The Seer's vision this time - as well as some independent research - led her to an unassuming Yurble named Foley Flipwell, who lived in a less crowded portion of Neopia Central and tended a burgeoning garden. It wasn't long until she arrived at Foley's home, just in time to see them pruning their Rainbow Morning Flowers in the front yard.

"Good day," the Seer greeted them. "Are you Foley Flipwell?"

"That's me," the Yurble answered, putting away their shears in a toolbox. "Is there anything I can help you with?"

"Actually, yes," said the Moehog. "I am the Seer, a Defender of Neopia. And using my powers, I have found out that you...are Neopia's next chosen one."

At first, Foley stared at her as though she had told them that Illusens Orb Plants cost only one Neopoint according to the Shop Wizard.

Then, Foley shook their head, picked up their toolbox, and immediately hurried toward their cottage.

"No," they responded quickly. "No, I can't do it...I can't be the Chosen One..."

"Wait," she called out, "Why is it that you reject your own fate?"

Foley ignored her, fumbling with the toolbox in their hands while opening the door to their cottage. The Seer then saw how they slipped inside and started closing the door on her. Upset by this display of rudeness, the Seer quickly put one of her hooves between the door, keeping it open.

Foley shot the Moehog a panicked glare, "Please leave, I can't help you. I can't do it."

"Could you tell me why?" the Moehog asked. She had never been wrong about her predictions, and also had never seen this reaction to the call before. Most would rejoice, excited to have such a clear cause in life. Something they can be passionate about without hesitation, a determined future they could hold onto.

"I am busy, I need to prepare for the flower market the day after tomorrow," Foley argued.

The Seer frowned, getting more frustrated. How could a market be more important than the fate of Neopia?

Foley desperately tried to close the door a few more times, but when the older Moehog didn't budge they seemed to give up. "Fine, come in! You can stay, but don't talk to me while I work."

The Yurble guided her through a small hallway, shushing her every attempt at asking questions. Then sat her down on a tiny stool in the corner of a spacious room filled to the nook with vibrant flowers. They were in different types of vases, dressed with ribbons, filling the space with a delicious sweet aroma. The Seer almost forgot why she came here, overwhelmed by this beautiful scene. She had never seen this many flowers together like this.

"Here, it's Spring Flower Tea, I made it myself and hope you like it," Foley said, their voice genuine. "But... please still leave after you finish drinking it." The Yurble walked over to a small table where they started tending to a small planter with song flowers.

This better not be poison, the Seer thought. She then took a sip, and...

"You must have been thirsty, given how quickly you drank your cup. I'd be glad to make you another for the road, but you really must be going. I have some important, er, gardening to return to. These flowers won't water themselves!" Foley exclaimed as they filled a thermos with the remaining tea and handed it to the Seer.

"Foley, this tea is...well, I've never had anything like it. I feel as though my energy has been restored to me. What ingredients did you say you used?"

Foley's eyes shifted to the Seer, then quickly back to the thermos. Their hands fumbled clumsily as they twisted the lid tight to close, and the Seer sensed something akin to nervousness in Foley's voice as they replied,

"I-I use the normal ingredients, really. Just a dash of golden fernsprout, some dried lovepetals, and a drizzle of honey. Nothing you wouldn't find over at the Garden Centre."

Yes, there was definitely some nervousness there. What was Foley trying to hide? The Seer considered as Foley quickly handed the thermos full of tea to her and began to walk towards the back of the room. The Yurble picked up a small green watering can off of a shelf and made their way to the back door, stopping to absent-mindedly water a wilting plant as they went.

"Oh, and don't worry about returning the thermos," Foley remarked over their shoulder. "I have plenty more where that - "

"Oh my Fyora!" The Seer exclaimed, cutting Foley off as her eyes widened with awe, for the plant Foley had just watered began to suddenly spring to life! Drooping leaves were instantly lifted, reaching into the air as though they were trying to escape from their pot. The disheveled remains of a red flower began to unfold like a crumpled sheet of paper being smoothed out. The plant was coming back to life right before the Seer's eyes!

