[Jessari]

The bush sighed again. "There's no way for you to do it yourself until you put down roots of your own." Ilex started to protest, but the bush interrupted again. "But there's another way to achieve the same effect."


Ilex: 52/65

[Jessari]

That perked Ilex up. He began bouncing up and down, and then raced around the bush. "Tell me, tell me, tell me!"


Ilex: 53/65

[Jessari]

"Patience, little one."

But Ilex wasn't good at patience. He continued to run and bounce excitedly as the bush continued.

"You don't have roots of your own, but if you are ever in need, call out to the plants and trees near you. They will lend their roots to you."


Ilex: 54/65

[Jessari]

Ilex paused, confused once more. It seemed to be his default state of mind. "Talk to trees and plants? Why would I do that?"

The bush chuckled, then continued slowly. "Do you really believe I'm the only bush you can speak with? I used to be a Neuleef like you, and one day, if you survive your youth, you will become a bush like me, or possibly a tree. Nearly all vegetation began life as a Leef of one kind or another."


Ilex 55/65

[Jessari]

Ilex plopped down on the ground. For once, he was silent. This was just way too much information for his tiny brain to take in.

"So...you mean..." He paused. "...Why haven't any of them spoken to me before?"


Ilex: 56/65

[Jessari]

"Maybe because you never spoke to them first. Most of us, after we take root, slow down and pass through life in a dream-like state. We enjoy the feeling of the soil encasing our roots and the sun shining upon our leaves. We take no notice of the world unless the world takes notice of us."

In an odd way, this seemed to make sense to Ilex. He nodded thoughtfully. "Is there anything else I can do?"


57/65

[Jessari]

"Many things, young one. But I believe I've given you enough help for now."

Ilex opened his mouth and began whining like a spoiled baby. "But I wanna kno-o-o-ow!"

With a sigh, the bush said, "Alright. Just a little hint. The sunlight you absorb can be used for more than simple nourishment. Think on that, my little Leaf."


Ilex: 58/65

[Jessari]

"Tell me more!" Ilex pleaded. The bush, however, seemed to be done speaking. Not a single leaf rustled in reply.


Ilex: 59/65

[Jessari]

"Mo-o-o-om!" he whined. It was no use. Ilex stomped away into the forest, pondering everything he'd learned.


Ilex: 60/65

[Jessari]

The glow from the bush behind him faded, and the forest returned to darkness. The further away he got, the sadder he got as well. He was all alone again.


Ilex: 61/65

[Jessari]

After several minutes walk, Ilex's anger had all drained away. He continued to think about what the bush had said. Something occurred to him, and he turned around and ran back to the bush.


Ilex: 62/65

[Jessari]

"Mom, I think I might have an idea!" he cried, excited.

A faint glow returned to the bush. "And what is that, little one?"

"Does it have something to do with the way you glow?"


Ilex: 63/70 (decided to shoot for one more level)

[Jessari]

The glow became brighter, and when the bush spoke again, it sounded very pleased. "You are correct. But we can do much more than glow."

"Like what?" Ilex asked, ecstatic that he'd guessed correctly.


Ilex: 64/70

[Jessari]

The bush's glow faded again, and Ilex knew he wouldn't get an answer. "Mom?" he whispered, "I'm sorry I got mad at you earlier." The glow didn't return, but the leaves on the bush rustled in a friendly manner.


Ilex: 65/70

[Jessari]

With a smile, Ilex left again. After walking for a while, he began to get a little tired. "Time to eat!" he cried happily.


Ilex: 66/70