The Tree's mind ran rampant with all the things it should have done.

Clarion had not been ready to fight, it had known this. Yet, what was it supposed to do? Rose had made an un-ignorable challenge. Clarion had done her best and now it was the Tree's own branch that would end her life.

There must be a way to fix this. There must!

Suddenly, an idea formed in its mind. It was a dangerous idea. It was a foolish idea, and yet, what else was the Tree to do?

Clarion had been the Hollow's last hope. The Tree did not have time to raise another to challenge Rose. The strain of the disunity of the seasons in Pixie Hollow was already too much. In another few years, the Hollow would fall into an irreversible imbalance. The Winter Lands were already beyond repair.

But more than that, Clarion was like a daughter to the Tree. It felt an immense sense of loss as it felt her death creep nearer and nearer.

The decision was made.

Clarion, the Tree reached out to her fading mind. Can you hear me?

Yes, came her weak reply. I am sorry. I have failed.

No, my dear, it is I who is sorry.

Clarion did not respond and the Tree could sense that it was running out of time.

Clarion, there is not much time to explain. When this is over, you will understand completely, but for now you must only trust me. You will feel a very strange sensation, but you must surrender to it. Do not fear it.

Again, there was no reply and the Tree knew it had to act fast.

It focused on Clarion's fading life immersed in the dust pool. Carefully, it started to funnel its own strength and magic directly into her body. It was fortunate she had landed in the Pixie Dust, the Tree thought. It would make the process much faster.

What are you doing? Clarion's mind touched the Tree's.

Do not worry.

Tell me! Clarion's response came back stronger than before. It was working.

I am giving you life.

What? Clarion's voice in the Tree's mind was full of confusion. We both know you can not give new life to something that has already lived.

I am not giving you new life, the Tree felt its strength beginning to fade slowly. I am giving you mine.

There was a pause between their two minds before the Tree felt Clarion's anger.

You can not do that! she said. The Hollow needs you! You are the center of the balance! Without you Pixie Hollow will surely fall. It needs you to protect it!

It will not need me, the Tree said. It will have you.

No, Clarion's thoughts changed from anger to sorrow. No, you can't leave me.

I will never leave you. After this, we will be one. I will always be a part of you.

But I will never be able to talk to you again.

No.

The Tree felt the grief in Clarion's mind. However, it also sensed an acceptance. She would not argue anymore.

You will need to be strong. My body, what you know as the tree, will not die, but I will no longer be able to guide you. You will need to be the unifying core of the Hollow. You will have to keep the balance.

I understand, but I don't know how.

You will, the Tree could feel its mind beginning to fade. Soon, everything will make sense. I promise.

I will miss you, Clarion's sorrow flooded the Tree's final thoughts.

I will miss you, too, my beloved daughter.