Arcturus and Nova followed the young Arcturus and Ariel. No one had said anything. All Arcturus could hear was the sound of crackling leaves, flying bugs and their footsteps. He had recalled being scared when he had traversed through this forest. After listening to the sounds of their footsteps and the peaceful darkness enveloping them, he realized that this forest was rather serene.

Nova broke the silence. “You said that this is the Forest of Passing Souls?”

“Yes.”

“So, that’s what they call it…”

“Excuse me?”

“Arcturus, did you know that there is a slight misconception about this forest?”

Arcturus furrowed his eyebrows. “Is there?”

“This forest actually serves as a gateway to the Spirit Realm, the actual resting place of passing souls. The souls can leave only once a year.”

Arcturus raised an eyebrow. “I have no clue what you’re talking about. Where did you get such information?” He had never heard of a place called the Spirit Realm; he had read plenty of books about Plasma, but the concept of a realm beyond the forest seemed nonsensical.

Nova did not seem to mind his reaction. “Don’t mind me. I’m just rambling.”

While Arcturus was concerned about whether his words had hurt him, Nova did not look hurt. It made him worry, but he needed to focus on what was in front of him; noticing that the lantern was getting further away from them, he rushed towards the two children with Nova.

I need to get as far away from the town as I can. Nobody can find us if we travel deep into the forest.

Arcturus gasped as he removed his hand from Nova’s. It was just like before in his previous memory. He could not get adjusted to it. The thought of hearing his past thoughts in his head felt terrifying. It was as if he had another sentience within him.

His past thoughts made him recall why he was in the forest despite it being dangerous to children. He had done something he should not have done and was trying to run away before anyone could find him; he had taken Ariel along with him because she was young and the only family he had left.

A young Ariel questioned, “Arc, can we really meet Mom here? What people say about souls here is just fake, right?”

“I don’t know, Ariel. It can’t hurt to try.” The younger Arcturus gripped the lantern’s handle tightly.

I wonder how long this lie is going to keep up. I can’t tell her why we’re here–she wouldn’t understand. It’s not everyday a twelve-year-old like me is trying to run away from soldiers for doing something I’m not supposed to. The current Arcturus looked down to see that Nova was holding his hand again; he wondered how Nova was able to do it so quickly and abruptly.

Ariel remarked, “We’re not allowed to come here, though. Soldiers will find us.”

Arcturus looked at his sister. “Don’t worry. Trust your big bro. Mom always said that I’m a lucky boy.”

It was dark, but the adult Arcturus saw Ariel’s grip on his younger self’s hand tightened. Perhaps, it was due to the memory, but he felt Ariel’s complete trust in him and it radiated throughout his entire body. He had only been an orphaned twelve-year-old at the time. He knew he was weak and powerless, but if it meant protecting his younger sister, he would risk anything to do so.

The current Arcturus had remembered why he had chosen to come here. What he had done had terrified him, so he wanted to run. However, he wasn’t sure where to run because nobody would accept them. He wanted answers on where to go and what to do next. He also missed his mother dearly, so he had gone into the forest as a last resort and was desperate to see her again. He also brought Ariel with him for another reason: she could see ghosts, but could not hear them. He was the opposite; that was why he needed her as much as she needed him.

He decided to lead the way. “Let’s go.”

Nova seemed rather excited as he gripped his hand tightly. “Oh my, how romantic.” His teasing caused Arcturus to become flustered. He turned his head away and resumed walking with Nova accompanying him.