The Last Paradise WTE

The clicking and snapping of cameras and the ooh’s and aah’s of the moth pixies around me are all I have heard throughout the trip, aside from the informative tour guide who has been leading us throughout the jungle. I do not mind it much, though, as I have dealt with the noisiest of grubs. So far, this jungle has been absolutely magnificent to be amazed at. So many colorful reds, teals, pinks, greens! The absolute intricate designs of Mother Nature truly shine through in this quaint, petite jungle filled with flora and fauna of all sorts. Everything seems so large when we’re all barely a few inches tall.

Although there is so much beauty, I have yet to find something to bring home that would be representative of the jungle - a quintessence held within. Ferns? Not quite. Carnivorous plants? Oh my! Flowers? Gorgeous, but conventional.

With a sigh, I begin to imagine home, and how the tour will be ending in another hour. We’re only halfway through the jungle, and deep into the thickets of the bushes. It’s so dreamy, I could almost fall asleep to the rumble and tumble.

“Oh god, why isn’t the steering wheel turning?! It’s stuck!”

In a frantic panic, the tour guide yelled for us to brace ourselves. What was happening? I clutched to the seats for dear life, and so did the other pixies. Their eyes were just as wide as my own and their gasps were silenced in a moment’s glance - the jeep had crashed into the root of a tree.

Seems no one has any large injuries, though someone seemed to have a few sore muscles. Everyone seemed in shock - paralyzed for a moment, then the groans.

“Everyone, our trip is going to have to pause for a moment, it seems!’ chuckled the tour guide, albeit nervously. ‘I’m going to try and think of something to get us out of here. In the meantime, feel free to explore the area for a little. Don’t go too far though, or you’ll be equally as lost… and without us!’

Harrumphing delicately, I hopped out of the jeep and made my way towards a random direction simply to do something. I never liked sitting around for too long unless it’s at the beach.

Then, I caught sight of it. A bunch of birds of paradise.

Fragile, yet sturdy to the touch. A unique plant such as this was worthy of display. They are so vibrant, too! Flowing, smooth reds, blues, and purple ran through its fibers, like rivers with no end.

I flew up and stroked them gently, raising the tip of the plant. Plain, yet different. The scent is definitely not fragrant, and is, instead, grassy. It reminds me of the herbs that I would grind for the grubs back at home as a medicine.

A noise rustled through the bush in front of me. I think I saw a figure, with red glowing eyes! Who is that?

They immediately ran as soon as I made eye contact with them.

“Hey, wait up! Are you alright?”

Maybe they were lost, too… Or perhaps they could help us!

Soon enough, I came to a place filled with birds of paradise as I chased them in pursuit. It was hidden within and dug out with care. Many runes radiated a cool aura, likely to combat the humidity of the jungle. A small hut resided inside. Though makeshift, it was humble, and reminded me of a cottage, only colorful and decorated with bits of color and plants.

I saw the door slam shut. I knocked quietly so as not to scare them further.

“Hello, dearie? Are you there?”

No response.

“My name is Dahlia! I mean no harm to you!”

… Silence.

“Friend, may I call you that? My friend, people such as I need your help. It is dire and we are stuck here… I don’t know how long it will be until our tour guide finds a solution. If he flies, he will be tired and we might lose resources waiting for him.

You’re our only hope.”

I hear the lock inside the door turn. The door shyly opened, a mischievous giggle came from the figure behind the door. I could just barely make out those red eyes in the shadows. 

“I will help you. You must give me something in return though, something exotic. Something different.”

“Alright.”

I was a little confused, but that was alright. 

“Be my guest. Come in.”

A strange pixie, I thought. I walked in and found only more surprises! They were a pixie just like me, but with a long, sharp beak. Strongly resembling the birds of paradise, they exude an aura of mystery and mischief. Their coat was smooth and clean, blue with multiple runes just like the ones I saw outside of their home. Their home was also filled with piles, but neatly organized into different categories - like food, whosits-whatsits, and some random things that looked like trash.

I was delighted to see someone so unique.

“In return, what would you like?” I asked the stranger. I wanted to be accommodating for their favor.

“Hm. I’m desiring something… something to quench my thirst. I have not tasted something different from water and saps from trees, recently.” With a smile, they ran through one of the piles on the ground.

A teacup!

“I found this randomly. I use it to drink a thing or two there, but I try to avoid that since I have to constantly clean it.”

“Perfect!” I had an idea right away.

I went to work quickly. Thankfully I had a teabag in my purse always to ensure I had something to relax with whenever I felt like it. It was my limited variant of the Bubble-Rosebud Tea… but it would do. It’s the only thing I have I could give to them.

Soon, I had a tea with sweet nectar added to finish it off nicely.

“... This is… amazing. Where did you get it?”

“It’s from the city. It’s one of my favorite teas to drink occasionally.”

“Do you… have more?” Their eyes twinkled. Something told me they don’t get something like this very often. 

“Of course! I’d be happy to bring you more if you ever come to visit. I live outside this jungle, so I’d also be alright coming here if you like.”

“.... I’ve only ever lived here. All my life. I’ve always known cities existed, but I never knew they could produce something so amazing…”

“Come! Help us for a little and I’d be happy to give you more.”

“Oh, yes! Please, Dahlia!”

Smiling warmly, I nodded my head.

“Of course, my friend.”

*****

The pixie had helped us by finding food and leading us back out of the jungle. They knew every corner of it and could fly through it like the back of their hand! We were home soon, and we waved goodbye.

As we left, I noticed the moth pixie’s eyes shining brightly like never before. I feel like they had a new respect with moth pixies like myself.

Wait! I never found something to showcase back to my family….

I checked my purse. There was a small, miniature version of the bird of paradise wrapped gently with care into a leaf.

I looked back, hoping to catch sight of them again. All I could hear was the cackle of their voice as they ran back into the colors of the jungle.