The Seer cried out, "That was amazing! You restored that dying plant in an instant with just a few drops of water from your can. Oh my, you are not just any Chosen One - you must be the Healer we've been searching for! It all makes sense now..."

Foley stopped in their tracks, but didn’t turn around. They put the watering can down on a little shelving unit next to the door, and absentmindedly ran their fingers across an Exploding Pod Plant. Foley’s voice was quiet when they finally spoke.

“You really better leave, I’m no good to anyone. I’d much rather just tend to my plants”

The Seer refused to believe it. She was certain that this was nothing but a case of low self-esteem… If only there was something she could do to show the healer how strong their powers really were.

An idea started to form, and she sighed loudly and said, “You know, my right knee really hasn't been the same since I slipped on some ice on a walk through Terror Mountain a couple of weeks ago”.

Foley turned around, a quizzical look on their face, seemingly confused by the change in the conversation. In a surprisingly quick move for a Moehog her age, the Seer jumped up from her seat, and grabbed the watering from the shelf where it had been left.

“NO!!!” Foley called out, but it was too late. The Seer had already emptied the contents of the watering can over her bad knee.

“You really shouldn’t have done that”, Foley said, and flopped helplessly onto a stool.

The Seer stayed on her feet, and flexed her knee back and forward, and finally put her whole weight onto her right leg. No pain.

“Aha!” She exclaimed. “It worked!!”

She looked to the Yurble, expecting to see their share in her delight, but they wouldn't meet her gaze. At that moment, she felt a weird pop in her knee. She looked down and saw a single, green bud protruding from the centre of her kneecap…

“What on earth?” she exclaimed as she prodded the tiny plant.

Foley sighed heavily. “I told you not to do that,” they complained.

“What does this mean?” The Seer asked, panic creeping into her voice. “Am I going to become a plant?”

A quiet chuckle escaped Foley’s lips and they immediately clapped their hands over their mouth.

“I’m so sorry! I shouldn’t laugh,” they apologized. “You are not going to turn into a plant. I can assure you. You just might become more… well… plant-like.”

“Care to expand on that?” The Seer urged.

“Well, you know, plants need certain things to grow and thrive,” she explained, holding up a nearby flower pot. Within the simple clay pot stood a proud, brightly-coloured blossom. Foley opened up a nearby wood-paned window, and placed the pot on the sill. The flower seemed to reach upwards, drinking in the warm sunlight.

The Seer tilted her head, pondering the implications of this. She imagined the Defenders of Neopia, strong and proud, adorned in their battle gear, with a tiny sprout atop each of their heads. She laughed aloud, a hearty chortle.

“Has this happened before?” She asked suddenly, looking up at the Yurble.

Foley hesitated and then responded, “Well… yes. Just once.”

“And?” The Seer urged.

“Well, you see, my sister was quite ill. I found out about my powers when we were very young. I cured her illness but she became… a bit odd as a result.” Foley explained.

The Seer could see the guilt written on Foley’s gentle features. She placed a hand on their shoulder.

“In the daytime she was full of energy and life… but at night she could barely walk. She drank gallons and gallons of water each day but never touched another bite of food. She got used to it after a while and lives a happy life now… but I still feel awful for changing her,” Foley finished. Their eyes filled with tears and they quickly averted their gaze.

The Seer gently patted Foley on the shoulder.

“Perhaps there is a ‘cure’ for your cures,” she offered. The hope in her voice seemed to comfort the Yurble.

“Well, I did once hear a rumour that might offer us a place to start,” they responded.

“Yes, after what happened to my sister, we searched all over for a solution,” Foley continued. “Eventually, we figured that the cure to becoming plant-like was to find someone who can make her… well, pet-like again. And we could think of two plants in Neopia that had become pet-like before.”

Foley paused here to gaze at the Seer expectantly, but the Moehog only look confused.

“The Money Tree and the Brain Tree,” Foley finished.

The Seer’s eyebrows shot up her forehead in surprise. She had known of the two Trees since she was young, but had never paused to consider how they had become animated (or as Foley said, pet-like) before.

