Chapter 56: Blossom

In the morning, a storm raged over Tom's private island. Waves crashed across the shorelines and lightning flashed across the sky. Thunder roared and shook the island. Rain pounded the island in literally sheets of water. The Mother Tree, that sat in the middle of the island, moved and shuddered against the wind. The sac inside the three trunks wiggled and bulged.

Lightning struck the nearby in the water and lit up the area. As the area flashed white, an arm erupted from the tree's green sac. The fingers of the hand moved around as if trying to get used to the feeling of outside. The slime that coated the arm was quickly washed away by the rain.

Another arm emerged from the sac next to the previous arm. Another bolt of lightning struck nearby and the two arms slid away from each other and tore the hole open larger. Soon, it grew large enough that a person fell out and onto the ground.

The figure was curled up into a ball. Rain washed away the slime on the person's body and revealed it to be a woman. Her ears were long and pointed. Unlike Sylmae's ears, these ears did not point outwards, instead they stayed close to the head and pointed backwards. Her hair was made from long strands of grass. Short wooden antelope-like horns came out from the top of her head. Lightning flashed to reveal the woman's skin to be bright green in colour.

The woman pushed herself off of the ground and struggled to get on her feet. Her legs shook as she stood up. After balancing herself, the woman spread her arms out and turned her face upwards towards the sky to feel the rain splash across her face.

She enjoyed the feeling of the rain on her skin and being free from her sac. The woman did a short dance to celebrate her freedom. She loudly laughed and hollered. The sac that was originally between the three trunks fell to the ground and quickly decomposed.

"Finally free!" she screamed.

The woman stopped dancing and looked towards a nearby building. The building was dark except for one room that was lit. There she saw one man sitting near a glass wall as he read and watched the storm. She smiled as she walked towards the house.

VVVVVV

A couple days have passed since the Icelandic Elves revealed themselves to the world. Tom had overseen the meeting between Commander Steele, the UN Secretary General, and the Icelandic President meeting with the Elves. The meeting took place outside at the entryway to the Erlonia colony.

During the meeting, the leaders of the Elves constantly looked up at the day sky. It was an emotional. The Icelandic President's first words to the Elves, that were translated by Tom to the Elves, would be words that would be remembered in history.

"On behalf of the Icelandic people and Humanity, I would like to apologize for the actions of our ancestors. I hope that this day will be the beginning of a bright new age for both our people, so that no one will ever live in darkness again."

Tom was reading some news on his tablet and watched the storm. As usual, he woke up before the other Xothicans and had at least two hours before they would wake up. His reading was interrupted when he suddenly heard a door open and the sound of the storm intensified before the door closed and quieted the storm.

This caused Tom to tense up. If it was the bedroom door that opened, he would have assumed that one of the girls had woken up. The door that opened was to the outside. Tom stood up and quickly equipped his armour. He cautiously walked toward the entryway of his home.

Tom heard wet foot steps. He walked through the kitchen as he got closer to the source of the sound. A naked woman suddenly walked around the corner. She was calm and smiled as she approached Tom. He noticed right away that she wasn't Human due to her skin colour, her horns, and plant-like hair.

"Who the hell are... you...?" Tom suddenly felt drunk. He stumbled backwards and leaned against a counter.

The woman slowly walked towards as Tom struggled to regain his sobriety. He couldn't get any words out. Tom waited for his Unbreakable skill to kick in. All he could do was watch as this unknown woman walked towards him.

As the woman got closer, Tom saw that she was soaked from the rain outside. Within a span of a few seconds, the water that coated her was absorbed through her skin and hair. She swayed her hips seductive as she got closer.

The intruder stopped in front of Tom and cupped his cheek in her hand. To Tom's surprise, the woman leaned forward and kissed him. She embraced Tom and held him tightly as she kissed him.

Unbreakable finally kicked in and Tom regained full control over himself. He grabbed the woman by her shoulders and pushed her back.

"What are you doing? Who the hell are you?"

"Sorry," she apologized. The woman coward a bit when she realized the situation she was in. "I was so excited to finally meet you in person that I accidentally used Daze Spores. I'm so sorry!"

