A Journey To The Clouds, A Fantastical Prophecy - Book One - ✓

Chapter Twenty-four

We have started our quest. I can't believe it. With sheer excitement, I also feel dread and fear. I have a feeling we aren't prepared for what is about to happen.

"What are we going to do?" Connor asks in a whisper. I look at him, and he looks at me. I don't know. I can't answer. Connor then grabs my hand, both in comfort and fear. I don't let go. I felt as though I needed it. We then find ourselves walking towards the City, holding hands, and heaving heavy, full backpacks on our backs, towards the unknown. Awkwardly, everything feels somehow normal. We step with confidence and determination, but our minds are full of negative emotions.

I start to pull him towards a grocery store to purchase food we might need on the way. I spot some dark chocolate and some nuts and I grab those. Connor scrunches up his face at the sight of dark chocolate.

"It's healthier, and there is still sugar to give us some energy. Also, we need protein from nuts. What else do you recommend?" I ask him. He points to the milk chocolate and I smile at him.

"Not today, Connor. " I tell him, removing his hand from the chocolate on the shelf. He stares at me as my fingers slowly wrap around his. He clears his throat and I move away to find something else. I spot some towels and I snatch those. I also find some of those giant packages of water.

After I have stuffed my hands full of proteins and some sugars, we pay, and head out.

"$ 7.25 down the drain for dark chocolate, nuts, and towels. But add 2.30 for the water." Connor says, taking a look inside the grocery bags and my hands.

"$7.25 for survival, Connor." I tell him, giving him a warning glance. He rolls his eyes and I giggle.

"I don't know about you, but to me, survival is important." I say.

"I suppose so." He says reluctantly. We walk in silence for a few minutes until we reach a woodland. It is not far beyond the city, but enough for there to be a naturally grown forest. I have a feeling that this could be the one. Lily and Hazel wouldn't make us cross a state border to reach another forest, would they? Besides, there are gorgeous oaks that remind me of recent visions. It's just a feeling.

"Do you feel like this is the right forest?" Connor asks me. I notice him looking at me, and I can tell he's wondering about my slow breathing and utmost amazement.

"Yeah. do you?" I reply, breath taken by its beauty. I move my hands along the bark of an elegant oak tree.

"I suppose. Could you tell me what you're trying to do? I mean, I've never had any relationship with a tree-"

"Connor!" I laugh. He laughs with me.

"What? It looks like your petting the tree. Is it your pet or something?" He asks sarcastically.

"No, I'm just flabbergasted by its beauty. . . I think this is the right place. Remember? 'The forest looks like a fairytale but only who can open is female!'" I recite excitedly, stepping forward. I look over my shoulder to beckon him to come. He puts his hand up to stop me.

"Nope, lady's first, besides, the only one who can open is female. But do you hear that?" he says. I pause. I think it is singing. I nod and sway to the tune. I'm like that for a few moments.

Then, I turn and look at Connor for a few heartbeats.

"I'll be right behind you." he says, grabbing my hand for a few brief seconds. I nod and I look forward. I take a deep breath and I start to trudge through the forest. It's official. We've started our journey. For real.