outside of the cave being siphoned into you as your body began to morph, your limbs growing, your skin hardening, your hair transforming into leaves and your crazed laughter echoing off the walls of the cave as your body transformed into vines of roses along the stone walls.

Your petals stained red and vines now filled with thorns to protect yourself from the obsession of man as the treasure laid in wait for the next unfortunate soul to give into her greed.

And someone would.

A man named Elijah, the newly crowd king of Philos, who's curiosity and greed got the better of him as he brought the treasure back to his kingdom.

Dooming the people of the kingdom and cursing the royal line of Philos for the rest of time, all while the God of Fate watched on in sympathy for the woman who had lost her lover and children in a way she had not foretold.

So the next time you see Daisies in bloom Don't stop for a gander just keep walking through And the next time you see a Rose of red stain Just know that her beauty was not without pain

The ringing above the door of the shop brought your focus away from the plant currently under your care, its little petals wilted and begging for assistance as you glance over to the door, a calm smile spreading across your lips as you saw who it was.

"Good afternoon, Xavier. Are you looking for Jeremiah?"

You ask kindly, turning away from the plant on the counter to give your full attention to the new arrival, amusement tugging at your features as you watch someone follow Xavier inside the shop with a look of awe.

"I don't only come here to see Jeremiah."

Xavier says in his usual monotone voice, giving you a small pout that quickly melted into a sheepish look as you raised your eyebrow.

"... But yes, we are here to see Jeremiah. My friend needs his, assistance."

He says, trying to be vague despite you already knowing full well what Jeremiah gets up to in the back rooms of the flower shop, Xavier words causing you to chuckle as you turn back to the little plant with a nonchalant wave of your hand.

"Alright, he should be in the back. Don't get into too much trouble."

You say, your voiced filled with amusement.

"Yes, ma'am."

Xavier says respectfully, his words causing you to glare over to him with your signature resting bitch face.

"Don't call me ma'am, it makes me feel old."

You mutter, your words causing him to chuckle, a playful smile pulling at his lips despite trying to hide it as he starts pushing his friend towards the backroom.

"Of course, have a good day."

He says, your lips tugging up once more in a small smile as his friend waved goodbye to you before being led into the back by Xavier, muttering something to him that causes your eyes to widen.

"Dude, why didn't you tell me someone so beautiful worked here!? Talk about mommy vibes. Is she single? If so, I could set her up with a friend of mine."

The girl says, her words causing you to laugh despite yourself, shaking your head in amusement as you turn back to the plant, a fond look in your eyes as you gently traced along it's leaves.

A small sigh falling from your lips before you lifted the potted plant into your arms and carried it towards the front, the door ringing on your way out as you stepped outside into the warm afternoon of Linkon City.

The sun beating down and warming your cheeks as you carried the pot over to a little flower bed along the fence before reaching out to begin gently potting the wilting flower into the new soil, ttracing your finger along it's stem.

Your smile softening as you felt your evol slip through your fingertips, seeping into the flower and bringing back its healthy glow. It's stem straightening and it's petals blooming to reveal a beautiful deep red rose.

The sight causing warmth to fill your chest in a way you couldn't understand as you released the hold on your Evol.

Just as you were about to turn and head back inside, a gentle caw broke you from your thoughts. Your eyes widening as you turn to find what appeared to be a mechanical crow perched on the fence beside the flower bed. It's eyes glowing a deep red and it's little head tilting as it stared up at you in curiosity.

"Oh, hello there."

You say softly, giving the bird a small smile despite knowing it probably can't understand you.

Holding out your finger to the bird and watching it lean in with a tilt of it's head before beginning to rub against your finger like a puppy, the sight causing a laugh to slip past your lips as you begin to pet beneath the birds chin.

"Well, aren't you a pretty bird."

You coo sweetly to the little creature, your words causing him to coo in response as he leaned into your touch, content to listen to your praise and feel the warmth of your fingers at they pet along his feathers.

All while Sylus watched from a distance, his form hidden in the shadows of an alleyway and a soft, regretful smile upon his lips as he watched your beautiful eyes shine in the warm light of the afternoon.