"Who are you?" Tom repeated his question, now a little more irritated by the situation.

The woman looked him in the eyes with a hurt look to them.

"It's me. Amber."

"Amber?" Tom was confused by the answer, but then had an epiphany. "Amber! As in the tree?!"

Amber smiled and rapidly nodded her head. "Yes! Yes!"

"And you're speaking in the first-person..."

"I only spoke in the third-person to help you think of me as a separate entity than the tree."

"Okay, first, that really didn't actually help. I still thought you were the tree all this time and that was your quirk."

"Hmph!" Amber pouted.

"And second..." Tom walked away from Amber and towards a nearby couch. He grabbed a blue comforter blanket that was left there and returned to Amber. Tom covered her with the blanket. "I can't focus on this conversation while you stand stark naked in front of me."

"I don't mind if you see me like this," she teased as she opened the blanket again.

"I do," Tom said while closing the blanket again. "I'm trying to have a conversation here. Please."

Amber's shoulder slumped. "Fine. What do you wish to know?"

"What are you? I know the races of Xoth, but you're something else..."

"I'm a Dryad," she answered cheerfully.

"And you came from the Mother Tree we had planted on this island?"

"Yup! Why do you think they are called Mother Trees? Every Mother Tree carried a Dryad until it has gained enough Mana to fully mature."

"But there's Mother Trees all over the place on Xoth. Why aren't Dryads more well known?"

"Because not every Mother Tree has someone to give it Mana every day. Every Mother Tree grows its roots outwards and creates a forest around it in order to draw Mana from the soil and air. It's a slow process that can take centuries. Even eons. Often times, Mother Trees are killed and harvested for their resources. A truly sad fate."

"Geez... I'm sorry to hear that."

"Thank you... But you found my seed. You cared for me and made sure I was given nutritious soil and food." Amber's cheeks turned a dark green colour. "You also filled me with your essence every day until I couldn't take anymore. How could I not fall in love with you?"

"You're doing that on purpose to tease me, aren't you?"

Amber chuckled. "Maybe... But I'm serious about my love." She bumped her head against his chest. "I love you and the girls."

"You should understand that this confession is a bit sudden."

"I know... To you it's sudden. To me, it's feelings that have built up since you first planted me."

Tom sighed and hugged her.

"We will need to speak the the others first."

Amber nodded and backed away a few steps. "I understand... Other than love, I can help you fight."

"Just out of your tree and you already wish to fight?"

"It drove me mad to see you all go out on missions while I was stuck in the tree. Now that I'm out, I can help you all. Have a look at my Status."

Status Name Amber Everett Level 1 Experience 0/100 Class - Race Dryad Alignment Good Currency Canadian $0.00 Xoth 0 platinum 0 gold 0 silver 0 copper Title Unknown, Person of the Trees Buffs Person of the Trees Positive aura towards tree people or creatures; they will start off as friendly Dryad's Constitution Sunlight increases a Dryad's Stamina and Health regeneration. A fully sunny day will increase their regeneration by 2X. This buff will decrease as the sun's light decreases until it becomes 1X. Immortality Will not die of old age. Debuffs - - Health 160 Health Regeneration/min 3.1 Mana 470 Mana Regeneration/min 3.5 Stamina 220 Stamina Regeneration/min 1.1 Fame 0 Infamy 0 Strength 16 Intelligence 47 Wisdom 35 Perception 15 Endurance 22 Vitality 31 Agility 11 Luck 23 Unallocated Points 0 Resistances Physical 15% Disease/Toxin 100% Fire 15% Plant 15% Ice 15% Earth 15% Lightning 15% Water 15% Wind 15% Spirit 15% Light 15% Darkness 50% Skills Identify Beginner Level 1 Language Comprehension Master Level 10 Daze Spores Beginner Level 3 Plant Growth Master Level 10 Plant Manipulation Beginner Level 1 Plant Whip Beginner Level 1 Whip Skill Beginner Level 1 Daze Spores Type Activate Mana Required 50 Rank B Level Beginner Level 3 (5%) Your body emits spores that inflict a drunken effect on the target. The duration of the spores will be dependent on the target's resistances and Endurance. Plant Growth Type Activate Mana Required 1 Mana per day Rank B Level Beginner Level 1 (0%) A skill that is only available to Dryads. The Mana of the user is given to a plant which speeds the growth of the plant. At the lowest level, 1 Mana is converted into 1 day of growth. Plant Manipulation Type Activate Mana Required 60 Mana per minute Rank B Level Beginner Level 1 (0%) A skill that is only available to Dryads. The user is able to control plants and get them to move according to the user's will. Plant Whip Type Activate Mana Required 100 to form whip Rank A Level Beginner Level 1 (0%) A skill that is only available to Dryads. The user grows a thorny vine that they can use as a weapon. The thorns contain a poison that does additional damage.

