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Slowing to a stop I lowered my hand and placed it on the ground. I could feel it... everything was connected and everything was alive. I had never felt anything like it. "What are you doing?" Fig asked with his little head tilted. "Can you feel it?" I ask excitedly. Confused Fig looked at my hand then his own little paw. "Uhh... what am I feeling?" Fig asked. "This world and the magic it has," I said searching his little face. "I think you need to eat... Let's hurry before we lose the lead we have." Fig said while turning and picking his pace up.

Could he not feel it? Or was he just ignoring me... I stood and followed him silently as I tried to make sense of everything. I felt something small inside me slowing growing and I couldn't help but think back to what the old tree had said. "Syn... protect this power and it will protect you." Was this what he was speaking about? I guess only time will tell. "Fig, I'm tired and I'm really thirsty... can we take a short break?" I ask pleadingly. Fig snorted but agreed.

Fig was surprisingly resourceful and quickly found a place for us to rest. There was a small lake with crystal clear water. It was so peaceful. I nearly ran to the water as I knelt down to take a drink and squeaked in surprise and stumbled back. Fig came running "What!? What is it? I'll rip it to pieces!" He said as his little fur stuck up in all directions. I smiled slightly at his cute reaction. He was the size of a kitten. What did he plan to do? I looked back at the reflection in the water as the color drained from my face.

"This is what I look like..." I say in a small voice. Fig's hair started to settle as he looked at me. "Yeah, the water you drank is changing you. Even now I feel like you are growing stronger. What are you freaking out for? You look fine. Heh, except for the fact you look like a swap thing." He said as he started drinking the water himself. My dark brown hair was gone... now replaced with a white blonde with shades of blue and purple. My eyes were no longer green but a blue and lilac color... Other than the fact I look like the lock nest monster with all the dirt, grass and sticks in my hair my complexion looked perfect.

It was me but not me. I touched my face, lips, and hair. This was really me... After staring at myself for lord knows how long I drank my fill then started to clean up. Just because I was running for my life I didn't have to look or smell like it. Fig asked me to tear a piece of my shirt and disappeared in the bushes. He came back after some time dragging the cloth that now looked like a full pouch. He brought it over to me and said "Eat these as we walk. We need to keep moving." Smiling I pet his head gently and took the pouch "Thank you." I said. It had a small variety of nuts and fruits.

Fig looked a little surprised but quickly hid it. He grunted and took off back to the road. I followed closely behind him. I don't know why but I really liked Fig. I smile to myself at the thought and ask "Hey Fig, Where did the name Fig come from?" His little body kept a steady pace as he said "When I was younger I loved Figs. I liked them so much it was the first word I learned and others started calling me that. So it just stuck." I smiled at the thought of him in a pile of Figs. If I ever find a Fig I will save it just for him.

"We should reach the nearest town by midday tomorrow," Fig said sniffing the area. Keeping our pace I ask "Once we reach the town what are we going to do? We have no money and I don't know anyone here." I said worriedly. "I know a few friends there and I'm hoping they're still there. If so I might be able to find us a safe place to stay." Fig said with a trace of uncertainty. It hit me then. Fig was really trying to keep us safe but even he was unsure. I need to become stronger so I can protect us both. After walking all day my legs and feet were killing me and as the sun started to lower we decided to stop for the night.

Fig was worried about stopping but there wasn't much of a choice. Fig stuck his little nose up in the air sniffing and said: "I smell a fire just a little farther up but nothing else.." I looked down the road and asked: "Should we check it out?" Uncertain. The nights here got cold and my clothes from the club didn't supply much warmth. The idea of a fire was tempting. "I don't suppose you know how to make a fire human?" Fig asked dryly. "Uh.. no. Not without a lighter or matches." I say slightly embarrassed. "Lighter?" Fig asked then shook his head saying "Never mind I don't want to know."

Slowly the fire came into view but no one was around the fire. We both came to a stop and looked around. Fig stuck his little head up and sniffed the air. "Strange... I don't smell anyone or anything." He said puzzled. Strange indeed. Who makes a fire and then leaves it? We looked at each other and decided to move closer. "Well... I don't want the poor human freezing to death so I guess we will just stay here for the night. Get some rest. I will stay up and keep watch." Fig said with determination. I smile as I look around the fire uneasy. What if this was a trap? As if on cue a deep voice ask "Human?" I turn to see a tall dark fae with long black hair. So black it blended into the night. I met a golden pair of eyes as my heart skipped a beat.