The Lost World Of Victa

Chapter 35: The Forest's Tempest

I feel magic weave itself around me, the Keeper's galaxy changing into a vision. I can hear the wind whispering, and can feel a warm sun burning through my eyelids. The more visions I have, the more each one feels real--which I suppose they are, or were, at one point.

I breathe in the forest, and it feels familiar. Almost as if...

I open my eyes, surveying the land around me. The trees are dense, but the bright midday sun filters through them, making the whole forest glow slightly. I was right though. This forest, it is the same one I've been traversing for weeks, though I can tell this is the past, and closer to the capital than where my body is camping with Zayn.

I crane my head, looking around the forest, when I spot a familiar figure crouching behind a tree.

His silver hair has gotten longer since the last vision, because he's pulled most of it back in a small ponytail, and his pear-green eyes seem more weary than last time, but there's no denying that it's Lee.

His eyes are alert, and he's scanning the forest, looking for signs of danger. He stands up, and moves forward a bit, keeping his eyes focused on his surroundings. Is he worried he's being trailed?

As he weaves through the forest I follow him, more and more curious the further we go. I can tell we're heading away from the capital, but I think we're headed north, based on where the sun is. We travel for a bit, until we reach a clearing. He stays at the edge of the clearing, waiting for something.

Lee brings his hands to his mouth, and mimiks a sparrow's call perfectly. The only reason I know that he's the one making the sound is because I can see him; otherwise, I'd just think it was any ordinary sparrow.

After a few moments, a boy walks into the clearing. He's wearing a black turtleneck sweater, and black hoodie over top of it, along with black skinny jeans and combat boots. I don't know how the kid isn't dying in all that black, or how he managed to remained so unseen in this brown and green forest. He has short coral hair, cut close to his face, that's falling into his piercing sea-green eyes. He's pale, with freckles littering his face, and has tattoos curling around every part of skin I can see.

"Arias," Lee says, walking into the clearing.

The boy nods, shaking hands with Lee. "Your latest report said that you had a new recruit for the resistance. Someone who could change the tide of everything. However, you said he was dangerous, and it would take a while to convince the others that he should join us."

Lee looks back into the forest, locking eyes with something--or someone--before looking back at Arias. "Yes sir. That's why I was hoping you would meet with him first."

"I also wanna hear your report on Birdie. What happened to her? We get inconsistent reports between her and you for months, all the while some of our most secret bases are ransacked, and then she goes radio silent. After which, you contact us, telling us that you have a new recruit. What the hell is going on? Should I recall both of you? Is the capital too dangerous to have operatives in right now?"

Lee closes his eyes, and sighs. I wish I could've done something more to save Birdie. It's my fault she died... "Sir, I think it would be better if my friend explained that to you instead. I've brought him with me, and he's just waiting for my signal."

"Are you sure we can trust him?"

"I think you should let him explain for himself. He'll be able to give you a full report of the situation. Please, sir."

Arias closes his eyes, sighing. "Alright, I'll trust you. If you trust him..."

Lee smiles, and holds his hands up to his mouth, and makes another bird call--though this time I think it's a blue jay's call. A figure emerges from right next to my hiding spot, and I follow them, though they have a hood covering their head. The pause in front of Arias, and bow slightly, before standing up and taking off their hood.