[img]http://i.imgur.com/2DN9izJ.png[/img]

Lost Haven, Three Months Later...

After that night, the next few months seemed to just fly by so fast that it was actually a bit crazy. If there was one thing Evergreen had learned from that whole experience at the Iron Works was that although there were some truly brave, selfless heroes fighting the good fight...there was also a very heavy crime wave spreading throughout the city of Lost Haven. The powerful and amoral Fey, the corrupt kingpin Cowl,  Gene Co...the list went on but it was clear who was making the good people suffer for their own selfish goals. 

Needless to say, Gaia's Champion, and the Spirit herself, had their work cut out for them. Not only that, but it had become clear that not all the supposed "heroes" were the most...upstanding individuals, which only complicated matters even further. 

Of course, there was a silver lining to all this. The pair's Herb and Medicine shop served as an excellent cover for them, despite the nagging feeling that said cover should've been blown ages ago due to the obvious connection to their superhero identity, and provided a steady source of income. It helped too that they hardly ever had to worry about being short on supplies since they could just grow their own. Also, there was no shortage of people with ailments that needed treating. Be it anything from insomnia, to skin diseases, even certain types of cancer, there was usually a treatment for it. 

The success of their business was all the proof needed that there was more to being a hero than just going out and putting folks in the hospital. As such, they also started up a routine of going around to drop off large baskets of fruits, veggies, and what not, to the various homeless shelters around town. It wasn't much but it was something at the very least that showed the plant-manipulating hero hadn't forgotten them. In fact, why don't we check in on our hero right now?

Evergreen crept through the alleyways, wrapped from head to toe in a green leaf-like cloak as he approached the back door to one of the homeless shelters on one of his routine food runs. He set the massive basket down on the step, took a look around to make sure no one had seen anything, then knocked on the door several times in a row before stretching his arm out to grab the edge of a nearby roof and swing himself up towards it, chuckling all the while.

The door opened as one of the ladies in charge poked her head out, looking about curiously, "Hello? Is somebody there?" Glancing downwards, she gasped at the basket and all the ripe, fresh fruits and veggies. Attached to the pile was a bunch of roots in the shape of letters. 

They spelled out two simple words: "From Evergreen."

The woman sighed yet smiled in gratitude as she scooped up the basket and looked around before calling out, "You know, not that we aren't grateful but this is your third delivery this week alone! We're still eating out of the ones you brought! Maybe ease up on these baskets for a while? Thank you!" With that, she closed the door, and Evergreen only chuckled from his hiding spot.

Suddenly, the sound of someone clearing their throat could be heard behind him, "Ahem?" Turning his head back, he spotted his partner Gaia there, floating before him, head tilted to the side with her tiny arms folded and looking rather impatient,"Jaden, as much as I know you love playing the good samaritan, shouldn't you be like getting the store open for business by now?" 

Evergreen's entire face went pale white for a moment...before they turned and booked it. Gaia couldn't help but sigh and shake her head, "That's what I thought..." With that, she flew off after him.

Evergreen's entire genetic makeup was nothing like a human's. Their transformation had given them a body that was not bound by the normal laws of physics and was capable of altering itself in some truly astounding ways. One example could be seen right now as our hero altered the density of his body to make himself incredibly light and with a running start, he jumped and found himself soaring across the rooftops and streets, the people below appearing as little more than ants scuttling and going about their business. 

Feeling themselves starting to float downwards, Evergreen landed on the roof of a particularly tall building and walked to the edge, putting a foot on it as they gazed downwards, their mind starting to wander, "...You know, when I was younger, I was always terrified of heights," He didn't need to turn to know that his partner was there, listening. "There was just something about that image of being so far above someone or something, without anyone there to support me, that made me feel all nauseous and stuff inside. I can remember being laughed at by the other kids when I refused to dive off the high diving board at the swimming pool..." 

"Jaden?" Gaia floated over closer to him. Her partner wasn't someone who showed much angst about his problems but it was evident to those with a keen eye when something was bothering him. 

"And now look," He gestured down to the street below them, "I could let myself drop off the edge of this, hit the ground with enough force to create a crater, and I could walk away without having felt a thing..." The plant warrior lifted his head, "To be able to feel fear is to be human...but overcoming fear is also part of being human...I...I want to keep believing that I'm human but..." He stared at one of his hands as it changed between different forms. A claw, a blade, a hammer, and then back to a clenched fist.

"When you have the power to bring civilization to its knees...I don't know, I guess that complicates things..." He turned his head to Gaia, "What do you think, Gaia? Do you ever...feel a bit disconnected from things?"

The pixie-like creature sighed as she took a place on his shoulder, "Jaden, you knows I'm not that good at understanding how humans work. Heck, I've known you for almost a year now and still I find things about your kind, and you by extension, that baffle me to no end..." 

At seeing the somber look on his face, she figured she could at least make a token effort to try and comfort him, "But...I think I understand...when you see everything you devoted your life to vanishing before your eyes and there's nothing you can do about it except hope those responsible come to their senses on their own...it's kinda hard to care about many things."