"You're an Elemental!" Tom gasped.

"Yup!" Amber replied while she enthusiastically nodded.

"Three guesses which Elemental you are," Tom mumbled under his breath. "Alright, I'll unlock your abilities, but I'll need the others to wake up first so they can be informed of this situation."

Amber jumped in place and said, "Great! I'll go get them!"

She quickly ran off towards the bedroom.

"Amber, for the love of god, no!"

Tom's warnings fell on deaf ears as Amber ran into the bedroom and swan dived into the empty spot on the bed where Vivian, Reia, Tala, and Sylmae slept. The impact on the bedroom woke them up. They were groggy from having their sleep interrupted and weren't immediately aware of the additional presence.

Sylmae was the closest to Amber and her vision was blurry from having just woke up. She saw a figure next to her. When Sylmae's vision returned to her, she saw a unknown naked woman smiling at her.

"Morning," the woman said.

"What the fuck?!" Sylmae screamed.

Tom got to the doorway in time to see the scene unfold. He groaned in frustration.

"Poor first impression..."

VVVVVV

After the initial confusion, Tom managed to get everyone to calm down and brought them into the living room where Amber and he explained what happened. At this time, Amber was given a large shirt to wear to cover her nudity. She sat in the middle of the couch with Vivian and Reia at her side. Tala sat next to Tom and had his arm hugging her to his side. Sylmae sat at a chair opposing them.

"So she's another Elemental?" Tala asked.

"She is," Tom confirmed.

"That's convenient," Vivian said.

"Convenient or not, Amber as the fifth Elemental is going to be a significant addition to our team and our fight against Hastur," Tom said.

"I'm really looking forward to being by your side in the future," Amber said in a giddy fashion.

"Speaking of which..." Sylmae said. "Before we get into her abilities, we need to square away her relationship... with us."

"Well, I'm always okay with more cute girls," Vivian stated. "So long as we are all involved."

"Well, Amber has been around for almost as long as I have," Reia added to the conversation. "It makes sense she would develop an attachment to us."

"I think everyone is ignoring the issue of Amber's age," Sylmae said. "How old is she exactly? If she just came from her sac, is she a day old? Or do we count when she was planted? I mean we're twenty each. Tom is twenty-five."

"Six," Tom corrected.

"What?"

"I'm twenty-six now."

"You had a birthday recently?" Reia blurted out. "Why didn't you tell us?!"

"It happened around the time we were all on the run so it wasn't really at the forefront of my mind. Also I haven't celebrated my birthday in five years, so it's not really a significant date for me anymore."

"Okay, no!" Vivian affirmed. "Once we have the time, we are celebrating your birthday. Especially after the one you gave us. You got that?"

"I look forward to it," Tom bemusedly said. "But... Sylmae kinda raises a good point about Amber's age..."

"Syl, Tom, everyone, age is a different for Dryads," Amber answered. "If you want to get more technical, I am roughly three hundred years old since that was when my seed was produced. My first memories were my mother, the Matriarch, holding my seed. Like a dandelion seed, I flew off until I found a place to land. Before I could be planted, I was taken captive and was passed from person to person until those filthy goblins got their hands on me."

"Matriarch?" Reia repeated.

