After spending some time getting to know each other, Maleficent offered to show Alex around the Moors, a place filled with life and mystery. With the little one still cradled in her arms, babbling incoherently, her words a jumble of sounds.
As they walked through the green terrain, the Moors unfolded before Alex's eyes. He observed the creatures that inhabited this place, each one more unique than the last.
The little one, nestled in Maleficent's arms, would occasionally babble, her golden eyes sparkling with curiosity as she gazed at the creatures.
Alex couldn't help but notice the child's innocence and fascination with the world, as if she was discovering everything for the first time. Despite her inability to speak clearly, her expressions conveyed both joy and wonder.
As they ventured further, Alex encountered the other Fey, each group tied to a particular aspect of nature. Some glowed with hues of green and blue, while others shimmered with shades of brown, red or white, their forms adapting to the lands they protected. They interacted with the natural world in ways humans could never understand.
Alex's curiosity led him to explore further. He soon encountered various magical creatures: the Fairies, small and delicate, with beautiful wings; Tree Guardians, towering figures of bark and roots, pixies and Sprites, playful and full of tricks; Elemental Fairies, conjuring bursts of fire, water, and air; and Mushroom-headed creatures.
Alex spotted Hedgehog Creatures, covered in soft spines that shifted in color like the shadows of the forest, and Will-o'-the-Wisps, glowing softly in the night.
Nymphs swam gracefully in the streams, while Selkies roamed the coastline. The Pegasus, with their white coats and strong wings, soared high above the skies, while Mermaids sung their hauntingly beautiful songs beneath the water.
Alex also saw Dryads, tree-bound spirits who seemed to be part of the forest, and Hippocampuses, sea creatures with the bodies of horses and the tails of fish.
Elves, tall and graceful, wandered through the woods, their steps leaving no trace upon the earth.
The creatures were beautiful, each unique and tied to nature. But it wasn't just their beauty that attracted Alex; it was the sense of peace they exuded, a calm and harmony that he felt as soon as he entered their domains.
Lily, in Alex's mind, couldn't stop commenting on them. [They're beautiful, Alex. We should recreate them on Mín Heimr. They deserve to live in a place as magical as that.] Her excitement echoed through his thoughts, and Alex couldn't help but agree.
As the day passed, Alex explored more magical locations in the world, meeting creatures that only existed in legends. His mind raced with the possibilities of what he could bring into his own world, a world where magic and life thrived in its purest form.
Before long, as Alex returned to the heart of the Moors, Alex saw a sight that made him pause. The little one, now more lively, was hovering just above the ground, her pure white wings beating softly as she floated around, playing with other Fey children.
Maleficent stood nearby, watching with a smile that spoke volumes, pride, affection, and a deep, protective love. Alex couldn't help but smile at the sight of the Fey children laughing and chasing each other through the air, their wings fluttering like delicate leaves in a breeze.
He approached Maleficent, who nodded her thanks before Alex spoke, his voice soft but genuine. "She's growing up fast."
Maleficent's eyes softened. "Yes, she is."
As Alex turned to leave, the little one suddenly turned toward him, her golden eyes locking onto his. She smiled, her small voice barely comprehensible as she babbled a word that made Alex freeze. "Papa."
Lily's laughter echoed in Alex's mind, uncontrollable and full of mischief. [Papa! She called you Papa!]
Alex froze, his face awkward as he looked at Maleficent, who was now watching him with a bemused expression. "Maybe because... I created her," muttered feeling a strange mix of embarrassment.
Maleficent's lips curled into a soft smile, her eyes glinting with amusement. "It seems she already claims you as a father."
Alex gave a smile, a little uncomfortable under her gaze, "I will visit sometimes."
With a final wave to Maleficent and the little one, Alex vanished in a flash of golden light.
Alex reappeared in his Malibu villa, the familiar sight of the ocean stretching out beyond the glass windows.
He unfroze time, and the world resumed its natural rhythm, the sound of waves crashing, the distant hum of passing cars.
[Are you okay, Alex?] Lily's voice echoed in his mind, laced with concern.
"Yeah," Alex replied, though his tone was distant. "It's just… the more time I spend in another world, the more detached I feel from this one."
[That's normal,] Lily said reassuringly. [You're living in two vastly different realities. You just need to find something meaningful to do here as well.]
Alex nodded, though a part of him felt unsettled. Emotions swirled within him, making it hard to focus. Still, he knew he would manage, as he always did.
The next day, Alex took steps to reconnect with this world. He called Clyde and Helen, updating them on his situation and reassuring them he was doing well. Then, he handled formalities with his bank, ensuring his finances were in order.
Later, he visited his adopted father's tomb. Standing before the gravestone, he ran his fingers over the engraved letters and let out a deep breath.
"I've been traveling," Alex began softly, as if his father could hear him. "To places you couldn't have imagined. I've met creatures, people, and magic that defies belief." He paused, his thoughts racing. "But I haven't forgotten what you taught me, to be grounded, to find purpose no matter where I go. I'm still working on that part."
For a while, he stood in silence, the wind rustling the leaves around him. Then he placed a small pebble on the tombstone, a gesture of respect, before walking away.
Back at the villa, Alex found himself restless. He cast an invisibility spell and took to the skies, flying silently across the Earth. The world below him was alive with voices, laughter, sorrow, arguments, and joy, all blending into a chaotic symphony. He listened, absorbing the essence of humanity while thinking about his next steps.
Eventually, he landed in the heart of the Sahara Desert, where endless dunes stretched out in every direction. Beneath his feet, he sensed it, a buried city, ancient and forgotten, hidden by centuries of shifting sands.
Alex stared at the ground, deep in thought. This place lost to time, under his vision offers no secret. He knelt and placed a hand on the warm sand, energy rippling outward.