She put a paw on his shoulder, "But...you're different. You're using what you been given to try and make a difference. That's what matters...that you TRY," The pixie looked out at the city before them, "Not sure if it'll actually mean anything in the long run...but doing something is better than nothing at all. Besides, the fact you're willing to ask yourself questions like that...I think that shows you're more "human" than you give yourself credit for."

"Gaia..." Her words touched his heart and made him smile. He snickered and pat her head, "You know...for someone who tries to put up a cold exterior, you're a real softy underneath..." With that, he took off.

Gaia did her best not to look embarrassed, "O-Oi! Don't go getting all mushy on me!" She flew after him.

Evergreen landed in an alleyway not far from his store and got to work on changing back. His form distorted and twisted, as if someone were molding clay, before compacting into a humanoid form. Clothing also formed on the creature as color started to filter in, giving the entity an appearance that resembled his original self down to the letter. His HUMAN self.  The one he had before his transformation. Evergreen was Jaden once more.

He walked out of the alley, hands in his pockets, as he stopped and looked at himself in the window's reflection. "Hey there, old me..." He managed a small smile as he looked up at the store. It wasn't anything fancy. A billboard up top that was made up of splashes of brown and green with the words "Maxwell's Herbs And Medicine". The building was box-like, rectangular, made up of red concrete and brick with a small garden out front. 

The young man bent down to inspect the flowers. There were daisies, sunflowers, and a number of others that actually gave the exterior of the building a little bit of flare. "Hey guys. Miss me?"  In response, the flowers actually swayed about with no help from the wind. He chuckled, "Now, now. I was only gone an hour or two. Listen, I gotta get the shop open but I'll be out to water you later, I promise," He held out his hand, "Now, can I have my key please?" 

One of the roses reached into the earth with its roots and brought up a small gold key which he took, "Thanks. Knew I could count on you." He went to unlock the door in time for Gaia to drift down behind him, "Ladies first." She rolled her eyes but went on in. Jaden walked in with her and flicked on the lights

Once inside, it was like entering an entirely different world. The ceiling was a soft shade of blue and the walls were a light green with vines and roots creeping
up the edges. Lamps hung from the ceiling and shone their light down on the tile floor and the rows of neatly organized aisles and shelvings which held all manner of herbs and bottles of medicine, tailored to treating all manner of ailments that affected humanity. 

Jaden clapped his hands together, "Alright then! Let's have ourselves another good, productive d-" He was cut off by the sound of a phone ringing, "Huh?" He headed for the counter where the phone was ringing. He groaned as he saw whom the Called ID belonged to, "Ah geez..." He picked up the receiver, "Hello?"

"JADEN MAXWELL! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?!" He winced and pulled the receiver away from his ear as the shrill voice of his Aunt reverberated through out the store. Gaia chuckled mockingly behind him, causing Jaden to glare, and her to quickly shut up. "I been trying to call you all week! Where were you?!"

Jaden had to resist the urge to sigh. He loved his Aunt to pieces but she could be such a worrywart at times, "Aunt Laura, I'm really sorry I haven't been calling you. It's just...work's kept me real busy lately, ok?"

"That is not an excuse, young man!" It was obvious Laura wasn't in the mood, "I don't care what kind of work you're up to! I am your Aunt, and you need to remember to take time out of your day and call your Uncle and I! I know you're a busy man but taking five minutes to say Hi is not a lot to ask! Do you understand me?!"

The young man massaged his temples, realizing he hadn't exactly been faithful lately to keeping in touch with his folks, "...You're right. I'm sorry I made you worry. I...I'll try to keep in touch with you guys more often," Before she could start again, he continued, "I know you want me to promise but...I can't. You two of all people know how busy my work can make me....of what it asks of me at times. It's so much to wrap my head around..."

His Aunt was quiet for a second. When she next spoke, it was after letting out a sigh, "I...I know, Jaden. Believe me, we both do. I'm sorry too about yelling like that. It's just...you're all we got left. There's not a day that goes by we don't think about you. Off in the wider world, trying to help people...I know you're gonna turn 20 in another month or two but...you're so young, taking on all that responsibility..."

"Hey...Aunt Laura..." He spoke to her comfortingly, "I'm going to be fine. I...I like to think I know what I'm doing out here. There's problems here, for sure...but I'm helping people. I'm making a difference," He was trying to cheer her up, "Besides, I've made some good friends here. They've really helped me out. I think this can work, I really do."

Another voice could be heard on the other end, likely his Uncle trying to comfort her, before Laura spoke again, "Alright...but remember to call us as often as you can, got that? Or even drop us a message on Facebook. Also,  if it gets to be too much to handle at any point...well...we're right here waiting for you, got that?"

Jaden smiled warmly and he could feel his eye getting a bit watery, "I know...thanks Aunt Laura. Tell Uncle Adrian I'll talk to you guys soon. I promise."

"I will...and Jaden?" All was silent as he waited for what his aunt had to say, "We love you...and we're so proud of you. I'm sure wherever your parents are...they're just as happy for you. Take care now, ok?"

"...Thanks, Aunt Laura. I will, and I'll talk to you soon. See ya." With that, he hung up and collapsed back into his armchair with a sigh. After taking a few moments to compose himself, he heard the door open and the bell rattling. He stretched his arms above his head, "Well then...time to get to work, I suppose." 

And so, another day had begun for the young man and his pixie friend...