Wrapped in the power of the Golden Tree, mana surges through Roxi's soul. The bitter, painful process connects her to the almost sentient life-giving tree. Dryads are natural protectors of trees. Through their care and diligent service, forests flourished. Roxi just cared too much. She loved it too much, and it caused the life inside the forest to become unbalanced. She tried to siphon off as much of the excess energy she could to preserve the order of the woods but found that her touch was a little much and drained too much. She was a caregiver who cared too much, which was a problem.

Now that she is one with the Golden Tree. Her love can spring to unfathomable heights. The hole left in her heart by Draxxo burns deeper. Her passion and feelings intensify. Her heart demands it is cared for, like a dying tree whose roots have been poisoned.

Patience. The calm, serene feeling of the olden tree washes over her. She will not rush her plans. Rather than rushing into battle, she will take a moment to familiarize herself with her new power. Driving her focus inward, Roxi studies the rich golden power coursing through her.

The power of life and nature belongs to her. Or, more correctly, she feels like the very essence of life and nature. Her connection to the earth is far greater than she ever felt, even compared to the century she was bound to the grove. Her domain is vast, running from the surrounding forest, beneath the river and lake, to the top of mountains. In a sense, she feels it all. She is connected to it all.

Clenching the power within, Roxi begins to form a new self. She'd been envious of the Synth Sisters, who were more human than dryads; at the same time, Cathay's feline form was absolutely terrifying, and she had to admit it was appealing. Though her choices are endless as her imagination, she chooses to stick with an upgraded version of her former form.

Her improved form emerges as the golden tree and vibrant orange-yellow leaves pull into her soul. Long elegant legs, powerful slender arms, beautiful shoulders, hips, chest, and face are no longer covered by the dull green from before. Now her body is shining with golden bark and leaves. She pulls back some of the cover, showcasing her perfect skin. Her tangled hair is a rich blonde that runs wildly, connecting her with the earth.

A brilliant smile stretches across her face just as the finishing touches of a flowery crown wrap around her head and thorny pauldrons grow upon her shoulders. Her smile breaks into full-on laughter that she can no longer suppress. Her joy is complete in her new form and power. Not even the spiders that rudely interrupted her cultivation before can ruin her fun.

****

Cru crests the final peak as a wave of nature and life energy passes through him. He quickly checks his surroundings, ensuring they have not happened upon an ambush. The massive rocks hide nothing. Even his spiders come back empty. The powerful aura of mana has reasons for concern, but it also could prove to be a great opportunity. He has yet to advance significantly since the fight with the corrupted trees.

The expectation to continually grow in power like he had is idealistic, maybe even dreamy. Still, he knows he has yet to reach his limit in cultivation. There is still ample room for him and his spiders to grow, and maybe he can cultivate faster with some guidance.

Strider smoothly walks across the rocky terrain of the mountain peak. Each bounce covers several feet of distance. The landing is not jolting. Instead, the transition from one leap to the next is not noticeable. If Cru didn't see Strider stepping on the ground, he'd think they are floating. Within three heartbeats, the wide peak is traversed.

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The majestic view of the valley is more breathtaking in person than the reports of his scouts delivered to him through his shared link with his spider network. His enhanced vision allows him to take in everything. The vast forest sprawling for miles in all directions, is lush with greenery. Rivers run from the tall peaks of the mountains feeding into emerald lakes that drain further south, ending in the ocean. Surrounding the lakes, rivers, and forest is a range of mountains that borders the coastline of nearly the entire western side of the island.

Though he can't make out the details, a disturbance of mana warring with mana near the southern coastline grabs his attention. Clouds of energy flashing with lightning strike continually as the sounds of thunder slowly roll their way toward him. Even at this distance, he can feel the power rumble through him. Beyond the violent storm, day clashes with night, pockets of fire burn, climbing high into scattered trees, and death's stagnate, steel taste looms in the air.

Cru shrugs off the violence in the distance. It was a pipe dream to think that there would be peace anywhere. There can be no peace when there is power at stake. With a hiss of dissatisfaction, the druid and his spiders start to descend the mountain. His destination is the smoldering ruins of a town slightly northwest, on the other side of the river. Trepidation builds with each step closer as the uncertainty of his welcome haunts each step.

This will be different. Cru forces himself to believe the mantra playing through his mind. He will be accepted here. The hopeful thought is easily drowned out by the doubt that plagues his mind and memories. Still, he holds onto his hope and the promise of a friend as he fights his own war within his soul.

A pillar of golden energy shoots into the sky north of the tattered town. Cru and his spiders pause to observe the beautiful disruption of mana. The lingering taste of death dissipates, replaced by a heavy fullness of indescribable flavors. The new sensation quickly dries as his mouth turns drier than a dessert. Cru pushes the bile back down as his hands start to sweat. Flying upward in the pillar of light and life is a pitch-black dragon. More bile makes its way to his mouth as the vile roar of the dragon deafens all other noises.

His heart, mind, and gut urge Cru to flee. Take his spiders and run. This monster can't be beaten. The dragon's very breath consumes life. No matter how many spiders he has, it isn't enough. Even from this distance, he can feel the foul aura of dark, burning energy emitting from the dragon as it rises higher and higher. Despite the urge to flee, he presses on.

One more shadow of doubt can do nothing to darken the bright flame of hope. The offer of friendship burns even brighter in the dark. Perhaps fighting the dragon will earn him a warm welcome with the new people. They might even celebrate his aid. The enticing image burns hotter in his soul. The descent of the spiders quickens as they ride toward glory and certain death.

****

Nette tenses when the eruption of power north of their encampment erupts in the forest. A lingering taste of familiarity rises with the abundance of life and nature energy. Instinctively she directs her attention toward the disruption. The abundant golden energy resists her presence initially. Still, the spider queen solidifies her will against the barrier and pushes her mind into it.

Breath pulls from her lungs, causing her to gasp. Ascending in the pillar of golden power is a possessed dragon. Nette reaches out to her friend, trying to shake him from the corruption that clouds his mind and eyes. She cannot shake the dragon no matter how much will and focus she pushes into her probes. Even worse, she feels a distinct impression that Fury is now coming for them.

Their defenses are still in ruins. There is not enough time to get a webbing barricade set up fast enough to protect against the might of the dragon… not that their barrier would be strong enough against Fury's attack. With little choice, she calls for the remaining defenders to gather atop the Academy. They will protect the children no matter what.

Annette's resolve solidifies. Her hands tighten the grips of her newly acquired whips, her forehands ready for her golden bow, Giver. Sisters, prepare for battle.

Darkness descends as Fury lets out a ferocious roar and flies toward them.