“Did you find out how they became so?” She asked.

“We went to ask the Money Tree,” continued Foley. “He told us that he only had vague memories of his life as a young sapling… But that he had grown up somewhere in an idyllic countryside… and that he was raised by a beautiful young faerie.”

The Seer felt her heart sink. “This isn’t much of a lead, Foley,” she said, biting her bottom lip.

“No, it isn’t,” Foley admitted, looking down at her lap. “But it was as close as we got to an answer.”

The Seer got up and went to look out of the window. It was almost evening now, and the rays of the sun were growing dimmer. She reached her hand up to her lips to stifle a yawn, then realised with horror that she was growing lethargic already.

“Let’s try the Brain Tree, then,” the Seer said, turning back to look at Foley. “It’s growing dark. I’ll go back to the Defenders’ Headquarters to see what help I can find, and we’ll meet again tomorrow morning. How does that sound?”

Foley looked up at the Seer and gave a small smile. “Yes, let’s do that.”

The Seer felt exhausted. Her chipper energy from yesterday was gone, and the night only made her more tired. It was a cloudy day in Neopia Central, and the Seer struggled to even walk all the way up to Foley’s residence. She tried not to let it show how much she was struggling, but she could tell by the look on Foley’s face that they were worried.

“How are you feeling today?” Foley asked with a slight sense of trepidation. “Did you find anything out at the Headquarters?”

“No luck,” The Seer replied, stifling a yawn. Overnight, her limbs had become stiff and plant-like. She tried not to show the stiffness of her muscles, but Foley was all too aware of how rapidly the change had taken place. “We’ll just have to visit the Brain Tree and find out for ourselves. Are you ready?”

“Are you sure?” Foley asked with worry. “Will you be able to walk all the way there?”

“I’m fine,” the Seer assured. “Before we leave, though, do you have any water?”

“It’s taken effect that quickly?” Foley’s voice was full of guilt.

“Don’t worry,” the Seer assured, resting a hand on Foley’s shoulder. “We’ll find a cure for this, and your powers will be used for good. There’s a reason you’re the Chosen One. Now come on, we should leave soon if we want to get there before nightfall.”

The two of them trekked from Neopia Central to the Haunted Woods, taking up the better half of the day. As they entered the cold, chilly forest, a voice rang out from the shadows.

“Who goes there?” cried a deep voice. The Brain Tree had deep, glowing red eyes, and a voice that sent chills up the Seer’s spine.

“Brain Tree, sir…” the Seer said quietly. “We’ve come to ask you about your past…”

“And why should I help you?” The Brain Tree sneered.

“Please, sir.” Foley stepped up as the Seer watched in awe. This was a completely different Yurble than the one she’d seen yesterday. They looked brave, hiding their fear for the sake of their new friend. The Seer felt her chest swell up with pride. She knew, in that moment, how right she was in picking the Chosen One. “We need your help,” Foley whispered…

Foley now braver than ever took a deep breath and stepped closer. “All Knowing Brain Tree, even more knowing than the Seer,” Foley began. The Seer knew exactly what he was doing and it seemed to be working.

“We come before you to understand how you came from a regular tree to become the knowledgeable being you are today,” Foley continued. “My friend here has had a spout of bad luck and I’m afraid my powers can’t seem to reverse her fate.”

The Brain Tree was speechless for a moment. Then a lightbulb went off in his enormous brain-like head. “You must be the one they call the Healer!” the Brain Tree exclaimed.

Foley paused. “How do you know who I am?” Foley asked as they glanced at the Seer who shrugged as if she hadn’t told the Brain Tree anything.

The Brain Tree smiled although it wasn’t the most pleasant smile. “My dear Yurble, plants far and wide have spoken about you and your powers. Stories have travelled through all of our roots underground and have told us all how passionate and thoughtful you are with our kind. I’m assuming this has to do with your friend's condition?”

Foley was amazed and relieved. “Well my sister was ill so I tried to help and cure her,” they began. “All seemed well but she soon became plant-like. The Seer tried pouring this cure I developed on her knee and here we are.”

