Blanc's perspective
Part 1 - Morning (Silvermist Range's Base Level)
As the soft tendrils of dawn stretched across Silvermist Range, our expedition embarked under the embrace of the morning sun. The name "Silvermist" held its truth in the ethereal shades that graced the leaves, casting a silvery sheen upon the trees. The tranquility of the surroundings seemed to infuse our every step with a sense of purpose as we embarked upon the path that awaited us.
Leading our way, I felt the determination within me surge with each deliberate stride. Tatiana, ever the devoted companion, followed in my wake, her agreeable nods silently affirming her commitment to the journey's course. Our attire spoke of our roles: I was draped in the flowing robes befitting a mage, while Tatiana exuded her own charm in a vibrant adventurer's ensemble of green.
Our journey had been expedited by a well-arranged carriage ride, a decision that bore fruit as we approached our destination. The path, while steep, unfolded with manageable ease, sparing us the physical strain of scaling the heights. Gratitude stirred within me for my foresight in arranging for this convenience, sparing us the arduous task of climbing.
Amid the gentle rustle of leaves, Tatiana's voice pierced the silence, a welcome interruption to our quiet sojourn. "Speaking of our quest, Blanc, what sort of flower are we in pursuit of?" She moved closer to my side, her curiosity dancing in her eyes as we walked together.
Casting her a sidelong glance, my attention still primarily on our path, I began to elaborate. "We seek a mountain blossom," I said, my voice even and knowledgeable, "found at the summit where sunlight's tender touch graces the earth." The words flowed effortlessly, borne from a deep understanding of our objective.
Tatiana's curiosity took a backseat to a more immediate concern. "Ah, so more uphill walking then?" Her tone was laced with playful resignation, yet a distant sound momentarily diverted her attention. "And what might that noise be?"
A low growl reverberated, a prelude to the approach of impending footsteps. Tatiana's hand instinctively sought her sword as her gaze swept the surroundings. My response, however, was one of casual indifference. "Hmph."
The growls persisted, announcing the presence of multiple entities. These creatures, no doubt monsters with hostile intent, had singled us out as their target. Tatiana's vigilance escalated, her tone now edged with urgency. "Blanc, something's drawing near."
I halted, unwavering, locking eyes with Tatiana. "The Nature Bear," I informed her, my voice as matter-of-fact as if I were narrating a known tale. "A creature of the wilds, its fur blends seamlessly with the forest's hues, making it an adept guardian of these mountains." My words flowed like a well-practiced script, my knowledge on full display.
Tatiana's knack for quick assessment came to the forefront, her voice now resolute. "There appear to be eight of them." She poised herself for battle, sword poised and ready.
"Numbers hardly dictate the outcome," I replied, my staff an extension of my will. "Ice touch!" My command invoked my power, sending forth a wave of icy energy toward the advancing creatures. A misty breath escaped my lips as temperatures plummeted, the air adorned with crystalline frost.
Nature Bears were frozen in their tracks, silenced by the grip of ice. The lively landscape had become a tableau of my influence—an icy stillness that contrasted with the vitality of the forest. My mastery over temperature had subdued them, my psychic directive halting their movements.
Tatiana's wonder was palpable as she beheld the tableau. Her voice held a blend of surprise and admiration. "That magic... It's unlike anything I've witnessed. No incantations, no glyphs—just your command."
With a measure of pride, I disclosed the secret of my power. "It's the art of psychic manipulation. The temperature responds to my thoughts, bending to my will." Continuing our stride, I carried myself with confidence, as if this power had always been inherent.
Tatiana's words struck a bittersweet chord, a wistful smile curving my lips. "You and Sakuya never cease to amaze me with your prowess. Your heights of skill are beyond my grasp."
A pang of melancholy danced in my gaze as it met hers. "It's a path we tread naturally," I murmured, a quiet lament beneath my words. "But embracing this mastery... it was never a choice we made willingly."
Part 2: Noon (Silvermist Range's Trails)
Our ascent continued, following the well-trodden trails that bore the footprints of past travelers. The presence of these faint imprints on the earth hinted at the stories of those who had journeyed here before us.