"She's... I guess the best way you can explain it is that she is leader of all Dryads. At the lowest hierarchy you have the Mother Trees. They are everywhere and they spreads their roots in order to absorb Mana so that one day they can mature enough to release a Dryad. A process that can take hundreds of years. The next tier is the Dryads, like me. Then you have the Avia who are just older Dryads. They have wisdom and usually seek out new Dryads to teach and train. Finally you have the Matriarch who rules over all of them. We Dryads are immortal so age is more or less meaningless once we leave our Mother Tree. I am an adult if that's what you're worried about, Syl."

"So you're a princess?!" Vivian exclaimed.

"Well, Dryads don't really have a nobility system..."

"But your mother is the freaking leader of the Dryads."

"Well... Yes."

Vivian closed her eyes, crossed her arms, and nodded. "Princess."

"How do you know who your mother is if, by your words, you were a seed the last time you were with her, also why did she send you off?" Reia asked.

"Every Dryad has awareness from when their seed is produced," Amber replied. "Not to the same level as I do now, but I have this image and feelings. Also, we inherit knowledge from our mother. Basic things like language, knowledge of our people, and where our land is so we can return one day. As for why we are sent off, it's to spread trees. By our nature, Dryads wish to spread life. As we mature, forests grow around us and those forests bring animals. Once we mature, we then make the journey back to our homeland where we need to find a male to mate with to continue the cycle. Though because of our secretive society, we cannot keep our mates."

Amber noticed everyone looking at her with confused expressions.

"We Dryads are few in numbers and so we do everything we can to protect those numbers. We even use our Daze Spores to seduce mates and have them forget about the encounter."

"That... sounds a lot like rape," Vivian said through her teeth.

Amber looked away in shame at the comment.

"I'm different," she mustered out. "I wouldn't do anything to hurt any of you. I don't want to go back to my homeland. I want to be here with you all. You all have taken care of me since I was first planted in the dirt. You talked to me, entertained me, fed me, and cared for me."

"So you know where the Dryad homeland is?" Tom said. "Do you think your race would be open to creating a diplomatic relationship with Humanity?"

Amber quickly shook her head. "No! No, no, no. I don't think you understand how insular Dryads are. They would immediately attack anyone who would enter their land. The best case scenario, if I led you all to my homeland, would be my immediate exile and they would chase you all off thanks to your Friend of the Trees title."

"So you're exiling yourself for our sake?" Vivian said.

Amber nodded. "That is the extent of my feelings for you all."

"Even if that means an immortal life away from your homeland?" Tom pointed out. "We're not immortals, you know."

"There are ways to achieve immortality," Amber mentioned. "Remember that Artorius lived for hundreds of years without aging thanks to Dragon Tears and a relic."

"She has a point," Vivian said. "Definitely something to think on. Immortality with beautiful women. Not a bad plan."

"What's your opinion on this situation, Tala?" Reia asked.

Tala bashfully said something in a whisper.

"Sorry, say that again," Tom said.

"I-I think she's really cute and if she's willing to give up so much for us, we sh-should welcome her in our hearts," Tala suddenly blurt out. She immediately turned her face towards Tom's shoulder.

"Still have trouble with new people? We've known Amber for a while now."

"N-Not like this. Sh-She's beautiful."

"Aw, thank you, Tala," Amber said. "You're always so adorable."

"We all put in our two coppers, Syl," Vivian said. "What about you?"

"I'm fine with it," Sylmae sighed. "I'm just trying to make sure Tom doesn't pick up every stray that crosses his path."

"What kind of person do you take me for?" Tom said with indignation.

"This isn't completely directed at you," she clarified. "You are a wanted quantity, Tom. I'm not blind. Now that your identity is out, there are plenty of women out there who would want to join our family. Most that want you not for who you or we are, but what we are."

"Very true, Syl," Vivian said. "I mean Tala has read plenty of fan fics online that involve Tom. So we do know how many of them think."

"You promised you wouldn't tell!" Tala squealed.

"Fan fics?" Tom said.

"Oh, yeah, very steamy," Vivian said with a smile. "In one story had Tala and you teleported the self-insert character away to..."

"No!" Tala jumped out of the chair and tackled Vivian and quickly covered her mouth with her hands.