“I see,” the Brain Tree began as he scratched his face with one of his branches. “And by understanding how I became who I am today, you are hoping to reverse the effects?”

“That is correct,” Foley replied.

“Well my dear Yurble, it is the least I can do after all the care you have given plant-kind,” the Brain Tree said. “Here is what I know.”

"The transformation from a regular tree to my current state was not a choice but rather a result of a magical experiment gone awry," the Brain Tree began. "Long ago, a powerful sorcerer sought to imbue trees with the ability to possess knowledge and share it with the world. However, the spell went wrong, and instead of merely bestowing knowledge, it granted sentience and consciousness to the trees, transforming them into what you see before you."

The Seer nodded, absorbing every word. "So, the transformation was not intentional but accidental," she concluded.

"Yes, precisely," the Brain Tree affirmed. "The magic infused within me awakened my dormant consciousness and granted me access to vast knowledge. I became a repository of wisdom, a guardian of information, and a source of guidance for those who seek it."

Foley interjected with a hopeful tone, "But can you tell us how to reverse the effects of the plant-like transformation? How can we help my friend regain her original form?"

The Brain Tree's expression turned grave, and his voice grew solemn. "I'm afraid there is no simple solution or antidote to reverse such transformations," he explained. "The magic that binds you to your plant-like state is intricate and deeply woven. To undo it, you will need to delve into the ancient mysteries of plant magic and seek the guidance of those who possess deep understanding and mastery of these arts."

The Seer's heart sank at the realization that their quest for a quick fix might not yield immediate results. Nevertheless, she remained determined. "Where can we find these experts in plant magic?" she inquired.

The Brain Tree's gaze shifted to a distant point beyond their sight. "There is a secluded enclave known as the Garden of Elders," he revealed. "It is a sacred place hidden deep within the Lost Desert. There, a council of wise and ancient beings, known as the Elders, resides. They hold ancient knowledge of plant magic that has been passed down through generations. If anyone can aid you in your quest, it would be them."

The Seer and Foley exchanged a glance, a spark of hope rekindling within them. The Garden of Elders seemed like the next step in their journey, the path to unlocking the secrets of plant magic and finding a cure for the Seer's condition.

"Thank you, All Knowing Brain Tree," the Seer expressed her gratitude. "Your guidance has been invaluable to us. We shall make our way to the Garden of Elders and seek their wisdom."

The Brain Tree nodded, his branches rustling softly. "May the spirits of the plants guide you on your path," he bestowed his blessing upon them.

With renewed determination, the Seer and Foley bid farewell to the Brain Tree and left the depths of the Haunted Woods, setting their course for the Lost Desert and the elusive Garden of Elders. They knew that their journey was far from over, but with each step they took, they were one step closer to unravelling the mysteries of plant magic and finding a cure that would restore the Seer's true form.

How will this story end?

"In hindsight, it wasn't really the wisest decision to not ask the Brain Tree about the details of the Garden's location." the Moehog commented as she dropped on her knees, trying to catch a breath.

"Are you okay?" Foley asked, stopping to check on the Defender, but realized that she didn't need to answer. It was pretty visible on her face that she was dehydrated and wouldn't be able to progress further. Foley wasted no time and hoisted the Seer on their shoulder to help her be on her feet.

"I can manage, you don't need to—" the Seer spoke as Foley pulled her along, but her voice was so weak, it only made Foley feel worse. They should've known she wasn't in the best of conditions to trek through a desert, they should've just told them to stay back. But there was no going back now. They had to find the Garden and cure the Seer, or else all their efforts would go to waste. No, they couldn't fail, not after they came this far.

Just then, Foley felt a strange tingle in their spine, a weird feeling that they never had felt before. A calm breeze swept across their face as they heard faint, soothing whispers in the wind. "Welcome home, Healer!"

"You heard that?" Foley asked the Seer, but all they got from her were unintelligible groans as she tried and failed to form words.

"Only you can hear the voice of the wild, dear Yurble!" the voices spoke. "You have proven your worth to the Elders and they are ready to have a council with you."