"Hey, Blanc, why don't we share a bit about our past lives?" Tatiana's voice broke the tranquility, her curiosity punctuating the silence with intrigue.
I hesitated briefly, allowing Tatiana's eagerness to take the lead. "Sure, go ahead," I replied, my tone encouraging her to open up first.
Tatiana's words flowed with a mix of anxiety and humility. "Well, my past isn't all that interesting. Most of my time was spent at the academy... But there's something odd about my memories. Why can't I recall anything beyond my mother and Catherine?" Her voice trembled slightly, a hint of distress threading through her words.
Curiosity mingled with worry as I probed further. "What do you mean by that?" I inquired, my own interest piqued by her revelation.
"It's like my memories are a blur, especially after the forest incident. It's as if being here is erasing my recollections one by one," Tatiana explained, a note of sadness permeating her words.
"Perhaps the reality we experience here distorts our true memories, leaving only fragments," I pondered, offering a scientific perspective to the enigma. "But still, you remember your mother and Catherine, right? Isn't that something?"
Tatiana's response held a sense of resignation. "...I suppose." Her words seemed tinged with a sense of foreboding. "It's just that... I fear we might lose even more as time goes on."
"What about Catherine?" I asked, always one to consider things from different angles, attempting to lighten Tatiana's mood.
"Well, she's on a whole different level. She was like my personal guardian angel, swooping in whenever danger reared its head. Picture this: a shining knight who excelled in both combat and magic, and who had an uncanny knack for leadership. Quite the package, unlike me," Tatiana exclaimed, her pride for Catherine evident in her voice.
"I can certainly envision that," I replied, inwardly regretting the decision to ask. It seemed I was about to be treated to a Catherine-centric monologue.
"She had quite the fan club too. Boys were falling over themselves for her attention. Our group was mostly guys, and there were only two girls, including me," Tatiana continued with enthusiasm, painting a vivid picture of their camaraderie.
My expression must have given me away, as Tatiana's energy remained undeterred. "Oh, come on, aren't you just sick of hearing about them?" I groaned, unable to hide my slight disgust.
Tatiana brushed off my concern, blissfully unaware of my inner turmoil. "It doesn't bother me, really. As long as I'm with Catherine, I'm perfectly content."
"Those poor boys," I muttered under my breath, finally grasping the full scope of Tatiana's obliviousness.
Tatiana's confusion was palpable. "What do you mean?"
As we continued our journey, we stumbled upon a river. With a casual wave of my hand, I froze the water's surface, creating a makeshift ice bridge. The ice appeared sturdy enough to walk on without the risk of sliding.
"Blanc, what about your world?" Tatiana's curiosity shifted to me, her gaze fixed on my face.
A mischievous grin played on my lips as I countered her question with playful protest. "That's a secret I won't be divulging."
Tatiana's pout only fueled my amusement. "Come on, I've already shared mine!"
"That's the price of trusting others, my dear," I responded, relishing her reaction as I continued walking.
"Ugh! You can't escape, Blanc!" Tatiana's grip tightened around me as she lifted me off the ground in a spontaneous attempt to catch me off guard.
Caught off balance, I sputtered in surprise. "What the—"
And then, as if triggered by this playful gesture, a flood of memories surged through my mind. A vivid image materialized—the face of my elder sister.
"Blanc?" Tatiana's confusion resonated in her voice as she held me suspended.
The world around me seemed to blur for a moment as a rush of memories, emotions, and faces swarmed my senses. Tatiana's embrace, though surprising, provided an anchor amidst this storm of recollection.
"Tatiana, put me down, and let's find a place to sit," I finally sighed, my voice carrying a mix of resignation and surrender.
Tatiana gently set me down, her eyes filled with curiosity and concern. We found a serene spot by the riverbank, the gentle babble of water serving as a backdrop. As we settled in, I took a deep breath, ready to share the long-forgotten memories that had stirred within me.
-Chapter 35 End-