A New World

Chapter 4 - Mori Forest

After an hour's walk, the two finally reached the entrance to Mori forest. As Rouge studied the map, Hayato couldn't help but to gaze up at the forest canopy. Flocks of birds flew by and perched on the branches for momentary relief from their long journeys. The sun brilliantly peeked through the leaves, showering the forest floor with an array of unique patterns and designs. Trees of all sizes inhabited the forest but those that struck the most awe were the towering trees, some reaching five hundred feet in height with trunks as wide as thirty feet in diameter.

"This forest is incredible. I heard that it's one of the most visited in the world."

"Don't be geeking out on me yet Hayato. You know we're not here for sight-seeing right?" Although the main goal of the trip was for the two to assess the claims of the rumors with their own eyes, Hayato - a nature enthusiast at heart - couldn't help but lose himself in the beauty of the forest.

"Check this out! Remember in my last vision I saw a single tree in Mori forest? I wasn't even sure where to start with that part of the vision but I'm getting a feeling we should head here first." Rouge pointed to a point on the map marked by a golden circle. "This one tree is marked on the map as a point of interest. It's called 'God's footstool'. That's an interesting name."

"In your second vision you only received an image of the forest and the tree right? Other than that, nothing too specific?"

"Right. I was hoping once we actually got here we'd just get the answers we need. I'm still not sure how this whole thing works -" Rouge's words were suddenly cut off as she froze mid-speech. Hayato, expecting her to continue turned around to see her looking straight ahead with the map in hand.

"What're you staring off into space for, let's keep moving." He took a few more steps and turned around when he didn't hear footsteps trailing behind him only to see her in the same position, still not moving. He knew something wasn't right.

"Rouge? Rouge!" Hayato gently shook her shoulder, waking her up from her dazed state.

"You just stopped talking all of a sudden and froze in place for a bit. You ok?"

This time, Rouge met Hayato's gaze but he could see she was still out of it; her confusion was written all over her face. "...I'm fine, I think. I just saw something." Hayato sensed the hesitation in her voice and knew it most likely had to do with her visions. However, he didn't want to push her if she wasn't comfortable sharing what she just experienced. Personally, he knew how long it took him before he finally decided to share his dreams with Rouge and even then he chose to keep it a secret from others.

"Don't overdo it. Take the time you need to digest the information and tell me when you're ready."

"No, no. It's fine. At this point...we should be open to sharing whatever we're getting, no matter how crazy these dreams or visions get." Hayato's hands were rested on Rouge's shoulders to comfort her. He gently squeezed to encourage her to continue.

"I don't know how to describe it." She briefly looked away and paused to collect herself before revealing what she just saw.

"Out of nowhere I was looking at the map then looked straight ahead and suddenly saw an image of a snake. I think that's when I stopped moving and just froze in place. It was the most beautiful snake I've ever seen, but despite that...I was filled with disgust. Then, a man appeared and was wooed by the snake and followed after it."

Rouge stopped to allow Hayato to take in the first bit of information. If he thought this was confusing, wait till he heard the rest. "Before long the snake empowered the man and I saw a multitude of people stand before him and the snake."