Vivian managed to partially remove her hands. "And the two of you are tossed to the ground and left to his mercy."

"Please stop!"

"That's enough, Vi," Tom said. "Anymore and she'll die of embarrassment."

"Alright, alright," Vivian relented. She wrapped her arms around Tala's waist and positioned her to sit on her lap. "I just love seeing her embarrassed face."

"You're so cruel, Vi," Reia said.

Vivian giggled at the comment.

"Distraction aside, they made my point," Sylmae said. "Lots of women, and even men, want you. I'm fine with a large family, but not every woman that crosses our path."

"Believe me, I understand," Tom said.

"In the future, before we decide to expand our family, I want this. A discussion between all of us and how we feel about it."

"So.. I did the right thing?"

"You did the right thing." Sylmae looked towards Amber and smiled. "Welcome to the family, Amber."

Amber gasped and tears came to her eyes. "Thank you." She jumped out of her chair. "Thank you so much."

Amber lunged towards Sylmae and embraced her in a kiss. Sylmae was surprised at first but quickly surrendered herself. The kiss lasted a few moments before they pulled away from each other.

"You are going to fit right in," Sylmae purred.

"How about spreading the love, Amber?" Vivian said.

Amber grinned and went around to express her affection to each member of the family. After finishing, she plopped herself next to Tom and leaned against him.

"So we addressed that elephant in the room," Tom muttered.

"Elephant in the room?" Reia repeated.

"Sorry, Human saying," Tom apologized. "How about we unlock Amber's powers and see what role she can fill in our team?"

Tom stood up and led Amber to the center of the chairs. He placed his hand on her back and said, "I call upon your true power. Come forth, Elemental!"

Notice A Nephilim has unlocked your true potential and has revealed your true identity. You are a Plant Elemental. Notice Your Unknown title has been transformed into Plant Elemental. Your Plant Resistance is now permanently set at 200%. All Plant attacks now heal you. All stats have increased by ten points each. You now earn an extra skill point for every level up. This increase retroactively applies to previous levels. Your Fame has increased by 10000. New spells have unlocked. Notice You have learned Plant Sprite Summon. Plant Sprite Summon Type Activate Mana Required 100 Time Limit 10 minutes Rank SS Level Beginner 1 (0%) You are able to summon a creature that is made from the Plant element. It is capable of attacking your enemies and healing you and your allies. The sprite is capable of growing additional plant turrets that fire thorns. Notice You have learned Transform Tree. Transform Tree Type Activate Mana Required 75 Rank SS Level Beginner 1 (0%) Transforms a tree into a Treant that will fight the user's enemy. Notice You have learned Summon Dionaea. Summon Dionaea Type Activate Mana Required 200 Time Limit 5 minutes Rank SSS Level Beginner 1 (0%) This spell summons a massive carnivorous plant with multiple mouths and movable vines. Notice You have learned Offense Spore Plant. Offense Spore Plant Type Activate Mana Required 30 Time Limit 10 minutes Attack Boost +5% Rank A Level Beginner 1 (0%) You can summon a plant that gives off spores that increases the attack power of allies. This plant stays on the battlefield until its timer runs out, or someone destroys it. Does not stack with more Offense Spore Plants. Notice You have learned Defense Spore Plant. Defense Spore Plant Type Activate Mana Required 30 Time Limit 10 minutes Defense Boost +5% Rank A Level Beginner 1 (0%) You can summon a plant that gives off spores that increases the defense power of allies. This plant stays on the battlefield until its timer runs out, or someone destroys it. Does not stack with more Defense Spore Plants. Notice You have learned Speed Spore Plant. Speed Spore Plant Type Activate Mana Required 30 Time Limit 10 minutes Speed Boost +5% Rank A Level Beginner 1 (0%) You can summon a plant that gives off spores that increases the speed of allies. This plant stays on the battlefield until its timer runs out, or someone destroys it. Does not stack with more Speed Spore Plants. Notice You have learned Healing Spore Plant. Healing Spore Plant Type Activate Mana Required 30 Time Limit 10 minutes Healing Boost +5% Rank A Level Beginner 1 (0%) You can summon a plant that gives off spores that increases the healing rate of allies. This plant stays on the battlefield until its timer runs out, or someone destroys it. Does not stack with more Healing Spore Plants. Notice You have learned Magic Spore Plant. Magic Spore Plant Type Activate Mana Required 30 Time Limit 10 minutes Magic Regen Boost +5% Rank A Level Beginner 1 (0%) You can summon a plant that gives off spores that increases the Mana regen rate of allies. This plant stays on the battlefield until its timer runs out, or someone destroys it. Does not stack with more Magic Spore Plants. Status Name Amber Everett Level 1 Experience 0/100 Class - Race Dryad Alignment Good Currency Canadian $0.00 Xoth 0 platinum 0 gold 0 silver 0 copper Title Plant Elemental, Person of the Trees Buffs Person of the Trees Positive aura towards tree people or creatures; they will start off as friendly Dryad's Constitution Sunlight increases a Dryad's Stamina and Health regeneration. A fully sunny day will increase their regeneration by 2X. This buff will decrease as the sun's light decreases until it becomes 1X. Immortality Will not die of old age. Debuffs - - Health 260 Health Regeneration/min 4.1 Mana 570 Mana Regeneration/min 4.5 Stamina 320 Stamina Regeneration/min 2.1 Fame 10000 Infamy 0 Strength 26 Intelligence 57 Wisdom 45 Perception 25 Endurance 32 Vitality 41 Agility 21 Luck 33 Unallocated Points 0 Resistances Physical 15% Disease/Toxin 100% Fire 15% Plant 200% Ice 15% Earth 15% Lightning 15% Water 15% Wind 15% Spirit 15% Light 15% Darkness 50% Skills Identify Beginner Level 1 Language Comprehension Master Level 10 Daze Spores Beginner Level 3 Plant Growth Master Level 10 Plant Manipulation Beginner Level 1 Plant Whip Beginner Level 1 Whip Skill Beginner Level 1 Transform Tree Beginner Level 1 Plant Sprite Summon Beginner Level 1 Summon Dionaea Beginner Level 1 Offense Spore Plant Beginner Level 1 Defense Spore Plant Beginner Level 1 Healing Spore Plant Beginner Level 1 Magic Spore Plant Beginner Level 1

