After running for a few minutes, he stopped beside a tree to catch his breath. He was almost at the top and the trees were becoming sparse in that area but the condition of these trees was almost the same as before. He can even see the top of the hill now which filled him with a newfound hope of finding a way out of this jungle. Having rested enough he again resumed his ascent to the top.
By the time he reached the top, he was almost out of breath again and was drenched in sweat as if he had been scooped out of a pool. This had been the longest he had run in months, maybe years, not that it matters. He wasn't even into sports that much. It's just he was naturally a little bit athletic, that's why he was able to run this much. His side ached from just having run up the hill but there was a light in his eyes as he gazed at the valley ahead.
The scene was unlike anything he has ever seen. He can't even describe it in words. The only word he can think of right now was 'mystical'. There were trees with lush green leaves, the sun can be seen setting in the distance, fireflies were flying illuminating there little corners. All his fatigue vanished as he breathed in the air full of nature. He can almost smell the soil, the trees even before setting foot in the valley.
The scene before him and the scene he saw earlier can be described as the difference between heaven and hell. On one side were the dead trees as if they'd been sucked dry of their vitality and on the other side the trees were swaying in their all glory, full of vitality. Thinking so he looked back and was shocked to discover that the dead area has vanished just like the alley. "What in the heaven's fridge is going on.", he almost swore out loud there and then. "Is this a joke, crossing again just after crossing a few minutes ago.", now he was more confused than scared. The scene ahead having a big part in making him relax his guard.
"Transmigrating this early wasn't even in my plans, well, we'll see whatever the flock of fireflies happens.", muttering to himself he walked ahead, still careful in this foreign place his guard up. After walking for sometime he can't help but feel like this place is giving a familiar vibe. Not that familiar feel of having been to someplace before, he has never been to such a beautiful place even in his dreams. But the kind of feeling when you return home after a long time and your mother is calling you softly. Okay, that was kinda exaggerated, but this is the only way Kai can think of to describe this current sense of familiarity.
"What kind of sorcerery is this, inexplicable familiar feel. Sound like one of those novels where villain sets up the stage to lure people into its trap.", mumbling to himself he walked forward, trying to cast aside that feeling. After some time he heard the sound of water and his eyes lit up like torches in the dark, as he was getting thirsty from all that running and was in a near desparate need of water. He hurried forward cautiously towards the direction from where the sound was coming from. Just after walking forty-fifty steps, he saw the waterbody past some shrubs. He lowered is body and hid behind a tree and peeked from behind it. Even though he was 17, he still know better to go near a river or lake recklessly without checking if it was safe. As there can be many animals near the water sources or in it.
After waiting for ten minutes or so seeing no animal near it he breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that atleast he didn't have to fight some bloody battle with wild beasts just so he could drink water. Not like he could win, him not getting dismantled would be a good result if he were to face some wild animal. Thinking so he distracted himself from the fact that he's still scared. Any normal person in his shoes would be questioning all the gods for sending him to such a place where not a single soul could be found. It's better if there is no soul, he's only afraid of such things. When he was young, he was one of those children who would ask bhagwaan ji to pass a pillow from the room when lights were off.
Some more minutes passed and when he saw that the shore was still as silent and deserted as before, he can no longer sit still as his throat was almost dry. Coming from behind the tree, he inched closer to the shore looking in all directions so as not to be made into dinner of some fortunate beast. Cautiously he came near the water and looked only to find it crystal clear, the kind in which he can see the pebbles at the bottom which he obviously can't see, he's just thinking all sort of bullshit to distract his scared self. How can he see so clearly when it was almost dark.
But the visibility was still enough to see his reflection on the water surface. In the reflection he can see his face, an average face easily forgotten in a crowd. Squatting down he cupped his hands to drink water and then splashed some of it on his face to wash his face. The water was cold and just after washing his face he felt some of his fatigue lessen. After a while he stood up and looked around him speaking to himself, "What a nice place to relax. But unfortunately, one has to cross over to enjoy such a scene.". Shaking his head he headed towards the forest again as first he still had to find his way out and second it isn't completely safe. There were no animals doesn't mean there are neither in this big forest. Better be safe than sorry.