Foley just watched in confusion and surprise as the sands shifted in front of their eyes, revealing a narrow cobbled path that led into a tunnel full of lush greenery, with exotic plants and flowers that the Yurble had never seen in their life. Awed at the scenery, Foley made their way through the tunnel and entered a place that looked like an underground oasis with a large lake in the centre that gleamed bright despite the absence of sunlight. Foley rushed to the lake and dipped their head into the water that was refreshingly cold. Drinking to their heart's content, Foley filled their container and proceeded to help the Seer.

As they watched the colour slowly return to the Moehog's face, a voice from behind caught their attention. "You did well, Foley Flipwell!"

Foley turned to watch a trio of cloaked pets standing a few feet away from them. The one at the centre, a bearded Ruki stepped closer. "We have been keeping an eye on you, Chosen One. And we must admit, we are impressed."

"Indeed!" another one of the trio, a Koi who looked like their skin was made of seaweeds, spoke in delight. "We had been looking forward to meeting you in person, Healer. Looks like the day has finally arrived."

"I don't understand." Foley said, a little confused. "You know me?"

"Your reputation precedes you, Foley Flipwell." the third Elder, a tall female Lenny, spoke. "Your destiny to become a Grand Elder of the Green was marked by the stars long before your birth. And that time has finally come!"

"Rejoice!" the Koi said. "You'll soon be one of us!"

Foley processed what was just said to them for a while, then asked in an unsure tone. "What if I don't want it?"

The expressions on the Elders' faces turned to that of surprise. "But why wouldn't you?" The Ruki asked. "You have all the characteristics to be an Elder. Not only have you dedicatedly served the green, you are responsible enough to face your shortcomings and adamantly work towards correcting your mistakes. This is your destiny!"

"I am really sorry." Foley answered. "I can't do this. I don't mean to sound ungrateful, and I apologize if it feels like that but... all these talks about me being the Chosen One, it doesn't feel like something I want for myself. I never wished to be special, in fact, the only reason I embarked on this journey was because I needed to find a cure for my powers. I'm just a humble gardener and I wish to just be that."

The Ruki looked amused. "Are you sure about that? You have a much more glorious future in front of you."

Foley took a moment to consider, then answered with a much more confident tone. "Yes, I am sure. I wasn't earlier, but with what transpired in the last couple days, I don't think this is the future I want. Even if it's a glorious one, I would rather have one of my own choosing."

The Ruki smiled at Foley. "You are special, dear Foley, even if you don't feel like it. But if a cure is the only thing that you wish for, then a cure is what you will get." He gestured at the Lenny, who nodded and walked over to the lake, filling a silver flask with its water. She kept it on the ground as the other two Elders stood around it to form a circle and held hands, starting to chant something in a language that Foley wasn't familiar with, but could still feel the power of. Even the greenery of the oasis seemed to be contributing into the spell as Foley noticed the entire place gleam with a faint green aura. After a few minutes, the chanting stopped and the Ruki picked up the flask, stretching it out to Foley. "Here's your cure. Go help your friend."

Foley nodded and took the flask from the Elder's hands, immediately rushing to the Seer's side and helping them drink the water. In the next couple of seconds, Foley saw the sprouts on the Defender's knee dry up and disintegrate into dust as her plant-like features disappeared into her original form.

"I think this would be the farewell then, at least for now." Foley heard the Ruki say. "The Garden will always be open for you if you ever need it."

The Yurble turned back, but the Elders were already gone. In a low voice, they muttered. "Thank you for the help!"

"Foley?" they heard the Seer call as she opened her eyes. "What— Where are we?"

"In the Garden of the Elders!" Foley answered, happy to see the Seer getting better. "Are you alright?"

"Better than before." The Seer answered, checking her knee. "What just happened? I'm not plant-like anymore. Did you find the cure?"

"Indeed!" Foley replied, showing her the flask that was in their hands. "As for what happened, that's a long story. Maybe if you have time, I'll tell you over a cup of coffee once we're back in Neopia Central."

The End.