"Oh, man!" Tom yelled. "Your abilities are fantastic!"

"I even got Transform Tree!" Amber gasped. "That's an abilities that takes the average Dryad centuries to earn."

"She's definitely suited to being the team buffer," Sylmae concluded after she saw Amber's stats.

"If I teach her Heal and Purify,she'll be perfect as a team support," Tom said. "This is what our team needed. Vivian, Reia and I act as the team's Tanks and Vanguards. We draw the attention of our attackers and do close-range damage. Tala and Sylmae are our long-range damage dealers. With Amber's abilities, we can get our abilities boosted and not have to worry about our Health during battle."

"So I'll be useful in battle, even at my low level?" Amber said with hope in her voice.

"Your abilities balances our team. We will be even more powerful than ever before."

Amber jumped out of her chair and pumped a fist in the air.

"We will still need to take you on missions to bump up your level," Reia said. "At your current level, you are at risk of being attacked by higher level opponents. But don't worry, we are going to have you join in our training sessions so we can make sure you can hold your own against our enemies."

"Thank you all so much," Amber said. "I'll work very hard to live up to your expectations. Also, Tom, could you also teach me Persuasion and Unbreakable. I believe your level should be high enough to teach me those two skills as well."

"Sure," Tom replied. "I better teach everyone else Unbreakable as well while I'm at it. Though I do find it weird that everyone here wants the Persuasion skill."

"Maybe we like to boss you around," Vivian teased.

Tom glanced at the clock. "Ah. We have to head out soon and meet with Steele. We're opening Artorius' vault today. I'll teach you all the new skills. Syl can you get Amber some clothes to wear?"

"Sure thing," Sylmae said as she got up.

"Time to introduce our newest team member to the Commander. Man... He's going to be pissed about me keep another secret."